Podcasts about cfos

In this episode of Planning Aces, we spotlight FP&A insights from three CFOs leading innovation with discipline: Chris Sands (InvoiceCloud), Steve Sutter (Celigo), and Niels Boon (Cint). Each shares how finance is shaping AI, go-to-market models, and data-driven transformation without losing rigor. From building an “AI Ops” function and embedding finance in sales strategy, to piloting AI tools in small, staged experiments, these leaders treat innovation as a managed process. Our resident thought leader joins to connect the dots, emphasizing structure, clear metrics, and portfolio thinking as the new essentials of FP&A.Chris Sands leans into organizational design, reallocating talent into a formal AI Ops team and emphasizing change champions.Steve Sutter focuses on commercial mechanics, tying FP&A to sales economics, talent mix, and scale-up guardrails.Niels Boon emphasizes risk-staged innovation, using small pilots for operational wins while ring-fencing bold synthetic-data bets as long-horizon R&D.

In this episode of Mostly Growth, CJ Gustafson and Kyle Poyar dig into what it means to be useful rather than just right at work, exploring how communication, empathy, and impact matter more than technical precision as careers mature. They share candid lessons from their own paths—CJ's focus on making others look good to earn promotions and Kyle's evolution into a domain expert through public writing—before unpacking what separates good from great VPs of Sales with insights from Pavilion founder Sam Jacobs. The conversation then shifts to OpenAI's “too big to fail” claims, the economic ripple effects of AI infrastructure spending, and how finance leaders can stay grounded in reality. Rounding out the episode, the hosts preview their latest research—CJ's “Agentic Finance” report on AI in the finance stack and Kyle's 2025 SaaS Benchmarks—and close with lighthearted banter about founder age stats, home maintenance mishaps, and the price of professional Christmas lights—LINKS:Mostly Metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.comCJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Growth Unhinged: https://www.growthunhinged.com/Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-poyar/Slacker Stuff: https://www.slackerstuff.com/Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slackerstuff/https://sarahcharlton.substack.com/p/from-being-right-to-being-usefulhttps://www.highalpha.com/saas-benchmarkshttps://www.mostlymetrics.com/p/presenting-the-state-of-the-agentic-financial-stackhttps://www.mostlymetrics.com/p/finance-in-2030https://worksinprogress.co/issue/the-algorithm-will-see-you-now/https://www.theinformation.com/briefings/openai-ceo-sam-altman-forecasts-20-billion-annualized-revenue-yearhttps://www.growthunhinged.com/p/your-pricing-is-broken—RELATED EPISODES:When the marketing math doesn't math | with Emily Kramerhttps://youtu.be/sSuoV_YSrlwGetting fired 4 times made me a founder | Sam Jacobs of Pavilionhttps://youtu.be/8X-JVOF-1A0How To Win at Early Stage Sales With the Guy Who Helped Take Snyk From $0 to $100M+https://youtu.be/VKrZCte8fyM996 Culture, Exploding AI Bills & SaaS Chaoshttps://youtu.be/qhrxDL0gsRo—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:18 Sponsors – Pulley and Metronome00:05:09 Flight Cancellation and Airport Chaos00:07:58 Being Right vs. Being Useful00:11:17 Getting Promoted Early by Making Others Look Good00:15:25 What Separates a Good VP of Sales from a Great One00:18:24 Sales Leaders as Capital Allocators00:21:14 The Organizational Tax of Sales Support00:22:33 Is OpenAI Too Big to Fail?00:25:31 AI Investments, Alternatives, and Market Impact00:27:50 Bailouts and Economic Reality00:28:20 Agentic Finance and the AI-Driven Finance Stack00:31:43 SaaS Benchmarks Report 2025 Overview00:33:59 Growth Rates by ARR Tier and Scale00:35:40 AI's Impact on Engineering Teams00:37:45 Age and Startup Success00:39:42 Building Durable Businesses Over Time00:41:25 Something You Tried This Week – HVAC Cleaning00:43:19 Outsourcing Holiday Cheer – Professional Light Installation00:47:08 Credits – Mostly Growth Closing Remarks—SPONSORS:Pulley is the cap table management platform built for CFOs and finance leaders who need reliable, audit-ready data and intuitive workflows, without the hidden fees or unreliable support. Switch in as little as 5 days and get 25% off your first year: https://pulley.com/mostlymetricsMetronome is real-time billing built for modern software companies. Metronome turns raw usage events into accurate invoices, gives customers bills they actually understand, and keeps finance, product, and engineering perfectly in sync. That's why category-defining companies like OpenAI and Anthropic trust Metronome to power usage-based pricing and enterprise contracts at scale. Focus on your product — not your billing. Learn more and get started at https://www.metronome.com—#MostlyGrowthPodcast #StartupFinance #AIPodcast #SaaSLeadership #GoToMarket This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

In episode #329, Ben Murray, The SaaS CFO, breaks down the growing debate around SaaS economics versus AI economics. A recent post claimed that “SaaS metrics are broken” and that traditional KPIs no longer apply to AI companies. Ben challenges this idea and walks through why recurring revenue metrics still matter, how revenue models differ across SaaS and AI, and what CFOs need to understand about gross margin, unit economics, and total addressable market. Key Topics Covered Why claims that SaaS metrics are “broken” are inaccurate The difference between SaaS economics and AI economics Why recurring revenue metrics still apply to AI companies How subscription versus usage revenue impacts KPI calculation Gross margin expectations for SaaS vs. AI companies Whether AI companies truly generate more profit per customer The role of absolute profit versus per-customer economics How AI may expand TAM by targeting labor budgets, not just software budgets How Agentic AI affects financial modeling and cost structures Using ROSE (Return on Software Employees) to evaluate AI-driven ROI What You'll Learn Why SaaS metrics still matter for both SaaS and AI companies How CFOs should evaluate margins, ARR, and revenue quality in AI models The difference between rate-based economics (ARPA, ACV) and volume-based economics (absolute profit) How to think about financial strategy when transitioning from a pure SaaS model to an AI-embedded product model How to assess realistic AI unit economics instead of relying on hype Who This Episode Is For SaaS CFOs and finance leaders evaluating AI investments Founders embedding AI into their product and adjusting their financial models Operators who want a grounded understanding of real AI economics Investors assessing how AI shifts revenue models and margins Related Resources Ben's upcoming deep-dive blog post on SaaS vs. AI economics: TheSaaSCFO.com SaaS Metrics Foundation course for mastering KPI's, ARR, MRR, and unit economics: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/the-saas-metrics-foundation ROSE metric framework for analyzing AI-driven productivity and financial systems: https://www.thesaascfo.com/saas-rose-metric/

For episode 627 of the BlockHash Podcast, host Brandon Zemp is joined by Sara Madden, CISO of Convera.Convera is a global leader in commercial payments. With an unrivaled regulatory footprint and a financial network spanning more than 140 currencies and 200 countries and territories, they're reimagining the future of business payments to better serve their customers.  Their tech-led payment solutions are built on deep expertise in foreign exchange, risk management, and compliance - helping businesses grow with confidence. From small businesses to CFOs and treasurers, they make business payments simple, smart, and secure.⏳ Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction(0:53) Who is Sara Madden?(2:45) Convera at Money20/20(4:54) Convera report on fraud prevention(7:08) AI arms race(10:02) Importance of data sharing in fraud prevention(13:50) Future of Fraud Defense in Finance(17:05) Convera in 2026(18:52) Convera website & social media 

CFOs are abandoning quarterly planning cycles for week-by-week assessments as trade tensions, tariff uncertainty, and supplier volatility force a new short-term reality onto financial leadership. Seamus Smith, EVP and Group President of Automated Finance at FIS, and Chrissy Wagner, SVP of GTM at FIS, break down how finance leaders can balance urgent risk management with strategic growth positioning through data quality, automation, and AI. Smith and Wagner reveal that cybersecurity tops the list of CFO concerns, but inefficient processes and lack of visibility into money flows are the real operational killers, particularly as organizations grow through M&A. They explain how FIS helped clients navigate recent tariff disruptions through better data visibility, why paper checks remain one of the biggest fraud vectors in modern finance, how supply chain finance is underutilized in the US compared to Europe, and why AI is already delivering $3.70 in returns for every dollar invested in credit underwriting and collections.

Financial Intelligence. Nikola Jakic from Compass App AI combines your financial data with context to give you confident decision-making.Summary of PodcastIntroductions and backgroundKevin and Graham introduce themselves and welcome their guest Nikola Jakic. Nikola is the founder of a financial AI tool called Compass AI. He provides background on how he came up with the idea for Compass AI based on his experience as a CEO of a software company. Then he discusses the limitations he faced in managing the financial aspects of the business.Overview of Compass AINikola explains that Compass AI combines a company's financial data with business context. Doing this provides insights and recommendations to help founders and fractional CFOs make better decisions. The tool can connect to accounting systems like Xero and QuickBooks, categorise transactions, generate forecasts, and allow users to interact with the data through natural language prompts.Target market and positioningKevin and Graham discuss how Compass AI is positioned to serve small and medium-sized businesses. This as opposed to targeting the enterprise market that many financial software tools focus on. Nikola shares that his initial target audience was founders, but he has also found interest from fractional CFOs who can use the tool to provide more value to their clients.Competitive landscape and growth strategyThe group explores Compass AI's competitive landscape, noting that while there are tools targeting CFOs and larger enterprises. He explains there is less focus on the small business market that Nikola is pursuing. They discuss Nikola's strategy of starting with founders and growing with them as their businesses scale, rather than chasing the enterprise market directly.Recap and next stepsGraham and Kevin provide a positive recap of the discussion and encourage Nikola to continue focusing on his target market and leveraging the natural, conversational style he demonstrated during the podcast. They express enthusiasm for the product and suggest ways Nikola could use snippets of the conversation for marketing purposes.The Next 100 Days Podcast Co-HostsGraham ArrowsmithGraham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. He's the founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, where he introduces AI Agents that you can talk to, that increase engagement, dwell time, leads and conversions. Now, Graham is offering Answer Engine Optimisation that gets you ready to be found by LLM search.Kevin ApplebyKevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

In 2025, Asia's digital economy surges beyond $330 billion in Southeast Asia alone, yet escalating cyber threats loom large for business, finance, and security leaders. SMS fraud is projected to intensify, with over 50% of telecom providers anticipating growth, fuelled by AI-enhanced smishing and artificially inflated traffic costing billions globally. Key concerns include ransomware, supply chain disruptions, and mobile payment scams eroding profitability and customer trust in finance, retail, e-commerce, and logistics. Opportunities lie in proactive, no-code tools for real-time detection, AI-driven prevention, and cross-sector collaborations, fostering operational agility and regulatory compliance amid a cybersecurity market reaching $74.22 billion.Igor Mostovoy, Product Director of CPaaS, 8x81.       Who/What is 8x8?2.       What are the latest projections for SMS fraud costs in Asia by 2026, including the impact of sophisticated threats like AIT on customer acquisition and operational margins?3.       Beyond direct financial losses, what quantifiable effects do major SMS fraud incidents have on brand reputation and customer churn rates in key Asian markets?4.       How might artificially inflated traffic and AI-powered scams like smishing affect e-commerce profitability and supply chain operations in logistics?5.       Are our current fraud defences reactive, requiring developer intervention and causing delays, or can business teams detect and act in real time?6.       What strategies can finance, and operations leaders employ to maintain customer trust amid rising threats, whilst ensuring secure communication channels during Southeast Asian expansion?7.       How can we better integrate fraud management across operations, finance, and security teams to dismantle internal silos and enhance organisational agility?8.       What capabilities are essential for proactively blocking fraudulent SMS traffic before it impacts customers or systems, including the use of no-code tools for non-technical teams?9.       What role will regulatory changes and cross-industry collaborations play in combating digital fraud and strengthening security in retail and finance sectors?10.   How would real-time visibility into SMS traffic patterns, powered by behavioural analysis, improve data-driven decisions on marketing spend and channel reliability?11.   What is the total cost of ownership of fragmented fraud tools compared to integrated platforms, and how can robust defences be leveraged as a competitive trust advantage?12.   (team sport) Into 2026, what is your advice for CISOs, CFOs and marketeers on the topic Proactive Fraud Defence?

