Podcasts about cfos

As he nears the end of his first 100 days at Nintex, Burt Chao is doing something many new CFOs resist: listening more than talking. Understanding the business, its people, and its real growth potential comes before dashboards or directives, he tells us.Chao describes Nintex as a company with a “long and rich history” of helping organizations automate mission-critical work, but one now entering a new season. That evolution centers on orchestration—whether AI-enabled, agent-based, or rooted in RPA—while remaining clear-eyed about identity. Nintex, he explains, will not “become an AI company.” Instead, it aims to help customers leverage AI deliberately, embedding it where it strengthens the foundation of their operations, he tells us.That emphasis on fundamentals shows up quickly in how Chao evaluates performance. In today's environment, “there's no more important number than growth,” he tells us. Margins, profitability, and even rule-of-40 metrics only make sense once leadership understands what growth is possible and how it can be accelerated. Benchmarks matter, but only as tools; every business must be understood on its own terms, he tells us.That discipline has shaped some of the most challenging moments of his career. Chao recalls “shrink to grow” decisions—walking away from investments that still produced revenue but no longer delivered the best return. Those moments are rarely spreadsheet problems alone. They are emotional, cultural, and deeply human, requiring influence rather than authority, he tells us. For Chao, that balance—grounding strategy in numbers while leading people through change—defines the modern CFO role.

"There is value in being able to articulate the qualitative value of sustainability…And yes, obviously revenues can be attached to that, but obviously just the opportunity to open up new markets more broadly and innovate…There's the risk and compliance component, which tend to be more easy to actually quantify. And then there's the brand reputation…So you can make the case qualitatively in any of those three areas…There's this movement from morality to materiality now that CFOs are involved…We actually take that all the way to the financial statements, to the balance sheet, to the profit and loss statement, and identify those specific line items where there could be savings or synergies or increases." Maura Hodge on Electric Ladies Podcast   Companies have to focus on long-term value and returns, and a recent report by KPMG found that 88% of them say sustainability creates both. They also see it as a competitive advantage. Why? Listen to Maura Hodge, Chief Sustainability Officer of global management consulting and accounting firm KPMG in this enlightening conversation with Electric Ladies Podcast host Joan Michelson.   You'll hear about: ●        How companies see sustainability as a competitive advantage. ●        How sustainability and ESG initiatives drive return on investment and long-term value. ●        Why CFO's are on board with ESG, as both a risk mitigation and revenue driver. ●        What companies can do to make progress themselves. ●        Plus, career advice, such as:   "My experience has been looking for those opportunities of new area growth, innovation. Of course, there's risk. There's going to be risk when you move into those areas…I actually pivoted and started working with venture capital backed life sciences companies…then I got to come back to sustainability after that. …I think keeping your eyes open, keeping your ears open, developing your network, and being willing to make those changes and taking those pivots in your career will pay off….(And) the way that you get ahead is actually sometimes by taking two steps back. And so, it's more of a step up, plateau, then maybe take a step down and then start moving up again. And that's how you kind of break into the next level." Maura Hodge on Electric Ladies Podcast   Read Joan's Forbes article on Maura's panel at the Workiva conference here, and her Joan's other Forbes articles here.   You'll also like: ·       Business Leaders Bridging the Climate Gap – Joan's panel at The Earth Day Women's Summit 2025 with four top business leaders. ·       Sustainable Business Is Good Business – Tensie Whelan, Founding Director, NYU  Stern School of Sustainable Business. ·        Leveraging AI for Sustainability – Mandi McReynolds, VP of External Affairs & Chief Sustainability Office at Workiva ·       The Politics of Climate & Energy – with Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, Co-Chair, Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus ·       6 Ways Sustainability Can Help Businesses Navigate Tough Times and Drive Growth – From Workiva, KPMG and NYU   Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.   Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

Ready for a fresh take on career transitions in finance? Tune into this engaging conversation with Steve McNally, a seasoned CFO and former global chair, as he sits down with Adam Larson to share real-world insights on what it takes to navigate change and earn your seat at the table. From jumping between Fortune 500 giants and small businesses to adapting to new roles and industries, Steve brings practical advice and lively stories—think learning operations on the factory floor and being the right-hand to the CEO. Discover why being inquisitive, building strong relationships, and developing real business acumen are essential for success. Plus, hear how staying curious and learning continuously keeps leaders ahead in a fast-moving world. Whether you're thinking about your next move or just want to hear what it's really like behind the scenes, this episode packs in thoughtful tips and inspiration for every finance professional. Don't miss it! ___________________________________________________________BILL is a leading financial operations platform for startups to established brands. Headquartered in San Jose, California, we're a trusted partner of leading US financial institutions, accounting firms, and accounting software providers. We empower business owners, CFOs, controllers, and accountants to save time and take control of their payables, receivables, spend, and expense management. For more information, visit bill.com.

Katie Jones, EVP of Marketing Operations at PathFactory explains how PathFactory personalizes content delivery for buyers, allowing them to navigate their purchasing journey without traditional barriers like content gating. The discussion highlights significant changes in B2B marketing over the past four years, particularly the advancements in AI capabilities. Katie emphasizes the importance of focusing on pipeline generation rather than traditional lead metrics and the necessity of building strong relationships with sales teams and CFOs to measure marketing success effectively.   About PathFactory Providing the right content to the right individuals at the right time has become essential to enabling B2B teams to hit revenue targets. PathFactory is a content intelligence and personalization platform that enables B2B marketers to create personalized content experiences for both accounts and individual buyers. With PathFactory, go-to-market teams access the industry's deepest and most detailed content engagement analytics to track buyer and content engagement throughout the entire buyer journey.   About Katie Jones Katie Jones is the EVP of Marketing and Operations at PathFactory, responsible for leading the company's marketing strategy and operational execution with a clear focus on pipeline and revenue impact. With more than eight years at PathFactory, she has built and scaled a strong marketing organization grounded in data, personalization, and buyer-centric experiences. Katie lives outside Toronto with her husband, two daughters, and their dog, Hank.   Time Stamps 00:00:17 - Guest Introduction: Katie Jones from PathFactory 00:01:50 - Overview of PathFactory's Services 00:05:43 - Addressing AI Concerns: Hallucinations and Accuracy 00:12:37 - Measuring Performance and Overcoming Delays 00:15:41 - Shifting Towards B2C Marketing Strategies 00:18:50 - Future Trends: The Evolution of Websites 00:21:55 - Key Marketing Advice for Success   Quotes ""You need to build a really strong relationship with your CFO. If your CFO doesn't understand the strategy and the way that you're going to market... then you're never going to be successful in your company." Katie Jones, EVP of Marketing Operations at PathFactory. "You need to really understand your product and how that drives the strategy of the company. If you don't understand your product, you can't market it." Katie Jones, EVP of Marketing Operations at PathFactory. "Understanding the product is huge in order to grow. Tools will keep changing, but the strategy in which your business is built on is the thing that will endure." Katie Jones, EVP of Marketing Operations at PathFactory.   Follow Katie: Katie Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-jones-0188a12a/ PathFactory website: https://www.pathfactory.com/ PathFactory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathfactory/   Follow Mike: Mike Maynard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemaynard/ Napier website: https://www.napierb2b.com/ Napier LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/napier-partnership-limited/   If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to our podcast for more discussions about the latest in Marketing B2B Tech and connect with us on social media to stay updated on upcoming episodes. We'd also appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Want more? Check out Napier's other podcast - The Marketing Automation Moment: https://podcasts.apple.com/ua/podcast/the-marketing-automation-moment-podcast/id1659211547

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Dan Griggs, CFO of Intercom, to break down how finance leaders should think about pricing, forecasting, and resource allocation in the AI era. Dan explains why “it's not zero” is his guiding forecasting principle, how Intercom landed on 99 cents per AI resolution for Fin, and what it means to build an AI product that could eventually cannibalize a successful SaaS core. A candid look at managing uncertainty while still making bold bets.—SPONSORS:Brex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metricsMetronome 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.comRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for modern pricing models like usage-based pricing, bundles, and mid-cycle upgrades. RightRev lets companies scale monetization without slowing down close or compliance. For RevRec that keeps growth moving, visit https://www.rightrev.comRillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjTabs is an AI-native revenue platform that unifies billing, collections, and revenue recognition for companies running usage-based or complex contracts. By bringing together ERP, CRM, and real product usage data into a single system of record, Tabs eliminates manual reconciliations and speeds up close and cash collection. Companies like Cortex, Statsig, and Cursor trust Tabs to scale revenue efficiently. Learn more at https://www.tabs.com/runAbacum is a modern FP&A platform built by former CFOs to replace slow, consultant-heavy planning tools. With self-service integrations and AI-powered workflows for forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario modeling, Abacum helps finance teams scale without becoming software admins. Trusted by teams at Strava, Replit, and JG Wentworth—learn more at https://www.abacum.ai—LINKS:Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-griggs-0970181/Intercom: https://www.intercom.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:Inside Rocket Companies: M&A, Metrics, and Mortgage Moats | Brian Brownhttps://youtu.be/ttedn4AULt8—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Cold Open00:01:03 Intro to Dan Griggs and Intercom's AI Pivot00:02:45 From Ice Cream to SaaS: Early Finance Lessons00:04:19 Learning the Business by Living the Operations00:06:26 Why Operational Reality Shapes Better Forecasts00:08:00 “It's Not Zero”: Forecasting the Unknowable00:10:09 Scenario Planning, Ambiguity, and Psychological Safety00:11:23 Sponsors — Brex | Metronome | RightRev00:14:43 Keeping a Mental Model of Key Business Metrics00:16:15 Using Mental Math to Sanity-Check Forecasts00:17:28 Core Ratios Every CFO Uses to Vet Decisions00:19:13 The Burn-the-Boats Moment for Intercom's AI Pivot00:20:53 Why AI Was an Existential, Not Incremental, Bet00:22:21 Which SaaS Categories AI Can Fully Replace Work00:23:04 Why Finance Hasn't Had Its AI Moment Yet00:23:39 Sponsors — Rillet | Tabs | Abacum00:27:05 Why Fin Needed Outcome-Based Pricing00:28:59 The Tradeoff Behind $0.99 Per Resolution00:30:46 Why Support Conversations Vary in Complexity00:32:01 What Drives the Unit Economics of AI Resolutions00:33:08 How Intercom Chooses Models as Costs Fall00:35:19 Replacing Generic LLMs With Domain-Specific Models00:36:08 Selling an AI Product That Could Cannibalize the Core00:38:50 Founder CEOs Versus Professional CEOs00:41:47 Hiring Mistakes and Acting on Instincts00:44:28 Intercom's Finance Software Stack00:45:49 The Craziest Expense Request#RunTheNumbersPodcast #Intercom #AICustomerSupport #OutcomeBasedPricing #CFOInsights 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

