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Ever wonder how a profitable company can suddenly face bankruptcy? The answer lies in Working Capital Management (WCM). In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we delve beyond profit margins to examine the daily cash battle that determines a company's survival and growth.We unpack the paradox of being "paper rich, cash poor" and reveal how WCM masters, such as Apple and Walmart, have turned liquidity into a competitive weapon, while others have learned the hard way that neglecting cash flow can destroy value.This episode covers:The WCM Paradox: Understanding the critical difference between long-term profit and short-term liquidity, and how a broken Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) can lead to failure.Strategic Mastery: How companies achieve strategic negative working capital by using market leverage to get cash from customers instantly while stretching payments to suppliers (effectively an interest-free loan from the supply chain).Lessons from Failure: The stark warning from Kraft Heinz, where a WCM breakdown—bloated inventory and slow receivables—led directly to a painful dividend cut, showing WCM discipline is not optional.The Finance Playbook: Five core strategies every professional must champion to weaponize WCM, including tightening Accounts Receivable terms, centralizing cash with Treasury Management, and using AI for demand forecasting.Critical Ratios: The importance of stress testing your short-term resilience and knowing key ratios that signal liquidity risk long before the crisis hits.
Ready to take a deep dive and learn how to generate personal tax-free cash flow from your corporation? Enroll in our FREE masterclass here and book a call hereAre you letting too much of your business's hard-earned cash sit idle when it could be working for you in multiple ways?As a business owner, you know the importance of having liquidity—an emergency or opportunity fund you can access instantly. But parking that money in a savings account or GIC often feels wasteful, especially when inflation eats away at its value. The challenge is balancing peace of mind with real growth. That's where the idea of a “wealth reservoir” comes in: a structured way to protect cash, keep it liquid, and still put it to work building long-term wealth.In this episode, you'll discover:How a whole life insurance policy can serve as a corporate wealth reservoir, giving you both liquidity and steady growth.Practical strategies for deciding how much to contribute and how to scale as your retained earnings grow.The emotional and financial considerations for starting small—and why most successful business owners eventually build multiple reservoirs.Press play now to learn how to transform idle corporate cash into a powerful engine for security, opportunity, and long-term wealth.Discover which phase of wealth creation you are in. Take our quick assessment and you'll receive a custom wealth-building pathway that matches your phase and learn our CRA compliant tax optimized strategies. Take that assessment here.Canadian Wealth Secrets Show Notes Page:Consider reaching out to Kyle…taking a salary with a goal of stuffing RRSPs;…investing inside your corporation without a passive income tax minimization strategy;…letting a large sum of liquid assets sit in low interest earning savings accounts;…investing corporate dollars into GICs, dividend stocks/funds, or other investments attracting corporate passive income taxes at greater than 50%; or,…wondering whether your current corporate wealth management strategy is optimal for your specific situation.Building a strong Canadian wealth plan starts with a clear financial vision setting process and the right mix of financial buckets to support both corporate finance and personal finance goals. By using a wealth reservoir—a strategy that leverages insurance policies to keep retained earnings liquid while still growing—you can create an emergency fund and opportunity fund that optimize cash flow. For the Canadian entrepreneur finance journey, this ties directly into corporate wealth planning, corporation investment strategies, and personal vReady to connect? Text us your comment including your phone number for a response!Canadian Wealth Secrets is an informative podcast that digs into the intricacies of building a robust portfolio, maximizing dividend returns, the nuances of real estate investment, and the complexities of business finance, while offering expert advice on wealth management, navigating capital gains tax, and understanding the role of financial institutions in personal finance.
In this episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, we showcase the incredible journey of Iuliia Tuseeva, an Equity Analyst at the BEAM Fund and a student at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Vancouver, BC.Iuliia shares how her passion for mathematics and economics first sparked her interest in finance, leading her to successfully navigate a major international move alone and quickly build a competitive career foundation.This episode covers:From Olympiads to Investing: How Iuliia's early passion for math and economics competitions quickly translated into real-world trading and investment analysis.The Power of Adversity: Why moving alone to Canada at a young age was her biggest struggle and how that experience built the mental maturity and independence essential for success in finance.SFU Case Competitions: How she used global case competitions (like an M&A challenge) and student associations to gain practical skills far beyond the classroom.Life in Private Equity: Insights from her internship at Alpine Vista's Capital, including the challenge of performing deep industry research in niche sectors (and how to find hidden data).The Value of Community: Her experience in the RBC Women in Investment Management Mentorship Program and why learning how to network and build genuine relationships is crucial for career growth.The BEAM Fund Experience: How her role as an Equity Analyst in a student-led, multi-million dollar fund provides hands-on, high-level experience in equity research, portfolio management, and investment strategy.Iuliia's intentional approach to skill-stacking (including multiple CFI certifications) provides a compelling roadmap for any aspiring finance professional.
How is AI impacting our jobs, careers, and sense of purpose at work? Who stands to win or lose as the pace of change accelerates? In this episode Helen Beedham chats to Rob Garlick, author, consultant, and former Head of Innovation & Technology at Citi Global Insights, to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping opportunities, job quality, and the very skills we need to succeed, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned leader.Together, Helen and Rob explore:⭐️ How AI is already altering job availability, job quality, who's most affected and why graduates and tech workers may be the ‘canaries in the coal mine' for wider workplace shifts;⭐️ The “conditional optimism” case: why AI's full benefits might be realised only after navigating painful disruptions;⭐️ The reality behind the hype around massive productivity gains and job substitution;⭐️ How younger workers are both disadvantaged and empowered by AI, and why older workers may bring stability and ethical oversight through turbulent times;⭐️ Practical strategies for pro-human leadership: upskilling and reskilling with purpose, leveraging AI for augmentation (not just substitution), and creating stability and agency at every career stage.About Rob Garlick:Rob is an Author, Speaker, Consultant and Coach focused on the implications of AI on work and leadership. His experience includes: 1000's of meetings with C-suite and top investors globally; a front row seat for most innovation areas in the last 30 years, publishing over 60 papers on innovation topics; and over 100 talks delivered around the world in recent years on the Future of Work. Rob was promoted to Managing Director at Citibank in 2006, and managed, mentored and coached for 20+ years.With over 30 years of experience in Investment Banking and Fund Management, Robs' roles included: Head of Innovation & Technology at Citi Global Insights; Head of Citi Research EMEA, leading the team's (of c.200) rise in the Institutional Investor surveys, from: #7 to #1 in UK, #9 to #2 in Western European, and #7 to #1 globally; Global Product Head at Citi Research; Head of Citi's US Equity Sales desk; TMT sales; Fund Manager. Rob passed the AIIMR (Associate of the Institute of Investment Management & Research) as a prize-winner in Interpretation of Accounts & Corporate Finance. Among other qualifications, Rob holds a BSc (Econ) degree in Accounting and Management, an MSc in Coaching and Behavioural Change and is a qualified Executive Coach. Links:Visit Helen's website www.helenbeedham.com.Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.Leave a book review on Amazon here.Get in touch about Helen's Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.Join her mailing list here.What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers. Follow Rob Garlick on Linked In here.Loved this episode? Follow The Business of Being Brilliant, rate and review the show, and share it with friends and colleagues who care about building brighter, fairer workplaces.