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Jeff Bernstein, managing partner at Riveron, to unpack what really happens when a company decides it might be time to go public. Jeff draws on his experience across banking, hedge funds, operating roles, and advisory work to break down IPOs, dual-track processes, and the surprising realities behind price discovery—including why a 20x-oversubscribed book isn't what it seems. He also dives into the re-emergence of SPACs, what's different this time, and the key considerations CFOs should weigh before choosing that route. From IPO-readiness must-haves to building the muscle memory needed for public-company life to the sketchiest EBITDA adjustment he's ever seen, Jeff brings stories, frameworks, and hard-won lessons for any finance leader thinking about the road to the public markets.—LINKS:Jeff Bernstein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-bernstein-498a23158/Company: https://riveron.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:59 Sponsors – Tipalti, Aleph, Fidelity Private Shares00:06:20 The Mechanics of Going Public at Riveron00:09:59 The State of Tech Capital Markets00:11:19 Comparing the Internet, Mobile, and AI Waves00:14:11 Understanding Dual Track Processes00:15:34 Sponsors – Metronome, Mercury, RightRev00:19:35 Why Companies Choose to Go Public or Sell00:23:02 Why Price Discovery Is Harder in Today's Market00:26:05 The Pros and Cons of Direct Listings00:29:16 Balancing Fairness Between Employees and Investors00:30:47 Inside the IPO Pricing Process00:34:26 How Banks and Investors Game Allocations00:41:22 The Return of SPACs and Why They're Back00:43:46 Key Considerations for CFOs Evaluating SPAC Mergers00:47:53 The Most Successful SPACs to Date00:49:00 Building Public Company Readiness00:52:03 Developing Muscle Memory for Quarterly Reporting00:55:31 The CFO's Role as Chief Communicator00:57:47 Long-Ass Lightning Round – Overhyped Metrics and Sketchy EBITDA—SPONSORS:Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runFidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.Metronome is real-time billing built for modern software companies. Metronome turns raw usage events into accurate invoices, gives customers bills they actually understand, and keeps finance, product, and engineering perfectly in sync. That's why category-defining companies like OpenAI and Anthropic trust Metronome to power usage-based pricing and enterprise contracts at scale. Focus on your product — not your billing. Learn more and get started at https://www.metronome.comMercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.comRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.—#RunTheNumbersPodcast #IPOmistakes #CFOinsights #SPACs #FinanceLeadership This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

Money doesn't just move; it travels across rules, rails, and risk decisions that either create trust or destroy it. In the first of three episodes, we sit down with Sal Karakaplan, Chief Strategy Officer at The Clearing House, to explore how a century-old operator keeps reinventing the core of U.S. payments while shipping modern capabilities at scale. From instant settlement to tokenized data, this is a close look at what it takes to wire an economy for speed without sacrificing safety.We start with the foundation: what TCH runs under the hood - RTP, CHIPS, EPN, and check image exchange - and why reliability and advocacy both matter when you're operating the plumbing. Sal opens the strategy playbook: scan market trends, pick where to build, buy, or partner, and relentlessly prioritize use cases that create measurable customer value. That lens frames a practical take on open banking, where market innovation and regulation advance in parallel. Expect straight talk on security, DDA tokenization, liability clarity, and user consent that's simple for people and robust for compliance.RTP steps into focus with concrete momentum: growing daily volumes, expanding bank enablement, and use cases that resonate; account-to-account funding, B2C disbursements, merchant settlement, insurance payouts, and early wage access. We get real about adoption hurdles in a fragmented banking market and how to make the business case stack up. Beyond speed, the conversation highlights ISO 20022 and data-rich messages that reduce reconciliation friction and sharpen risk controls - critical for CFOs, treasurers, and operations leaders chasing working capital gains.Then we tackle stablecoins with a bottom-up filter: where do they outperform existing rails? Cross-border stands out, from remittances to marketplace payouts, alongside emerging hypotheses in tokenized settlement. Sal lays out the next 3–5 years: push RTP to ubiquity, evaluate DLT and tokenized deposits with discipline, lean into AI for commerce and fraud defense, and elevate security and data as first-class features. It's a pragmatic roadmap for banks, fintechs, and enterprises that want real outcomes, not buzzwords.

Why are marketers still arguing about ROI in 2025?

This week on The Sales Transformation podcast we're bringing you a recording of our Sales Frequency episode from a few weeks ago with special guest Maxim Tarasevich, EVP of Sales at Aviso.  He joined Jesus and Will to discuss how it's more important than ever for salespeople to appeal to CFOs and finance teams during their pitches, and how they can build business cases that include that the stats that will help them overcome this common stalling point for deals.  Highlights include: [05:01] Find out what's important to your client early [32:51] Don't assume that CFOs only care about financial metrics [37:08] Every customer is different, so their numbers will be different too  If you'd like to find out more about how Consalia and Aviso can help you build an AI-powered sales force, click here to request a meeting. Connect with Jesus Llamazares on LinkedIn Connect with Will Squire on LinkedIn Connect with Maxim Tarasevich on LinkedIn   Join the discussion in our Sales Transformation Forum group.  Make sure you're following us on LinkedIn and Twitter to get updates on the latest episodes! Also, take our Mindset Survey and find out if you are selling to customers the way they want to be sold to today.

Grab your cafecito ☕️—today we're talking global expansion with Mike from H&Co, who leads their Global Expansion team. From when it makes sense to go international to how tariffs and nearshoring are reshaping strategy, Mike breaks down the real-world playbook for entering LATAM (Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile), UAE/Saudi, Europe, Canada, and more. We also get into culture, careers, and some elite sports-travel stories (World Cup, Wimbledon, El Clásico).What you'll learnHow to know if your company is ready to expand (it's about opportunity, not just revenue)Tariffs & counter-tariffs made simple—and why nearshoring to Mexico/Colombia is boomingEntity setup, tax/accounting/HR/payroll, ERP considerations, and compliance (end-to-end roadmap)Picking your first country: market demand, treaties, ops complexity, and costCulture & execution: why great products still fail without local adaptationCareer path into international business (skills that actually matter)Chapters0:00 Intro & why H&Co partners with Cafecito y Croquetas1:15 Mike's path: Spain → London → Miami & 100+ countries4:00 Why companies expand globally (demand, costs, M&A)6:45 Are you “big enough” to go international?8:10 What H&Co handles: entity, tax, HR/payroll, compliance, ERPs10:30 Picking markets: Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, UAE, Saudi, EU, Canada13:55 Tariffs explained & the rise of nearshoring18:20 Realities vs. politics: how smart operators adapt21:10 Culture, timelines, and choosing the right structure24:40 Testing demand with digital marketing before you land27:30 Living/working in Spain, UK, Switzerland—business culture lessons31:20 Sports stories: World Cup semis/final, El Clásico, rugby/cricket35:40 Career advice for breaking into global expansion37:00 WrapWho this episode is forFounders, COOs, CFOs, and marketers exploring international growth, cost optimization, and compliance-ready market entry.ConnectGuest: Mike — H&Co (Global Expansion)Host: Stay Tranquilo Network | Cafecito y Croquetas#globalexpansion #career #businesspodcast #morningbrew #business #businesssuccess #miami #globalbusiness #latam #tarrifs #nearshoring #uae #growth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kerry Butler, CFO of Woolnorth Renewables, Tasmania shares her bold NetSuite rollout, revealing strategic insights on tech, budgeting, AI, and scaling clean energy operations. Summary Today I'm speaking with Kerry Butler, CFO of Woolnorth Renewables, Tasmania In this episode, we talk about . . . Insights from attending SuiteWorld 2025 in Las Vegas Strategic NetSuite rollout, starting with Planning & Budgeting (NSPB) Overcoming implementation challenges with a lean finance team Use of implementation partners: Pivot Two & Netgain Multilingual board reporting (Chinese & English) and real-time forecasting Integrations with SharePoint, virtual cards, and maintenance systems Leveraging AI and Ask Oracle for smarter decision-making Community involvement and commitment to renewable energy Advice for scaling businesses and choosing the right tech stack

As economic volatility, cost pressure and technological acceleration reshape the finance landscape, CFOs are facing a pivotal identity shift. The instinct to protect the enterprise through tighter controls may no longer serve the moment. So what does it take to lead with resilience and unlock growth? In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner experts Clement Christensen and Mallory Bulman revisit their Opening Keynote from the Gartner Finance Symposium/Xpo. They introduce the "Catalyst CFO" — a new leadership identity designed for disruption — and explore the eight forces reshaping finance, from AI-enabled decision-making to discontinuous regulatory change. Tune in to discover: Why the "guardian" CFO mindset may be holding your organization back The eight forces transforming finance and how to respond How AI agents are changing the nature of financial decision-making Why identity is the most underutilized leadership tool What Catalyst CFOs do differently to drive agility, innovation, and growth   Dig deeper: Download the Gartner CFO Report Join us at a Gartner Finance Conference near you Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, I'm diving into one of the biggest growth milestones for any small business owner — making your first or next leadership hire. If you've been wearing all the hats (COO, CMO, CFO…and maybe even floor sweeper), this episode is for you. I'll walk you through how to recognize it's time to expand your leadership team, what roles make the biggest impact, and how to set those hires up for success, even if you're starting small.Key topics covered:How to know when you're ready for a leadership hire, and the signs it's time to step back from the “doing”Why fractional roles (like fractional CFOs or CMOs) are a game-changer for small business ownersThe difference between a team member and a true leader, and how that impacts your energy and focusWhy you should be cautious about hiring a Director of Operations too soonMy top 5 tips for successful leadership hires, from hiring for how they think to giving them space to truly leadWhen you hire leadership, you stop being the whole engine and start being the driver, and that's when your business really starts to move forward.Challenge:Audit your leadership gap. Ask yourself:What am I holding on to that someone else could lead?What role would let me step into my CEO-level work?What would “done really well” look like for this person?Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

There are a lot of plan designs out there that promise tax advantages, cost savings, or “creative” ways to structure benefits… but not all of them are compliant. Some are even double-dipping schemes that can create major legal and financial risk for employers.So we brought in someone who actually knows this space at the highest level: Alden Bianchi — a nationally-recognized employee benefits attorney who:Testified before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee during the development of the ACAServed as Mitt Romney's outside counsel on the Massachusetts health care reform lawHelped shape the very framework that became the Affordable Care ActYeah… he knows a thing or two.In this episode, we break down:Where employers get into troubleHow these “tax-advantaged” plan designs really workWhat not to doHow to evaluate whether your plan is actually compliantClear, practical, and a must-watch for HR, consultants, CFOs, and anyone touching employee benefits strategy.

