Podcasts about Corporate finance

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.

Want to Start or Grow a Successful Business? Schedule a FREE 13-Point Assessment with Clay Clark Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com   Join Clay Clark's Thrivetime Show Business Workshop!!! Learn Branding, Marketing, SEO, Sales, Workflow Design, Accounting & More. **Request Tickets & See Testimonials At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com  **Request Tickets Via Text At (918) 851-0102   See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Helped to Produce HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire   See Thousands of Case Studies Today HERE: www.thrivetimeshow.com/does-it-work/  

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

Are you building your budget—or defending your assumptions?In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore how cognitive bias quietly influences financial decisions in forecasting, capital planning, and corporate strategy.Whether you're in FP&A, M&A, or treasury, understanding behavioral finance can help you avoid critical missteps caused by overconfidence, anchoring, or groupthink.

Expanding into emerging markets? Finance teams face a whole new level of risk and opportunity. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we reveal how multinational companies manage currency risk, political instability, and regulatory complexity when operating in fast-growing economies.Learn how Tesla structured its China expansion, how Coca-Cola hedges naira risk in Nigeria, and how Unilever handles pricing and compliance in India.

Vince Tizzio is President and CEO of AXIS, a specialty insurance and reinsurance company that delivers customized solutions to organizations worldwide. Since taking on the role in May 2023, Vince has led AXIS on an ambitious transformation journey. In this episode, he speaks with McKinsey senior partner and North America Chair Eric Kutcher about what it means to take on the CEO role, how to lead through significant change with conviction and care, the kind of exposures companies should consider in today’s complex risk landscape, and how to be deliberate about investing in AI. Related Insights Becoming CEO, just in time for global crisis: David Gitlin, Chairman and CEO of Carrier Global Corporation Transforming for growth Stepping up: Becoming a high-potential CEO candidate How boards can tackle geopolitical risk How Judy Marks leads Otis Worldwide Corporation through uncertainty and technological evolution The art of 21st-century leadership: From succession planning to building a leadership factory Author Talks: IBM’s Ginni Rometty on leading with ‘good power’ Getting fit for growth: The leadership mindsets and behaviors that matter CEO Perspectives The Strategic CEO newsletter McKinsey Insights on Transformation McKinsey Transformation on LinkedIn 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

Send us your feedback In this episode Corporate Partner Tayla Johnston is joined by Beini Guo, a Director in the Corporate Finance team at  PwC. Beini, a Chartered Financial Analyst with more than a decade of M&A experience, shares insights into the various services provided by PwC's Corporate Finance team, the lifecycle of a typical deal, and the impact of global events on valuation. Tayla and Beini also discuss common deal issues, M&A trends and how PwC is utilsing AI. [01:04] Beini provides an overview of the different teams within PwC's deals umbrella, including M&A advisory, valuation and modelling teams, and specialised infrastructure advisory.[01:53] Tayla and Beni discuss on how both PwC and MinterEllisonRuddWatts collaborate across different teams to provide comprehensive services to clients.[02:50] Beini explains the services offered by the M&A advisory and valuation teams, including sell-side and buy-side advisory and capital raising.[04:55] Beini and Tayla discuss how geopolitical tensions and other global events affect valuations and modelling.[06:00] Beini discusses the lifecycle of a deal from the corporate finance perspective, focusing on the sell-side process.[07:35] Beini explains how the process changes depending on whether it's a partial or full sale of a business.[08:20] Tayla asks Beini to discuss the key points of client interaction throughout the deal process. The pair discuss the importance of preparation.[09:26] Beini  and Tayla discuss how the approach to the deal can change depending on the type of client (for example; private equity vs. family-owned business) and the size of the deal.[12:09] Tayla asks about the differences in preparation and approach between competitive bid processes and bilateral negotiations.[13:36] Beini explains how PwC collaborates with other advisors, including legal, tax, and commercial advisors, to ensure a smooth process.[14:45] The conversation moves towards common deal issues such as value mismatch, warranties and indemnities, and key person risks.[18:50] Beini highlights the impact of regulatory bodies like the Overseas Investment Office and  New Zealand's Commerce Commission on deal-making and the importance of early legal consultation.[20:41] Beini shares how PwC is incorporating AI into its processes to enhance efficiency and maintain data security.[22:41] Beini provides insights into the first quarter of 2025, noting an increase in trade deals and continuedinterest in sectors like IT and financial services.Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording Monday, 12 May 2025.Please contact Tayla Johnston, or our For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

Behind the Course: Economic Analysis for FP&A – New from CFIIn this episode of What's New at CFI on FinPod, we walk through our latest course release: Economic Analysis for FP&A, co-authored by instructors Mimi Hu and Meeyeon Park. Designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world finance, this course helps learners understand how FP&A teams drive strategic decisions—using scenario analysis, economic trends, and business partnering to influence the direction of a company.Whether you're just starting out or stepping into leadership in FP&A, this episode offers key insights into how the course was built to support you. From practical retail-based examples to the importance of data storytelling and executive-ready presentation skills, Mimi and Meeyeon reflect on the lessons they wish they'd had earlier in their careers—and how this course now delivers them to you.