Kristina Hooper reviews the latest economic data and earnings. She notes that according to a recent survey, many CFOs are not seeing return on AI capex, which could signal a potential slowdown in adoption and spending. She thinks that's behind Microsoft's (MSFT) drop today. “A lot of her thesis” for markets rests on valuations, which are stretched in the U.S. Abroad, increased spending from the EU provides opportunities. She's also “excited” about Asian emerging markets.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

This special episode of CFO Thought Leader explores how finance leaders develop not through authority or technical brilliance, but through moments that reveal emotional intelligence. Drawing on recent conversations with Kevin Rubin, Toby Driver, and Bruce Schuman, the episode highlights a consistent pattern: leadership is forged through judgment, empathy, and self-awareness when stakes are high and answers unclear. Structured in two parts, the episode first examines formative moments that reshaped how CFOs think, featuring Shelagh Glaser, John McCauley, and Joe Euteneuer. It then shows how those lessons are applied in practice—through difficult decisions, organizational change, and trust-based leadership under real pressure.

aiOla is pioneering speech-to-data technology that transforms unstructured speech into actionable data for enterprise operations. As a serial entrepreneur on his sixth startup, Co-Founder Amir Haramaty built aiOla after witnessing firsthand how traditional AI implementations fail to deliver ROI in enterprise settings. The company has developed proprietary technology that achieves near-100% accuracy in challenging environments with heavy jargon, multiple languages, and difficult acoustics. With strategic investors including a major airline and partnerships with Nvidia, Accenture, and USG, aiOla is addressing the fundamental challenge that 95% of enterprise AI pilots fail to show value by focusing on immediate, measurable ROI through speech-based data capture. Topics Discussed: The genesis of aiOla from consulting work revealing AI's implementation gaps in traditional enterprises Solving the triple challenge of speech recognition: accuracy in jargon-heavy environments, separating signal from noise, and converting speech to structured workflow data aiOla's "jargonic" approach: creating hyper-personalized language models for specific processes without retraining Early customer acquisition through serendipitous encounters and demonstrating immediate ROI Vertical expansion strategy from food manufacturing to aviation, travel, hospitality, and retail Channel partnership strategy refined from previous startups to achieve scale The shift from convincing customers about speech technology to being pulled into diverse use cases Building the aiOla Intelligate orchestration layer to dynamically select optimal speech recognition models GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Make CFOs your best friend, not IT departments: Amir explicitly targets CFOs rather than IT as primary buyers because "it doesn't matter how small or big you are, you still have to do more with less." While IT serves as facilitators, CFOs control budgets focused on operational efficiency and ROI. B2B founders should identify which executive truly owns the pain point and budget authority, even if IT will implement the solution. Deploy capital strategically to remove obstacles before they emerge: aiOla convinced their airline investor to provide working capital specifically to fund POCs for prospects without existing budgets. This eliminated the "we don't have pilot budget" objection before it arose. B2B founders should proactively identify and neutralize common barriers in their sales process, whether through creative deal structures, proof-of-concept funding, or implementation support. Prioritize instant ROI over long-term transformation promises: Amir explicitly avoids "digital transformation" conversations, instead selecting use cases delivering "biggest impact within shortest period of time with minimum obstacle possible." The airline baggage tracking example saved 110,000 hours immediately, creating momentum for expansion. B2B founders should resist selling comprehensive transformation and instead identify narrow use cases with quantifiable, rapid returns that create internal champions. Replicate proven use cases across customers rather than customizing: Once aiOla achieved success with specific applications like CRM data entry or pre-op inspections, they "stop, print, replicate" rather than reinventing for each customer. This approach reduced a two-hour inspection process to 34 minutes in food manufacturing, then replicated across industries. B2B founders should document successful implementations as repeatable playbooks and resist the urge to over-customize for each prospect. Channel success requires speaking the partner's economic language: When working with telcos, Amir demonstrated that his solution increased ARPU by 34% and reduced churn by 17%—the only two metrics telcos prioritize. He built predictable models showing exactly how many units each channel rep would sell by geography. B2B founders pursuing channel strategies must translate their value proposition into the specific KPIs that drive partner economics and compensation. // 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

Student privacy is no longer a background issue — it's a front-line leadership challenge.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Amelia Vance, President of the Public Interest Privacy Center, to unpack the rapidly changing student privacy landscape.They explore the patchwork of federal and state privacy laws, recent enforcement actions, growing scrutiny of AI and edtech, and rising parental concerns about data collection and consent. Amelia also shares practical guidance for CFOs and school business officials on managing risk, evaluating technology, and communicating transparently with their communities.This episode offers timely insights for leaders navigating technology decisions in an era of heightened accountability and public trust.Contact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...

In this episode of Next in Media, I sit down with Kiri Masters, host of the Retail Media Breakfast Club podcast, to explore the biggest shifts happening in retail media advertising. We dive into the recent announcement about ads coming to ChatGPT and what that means for brands trying to meet consumers where they are. Kiri shares her perspective on whether AI-powered shopping will truly disrupt the retail media landscape - and why she's optimistic that LLM-based ads could actually be more relevant and less annoying than traditional formats. We also unpack the Walmart-Google partnership and discuss what it signals about the future of conversational commerce.Beyond the AI conversation, we tackle some of the industry's most pressing questions. Will we see consolidation in retail media networks this year? Can shoppable TV finally gain traction? And what happens when offsite retail media faces competition from platforms with their own transactional data? Kiri brings both historical context - including a fascinating story about Piggly Wiggly's self-service revolution - and forward-looking insights about how brands and retailers need to collaborate differently. Whether you're a marketer navigating this space or just curious about where AI and commerce intersect, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what's real, what's hype, and what's coming next._______________________________________________Key Highlights 

In this Paymode-focused episode, host Paul McMeekin sits down with Solitaire Moffett, Director of Implementations at Bottomline, to explore best practices for seamless client onboarding. From engaging the right stakeholders early to overcoming common pitfalls like testing fatigue and resource constraints, Solitaire shares actionable insights and success stories that highlight why preparation and communication are key. Plus, hear her advice for CFOs and treasurers on accelerating the shift to electronic payments.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Michael Gao, Chief Executive Officer of Smarter Technology, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping revenue cycle operations in healthcare. Together, they dig into Smarter Technology's vision and the practical ways AI can help provider organizations better capture the full value of the care they deliver. Michael shares why the revenue cycle is overdue for improvement, how moving from physical to digital workflows can unlock meaningful gains, and what real-world ROI looks like when AI is applied thoughtfully. In this episode, they also talk about:Smarter Technology's vision for using AI in healthcareWhy the revenue cycle needs modernizationMoving from manual and physical processes to digital workflowsWhat ROI looks like when AI is applied to revenue cycle operationsKeeping human oversight where it matters mostCommon documentation and workflow challenges Smarter Technology helps addressAdvice for CFOs considering AI solutionsA Little About Michael:Mike is CEO of Smarter Technologies. He co-founded SmarterDx after discovering that hospitals were leaving significant revenue and quality opportunities on the table while he was leading AI at New York-Presbyterian. Prior to SmarterDx, Mike was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell and Medical Director for Transformation for New York-Presbyterian. He completed his BS at the University of California, Los Angeles, his MD at the University of Michigan, and his Internal Medicine Residency and Silverman Fellowship for Healthcare Innovation at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell.