If your buyer can swap you out without pain, you don't have a USP — you have a pricing problem. In crowded markets (including post-pandemic), the game is won by changing the battlefield from price to value and risk reduction for the client. This playbook reframes features into outcomes and positions your offer so a rational buyer can't treat you as interchangeable.   Why do USPs matter more than ever in 2025? Because buyers default to "safe" and "cheap" unless you prove "different" and "better". As procurement tightens across Japan, the US, and Europe, incumbent vendors and new entrants flood categories, dragging deals into discount wars. Shift the conversation from line-items to business outcomes: time saved, revenue gained, risk removed. In Japan's consensus-driven buying, precedent and social proof are de-riskers; in the US, speed and ROI proof points get you shortlisted; in Europe, compliance and sustainability signals matter. Use comparative, sector-specific language (SMB vs. enterprise, B2B vs. consumer) so your value feels native to each buyer's reality. Do now: List 3 outcomes you deliver that a competitor cannot credibly claim, and make them the first 90 seconds of every sales conversation. Summary: Lead with outcomes and risk reduction, not features or price. How do you turn features into buyer-relevant outcomes? Translate specs into "jobs done" with timestamps and dollars attached. If you "sell training," your buyer actually wants higher per-rep revenue and lower ramp time; the workshop is just the tool. Frame cause-and-effect: "As of 2025, teams using our method cut onboarding by 30–60 days," or "post-implementation, win-rates rose 8–12% in enterprise accounts." Compare across contexts: startups prize speed-to-first-value; multinationals prize uniformity at scale. Anchor with entities to boost credibility: "Aligned to Dale Carnegie's behavioural change frameworks and Fortune 500 norms." Do now: For each feature, write: "So that the buyer can ___ by ___ date, measured by ___." Then delete the feature and keep the sentence. Summary: Convert every spec into a measurable, time-bound business result. What proof calms executive risk in consensus markets like Japan? Show durable track record and mainstream precedent, not hype. Tenure ("operating since 1912"), adoption ("serving a majority of Fortune 500"), and multi-market delivery ("100+ countries") signal you're not an experiment. Executives at firms like Toyota and Rakuten want to see that others have done due diligence and achieved consistent outcomes. Present proof as risk offsets: longevity = vendor stability; blue-chip logos = quality validation; global presence = repeatability across geographies and languages. In Europe, add references to ISO-aligned processes; in the US, reference board-level impacts and revenue KPIs. Do now: Build a one-page "Risk Reducers" sheet with 5 credibility markers and a 3-line narrative for each. Summary: Package track record as risk insurance for the buyer. How do you compete on instructor quality without sounding generic? Expose the standard, the filter, and the client-side benefit. "250 hours of train-the-trainer over ~18 months" is a rigorous filter; say what it fixes: variability. Many training vendors have star-and-struggle instructors; your certification process "cures" inconsistency, delivering predictable outcomes across cohorts and locations. Tie this to executive concerns: CFOs fear wasted spend; CHROs fear uneven adoption; Sales VPs fear lost quarters. As of 2025, quantify where possible (completion rates, manager NPS, behavioural transfer at 90 days) and compare to sector benchmarks. Do now: Turn your internal QA process into a 5-step visual the buyer can explain internally. Summary: Make your quality bar tangible and link it to reduced variance in outcomes. How do you avoid the price trap in late-stage negotiations? Re-anchor total value and introduce "switching cost of downgrade." When rivals discount, show the cost of failure: extended ramp, inconsistent delivery, and lost deals. Use a simple model: (Expected Revenue Uplift + Risk Reduction Value) − (Implementation & Change Costs). Add comparative caselets: "In APAC, an SME cut churn 3 points post-programme; in North America, a SaaS enterprise lifted ASP by 6%." Create a "good–better–best" offer that scales outcomes, not just hours. Do now: Bring a 1-page value calculator to every Stage-3 meeting; make the CFO your audience. Summary: Move from hourly rate to enterprise value and downgrade risk. How do you tailor USPs for global rollout without bloating the pitch? Modularise by region, role, and sector; keep a common spine. The spine: outcomes, risk reducers, delivery quality. The modules: language and cultural localisation (Japan vs. ASEAN vs. EMEA), regulatory anchors (EU GDPR, Japan's labour reforms), and sector examples (manufacturing vs. SaaS vs. consumer). Your global network isn't trivia; it's the operational proof that content lands locally — language, idiom, and facilitation calibrated to context. Keep sections tight: 3 bullets per role (CEO, CFO, HR, Sales). Do now: Build a 9-cell USP matrix (Region × Role × Sector) with one killer proof point per cell. Summary: One message, many modules — local relevance on a global chassis. What rehearsal builds salesperson muscle memory on USPs? Daily, 10-minute role plays that start with objections. Freshness decays; script drift is real. Start with the toughest objections ("We can swap you out," "Your competitor is 20% cheaper") and practise crisp, evidence-backed responses that land in under 30 seconds. Include a checklist: outcome first, proof second, risk reducer third, price last. Record, score, and iterate. By week two, rotate markets (Japan vs. US) and sectors to keep reps adaptive. Do now: Add a morning "USP stand-up": 2 reps, 2 objections, 2 minutes each, every day. Summary: Reps don't rise to your USPs — they fall to their practice. Conclusion Pricing fights are the path to oblivion. Position with outcomes, prove with precedent, operationalise with quality, regionalise with intent, and practise until it's muscle memory. That's how you make "different and better" undeniable — and un-swappable.  FAQs What's the fastest way to sharpen a dull USP? Start with outcomes and risk, cut features, and add one killer proof point per market. Then rehearse daily. How many USPs should we show? Three is plenty: one outcome, one risk reducer, one delivery advantage — tailored by role and region. What if a rival undercuts price by 20%? Re-anchor to enterprise value and switching-cost of downgrade; offer modular "good–better–best." Quick actions for leaders Commission a 1-page "Risk Reducers" sheet with proof. Ship a value calculator for CFO-friendly re-anchoring. Launch a daily "USP stand-up" with objection drills. Author Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programmes, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー).

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how technology and data are redefining the modern Office of Finance, transforming CFOs into strategic leaders and decision-makers.Joining us is Rishi Grover, Co-founder and Chief Solutions Architect at Vena Solutions, a global leader in Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A). With over 2,000 organizations using Vena's platform, Rishi shares how their Excel-enhancing, Microsoft-integrated approach is empowering finance teams to automate, analyze, and act with clarity and confidence.Key Highlights:1. Vena's Founding Story: Why enhancing Excel with Microsoft integration became the foundation of Vena's success.2. FP&A Trends 2025: How AI and collaboration tools are revolutionizing budgeting, planning, and decision-making.3. Agentic AI: How intelligent agents deliver real-time foresight, scenario modeling, and secure workflows for finance teams.4. Evolving Finance Leadership: How CFOs are moving from compliance to strategic business influence through technology.5. Innovation & Future Vision: Vena's global growth, customer milestones, and the next frontier with Vena Copilot.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Tune in to this engaging episode of the Count Me In Podcast, where we sit down with Rob Stephens, founder of CFO Perspective and an expert who brings a refreshing perspective to the often complex topic of behavioral finance. Rob sheds light on how this field not only intertwines with traditional finance but actually builds upon it, introducing the human elements behind financial decisions. Perfect for CFOs, controllers, and finance teams, Rob shares real-world applications of behavioral finance in corporate settings, from mergers and acquisitions to consumer psychology. Learn about the decision-making processes that can make or break a business and discover practical tools to improve communication and awareness. Whether it's understanding the group dynamics in management or navigating the tricky waters of debt and equity, Rob's insights are invaluable. Don't miss this episode if you're looking to enhance your financial decision-making with a touch of human psychology.

On this episode of FINN Voices, host Beth Friedman sits down with Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer at CereCore, a healthcare IT services company specializing in application support, advisory, infrastructure, and staffing solutions. Planned during Becker's 2025 Health IT + Digital Health + Revenue Cycle Management Conference in Chicago, Beth and Phil unpack the latest insights from CIO conversations, focus groups, and industry media to forecast what's ahead for health IT purchasing in 2026. They tackle the pressing questions hospital and health system CIOs face today: how to make smarter IT investments, deliver measurable ROI, and align technology decisions with organizational goals. The discussion also dives into the unique challenges of smaller hospitals, where CEOs and CFOs often double as IT decision-makers. Finally, Phil highlights how several CereCore clients empower their IT leaders to make confident, data-driven technology decisions. He shares the newest strategies to navigate the 2026 buying cycle with clarity and impact. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

Healthcare is facing a “perfect storm”. And it's a perfectly bad one!In this episode, I sit down with Mark Erwich, Health Launchpad Chief Strategy Officer. Mark is a healthcare technology marketing veteran with over 20 years in the industry. Mark and I discuss "the perfect storm" facing healthcare providers, and why traditional growth-focused messaging is no longer resonating with buyers.Mark unpacks the mounting pressures on hospitals and IDNs, from shrinking margins and labor shortages to an onslaught of regulatory changes, including OPBBA, Medicaid work requirements, and ACA cuts. The healthcare system is managing multiple compounding crises simultaneously, making traditional vendor pitches about "disruptive innovation" and feature-focused solutions feel tone-deaf.We explore how vendors need to shift from a growth mindset to a resilience framework. This means moving away from generic ROI calculators toward detailed value calculators that CFOs can actually trust, and replacing growth messaging with language focused on stability, sustainability, and operational excellence. As procurement departments look to consolidate their vendor relationships, the companies that will survive and thrive are those that can prove they understand their customers' challenges and deliver measurable margin improvements, not just promised cost savings.Key Topics Covered"(00:01:00)" Mark's Background in Healthcare Technology Marketing"(00:02:30)" The Perfect Storm: Current Challenges Facing Healthcare Providers"(00:03:00)" Financial Pressures and Margin Challenges"(00:03:30)" Clinician Shortages and Workforce Issues"(00:04:00)" Regulatory Dynamics and Federal Policy Changes"(00:05:00)" The Importance of Resilience Over Growth Mindset"(00:06:00)" How CFOs Are Planning for Uncertainty"(00:07:00)" Preparedness for Constant Change"(00:08:00)" How CFO Decision-Making Cascades Throughout Organizations"(00:08:30)" What Messaging No Longer Works"(00:09:00)" Margin Improvement vs. Cost Savings"(00:10:00)" ROI Calculators vs. Value Calculators"(00:11:00)" Building Trustworthy Financial Cases"(00:12:00)" Demonstrating Granular Impact on Hospital Operations"(00:13:00)" Shifting from Growth to Resilience Messaging"(00:14:00)" Messaging That Resonates: Stability, Sustainability, Operational ExcellenceIf you are interested in discussing this or any other topic, let's have a chat.  Reach out to me directly to schedule a no-obligation discussion. This isn't a sales call, but rather an opportunity to talk through your questions and challenges.Follow me on LinkedIn.Subscribe to The Healthtech Marketing Show on Spotify or watch us on YouTube for more insights into marketing, AI, ABM, buyer journeys, and beyond!Thank you to our presenting sponsors, HIMSS, a leader in advancing health equity, digital innovation, and data-driven care through technology, policy, and community collaboration. And also HealthcareNOW, 24/7 expert shows, interviews, and podcasts, powering healthcare leaders with innovation, policy, and strategy insights.