Is corporate finance about maximizing shareholder value, or should companies focus on broader stakeholder interests? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore the evolving debate between shareholder primacy and stakeholder capitalism—and what it means for finance professionals today.Whether you work in financial planning, strategy, or corporate development, this episode provides practical takeaways to help you align financial strategy with long-term value creation.

Mergers and acquisitions are among the more complex processes new CEOs have to learn, whether they’re in the role for the first time or taking over at a new company. Andreas “Andy” W. Mattes has navigated this multiple times in his roles as CEO of Siemens Communications, Diebold, and later of Diebold Nixdorf, and now of the laser technology company Coherent. In this discussion with M&A practice leader Jake Henry, Andy talks about the roller-coaster ride that M&A can be, and the critical M&A skills he had to learn as a CEO, including how to best deal with competing bids and making time to commune with other CEOs. Jake is the global co-leader of McKinsey’s M&A Practice, which includes mergers, acquisitions, integrations, joint ventures, and divestitures. He previously led our Life Sciences Practice globally, where he guided pharmaceutical and medical-technology company executives on matters of corporate strategy, growth strategy, and operational excellence for more than twenty years. Related insights CEOs in M&A: Five actions only the chief executive can take Uncertainty in M&A: Postcards from the new normal M&A Annual Report: Is the wave finally arriving? What makes a successful CEO? The loneliest job? How top CEOs manage dilemmas and vulnerability CEO excellence: How do leaders assess their own performance? 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 McKinsey Strategy & Corporate Finance on LinkedIn McKinsey Insights on M&ASupport the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

In this re-lease episode, the hosts interview Nicole Shaver, a leadership coach who shares her journey from a successful career in finance to finding her true purpose in coaching. Nicole discusses the challenges and fears she faced in making such a significant career pivot and the importance of having a supportive coach to guide her through the process. She emphasizes the need for self-reflection, finding the right mentor, and giving oneself grace. Nicole also touches on balancing professional and personal life, shifting priorities with changes in life stages, and making intentional decisions to live a fulfilling life.  Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn

Why do big companies collapse? And how can corporate finance professionals spot the warning signs before it's too late?In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore the most common causes of corporate bankruptcy and financial distress, backed by case studies of Lehman Brothers, Toys “R” Us, WeWork, and more.Learn how finance teams use metrics like interest coverage, working capital trends, and debt ratios to assess risk, and how FP&A and treasury roles are critical in crisis management.

Is corporate finance about maximizing shareholder value, or should companies focus on broader stakeholder interests? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore the evolving debate between shareholder primacy and stakeholder capitalism—and what it means for finance professionals today.Whether you work in financial planning, strategy, or corporate development, this episode provides practical takeaways to help you align financial strategy with long-term value creation.

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 missing out on a hidden tax-free opportunity inside your corporation?If you've sold a Canadian business or a corporate-held property and now face the question of where to grow your money — inside your corp or in your personal name — this episode is essential listening. Many Canadian incorporated professionals overlook critical tax planning tools that could massively boost their personal wealth and estate efficiency.In this episode, you'll discover:How to use the Capital Dividend Account (CDA) to move money out of your corp tax-free — and when it's the smartest move.Why holding low-yield investments like T-bills inside your corporation could be costing you more than you think.How permanent life insurance — even on your children — can become a powerful estate and tax optimization tool.Hit play now to learn how to turn overlooked tax strategies into serious long-term wealth advantages.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.For Canadian entrepreneurs focused on financial freedom and long-term wealth building, understanding how to integrate personal and corporate finance is essential. Leveraging tools like the capital dividend account and strategies such as salary vs dividends Canada, capital gains planning, and corporate structure optimization can significantly boost tax efficiency and retirement planning outcomes. Through a well-structured corporate wealth blueprint, young entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike can align financial systems with investment strategies, using personal financial buckets and RRSP optimization to build and protect assets. Canadian wealth secrets lie in mastering the nuances of incorporation, real estate, and small business finaReady 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.

How do companies decide between paying dividends and reinvesting profits? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down the key considerations behind corporate dividend policy and why it's such a powerful tool for shaping investor sentiment and long-term strategy.

Why do companies spin off parts of their business, and how does it create shareholder value?In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore the core strategies behind corporate restructuring, including spin-offs, carve-outs, and divestitures.