Real-time reporting promises faster decisions, but without trusted and governed data, speed can become a liability. John Hagerty, Distinguished Analyst at Dresner Advisory Services, joins Melissa Howatson to unpack what it really takes to achieve data mastery in modern finance organizations. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience across enterprise performance management, business intelligence and analytics, John explains why data governance is no longer an IT problem, it's a business imperative. In this conversation John shares why finance can't operate in data silos, how CFOs and CIOs must evolve into true partners, and why analytics only deliver value when built on consistent definitions, shared responsibility and clean data foundations. From centers of excellence and data stewardship to AI adoption and real-time decision-making, this episode offers a practical roadmap for finance leaders looking to turn data into a strategic advantage. Discussed in this episode: • Why real-time analytics fail without trusted data • Data governance as a shared enterprise responsibility • The evolving CFO–CIO partnership • Centers of excellence vs. data stewardship (and why you need both)For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Show Notes: Jason Baumgarten is a partner at Spencer Stuart where he is also the global head and CEO of board practice. He assists businesses in all sectors to identify and evaluate CEOs who motivate senior leadership teams to reach their full potential. Additionally, he assists boards with CEO succession planning, director recruitment, and identifying future leaders.  How to Join a For-profit Board Jason talks about the range of roles on a board and the specific roles a board might be looking to fill. He explains that the specificity of board roles varies based on the scale and maturity of the organization, using a real example of a board search he is currently involved in. Jason discusses how sophisticated boards often have specific requirements for board members, such as industry experience, geographic expertise, and specific skill sets. Identifying and Defining Board Roles When asked about the various categories of board roles, such as finance, data analytics, and HR, Jason explains that the most common request is for recently or actively retired CEOs, followed by CFOs with specific finance experience. He  highlights the importance of understanding the nature and type of business the company is in, such as regulated industries, capital-light businesses, or capital-heavy businesses. Board Member Etiquette Jason outlines the main drivers for wanting to be on a board: prestige and the desire to be helpful. He explains the concept of "noses in, fingers out" in governance, emphasizing the importance of board members being helpful but not overly involved. He also discusses the range of compensation for board members, from stipends to significant annual fees, and advises against depending on board compensation as a primary source of income.  He stresses the importance of being willing to fire oneself from a board to provide objective advice to the CEO. The Reality of Joining a Board for Management Consultants Jason advises not to limit aspirations and suggests using a simple litmus test: "if the company wouldn't hire you as a top executive, they probably won't consider you for a board role." He explains the importance of nonprofit boards, both fundraising and operating boards, and how they can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities. Jason discusses the potential for board roles in small private companies, large private companies, and public companies, emphasizing the importance of regional connections and unique experiences. The Role of Executive Search Firms in Board Recruitment Jason explains that search firms are often involved in board searches for public or pre-IPO companies and large private equity firms. He advises building relationships with search firms and being responsive and helpful when they reach out for market intelligence or advisory work. Jason also shares the importance of having a network of firms that work in your industry or location and how advisory work can lead to board opportunities. How Boards Vet Prospective Members The conversation turns to the process of being vetted and evaluated for a board role, including interviews, background checks, and social media history. Jason explains that some  boards generally recruit with a lighter touch than other roles, but private equity and regulated boards may conduct more thorough diligence. He advises candidates to ask about the board's process, including the last board member hired and the steps involved in the recruitment process. He also emphasizes the importance of meeting all board members and ensuring a good fit in terms of personality and interests. The Commitment Reality of Being on the Board Jason talks about the typical time commitment for board members, including meetings, committee calls, and ad hoc time with the CEO. He explains the importance of understanding the size of board decks and the amount of preparation required for each meeting. Jason also advises candidates to be patient and persistent, as the process of getting on a board can take years and is often unpredictable. Identifying Risks to Board Members When asked about the risks involved in accepting a board position and the importance of D&O insurance, Jason recommends consulting with a D&O insurance broker to understand the market and ensure appropriate coverage. He advises candidates to be aware of any litigation or regulatory risks associated with the board and to seek legal advice if necessary. Jason also emphasizes the importance of understanding the board's D&O policy and ensuring that board members are covered appropriately. Final Thoughts and Advice Jason reiterates the importance of understanding the time commitment and potential disruptions that can arise. He advises candidates to be patient and persistent, as the process of getting on a board can take years. Jason shares a story about a former CISO who became a sought-after board member, illustrating the unpredictability of the process and the importance of perseverance. Timestamps: 02:18: Types of Board Roles and Common Requests 05:29: Benefits of Being on a Board  08:08: Levels of Boards and Aspirations  15:24: Search Firms and Board Recruitment Processes  32:38: The Board Recruitment Process 39:41: Time Commitment and Potential Disruptions  42:50: Risk and Insurance Considerations  47:16: Final Thoughts and Advice  Links: Website: getscalar.ai   This episode on Umbrex: https://umbrex.com/unleashed/episode-632-jason-baumgarten-how-to-position-yourself-for-board-roles/ Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com. *AI generated timestamps and show notes.  

Get ready for an insightful and practical conversation on AI in exam prep with special guest Brian Hock, renowned exam prep expert and founder of Hock International. In this episode of Count Me In, Brian sits down with host Adam Larson to talk candidly about how artificial intelligence is shaking up the study process for professional certifications like the CMA and CSCA. Bringing both his straightforward wisdom and a bit of humor, Brian breaks down the dos and don'ts of using AI tools for exam prep. He shares real-world examples of how students can get sidetracked by the endless stream of AI-generated questions and why understanding foundational concepts still matters more than ever. The conversation covers common mistakes, creative ways to use AI effectively, and how human experience and quality materials really make the difference. Whether you're prepping for an upcoming exam or just curious how technology is changing education, this episode is packed with hands-on advice, relatable stories, and clever insights. Tune in for a down-to-earth chat that will help you study smarter, not just harder! ___________________________________________________________BILL is a leading financial operations platform for startups to established brands. Headquartered in San Jose, California, we're a trusted partner of leading US financial institutions, accounting firms, and accounting software providers. We empower business owners, CFOs, controllers, and accountants to save time and take control of their payables, receivables, spend, and expense management. For more information, visit bill.com.

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Maria Izurieta, CFO of Huntress, to unpack what it really means to lead finance as a connective tissue across the organization. Drawing on experience across VC-backed, PE-owned, and public companies, Maria shares how she balances impact versus perfection, builds trust through small wins, and helps teams move from transactional finance to insight-driven decision making. They dig into data transparency, centralized BI, partnering with sales and marketing on revenue, and why the best CFOs unblock friction instead of becoming the “no” department — all while bringing a deeply people-first lens to scale.—SPONSORS:Abacum is a modern FP&A platform built by former CFOs to replace slow, consultant-heavy planning tools. With self-service integrations and AI-powered workflows for forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario modeling, Abacum helps finance teams scale without becoming software admins. Trusted by teams at Strava, Replit, and JG Wentworth—learn more at https://www.abacum.aiBrex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metricsMetronome 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.comRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for modern pricing models like usage-based pricing, bundles, and mid-cycle upgrades. RightRev lets companies scale monetization without slowing down close or compliance. For RevRec that keeps growth moving, visit https://www.rightrev.comRillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjTabs is an AI-native revenue platform that unifies billing, collections, and revenue recognition for companies running usage-based or complex contracts. By bringing together ERP, CRM, and real product usage data into a single system of record, Tabs eliminates manual reconciliations and speeds up close and cash collection. Companies like Cortex, Statsig, and Cursor trust Tabs to scale revenue efficiently. Learn more at https://www.tabs.com/run—LINKS:Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-izurieta-909a3b/Company: https://www.huntress.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:How the Best CFOs Lead Without Being the CEO | Ken Stillwellhttps://youtu.be/O4cx9NBqQso—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:01:01 Maria's Background00:03:09 People-First Team Building00:05:16 People, Process, Systems at Scale00:07:13 Removing Friction Outside Finance00:09:15 Data Transparency & Decision-Making00:11:06 Sponsors — Abacum | Brex | Metronome00:14:22 Forward-Deployed Data00:16:21 Centralized Data vs. Silos00:19:23 Finance as Data Steward00:21:08 Cost-to-Price Feedback Loop00:22:35 Curiosity Builds Credibility00:23:43 Sponsors — RightRev | Rillet | Tabs00:27:12 Trust First, Then Impact00:30:27 Celebrating Small Wins00:31:21 From Transactions to Insights00:33:00 CFO at the Revenue Table00:34:32 Educating the Org on Metrics00:36:21 Customer-Level Margin Reality00:37:13 Using Facts to Change Decisions00:38:27 Ownership Mindset in Growth Companies00:39:10 VC vs. PE vs. Public CFO Tradeoffs00:41:02 Operating Inside Constraints00:42:18 Finding Your Stage Fit00:44:17 Building a Personal Advisor Network00:46:43 Visibility and Women in Leadership00:47:44 Work–Life Integration, Not Balance00:48:45 Lightning Round: Biggest Mistake00:50:10 Advice to Younger Self00:51:36 Finance Tech Stack00:52:01 Craziest Expense Story00:52:44 Credits#RunTheNumbersPodcast #CFOLeadership #ScalingCompanies #DataDrivenDecisions #ExecutiveLeadership 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

Remember Shadow IT? This has long been an issue in big organizations, and in the era of generative AI — with its powerful, easy-to-operate, democratically available tools — the challenges have scaled, as one says in the vernacular. One person who has successfully met these challenges is Eric Pace, Head of AI at Cox Communications, who created an interesting and effective citizen developer program at his organization. He brings news of this to *The Resonance Test* in a conversation with Elaina Shekhter, EPAM's Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer. Shekhter begins by asking about the citizen developer model around the development and deployment of agents in the enterprise. One of the keys to unlocking value in any ecosystem is through adoption,” says Pace. But adoption, in this case, “hinges on one very important thing, and that's AI literacy.” To accomplish this, Pace and his team gave their colleagues hands-on experience with the tools and capabilities that AI provides. They had access, guardrails, guidelines and references to follow. Pace notes that he had two paths: (1) “We could either tell them everything is locked down and you can't do any of it” or (2) tell colleagues, “You can play in this open playground and just follow our rules and do all the things you want to go do.” He chose the second option, and it turns out, his people are “very happy in the playground with the fence around it, that we built for them, because it's got all the tools and toys that they need.” All of which is great… but what does it mean for the business? “All the executives read are these articles about the trillion dollars that's being spent and the zero impact to the bottom line,” says Pace, adding that CFOs are mostly saying, “Stop wasting all our money.” Pace correctly says that there is “no instant gratification” involved here. “The notion that I can ask a very complex question and instantly get a very complex answer sets the perception that I can just go implement at scale enterprise-grade capabilities and get value out of them tomorrow.” Shekhter and Pace agree that this isn't how things work, especially, says Pace, “When you take into account the change management adoption and process curves that you've got to crawl through to see the value come to fruition.” Pace reports the projects his citizen developers have created “have absolute potential to go drive the value that we've prescribed as possible in a very near future.” Listen, and improve *your own organization's* journey. Host: Alison Kotin Engineer: Kyp Pilalas Producer: Ken Gordon