Episode 56 CFO Voices on TReDS | Experiences from India's Business Finance Leaders Welcome back to MSME TALK®. This Industry Insights episode brings together voices from three CFOs to share experience on TReDS, invoice discounting platform for fellow CFOs and Business owners for MSMEs, SMEs , Large , Mid , PSUs enterprises.   Why did we do this episode: Even successful Businesses in other countries are closing because of succession issues , we are witnessing the same in India. Hence we want our Business Entrepreneurs to warm up for Business Legacy.   In this episode, we explore: TimeStamp 00:00:00  Teaser  00:00:22  MSME TALK Podcast Intro  00:00:38  Episode Overview  00:00:59  Disclaimer  00:01:31  Guest Intro – Mr. Dhamarajan  00:02:11  First heard about TReDS?  00:02:57  Key benefits experienced  00:05:04  Did turnover improve?  00:05:35  Profitability or cost savings  00:05:56  Active usage frequency  00:06:32  Number of MSME vendors  00:06:50  Started as buyer and seller  00:08:15  Platform used and experience  00:09:11  Message for CFOs and MSMEs  00:11:14  Message for large buyers  00:11:36  One guidance or hack  00:13:13  Closing remarks  00:13:43  Guest Intro – Mr. Satish Kotakota  00:16:02  Specific benefits seen  00:18:29  Continued use and future plans  00:21:02  Platforms used and ranking  00:21:52  Message for CFOs and MSMEs  00:24:19  One key guidance or hack  00:26:01  Closing remarks  00:26:27  Guest Intro – Mr. Mohapatra  00:27:47  Initial perception of TReDS  00:29:32  Benefits experienced  00:31:14  Impact on rating or profits  00:32:46  Vendor relationship improvement  00:32:57  Continued usage of TReDS  00:33:14  Platform used and experience  00:33:51  Message for CFOs and MSMEs  00:36:04  Guidance for other CFOs  00:37:32  Closing remarks     MSMEs & startups are looking for various kinds of supports & upgrade. Are you a Product, Service Provider, Expert, Advisor, Consultant, Mentor for MSMEs/Startups? Reach out to MSME TALK to list your business. Fill the form to help us reach out to you. Hey MSME TALK listeners! Hope you have not missed subscribing to our newsletter for the latest news, blogs, and podcast updates. We don't spam your inbox , hence we have highest rate of letter opening in Industry. Subscribe here for Newsletter. MSME TALK Podcast enters Peak Ranking Chart of 20+ Countries in the Apple Podcast Country Entrepreneurship Category. WhatsApp : Send hi - https://wa.me/918097665085 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Contact us : connect@msmetalk.comClick to All Social Media , Podcast etc links at one place Please give your rating and reviews on apple podcast or Spotify

What if your systems could instantly verify not just a company's identity, but that a specific person or agent is truly authorized to act for it? We sit down with Alexandre Kech, CEO at GLEIF, to unpack how the Legal Entity Identifier became the world's backbone for business identity and how the new Verifiable LEI brings authority, delegation, and digital trust into the open—across web, apps, and cross‑border workflows.We trace the journey from post‑2008 regulatory gaps to a global, regulator‑overseen public good that maps who is who and who owns whom. Alex explains how vLEI upgrades identity by binding official organizational roles—directors, UBOs, CFOs, even AI agents—to a company through cryptographic, verifiable credentials. That means cleaner onboarding, true single sign‑on for enterprises, role‑based digital signatures that stand up to audit, and safer integrations with suppliers, banks, and platforms. We explore the trust architecture end‑to‑end: the root of trust, accreditation of Qualified vLEI Issuers, and how companies can extend credentials internally to staff and systems.Asia-Pacific's momentum takes center stage, with rapid growth in LEI issuance, a critical mass of QVIs, and forward‑leaning pilots. Hear how fragmented jurisdictions and busy trade corridors turn vLEI into an interoperability layer for payments, trade, and compliance. If this conversation helps you see identity and authority in a new light, follow and share the show with a colleague who cares about payments, compliance, or digital trust. Subscribe for more deep dives, and leave a review to tell us where you want vLEI adopted next.Thank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.Check out our podcast channel.Learn more about The Connector. Follow us on LinkedIn.CheersKoen Vanderhoydonkkoen.vanderhoydonk@jointheconnector.com#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

Entwickeln sich bei deutschen Unternehmen das Risiko-Exposure gegenüber Forderungs- oder Lieferausfällen und die darauf abzielende Risikoabsicherung gerade auseinander? Zahlen, die der Warenkreditversicherungsexperte Viktor Margaritopoulos gegenüber FINANCE-TV zitiert, legen dies nahe: Demnach sind die Anzahl der Unternehmen, die in Deutschland insolvent gehen – und die Schadenssummen, die deren Gläubigern dabei entstehen – in den vergangenen beiden Jahren jeweils zweistellig gewachsen. Gleiches wird auch für dieses Jahr befürchtet. 2024 – sagt Margaritopulos – seien im Nachgang von Insolvenzfällen laut Atradius Forderungen in Höhe von 58 Milliarden Euro angemeldet worden. Doch während die Schäden und die damit verbundenen Auszahlungen an Versicherungsnehmer anziehen, ist Daten des Versicherungsverbands GDV zufolge das Gesamtvolumen der gezeichneten Warenkreditversicherungen in Deutschland in den vergangenen Jahren sogar leicht zurückgegangen. Worauf ist diese Diskrepanz zurückzuführen? „Da spielen auf Seiten der Finanzverantwortlichen in den Unternehmen auch menschliches Naturell und Erfahrungswerte eine Rolle“, glaubt Margaritopoulos, der für den Finanzierungsberater Gracher den Bereich Warenkreditversicherungen leitet. „Viele halten Kreditversicherungen für zu teuer und vertrauen auf die Qualität ihrer eigenen Prozesse im Risikomanagement.“ Der Experte sieht diese Vorgehensweise kritisch: „Das ist eine trügerische Gewissheit.“ Das Risiko von großen Forderungsausfällen sei nur so lange weit weg, bis die Situation dann schließlich eintritt. Und dann könnten für CFOs unter Umständen auch persönliche Haftungsrisiken entstehen, warnt Margaritopoulus.Wie hoch die Prämien für Warenkreditversicherungen gerade sind, die Unternehmen leisten müssen, wie sich das Preisumfeld in den nächsten Jahren verändern könnte, und welchen Nutzen Finanzverantwortliche aus dem Datenaustausch mit der Warenkreditversicherung ziehen könnten – mehr dazu in diesem FINANCE-TV-Interview.Hinweis: Dieser Talk von FINANCE-TV wird präsentiert von Gracher.