Measuring value creation is critical, as company leaders grapple with geopolitical shifts, digital disruption, and other trends affecting their businesses. Two co-authors of the new edition of Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies join Sean today to discuss what they’ve learned over the course of writing and updating their book, which is now in its eighth edition, with more than 1 million copies sold worldwide Author Tim Koller is a core leader in our Corporate Finance Practice and a Partner in our Denver office. In more than 40 years of consulting, he’s served clients globally on corporate strategy, capital markets, acquisitions, divestitures, and resource allocation. Co-author Marc Goedhart is a senior expert in our Strategy and Corporate Finance Practice based in Amsterdam. He’s also an endowed professor of corporate valuation at the Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University in the Netherlands. Related insights Valuation 8th edition Subscribe to The Valuation Practitioner newsletter on LinkedIn Author Talks: What’s new in Valuation? Bubbles pop, downturns stop Bias Busters: Getting both sides of the story Biases in decision-making: A guide for CFOs Is your ‘conglomerate discount’ a performance discount or a communication problem? Tying short-term decisions to long-term strategy What I learned from Daniel Kahneman 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

In this episode of What's New at CFI on FinPod, we spotlight CFI's new course “Forecasting Techniques” with expert instructor Duncan McKeen. If you've ever wanted a clear breakdown of how forecasting actually works inside a company, this conversation walks through the course's learning objectives with practical context, examples, and insights into corporate best practices.From aligning forecasts with strategic goals to performing variance analysis and improving forecast accuracy over time, Duncan outlines what finance teams need to know. Whether you're in FP&A, business planning, or building your forecasting skills to support better decision-making, this episode breaks it down clearly and effectively.

How does the treasury team impact corporate strategy? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down the critical role of the corporate treasury function, including liquidity management, financial risk mitigation, and capital allocation.

In this episode of Member Spotlight on FinPod, UK-based finance professional Judith Singh, FCCA, CFM, FMVA, shares her inspiring path to success without a university degree. From passing all her ACCA exams by age 20 to mastering project accounting, budgeting, and financial modeling, Judith reveals how curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning fueled her growth in the finance industry.This conversation is packed with practical insights for aspiring accountants, career changers, and hands-on finance professionals navigating nontraditional career paths. Judith explains how she leveraged certifications like FMVA, CFM, and BIDA to develop real-world skills and how she built confidence and communication strength by solving complex challenges early in her career.

As CEO challenges go, facing a global threat that is existential not just for your company but for your industry is among the worst possible. American Airlines’ former Chairman and CEO, Doug Parker, has been through this twice while leading an airline, following the 9/11 attacks in New York and the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, he speaks with McKinsey Senior Partner Celia Huber about how these experiences helped him become a better leader. Doug Parker has served as CEO of three airlines: America West, US Airways, and American Airlines. He currently serves on the board of Qantas. Celia Huber is a McKinsey senior partner in our Bay Area office, where she leads our board services work in North America. Related insights Better together: Three ways to boost board–CEO collaboration The State of Aviation 2025 Geopolitical resilience: The new board imperative Resilience pulse check: Harnessing collaboration to navigate a volatile world McKinsey Insights on Strategy & Corporate Finance 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

What if the success stories you believe, the leadership advice you follow, and the wellness rules you swear by are built on shaky evidence—or no evidence at all? Even well-meaning ideas like grit, purpose, and diversity can cause harm when taken at face value. So, we challenge you to think critically before embracing feel-good narratives.In today's Happiness Squad Podcast episode, Ashish Kothari and Alex Edmans expose the dangers of misinformation in the pursuit of happiness, well-being, and leadership. Alex Edmans is a British economist and Professor of Finance at London Business School, renowned for his work on responsible business and corporate governance. He authored the influential book Grow the Pie: How Great Companies Deliver Both Purpose and Profit, which argues that businesses can achieve sustainable success by creating value for all stakeholders—not just shareholders. This book was named a Financial Times Book of the Year in 2020 and has been translated into nine languages .In addition to Grow the Pie, Edmans co-authored the 14th edition of Principles of Corporate Finance and released May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases – And What We Can Do About It in 2024.In the conversation, Alex reveals how many popular beliefs are based on flawed data, biased research, and confirmation bias. Ashish and Alex discuss how critical thinking is the most underrated skill in the age of instant advice.Things you will also learn in this episode:• How confirmation bias shapes what we want to believe• The unproven hype behind Simon Sinek's “Start With Why”• The shaky science behind the 10,000-hour success rule• The confusion between correlation and causation in diversity studies• The overgeneralization of grit as a universal success factor• How to build smarter organizations through dissent and inclusionDon't let bad data shape your decisions. Learn how to think critically. Explore these lessons and more in the full episode.Resources:✅• Related episode with Alex Edmans: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/episode/the-power-of-purpose-driven-organizations-with-alex-edmans • Alex Edmans' website: http://www.alexedmans.com/ • Growth the Pie website: http://www.growthepie.net/ • TED Talk: The Pie-Growing Mindset https://www.ted.com/talks/alex_edmans_the_pie_growing_mindset • TED Talk: The Social Responsibility of Business https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5KZhm19EO0 Books:✅• Grow the Pie: How Great Companies Deliver Both Purpose and Profit• May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases – And What We Can Do About It: https://a.co/d/4ZSp6Up • Principles of Corporate Finance ISE by Alex Edmans: https://a.co/d/aglrrnu • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish...