In the high-stakes world of corporate leadership, becoming a Fortune 500 CEO is an Everest-like ascent, with only the savviest succeeding across every stage of the journey. Carolyn Dewar, Vik Malhotra, and Kurt Strovink, authors of the upcoming book A CEO For All Seasons, join Sean to share insights from top-performing CEOs on navigating the first and fourth stages of CEO leadership – preparing for the role and fortifying a legacy, in the first of two episodes based on the new book. Carolyn Dewar, a coauthor of the New York Times bestselling CEO Excellence, is a senior partner at McKinsey and founded and co-leads the firm’s global CEO excellence client service line. She is a frequent keynote speaker on leadership and transformation. Vikram (Vik) Malhotra, a coauthor of CEO Excellence, is a senior partner at McKinsey where he has worked since 1986. He has served on McKinsey’s Board of Directors and as McKinsey’s Managing Partner of the Americas. Kurt Strovink is a senior partner at McKinsey and a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. He also leads McKinsey’s global CEO services practice and coauthored the national bestseller The Journey of Leadership: How CEOs Lead from the Inside Out. Related insights A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership Sending it forward: Successfully transitioning out of the CEO role Staying ahead: How the best CEOs continually improve performance Stepping up: Becoming a high-potential CEO candidate Starting strong: Making your CEO transition a catalyst for renewal The inner game of women CEOs The CEO’s essential checklist: Questions every chief executive should be able to answer Leadership lessons from the world’s best CEOs Serving a greater purpose: CEO Excellence revisited Building leaders from the ground up The art of 21st-century leadership: From succession planning to building a leadership factory CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets that Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest McKinsey Insights on Strategy & Corporate Finance McKinsey Strategy & Corporate Finance on LinkedIn Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
Ever wondered why companies like Airbnb, Spotify, and WeWork chose such different paths to the public markets? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we break down the three main ways companies go public: the traditional IPO, the disruptive Direct Listing, and the volatile SPAC.We'll unpack the mechanics, the trade-offs, and the key factors that drive a company's leadership to choose one door over the others.This episode covers:The IPO: The classic route for raising billions in capital, but we reveal the hidden costs and why it led to Airbnb's "money left on the table" problem.The Direct Listing: The cheaper, faster, and more transparent alternative. We explore why it was the perfect fit for companies like Spotify and Slack who wanted liquidity, not capital.The SPAC: The "wild west" of going public. We explain its appeal for speed and why it's a high-risk gamble that ultimately couldn't save WeWork's flawed business model.By the end of this episode, you'll be able to quickly analyze any public offering and understand the strategic choices behind it.
In this episode of What's New at CFI on FinPod, we're introducing the CFI AI Tutor, a powerful learning assistant designed to provide instant, contextual help to every learner.Join Meeyeon as she sits down with Sebastian Taylor and Stephen Moerane to dive into the core features of this innovative tool.This episode covers:Why AI Tutor? The motivation behind building a 24/7 support tool is to provide instant answers, complementing CFI's in-depth video courses.Smarter Than ChatGPT: Learn what makes the CFI AI Tutor a hyper-specialized tool that provides contextualized answers based on the specific lesson you're watching, your career, and your industry.Impact on Your Learning: We discuss how the AI Tutor can help you practice concepts, clarify questions, and ultimately improve your performance in end-of-course assessments and certifications.Real-World Learner Feedback: Hear from our Community Manager, Stephen, on how learners are already using the AI Tutor to link complex concepts and get support on their journey.Whether you're working on a course exercise or simply want to test your understanding, the CFI AI Tutor is there to help you every step of the way.
In this episode, we sit down with Vineet Agrawal, Co-founder of Jiraaf, to discuss his incredible journey from a small town in Orissa to the forefront of India's fintech revolution.Vineet shares his experiences working in corporate banking and private equity, the key insights that led him to identify a massive gap in the fixed-income market, and the story of how he built Jiraaf from the ground up during the COVID-19 pandemic.Tune in to learn about the structural barriers that kept retail investors out of the bond market, how Jiraaf is making high-yield, fixed-income opportunities accessible to everyone, and Vineet's hard-won lessons on resilience, building relationships, and long-term thinking in the world of entrepreneurship.Chapters(00:00) - Intro(00:27) - Vineet's Journey: From a Small Town to XIMB and Corporate Finance(03:43) - The "Aha!" Moment: Uncovering a Gap in the Investment Market(08:27) - The Leap of Faith: Starting Jiraaf During the Pandemic(11:10) - Why Were High-Yield Bonds Inaccessible to Regular Investors?(14:52) - Building a New Category: How Jiraaf Developed its Platform(18:53) - How Jiraaf Breaks Down Large Bonds for Retail Investors(21:34) - The Challenge of Educating a New Market(26:21) - Why Competition is a Good Thing for a New Industry(29:29) - Overcoming the Challenges of Building a Fintech Company(31:21) - The Story Behind the Name "Jiraaf"(34:15) - Key Lessons Learned on the Entrepreneurial Journey(36:48) - Outro
Your company's balance sheet looks clean, but what financial secrets might be hiding just off the books? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we explore the hidden world of off-balance sheet financing. This practice isn't always bad. Sometimes it's a smart strategic move, but it can also be a dangerous way to obscure a company's true financial health.We'll teach you how to spot the risks and understand the crucial difference between legitimate and deceptive practices.This episode covers:Common Forms of Off-Balance Sheet Financing: From historical operating leases (used by companies like Starbucks and Delta) to modern-day Joint Ventures (JVs) and Special Purpose Entities (SPEs).Intent vs. Abuse: We analyze textbook examples of abuse, like Enron's catastrophic use of SPEs to hide billions in debt, and contrast it with legitimate strategic uses that are transparently disclosed.The Case of GE: We examine how even technically legitimate but overly complex structures can erode investor confidence and become a major problem.Practical Detective Work: Learn the top three things to look for in a company's financials to spot hidden risks. We show you why you must read the footnotes and how to adjust your own analysis to get a realistic picture of a company's leverage.This is a must-watch for anyone who wants to see the full financial story beyond the main balance sheet.