Welcome back to Snafu with Robin Zander. In this episode, I'm joined by Kevan Lee and Shannon Deep, co-founders of Bonfire – a creative studio reimagining what it means to build brands, tell stories, and live meaningful lives. We talk about how Bonfire began as a "Trojan horse" – a branding agency on the surface, but really a vehicle for deeper questions: What does fulfilling work look like? How do we find meaning beyond our careers? And how can business become a space for honesty, connection, and growth? Kevan and Shannon share how their partnership formed, what it takes to build trust as co-founders, and how vulnerability and self-awareness fuel their collaboration. We explore their path from tech and theater to building Bonfire, hosting creative retreats, and helping founders tell more authentic stories. We also dive into how AI is changing storytelling, the myth of "broetry" on LinkedIn, and why transparency is the future of marketing. If you're curious about what's next for creativity, leadership, and meaningful work, this episode is for you. And for more conversations like this, stay tuned for Responsive Conference 2026, where we'll be continuing the dialogue on human connection, business, and the evolving role of AI. Start (0:00) How Bonfire Started (14:25) Robin notes how transparent and intentional they've been building their business and community Says Bonfire feels like a 21st-century agency – creative, human, and not traditional Invites them to describe what they're building and their vision for it Kevan's response: Admits he feels imposter syndrome around being called an "entrepreneur" Laughs that it's technically true but still feels strange Describes Bonfire as partly a traditional branding agency They work with early-stage startups Help with brand strategy, positioning, messaging, and differentiation. But says the heart of their work is much deeper "We create spaces for people to explore what a fulfilling life looks like – one that includes work, but isn't defined by it." Their own careers inspired this – jobs that paid well but felt empty, or jobs that felt good but didn't pay the bills Bonfire became their way to build something more meaningful A space to have these conversations themselves And to invite others into it This includes community, retreats, and nontraditional formats Jokes that the agency side is a Trojan horse – a vehicle to fund the work they truly care about Shannon adds: They're agnostic about what Bonfire "does" Could be a branding agency, publishing house, even an ice cream shop "Money is just gas in the engine." The larger goal is creating spaces for people to explore their relationship to work Especially for those in transition, searching for meaning, or redefining success Robin reflects on their unusual path Notes most marketers who start agencies chase awards and fame But Shannon and Kevan built Bonfire around what they wished existed Recalls their past experiences Kevan's path from running a publication (later sold to Vox) to Buffer and then Oyster Shannon's shared time with him at Oyster Mentions their recent milestone – Bonfire's first live retreat in France 13 participants, including them Held in a rented castle For a two-year-old business, he calls it ambitious and impressive Asks: "How did it go? What did people get out of it?" Shannon on the retreat Laughs that they're still processing what it was They had a vibe in mind – but not a fixed structure One participant described it as "a wellness retreat for marketers" Not wrong – but also not quite right Attendees came from tech and non-tech backgrounds The focus: exploring people's most meaningful relationship to work Who you are when you're not at your desk How to bring that awareness back to real life — beyond castles and catered meals People came at it from different angles Some felt misaligned with their work Others were looking for something new Everyone was at a crossroads in their career Kevan on the space they built The retreat encouraged radical honesty People shared things like: "I have this job because I crave approval." "I care about money as a status symbol." "I hate what I do, but I don't know what else I'd be good at." They didn't force vulnerability, but wanted to make it safe if people chose it They thought deeply about values – what needed to be true for that kind of trust Personally, Kevan says the experience shifted his identity From "marketer" to something else – maybe "producer," maybe "creator" The retreat made him realize how many paths are possible "Now I just want to do more of this." Robin notes there are "so many threads to pull on" Brings up family business and partnerships Shares his own experience growing up in his dad's small business Talks about lessons from Robin's Cafe and the challenges of partnerships Says he's fascinated by co-founder dynamics – both powerful and tricky Asks how Shannon and Kevan's working relationship works What it was like at Oyster Why they decided to start Bonfire together And how it's evolved after the retreat Kevan on their beginnings He hired Shannon at Oyster – she was Editorial Director, he was SVP of Marketing Worked together for about a year and a half Knew early on that something clicked Shared values Similar worldview Trusted each other When Oyster ended, partnering up felt natural – "Let's figure out what's next, together." Robin observes their groundedness Says they both seem stable and mature, which likely helps the partnership Jokes about his own chaos running Robin's Café – late nights, leftover wine, cold quinoa Asks Shannon directly: "Do you still follow Kevan's lead?" Shannon's laughs and agrees they're both very regulated people But adds that it comes from learned coping mechanisms Says they've both developed pro-social ways to handle stress People-pleasing Overachievement Perfectionism Intellectualizing feelings instead of expressing them "Those are coping mechanisms too," she notes, "but at least they keep us calm when we talk." Building Trust and Partnership (14:54–23:15) Shannon says both she and Kevan have done deep personal work. Therapy, reflection, and self-inquiry are part of their toolkit. That helps them handle a relationship that's both intimate and challenging. They know their own baggage. They try not to take the other person's reactions personally. It doesn't always work—but they trust they'll work through conflict. When they started Bonfire: They agreed the business world is unpredictable. So they made a pinky swear: Friends first, business second. The friendship is the real priority. When conflict comes up, they ask: "Is this really life or death—or are we just forgetting what matters?" Shannon goes back to the question and clarifies  Says they lead in different ways. Each has their "zone of genius." They depend on each other's strengths. It's not leader and follower – it's mutual reliance. Shannon explains: Kevan's great at momentum: He moves things forward and ships projects fast. Shannon tends to be more perfectionist: Wants things to be fully formed before releasing. Kevan adds they talk often about "rally and rest." Kevan rallies, he thrives on pressure and urgency. Shannon rests, she values slowing down and reflection. Together, that creates a healthy rhythm.  Robin notes lingering habits Wonders if any "hangovers" from their Oyster days remain. Kevan reflects  At first, he hesitated to show weakness. Coming from a manager role, vulnerability felt risky. Shannon quickly saw through it. He realized openness was essential, not optional. Says their friendship and business both rely on honesty. Robin agrees and says he wouldn't discourage co-founders—it's just a big decision. Like choosing a spouse, it shapes your life for years. Notes he's never met with one of them without the other. "That says something," he adds. Their partnership clearly works—even if it takes twice the time. Rethinking Marketing (23:19) Kevan's light moment: Asks if Robin's comment about their teamwork was feedback for them. Robin's observation  Notes how in sync Shannon and Kevan are. Emails one, gets a reply CC'd with the other. Says the tempo of Bonfire feels like their collaboration itself. Wonders what that rhythm feels like internally. Kevan's response  Says it's partly intentional, partly habit. They genuinely enjoy working together. Adds they don't chase traditional agency milestones. No interest in Ad Age lists or Cannes awards. Their goal: have fun and make meaningful work. Robin pivots to the state of marketing (24:04) Mentions the shift from Madison Avenue's glory days to today's tech-driven world. Refers to Mad Men and the "growth at all costs" startup era. Notes how AI and tech are changing how people see their role in work and life. Kevan's background  Came from startups, not agencies. Learned through doing, not an MBA. Immersed in books like Hypergrowth and Traction. Took Reforge courses—knows the mechanics of scaling. Before that, worked as a journalist. Gained curiosity and calm under pressure, but also urgency. Admits startup life taught him both good and bad habits. Robin notes  Neither lives the Madison Avenue life. Kevan's in Boise. Shannon's in France. Shannon's background Started in theater – behind the scenes as a dramaturg and producer. Learned how to shape emotion and tell stories. Transitioned into brand strategy in New York. Worked at a top agency, Siegel+Gale. Helped global B2B and B2C clients define mission, values, and design. Competed with big names like Interbrand and Pentagram. Later moved in-house at tech startups. Saw how B2B marketing often tries to "act cool" like B2C. Learned to translate creative ideas into language that convinces CFOs. Says her role often meant selling authentic storytelling to risk-averse execs. Admits she joined marketing out of necessity. "I was 27, broke in New York, and needed a parking spot for my storytelling skills." Robin connects the dots  Notes how Silicon Valley's "growth" culture mirrors old ad-world burnout. Growth at all costs. Not much room for creative autonomy. Adds most big agencies are now owned by holding companies. The original Madison Avenue independence is nearly gone. Robin's reflection  Mentions how AI-generated content is changing video and storytelling. Grateful his clients still value human connection. Asks how Bonfire helps brands tell authentic stories now that the old model is fading. Kevan's take  Says people now care less about "moments" and more about audiences. It's not about one viral hit—it's about building consistency. Brands need to stand for something, and keep showing up. People want that outcome, even if they don't want the hard work behind it. Shannon adds Notes rising skepticism among audiences. Most content people see isn't from who they follow, it's ads and algorithms. Consumers are subconsciously filtering out the noise. Says that's why human storytelling matters more than ever. People crave knowing a real person is behind the message. AI can mimic tone but not authenticity. Adds it's hard to convince some clients of that. Authentic work isn't fast or easily measured. It requires belief in the process and a value system to match. That's tough when your client's investors only want quick returns. Robin agrees  "Look at people's incentives and I'll tell you who they are." Shannon continues Wonders where their responsibility ends. Should they convince people of their values? Or just do the work and let the right clients come? Kevan says they've found a sweet spot with current clients. Mostly bootstrapped founders. Work with them long-term instead of one-off projects. Says that's the recipe that fits Bonfire's values and actually works. The Quarter Analogy (35:36) Robin quotes BJ Fogg: "Don't try to persuade people of your worldview. Look for people who already want what you can teach, and just show them how." He compares arguing with people who don't align to "an acrobat arguing with gravity – gravity will win 100% of the time." The key: harness momentum instead of fighting resistance. Even a small, aligned audience is better than chasing everyone. Kevan shares Bonfire's failed experiment with outbound sales: They tried reaching out to recently funded AI companies. "It got us nowhere," he admits. That experience reminded him how much old startup habits – growth at all costs, scale fast – still shape thinking. "I thought success meant getting as big as possible, as fast as possible. That meant doing outbound, even if it felt inauthentic." But that mindset just added pressure. Realizing there were other ways to grow – slower, more intentional – was a relief. Now they've stopped outbound entirely. Focused instead on aligned clients who find them naturally. Robin connects it to a MrBeast quote. "If I'm not ashamed of the video I put out last week, I'm not growing fast enough." He says he doesn't love the "shame" part but relates to the evolution mindset – Looking back at work from six months ago and thinking, I'd do that differently now. Growth as a visible, measurable journey. Robin shifts to storytelling frameworks: Mentions Kevan and Shannon's analogies about storytelling and asks about "the quarter analogy." Kevan explains the "quarter" story: A professor holds up two quarters: "Sell me the one on the right." No one can – until someone says, "I'll dip it in Marilyn Monroe's purse." That coin now has emotional and cultural value. Marketing can be the same – alchemy that turns something ordinary into something meaningful. Robin builds on that: You can tell stories about a coin's history – "Lincoln touched it," etc. But Kevan's version is different: adding new meaning in the present. "How do you imbue something with value now that makes it matter later?" Shannon's take: It's about values and belonging. "Every story implicitly says: believe this." That belief also says: we don't believe that – defining who's in your tribe. Humans crave that – community, validation, connection. That belonging is intangible but real. "Try selling that to a CFO who just wants ROI. Impossible — but it's real." Kevan adds: Values are one piece – authenticity is another. Some brands already have a genuine story; others want to create one. "We get asked to dip AI companies into Marilyn Monroe's purse," he jokes. The real work is uncovering what's true or helping brands rediscover it. The challenge: telling that story consistently and believably. Robin mentions Shannon's storytelling framework of three parts – Purpose → Story frameworks → Touch points. Shannon breaks it down: Clients usually come in with half-baked "mission" or "vision" statements. She uses Ogilvy's "Big Ideal" model: Combine a cultural tension (what's happening in the world) with your brand's best self. Then fill in the blank: "We believe the world would be a better place if…" That single sentence surfaces a company's "why us" and "why now." It's dramaturgy, really — same question as in theater: "Why this play now?" "Why us?" Bonfire's own version (in progress): "We believe the world would be a better place if people and brands had more room to explore their creativity." Kevan adds: it's evolving, like them. Robin relates it back to his own story: After selling Robin's Café, he started Zander Media to tell human stories. He wanted to document real connections — "the barista-customer relationships, the neighborhood changing." That became his north star: storytelling as a tool for change and human connection. "I don't care about video," he says. "I care about storytelling, helping people become more of who they want to be." Kevan closes the loop: A good purpose statement is expansive. It can hold video, podcasts, even a publishing house. "Maybe tomorrow it's something else. That's the beauty — it allows room to grow." Against the Broetry (49:01) Kevan reflects on transparency and values at Bonfire He and Robin came from Buffer, a company known for radical transparency — posting salaries, growth numbers, everything. Says that while Bonfire isn't as extreme about it, the spirit is the same. "It just comes naturally to invite people in." Their openness isn't a tactic – it's aligned with their values and mission. They want to create space for people to explore – new ideas, new ways of working, more fulfilling lives. Sharing their journey publicly felt like the obvious, authentic thing to do. "It wasn't even a conversation – just who we are." Shannon jumps in with a critique of business culture online Says there's so much terrible advice about "how to build a business." Compliments Robin for cutting through the noise – being honest through Snafu and his newsletter. "You're trying to be real about what selling feels like and what it says about you." Calls out the "rise and grind" nonsense dominating LinkedIn: "Wake up at 4 a.m., protein shake at 4:10, three-hour workout…" Robin laughs – "I'll take the three-hour workout, but I'll pass on the protein shake." Shannon and Kevan call it "broetry" The overblown, performative business storytelling on social media. "I went on my honeymoon and here's what I learned about B2B sales." Their goal with building in public is the opposite: To admit mistakes. To share pivots and moments of doubt. To remind people that everyone is figuring it out. "But the system rewards the opposite – gatekeeping, pretending, keeping up the facade." Shannon says she has "no patience for it." She traces that belief back to a story from college Producer Paula Wagner once told her class: "Here's the secret: nobody knows anything." That line stuck with her. Gave her permission to question authority. To show up confidently even when others pretend to know more. After years of watching powerful men "fail upward," she realized: "The emperor has no clothes." So she might as well take up space too. Transparency, for her, is a form of connection and courage – "When people raise their eyes from their desks and actually meet each other, that's power." Robin thanks Shannon for the kind words about Snafu. Says their work naturally attracts people who want that kind of realness. Then pivots to a closing question: "If you had one piece of advice for founders – about storytelling or business building – what would it be?" Kevan's advice: "Look beyond what's around you." Inspiration doesn't have to come from your industry. Learn from other fields, other stories, other worlds. It builds curiosity, empathy, and creativity. Robin sums it up: "Get out of your silos." Shannon's advice: "Make the thing you actually want to see." Too many founders copy what's trendy or "smart." Ask instead: What would I genuinely love to consume? Remember your audience is human, like you. And remember, building a business is a privilege. You get to create a small world that reflects your values. You get to hire people, pay them, shape a culture. "That's so cool, and it should make you feel powerful." With that power comes responsibility. "Everyone says it's about making the most money. But what if the goal was to make the coolest world possible, for as many people as possible?" Where to find Kevan and Shannon (57:16) Points listeners to aroundthebonfire.com/experiences. That's where they host their retreats. Next one is April 2026. "We'd love to see you there."   Companies/Organizations Bonfire Buffer Oyster Vox Zander Media Siegel+Gale Interbrand Pentagram Reforge Robin's Café Books / Frameworks / Theories Traction BJ Fogg's behavioral model Ogilvy's "Big Ideal" Purpose → Story Frameworks → Touch Point People Paula Wagner BJ Fogg MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) David Ogilvy Newsletters Snafu Kevan's previous publication  