Mastering Financial Storytelling for Strategic Influence in Corporate FinanceIn this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we explore one of the most critical yet overlooked skills in mid-career finance: financial storytelling. For professionals in FP&A, strategic finance, treasury, and corporate development, the ability to move beyond analysis and shape narratives that influence decisions is becoming essential for visibility and impact. This episode equips you with actionable strategies to communicate your insights clearly, drive better outcomes, and position yourself as a strategic partner within your organization.

How High Interest Rates Are Reshaping Corporate Finance StrategyIn this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we explore how high interest rates are transforming the decisions corporate finance teams make every day, from capital budgeting to debt management and strategic planning. For FP&A professionals, finance leaders, and decision-makers navigating today's economic uncertainty, understanding these shifts is essential to staying proactive, strategic, and resilient.

Holistic transformations are complex and can take a long time to show full results. By optimizing working capital early on, companies can help score early wins to create momentum and excite stakeholders across the organization. In this episode, Sean talks with two McKinsey transformation experts about how to identify and achieve these working capital improvements to maximize the impact of a transformation. Jacob Rüden is a partner in our Transformation Practice, based in Cologne, and he leads our cash excellence work globally. He has more than 20 years of experience serving clients in transformation and on cash and working capital engagements across sectors, including automotive, energy, chemicals, transportation, consumer goods, and retail. And Marvin Denis is an expert in our Transformation Practice, based in New York. He's a core member of our cash excellence service line and co-leader of our cash solutions globally. He works across sectors, including automotive, chemicals, consumer goods, and retail. Related insights Gain transformation momentum early by optimizing working capital Building optionality: Balance sheet discipline is both timely and timeless Succeeding in the AI supply-chain revolution A data-driven approach to improving net working capital McKinsey Insights on Strategy & Corporate Finance McKinsey Strategy & Corporate Finance on LinkedIn McKinsey Insights on Transformation McKinsey Transformation on LinkedIn Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

From Philosophy to Finance: Funmi Oriji's Global Career JourneyIn this episode of Member Spotlight on FinPod, Funmi Oriji shares her inspiring path from aspiring doctor to McKinsey consultant and Amazon finance leader. With warmth, resilience, and deep insight, Funmi reflects on the pivots that shaped her career from counting cash in her grandmother's textile shop to earning an MBA and thriving in corporate finance roles across continents.You'll hear how she broke into KPMG without a finance degree, navigated international opportunities, and built a strategy-informed approach to FP&A and business partnering. Whether you're transitioning careers, aiming for a global role, or curious about the real skills behind financial leadership, this conversation offers practical guidance and inspiration.

How do major companies plan for long-term success and stay agile when things change? In this episode of What's New at CFI, Duncan McKeen breaks down the essentials of corporate budgeting, why it's critical for aligning strategy with execution, and how FP&A teams use budgeting to drive better decision-making across every department.Whether you're a finance professional working in FP&A, a business analyst building forecasts, or a team lead navigating strategic planning cycles, this episode gives you a practical roadmap for how budgeting works at scale.

Pushpendra Mehta and Paul Galloway discuss how a process mindset helps treasury deliver strategic value and improve efficiency across the organization. You can access the ebook Leading Practices in Treasury or its audiobook version here: https://strategictreasurer.com/ebook-leading-practices-in-treasury/?utm_source=ST362 Alternatively, you can watch the video version of the ebook here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJotnXwxIvw

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   Here are some free gifts for you:   Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is more than simple math, it's the cornerstone of smart business decisions. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we dive deep into how companies weigh financial trade-offs, avoid common pitfalls, and use CBA to drive strategy. Learn how leading firms like Amazon, Tesla, Apple, Ford, and Quibi used (or misused) CBA to shape their success—or struggle.