In Episode 310 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Anders Liu Lindberg, a global thought leader in business partnering and one of the strongest voices shaping the future of finance today. Anders has built a reputation for turning finance teams into strategic powerhouses, helping CFOs and finance leaders move beyond reporting and compliance into real influence, better decision making, and measurable business impact. This conversation is a masterclass in why finance must evolve, and why the professionals who learn to partner with the business will become indispensable.Anders breaks down what business partnering actually is, why most finance teams struggle to earn a seat at the table, and how influence and communication are now just as critical as technical skill, especially as automation and AI accelerate. You will also hear Anders' philosophy on purpose, fulfillment, and building authority through consistency, the same mindset that helped him grow into one of the most trusted educators in the space. If you want to understand where finance is headed and why Anders is leading that change, this episode delivers.Key Takeaways: 1. Finance earns a seat at the table when it shows up to help leaders win, not to police budgets. 2. Business partnering is when functional experts translate their expertise into insights leaders can understand and use for better decisions. 3. Insights alone are not enough, because if you cannot influence decisions, your impact becomes zero. 4. The fastest way to build trust is to lead with empathy and partnership: “How can I help you meet and beat the budget” changes everything. 5. If finance shows up as the cold messenger of bad news, leaders will avoid them, but if finance shares ownership of outcomes, leaders will pull them closer. 6. AI and automation are shrinking the value of pure number crunching, so finance must get better at people skills like communication, relationship building, and influence. 7. You can teach “numbers people” to become stronger with people by giving them structure, tools, and repeatable frameworks they can practice. 8. Leaders should not just tell finance to “be strategic” and figure it out, they need to invest in training and create a clear path for that transformation. 9. Personal branding is not a hack, it is consistency plus authenticity over time, and your voice cannot be “wrong” when you are sharing real experience and perspective. 10. Passion comes and goes, but purpose creates staying power, and purpose plus passion is where fulfillment and long-term momentum come from. About Anders Liu-Lindberg: Anders Liu-Lindberg is a global thought leader in business partnering and finance transformation, helping finance teams evolve from reporting and control into strategic partners who drive real business outcomes. He runs the Business Partnering Institute, a worldwide hub for training, tools, and community built to raise the influence and impact of finance leaders (https://www.bpidk.org/), and he's also the author of Communicating Financials to Executives, a practical guide for turning numbers into clear, decision driving communication at the executive level (https://www.amazon.ca/Communicating-Financials-Executives-Anders-Liu-Lindberg/dp/1394292600). Connect with Anders directly on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersliulindberg/.2026 Title Sponsor

Recorded live at FMI 2026, Omni Talk Retail hosts Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton wrap up their conference coverage with Benjamin Bond, SVP, Strategy & Client Success at Simbe, from the Simbe booth. In this final interview of the conference, Ben shares how Simbe thinks about long term strategy while working day to day with retailers to ensure value realization at scale. He explains why shelf intelligence succeeds when entire organizations align around the store associate, and how Simbe's technology helps teams prioritize, act in real time, and run better stores. The conversation goes beyond the robot demo to explore how retailers move from pilot programs to full chain deployments, how CFOs evaluate emerging technology investments, and why shelf data is becoming one of the most foundational datasets in retail. Ben also looks ahead to how Simbe's platform, AI, and computer vision continue to evolve across grocery and other retail verticals. Key Topics Covered - Ben Bond's role spanning strategy and client success at Simbe - Empowering store associates with real time shelf intelligence - Moving from pilot programs to large scale deployments - Building the business case and ROI for retail robotics - Operating models that drive long term retailer success - The future of computer vision, AI, and multimodal platforms - Expanding beyond grocery into additional retail sectors This conversation closes out Omni Talk Retail's live coverage from FMI 2026, recorded at the Simbe booth. #FMI2026 #OmniTalkRetail #Simbe #RetailTechnology #ShelfIntelligence #RetailOperations #StoreExecution #RetailRobotics

Chris Gardner is chief financial officer at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. In this episode, Gardner joins our host Melissa Farley to discuss the evolving role of higher education CFOs, building authentic leadership through relationship-focused management, and navigating institutional identity in challenging times. "I want people to hopefully feel like they could approach me, that I could be a partner in whatever situation they were navigating. The CFO or business office can very easily get the reputation of being the office of 'no'," Gardner says, reflecting on the legacy he hopes to leave. "I would much rather be known as the office of 'I'm not sure, but let's try and figure it out.'" Gardner emphasizes the importance of partnership and creative problem-solving in financial leadership. Join us for a conversation with Gardner as he discusses implementing major technology transitions at a small institution, maintaining institutional identity in a changing higher education landscape, and developing the next generation of financial leaders through mentorship and empowerment. Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Ken Stillwell, CFO and COO of Pegasystems, to explore the realities of leading from the second seat. Ken shares hard-earned lessons from guiding Pega through the shift from term licenses to ARR and ACV, including how to rework sales compensation without losing trust or momentum. They discuss the limits of KPI obsession, the importance of directional clarity over false precision, and why private equity often drives sharper execution than public markets—and how to apply that discipline while still playing the long game.—SPONSORS:Tabs is an AI-native revenue platform that unifies billing, collections, and revenue recognition for companies running usage-based or complex contracts. By bringing together ERP, CRM, and real product usage data into a single system of record, Tabs eliminates manual reconciliations and speeds up close and cash collection. Companies like Cortex, Statsig, and Cursor trust Tabs to scale revenue efficiently. Learn more at https://www.tabs.com/runAbacum is a modern FP&A platform built by former CFOs to replace slow, consultant-heavy planning tools. With self-service integrations and AI-powered workflows for forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario modeling, Abacum helps finance teams scale without becoming software admins. Trusted by teams at Strava, Replit, and JG Wentworth—learn more at https://www.abacum.aiBrex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metricsMetronome 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.comRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for modern pricing models like usage-based pricing, bundles, and mid-cycle upgrades. RightRev lets companies scale monetization without slowing down close or compliance. For RevRec that keeps growth moving, visit https://www.rightrev.comRillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cj—LINKS:Ken on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-stillwell-83a499a/Pegasystems: https://www.pega.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:How Finance Becomes a GTM Partner, Not a Bottleneck | Chris Brubakerhttps://youtu.be/T2YjdoiJtFA—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:57 Sponsors — Tabs | Abacum | Brex00:07:26 The Strategic Value of Being Number Two00:08:46 Earnings Calls, Messaging, and Real-Time Judgment00:10:41 Using Feedback to Sharpen Executive Communication00:11:38 CFOs as Storytellers & Message Repetition00:12:31 Managing Up: Reading the Room00:13:59 Learning the Hard Way: Misreading Dynamics00:15:18 Confidence, Aggression, and Early CFO Mistakes00:15:58 Sponsors — Metronome | RightRev | Rillet00:19:45 When to Email vs Pick Up the Phone00:22:48 Tailoring Communication to Different Functions00:23:23 Audience-Specific Messaging: “Why Me?”00:25:24 Values vs Behaviors in Leadership00:28:13 Why Big Changes Need Anchoring00:31:14 Moving Pega to the Cloud00:32:43 Rewiring Sales Comp for ARR & ACV00:34:56 Sales Credibility Breakdowns with Customers00:36:20 Economics vs Trust in Sales Teams00:37:48 Balancing Field Feedback with Company Goals00:39:17 De-Emphasizing New Logos to Fix the Sales Model00:41:12 The Danger of Over-Obsessing on KPIs00:42:51 Public vs Private: Incentives and Operating Discipline00:45:57 Why Companies Go Private: Motivation Over Patience00:47:29 The Shrinking Public Markets00:47:57 Private vs Public CFO Mindsets00:49:39 Meeting Investors Where They Are00:50:16 A Risky Decision That Paid Off: Going All-In on the Cloud00:51:29 Long-Ass Lightning Round00:53:24 Ken's Finance Tech Stack & Craziest Expense00:54:39 Credits#RunTheNumbersPodcast #CFOLeadership #ExecutiveCommunication #SalesStrategy #PublicVsPrivate 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

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The claim that “95% of AI projects fail” has become one of the most repeated talking points in enterprise AI. But where did it come from, and does it actually hold up?In this episode, Dave "CAC" Kellogg and Ray "Growth" Rike take a detailed, data-driven look at the MIT NANDA report, titled The GenAI Divide: State of AI in Business 2025. They break down how the "95% fail rate" statistic went viral, why it stuck, and why the underlying evidence does not support such a sweeping conclusion.What Ray and Dave cover:Why the NANDA report is often mistaken for a peer-reviewed academic study when it is notHow ambiguous definitions of “failure” turn partial adoption into sensational headlinesData inconsistencies and methodological gaps that undermine the 95% claimThe difference between failed AI initiatives and early-stage pilots or experimentsWhy measuring AI success by the percent of projects is misleading compared to the business value createdThe rise of Shadow AI and employee-driven adoption, and why that may be a feature, not a flawHow the report's conclusions conveniently align with the authors' proposed NANDA architectureThe real issues enterprises face with AI: workflow integration, governance, and change managementThe episode also discusses why personal productivity gains still matter to the P&L, even if they do not appear as a clear line item, and why fear-driven AI narratives can do real damage within organizations.Key takeaway: The NANDA report raises some legitimate concerns about scaling AI from pilot to production, but the infamous “95% of AI projects fail” claim does not survive close inspection. Leaders should read the report skeptically and push back when flawed statistics begin to drive decisions and strategy.Recommended for: CFOs, operators, AI leaders, and anyone tired of scary AI statistics that fall apart under scrutiny.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss the AI landscape and how CFOs and finance leaders should approach AI in 2026. Reflecting on the developments of 2025, they explore how AI adoption is progressing at the individual and company levels and discuss the surprises and challenges they've encountered in the AI space.Paul and Glenn discuss how individuals have become far more comfortable using AI tools in their own work, while companies as a whole have moved much more slowly. Topics include ongoing data quality problems, hesitation around governance and security, and why many organizations still struggle to integrate AI into core systems and workflows.In this episode, you will discover:The current state of AI adoption by individuals and companies.Surprising shifts in AI companies like OpenAI and Microsoft in 2025.The growing role of specialized AI models and their potential impact on industries like finance.Predictions for the future of AI in 2026, including advancements in LLMs and robotics.Glenn and Paul discussed the evolving AI landscape and its impact on finance, offering insights into key developments and predictions for 2026. They highlighted the challenges, growth, and opportunities AI presents for finance leaders and businesses.Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[00:15] - Reflections on AI in 2025[05:07] - Paul's Surprises on AI's Progress[11:05] - OpenAI's Consumer Focus[13:23] - Predictions for Specialized Models[14:51] - AI and Robotics[17:20] - Small vs Large Models[18:28] - Closing Thoughts on AI in Finance

(0:00) Intro(1:45) About the podcast sponsor: The American College of Governance Counsel(2:31) Start of interview(3:04) Jeff's origin story. Began career in investment banking at First Boston before transitioning to a 25-year run as CFO across media companies (King World, Nielsen) and tech (DoubleClick, Oracle).(7:16) Transitioning to Bessemer Venture Partners.(8:40) Focusing on his board career and audit committee member. ValueClick, Priceline (Booking Holdings).(11:06) Growth in Public vs. Private Markets(12:49) The State of European Entrepreneurial Ecosystem(13:41) The Role of BVP CFO Council(15:31) Understanding California and Silicon Valley's Unique Culture(18:44) AI's impact on the CFO role(20:54) Dynamics Between CEOs and CFOs(23:12) CFOs in Startups vs. Public Companies "We've observed that about 5% of the headcount of any co' at any size is in the finance dpt.")(25:25) CFOs as Board Members(27:35) Board decisions on CEO hiring and firing. "The CEO's role is to articulate an effective strategy, to hire a great team, and then to execute that strategy well using that great team." "If over five years the CEO has never changed their mind based on board input, you have the wrong board."(30:36) On effective Board Composition(32:41) Navigating Shareholder Activism, including his experience at Twilio(37:35) The Debate: Stay Private or Go Public. "There are three ownership structures: public companies, PE-owned companies (where PE controls CEO), and founder-controlled private companies" "I think you're going to see quite a few companies stay private forever or for decades."(39:30) Preparing for the Future of Venture Capital (41:13) Optimizing Board Meeting Content. "Effective boards: 2/3 of time on未made decisions. Ineffective boards: show and tell." "Best-run companies: CEO encourages board members to meet with executives outside board meetings."(45:50) Books that have greatly influenced his life:The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Shroeder (2008)My Early Life by Winston Churchill (1930) How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (1980)(47:07) His mentors (50:50) Quotes that he thinks of often or lives his life by "You want to live your life to have a seamless web of deserved trust" by Charlie Munger(53:15) An unusual habit or an absurd thing that he loves. Reading adventure stories from G.H. Henty(54:01) The living person he most admires: Warren BuffettJeff Epstein is an operating partner of Bessemer Venture Partners where he leads BVP's CFO Council. He is a former CFO of Oracle and currently serves on the boards of Autodesk, AvePoint, Okta, and Twilio (previously at Kaiser Permanente and Booking Holdings). You can follow Evan on social media at:X: @evanepsteinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/epsteinevan/ Substack: https://evanepstein.substack.com/__To support this podcast you can join as a subscriber of the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at https://evanepstein.substack.com/__Music/Soundtrack (found via Free Music Archive): Seeing The Future by Dexter Britain is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License

As cross-border activity becomes increasingly common for middle-market companies, international tax considerations are no longer limited to large multinationals. From transfer pricing and tariffs to global tax compliance and planning, businesses expanding overseas face greater complexity and heightened scrutiny from tax authorities worldwide. Understanding where value is created, how intercompany transactions should be priced, and how global tax rules interact is critical for managing risk and supporting sustainable international growth.In this episode, Brooks Nelson, Tax Partner, and Sarah McGregor, Tax Director, are joined by Nelson Yates, Partner and International Tax Leader, to discuss key cross-border tax issues middle-market CFOs and business leaders should have on their radar. They break down transfer pricing fundamentals, explore how tariffs intersect with intercompany pricing, and share practical considerations for companies entering or expanding in foreign markets.Listen to learn more about:02:30 – Transfer pricing basics and why it matters04:10 – How governments view cross-border profit allocation06:27 – Intercompany services, IP, and value drivers10:38 – Marketing intangibles and local market investment11:55 – Practical steps CFOs can take today14:45 – Transfer pricing documentation and penalty protection16:35 – Tariffs and their interaction with transfer pricing20:20 – Global tax planning and compliance implications22:42 – International expansion costs and best practicesRelated Guidance Article: Navigating the International Tax Landscape After 2025 Tax Reform

On this episode of Count Me In, Anne DeTraglia, Chief Auditor at Sabre Corporation, sits down with Adam Larson for an engaging and honest conversation about leadership, career growth, and the art of feedback. Anne opens up about her unique career path, how she found her way into auditing, and what it really means to be a “united leader.” She candidly shares the challenges and lessons learned as she moved up the ranks, highlighting the importance of collaboration and building strong teams at every level. You'll hear practical stories and advice, from embracing feedback (even when it's hard to hear) to finding the balance between authority and vulnerability. Anne discusses real leadership moments, like trusting her managers, letting go of the need to know everything, and even using AI to get creative with coaching. Whether you're leading a team, starting your career, or just want to get better at giving and receiving feedback, this episode is full of relatable, actionable insights and a good dose of humor. Tune in for a refreshing take on what it means to grow and succeed as a leader. BILL is a leading financial operations platform for startups to established brands. Headquartered in San Jose, California, we're a trusted partner of leading US financial institutions, accounting firms, and accounting software providers. We empower business owners, CFOs, controllers, and accountants to save time and take control of their payables, receivables, spend, and expense management. For more information, visit bill.com.

In this episode, AJ confronts the quiet contradiction inside many scaling organizations: leaders demand acceleration, while CFOs are told to tighten the purse strings to the point of paralysis. That tension isn't a market problem; it's a problem of alignment. AJ argues that culture doesn't break because numbers are tight; it breaks when incentives reward “me” while leaders preach “we.” He makes a sharp case that the real path to confident, offense-minded CFOs runs through leadership quality, talent placement, and team-first incentives — not another budget gate. If your finance team feels stuck between fear and growth, this conversation is a necessary gut check on what actually needs to change.

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Chris Brubaker, SVP of Finance at Postscript, who's helped build the finance function from the ground up. Chris shares how he partners with sales through deal desks, sets pricing guardrails, and makes sure finance helps close deals instead of slowing them down. They dig into his hands-on approach to automation using AI with limited engineering resources, how Postscript's metrics evolved as the company scaled, when to trust internal data over benchmarks, and where teams get tripped up. Plus, a private jet accounting story—because of course.—SPONSORS:Rillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjTabs is an AI-native revenue platform that unifies billing, collections, and revenue recognition for companies running usage-based or complex contracts. By bringing together ERP, CRM, and real product usage data into a single system of record, Tabs eliminates manual reconciliations and speeds up close and cash collection. Companies like Cortex, Statsig, and Cursor trust Tabs to scale revenue efficiently. Learn more at https://www.tabs.com/runAbacum is a modern FP&A platform built by former CFOs to replace slow, consultant-heavy planning tools. With self-service integrations and AI-powered workflows for forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario modeling, Abacum helps finance teams scale without becoming software admins. Trusted by teams at Strava, Replit, and JG Wentworth—learn more at https://www.abacum.aiBrex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metricsMetronome 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.comRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for modern pricing models like usage-based pricing, bundles, and mid-cycle upgrades. RightRev lets companies scale monetization without slowing down close or compliance. For RevRec that keeps growth moving, visit https://www.rightrev.com—LINKS:Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wchrisbrubaker/Postscript: https://postscript.io/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:So You're Looking for a “Strategic” CFO? Bloomerang's Steve Isom on What That Really Meanshttps://youtu.be/cgHOtvG1CesThe IPO Playbook: Expert Advice from Lee Kirkpatrick, Twilio's Former CFOhttps://youtu.be/PTKAUD7PSWUThe CFO Case for Probabilistic Forecasting With AI | Bruno Annicqhttps://youtu.be/Dl8nDZPJMpE—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:22 Sponsors — Rillet | Tabs | Abacum00:06:55 Interview Begins00:07:36 First Finance Hire and Early Scale at Postscript00:09:02 Usage-Based Margins, COGS, and the Twilio Parallel00:10:31 Partnering With Sales and Building Deal Desk00:13:16 Pricing Guardrails, Payback, and Deal Economics00:15:35 How Deal Desk Evolves Over Time00:16:01 Sponsors — Brex | Metronome | RightRev00:19:44 Making Finance a Deal-Closing Partner00:20:44 Automating Deal Desk With a Slack Bot00:23:48 How Technical Finance Leaders Need to Be00:25:17 Automating Without Engineering Help00:27:12 Why Human Touch Still Matters in SaaS00:27:53 Postscript's Finance Tech Stack00:28:30 ERP Migration and Month-End Efficiency00:29:42 The Reality of Continuous Close00:30:34 First Real AI Wins in Accounting00:31:18 Experimenting With AI Forecasting00:33:32 Metrics That Matter: Usage as a Leading Indicator00:35:49 How Metrics Evolve as the Company Scales00:37:41 Understanding the Product in a Usage-Based Model00:39:27 Micro-Seasonality and Forecasting Volatility00:42:21 How to Use Benchmarks Without Misusing Them00:43:50 Long-Ass Lightning Round: A Costly Modeling Mistake00:45:45 Advice to a Younger Finance Leader00:47:05 The Private Jet Accounting Story00:49:11 Credits#RunTheNumbersPodcast #FinanceLeadership #DealDesk #UsageBasedSaaS #AIinFinance 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

What happens when you outsource your financial understanding just a little too much? In this episode, I'm kicking off an eight-part series on financial mastery for store owners by diving into what I believe is the single most important principle of all: your money, your responsibility. After watching thousands of entrepreneurs succeed—and fail—based on how closely they own their finances, I want to reset how you think about delegation, trust, and accountability. Listen in as I break down where founders most commonly abdicate responsibility, from bookkeepers and CPAs to business partners and CFOs, and how that creates hidden risk. I also share hard-earned lessons from my own mistakes, practical ways to build safeguards without becoming a micromanager, and a simple framework to help you assess whether you're truly in control of your financial life and business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Ngbsce Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

In this episode, I talk with CJ Gustafson, the former CFO behind Mostly Metrics. CJ didn't come from journalism or media. He came from operating. He started writing to document the playbooks he'd built as a finance executive. That side project turned into a $3 million business with no full-time employees, built around a narrow, high-value audience of CFOs.We talk about why subscriptions are a useful base but not where the money is in B2B, how sponsorships actually work when sales cycles are long and considered, and why CJ has deliberately avoided becoming an events company. Mostly Metrics is now largely sponsorship-driven, sold out well into the future, and optimized for cash flow and leverage.

Podcast: The Weekly Wealth Podcast Host: David Chudyk, CFP® Guest: Mike Draper, Partner at CFO SystemsIf you're a business owner generating $2 million to $15+ million in annual revenue, one of your biggest risks may not be sales, competition, or employees — it may be your financial blind spot.In this episode of The Weekly Wealth Podcast, David Chudyk sits down with Mike Draper, Partner at CFO Systems, to explain how a fractional CFO helps business owners improve cash flow, make better strategic decisions, and prepare their company for long-term growth or a future sale.

Defining ARR is getting harder—not easier—as SaaS, AI, usage-based pricing, and hybrid business models evolve. In episode #345 of SaaS Metrics School, Ben Murray breaks down the five critical questions every ARR definition must answer to hold up with Boards, investors, and during due diligence. Drawing on extensive research into how public tech companies disclose ARR in press releases and SEC filings, Ben explains why ARR is not “dead” but why vague or inconsistent ARR definitions undermine credibility, comparability, and company valuation. This episode provides a practical framework to help SaaS leaders, CFOs, and founders clearly define ARR in a way that supports accurate metrics, financial modeling, and investor trust. Resources Mentioned Blog post on ARR definitions and disclosure best practices: https://www.thesaascfo.com/cfos-guide-to-disclosing-headline-arr-numbers/ Ben's SaaS Metrics training: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/the-saas-metrics-foundation You'll Learn The five questions every ARR definition must answer to be investor-ready Which revenue types belong in ARR—and which should be excluded The difference between revenue-based, contract-based, and hybrid ARR calculations How public SaaS and AI companies annualize subscription and usage-based revenue Common approaches for handling variable, consumption, and usage revenue in ARR Why vague ARR definitions create confusion in fundraising and due diligence Why It Matters Clear ARR definitions improve credibility with investors and business leaders Poorly defined ARR can negatively impact company valuation Consistent ARR logic enables better KPI tracking and benchmarking Transparent ARR disclosures reduce friction during fundraising and M&A Accurate ARR supports stronger financial strategy and forecasting Well-defined revenue categories improve accounting and financial systems

Parable is building an end-to-end intelligence platform that quantifies how organizations spend their collective time—the foundation for measuring real AI impact. With a thousand data connectors ingesting activity and log data across the enterprise software stack, Parable constructs proprietary knowledge graphs that size opportunities and measure outcomes in hard dollars, not adoption metrics. In this episode of BUILDERS, I sat down with Adam Schwartz, Co-Founder & CEO of Parable, to explore why 95% of CFOs see no AI ROI, how his decade running profitable businesses under resource constraints shaped his focus on inputs over outcomes, and why 2026 requires moving AI from CapEx experimentation to measured OpEx. Topics Discussed: Why the 95% CFO stat on AI ROI matters as an arbiter of truth, despite backlash Building knowledge graphs from activity data to quantify collective time allocation across hundreds of people The fundamental problem: enterprises lack quantitative frameworks for operational efficiency pre-AI Running parallel ICP experiments to achieve sales-market fit before product-market fit Why Parable has never lost a POC once leaders see quantitative baselines Market dynamics creating false signals—unprecedented curiosity without buying intent The demarcation between companies treating AI as product work versus those waiting for vendor solutions Why AI transformation demands century-old management structures to be questioned GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Engineer disqualification in momentum markets: Market-wide AI enthusiasm creates pipeline illusion. Prospects will engage indefinitely for education without purchase intent. Adam's framework: "How do we get people to say no to us and not drag us along... They want to keep talking because they want to learn and they want to know what's going on and they are genuinely interested." In enterprise sales during category shifts, build explicit qualification gates that force prospects to reveal resource commitment or disqualify. Extended evaluation cycles feel like traction but destroy unit economics. Use go-to-market as ICP discovery mechanism: Adam intentionally pursued multiple customer segments simultaneously—different company sizes and AI maturity stages—to let data reveal fit rather than rely on hypothesis. His memo to the team: "We're going to go after these three, you know, many different sizes of companies in order for us to decide like, who we like best." The key insight: get to problem-market fit and sales-market fit validation before optimizing product-market fit. This inverts conventional wisdom but works when TAM is massive and the bottleneck is identifying who feels pain acutely enough to buy now. Qualify on organizational structure, not verbal commitment: Every enterprise claims AI is strategic. Adam's hard filter: "Who in the organization is responsible for AI transformation? And if you don't have a one person answer to that question, you're not serious." Serious buyers have a named owner reporting to C-suite with dedicated budget and team. Buying Gemini, Glean, or other point solutions isn't a seriousness KPI—it's often passive consumption of AI as a byproduct of existing software relationships. Look for companies doing five-year work-backs on industry transformation and cascading effects on their operating model. Target post-experimentation, pre-scale buyers: Adam discovered the sweet spot isn't companies beginning their AI journey—it's those who've deployed initial programs and now need to prove value. "The market of people that have started to build AI into their operating model or into their strategy in like a coherent way, there's a team, there's an owner, there's budget... those are the people that we really want to be talking to." These buyers understand the problem viscerally because they're living it. They do product work daily—talking to stakeholders, generating use cases, building briefs, triaging roadmaps. They need your solution to professionalize what they're already attempting manually. Build measurement into your category narrative: The AI tooling market has over-indexed on soft efficiency claims that won't survive renewal cycles. Adam's warning: "There is too much hand waving around soft efficiency gains... you're going to have to renew and you need NRR and I don't think it's going to be that usage of the tool internally by employees and adoption is going to be enough." The last decade over-rotated to "everything drives revenue" due to VC pressure. This decade requires precision: does your product save time, reduce headcount needs, or accelerate revenue? Quantify it. Partner with measurement platforms if needed. Adam's insight on Calendly is instructive—it clearly saves time, but most buyers can't quantify how much, which weakens renewal economics. // 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

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Bruno Annicq, CFO of Wellhub (formerly Gympass), to unpack a practical finance playbook built around cash discipline, sustainable growth, and simplicity. Bruno explains how he rebuilt forecasting using an AI-driven, probabilistic ensemble model, moving teams beyond single-scenario planning. They also dig into his EMPOWER planning framework, usable OKRs, and why tighter alignment between finance, HR, and wellbeing is becoming a durable lever for long-term performance.—SPONSORS:RightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for modern pricing models like usage-based pricing, bundles, and mid-cycle upgrades. RightRev lets companies scale monetization without slowing down close or compliance. For RevRec that keeps growth moving, visit https://www.rightrev.comRillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjTabs is an AI-native revenue platform that unifies billing, collections, and revenue recognition for companies running usage-based or complex contracts. By bringing together ERP, CRM, and real product usage data into a single system of record, Tabs eliminates manual reconciliations and speeds up close and cash collection. Companies like Cortex, Statsig, and Cursor trust Tabs to scale revenue efficiently. Learn more at https://www.tabs.com/runAbacum is a modern FP&A platform built by former CFOs to replace slow, consultant-heavy planning tools. With self-service integrations and AI-powered workflows for forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario modeling, Abacum helps finance teams scale without becoming software admins. Trusted by teams at Strava, Replit, and JG Wentworth—learn more at https://www.abacum.aiBrex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metricsMetronome 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—LINKS:Bruno on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bannicq/Wellhub: https://wellhub.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:“Run Toward a Tough Market” — Developing the Hard and Soft Skills To Be a Great Finance Leaderhttps://youtu.be/iNHbkcG7YEo—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:19 Sponsors — RightRev, Rillet, Tabs00:06:43 Accidental CFO Origin Story00:07:34 Consulting to Operations Pivot00:08:12 Why Finance Clicked for Bruno00:09:28 McKinsey Prioritization in Real World00:10:02 Eisenhower Matrix and Prioritization00:11:08 Investing in Non-Urgent Work00:13:30 Lessons From AOL Reinvention00:16:10 Sponsors — Abacum, Brex, Metronome00:20:01 Career Growth Through Hard Problems00:20:52 Broadening Skills Through Change00:23:12 Five Core Finance Principles00:24:02 Cash Is King00:25:14 Driving Sustainable Growth00:26:01 No Surprises and Forecasting00:26:07 Finance as Business Enabler00:27:22 Less Is More Philosophy00:28:47 Hardest Principle: Less Is More00:29:46 Deterministic vs Probabilistic Forecasting00:31:11 Marketplace Volatility and Forecast Error00:32:10 Ensemble Models Explained00:33:37 Forecast Accuracy Gains00:34:53 Building Models In-House00:36:46 Why Explainability Matters00:37:48 Empower Framework Introduction00:47:47 Urgency, Compounding, Long-Term Thinking00:48:10 Advice to Younger Self00:50:06 Finance Stack and Expense Stories00:52:51 Credits#RunTheNumbersPodcast #CFO #FinanceLeadership #Forecasting #AIinFinance 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

Treat parental leave like the business continuity issue that it is: This is the mindset of Tiffany Stevenson, Chief People Officer at The RealReal and formerly WeightWatchers, who is also a new member of Parentaly's CHRO Advisory Board. Tune in to hear what she sees companies get wrong about parental leave, why she thinks it's a solvable challenge, and how CFOs, ERGs and people leaders can play a more strategic role in getting it right.Connect with us on LinkedIn: Parentaly | Allison Whalen | Jenna VassalloLearn more about our parental leave programs: How We Help | Contact UsKeep in touch with Parentaly: Podcast newsletter | Monthly newsletter

On this episode of the JofA podcast, an AICPA executive and regular guest discussed trends from discussions with numerous finance professionals, delving into how AI and hybrid work might affect accounting this year and beyond. "Now we're going to be talking about managing AI agents in finance and accounting," Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, said. "That's going to be a whole different world, and it's going to be exponential in what we can do with it." Hood, the AICPA's executive vice president–Business Engagement and Growth, also explained why CFOs are cautiously optimistic about growth and how the Rise2040 project is helping the profession prepare for long-term change. What you'll learn from this episode: How AI is shifting from simple productivity tools to powerful finance agents — and what that means for accounting professionals. Practical strategies for making hybrid work more effective, including purposeful in-office collaboration. Why CFOs and finance leaders are cautiously optimistic about growth in 2026 despite economic uncertainty. How anticipatory thinking and hard-trend analysis can help accountants prepare for long-term change and disruption. Why trust and integrity remain core accounting values.

In this episode, Tim Koller, co-author of Valuation and a leading authority on corporate finance, offers a substantive examination of capital allocation decisions under real-world constraints. The discussion moves beyond theory to explore how CEOs and CFOs should approach resource deployment in mature, capital-rich companies—where investment opportunities are limited not due to lack of ambition but due to economic reality. Key insights include: - Share Buybacks as Rational Policy: Many firms undertaking significant buybacks—particularly in tech, life sciences, and consumer products—do so because they generate more cash than they can reinvest profitably. Koller argues that, in such cases, returning excess capital to shareholders is not a sign of strategic failure but of disciplined decision-making. - The Fallacy of Diversification Without Advantage: Koller highlights repeated failures by capital-rich companies that expand into unrelated sectors to deploy cash, citing historical missteps in energy, utilities, and industrials. He emphasizes the need to assess whether the firm has a genuine competitive advantage before moving beyond its core business. - Granular Leadership in Resource Allocation: Effective CEOs are directly engaged with capital allocation at the business-unit level. Delegating such decisions without maintaining enterprise-wide oversight often leads to underinvestment in high-return growth areas and misaligned incentives at the divisional level. - The Perils of Uniform Cost-Cutting Mandates: Broad directives to improve margins often result in cuts to product development and customer experience—leading to long-term degradation despite short-term financial gains. Koller stresses the importance of distinguishing between cost efficiencies that enhance value and those that erode it. - Timing and Judgment in Capital Deployment: In cyclical, capital-intensive sectors such as chemicals and energy, building capacity in sync with competitors can destroy value. Koller calls for contrarian timing, grounded in independent analysis, even when boards and markets are predisposed to follow the cycle. Additional themes include the underuse of postmortems in capital projects, the misalignment between project planners and operators, and the distinction between executional and experimental failure. Throughout, Koller reiterates that sound capital allocation depends not only on financial modeling, but also on institutional learning, leadership judgment, and clarity of strategic intent. This conversation offers practical, senior-level guidance for executives, board members, and investors who must navigate capital planning amid structural constraints, investor pressures, and organizational complexity.   Get Tim's book here: https://shorturl.at/nk7Z9 Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies   Claim your free gift: Free gift #1 McKinsey & BCG winning resume www.FIRMSconsulting.com/resumePDF Free gift #2 Breakthrough Decisions Guide with 25 AI Prompts www.FIRMSconsulting.com/decisions Free gift #3 Five Reasons Why People Ignore Somebody www.FIRMSconsulting.com/owntheroom Free gift #4 Access episode 1 from Build a Consulting Firm, Level 1 www.FIRMSconsulting.com/build Free gift #5 The Overall Approach used in well-managed strategy studies www.FIRMSconsulting.com/OverallApproach Free gift #6 Get a copy of Nine Leaders in Action, a book we co-authored with some of our clients: www.FIRMSconsulting.com/gift

Brand vs Demand: Why B2B Marketing Is Stuck in a Measurement TrapIn this episode of The Metrics Brothers, Dave "CAC" Kellogg and Ray "Growth" Rike tackle one of the most persistent and controversial questions in B2B marketing: Brand vs. Demand.The discussion is grounded in new data from the 2026 B2B Brand vs Demand Benchmark Report. While most marketing teams say they believe brand and demand are complementary, the numbers tell a more complicated story.Today's reality?Marketing budgets are still heavily skewed toward short-term demand generation, with roughly 70% of spend allocated to demand and only ~25% to brand. Yet when asked how they want to invest, marketing leaders overwhelmingly say they'd prefer a much more balanced future, closer to 50% demand and 40% brand.So why the disconnect?Ray and Dave dig into the root cause: measurement.Demand generation is tied to metrics CFOs understand like pipeline dollars, opportunities, and ARR. Brand, on the other hand, is still largely measured using proxy metrics like website traffic and awareness, leaving many executives unable to confidently link brand investments to revenue outcomes. Only 28% of companies say they can directly tie brand activity to pipeline, and when budgets are cut, brand is sacrificed five times more often than demand.The episode also explores:Why performance marketing struggles are pushing CMOs back toward brandThe growing inefficiency of demand spend aimed at “future buyers”How much of the “demand” budget is effectively unmeasured brand spendThe dangerous gap between belief in brand and proof of impactWhy AEO, AI search, and LLM visibility will make brand ROI even harder and more urgent to measureRay and Dave don't just highlight the findings, they discuss the reality of Chief Marketing Officers making the Brand vs Demand budget allocation trade-offs.One key takeaway? Until brand investments can be credibly connected to pipeline efficiency, win rates, and ARR, it will remain more a faith-based investment instead of a financial one the CFOs understand.If you're a CMO trying to defend brand spend, or a CFO trying to understand where marketing dollars truly drive growth, this episode is required listening.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this first episode of Future Finance for 2026, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper take time to reflect on how AI actually showed up in finance over the past year, and what that means going forward. Without a guest, the conversation focuses on real experiences, observations, and lessons from working directly with finance teams, CFOs, and operators who are navigating AI adoption day to day.Paul and Glenn discuss how individuals have become far more comfortable using AI tools in their own work, while companies as a whole have moved much more slowly. Topics include ongoing data quality problems, hesitation around governance and security, and why many organizations still struggle to integrate AI into core systems and workflows. They also share their thoughts on notable developments from 2025, including OpenAI's shift toward consumer use, Microsoft Copilot's mixed results, Google Gemini's rapid improvement, and Nvidia's continued growth.In this episode, you will discover:How AI adoption differs between individuals and organizationsWhy poor data quality still limits many finance teamsWhat recent changes from OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia suggestWhere Microsoft Copilot works well today and where it falls shortWhy automation and basic app-building are becoming more importantPaul and Glenn share concrete examples from Excel, Outlook, reporting, and close processes. They also emphasize that banning AI use is no longer realistic and that clear guidelines matter more than strict restrictions.Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance.Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[02:47] – How Individuals vs. Companies Used AI in 2025[06:12] – OpenAI, Monetization, and Market Signals[09:27] – Google Gemini's Turnaround[15:56] – Big Models vs. Specialized Tools[21:21] – Consumer AI and Platform Control[26:26] – Real Copilot Use Cases in Excel[35:28] – What Finance Professionals Should Focus on in 2026[39:31] – What Finance Leaders Need to Do Now[41:45] – Automation, Vibe Coding, and What's Next[43:07] – Final Thoughts and Closing

2025 was a pivotal year for finance. In this episode, we review OneStream Software's biggest 2025 advancements, from AI-driven analytics and ESG reporting to Modern Financial Close and Version 9 enhancements. We also unpack what OneStream's $6.4B acquisition means for AI innovation and long-term strategy, and why these changes matter for CFOs seeking speed, insight, and predictability in a rapidly evolving finance landscape.

What if the most important people in a company are the ones no one talks about? They're the builders behind the scenes. The operators who organize chaos, fix what's broken, and quietly turn vision into reality. Scaling isn't glamorous — but it's essential. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to grow companies fast and smart, and how AI is accelerating the shift toward adaptable, cross-functional leadership. Casey Woo is a public market investor turned high-growth technology COO and CFO with more than two decades of experience helping companies scale. He's served as a six-time CFO and two-time COO across software, hardware, marketplaces, and eCommerce. He's also the founder and CEO of The Operators Guild, a global community of over 1,000 top operators, as well as FOG Ventures and Guild Talent — all built to support the people who actually make companies run. In this conversation, Casey breaks down what it means to be a "scaler," how AI is reshaping the value of specialization, and why operators are the backbone of every high-growth company. From Investor to Operator Casey shares his journey from Wall Street to Silicon Valley and why leaving a prestigious investing career was both terrifying and freeing. The money and status were there, but fulfillment wasn't. That realization pulled him into early-stage tech, where he discovered his true passion: building companies from the inside out. As an operator, Casey learned that scaling isn't about titles — it's about solving problems. Finance, operations, strategy, leadership — whatever the company needs, the role stays the same. That mindset eventually led to the creation of The Operators Guild, which began as a small breakfast group for overlooked CFOs and COOs and grew organically into a global community. Why AI Rewards the Elite Generalist Casey offers a practical take on AI — not as a threat, but as leverage for the right leaders. As AI replaces narrow, repetitive specialist tasks, the advantage shifts to people who can think horizontally, connect ideas, and move across functions with ease. Early-stage founders and operators are uniquely positioned to thrive in this environment, using AI as a team of "semi-specialists" to move faster and build smarter. Rather than abandoning your strengths, Casey encourages leaning into them — and using AI to amplify what you already do best. This is the rise of the modern business artist. Enjoy this episode with Casey Woo… Soundbytes 13:42-13:55 "Scalers are highly creative. They are generally impatient. They love the intellectual stimulation of organizing chaos, solving problems. So they run towards problems." 19:26 – 19:44 "AI literally is intelligence, right? Artificial intelligence. Right. So it's starting to be like a human and specifically, the easiest thing for it to start is anything specialized. Because anything specialized is homogenous." Quotes "Scaling is actually very nuanced. It's not just, 'Oh, finance needs a CFO.' No — you don't need a CFO at Series A." "Scalers are highly creative. They are generally impatient." "AI is moving the world away from hardcore specialists." "I could go to a corporate job, but my soul would die." Links mentioned in this episode From Our Guest Website: https://operators-guild.com/ FOG Ventures: https://fog.ventures/ Connect with Casey Woo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseywoo Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

The role of the school CFO is changing — and compliance alone is no longer enough.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Ahnaf Tahmid, CFO of South Bend Community School Corporation, to explore how school finance leaders can move beyond compliance to become true strategic partners.Drawing from his School Business Now article, “The Strategic CFO: Moving Beyond Compliance to Build Capacity,” Ahnaf shares insights on financial leadership, organizational capacity building, and the skills CFOs need to support long-term district success.This conversation is a must-listen for CFOs, SBOs, and aspiring leaders who want to elevate their impact and lead with purpose.Contact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...

In this eye-opening episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with fraud expert Rich Brody for a candid conversation about white collar and red collar crimes—no jargon, just real talk. Rich breaks down what actually counts as white collar crime, why society often overlooks its victims, and what happens when these crimes turn violent. From legendary cases like Madoff and Murdoch to the surprising ways technology has changed the game, this episode covers the impact of fraud in today's world. Plus, Rich shares practical tips for protecting yourself and your organization. If you're curious about the under-the-radar crimes that really shake up people's lives, this episode is a must-listen. BILL is a leading financial operations platform for startups to established brands. Headquartered in San Jose, California, we're a trusted partner of leading US financial institutions, accounting firms, and accounting software providers. We empower business owners, CFOs, controllers, and accountants to save time and take control of their payables, receivables, spend, and expense management. For more information, visit bill.com.

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Jason Kong, General Partner at Base10 Ventures, to unpack the firm's focus on “automation for the real economy” — software built for industries most tech investors overlook, but the world depends on. Jason breaks down what makes Series B investing uniquely hard, how he evaluates back-office and vertical SaaS opportunities, and where markets tip from niche to overcrowded. They also discuss Base10's decision to donate 50% of profits to fund scholarships, plus a lightning round spanning fantasy football, shorting SaaS in 2022, and a venture take that might spark debate.—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.comRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for modern pricing models like usage-based pricing, bundles, and mid-cycle upgrades. RightRev lets companies scale monetization without slowing down close or compliance. For RevRec that keeps growth moving, visit https://www.rightrev.comRillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjTabs is an AI-native revenue platform that unifies billing, collections, and revenue recognition for companies running usage-based or complex contracts. By bringing together ERP, CRM, and real product usage data into a single system of record, Tabs eliminates manual reconciliations and speeds up close and cash collection. Companies like Cortex, Statsig, and Cursor trust Tabs to scale revenue efficiently. Learn more at https://www.tabs.com/runAbacum is a modern FP&A platform built by former CFOs to replace slow, consultant-heavy planning tools. With self-service integrations and AI-powered workflows for forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario modeling, Abacum helps finance teams scale without becoming software admins. Trusted by teams at Strava, Replit, and JG Wentworth—learn more at https://www.abacum.aiBrex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metrics—LINKS:Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonykong/Base10 Partners: https://base10.vc/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:Scaling to $1B+ Revenue: From ServiceNow to Samsara | Dominic Phillipshttps://youtu.be/vBY6WZBMljw—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:20 Sponsors — Metronome, RightRev, Rillet00:06:02 Base10 Background00:06:41 Automation for the Real Economy00:09:27 Vertical vs. Horizontal Software00:10:38 Cash Flow and Durability00:11:19 Product-Market Fit and ROI00:12:56 Growth Limits Selling to Tech00:13:19 The Size of the Real Economy00:14:16 Sponsors — Tabs, Abacum, Brex00:18:50 Base10's Giving Model00:20:30 Access, Education, and Tech00:21:53 Purpose and Founder Alignment00:22:51 Radical Transparency00:23:56 Portfolio Focus and Strategy00:24:05 Investing Ahead of Consensus00:26:29 ERP Adjacency as Alpha00:28:58 Lessons From Hedge Funds00:32:29 Public Markets Reality00:34:05 Public vs. Private Investing00:34:48 The Series B Sweet Spot00:36:49 A Bifurcated Series B Market00:38:56 Fast Series Bs and 2021 Vibes00:42:16 What Series B Looks Like Now00:44:36 Back Office Automation00:46:02 ERP-Centric Workflows00:48:33 Long-Ass Lightning Round00:49:36 Shorting SaaS in 202200:50:16 Fantasy Football and Investing00:52:57 Career Advice That Surprises00:55:03 A Contrarian Venture Take00:56:22 Credits#RunTheNumbersPodcast #SeriesB #RealEconomy #VerticalSaaS #BackOfficeAutomation 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 this Barber's Brief, V and Marc cover the biggest marketing and platform stories from the last couple of weeks—plus introduce a new segment.First up, they unpack why marketers should stop trying to re-label marketing as CapEx, and why misusing finance terms (like ROI) can damage credibility with CFOs. Then they move into search and AI: Google's Danny Sullivan warns publishers not to restructure content into “bite-sized chunks” just to appease AI search—because what works today may not work tomorrow.Next, they revisit Paul Feldwick's classic “message myth” argument: advertising isn't just a rational “message delivery” machine—it's showmanship, emotion, and association-building that shapes preference and memory. Finally, they break down the strategic implications of the Google + Walmart partnership and what it signals about the future of retail discovery, closed-loop measurement, and platform power consolidation.Ad of the Week: Miller Lite starring Christopher Walken, a “masterclass in showing up without shouting,” built around a simple cultural truth: people aren't showing up like they used to—and maybe we should.To close, they preview The Sharp Cut: an upcoming POV episode on one-to-one marketing, mass personalization, and whether the promise is real or overhyped.Listen, share, and stay sharp, everyone!Key TakewaysStop calling marketing “CapEx” to sound finance-savvy. If you misuse accounting language (ROI, CapEx/OpEx), you lose credibility fast—especially with CFOs.Marketing doesn't cleanly fit CapEx logic. Brand value is uncertain, often maintenance-based, and hard to capitalize like a tangible asset.Better move: push for practical governance: separate marketing line items on the P&L, and treat “foundational” work (e.g., rebrand) more like development/R&D where appropriate.Google's warning on AI-era SEO: don't rebuild your site into short “LLM-friendly chunks” just because it may perform temporarily—optimize for humans, not the machine.The “Message Myth” still matters: effective advertising is often less about what it says and more about what it does—creating emotional associations and mental availability.Digital vs. analog communication: boards tend to prefer “digital” (logic, claims, propositions), but “analog” (music, mood, emotion, showmanship) is what drives preference.Google + Walmart = retail discovery power shift. Expect more closed-loop, AI-driven commerce experiences where media, merchandising, and checkout blur together.Ad of the Week insight: sometimes the strongest creative move is restraint—Walken's presence sells “showing up” as a cultural reset, not a hard sell.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Marketing Moments01:14 The Language of Marketing and Finance07:47 Content Strategy in the Age of AI12:51 The Message Myth in Advertising18:57 Google and Walmart's Retail Partnership25:19 Ad of the Week: Miller Lite's Campaign27:43 Upcoming Changes in the PodcastLinks:Marketing is Not CapEx—Stop Saying It Is - https://www.marketingweek.com/marketing-not-capex-ridicule-finance/Google doesn't want you to create bite-sized chunks of your content -...

114 The Rule of 3 & 10 for Business Growth with Robert Cinapri   The Entreprenudist Podcast  https://entreprenudist.com Are you ready to scale your business profitably and become truly "sale-ready"?  In this video, Robert Cinapri, President of CFO Collective Inc., shares his expertise on Hiroshi Mikitani's 'Rule of 3 and 10' a simple but powerful framework every business owner should know. Robert also explains why he wrote a children's book for business owners  yes, you heard that right! to make complex business concepts easy to understand. Whether you're preparing your business for sale, looking to grow strategically, or want actionable financial guidance, this video is packed with insights you can implement immediately. ------------------------- About Robert Robert Cinapri, CPA, MBA, is the President and Founder of CFO Collective—a boutique fractional CFO firm dedicated to helping owner-operators scale profitably and build sale-ready businesses. With over 25 years of experience spanning startups, global enterprises and executive finance leadership, Rob brings a unique blend of strategic insight, operational excellence and real-world execution to every engagement. Drawing on a career that includes senior roles in technology, aerospace, and a decade as a professor of finance, Rob built CFO Collective to deliver high-impact financial leadership without unnecessary overhead. Backed by a hand-picked team of seasoned CFOs and the firm's proven "CFO Collective Way," Rob partners with entrepreneurs to strengthen financial clarity, drive smarter decision-making, accelerate growth, and maximize long-term enterprise value. ---------------  About the Host: Randolph Love III is the Founder and CEO of ShieldWolf Strongholds, where he helps Franchisors, CPAs, Attorneys, Doctors, Realtors, Contractors, and other Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Home Owners, and Retirees, secure lasting financial legacies.    He is also a trusted franchise consultant, author of the book The Miracle Money Vehicle: How To Make Money Make Babies, and host of The Liquidity Event, a premier gathering on business growth, financial independence, and legacy planning.    As host of The Entreprenudist Podcast, ranked in the Top 10% worldwide by ListenNotes.com, Randolph shares bold, practical insights that challenge traditional thinking. A sought-after speaker, his dynamic style empowers audiences to reduce taxes legally, grow wealth strategically, and take control of their financial destiny.   Additionally, he is also the publisher of The Liquidity Journal, a dynamic publication for business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, retirees, and investors. Focused on leadership, strategy, systems, and motivation, it delivers actionable insights that empower readers to grow, lead, and innovate in today's business world

In this episode,Caswell Samms III, Executive Vice President and CFO of Nemours Children's Health, discusses financial priorities for 2026, including purposeful growth, Medicaid reimbursement pressures, and strategic investments in maternal care and virtual health. He also shares how CFOs must lead with agility, clinical insight, and mission focus in an uncertain healthcare landscape.

(0:00) Guest intros: Jasons introduces Bob Sternfels (McKinsey) and Hemant Taneja (General Catalyst) (2:52) The pace of innovation and why VC's are buying hospitals (9:30) CFOs vs CIOs and unlocking growth (20:46) The job market and why graduates aren't getting hired (27:33) Why education is broken (40:03) Tech time capsule Follow Hemant Taneja: https://x.com/htaneja Follow Bob Sternfels: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-sternfels Follow the besties: https://x.com/chamath https://x.com/Jason https://x.com/DavidSacks https://x.com/friedberg Follow on X: https://x.com/theallinpod Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theallinpod Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theallinpod Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allinpod Intro Music Credit: https://rb.gy/tppkzl https://x.com/yung_spielburg Intro Video Credit: https://x.com/TheZachEffect