In this high-energy episode of Mostly Growth, CJ Gustafson, Kyle Poyar, and Ben Hillman dive into the hidden levers of SaaS growth and what truly separates startups that scale to $20M+ ARR from those that stall out. They explore eye-opening data from 6,500 companies, revealing how the best improve net retention, raise pricing, and re-engineer their revenue models over time. Alongside the metrics, there's plenty of playful chaos—like a naming debate over “Yoshinobu Yamamoto Gustafson,” a rapid-fire game of “Founder or Pop Star,” and CJ's accidental IPO embargo break. It's part insight, part inside joke, and 100% for SaaS operators and C-suite climbers.—LINKS:Mostly Metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.comCJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Growth Unhinged: https://www.growthunhinged.com/Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-poyar/Slacker Stuff: https://www.slackerstuff.com/Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slackerstuff/https://www.growthunhinged.com/p/the-compounding-startuphttps://www.growthunhinged.com/p/the-odds-of-making-ithttps://www.superme.ai/kylepoyar?conversationId=VgDXTOl2Z89mW7UYXstU0bhttps://a16z.com/anatomy-of-an-enterprise-platform-company/https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/hhi.asphttps://navan.com/https://www.mostlymetrics.com/p/navan-ipo-s1-breakdownhttps://x.com/amendandpretend/status/1983588137453416763?s=46https://x.com/ryan_c_walsh/status/1983705182371475630?s=46https://www.reddit.com/r/TwinCities/comments/z6hxp8/how_much_are_people_paying_for_residential_snow/—RELATED EPISODES:Getting fired 4 times made me a founder | Sam Jacobs of Pavilionhttps://youtu.be/8X-JVOF-1A0Why Founders Are Posting Sad Dinnershttps://youtu.be/Zl6NSIHF2Gk—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:01:55 Sponsors – Pulley & Metronome00:04:25 Dodgers Banter & Baby Naming00:05:38 Founder or Pop Star Game00:07:50 ChartMogul Data & Growth Levers00:08:30 Expansion, Upsell & Retention Discussion00:15:53 Testing Kyle's AI Avatar00:17:07 CJ's AI Self-Query & Beta Discussion00:18:04 AI Use Cases & Knowledge Retention00:22:03 Platform Debate & A16z Analysis00:24:29 Herfindahl-Hirschman Index Explained00:25:34 Platform Metrics & Valuation Upside00:26:48 CrowdStrike, Datadog & Multi-Product Expansion00:28:13 Core Systems of Record & AI's Impact00:29:49 Business Blunders – Navan IPO & Snowflake CRO00:34:07 Snow Removal Pricing & Insurance Logic00:35:56 Closing Remarks & Credits—SPONSORS:Metronome is real-time billing built for modern software companies. Metronome turns raw usage events into accurate invoices, gives customers bills they actually understand, and keeps finance, product, and engineering perfectly in sync. That's why category-defining companies like OpenAI and Anthropic trust Metronome to power usage-based pricing and enterprise contracts at scale. Focus on your product — not your billing. Learn more and get started at https://www.metronome.comPulley is the cap table management platform built for CFOs and finance leaders who need reliable, audit-ready data and intuitive workflows, without the hidden fees or unreliable support. Switch in as little as 5 days and get 25% off your first year: https://pulley.com/mostlymetrics—#MostlyGrowthPodcast #SaaSGrowth #StartupStrategy #B2BTech #RevenueRetention This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

This week on The Brand Builder's Playbook, Jim, Ryan, and Cait dive into one of marketing's toughest questions: how do you prove the ROI of a brand? In a world where every dollar spent needs justification, they explore how marketers can connect creative storytelling to measurable business growth.To help unpack it, they're joined by Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard's Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. Raja shares how Mastercard built one of the world's most trusted brands by grounding its marketing in data, financial discipline, and purpose. He outlines his framework for measuring marketing ROI across three dimensions, brand strength, business growth, and sustainable competitive advantage, and shares practical lessons on earning credibility with CFOs and boards. “Purpose and profits are not mutually exclusive. If you pursue purpose methodically, thoughtfully, and innovatively, profits will follow.” — Raja Rajamannar—Download this week's worksheet: http://bit.ly/3KX9ts4Read about upcoming episode topics and guests here: https://bera.ai/podcast/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stephen Weisberg is a Detroit-based tax attorney who helps individuals and business owners resolve IRS controversies and tax-debt issues. In this episode, he shares how the 2008 recession launched him from corporate bankruptcy work into tax law, why most people wait too long to seek help, and what every lawyer (and taxpayer) should know before they get that letter from the IRS.What You Can Do With a Law DegreeStephen's journey proves that a law degree is both a credential and a toolkit. His early work in bankruptcy law introduced him to financial systems and creditor negotiations, while his tax practice taught him how to translate that technical knowledge into advocacy for everyday people. Tax controversy work isn't glamorous, but it's vital—and it's year-round.“People think I'm busiest during tax season, but that's when the IRS is focused on filing. My work happens the rest of the year," shares Stephen Weisberg on Episode 217 of You Are a Lawyer.He's built a steady stream of clients through LinkedIn networking, attorney referrals, and partnerships with CPAs, CFOs, and financial planners. The relationships he's developed prove that collaboration, not competition, sustains a modern law practice. Most of his cases are handled remotely by phone or Zoom, reflecting how legal work has evolved since the pandemic.Did you know that children as young as 10 can be prosecuted as adults in Pennsylvania? You Are A Lawyer has partnered with YSRP, the Youth Sentencing and Re-Entry Project, to bring awareness to their fight to keep young people out of adult prisons and to advocate for youth lifers. Visit YSRP.org to support this cause. Thank you. 

Budgets are shrinking, patience is thinner and the CMO seat is a revolving door. Keep playing the old playbook and you're next.What if the path forward isn't “more content, faster”, but a hard reset on power, process and what we even call “brand”?In this episode, Drew Neisser, Founder of CMO Huddles, drops a reality check on B2B: CMOs are operating in Antarctica—hostile, short-term, and PE-pressured and it's still the most exciting moment in marketing. We get blunt about the “do more with less” lie, why “brand” is a budget-killing word (start saying “reputation”), and how AI should first nuke your workflows and org chart before you let it ghostwrite your strategy.). This is the insider's guide to surviving the freeze and shipping work that closes.We also cover:CMO power plays: why owning Partnerships/Rev levers earns a real seat at the table.Short-termism judo: aligning with CFOs on “metrics that matter” and fixing attribution theater.What actually converts now: late-stage, face-to-face moments (small dinners > giant trade shows).Direct mail's comeback: high-impact, targeted sends that unblock stalled deals.

CFOs and FP&A leaders are flooded with shiny "modern planning" tools, but which ones actually scale with control?  In this episode, Andy welcomes back Dave Collins, Director of Strategic Alliances at OneStream, to compare OneStream vs. Pigment in plain finance terms. We dig into the pitfalls finance teams report with lightweight, cube-based planning tools, fragile models, technical debt, and "too many cooks" changing calculations, then contrast that with OneStream's unified platform: governed workflows, data quality checks, and extensible dimensionality that lets you plan and consolidate in one application. Dave unpacks why consolidation isn't just "aggregation," how to avoid fragmentation from bolt-ons, and what real governance looks like when actuals, planning, reporting, and AI all live together. Brought to you by Nova Advisory: a Diamond OneStream implementation partner helping finance teams simplify complexity and elevate performance. https://www.novaadvisory.com    

Welcome to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! This week, Ben Murray sits down with Albert Gozzi, the co-founder and CEO of Aleph, an innovative AI-driven FP&A platform transforming how finance teams operate. Originally from Argentina, Albert Gozzi shares his journey from Procter & Gamble to Bain, and later as a startup CFO, where he experienced firsthand the frustrations of spreadsheet-heavy workflows in finance. Together, they dive into the founding story of Aleph, its mission to streamline financial data and workflows, and how the company's AI-powered solutions are empowering finance and FP&A teams to work smarter and faster. In this episode, you'll get insider insights on Aleph's rapid fundraising journey—having recently closed a $30 million Series B and totaling $47 million to date. Albert Gozzi candidly discusses what investors look for at each funding round, the nuances of scaling go-to-market efforts, lessons learned from dozens of investor rejections, and why finding product-market fit is just the beginning. Plus, they uncover how Aleph's unique approach to implementation and pricing is winning fans among CFOs in mid-market and private-equity-backed businesses. If you want a behind-the-scenes look at building and scaling a modern SaaS finance platform, this is the episode for you. Tune in to hear the latest on Aleph's roadmap, practical advice for SaaS founders, and where the future of FP&A is headed. Show Notes: 00:00 "AI-Powered Financial Data Management" 03:59 "Flexible Platform for Mid-Market" 08:18 "Road to Series C" 11:01 "Importance of Market Repeatability" 16:19 "Fast Implementation Drives Success" 20:24 "CAC Payback: A Cautious Metric" 22:14 "Doubling Down on AI Advancements" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/aleph-raises-29-million-in-series-b Albert Gozzi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertgozzi/ Aleph's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getaleph/ Aleph's Website: https://www.getaleph.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode, I speak with Akhil Nigam, CoFounder at Finmo, and we answer the critical question: How can global businesses transform their fragmented treasury operations into unified, intelligent systems that drive growth?He shares insights on why SMEs deserve better treasury solutions, how real-time payment rails are transforming cash management, and why MO AI is becoming the intelligent co-pilot every finance team needs.