Episode four features Pushpendra Mehta and Paul Galloway, Senior Director of Advisory Services at Strategic Treasurer, discussing Process Mindset. Listen in for valuable insights. You can access the ebook Leading Practices in Treasury or its audiobook version by visiting: https://strategictreasurer.com/ebook-leading-practices-in-treasury/?utm_source=STEBKpage Alternatively, you can watch the video version of the ebook here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJotnXwxIvw

PhD to Corporate Finance & M&A? Gabriel Fung's Unconventional Journey!Ever wondered how a PhD in Pathology transitions to high-stakes roles in Equity Research and Corporate Development? In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, Gabriel Fung reveals his unique path from the lab to leading strategic M&A and partnerships at Exact Sciences in the competitive healthcare and biotech sectors. This is a must-listen for PhDs, scientists, and anyone considering a career pivot into finance from a non-traditional background!

Justin Manly, BCG's lead on growth and innovation, explains how businesses can choose the right growth strategy given their aspirations and position in the market. Whether a company is gaining or losing share, in a booming or sluggish industry, profitable growth depends on knowing your starting point. Learn More: Justin Manly: https://on.bcg.com/4kGYyPH BCG's Latest Thinking on Growth and Innovation Analytics: https://on.bcg.com/4kjTEIB BCG's Latest Thinking on Corporate Finance and Strategy: https://on.bcg.com/3ZeAMlX Your Growth Strategy Depends on Your Starting Point: https://on.bcg.com/43YpzZm The Vitality Code: How Growth Leaders Master Strategy, Technology, People, and Culture: https://on.bcg.com/4dMKjH1 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In a world of constant change, rising interest rates, inflation, and global disruptions, how do top companies prepare for the unexpected? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down scenario planning and sensitivity analysis, the essential tools finance teams use to stay agile, resilient, and ready for anything.Learn how Airbnb, Starbucks, Delta Airlines, and Unilever use these strategies to thrive despite uncertainty, from pandemic disruptions to geopolitical shifts.

In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we dive into the world of corporate debt management, a crucial aspect of business strategy that can fuel growth or sink companies if mismanaged. Join us as we break down the fundamentals of debt versus equity financing, explore real-world examples like Tesla, Apple, and Toys R Us, and reveal best practices that companies use to navigate the complex financial landscape.Learn how companies use leverage to amplify returns, the strategic use of convertible debt in high-growth phases, and the risks of over-leverage with cautionary tales from companies like Evergrande. From term loans to mezzanine financing, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the tools and strategies finance professionals need to manage debt effectively.Whether you're a finance student, an aspiring corporate finance professional, or someone looking to understand how companies manage financial risks and optimize capital structures, this conversation offers invaluable insights and practical strategies for success.

Tune in as Pushpendra Mehta and Paul Galloway dive into the third topic in the series: Cash Forecasting. Tune in for deeper insights. You can explore the Leading Practices in Treasury eBook or its audiobook by visiting here For a visual overview, watch the video version here

In this episode of CFI Member Spotlight, we sit down with Russel Tan, a dynamic professional from Singapore who's bridging the worlds of engineering and finance. Join us as Russel shares his unconventional journey from aerospace engineering to pursuing a career in finance, highlighting his passion for problem-solving, private equity, and the power of networking.Russel's early dive into financial modeling and his plans to pursue an Accounting and Finance degree at Durham University set him up for a promising career in investment banking and consulting. Whether you're a finance student, a professional exploring career transitions, or someone curious about global perspectives in finance, this conversation offers inspiration and practical advice on blending technical expertise with business acumen. 

For many years, the continued rise of private markets has been defined by assets under management (AUM), while the composition of the industry evolved significantly. This week, two of McKinsey’s Private Capital Practice experts are joined by Neil Mehta from Apollo Global Management to discuss the diverse types of non-traditional private capital increasingly being raised by general partners (GPs), and how asset managers will need to continue to adapt to meet this growing complexity and the variety of needs that their investors are looking to them to solve. McKinsey Senior Partner Alexander Edlich is a senior leader in McKinsey’s Private Capital Practice, and is based in New York. He’s the lead author of our 2025 Global Private Markets Review, and has more than two decades of experience advising financial services firms, including alternative asset managers and investors, on how to address ever-changing industry dynamics. McKinsey Partner Paul Maia co-leads McKinsey’s work on advising the C-suite of private capital GPs, as well as the private capital arms of institutional investors, and is based in Washington, D.C. Neil Mehta is a partner and global head of new markets at Apollo Global Management in New York, where he is responsible for driving growth into markets that have historically had limited exposure to private assets, including traditional asset management, defined contribution, and tax advantage strategies. Neil is also a member of Apollo’s leadership team. Related insights Alternative assets get more alternative: The rise of novel AUM forms Global Private Markets Report 2025: Braced for shifting weather Thematic investing: A win–win for private equity and the planet Private capital: The key to boosting European competitiveness McKinsey Insights on Private Capital 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

As the shipping industry continues to face one of its greatest challenges - how to drastically cut carbon emissions in a sector traditionally reliant on heavy fuel oil, our expert panel takes a high-level look at how industry regulations, technologies and data collectively play a role in the future of low-carbon shipping.Panellist contact details:Alastair StevensonHead of Digital Analysis, SSYE: a.stevenson@ssyglobal.comCato EsperøHead of Alternative Fuels, SSYE: c.espero@ssyglobal.comThomas HorschigSenior Analyst Low-Carbon Fuels, VeytE: thomas.horschig@veyt.comMichael Mervyn-JonesDirector of Communications and Marketing, SSYE: m.mervyn-jones@ssyglobal.comAbout SSYEstablished in 1880, SSY has grown to become one of the biggest and most trusted names in broking, operating around the world via its 27 local offices – with over 500experts covering a range of major markets including Dry Cargo, Tankers, Derivatives, LNG, Sale and Purchase, Offshore, Chemicals, LPG, Towage, Recycling and Corporate Finance. SSY has a global reach with offices in Aberdeen, Athens, Copenhagen, Dubai, Geneva, Genoa, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Houston, Kristiansand, London, Madrid, Mumbai, New York, Osaka, Oslo, Rio, Rotterdam, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Stamford-USA, Sydney, Tokyo, Vancouver, Varna, Zug. www.ssyglobal.comAbout VeytVeyt is a global insight business for all significant low-carbon markets and renewable energy. As the energy transition picks up pace, businesses, governments and institutions need reliable and actionable insights as they lead the shift to a net zero world. That's why Veyt covers green certificates for power and gas and carbon markets with unparalleled breadth and depth, backed by expert independent objective research and analysis. Veyt's team of analysts covers market developments on every continent, strengthening clients' decisions through real-time analytics and market intelligence. www.veyt.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do companies decide where to invest, when to return cash to shareholders, or when to take bold risks on new technologies? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down capital allocation, the art and science behind a company's biggest money decisions.From ROI and NPV to multi-billion dollar bets on streaming, cloud computing, and biotech, this deep dive features case studies from Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, Pfizer, and more. Learn how capital allocation drives long-term value, and how to spot it in your own company or investments.In this episode, you'll learn:What capital allocation really means and why it mattersThe key metrics (ROI, NPV, IRR) behind investment decisionsReal-world strategies from Amazon (AWS), Apple (stock buybacks), and Microsoft (Azure)Warren Buffett's approach to acquisitions at Berkshire HathawayHow companies like Netflix, Disney, Intel, and Pfizer made bold capital betsHow to evaluate capital allocation as an FP&A analyst or investorWho this episode is for:This episode is for finance professionals, FP&A analysts, investors, and business strategists who want to understand how capital allocation decisions shape value creation. It's also valuable for anyone making or analyzing investment decisions—inside a company or in the stock market.

In this episode, Pushpendra Mehta sits down with Paul Galloway to discuss the third topic in the series—Cash Forecasting. Tune in for deeper insights. Want to dive deeper into Leading Practices in Treasury? Download the eBook or listen to the audiobook here Alternatively, you may view the video version here

Serving SMB mid-market customers is one thing, but when you go upstream to enterprise sales, everything changes: go-to-market strategy, the sales process, how you structure deals, even how you define customer value. Today's guest, Andrew Casey, has helped scale four SaaS companies: ServiceNow, WalkMe, Lacework, and his current company, Amplitude. At ServiceNow, he worked closely with Snowflake's Mike Scarpelli and Coatue's David Schneider, and he was instrumental in establishing the company's deal desk to support its sales motion. As an operationally focused CFO, he shares a wealth of knowledge on the importance of staying close to the customer, structuring deals that work for both sides, establishing transparency in usage-based pricing, aligning incentives and strategy in sales, the pros and cons of multi-year deals, the problem with auto-renewals and what to do instead, and how to adapt your go-to-market strategy when moving from SMB mid-market to enterprise.—LINKS:Andrew Casey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-casey-6b14875/Amplitude: https://amplitude.comServiceNow: https://www.servicenow.comCJ on X (@cjgustafson222): https://x.com/cjgustafson222Mostly metrics: http://mostlymetrics.comRELATED EPISODES:Gaining Strategic Advantage in Vertical SaaS With Guidewire's CFO, Jeff Cooper"Steal Your Boss's Job”: Calendly CFO John McCauley on Leadership, Ownership & GrowthThe Largest Software IPO Ever: How Snowflake Still Left Money on the Table —TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview and Intro(02:40) Sponsor – Tropic | NetSuite | Planful | Tabs(08:45) Becoming an Operationally Focused CFO(11:50) Staying Close to the Customer as a CFO(16:37) Sponsor – Rippling Spend | Pulley | MUFG(20:34) Running Towards a Challenging Market at ServiceNow(24:15) How He Established the Deal Desk at ServiceNow(26:13) Structuring a Deal That Works for Both Sides(29:08) Transparency in Usage-Based Pricing(32:39) A Client's “Budget Problem”: Cash or Expense Issue(36:42) Lessons From Building Out the Deal Desk at ServiceNow(40:53) Pros and Cons of Multi-Year Deals(43:57) Auto-Renewals: Do This Instead(46:10) Adapting the Go-to-Market Strategy for Enterprise Sales(55:33) Selling to CIOs Whose Jobs Are at Stake(58:18) What Defines “Enterprise”(59:43) The Most Important Thing To Get Right in Enterprise Sales(1:01:01) Lessons From Andrew's Background in Corporate Finance(1:03:12) The Story of How Andrew Got His Job at ServiceNow(1:07:57) Long-Ass Lightning Round: A Big Mistake(1:10:31) Advice to Younger Self(1:11:17) Finance Software Stack(1:14:47) Craziest Expense Story—SPONSORS:Tropic is an intelligent spend management solution that consolidates your spend data and processes into one unified offering, enabling insights and decisive action. Take control of your spend with intelligent spend management at tropicapp.io/mostlymetrics.NetSuite is an AI-powered business management suite, encompassing ERP/Financials, CRM, and ecommerce for more than 41,000 customers. If you're looking for an ERP, head to https://netsuite.com/metrics and get the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning.Planful's financial planning software can transform your FP&A function. Built for speed, accuracy, and confidence, you'll be planning your way to success and have time left over to actually put it to work. Find out more at www.planful.com/metrics.Tabs is a platform that brings all of your revenue-facing data and workflows - billing, AR, payments, rev rec, and reporting - onto a single system so you can automate and be more flexible. Find out more at: tabs.inc/metrics.Rippling Spend is a spend management software that gives you complete visibility and automated policy controls across every type of spend, saving you time and money. Get a demo to see how much time your org would save at rippling.com/metrics.Pulley is the cap table management platform built for CFOs and finance leaders who need reliable, audit-ready data and intuitive workflows, without the hidden fees or unreliable support. Switch in as little as 5 days and get 25% off your first year: pulley.com/mostlymetrics.MUFG is a global banking powerhouse that provides comprehensive banking services for VC-backed, PE-backed, and public companies with revenues starting at $40M. Accelerate your growth trajectory. Contact group head Bob Blee at bblee@us.mufg.jp to find out more.#SMBtoEnterprise, #gotomarketstrategy #scalingSaaS #dealdesk #ServiceNow Get full access to Mostly metrics at www.mostlymetrics.com/subscribe

What happens when a company starts slipping, has declining margins, mounting debt, or cash flow concerns? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we take a closer look at how businesses bounce back from financial distress and the critical role corporate finance teams play in making that happen.From early warning signs to full-scale restructurings, we break down the strategies, case studies, and financial tactics that fuel real-world corporate turnarounds.In this episode, you'll learn:What signals financial trouble before it hits the headlinesHow finance teams use cash flow stress tests and scenario modeling to guide recoveryThe difference between cost-cutting and strategic restructuringWhy communication and leadership are just as important as balance sheetsCase studies from Apple and General Motors' historic turnaroundsPractical insights for FP&A, Treasury, and Strategy professionals navigating uncertaintyWho this episode is for:This episode is essential for finance professionals in FP&A, Treasury, or Strategy roles who want to better understand turnaround mechanics and strategic problem-solving. It's also valuable for mid-career professionals managing risk, forecasting under pressure, or supporting business transformation.

What does it take to go from audit associate to CFO of a PE-backed startup? In this episode of Careers in Finance, host Meeyeon reconnects with longtime friend and finance leader Sharron Xiao to explore the career choices, transitions, and leadership lessons that shaped her journey from the Big Four to the C-suite.This is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a future in finance, especially those considering the CPA route, a career pivot into startups, or long-term CFO goals.In this episode, you'll learn:How Sharron navigated her early career at PwC through co-ops, exams, and structureWhy joining a startup with no finance team was the most pivotal move she madeWhat skills you must build to go from reporting roles into leadershipHow industry choice shapes your CFO potential and why timing mattersPractical advice on networking, job search, and getting noticed by recruitersWhat to do now if you want to become a CFO laterWho this episode is for:This episode is perfect for corporate finance professionals, especially CPAs or aspiring CFOs, who want to understand how to strategically navigate career growth. It's also valuable for mid-career analysts, managers considering a move into startups, or anyone seeking practical advice on career planning, leadership skills, and standing out in a competitive finance job market.

Discover how companies like Tesla, Apple, and Amazon strategically use corporate tax planning to drive profitability, fund innovation, and stay competitive. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we break down how world-leading finance teams turn tax incentives into strategic levers, from sustainability credits and R&D tax breaks to international tax optimization.Learn how corporate tax isn't just about compliance; it's a powerful part of the financial playbook.In this episode, you'll learn:How Tesla generated over $1.5B through regulatory credits as a revenue stream, not just a tax break.Why Amazon's $56B in R&D spending ties directly to U.S. federal tax incentives.How Apple and Google leverage transfer pricing and global tax frameworks to reduce effective tax rates.What the OECD global minimum tax could mean for multinational financial teams.How FP&A, Treasury, and Strategy teams model and navigate evolving tax rules.Why tax policy knowledge matters for analysts, investors, and job seekers in corporate finance.Who is this episode for?Whether you're an FP&A analyst, strategy manager, investor, or just exploring how finance drives real-world outcomes, this episode will change how you think about corporate tax strategy.

In this premiere episode of The Bitcoin for Corporations Show, host Pierre Rochard, CEO of the Bitcoin Bond Company, explains how Bitcoin is transforming modern corporate finance.Coming off the heels of the landmark Bitcoin for Corporations 2025 event co-hosted by Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), this episode delivers a masterclass on why Bitcoin is being adopted by leading firms around the globe—from Japan's Metaplanet to America's fastest-growing Bitcoin treasuries.We explore the corporate Bitcoin flywheel, examine the MSTR strategy, and analyze global adoption trends including sovereign wealth funds and newly public firms like 21, Strive, and Nakamoto.Whether you're a CFO, institutional allocator, or strategist, this show is your front-row seat to the future of finance.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: The Speculative Attack Thesis01:00 – Meet Your Host: Pierre Rochard02:45 – Challenges Facing CFOs Today05:00 – Bitcoin as a Balance Sheet Solution09:30 – Bitcoin's Monetary Policy & Technical Reliability17:00 – Structuring Financial Products Around Bitcoin24:00 – Bitcoin vs. Gold, Real Estate & Global Assets28:00 – Corporate Demand is Outpacing Bitcoin's Supply29:30 – Strategy's Convertible Bond Model39:00 – The Corporate Bitcoin Adoption Flywheel42:00 – Global Case Studies: Metaplanet, Blockchain Group, 21, Strive, Nakamoto45:30 – What's Next: Guests, Metrics, and the Road AheadFollow Pierre Rochard on X: https://x.com/BitcoinPierreFollow Bitcoin for Corporations on X: https://x.com/BitcoinForCorpsFollow Spencer Nichols on X: https://x.com/DeSpencer_

In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have evolved from a corporate buzzword to a financial imperative. ESG now directly influences valuation, capital costs, risk exposure, and investor sentiment, making it a critical factor for finance professionals.We'll break down:How ESG affects capital allocation and cost of capitalThe role of ESG in valuation, risk management, and financial modelingCase studies of companies leveraging ESG for a competitive advantageThe impact of ESG reporting and compliance on financial strategyFinance professionals with 3-8 years of experience will gain actionable insights on how to integrate ESG into decision-making to drive better investment outcomes, lower risk, and secure investor confidence.

Jorge Marques joined CFI back when it was just a WeWork dream, and now he's a portfolio manager at North Growth Management. In this episode, Jorge shares his path from studying math and economics and ultimately landing in capital markets. You'll hear about the skills that helped him succeed, how he navigated the CFA and FMVA, and why curiosity is key to thriving in finance.This is a must-watch for aspiring portfolio managers and anyone in the early stages of their finance career. Learn how Jorge transitioned from rotational internships and tech startups to one of the most in-demand roles in investment management. He unpacks the habits, mindsets, and strategies that helped him move from financial analyst to PM and how CFI played a part in that journey.

What happens when emotion and psychology creep into financial decisions? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we unpack the human side of finance through the lens of behavioral finance, exploring why even the most skilled professionals fall victim to biases like overconfidence, loss aversion, and anchoring.Real-world cases like HP's Autonomy acquisition and Boeing's 737 MAX rollout show how costly these blind spots can be. But it's not just billion-dollar boardrooms; these same patterns appear in budgeting, forecasting, and decision-making across corporate finance roles.We explore how risk perception is shaped by mood, memory, and team dynamics, and why tools like scenario planning and pre-mortem analysis help finance teams build resilience. This conversation is a must-listen for professionals looking to sharpen their judgment and avoid costly mistakes.Get practical tools, mindset shifts, and insights beyond spreadsheets because better decisions start with understanding how we make them.#BehavioralFinance #FinanceCareers #CorporateFinance #FinancialDecisions #BiasInFinance #DecisionMaking #FinanceStrategy #CFILearning #FinancePodcast