The current climate of geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty can complicate the strategy process and can make the idea of waiting for calmer times look attractive. But as our guests today point out, waiting out the storm is not an option. Instead, organizations need to make bold strategic moves rooted in a thorough understanding of how they create value and the market conditions they face. In this episode, Sean is joined by Matt Watters, who is a leader in our Geopolitics, Government, and Strategy and Corporate Finance Practices and a partner in our New Jersey office. Matt’s work focuses on growth and innovation in industries with evolving global dynamics, including defense, space, semiconductors, high tech, and cybersecurity. Ezra Greenberg also joins the podcast and is a partner in our Connecticut office, where he advises executives and investors across multiple sectors on how macro forces and global trends impact critical strategy and investment decisions under uncertainty. Related insights In a moment of tariffs, can the world find balance and trust to thrive? How American business can prosper in the new geopolitical era Restricted: How export controls are reshaping markets Tariffs on the move? A guide for CEOs for 2025 and beyond A proactive approach to navigating geopolitics is essential to thrive Strategy beyond the hockey stick: People, probabilities, and big moves beat the odds Building geopolitical resilience: A conversation with Michèle Flournoy Taking a proactive approach to geopolitics McKinsey Insights on Strategy & Corporate Finance McKinsey Strategy & Corporate Finance on LinkedInSupport the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
Not every career starts with the corner office — Mike Neubecker shares with #NoVacancyNews his story from hourly front desk clerk at MGM Grand back in 1993 to President & COO of MGM Grand, New York-New York, and Excalibur. That's three of the most iconic #MGMResorts properties on the Las Vegas Strip! In our conversation, Mike shared insights on:
Ready to take a deep dive and learn how to generate personal tax-free cash flow from your corporation? Enroll in our FREE masterclass here and book a call hereIs leverage always the golden key to building wealth—or can it sometimes hold you back?Many entrepreneurs believe that using corporate or personal leverage is the ultimate strategy for unlocking cash flow and accelerating growth. But what happens when shifting debt from one pocket to another doesn't actually improve your position? In this episode, we explore Omar's story—an accomplished entrepreneur with multiple businesses, smart tax planning, and a well-structured financial system—who discovered that leverage wasn't the answer he expected. If you've ever wondered whether you're missing out by not tapping into leverage, this conversation may shift your perspective.You'll discover:Why using corporate-owned life insurance for leverage can backfire if the timing isn't right.The crucial difference between leverage that creates growth and leverage that simply shuffles debt.How to evaluate which assets are truly best to borrow against—so you protect cash flow without triggering unnecessary tax or fees.Press play now to learn when leverage can propel you forward—and when it's wiser to keep that ace up your sleeve.Discover which phase of wealth creation you are in. Take our quick assessment and you'll receive a custom wealth-building pathway that matches your phase and learn our CRA compliant tax optimized strategies. Take that assessment here.Canadian Wealth Secrets Show Notes Page:Consider reaching out to Kyle…taking a salary with a goal of stuffing RRSPs;…investing inside your corporation without a passive income tax minimization strategy;…letting a large sum of liquid assets sit in low interest earning savings accounts;…investing corporate dollars into GICs, dividend stocks/funds, or other investments attracting corporate passive income taxes at greater than 50%; or,…wondering whether your current corporate wealth management strategy is optimal for your specific situation.Canadian entrepreneurs seeking financial freedom know that building long-term wealth in Canada requires more than just hard work—it takes a clear financial strategy. From tax-efficient investing and RRSP optimization to balancing salary vs dividends Canada, corporate wealth planning, and personal vs corporate tax planning, every decision impacts your path to financial independence. Leveraging permanent insurance, real estate investing Canada, and capital gains strategy can unlock new financial buckets while supporting debt manaReady to connect? Text us your comment including your phone number for a response!Canadian Wealth Secrets is an informative podcast that digs into the intricacies of building a robust portfolio, maximizing dividend returns, the nuances of real estate investment, and the complexities of business finance, while offering expert advice on wealth management, navigating capital gains tax, and understanding the role of financial institutions in personal finance.
From Wells Fargo to McKinsey: A Career Journey in Finance with Shubham MittalIn this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Shubham Mittal, a Financial Analyst at McKinsey & Company, to explore his diverse and inspiring career journey. From his beginnings at Indian Oil Corp and Wells Fargo to his current role at a top-tier consulting firm, Shubham shares the lessons he learned on the path to success.Join us as we unpack how he navigated a career in finance and learn his top insights on building a resilient and adaptable professional life.This episode covers:The Value of Internships: How varied experiences at companies like JP Morgan, Dell Technologies, and Siemens shaped his skills and prepared him for a full-time career.The MBA Advantage: The three key motivations behind his decision to pursue an MBA, including the power of networking and building a holistic business perspective.Life at McKinsey: A look into his day-to-day as a financial analyst, the "make your own McKinsey" culture, and how he focuses on managing operational expenses (OPEX).Top 3 Skills: Shubham's advice on the most important skills for aspiring finance professionals: continuous learning, networking, and the courage to fail.Learning from Rejection: His powerful story of a 12-hour interview with JP Morgan that taught him a crucial lesson in resilience that led to a better opportunity.Whether you're just starting your career or looking for inspiration to grow, Shubham's story offers valuable insights for every aspiring professional.Want to hear more from Shubham? Check out his podcast, "The Prudent Finance," for more insights on the world of finance
Öffentliche Übernahmeangebote, IPOs, Kapitalerhöhungen und Anleiheemissionen brauchen alle eine sorgfältige technische Execution – ansonsten drohen nicht nur Fehler, sondern Verstöße gegen rechtliche Vorgaben mit fatalen finanziellen Folgen. Wir beleuchten in dieser Episode, was gute technische Execution ausmacht.
Have you ever wondered why some companies thrive while others, with seemingly great products, collapse? The answer often lies in an unseen force: corporate governance. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we go beyond compliance checklists to explore how the delicate balance between a company's board, executives, and shareholders is the true engine of its financial health or its ultimate demise.We'll use compelling real-world case studies to show you what happens when governance fails (and when it works spectacularly well). This episode is a must-watch for any finance professional looking to understand the forces that truly drive a company's financial success.This episode covers:What is Corporate Governance? We demystify this critical framework, explaining its role as the "operating system" for a company's financial decision-making, from risk management to capital allocation.When Governance Fails: We analyze the devastating consequences of governance failures at Enron, Theranos, and WeWork, revealing how a lack of transparency, expertise, and oversight can destroy billions in value.When Governance Works: We look at inspiring examples of good governance in action, showing how companies like Unilever and Microsoft used a strong framework to foster resilience, innovation, and long-term value creation.Your Role in Governance: We provide five actionable best practices for finance professionals to become central players in strengthening their company's financial integrity and strategic clarity.This is a comprehensive guide to understanding the invisible hand that guides a company's financial future.
Beyond reporting requirements and transparency imperatives, there’s a huge financial incentive to manage your company’s sustainability activities with data-driven business decision-making. To do so, efforts must be anchored in a data strategy that merges the financial and the ESG analysis. In this episode, Peter Spiller, a partner based in our Frankfurt office who co-leads our efforts in environmentally sustainable operations, speaks with Dominik Asam, Member of the Executive Board and CFO at enterprise planning software giant SAP. Dominik talks about his role in helping steer the company and their customers towards decarbonization, and how to balance the financial ledger with the sustainability ‘Green Ledger’ in a future-ready way that centers on driving real progress while protecting the bottom line. Related insightsManaging carbon: A new role for the CFO Toward the long term: CFO perspectives on the future of finance Reaching net zero–what will it take? McKinsey Insights on Strategy & Corporate Finance McKinsey Strategy & Corporate Finance on LinkedInSupport the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
Ready to take your data analysis skills to the next level? In this episode of What's New at CFI, we chat with subject matter expert Joseph Yeates about his newest course, Data Analysis in Python. This course is the perfect follow-up to our "Getting Started with Python" series and is designed for anyone, especially Excel users and BI professionals, looking to apply Python to real-world datasets.Joseph explains why Python is an essential skill for finance professionals today, covering its ability to handle large datasets and its new native integration with Excel.This episode coversThe Data Analysis Workflow: An overview of the entire process, from importing and cleaning data to analyzing and visualizing results.Bridging Excel and Python: How this course uses familiar tabular data structures to help you transition from spreadsheets to programming.Real-World Application: A personal story about using Python to build a predictive model for retail deposits, highlighting how powerful even small scripts can be.Overcoming the Intimidation: The encouraging message that you don't need a computer science background to master Python.If you're ready to go beyond the basics and start doing real data analysis with Python, this is your next step.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL4WLMpEejI .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/5o6eC1cVuEOy3ebPDmOb0t The transition between nonprofit and corporate finance is a pivotal topic for CFOs, as each sector presents unique challenges and opportunities. In this episode, Baz Bedrossian—Interim CFO, COO, and Business Consultant—draws on his extensive experience in both worlds to illuminate the similarities and differences. Bedrossian emphasizes that while the core financial principles remain consistent, nonprofit roles demand heightened attention to compliance, regulation, and the management of restricted funds. He also highlights the importance of adaptability, as nonprofit CFOs often engage more directly in fundraising and grant management, requiring a broader skill set. Bedrossian's insights reveal that, despite the sectoral differences, the fundamentals of cash flow management, stakeholder communication, and strategic leadership are universal. However, nonprofit CFOs must navigate more complex reporting requirements, manage multiple boards and committees, and ensure that funds are used in accordance with donor restrictions. For finance professionals considering a move between sectors, Bedrossian's experience offers practical guidance on building sustainable financial models and maintaining operational excellence in any environment. Key topics covered: Compliance and regulation are more stringent in nonprofit organizations Managing restricted funds and detailed grant reporting is critical Cash flow management is challenging due to irregular funding sources Nonprofit CFOs often participate directly in fundraising and grant applications Non-financial KPIs and stakeholder management are more prominent in nonprofits Core financial principles and leadership skills remain consistent across sectors Links Baz Bedrossian on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:16:37 Key differences between nonprofit and corporate finance roles 0:18:50 The CFO's involvement in fundraising and grant management 0:20:23 Managing restricted funds and compliance in nonprofit organizations 0:24:48 Reporting on non-financial KPIs and statutory requirements 0:29:06 Cash flow management strategies for nonprofits 0:31:28 Tips for new nonprofit CFOs on building sustainable financial models Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net
Not many CEOs start their careers bartending at 18 — but that's exactly how Bill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts International, got his start. In this incredible #NoVacancyNews conversation, Bill shares how he went from bussing tables at the Jockey Club to leading one of the biggest names in hospitality. We talked about: •
Ever wonder how giants like Apple and Toyota fund their massive operations? The secret isn't just in their sales, it's in their corporate credit ratings.In this episode of FinPod, we go beyond the technical details to explain what these ratings from agencies like S&P and Moody's actually mean and why they are one of the most powerful and often hidden levers in the financial world. We'll show you how a company's credit rating directly impacts its ability to borrow, expand, and compete.This episode covers:The Spectrum of Credit: We break down the difference between the desirable investment grade and the riskier speculative junk status.The Financial Superpower: How top-tier ratings give companies like Apple and Toyota access to extremely low borrowing costs, fueling strategic moves like share buybacks.The Cost of a Downgrade: The severe financial consequences a company like Ford faces when it loses its investment grade rating, including higher interest costs and restricted access to capital.The Comeback Story: The incredible turnaround of Netflix, which went from speculative grade to investment grade by refocusing on profitability and financial fundamentals.Why It Matters: We explain how these ratings aren't just for "finance nerds" but have real-world consequences, affecting everything from R&D funding to hiring.Whether you're a student, a finance professional, or just curious about how the economy works, this episode will give you a clear understanding of the financial gravity that shapes corporate success and failure.
In today’s fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape, organizations face bigger and bolder threats that have wide-reaching implications − from financial and customer data breaches, to third-party infiltration and disruption far down the supply chain. Hacking has become an organized business, and AI and quantum technologies are as much a part of the threat as they are the solution. Charlie Lewis leads our North American and European cyber practices and is a partner in our Stamford office. He supports clients on strategic cyber transformations. In this episode, Charlie speaks with Sean Brown about the critical role of CFOs in their organization’s cyber operations, the core foundations of cybersecurity, and the importance of organizations collaborating on improving security in a world of crime that has no borders. Related insights Resilience Pulse Check: Harnessing Collaboration to Navigate a Volatile WorldRepelling the cyberattackers (book excerpt) McKinsey Insights on Strategy & Corporate Finance McKinsey Strategy & Corporate Finance on LinkedInSupport the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
Soliman Abbas's journey into investment banking is a masterclass in persistence and proactive learning. In this episode of Member Spotlight, the recent University of Bristol graduate and newly minted FMVA holder shares his inspiring story, from being an international student at 17 to landing his dream job.Soliman's story is proof that an intentional mindset and dedication to skill-building can change your entire career trajectory.In this episode, you'll learn:The crucial steps Soliman took to secure three internships before his second year of university.How he navigated the intense graduate job market, viewing every rejection not as a failure, but as a "redirection" and a valuable learning opportunity.Why an interviewer's recommendation for the FMVA certification was a "game changer" that bridged the gap between academic theory and practical, real-world finance.His secret to a strong work ethic, inspired by football superstars like Mo Salah, and his focus on consistency and mental strength.The reality of working in investment banking and why soft skills like communication and building trust are just as critical as financial modeling.This episode is a must-watch for anyone on the fence about their next career move or looking for the motivation to take their skills to the next level.
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Expanding into a high-growth region like Brazil or India is full of potential, but from a finance perspective, it's a unique mix of intense risks and substantial rewards. In this episode, we go beyond the surface to explore the core challenges and opportunities of navigating corporate finance in emerging markets.We'll equip you with the foresight and strategies to turn volatility into a competitive edge. This episode is a roadmap for finance professionals looking to build resilience in a dynamic global environment.This episode covers:The Five Core Risks: We break down the unique financial challenges, including currency risk, regulatory uncertainty, and liquidity constraints that demand a completely tailored approach.Lessons from Global Leaders: How companies like Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Tesla have successfully managed these challenges with specific tactics like hedging, local production, and strategic partnerships.Five Actionable Strategies: Concrete steps to build financial resilience, including adopting local capital structuring, creating flexible budgets, and the vital importance of real-time monitoring.A New Mindset: The strategic takeaways for all finance professionals on how to think globally, act locally, and build models that can withstand any shock.
Procurement can play a crucial role in driving a company's transformation, and leaders are now recognizing its potential to be a strategic enabler of change. In this episode of Inside the Strategy Room, we explore the key findings from our recent McKinsey.com article titled “Aim higher and move faster for successful procurement-led transformation”. Teresa George, a partner in our Chicago office, Raul Santos, a partner in our Madrid office, and Cole Wirpel, an associate partner in our Atlanta office, join Sean to share insights on how procurement can be a catalyst for company-wide transformation and the essential capabilities required to achieve this goal. Related insights Aim higher and move faster for successful procurement-led transformation How procurement leaders can bring metals and mining up to speed The digital spend control tower: Shift spending mindsets at scale Defining your ‘true north’: A road map to successful transformation McKinsey Insights on Transformation McKinsey Transformation on LinkedIn McKinsey Insights on Strategy & Corporate Finance McKinsey Strategy & Corporate Finance on LinkedInSupport the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
Are you a finance professional who relies on Excel but is curious about the power of programming? In this episode of FinPod: What's New at CFI, we're joined by subject matter expert Joseph Yeates to discuss his new course, Getting Started with Python.Joseph explains why Python is a must-learn skill for data analysis and how this course provides a gentle, practical introduction designed specifically for those with a business background.The course covers:Foundational Concepts: An overview of core Python concepts like variables, data types, and data structures, all explained with real-world scenarios.The Excel to Python Bridge: How the course uses familiar, tabular data structures (like those in Excel) to help you make a smooth transition into the world of programming.Common Hurdles: A look at the common challenges new learners face, from tricky setup processes to frustrating errors, and how this course helps you overcome them.The Power of Hands-On Learning: Why watching videos isn't enough to learn a programming language, and why practice exercises in a Jupyter Notebook are essential to truly mastering the material.If you've been on the fence about learning a programming language, this episode will provide the encouragement you need to take the first step and unlock a new level of data analysis.
Send us a textIn this episode of the FitMitTuro Fitness Podcast, I sit down with Ariana Hakman, founder of Luna Fit, to uncover how busy women can finally build a body they love—without restrictive diets, endless cardio, or food guilt.Ariana shares her journey from corporate finance burnout to creating a wellness brand that blends technology, nutrition, fitness, and community. We dive into the real reasons 50% of Americans are overweight, why quick fixes fail, and the 5 simple daily habits that can change your health for good—no matter how busy your life is.You'll learn:The 5 health habits Ariana swears by for sustainable resultsHow to make progress when time and energy are limitedWhy sleep, hydration, and protein matter more than you thinkHow AI and personalized coaching can make healthy living easier than everWhether you're struggling with consistency, fighting food guilt, or just want a simpler approach to fitness, this conversation will give you the tools and mindset shifts to get results that last.Check out Luna Fit and follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: @lunafituniverse and check out their website www.lunafit.com/ Explore my coaching options: personaltrainerturo.com
Blockbuster, Lehman Brothers, WeWork. The names are familiar, but the financial stories behind their collapse are often a mystery. In this deep dive, we go beyond the headlines to pull out the crucial lessons in corporate bankruptcy and insolvency for every finance professional.We'll equip you with the foresight to spot financial distress long before it's too late. This episode is a practical guide to the warning signs, key ratios, and high-stakes decisions that define a company's fight for survival.This episode covers:The Two Types of Insolvency: Understanding the difference between a paper problem (balance sheet insolvency) and an immediate cash crisis (cash flow insolvency).Early Warning Signs: The hairline cracks to look for, from declining gross margins and rising debt ratios to subtle behavioral red flags.Lessons from Major Failures: Why unchecked leverage sank Lehman Brothers, how debt suffocated Toys R Us, and why growth for growth's sake was a ticking time bomb for WeWork.The Crisis War Room: What it's like inside the finance department when a company is in distress and how functions like FP&A and Treasury become the absolute nerve center.Critical KPIs: The five non-negotiable metrics to monitor relentlessly, including the Altman Z-score, and why liquidity is a company's oxygen supply.This episode will give you a new lens to view corporate health and help you bring crucial, strategic insight to your organization.
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this conversation, Alan Sestito shares his journey from a corporate finance career to becoming a successful real estate investor and broker. He discusses the pivotal moment that led him to leave his corporate job, the influence of his family, particularly his mother, in guiding him towards real estate, and the importance of networking and mentorship in his new career. Alan also delves into his experiences in the North Carolina real estate market, focusing on single-family rentals and working with institutional buyers. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
This week on the KORE Women Podcast, Dr. Summer Watson welcomes Ahuva Gruen, who was a budding entrepreneur as a kid selling candy to becoming a powerhouse entrepreneur. Ahuva's journey is the ultimate story of resilience and reinvention. She shares how she left corporate life during COVID, rebuilt after divorce, and built her own business, where she empowers entrepreneurs to build sustainable success. Whether you're navigating business growth or personal transformation, Ahuva's wisdom will show you what's possible when you take ownership of your story. You can follow Ahuva Gruen on LinkedIn and at: www.agfinancialcpa.com Thank you for taking the time to listen to the KORE Women podcast and being a part of the KORE Women experience. You can listen to The KORE Women podcast on your favorite podcast directory - Pandora, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, YouTube, Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean, JioSaavn, Amazon and at: www.KOREWomen.com/podcast. Please leave your comments and reviews about the podcast and check out KORE Women on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can also learn more about Dr. Summer Watson, MHS, PhD, KORE Women, LLC, the KORE Women podcast, and her Community Empowerment and Cross-Generational Consultation Services by going to: www.korewomen.com. Thank you for listening! Please share this podcast with your family and friends. #FinancialFreedom #WomenInFinance #ResilientLeadership #BusinessTransformation #MoneyMindset
In this episode of Careers in Finance with CFI, we're joined by Charlie Schilling, the CEO of Macabacus. Charlie's career journey is a masterclass in navigating diverse industries, spanning investment banking, management consulting, and senior leadership roles at major companies like Bloomberg and General Assembly.Join us as we unpack Charlie's remarkable path and get his unfiltered insights on:Pivoting into Finance: The story of how a liberal arts major from Georgetown launched a career on Wall Street.The Investment Banking Foundation: How his early years in banking built a foundation of both technical and invaluable soft skills.Advisory vs. Operator: The crucial differences between advising a company from the outside and leading one from within.Building Leadership: How to transition from an individual contributor to a C-suite leader, and the lessons learned along the way.A CEO's Perspective: Charlie's leadership philosophy and his advice for aspiring leaders on navigating career pivots and managing change.Whether you're starting your career or considering your next big move, Charlie's story offers powerful lessons on continuous learning, risk-taking, and the keys to long-term professional growth.
Discover the transformative journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurial success with Shanli Liu, founder of Freedom Folio. What if leaving a steady career could lead to a more fulfilling life and business? Shanley's story is a testament to resilience and the power of personal connections, tracing her path from a childhood fundraising event in China to establishing her own CPA practice in Boston. The episode offers a candid look at the pivotal moments that fueled her transition, including learning from a seasoned CPA and leveraging her corporate experience to launch her own firm after motherhood inspired a new direction. Learn how tax planning can elevate your practice management strategies with insights from Shanley's collaboration with POSBOT and her mentor, Tyler Thompson. The episode explores her evolved mindset from merely fulfilling tasks to embracing the entrepreneurial spirit, emphasizing the importance of strategic client selection and holistic tax planning. Shanley's experiences underscore the necessity of educating clients about tax complexities and the pitfalls of fragmented approaches. Discover practical solutions for scalable client education that combat industry-wide misinformation, ensuring both practitioners and clients are aligned in achieving financial success. Explore the balancing act of entrepreneurship and personal life, as Shanli addresses the challenges of setting boundaries. Through personal anecdotes, including the extreme of taking a client call during labor, the conversation sheds light on the pressures faced by professionals, particularly women, in juggling work and family. Drawing inspiration from Tim Urban, the discussion highlights the need to prioritize family time amidst professional commitments. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of boundaries to prevent burnout and ensure you remain present for those who matter most. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome to the Podcast: Shanli Liu's Journey 00:00:12 - Shanley's Early Life and Inspiration from China 00:02:05 - Transition from Corporate Finance to Entrepreneurship 00:03:30 - Founding Freedom Folio and Building a CPA Practice 00:06:45 - Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 00:09:15 - Importance of Learning to Say No in Business 00:11:37 - Embracing Entrepreneurial Mindset through Tax Planning 00:12:45 - Lessons from POSBOT and Training with Tyler Thompson 00:14:30 - Strategic Client Selection for Scalable Tax Planning 00:16:10 - Addressing Fragmented Tax Planning and Client Education 00:18:27 - Holistic Financial Planning for Small Business Owners 00:19:30 - Collaborating with Financial Advisors for Diversification 00:21:00 - Setting Boundaries to Maintain Work-Life Balance 00:22:36 - Challenges of Overworking and People-Pleasing 00:24:00 - Societal Pressures on Women Entrepreneurs 00:25:30 - Reflection on Family Prioritization and Tim Urban's Work 00:27:00 - Conclusion: Aligning Professional Success with Personal Well-being Episode Resources: Connect with Shanli here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanli-liu-234b16b/ Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit businesslegacypodcast.com. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit businesslegacypodcast.com to access the shownotes and additional resources on the episode.
You've spent days building a perfect financial model, yet something about the final decision just feels "off." The numbers don't lie, but our own brains can quietly lead us astray. In this episode of FinPod, we dive deep into the world of cognitive biases and reveal how these hidden mental shortcuts can derail even the most rigorous financial analysis.We explore real-world corporate case studies and provide a practical toolkit of proven safeguards you can build into your own process to protect your decisions from these human flaws:Discover how biases like overconfidence and loss aversion led to multi-billion dollar mistakes at Hewlett-Packard and Kodak.Learn to use pre-mortem analysis to confront potential flaws and risks before a project even begins.Understand how groupthink and confirmation bias contributed to the tragic Boeing 737 MAX crisis, and how red team reviews can build institutionalized skepticism.Implement a decision journal to track your assumptions over time, helping you spot your own recurring biases.Break free from anchoring bias with scenario diversification, a technique used to explore a wider range of outcomes beyond a single, comfortable forecast.This is a must-listen for any finance professional looking to move beyond the spreadsheet and ensure their strategies are robust and resilient.
Divestiture is one of the least discussed aspects of M&A, and yet separations can be a highly effective way of creating value. In this week’s episode, Sean speaks with two McKinsey experts on separations and spin-offs about their latest research on the subject. Jamie Koenig coleads our separations and spin-off client work globally and is a partner in our New York office. He has more than a decade of experience helping clients navigate complex transactions, having worked on hundreds of deals, and has a particular passion for building new companies via spin-offs. Anna Mattsson is the global co-lead of our separations and spin-offs client service line. She is a partner in our Zurich office and has 20 years of experience helping clients deliver value through M&A, divestitures, and spin-offs. The two are co-authors of our recent article on separations.Related insights When separating businesses, people are the key to unleashing value The cost of (un)doing businessWhy speed matters in divestitures What it takes to make separations a competitive difference-maker M&A Annual Report: Is the wave finally arriving? Active portfolio management: Five practical insights for value creation The equity story you need for the long-term investors you want McKinsey Insights on M&A McKinsey Strategy & Corporate Finance on LinkedInSupport the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
Ever feel like your crucial financial analysis gets lost in translation? You're not alone. In this episode of FinPod's "What's New at CFI", we sit down with Paul Barnhurst, famously known as The FP&A Guy, to discuss his new CFI course: "Crafting the Narrative: Storytelling with Data."Paul reveals why simply presenting numbers is no longer enough to get buy-in and advance your career. He shares why the ability to transform data into a compelling story is the most valuable skill a finance professional can have today.Key takeaways from our discussion include:The Power of a Narrative: Discover the difference between a simple report and a persuasive story that includes key insights and a clear call to action.The "What, So What, Now What" Framework: Learn a powerful, time-tested framework for building a message that moves decision-makers to action.Structuring Your Presentations: Find out why planning your narrative is more important than building your slides, and how this one shift can make your presentations far more impactful.Case Studies in Action: Get a sneak peek into the course's practical scenarios, including how to tell the story behind a missed earnings target or an acquisition proposal.Presentation Pet Peeves: We both vent about our biggest presentation pet peeves and share tips for how you can avoid them.If you've ever struggled to get your message across in a meeting or a deck, this episode and the new CFI course are for you. Learn how to level up your executive communication and craft narratives that get results.
Ready to take a deep dive and learn how to generate personal tax-free cash flow from your corporation? Enroll in our FREE masterclass here and book a call hereAre your retained earnings just sitting idle in your corporation — taxed if touched and seemingly out of reach?Many Canadian business owners struggle to unlock the full potential of their corporate cash. Between tax traps and limited investment options, it often feels like you're stuck watching your money stagnate. This episode uncovers a smart, lesser-known strategy to keep your retained earnings working for you — without triggering personal taxes or resorting to risky bets. This episode shares a recording of a joint webinar between PE-GATE and the team at Canadian Wealth Secrets. Tune in to discover:How to invest your corporation's retained earnings into private businesses while keeping the taxman at bayWhat makes private equity a powerful, tax-efficient asset class — and how regular business owners can finally access itWhy boring, cash-flowing businesses might be the best-kept secret to growing wealth in CanadaIf you're a Canadian business owner ready to put your corporate dollars to work, hit play now and learn how to unlock strategic growth without paying more tax.Discover which phase of wealth creation you are in. Take our quick assessment and you'll receive a custom wealth-building pathway that matches your phase and learn our CRA compliant tax optimized strategies. Take that assessment here.Canadian Wealth Secrets Show Notes Page:Consider reaching out to Kyle…taking a salary with a goal of stuffing RRSPs;…investing inside your corporation without a passive income tax minimization strategy;…letting a large sum of liquid assets sit in low interest earning savings accounts;…investing corporate dollars into GICs, dividend stocks/funds, or other investments attracting cordporate passive income taxes at greater than 50%; or,…wondering whether your current corporate wealth management strategy is optimal for your specific situation.Canadian entrepreneurs seeking financial independence and early retirement are increasingly turning to private equity as a core component of their corporate wealth planning. By strategically investing retained earnings into this high-performing asset class, business owners can unlock powerful tax-efficient investing opportunities that go beyond traditional RRSP optimization or real estate investing in Canada. With a focus on liquidity, corporate structure optimization, and tailored investment bucket strategies, this approach supports a modest lifestyle wealtReady to connect? Text us your comment including your phone number for a response!Canadian Wealth Secrets is an informative podcast that digs into the intricacies of building a robust portfolio, maximizing dividend returns, the nuances of real estate investment, and the complexities of business finance, while offering expert advice on wealth management, navigating capital gains tax, and understanding the role of financial institutions in personal finance.
In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we delve into the essential practice of integrating macroeconomic analysis into corporate financial strategy. We tackle the common disconnect between positive internal performance and concerning external economic signals, providing a clear pathway to informed decision-making.
In this episode, Sean talks with four strategy experts who share the findings of their new research into the practices that separate companies that succeed at building and executing an excellent strategy from those that do not. You can read more about their research in the new McKinsey Quarterly article titled, How Strategy Champions win. Alex D'Amico co-leads our strategy work globally and leads it in North America. He is a senior partner in our Connecticut office where he helps companies across industries shape enterprise strategy, undertake cultural transformations, rapidly boost performance, and redesign organizations to sustain results. Alejandro Krell co-leads our strategy work globally with Alex and leads our Strategy and Corporate Finance Practice in Latin America. He is a senior partner in our Panama City office where he advises companies across the financial services, manufacturing, mining, retail, and telecom sectors on addressing strategic challenges and making lasting performance improvements. Semyon Yakovlev leads our Strategy and Corporate Finance Practice across Asia and is a senior partner in our Seoul office. He serves clients on strategic and performance improvement programs, working with major banking groups, insurance companies, tech companies, and public sector institutions. Whitney Zimmerman is a core leader of our strategy work and an associate partner in our London office. He also leads our work on the role of the chief strategy officer, helping CSOs define and succeed in their roles, and he led our latest research on strategy capabilities and practices. Related insights Have you tested your strategy lately? How programmatic M&A fosters long-term resilience How AI is transforming strategy development Strategy to beat the odds The strategy leader’s evolving mandate Strategy Beyond the Hockey Stick Rewired: The McKinsey guide to outcompeting in the age of digital and AI McKinsey Insights on Strategy & Corporate Finance McKinsey Strategy & Corporate Finance on LinkedIn Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
Ready to take a deep dive and learn how to generate personal tax-free cash flow from your corporation? Enroll in our FREE masterclass here and book a call hereAre you racing to optimize your investments before figuring out if you're even on track for retirement?Many Canadians jump straight into strategies like the Smith Maneuver, tax efficiency, and leveraging — but skip the most critical question: What do I actually need to retire on my terms? This episode tackles the foundational work you must do before fine-tuning your wealth plan, so you don't optimize yourself into a shortfall.By listening, you'll discover:Why your “vision number” is more important than which spouse holds the investmentA simple way to reverse-engineer your retirement timeline based on what you already haveHow to calculate whether your current strategy is enough — or needs a total rethinkBefore you tweak another investment detail, hit play to learn how to build a retirement-ready plan that actually works.Discover which phase of wealth creation you are in. Take our quick assessment and you'll receive a custom wealth-building pathway that matches your phase and learn our CRA compliant tax optimized strategies. Take that assessment here.Canadian Wealth Secrets Show Notes Page:Consider reaching out to Kyle…taking a salary with a goal of stuffing RRSPs;…investing inside your corporation without a passive income tax minimization strategy;…letting a large sum of liquid assets sit in low interest earning savings accounts;…investing corporate dollars into GICs, dividend stocks/funds, or other investments attracting corporate passive income taxes at greater than 50%; or,…wondering whether your current corporate wealth management strategy is optimal for your specific situation.A successful Canadian wealth plan starts with clarity — not just on investment strategies like the Smith Maneuver or RRSP optimization, but on your bigger financial vision. Whether you're a high-income earner, entrepreneur, or planning for early retirement in Canada, aligning your budgeting, income needs, and long-term financial goals is key to true financial freedom. At Canadian Wealth Secrets, we help you move beyond surface-level wealth optimization into deeper strategies like corporate wealth planning, tax-efficient investing, and financial systems built for entrepreneurs. From balancing salary vs. dividends to choosing between real estate vs. renting, and crafting a capital gains or legacy plan, your path to building long-term wealth in Canada depends on answering the right vision question first. UsingReady to connect? Text us your comment including your phone number for a response!Canadian Wealth Secrets is an informative podcast that digs into the intricacies of building a robust portfolio, maximizing dividend returns, the nuances of real estate investment, and the complexities of business finance, while offering expert advice on wealth management, navigating capital gains tax, and understanding the role of financial institutions in personal finance.
Join us for another episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, where we chat with our global community about their unique career paths in finance. In this episode, host Meeyeon sits down with Milerde Armando, a banking professional with over 15 years of experience, to discuss his journey from frontline retail banking to the strategic world of investment banking.Milerde, joining us from Maputo, Mozambique, shares his insights on:The Power of Staying Put: Milerde reflects on his decade-long career with a single company, highlighting how his dedication helped him build crucial skills and relationships.From Retail to Investment Banking: Discover what inspired Milerde's career shift and how his foundational skills in client relationships and communication became the perfect springboard for a technical investment banking role.The Importance of Education: Milerde shares how online education and courses, like CFI's FMVA® (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst) program, equipped him with the technical skills needed for success in his new role.Building Trust in Finance: Learn Milerde's secret to building trust with clients, from small businesses to large enterprises.Favorite Books and Hobbies: Get to know Milerde on a personal level as he shares his favorite books, his love for Excel, and his passion for swimming.Whether you're new to finance or a seasoned professional looking for a new challenge, Milerde's story is a powerful reminder that every career is a journey of continuous learning and growth.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more FinPod episodes!
In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we're tackling one of the most vital topics in business and finance: how companies handle financial crises and recessions.When economic storms hit, corporate finance fundamentally shifts from long-term strategy to immediate, day-to-day survival. Your finance team becomes the nerve center, constantly stress-testing models, monitoring liquidity, and making real-time trade-offs.
Welcome back to What's New at CFI on FinPod! In this exciting episode, we're joined by Paul Barnhurst, The FP&A Guy, as he introduces CFI's brand-new course: FP&A Tool Selection.Are you an FP&A professional struggling with chaotic Excel models, disconnected reports, or overwhelmed by the sheer number of available planning tools? This course is your ultimate guide! Paul walks us through why choosing the right tool is more strategic than ever and how to navigate the exploding FP&A software market.In this episode, Paul reveals:Key signs it's time to upgrade from Excel: When do broken models, collaboration issues, and countless budget versions signal a need for a dedicated FP&A tool?Navigating the 150+ FP&A tools: Frameworks to narrow down your options based on desired functionality (spreadsheet-native vs. complete replacement), company size (small to enterprise), industry focus, and platform capabilities.The critical groundwork for tool selection: Why building robust requirements, writing a solid problem statement, and managing a rigorous RFP process are essential to avoid the "wow factor" and ensure a good fit.Paul's personal must-have productivity tools (beyond Excel!): Discover his favorite non-FP&A tools like ClickUp, ChatGPT, and Claude, and how he leverages them for productivity, research, and even devil's advocacy in decision-making.This course is a must-have for anyone evaluating new FP&A software or seeking a smarter process for optimizing their finance tech stack. Learn from the expert and make informed decisions to empower your finance career!
Welcome to FinPod by CFI's "Careers in Finance" series! In this exclusive episode, we sit down with Tim Vipond, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Corporate Finance Institute (CFI). Go beyond the typical resume and uncover the fascinating career journey that led him to build the world's leading online finance education platform.Tim shares his candid experiences starting from his early interest in finance, shaped by family and university, and his foundational investment banking analyst roles at firms like Scotia Capital. He opens up about the rigorous demands of Wall Street, the pursuit of perfection, and the steep learning curve for aspiring finance professionals.Whether you're an aspiring investment banker, a current finance professional looking to pivot, or an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, Tim's story offers invaluable lessons on career resilience, risk-taking, and building a globally impactful business.
In this episode, we speak with Eric Olson, a retired US Navy Admiral with a distinguished career in special operations, about the key principles of effective leadership, particularly in times of uncertainty. Eric shares insights from his experiences leading high-performing teams and organizations through complex challenges, offering valuable leadership lessons for executives in today's rapidly changing business landscape. Related insights: A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets that Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest The Journey of Leadership: How CEOs learn to lead from the inside out Trusted advice for effective leadership The CEO as chief resilience officer The Strategic CEO newsletter McKinsey Insights on Strategy & Corporate Finance McKinsey Strategy & Corporate Finance on LinkedIn Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
Want to understand how credit ratings actually affect your company's financial decisions?In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we unpack how credit ratings from agencies like Moody's, S&P, and Fitch impact everything from bond yields and stock prices to capital structure decisions.Learn how companies like Ford, Apple, Kraft Heinz, and Netflix responded to downgrades, upgrades, and rating watchlists—and how finance teams manage their credit profile through strategy, communication, and capital discipline.
Even in a highly uncertain business environment, companies that build new businesses and develop new offerings, processes, and business models are better able to capture growth opportunities and hedge against disruption. Our recent survey of more than 1,000 companies around the world reflected this, with the largest share of respondents identifying the ability to innovate as their most important strategic factor for generating growth over the coming 12 months. To discuss the survey and talk about the innovation activities top performers are focusing on today, Sean Brown is joined by Rebecca Doherty, Matt Banholzer, and Clayton O’Toole. Rebecca co-leads our Strategic Growth and Innovation practice and is a partner in our San Francisco office. She works extensively with health care, industrial, and technology clients to define and execute growth road maps. Matt co-leads our Global Strategic Growth and Innovation practice with Rebecca and is a senior partner in our Chicago office. He also sits on the leadership team of our business-building practice, and serves organizations on innovation strategy across a range of sectors, including energy, materials, and agriculture. Clayton is a leader in our Strategy & Corporate Finance and Consumer Tech and Media practices in North America and is a partner based in our Minnesota office. He serves a wide range of clients including media organizations, sports leagues; food, apparel, and hardlines retailers; consumer packaged goods companies, and principal investors. Related Insights How top performers use innovation to grow within and beyond the core The eight essentials of innovation Revolutionary innovations propelling growthSupport the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Eric Byunn, Partner and Co-Founder of Centana Growth Partners, to unpack the journey behind one of the most respected voices in growth equity. From his early days at Harvard and McKinsey to product leadership at Netscape and founding his own investment firm, Eric shares candid insights on navigating career transitions, leading through uncertainty, and building a successful finance career with curiosity and conviction.This episode is a must-listen for early-career finance professionals, consultants considering a pivot to investing, and anyone interested in how great investors think not just about deals, but about people, purpose, and long-term impact.
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What's really behind the rise of corporate stock buybacks? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down how buybacks work, when they create value, and when they can backfire. You'll learn the financial strategy behind share repurchases, how they compare to dividends, and what finance professionals need to know about timing, capital structure, and investor perception. Featuring real-world case studies from Apple, Boeing, and Bed Bath & Beyond, this is a must-listen for mid-career finance professionals navigating boardroom decisions and capital allocation models.
(0:00) Intro(1:14) About the podcast sponsor: The American College of Governance Counsel(2:00) Start of interview(2:36) Erik's origin story(4:14) Discussing Foreign Private Issuers (FPIs): His article "SEC Revisits Foreign Private Issuer Eligibility" (June 2025)(16:45) The Rise of AI and Its Implications. Discussion on "AI Washing"(19:30) Distinguishing statutory mandates between the SEC, FTC, and DOJ on regulatory oversight of AI(20:40) The evolving crypto regulatory landscape "It's a pretty big sea change" "[Now it's] all about bright line rules (vs flexible standards) and trying to provide a lot more certainty to the market."(23:24) Cybersecurity Threats and Board Responsibilities. Two requirements from SEC: 1) public companies must disclose material cybersecurity incidents within four business days after determining that that incident was material, and 2) disclosure in a company's annual report about its risk management strategy and governance around cybersecurity. "The real focus is on the material cybersecurity incident reporting."(29:43) Current Trends in IPOs, SPACs and M&A (Liquidy Exits)(32:32) SEC Priorities in 2025 and beyond. "The SEC leadership has underscored a back-to-basics approach. What this means is focusing more on clear fraud and fraud that is scienter-based." "They're [also] going to emphasize much more quantitative materiality rather than qualitative materiality." "[This] is another example of how this SEC is focused on bright line rules." (36:51) SEC Enforcement in Private Markets *Mention of the Startup Litigation Digest.(40:31) The Shift from Delaware to Nevada, Texas, and Impact of Delaware's SB21.(48:08) Books that have greatly influenced his life:Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk, by Peter L. Bernstein (1996)A Random Walk Down Wall St, by Burton Malkiel (1973)The Sound and the Fury, by William Faulkner (1929)(48:54) His mentors(50:16) Quotes that he thinks of often or lives his life by.(50:48) An unusual habit or an absurd thing that he loves.(51:13) The living person he most admires.Erik Gerding is a Capital Markets partner at Freshfields advising on securities regulation, financial markets and corporate governance. Until the end of 2024, Erik served as the SEC's Director of the Division of Corporation Finance. 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