Caregiving is not an easy thing. It's paperwork, passwords, POAs, and the courage to say the hard things before the crisis hits. In this episode, we get real about the emotional and financial marathon of caring for aging parents, why women disproportionately shoulder the load, and exactly what to do now so your future self isn't rage-crying in probate court. Our guest, Beth Pinsker—MarketWatch financial-planning columnist, CFP®, and author of My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving—walks us through the must-have documents, the family conversations that actually prevent sibling warfare, and how to set boundaries when love meets logistics. (Yes, you can be loving and say “nope, that won't work.”) We cover: The caregiving reality check: why daughters so often become default CFOs of aging parents (and what to do about it). The legal minimums: power of attorney, healthcare proxy, will vs. trust, and when each one matters. Costly myths to ditch: “We'll figure it out later,” “It'll be obvious who does what,” and “We don't need it in writing.” Crisis-proofing your finances: automation, a single “pay-from” account, and creating a breadcrumb trail someone else can actually follow. End-of-life wishes: how to handle DNR/DNI and hospice decisions without guilt (clarity > chaos). If you're the money person: how to leave a map your family can use (and if you're not the money person, how to get up to speed—without becoming the household bookkeeper). Because love isn't just casseroles and hand-holding; sometimes it's signatures, spreadsheets, and setting your people up to survive the hardest days with clarity and dignity. Thank you to our sponsors! Get 20% off your first order at curehydration.com/WOMANSWORK with code WOMANSWORK — and if you get a post-purchase survey, mention you heard about Cure here to help support the show!  Connect with Beth: Website: https://bethpinsker.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/bethpinsker_ny  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpinsker  Related Podcast Episodes: How To Have A Good Death with Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN | 292 You Only Die Once with Jodi Wellman | 262 060 / Caring For An Aging Parent with Rayna Neises Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

"The best founders are constantly pitching – for customers, recruits, suppliers and capital."   In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, I speak to James Schofield, Founder of Insight Investor Relations, on Pitching your business, raising capital and winning investor trust.

When marketing and finance work in silos, growth stalls. But when the CMO and CFO operate as true partners? The business moves faster and decisions get smarter.In this conversation, Audrey Masset (Senior Director of Marketing) and Mark Beakhouse (CFO) at Wegrow share what it really takes to build a high-trust, co-owned relationship between marketing and finance, one that goes beyond budget approvals and into shared growth responsibility.→ Why marketing can no longer be seen as a cost center→ How CMOs earn credibility with CFOs (data, transparency & shared KPIs)→ The systems and dashboards that align sales, finance, and marketing→ Why long-term impact matters just as much as short-term pipeline→ The mindset shift marketing leaders must develop to drive revenueThis episode is essential for CMOs, CFOs, RevOps leaders, and anyone shaping go-to-market strategy inside a scaling business.

Are your deals taking longer to close lately? Economic uncertainty has created a perfect storm for B2B sellers. Deals that closed easily last year now stall indefinitely, buyers ghost after months of relationship building, and budget conversations end with requests for huge discounts.   The good news is that you're not doing anything wrong. However, the frustrating reality is that this pattern is playing out across industries as CFOs tighten their grip on every purchase decision, creating longer approval cycles and more complex buying committees.   If you want to stop getting ghosted and start closing deals again, this episode is your roadmap. Join Eleanor this week as she breaks down six data-backed economic insights that explain exactly why buyers are exercising extreme caution right now, and the four core strategies to keep your buyers buying through winter 2025/26.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://safimedia.co/WO74   Connect with Eleanor on LinkedIn or Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorbeaton/ https://www.instagram.com/eleanorbeaton/?hl=en

AI vendors are building infrastructure, companies are shedding jobs, and we're starting to witness the most rapid business transformation in centuries. In this podcast I look back on 2025 and show you where we are – with AI transformations, the job market, and the massive organizational changes in business. And I explain the Rise of the Superworker an its impact on you. New research by Wharton shows that AI optimism and adoption is increasing dramatically. For more details, join me next week for the webcast “2025 Market Trends: AI, HR, and What's Next for 2026.” This presentation summarizes our 2025 “Year of AI Emergence” and set the stage for our big 2026 Predictions which launches in January. Are you ready for the new job market and how your HR department will change? Here are the trends and what you can expect for the year ahead. Like this podcast? Rate us on Spotify or Apple or YouTube. Additional Information The Rise Of The Supermanager The Pivotal Role Of Chief HR Officer in AI Transformation Wharton Survey: AI Adoption and Optimism Is High BBC Finds That 45% of AI Queries Produce Erroneous Answers Galileo: The World's Trusted AI Agent for Everything HR Chapters (00:00:00) - The Future of AI and the Workforce(00:06:56) - Will the AI Increase Productivity?(00:09:33) - The transformation of work and the role of AI(00:10:57) - The future of the super-manager(00:13:47) - Top 10 issues for CFOs in 2021(00:16:41) - What's the future of HR?(00:18:37) - How Do I Transform HR around AI?(00:20:47) - The Skills of HR professionals in 2026

Implentio automates workflows between e-commerce merchants and their third-party logistics providers, starting with invoice reconciliation. The platform tackles a problem every scaled e-commerce brand faces: thousands of rows of billing data in CSVs paired with six-figure invoices that nobody has time to validate. In this episode of Category Visionaries, I sat down with Jason Bang, Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of Implentio, to explore how two decades running operations—from analyst to COO—led him to build what operations teams have never had: tools as sophisticated as what marketing has been using for years. Topics Discussed: The margin erosion hidden in 3PL invoicing and why operations teams can't afford to audit complex billing  Founder-led growth in tight-knit industry networks where everyone goes to the same trade shows  Partnership GTM with fractional CFOs, software providers, and 3PLs themselves  Building a personal brand as an anti-social-media operations leader  Why operations teams are creative problem solvers trapped in spreadsheets  The roadmap toward AI-powered operational intelligence that eliminates manual data work GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Industry networks unlock faster GTM than traditional outbound: Implentio's first customers came from Jason's 20-year operations network—direct texts to brand founders, warm intros to ops teams, relationships from the same trade shows and conferences. His approach eliminated typical B2B sales cycles by going straight to decision makers who already trusted him. For founders with deep industry tenure, exhausting warm networks before building cold outbound infrastructure delivers conversion velocity and cycle time advantages that justify founder time investment despite limited scale. Partner with companies who own your ICP's budget allocation: Implentio partnered with fractional CFOs who control purchasing decisions and immediately understand ROI. Jason explained their appeal: "They see the numbers, they understand the numbers. So I show them an ROI and they're like, boom, no brainer." The framework: identify which third parties influence or control budget decisions in your category, then build rev-share referral programs. Mapping your buyer's external advisors and service providers can shortcut enterprise sales cycles. Turn industry incumbents into distribution partners by solving their client problems: Despite addressing 3PL billing issues, Implentio positioned 3PLs as partners rather than adversaries. Jason's philosophy: "I'm not a 3PL adversary. I actually love 3PLs. I think they serve an important need." Implentio offers 3PLs a value-add service for their merchant clients while gaining direct customer access. The framework works when you solve what incumbents are contractually responsible for but operationally struggle to deliver, without competing for their core revenue. Pre-qualify partnership ROI using your own customer economics: Implentio learned that partner enthusiasm doesn't correlate with lead quality. Jason's example: "That $50 million brand might have $1,000 AOV. And so the number of transactions and shipments they're doing, there's just not enough there for there to be a good ROI on our solution." Implentio now evaluates partner customer lists against specific transaction volume thresholds before investing in relationships. Document minimum viable customer criteria and require partners to verify their portfolio meets those thresholds to prevent pipeline pollution. Subject matter expertise scales through teaching, not content production: Jason built Implentio's founder brand despite having no Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, using one principle: "Knowledge is only good if you transfer it and you pass it on." He prioritizes teaching operations concepts over polished content, measuring success by whether someone learns something valuable regardless of conversion. His insight: "If I can teach somebody something, that's a win for me. Even if they don't sign up for my platform." Sophisticated buyers assess expertise through insight depth, not posting frequency. Wedge entry with acute universal pain, then expand horizontally: Jason's long-term vision is "COO in a box"—comprehensive operational intelligence spanning supply chain, fulfillment, and customer service. But Implentio launched with 3PL invoice reconciliation because every scaled e-commerce brand outsources fulfillment and struggles with billing validation. The wedge criteria: universal problem (every target customer has it), acute pain (directly impacts margin), and immediate ROI (quantifiable savings exceed platform cost). Once embedded in the finance workflow, Implentio can expand into adjacent operational data problems without re-selling the value of centralized ops intelligence. // Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM

AI promises efficiency, automation, and smarter decision-making, but for large enterprises, the journey is far more complex than simply adopting the latest tool. In this episode of The CFO Show, Rajat Bahri, CFO of Icertis, joins host Melissa Howatson to explore how enterprise finance teams can harness AI to drive transformation. With experience leading finance at global organizations, Rajat shares insights on how CFOs can balance innovation with governance, turn AI into actionable insights and lead change across complex data and system landscapes. He also delves into how trust, data accuracy and integration are shaping the next chapter of enterprise finance, and why CFOs must lead from the top to unlock AI's full potential. Discussed in This Episode: How enterprise finance can leverage AI for smarter, faster decision-making The difference between AI adoption in startups and large organizations Overcoming legacy systems and data fragmentation challenges Building trust, accuracy and responsible AI practices How CFOs can upskill teams and set the tone from the topFor CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

AI has completely changed the rules of marketing, and finance can't afford to play catch-up. Workiva's VP of Revenue Marketing, Joel Capperella, joins Steve Soter to unpack how AI is reshaping data, trust, and decision-making across the business. As progression analysis evolves and web traffic declines, traditional forecasting and investment models are losing their edge. This episode breaks down what modern finance and marketing leaders must do to keep pace. You'll learn: Why the old CFO-CMO disconnect is no longer sustainable How AI's data disruption is forcing a new model of collaboration Why credibility and transparency are now the most valuable data currencies What separates a caretaker CFO from a truly transformative one Watch the full episode for practical insights on data trust, financial transformation, and redefining success in the age of AI.
00:00 Introduction 01:14 Rewriting the Marketing Playbook with AI 02:42 The Changing Role of CFOs in the AI Era 06:25 The Future of Marketing and Finance Collaboration 10:14 Closing Thoughts 

Five years ago, a CFO's main focus was cutting costs and boosting efficiency, but that conversation has dramatically shifted, with artificial intelligence (AI) now topping the priority list. In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Balance Sheets, host Mike Whitmire sits down with Andrew Moses, Associate Director at Cross Country Consulting, to dive into the evolving role of the modern CFO and the urgent need to adopt AI.They'll unpack why AI is no longer a "nice to have," but an essential budget item. You'll learn:How finance leaders can overcome the challenge of implementing AI, especially when general-purpose tools like Copilot and Python fall short for accounting-specific tasks.The critical difference between general-purpose and purpose-built AI solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing accounting systems.How to view AI as an investment not just in technology, but in your people.This discussion will provide a clear path for companies to effectively and easily adopt solutions purpose-built for the accounting function, making AI a practical reality.

Note:This episode is a pod swap from The Diary of a CFO. We're sharing it here to help you discover another excellent show in the finance leadership space. All content belongs to the original podcast and host Wassia Kamon.In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, Wassia Kamon sits down with Paul S. Young, EVP and CFO at Liberty Bank, to uncover what modern finance leadership looks like in an era of rapid transformation. With decades of experience across institutions like TD Bank, Citizens Bank, and Siemens, Paul shares how CFOs can lead with purpose by aligning strategy, driving innovation, and cultivating future-ready talent. From intelligent automation to authentic leadership, this episode offers a comprehensive framework for CFOs navigating complexity at scale.Paul S. Young is the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Liberty Bank, the oldest and largest independent mutual bank in the U.S. With over 25 years of experience spanning finance, digital transformation, and strategy, Paul is a respected leader in shaping the future of finance. He serves on the AICPA Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group and the AICPA Council, helping steer the next generation of financial professionals.Expect to LearnHow Liberty Bank integrates strategic planning into its budgeting cycle for real impactWhy creating a Business Transformation Office and EPMO was a game-changerWhere AI and intelligent automation fit in the finance function, without losing the human touchHow finance apprenticeship and rotational programs are developing future leadersPaul's leadership philosophy is rooted in authenticity, gratitude, and work-life balanceHere are a few quotes from the episode:“You prepare for this all your life. Have the courage of your convictions and don't be afraid to fail.” – Paul S. Young“AI won't replace people, but it will replace the people who don't embrace AI.” – Paul YoungConnect with Guest Paul S. YoungLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pyoungcpa/ Liberty Bank: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liberty-bankct/ Liberty Bank (Website): https://www.liberty-bank.com/ AICPA Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group: https://www.aicpa-cima.comConnect with Host Wassia Kamon onLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wassiakamon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wassiakamon/Connect with The Diary of a CFO Podcast onLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-diary-of-a-cfo-podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thediaryofacfopodcast/featuredWebsite: https://www.thediaryofacfo.com X (Twitter):

How do you prove CPQ value in CFO terms—not hype? In this episode, Cameron Marsh, Analyst at Nucleus Research, breaks down how their ROI Case Study and Value Matrix quantify CPQ outcomes customers feel every day: faster quote cycles, higher throughput with the same team, better margins from pricing, and fewer back-and-forth revisions thanks to visualization. We also dig into why data quality—not model magic—decides CPQ AI success, and where channel vs. direct CPQ returns really land. Key Takeaways: Quantifying ROI like a CFO: Nucleus standardizes benefits into save time, save money, make more money—and they're NASBA-certified in how they measure value. Quote Cycle Efficiency: Typical improvements of 60–80%—from hours to minutes—plus 20–30% more quote throughput with the same headcount. Pricing > Cross/Upsell: Price optimization usually creates more value than cross/upsell alone by protecting margin. Payback Windows: Average CPQ payback in 9–12 months; channel CPQ often sees faster first-year payback, while direct CPQ compounds larger value longer-term. What's Beating AI (for now): Visualization (≈ 25% reduction in quote revisions), Deal Desk Automation (≈ 85% reduction in manual review time), and eSignature are delivering immediate, measurable wins. AI's Real Bottleneck: Inconsistent rules, outdated/fragmented price lists, and weak integrations. Bad data = bad outputs. Market View: Strongest traction in North America enterprise, with growing momentum across Europe and APAC. Vendor Advice: Lead with customer value and usability, not feature lists.

Most entrepreneurs think hiring a Chief Financial Officer is only for big corporations, but that could not be further from the truth. Many small businesses are losing massive profits simply because they don't truly know their numbers. What if you could hire a part-time CFO to help you see what's really driving profit, cash flow, and scalability—without the full-time salary? In this episode, we sit down with Heather Parsons, a former Big Four accountant turned real estate investor and founder of a fractional CFO firm, to break down exactly what that means for founders and investors. Heather explains how most business owners rely on bookkeepers who look backward, while CFOs help you look forward—building dashboards, forecasts, and cash flow systems that lead to smarter decisions and consistent growth. You'll learn when to bring one in, how to know if you're ready, what it costs, and how this role can transform your business from reactive to proactive. If you're making money but still feel stuck in the weeds, guessing your numbers, or scaling without clarity, this conversation will show you how a fractional CFO can turn chaos into confidence and give you the financial control you've been missing. Book your mentorship discovery call with Cory RESOURCES

In this special episode of CFO Thought Leader—the first of three produced in collaboration with The Suite, Shaun Sethna (General Counsel and GM for the L Suite) maps where CFOs and GCs misjudge contract risk and how to collaborate effectively. He spotlights “locked-in” deals that still enable termination via vague clauses or missing notice-and-cure. Start with strategy alignment, then cross-train—mini finance for lawyers, mini legal for CFOs—and empower teams to escalate wisely. He urges adopting AI to summarize agreements, surface obligations, and route risks. Looking ahead, he flags AI agents as SaaS “users,” which could upend seat-based pricing. He closes with an M&A example where mutual fluency let GC and CFO catch material misses.• Align strategy first; contracts follow business intent.• Cross-train teams to spot each other's risks.• Adopt AI to illuminate obligations and exposure.

Marketing in the financial industry can feel way more complicated than it needs to be. There are so many voices telling you what you “should” be doing, but most of them don't actually understand the unique needs of accountants, CPAs, CFOs, and financial firms. I'm sharing three common marketing myths that are making financial pros feel overwhelmed, overworked, and burnt out; and what to do instead to simplify your strategy without sacrificing results.   In this episode I chat about:   ✨ Why trying to show up on every platform is watering down your message ✨ How to choose the right platform based on where your clients actually are ✨ Why stiff, overly “corporate” content is costing you trust and connection ✨ How showing more of your personality builds real credibility ✨ Why more content ≠ better marketing (and what to focus on instead) If marketing has started to feel like a second full-time job, this one's for you.     Book a 1:1 Marketing Clarity Session Need personalized clarity on your content, platform, or messaging? I now offer One Problem → One Solution consultations for $147 and you walk away with a simple, customized one-page marketing action plan. Book Here:  https:/beesimplified.com     Let's Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancamarissasmith/  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/beesimplified.com

Today, we're exploring one of banking's most vital yet often overlooked functions: corporate banking account analysis. Though it might not seem glamorous, this is where billions of dollars in revenue are gained or lost, and where the gap between a loyal corporate client and a frustrated one is often decided. Joining us on the Banking Transformed podcast is Dan Gill, Industry Analyst at Zafin, an AI-powered banking platform that's revolutionizing how banks handle pricing, billing, and customer relationships. In a time when corporate clients demand transparency and banks face challenges with legacy systems and scattered data, the account analysis function has become a key strategic area. We'll explore how modern AI and unified data platforms are addressing long-standing issues, including revenue loss, manual fee calculations, and unclear reporting that frustrates CFOs. Whether you're in banking, fintech, or simply interested in how corporate finance operates behind the scenes, this conversation will reveal the significant transformation underway in this field. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by Zafin Zafin's Loyalty Rewards capability helps banks deepen customer engagement by rewarding behaviors across the entire banking journey, not just their transactions and spends. It offers behavior-based incentives, flexible point strategies, and personalized rewards, moving beyond traditional spend-based models. With seamless integration and real-time analytics, banks can optimize loyalty programs to enhance customer lifetime value and drive sustainable growth. Visit https://zafin.com/insights/banking-blueprints/?videos

Join host Adam Larson for a lively conversation with entrepreneur, speaker, author, and president of VisionEdge Marketing, Laura Paterson. Drawing on decades of experience, Laura shares her practical wisdom on building stronger partnerships between marketing and finance in today's data-driven organizations. Discover why learning to speak each other's language and focusing on real business outcomes rather than budget line items leads to smarter decisions and meaningful growth. Laura breaks down common traps like “random acts” of marketing, reveals how aligning around purpose improves performance, and gives actionable advice for CFOs and finance leaders who want to genuinely connect with their marketing counterparts. With real-world stories and plenty of energy, Laura discusses the transformative power of customer-centric strategies and outcome-based budgeting, all while highlighting the importance of using data for insight, not just information. Perfect for anyone in marketing, finance, or leadership, this episode is packed with fresh ideas and relatable anecdotes that will inspire collaboration and drive success. If you're ready to move from transaction to strategy and make a real impact. Don't miss this engaging conversation.

Brandon Weber, Co-founder & CEO of Nava Benefits, joined us on The Modern People Leader.We talked about why benefits have become the second-largest company expense — and how HR can “moneyball” their healthcare spend, cut down on benefits-related admin work, and deliver better employee outcomes through the emerging “alt marketplace.”---- Nava Links:

You have about ten seconds to grab a prospect's attention on LinkedIn. If you're spending more time scrolling than positioning yourself as a thought leader, you're not using your profile to its full potential. Here's how to turn it into the perfect “first discovery call.”Profile Positioning· If you go back to episodes 1941 and 1088 with Brynne Tillman, you'll hear her explain why it's time to move past the resume mentality.· Your profile is prime real estate. Start with a compelling banner that clearly shows who you help and how. Use a professional, up-to-date photo, and try LinkedIn's name pronunciation feature to add a personal touch.Headline & About Section· Craft a headline that's punchy and credibility-building—skip the job title and highlight the value you deliver.· In your About section, speak directly to your ideal client's pain points. Use storytelling and short testimonials to build trust and connection.Target and Engage· Create micro-lists for targeted outreach—CFOs, CEOs, COOs—so you can personalize your messaging around real problems.· Before pitching a meeting, engage thoughtfully with your prospects' posts to build rapport and show genuine interest in their needs.Homework Challenge· Update your banner, headline, and profile photo. Rewrite your About section to focus on the problems you solve, and build a micro-list of prospects. · Also, don't forget about using my LinkedIn Sales Navigator trial to jump-start your outreach.“Your profile needs to be a lead-generating tool. It needs to attract prospects; they need to see it. And within five seconds, know what you have to offer.” - Donald Kelly.ResourcesIf you want to try LinkedIn Sales Navigator, start your 60-day trial here. My LinkedIn Prospecting Course will show you exactly how to start attracting more prospects right away. And don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn!Sponsorship Offers1. This episode is brought to you in part by Hubspot.With HubSpot sales hubs, your data tools and teams join a single platform to close deals and turn prospects into pipelines. Try it for yourself at hubspot.com/sales.2. This episode is brought to you in part by LinkedIn.Are you tired of prospective clients not responding to your emails? Sign up for a free 60-day trial of LinkedIn Sales Navigator at linkedin.com/tse.3. This episode is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Foundation.Improve your connection on LinkedIn and land three or five appointments with our LinkedIn prospecting course. Go to the salesevangelist.com/linkedin.CreditsAs one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: