Podcasts about finance director

Finance doesn't have to be scary. In this episode of VRTAC-QM's Manager Minute, Kat Martin, Finance Director at the Oregon Commission for the Blind, joins Carol Pankow to break down the complexities of government finance in vocational rehabilitation. Kat shares her journey from the private sector into VR, the lessons she's learned managing federal and state dollars, and the difference between budget authority and actual revenue (spoiler: it's not as simple as it sounds). From making reports accessible for blind colleagues to explaining why finance people should bepartners—not compliance enforcers—Kat offers practical advice, thoughtful insights, and a healthy dose of humor. Whether you're new to VR, leading a program, or just finance-curious, this episode delivers the wisdom you didn't know you needed—plus a little reality check on what it takes to manage complex funding with heart and clarity.   Listen Here   Full Transcript:   {Music}   Kat: It took me a bit to wrap my head around was the difference between budget and revenue. I like the way my executive director describes it to other directors. You have to be paying attention to what's going on with your budget, not because that's the amount of money you have to spend, particularly with federal funding. That is what you have authority to spend. That doesn't mean you have that revenue to spend. If somebody has helped you out, pay it forward, help the next new person out that got their eyes crossed and looking overwhelmed when they're trying to figure out what in the world is re allotment, let alone carryover and maintenance of effort.   Carol: Oh my gosh.   Intro Voice: Manager Minute brought to you by the VRTAC for Quality Management, Conversations powered by VR, one manager at a time, one minute at a time. Here is your host Carol Pankow.   Carol: Well, welcome to the manager minute. Joining me in the studio today is Kat Martin, finance director at the Oregon Commission for the Blind. So, Kat, how are things going in Oregon?   Kat: They're going well. We're getting started on a lovely summer and a new biennium and trying to close out the old ones. So, you know, busy is always in the finance department.   Carol: Yeah, all the things. Nothing like getting the finance director like turnover of a state year and all that. I know you got a lot of things going on. So as the QM grant is winding down, I thought it would be great to hear from a respected VR finance director, someone who's walk the walk. Kat has been a standout voice in her fiscal management community of practice, sharing advice that's grounded, real, and incredibly helpful. So, Kat, let's dig in. So, Kat, can you tell our listeners a bit about your career journey and how did you land in your current role?   Kat: Sure. Thanks, Carol. I worked in the private sector for the first decade or so of my life and realized after about a decade of that that I really needed work that spoke to my heart. And coming from a family of educators, I was a little too late to go back to school and get my teaching credentials at that point in time. But I decided to pursue mission focused organizations that were helping others. So I worked for about six years for a law firm that represented the disabled and injured individuals before the Social Security Administration and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. And then I went into public education for about 15 years. About five years ago, I left public education and came to work for the Oregon Commission for the blind. And it was my first role in the world of vocational rehabilitation. So it was a new experience for me. I love a good challenge and it's been that for five years.   Carol: That sounds amazing. I always love to hear how people kind of make their long and winding road into VR, because none of us ever usually get here very directly. So I know when you and I chatted before, you have just some great perspective on any role you take. How do you go about building that solid foundation when you start a new role?   Kat:, You know, I came up through the accounting departments, specifically accounts receivable. So I was working with invoicing and collecting bills, and I experienced a lot of success in those jobs, so much so that I was moved into first supervisory and then management positions and eventually the C-suite role. And when I moved into my first CFO position, I worked with an amazing campus president who talked with me about the fact that my focus up to that point in time as the director of accounting for the organization and my prior professional experience, had been very much compliance focused. And that as her new director of finance, she needed me to be more of a fiscal partner to not only herself, but my peers on the leadership team. So, you know, that took me a little bit to figure out, because when you've been doing it for decades, it's easy to be a compliance goon. It's a little more difficult to figure out what being a finance partner looks like. I recognized that particularly when I was starting a new role like the one I did in VR five years ago. It was really important for me to understand who I needed to form relationships with, what the systems were that I was going to be utilizing to complete my work and to manage those that were completing the day in and day out of the accounting work that we were doing. And then also what were the policies, procedures and standards? So when I start a new job, I like lay out my first 100 days and I create myself a little Venn diagram that is all about those three things where at the intersection of that right in the middle, that's the work that I'm going to be doing for the organization planning, organizing, directing and monitoring their finances and the fiscal health of the organization.   Carol: I love that you have that people, systems and processes. I mean, I think that sweet spot in the middle where all of that intersects is really wonderful. You've talked to me before about this whole compliance goon fiscal partner, and I do like that approach. Can you talk a little more about what that really means to you and kind of how that's played out?   Kat: Yeah, it's really about people and about relationships in a vocational rehabilitation agency. We are helper humans and even fiscal employees, accountants, your travel coordinator, your payroll specialist. They need to be helper humans as well, because it's easy to get all wrapped up in the way we have to transact these certain things or the deadlines that the state lays down. If it's an enterprise wide system that you're using and sometimes lose sight of the fact that the people we are serving are actually the employees who are providing the direct service to the blind Oregonians that we serve at the Oregon Commission for the blind. So I have worked very hard to develop that in myself. And the way I've accomplished that is beginning first with the people I'm going to be serving and whether that's my boss, my peers, my employees, that to report directly to me, my employees that report indirectly to me or those other individuals in the larger organization, like the state's chief financial officer and the state's legislative fiscal office, and maybe the procurement office and the Payroll Services Office to make sure that I know what our place is, but also how we can provide the best possible services within that matrix that we operate in to those eventual end users that we're there to serve so that they don't ever have to worry about, am I going to get paid on time? Is my computer going to be working? Those kind of things I tell my staff when we're doing our jobs exceptionally well, nobody knows what we're doing. And then that allows them to focus on the work that they're doing with our clients.   Carol: How long do you think it takes, really, to get settled, especially coming into VR for a finance person? How long do you feel like you know what, I got this, I feel proficient what I'm doing because I think people have this idea that can come in. I was an accountant here or a CPA, or I've done something else. But you come into this program. How long do you feel it takes you to really get a handle on what's going on.   Kat: A full fiscal cycle in the state of Oregon, we operate on a biennium, so that's a full 24 months. I had been with the agency for two years before. I really felt like, oh, now I'm repeating things and there's a lot of repetition in a finance role, regardless of what role it is, there's a lot of repetition. But what makes it complicated in the VR world, in my state, for instance, is we have state fiscal years that end on June 30th, and then you have your federal fiscal year that ends on September 30th. So right there, those two things are out of sync. And then the VR awards in particular, are the most complicated revenue stream I've ever worked with. Braid those in with the general fund that you have to be on top of, which is truly available to you, and you can sometimes lobby for more. But there's a lot of politics and personalities that you have to deal with when you're trying to obtain more general fund for your agency, and then the limited amount of other funding. So I have been working as a finance director since 2009, and I would have to say that these last five years, it has been the most complicated fiscal management for an organization that I've ever touched upon in my career up to this point in time, because of those complexities between the state and the feds in fiscal years that don't align. And we're on a biennium where, you know, the federal awards are one year, and maybe you can get carryover if you do all the things you got to do to meet the requirements around March to get there.   Carol: And you're confirming what the feds say, because David Steele, who's the unit chief for the fiscal unit at RSA, he often says this is the most federally complex grant. And I remember hearing him a long time ago thinking, is it really? But yeah, it really it really is. Proof is in the pudding when you're actually doing that work. So given all of that complexity, how do you implement like strategies or things that you do to help your leadership, like literally be able to interpret and understand because it is like talking to different languages. And how do you get your whole executive team kind of on board with what's happening because you have these realizations and insights. But that isn't always apparent in the VR world, because a lot of people are not they're not math people. They're people people. They're social services people. They don't know about reading a spreadsheet. You just show them these numbers, and their eyes kind of glaze over and they hear you talking, but they don't know what you're saying.   Kat: Yeah. I think the first thing I try to do is keep it short and simple. And that's not to say that these individuals are not intelligent. They are highly intelligent, and they have skills and expertise that I'm incredibly impressed by. But I have different skills and expertise. And if I'm going to provide the information to them that allows them to make informed decisions about not only what we're doing in the present, but for the duration of whatever the fiscal period is that we're in and for the long term. Then I need to present the information in such a way that it's digestible. Now I work for a blind agency, so that means it needs to be accessible. I see a lot of spreadsheets that folks like myself love to create. You know, it's fun to get in there and do the color coding and the formatting and have multiple tabs that support your summary. Conclusions and charts are then the next best thing in the world, right? You can spend a lot of time on that. And yet my director of rehabilitation services can't see any of it, can't read any of it. So what I need to create for her and for the other 20% of the employees at my agency that is usable and digestible is very straightforward spreadsheets that are readable by the assistive technology they use in order to do their jobs. The other thing that I do to try and help the leadership team, and my executive director in particular is I insist upon regular report outs. It's really easy to be just like, yeah, yeah, Kats got it. Budget to actuals are going to be fine. She knows we don't want to leave any general fund on the table at the end of the biennium. She'll let us know how we're doing with match, but she'll take care of all of it. And what I let them know is I report on the money, but I don't decide how it's spent. I know what's in the purse, but the executive director is holding the purse strings and you all are influencing that spend. So by insisting upon regular report outs, I review budget to actual data summary grant reporting, cash reporting on at least a weekly basis. Right now I'm reviewing that more like 2 to 3 times a week, because it's the end of the biennium and startup of a new one, but the management team gets finalized reporting once a month that is based on the accounting close. And not only do we distribute that to them with the highlights, we want to pinpoint in written format, but then I also present on that every month at the leadership team meeting, when we're reviewing other results for the month and other measures that matter to us.   Carol: I think that's really super good advice for our listeners. I've seen it all across the country. I mean, I've seen where sometimes fiscal people, they are calling all the shots. They aren't that partner. They're like, hey, I'm the one that knows you all can't do math. I'm deciding. I'm doing. People are signing for the director. You know, they're sending stuff in. Directors get it? Zero clue. And while that can be a way to operate. Boy, highly not advisable. Because at the end of the day, the director is the one holding the bag. You know, the buck stops with them. If something goes wrong, something happened. They're the one. And those are the ones that end up getting fired or whatever it may be. So I'm always on the new director end of things. Encouraging people to learn as much as they can. And it's just like learning anything. You take one step at a time, one item at a time, one cell on the spreadsheet to gain understanding. You're not going to be instantly an accountant, but you can get to a level understanding where you hear what's happening. So I appreciate that you've had that experience, because I think you always bring so much to any conversation. Having worked in a blind agency, when you're thinking about how am I going to convey information in a way people can read it for one with assistive technology, not make it so fancy that you kind of lose sight really, of what is trying to be conveyed. So I think you really have great advice there and that you're the partner. I mean, you're advising and then the director's deciding. I think that's a really lovely partnership. What have been your biggest surprises and lessons learned in this role?   Kat: Well, first and foremost, it is more complicated than budgets, significantly larger than what I'm dealing with now because of the interplay of federal and state. Some of the surprises that came to me early on were around the timelines and how important it is to create a calendar of key events that not only takes everything going on with your state into consideration, but all those federal timelines, particularly the federal reporting timelines. We now, after five years, talk about the months between October 1st and the end of January as federal reporting season, because between the support we provide to program with some of their program reports that have fiscal elements in them, and then all of the federal financial reports that have to be submitted during that period of time. There's 18 different reports that my grant accountant and I prepare, review, discuss, and then, of course, go over with the program directors before they are ever submitted to our federal funding partners.   Carol: I'm a huge fan of the calendar. I just have to say, I literally we get calls. I had one of the finance directors from one state. He will remain unnamed, but he calls me on April 30th and he's like, please don't tell me a report is due today, and I'm like, uh, yeah, this is gonna be a really bad day. He said, I gotta go, and he, like, hangs up the phone. I'm like, calendar this stuff. You need the calendar. Oh my gosh. Drives me crazy.   Kat: It's important. And I mean, one of the surprises that came to me is I started with the commission in August of 2020, and a couple of days after I arrived, my senior accountant and we have a small shop. At that time I only had one accountant and two accounting technicians. My senior accountant went out on a family leave of absence about two weeks early. So here I was, no VR experience trying to figure out what the heck I'm doing. I don't even have access to most of the systems. And as it turns out, as the agency security officer, I give everybody else access. But nobody knew how to give me access. So that was an interesting start. And when she came back from her leave, she said to me, so how did that SF 425 report submission going? I'm like, what? SF 425 report submission. So I missed I started my career with the Commission for the blind by missing a federal Financial Report submission.   Carol: Oh my gosh.   Kat: I'm still here. So I guess it wasn't the end of the world that we were late with one report.   Carol: How do you find it so different between like government accounting compared to the other accounting work you've done? I always hear from people that go, government accounting is like nothing else I've ever been exposed to.   Kat: Yeah, it is very different in that having worked in the private sector and the for profit sector for a number of decades, obviously you're looking for efficiencies and effective ways of doing business that drive your bottom line. The profit imperative is just that don't be fooled by what the for profit organizations say they're really about. Making money is what it's all about in the end. But in the public sector and definitely for the government, one of the things that it took me a bit to wrap my head around was the difference between budget and revenue, and I like the way my executive director describes it to other directors that you have to be paying attention to what's going on with your budget, not because that means that's the amount of money you have to spend is because, particularly with federal funding, that is what you have authority to spend. That doesn't mean you have that revenue to spend. So figuring out how to keep track of where am I at, actually, with my approved budget and my limitations on the federal fund and other fund that I operate with? And where am I actually at with cash available to me through my federal grants, was something else that was very new to me, because every place I'd been before budget was budget. You had that to spend, even in higher education, in the public sector. It was like I had that budget to work with for the entire fiscal cycle. Not true here. So you really have to be paying attention to that difference between budget and revenue. I started to say my executive director describes this to other directors. She tries to put it as think about budget as being the line of credit. If you had a credit card in your wallet. Think about it as the line of credit that you could spend up to, but your revenue is actually how much money you actually get paid. So if you have a $50,000 line of credit, but your income for the year is only going to be $25,000, you're going to have a problem when you spend up to that line of credit.   Carol: That is such an awesome point. We have seen lately. There's been some really interesting things with the budget Authority, and this has to do with kind of the reverse, where for whatever reason, you have a federal grant say you get $100 million. But the legislature has said we are only going to give you $90 million of budget authority. And that's cropped up more and more. And so people forget because you've got program income coming in and you've got other kind of sources of these revenues. And the legislature has set this limit. And so you're bumping on it, but your eye is over here. You're looking at well, yeah, but I've got I can match and I can draw these funds. But for whatever reason the legislature hasn't given you enough authority to actually maximize and utilize everything available to you. That is super concerning for folks. And the thing they weren't watching. Really?   Kat: Yeah. And we all know of a state recently that got into difficulties with that. The thing to keep in mind with that too. And we were in a spot where we had to go back to the legislature and ask for an increase in our spending authority, which is even more complicated than going to just the legislative body, because we have a governing board of commissioners. So first we have to go to the commissioners and get approval to take this before the legislature. And there is a lot of months of lead time in order to accomplish those things in the correct order. We needed to do it because we were fortunate enough to receive an additional sum in the Re allotment process last summer, so we were going to be okay with the amount of revenue we were expecting with the existing authority we had to spend. My concern, of course, was we don't got enough money to get through the end of the state fiscal year, let alone the federal fiscal year. So we went after re allotment. Then I didn't have enough authority on the federal side, so we had to get permission from our board of commissioners. Then of course, go through the legislative process to increase our federal fund limitation.   Carol: Well, and that's a whole other probably lesson learned is the whole legislative process and those cycles for the legislature and all of that. That is no small feat to understand. I'm sure your calendaring all of those dates as well.   Kat: I am. Our agency is small enough that not only am I the finance director, I'm also the budget coordinator, so it's helpful to me at the same time. My office is situated a couple hours away from the state capitol where the legislature meets. So for a hearing before Joint Ways and Means, for instance, that maybe is going to last five minutes. It's a four hour round trip, but I go down there for those meetings and I'm ready to answer any questions should they come.   Carol: That's excellent. That's excellent. Now, I know you have been, are particularly like vocal finance director and participate in things. You've done a great job with networking, and I understand you have a bit of a fan club at CSAVR. So what happened there? What's going on with that?   Kat: You know, one of our asks of all of our staff is that they be on camera when we're in virtual meetings, and it's in part because as a blind agency, we are trying to help our clients be prepared for virtual meeting environments as we're helping them launch into the working world. So we need to model those behaviors, right? So I just developed the habit of whenever I'm speaking, even in large group meetings, like the community of practice that you and your team run is that I'll not only come off of mute, but I'll come off of having my camera shuttered so that people can see me talking. I don't know why, but it's become muscle memory, right? Well, as a result of that, because I have a lot to share at times and I want to help others the way I was helped when I first started by fiscal directors with more experience that had been, you know, around the block a couple of times. I like to try and offer up my contact information as well, so people can feel free to reach out and get in touch with me. So when we were at CSAVR the last session, kind of surprisingly, my director and I were walking around and there was a couple of folks that, as we passed, were like, your Kat, right? Your Kat from Oregon blind. And I'm like, I am. And they said, you know how helpful it was. Some of the things that I had berbled out in one of the community of practice meetings and that it had really helped them wrap their head around the topic or the concept or whatever it may be, and also then have conversations with their leadership team and their executive directors, which I was kind of blushing, but I appreciated hearing that what I had done was helpful to others.   Carol: Oh, 100%. We hear it all the time. Whenever you come on and you give some advice and people be like, that really helped me. You know, we've had folks come back the next month and they're like, that really helped me. I was able to talk to our finance people and whatever, you know, any of the things. They were so excited. You've been an immense help. So let me spin that a little different way. Maybe you can help some of our directors. So fiscal folks are coming and going just as quickly as directors and executive leadership. What suggestions would you have for those VR leaders that are hiring fiscal staff? Because sometimes people think they're bringing in somebody and it's going to be the best thing since sliced bread. And then they're like, this didn't work out at all.   Kat: Yeah.   Carol: So I think folks, especially when you're talking to non-math people and such, they don't tend to know. What should they ask?   Kat: Yeah that's a tough one because on paper it is really hard to assess somebody's education and their stated experience in the positions that they've had before. If you're not a finance person and even understanding the difference between accounting and finance, I have to explain to people again that are really intelligent individuals. I mean, they have their master's degree in counseling and rehabilitation. And yet explaining the difference between accounting and finance is something that I do pretty regularly. My first suggestion to directors would be, if you are at all uncomfortable with accessing the written materials that you're receiving in terms of resumes and a well-written cover letter, find somebody in your state that knows a little bit about fiscal and accounting, or rely upon a recruiter. If you're using the state's chief human resource office to help you assess not only the minimum qualifications that you should be asking for when you're going to turn over millions of dollars to an individual who is going to be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and reporting on that money, but also in your preferred qualifications. Look for things like foundational knowledge of appropriations and grants. I don't put that as a minimum qualification because I didn't come in with foundational knowledge around appropriations and grants, but I'm eminently teachable. So that's another thing to look for, is, is this somebody that's a lifelong learner? Do they like a good challenge? Are they good with change and do they know how to lead change? I've experienced this quite a bit in the state of Oregon. We have, since I've arrived, adopted two different enterprise wide solutions for payroll and time tracking, contract management and procurement that we didn't really have a choice to adopt these, but the implementations were intended for very large agencies, and we're an agency of 67 employees. So figuring out how to do these things that you're required to use by the larger organization, that you are a part of being the state at your agency to complete the work that you're going to do is somebody that really needs to be a quick learner that's adaptable, and that can lead change because technology is influencing all of our lives and with what's coming with AI, it's going to continue. And these are good things, but it can be tiring if you think you're going to get in the door as a finance director, and it's all going to be business as usual after you've completed that first fiscal cycle. The other things executive directors could look for are somebody that is curious. I think I mentioned flexibility, but adaptability is very important. When I was interviewing for my role, our VR director, who is fully blind, said to me, how are you going to present materials to me so that I am able to access them and read them? And for me, that was like a oh, how exciting, a new opportunity to take my knowledge and present it in such a way that somebody that I've never worked with before, having a visual impairment or blindness, can also use it. So what do I need to do differently to meet their needs? Not expecting them to accept whatever it is I'm pushing out their way and be just like here it is. If you don't get it, well, that's too bad. The last thing I would mention, and this is just because your fiscal director does have a great deal of access, it's important to remain diligent in managing that employee, just like you would any of your other direct reports. I am fully aware of the responsibility that I have for these millions of dollars that our taxpayers dollars, when all is said and done. So you know you don't want to be so trusting of the person that's managing your finances, that you set yourself up for any kind of a situation where maybe a good person does something not so good because they're in a very difficult spot. So that's where even if you don't know, finance, finding somebody in your own professional network that maybe knows a little bit more about this, that even if you ever have a slight inkling, you can say, hey, you know, my finance director told me this. Can we noodle that around just a little bit? Because I want to make sure that it's all okay. Based on your years of experience doing this and your relationship with your finance director.   Carol: That's good advice.   Kat: Yeah. I don't mean to be skeptical. I think it's just realistic to know that when you have access to and the ability to move around millions of dollars, you should be diligent in managing them just like you would anybody else.   Carol: And things have happened across the country in years past, and people have lost jobs and all kinds of things. So it is no joke. That is excellent advice. Do you have any final kind of words of wisdom for our listeners?   Kat: Don't be afraid to admit what you don't know. I mean, early on in my career, as I was being promoted into management positions, I was like, fake it till you make it right and we can all do that. But the further I've progressed and the older I've gotten, I've developed some of that crone wisdom that comes at this decade of your life, which is, boy, there's a whole lot I don't know. And there are people out there that have been doing this for a while. So who do I need to meet? Who do I need to form a relationship with? Who can be my buddy? And then how can I pay that forward? And that would be the other advice is if somebody has helped you out, pay it forward, help the next new person out that got their eyes crossed and looking overwhelmed when they're trying to figure out what in the world is re allotment, let alone carryover and maintenance of effort.   Carol: Oh my gosh. Well Kat, I really appreciate your wisdom and your honesty. You are so direct. I love it for our listeners. If you're a  leader or fiscal staff or share this episode with somebody new in the role, they do not have to do this alone. Thanks so much for joining me today, Kat.   Kat: Thank you Carol.   {Music} Outro Voice: Conversations powered by VR, one manager at a time, one minute at a time, brought to you by the VR TAC for Quality Management. 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Jeff Hoover talks to Marla Carnes, Finance Director for Russell County Schools.

Today's show features: David Thomas, Director, Content Marketing at CDK Global Dennis Gingrich, Sales & Finance Director at The Niello Company Jesse Hill, Corporate Director of F&I Operations at Safford Brown Automotive Group This episode is brought to you by: OPENLANE – The world's best online dealer marketplace for used cars. This August, OPENLANE is spinning up an entire month of excitement with DealerFest 2025. The more you buy and sell, the bigger prizes you earn. Never used OPENLANE before? New dealers can earn up to $2,500 in credits. Learn more at ⁠⁠openlane.com/dealerfest⁠⁠. Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cdgpartner.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3Suismu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://news.dealershipguy.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CDG Jobs ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CDG Recruiting ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Socials: X ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything else ➤⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ dealershipguy.com

Gina Davis, the Finance Director for the city of Palmer, joins David Shield to discuss what is happening in the city’s finance department. The finance department is wrapping up the yearly audit for 2024. Gina and David examine the significance of the audit as a means of keeping the city council informed so that they […]

Chairman John Sherman and Finance Director Cathal Jones of Conroy Gold and Natural Resources join Vox for an update on the company's recent progress and its plans to bring in a new partner to help with development at the Clontibret gold project in Ireland. Clontibret already has an established resource, and has lately been the subject of favourable comparison to the famous Fosterville mine in Australia.

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Andy Mellor, Fractional CFO at Summit 17 Ltd, about navigating M&A, preparing for financial events, and leading finance teams through high-growth environments.Key topics covered:Andy's career journey and transition into fractional CFO workStructuring finance teams to support rapid, acquisition-led growthManaging M&A deals end-to-end, including due diligence and integrationCommunicating effectively with sellers, stakeholders, banks, and PE firmsBuilding robust financial models and scenarios for funding strategiesPreparing businesses to be “event ready” with data, tools, and disciplineLinks mentionedAndy's LinkedinLearn more about Summit 17 Ltd Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughts In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by experienced CFO and executive coach Jeremy Earnshaw to explore one of the most critical – and often overlooked – phases of the CFO journey: the 60–90 day window. In this episode, we cover:How to assess and ensure data integrity before making strategic decisionsSigns of broken processes, bottlenecks, and weak control environmentsBuilding trust and alignment with your CEO, team, and peersManaging people issues and making tough but necessary team changesThe importance of cash, liquidity, and long-term visibility in planningAvoiding early mistakes and setting the tone for your CFO leadership journeyLinks mentioned: Jeremy's LinkedinLearn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Matt Topham, Director of Practical CFO, to explore what makes a modern CFO truly effective—from KPIs to strategic decision-making.Key topics covered:Matt's unconventional journey to CFOThe realities of working as a fractional CFO and identifying clients ready for changeHow to use KPIs like productivity, overhead rate, and LTV to CAC to guide decisionsWhy speed and imperfection often beat precision in fast-moving environmentsManaging cash, growth, and riskPractical tips for new CFOs on building meaningful KPIs and driving strategic clarityLinks mentioned: Matt's Linkedin Learn more about Practical CFO Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

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Send us your thoughtsIn this month's Finance Transformation Live host Hannah Munro explores how finance leaders can design scalable, resilient systems that adapt to change and support long-term growth.Key topics covered:The four pillars of future-proof finance architecture: data, APIs, expandability, and maintenanceWhy multi-dimensional data structures are essential for reporting, AI, and agilityHow to evaluate API strength, integration flexibility, and vendor transparencyAvoiding common pitfalls like over-customisation, poor data design, and dead-end system configurationsBuilding layered tech stacks to support FP&A, BI, automation, governance, and collaborationPlanning for continuous improvement: training, upgrades, and staying ahead of business needsLinks mentioned: Previous session: Finance Record to Report Maturity ModelConnect with Hannah MunroBuilding Out Your Finance Data Strategy Reporting Tools in Sage IntacctWhich Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!Book a discovery call  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

In this interview, CEO Adam Holland & Group Finance Director Will Wilkins of Mpac take me through today's H1'25 trading update and outlook – including: 00:00 1st half performance and order flow 07:08 Right-sizing and cost mitigation 09:50 Financial implications and pension buy-in with Aviva 13:08 Closing remarks

Learn How to Use Stories to Educate and Inspire Change with Danielle Wirsansky How can storytelling become a powerful tool for social change and education? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, I sit down with Danielle Wirsansky. She is a playwright, director, and Finance Director of White Mouse Productions. We  explore how she uses theatre to amplify marginalized voices and bring history to life. Danielle shares how she crafts emotionally charged narratives that inspire action and spark meaningful conversations. You'll learn how creative expression can shape perspectives, foster empathy, and address today's most pressing issues. Whether you're an artist, educator, or changemaker, this episode will leave you with practical insights to fuel your creativity and confidence. Tune in to hear Danielle's incredible journey and actionable ways to use your own creative mind for greater impact. Connect with Danielle https://daniellewirsansky.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/danirsky/ https://www.instagram.com/thesecretswekeepshow/   Solve the Mysteries in History. Get the introduction to my brand new series, The Gemma Blackthorne Mysteries in History True Crime Podcaster series. You can read it before anyone else has the chance. You'll get the short story that introduces Gemma and Earth-shattering mystery at the center of her world and ours. Here's the cover.   Connect with Izolda Website: https://IzoldaT.com BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social. Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series   This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link) URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset It's also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you've been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**     Listen on These Channels Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic | **Affiliate Link

Send us your thoughtsIn this insightful episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner at Sullivan Street Partners, for a no-holds-barred session of myth-busting in the world of private equity. This episode offers practical wisdom, experienced insights, and a refreshingly candid take on what it really means to lead in a PE-backed business. Tune in to explore:Why growth and profit aren't mutually exclusive in private equity strategyThe real expectations around budgeting and how to balance ambition with achievabilityWhat kinds of mistakes are toleratedHow equity structures work, and why understanding “good leaver vs bad leaver” clauses is essentialWhether industry experience or private equity background matters more for CFO rolesHow values, trust, and transparency drive performance in today's private equity landscapeLinks mentioned: Richard's LinkedinLearn more about Sullivan Street Partners Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

This week on The News Man Weekly, it’s a jam-packed show filled with theater, city finance, and community updates. First, we welcome members of the Mansfield Shakespeare Company to preview their upcoming free outdoor production of Twelfth Night at South Park. Director Christopher Hartman, assistant director and performer Leanna Uselton, and board member Mary Frankenfield discuss the joys and challenges of outdoor theater as well as the origins and future of the company. Then, Mansfield Finance Director Kelly Converse joins us to break down the recent $748,000 email phishing scam that hit the city. She details how the fraud occurred, what internal errors contributed to the mistake, and how her office is changing its policies to prevent future attacks. Converse also addresses insurance recovery, cybersecurity reforms, and what state legislation could mean for local government protections. Plus, we’ve got your weekly local news rundown — including a proposed tax incentive deal for Ohio Valley Manufacturing, a new $50,000 grant program for downtown businesses affected by the Main Street construction project, a long-term water main replacement plan using voter-approved funds, and a look at what’s next for the revitalized Mansfield Speedway. This episode is proudly sponsored by Relax, It’s Just Coffee — downtown Mansfield’s go-to spot for great coffee, fresh pastries, and community conversation. Relevant links: Racing reimagined: New owners share ambitious vision for Mansfield Speedway Homegrown success: 2 Mansfield companies to expand with city help Main Street businesses in Mansfield may see financial aid during corridor improvement project Remember the main: Mansfield launches $3.6 million project to replace aging infrastructure Mansfield finance director: Probe launched into email spoofing scamVisit the Mansfield Shakespeare Company Facebook page Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. 12% OFF in June with code "birthday" at checkout. Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Karl Lloyd, fractional CFO and founder of Lloyd Consulting Limited, about his transition from full-time finance roles to a portfolio CFO career. Karl shares practical insights from working across sectors like e-commerce, SaaS, and travel, and reflects on the realities of life as a fractional CFO.In this episode, Karl covers:The biggest differences and challenges between full-time and fractional CFO rolesBuilding effective financial models and keeping them simple, flexible, and insightfulWorking with investors and managing expectations through clear reportingLessons from multiple management buyouts and how to prepare early for due diligenceAdvice for aspiring fractional CFOs, including mindset, client management, and business developmentLinks mentioned: Karl's Linkedin Learn more about Lloyd Consulting Limted Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Today's show features: Dennis Gingrich, Sales & Finance Director at The Niello Company Alex Casebeer, GM/Dealer at Capitol Subaru of Salem, Capitol Nissan of Salem This episode is brought to you by: Nomad Content Studio – The team behind the dealers you actually see online. Nomad works in your dealership to build a brand new pipeline of sales driven by social media content. They're the same team behind names like George Saliba, Benzs & Bowties, and EV Auto—dealers who've built national brands and sold more cars in the process. If you want your dealership to be next, head to ⁠trynomad.co⁠ and book a call. Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cdgpartner.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3Suismu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://news.dealershipguy.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CDG Jobs ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CDG Recruiting ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Socials: X ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything else ➤⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ dealershipguy.com

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro chats with Karla Smith, CFO at Ogilvy UK, about her unique path to CFO and how finance operates at the heart of a creative, people-driven organisation.Key topics covered include:Karla's career journey from audit trainee to CFOHow to succeed in senior finance roles with flexible hours and build mutual trust with your organisation.The role of finance in creative industriesBuilding financial literacy across teams through internal trainingApproaching talent investment and balancing short-term results with long-term value.Tips for new CFOs on strategic planning, effective delegation, and building strong CEO partnerships.Links mentioned: Karla's LinkedinLearn more about Ogilvy Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Hi, I'm Granger Forson – you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I sit down with Mark Nicholls, the founder of Tectona Partnership – a business that provides part-time Finance Director services to companies navigating financial complexity. Mark's story is one of perseverance, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build trust and a brand in a competitive market. Starting with just two people in 2012, Tectona has grown into a team of 17 highly qualified FDs, supporting businesses under £20m turnover who need strategic financial help but aren't ready to bring someone in full-time. We explore how Mark has learned the hard way about the value of delegation, why trying to do it all yourself is a false economy, and the slow but powerful growth that comes from building a reputation through networking and relationships – not just advertising spend. Mark is passionate about helping businesses make better decisions through better data. He speaks candidly about the "price-volume matrix" and how understanding a few key levers in your business could dramatically boost your profitability. And we dig into some rich insights on culture, growth pacing, and how having the right people – and only the right people – can make or break a service-driven business. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of decision-making, brand building and fractional finance with Mark Nicholls.   Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.   If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin   You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk   Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl   Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/   Mark can be found here: https://tectonapartnership.com/ marknicholls@tectonapartnership.com   Resources: The Rest Is Politics podcast - https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42KuSr/ Xero - https://www.xero.com/uk/login/  

How do you build a fast-growing, distributed organisation that balances both freedom and consistency and avoids the pitfalls of old-school ‘command and control' leadership? In this episode, Helen sits down with Amrit Singh, Chief Operating Officer at the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), to explore exactly what it takes to lead with trust, delegate decision-making and thrive during ambitious, high-speed growth.Together, they unpack:  ⭐️ How the NIoT designed a flexible, regional model with no central “mothership” to attract the best talent nationwide and serve customers better.⭐️ The reality of merging four distinct organisational cultures whilst launching a startup.  ⭐️ Practical strategies for balancing consistency and local autonomy.  ⭐️ Why transitioning out of a ‘command and control' mindset is vital for agility, speed, and well-being. ⭐️What “brilliant failure” looks like in action.⭐️ Why NIoT is investing in line manager training BEFORE senior leadership programmes.  ⭐️ Honest insights into avoiding burnout especially for managers.Amrit shares candid stories from the NIoT's whirlwind first years, highlighting what's worked (and what's still work-in-progress) in building a distributed, genuinely people-centered organisation from the ground up. You'll hear actionable advice for any leader who wants to loosen the reins without losing direction and foster a workplace where everyone can flourish.Tune in for a lively, practical conversation about intentional culture design, making tough choices, and building a culture of trust.About Amrit Singh Amrit moved to education in 2020 after a career in financial services, notably as Finance Director for a €500m revenue division at Deutsche Bank. As Chief Operating Officer at the National Institute of Teaching he oversees Professional Services at an organisation that came into being in May 2022 and has just been registered as a Higher Education Institute with the Office for Students. A transformationalist at heart he is enjoying his most fulfilling job in his career to date as the Institute moves from fast-paced startup mode into a maturing organisation. A brummie by birth, Amrit has lived around the UK in Birmingham, Tunbridge Wells and Chester and had a short stint working in Mumbai, India before moving to a village in South Staffordshire with his young family and cavapoo called Hugo. In his spare time Amrit enjoys a wide range of music and continues a 20-year battle to learn the guitar with his two young daughters now helping him play.Learn more about the National Institute of Teaching: www.niot.org.ukExplore the National Institute of Teaching's research: https://niot.org.uk/research-projectsConnect with Amrit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrit-singh/  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. 

Watch on YouTube It's been a transformational few months for Metals One #MET1, following a re-capitalisation exercise at the start of the year. The company's share price has soared as deals have been struck to acquire new assets in the US, and new exploration programmes have been initiated. Finance director Dan Maling and chairman Craig Moulton talk us through what's been happening, what's going to happen next, and outline their broader vision for the company.

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Neil Lynchehaun, Head of Transformation and Delivery at itas, takes you through a practical, experience-driven guide to understanding and improving the Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) process.You'll discover:Why we use maturity models and how they can inspire achievable steps forward.How to evaluate the impact of process improvements across:The full scope of the P2P process, including:Master data creation and maintenanceThe 5 maturity levels from basic transaction recording to strategic process leverage.Real-world characteristics and examples of each maturity stage.Insights into practical tools and enablers, including supplier portals, OCR, and dynamic discounting.Strategic tips for driving better supplier relationships, optimising working capital, and protecting your financial operations.Links mentioned:Previous session: Improving the Quote-to-Cash ProcessConnect with Hannah MunroConnect with Neil LynchehaunWhich Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!Book a discovery call  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsThis episode kicks off our new CFO 4.0 series exploring the first 100 days in a CFO role. Host Hannah Munro is joined by experienced CFO and coach Jeremy Earnshaw, who shares practical, battle-tested guidance on navigating the critical first 30 days in a new CFO position. Key topics coveredMaking a strong first impression and shifting from finance specialist to strategic leaderWhy liquidity is non-negotiable and how to validate cash flow assumptions earlyHow to uncover hidden issues in the balance sheet and financial controlsEngaging with stakeholders and building credibility across the businessLeading your team with clarity, consistency and high expectationsCommon missteps new CFOs make and how to avoid themLinks mentioned:Jeremy's LinkedinLearn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this inspiring and practical episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro welcomes back Susana Serrano-Davey—career mentor, leadership trainer, and author of the newly released Confidence is Overrated. Drawing from her journey from CFO to mentor and author, Susana shares powerful insights on how senior finance leaders can develop the soft skills essential for leadership success.In this episode, Hannah and Susana explore:Why confidence is often misunderstood—and how to support yourself through self-doubtHow to spot unhelpful behaviours that undermine your confidencePhysical signs of stress and how to manage them in high-pressure environmentsWhy active listening is a critical skill for CFOs and how to improve itThe importance of finding your voice and knowing which battles to pickA framework for having productive, high-stakes conversations at workLetting go of control to become more influential in leadership Links mentioned: Susana's LinkedinDiscover Susana's work hereRead Susanna's new book; Self-Confidence Is Overrated Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

“Talking to people from different disciplines pushes your thinking about your assumptions, going out and listening to what other people are doing helps inform the way that you creatively solve the problem that's in front of you. Leaders often are scared by some of these ideas that are coming out of their workforce and that's why they're shutting them down. But if you can demonstrate yourself to be receptive to ideas, then you can help guide a creative future.” Telle Whitney on Electric Ladies Podcast Massive innovation is crucial to meet the scale of the climate crisis, but achieving this is increasingly challenging due to current political and social undercurrents. How can organizations innovate, and how can people within these organizations come together to brainstorm, bringing ideas of their own and improving on others? According to Telle Whitney, innovation must be an intentional, concerted effort that organizations actively adopt. Listen to Telle Whitney, Cofounder of the renowned Anita Borg Institute for Women in Technology & the Grace Hopper Conference – and one of Fast Company's most influential women in technology – on Electric Ladies Podcast. Launching her latest book, Rebooting Tech Culture: How to Ignite Innovation and Build Organizations Where Everyone Can Thrive, Telle joins Joan to discuss how organizations and leaders can cultivate the culture of innovation and creativity so critical to addressing the climate crisis. You'll hear about: The critical role culture plays in driving innovation. Why we must dispel the myth of the "lone genius". Telle's 6Cs for building a culture of innovation. How leaders can encourage courage and risk-taking. Plus, career advice specifically for women in engineering. “To take your career to the next level, learning how to tell your story and what you want is an important skill. [One thing] I probably get from mid-career women more than anything else is the belief that ‘if I do good work, it will be recognised'. That is simply not true. Being able to say, I did this great work, and to be able to tell that to your manager or to the company leader – it is as important as the product development itself.”  Telle Whitney on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. Zara Summers, Chief Science Officer at LanzaTech about innovative ways that recovered carbon is making its way back into our daily lives. Autumn Huskins, Finance Director at Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), a waste-to-energy plant converting agricultural and food waste into electricity. Doreen Harris, President/CEO of New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), on energy innovation for decades into the future. Sue Ozdemir, CEO of Exro Technologies, on whether big companies can innovate. Read: Insights from women about driving innovation in a purpose-led economy. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! HAPPENING NEXT WEEK! Join us at The Earth Day Women's Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for the Women's Summit and a special rate. Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“We've worked with partners like AcelorMittal… and oil and gas refineries. Emissions that would've been destined for the atmosphere are piped into our bioreactor and our magnificent microbes turn that gas into ethanol. When we pull out that ethanol, we can send it a lot of different places. You can go to On, Adidas, Athleta and buy products made by these mighty microbes from steel mill emissions. We actually flew a Virgin Atlantic flight from Orlando to London with 50 percent of the fuel in that plane made from our ethanol.” Zara Summers on Electric Ladies Podcast  Addressing the climate crisis involves confronting some enormous challenges, from decarbonizing aviation to reducing fashion's carbon footprint. Fortunately, technology and innovation provide an opportunity to make significant strides forward. Meet LanzaTech, a company turning carbon dioxide into the raw materials and energy we need for our lives. Listen to Zara Summers, Chief Science Officer at LanzaTech, as she explains how the company is harnessing the power of nature's oldest metabolism, the mighty microbe. This innovation is turning greenhouse gases into everyday materials like shoes and clothing, sustainable aviation fuel for our jets, and even fish feed! You'll hear about: How LanzaTech transforms captured industrial emissions into valuable materials and fuels. The global brands working with LanzaTech (and how you can spot fabrics made from recycled emissions). How the technology is driving a circular economy in fashion and textiles. The uses of LanzaTech's protein-rich biomass in food and feed. Plus, advice on making a career transition. “Just jump in. Because even if it crashes and burns, it's experience and you learn no matter up and down inside it. But if you keep doing the same thing you've always done, you're robbing yourself of those opportunities. Even small risks – putting your hand up for a project where you might know 20 percent of what it takes to do it. Gosh, isn't that the best way to motivate yourself to learn something new?”  Zara Summers on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Autumn Hustins, Finance Director at Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), a waste-to-energy plant converting agricultural and food waste into electricity. Björk Kristjánsdóttir, COO/CFO of Carbon Recycling International, on turning CO2 into valuable products. Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, a state program deploying innovative climate solutions. UN Climate Week discussion on how some creative women are making sustainable fashion a reality, moderated by Joan Michelson. Kerry Bannigan, Managing Director of PVBLIC Foundation, on sustainability and social responsibility on the runway. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! Join us at The Earth Day Women's Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for the Women's Summit and a special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review!  Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Gemma Doran, CFO at Savea Technology Ltd, about the realities of leading finance in high-growth SMEs. From her unexpected start in journalism to managing multi-million-pound fundraises, Gemma reflects on what it takes to thrive as a CFO in fast-moving environments, how to balance optimism with realism in forecasting, and why adaptability and clarity are vital when raising capital.In this episode, Gemma discussesHer career journey from politics and journalism to finance leadershipThe pros and cons of different funding types, including SAFE and ASAWhy micro-level cashflow management is essential in SMEsThe true cost and complexity of fundraising for growthForecasting with flexibility in uncertain economic climatesThe importance of team development, communication and stakeholder buy-inLinks mentionedGemma's Linkedin  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Empire Metals Ltd (OTCQB: EPMLF) an exploration and resource development company with a primary focus on developing Pitfield, an emerging giant titanium project in Western Australia. Shaun Bunn, CEO and Managing Director of Empire Metals, along with Gregory Kuenzel, CFO and Finance Director, join us to share insights into their new project in Australia, which positions the company to broaden its industry presence globally as demand for Titanium continues to rise.

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro dives into the critical steps for effective process mapping and how it can drive successful financial transformation. Discover practical insights on simplifying complexity and ensuring your processes are future-ready.Key takeaways include:The importance of involving sales, CRM, and IT leadership in process evaluations.How to identify, map, and validate use cases before redesigning processes.Strategies to prioritise high-impact areas and manage process exceptions.Why future-proofing your processes is essential for growth and scalability.Best practices for facilitating and documenting process mapping sessions.Tools for effective digital documentation and why real-time collaboration matters.Links mentioned:March FTL: Financial Transformation Live: Improving the Quote-to-Cash ProcessRevisit previous Financial Transformation Live  sessions Getting started with mapping out your finance processesWhy Salesforce Users Love Sage Intacct | On-Demand WebinarThe Getting Started Guide: Streamlining your Finance Processes Automate your finance processes with Sage Intacct | On-Demand WebinarCFO 4.0 Monthly BriefingFinancial Transformation Live Feedback survey Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

In this week’s edition, Richland Source Deputy Managing Editor Carl Hunnell sits down with City of Mansfield Finance Director Kelly Blankenship to talk about the finances in the city... and the upcoming tax filing deadline. He is also joined by Nan McCartney and Sandy Messner, two participants with ideas coming out of Mansfield Rising 2.0. Read their stories at the links below, scroll down to the bottom and provide feedback! Mansfield Rising's Ideas of March: Housing First for Mansfield Mansfield Rising's Ideas of March: Launch a Digital Trauma Support Resource Hunnell is also joined by Executive Producer Zac Hiser and videographer Grant Ritchey to talk about the news of the day, including a trio of live-saving Galion police officers, a $250,000 Richland County Foundation grant to refurbish and revitalize the historic Vasbinder Fountain in Mansfield's Central Park, and local law enforcement participation in the Blue Envelope project to improve communications with local drivers with autism. Relevant links: - Life-saving Galion police officers - Revitalization of historic Vasbinder Fountain - Blue Envelope project Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. Use code PAWS25 at checkout through March 31 for 25% OFF an annual membership.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is a question: how many ways are there to pay your advertising agency? No, this is not a joke or a riddle.  Although, the fact that the advertising industry considers itself a “creative” industry and the dominant way they are paid is still the same as labourers and unskilled workers (that is by the hour), is a joke. To discuss this issue and explore the many ways they can be paid, please welcome back to the Managing Marketing Podcast, the commercially savvy, hands-on Finance Director, a CPA with more than two decades of experience managing the finances of media, creative, PR agencies and more, Nick Hand. Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/managing-marketing/id1018735190  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/75mJ4Gt6MWzFWvmd3A64XW?si=a3b63c66ab6e4934  Listen on Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/managing-marketing  Listen on Podbean: https://managingmarketing.podbean.com/  For more episodes of TrinityP3's Managing Marketing podcast, visit https://www.trinityp3.com/managing-marketing-podcasts/  Recorded live on Zoom and edited, mixed and managed by JML Audio with thanks to Jared Lattouf.

“We're giving [companies] the avenue to take something that historically has been an inconvenience and turn that into an opportunity to make them some money, whether that be selling energy to the grid, or putting energy back into the operations of their facilities. So, what could have cost them money in the past can now be a huge benefit. At the same time, you're doing something great for the world and our future.” Autumn Huskins on Electric Ladies Podcast Addressing climate change presents two big questions: How do we reduce waste and keep it out of landfills, and how can we power our electricity-dependent economy without exacerbating climate change? An innovative waste-to-energy technology in San Luis Obispo, California is diverting waste from landfills, creating exciting new revenue streams – and even helping make wine! Listen to Autumn Hustins, Finance Director at Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), as she explores a renewable energy source that is providing clean power to ~600,000 homes and businesses in the local economy, with plans to grow. You'll hear about: How Hitachi Zosen Inova's waste-to-energy plant is converting agricultural and food waste into electricity for the local grid. New revenue streams that waste-to-energy innovations create for business and local communities. Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on the adoption of waste-to-energy projects. How the green energy transition is creating new jobs in places previously reliant on fossil fuels. Plus, the secret to a great career is surprisingly simple. "You go to work every day in the job that you're in. You do your absolute best. You give your all to that particular position, and the positions will follow. I don't care what your role is. I don't care if you're the janitor or the CEO, I think you approach the job the same way and do the best that you can possibly do, and it'll work out.” Autumn Huskins on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: ICWS Webinar, Joan Michelson moderates an enlightening webinar with top leaders on The Future of the Energy Transition and the Grid. Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, on the deployment of clean energy around the world. Björk Kristjánsdóttir, COO/CFO of Carbon Recycling International, on turning CO2 into valuable products. Bethia Burke, President of The Fund For Our Economic Future, on the impact of green jobs on local economies. Vanessa Chan, former Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy, on funding the transition to clean energy. More from Electric Ladies Podcast!  Join us at The Earth Day Women's Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for the Women's Summit and a special rate. Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

Andrew joined QBE as Group Chief Executive Officer in September 2021. With a strong focus on bringing the enterprise together, Andrew has driven performance consistency and progress towards QBE's vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner. He was previously the CEO, and before that the Finance Director, of Beazley Group, a specialist international insurer based in the United Kingdom. Prior to this, he held various senior finance roles in ING, NatWest and Lloyds Bank. Andrew's career in insurance and banking spans more than 30 years and he has extensive experience across international markets. Highlights from the Show Sustainable Profitable Growth Andrew emphasizes the importance of sustainable growth in the insurance industry, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to risk and pricing models. He discusses the pitfalls of rapid growth without considering long-term consequences, stressing that growth should be managed sensibly. Innovation and Client Focus The conversation touches on the necessity for the insurance industry to listen to clients and innovate based on their needs. Andrew mentions QBE's commitment to integrating innovation within the company, ensuring that all teams are aligned with customer needs. Mitigation Strategies Andrew discusses the need for the insurance industry to adapt to new normals, particularly in the context of natural disasters【4:2†source】. He advocates for building back better after catastrophic events, rather than simply restoring properties to their previous state. Market Viability and Affordability The episode explores the challenges of maintaining market viability amidst rising costs and the need for affordable insurance. Andrew reflects on the balance between providing coverage and ensuring that it remains accessible to clients. Diversification and Growth Opportunities Andrew discusses the importance of diversification in insurance offerings, particularly in niche markets. He highlights QBE's strategy of exploring smaller, specialized markets that can contribute to overall growth. Overall Takeaways Balance is Key: Sustainable growth in insurance requires a careful balance of risk management and innovation. Client-Centric Approach: Listening to clients and adapting to their needs is crucial for long-term success in the insurance industry. Proactive Mitigation: The industry must focus on proactive strategies to mitigate risks associated with natural disasters and changing environments. Affordability Matters: Ensuring that insurance remains affordable is essential for maintaining market viability. Embrace Diversification: Exploring niche markets and diversifying offerings can lead to meaningful growth opportunities. This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance thought leadership series, available globally from Amazon in print, Kindle and Audible audiobook. Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes. Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Stuart Mellis, CFO of Optalysis, about his journey to CFO, the challenges of scaling deep tech startups, and navigating fundraising, investor relations, and financial planning in an emerging market.Key topics covered:Private equity vs venture capital – key differences in expectations and investment approachesManaging investor relationships – balancing trust, communication, and transparencyFundraising in deep tech – navigating challenges and pitching to the right investorsFinancial planning & budgeting – setting realistic growth targets in an emerging marketAdvice for new CFOs – the importance of coaching, board management, and asking the right questionsLinks mentioned:Stuart's Linkedin Learn more about Optalysis Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

About The GuestsKaren Glass is part of the Advisory of AmblesideOnline. She has four children, ages 13 to 27, who have been homeschooled using Charlotte Mason's methods from beginning to end.  Karen has been studying and writing about Charlotte Mason and Classical Education for over twenty years and has written the popular books Consider This: Charlotte Mason and The Classical Tradition,  Know and Tell: The Art of Narration, In Vital Harmony, and her newest book A Thinking Love: Studies from Charlotte Mason's Home Education.Dr. Robert Terry has over twenty years of experience in classical education. He has been a teacher of multiple disciplines, a curriculum designer, and has worked extensively in teacher training and development. He has served as the Curriculum Director and Vice President of Academics at a multi-campus University-model classical Christian school in the Dallas area. While academic head he successfully accomplished two ACCS accreditations. Before discovering classical education, Robert was a CPA. He has also served his school as a Finance Director in the past. Robert holds an MA in Philosophy focusing on the great Christian texts and a Doctorate focused on the work of the Oxford Inklings. He has been married to Elisabeth for twenty-five years and has been active in homeschooling their four grown children.Show NotesOn this episode, my guests discuss the important connections that Mason made from reading Samuel Taylor Coleridge's On Method. We discuss how important this connection is to her philosophy, as well as how it has had an impact on the classical education movement. Some important discussion points include:The poet's influence on MasonThe revitalization of Shakespeare, wonder, and a curiosity framework in educationA deep understanding of ideas and making relational connectionsMethod as it is tied to a pedagogyMason's method of a lesson and how to properly interpret her 20 principlesReason for caution: Why reading Charlotte Mason in part can be misleading ResourcesIf you want to read Coleridge, Karen Glass recommends this version. It is a facsimile of the same version that Mason had in her PNEU library: A Dissertation On The Science Of Method ISBN:  978-1018198736Karen's blog on Coleridge and Mason Connections: https://www.karenglass.net/page/2/?s=coleridgeConnections with Coleridge #1—A nod from Charlotte MasonConnections with Coleridge #2—Introducing Treatise on MethodConnections with Coleridge #3—Law and OrderConnections with Coleridge #3.5—A Speculative DetourConnections with Coleridge #4—Dipping into MethodConnections with Coleridge #5—In Pursuit of MethodConnections with Coleridge #6—Meet the PhilosophersConnections with Coleridge #7—Laws, Ideas, and TruthConnections with Coleridge #8—A short history of the education of mankindConnections with Coleridge #9—In Search of the SoulConnections with Coleridge #10—A Few Final WordsTreatise On Method: ColeridgeThe Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Coleridge Kuala Khan: ColeridgeShakespeareFrancis BaconPlatoC.S. LewisTolkienQuintilion Pascal ____________________Beautiful Teaching (BT) Resources:BT online webinars, interactive courses, and book studies registration: https://beautifulteaching.coursestorm.com/BT Newsletters: https://www.beautifulteaching.com/newsletters________________________________________________________This podcast is produced by Beautiful Teaching, LLC.Support this podcast: ★ Support this podcast ★ _________________________________________________________Credits:Sound Engineer: Andrew HelselLogo Art: Anastasiya CFMusic: Vivaldi's Concerto for 2 Violins in B flat major, RV529 : Lana Trotovsek, violin Sreten Krstic, violin with Chamber Orchestra of Slovenian Philharmonic © 2025 Beautiful Teaching LLC. All Rights Reserve

In this episode of Full Disclosure, we share an extraordinary story of resilience, leadership, and community effort in the face of disaster. Our hosts, Tyler Traudt and Nina Enholm, are joined by Melissa Moore, CFO of Buncombe County, and Matt Evans, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, as they recount their experiences navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated Western North Carolina. Melissa and Matt share personal and professional accounts of the storm's impact, from the harrowing challenges of managing emergency operations without communication systems to ensuring that first responders were fed, roads were cleared, and resources were distributed. Melissa reflects on stepping into her role at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) while Matt describes the importance of documenting every expense for FEMA reimbursement and the painstaking process of modeling the financial impacts of the disaster on the county's tax base. This episode shows the remarkable spirit of the Buncombe County community, where residents and local businesses rallied with heavy equipment, supplies, and sheer determination to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.  Episode Images Featured Guests Melissa Moore is the Finance Director for Buncombe County Government, bringing over 15 years of experience in public finance and local government to her role. Since stepping into this position in September 2023, Melissa has focused on advancing financial strategies, managing government bonds, and ensuring sound budgetary processes that align with the County's goals. Prior to her current role, Melissa served as the Director of Finance for the City of Pflugerville, Texas, where she oversaw financial operations for over two years. Her extensive career includes key positions such as Assistant Director of Finance for the City of San Marcos, Texas, and Finance Program Manager at CPS Energy, one of the largest municipally-owned utilities in the nation. Matt Evans, MPA, CLGBO, is the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager at Buncombe County Government, where he oversees debt issuance, financial forecasting, and the implementation of fiscal regulations to ensure the County's financial health. With almost ten years of experience at Buncombe County, Matt has spearheaded initiatives ranging from managing multi-million-dollar grants to leading strategic financial planning and risk mitigation efforts. An expert in public finance, Matt has presented on government reporting at the national Workday Rising conference and is a certified Workday Financials power user. He holds a Master of Public Affairs from Western Carolina University, where he was recognized as Public Management Student of the Year, and is passionate about driving innovation and efficiency in local government finance.

Send us your thoughtsIn this third instalment of the Mastering M&A series, Hannah Munro is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO, to delve into the complexities of business disposals. Key topics discussed:The difference between being sought out by a buyer vs proactively seeking a sale.Essential preparations for making your business attractive to potential acquirersThe critical role of the CFO in managing the disposal process and overseeing data flow.The importance of establishing good buyer relationships Deal structures: earn-outs, share exchanges, and the implications for sellers.Warranties, indemnities, and legal considerations The cultural and operational implications of a sale for the management team and employees. Links mentioned:Jeremy's LinkedinLearn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Alwyn Jones, Group CFO at Luno and returning guest on the podcast. Alwyn shares his journey of broadening his perspective by stepping into a Non-Executive Director (NED) role and reflects on how it has shaped his leadership approach. This engaging conversation covers a range of topics, including:The evolving responsibilities of CFOsKey insights into the dynamics of a Non-Exec role,The challenges and surprises of stepping into a Non-Exec roleAdvice for aspiring NEDs, including tips on networking.Reflections on how the NED role has enriched his perspective and improved his effectiveness as a CFO.Links mentioned in this podcast:Connect with Alwyn Jones on LinkedInLearn more about Luno Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

In this episode, we will discuss creating stronger family bonds. Family dynamics can often be a double-edged sword when it comes to stress. On one hand, family relationships can be a source of tension—whether from conflicts, misunderstandings, or the pressures of meeting expectations. On the other hand, family is frequently our sanctuary during difficult times. They provide a sense of belonging, emotional support, and a foundation for resilience when stress becomes overwhelming.  You can read her full article 'Resilient Families: Creating a Stronger Family Bond' in the winter issue of Contentment magazine. Nancy Jernigan, PhD, LPC, FAIS, is an internationally recognized leader and educator known for leadership development and developing healthy teams amid growth and change. She is the President and co-founder of Hidden Value Group, LLC, and serves as a Board Member and Finance Director for Olive Branch International, Inc. Together, the two organizations provide healthcare, education, leadership development, and family support in risk and conflict zones on three continents.  Nancy gets personally involved internationally in teaching and training as a mental wellness expert, treating trauma and stress disorders. As an executive coach, leadership expert, and educator, she is passionate about developing and multiplying leaders. Nancy is also the co-author of Thin Spaces: Recognizing When God Breaks Through, which just released. She has also written for Contentment magazine which The American Institute of Stress publishes, and she has been a Fellow with AIS since 2024.

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners, for the second instalment in our The Private Equity CFO series. Together, they delve into the complexities of private equity and its implications for CFOs.Key topics covered include:Exploring the balance between capability and comfort zone, and what CFOs can do to prove their value.How private equity-backed businesses differ in their expectations for timely, actionable financial data.Insights into cash flow management, covenant models, and other critical reporting differences.From diagnosing the state of the business to building trust with private equity partners, strategies for success in the first 100 days.Building trust, communicating effectively, and staying aligned with the investment strategy.Tactics for transparency, preparedness, and maintaining credibility under pressure. Links mentioned:Richard's LinkedinLearn more about Sullivan Street Partners Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Danyaal Shah, CFO of Nokkel, to explore his unique journey from investment banking to becoming a strategic financial leader. Danyaal shares valuable insights into the evolving role of CFOs, offering actionable advice for those aiming to excel in financial leadership. Topics covered include:How his background in investment banking and M&A shaped his approach to the CFO role.Key steps to ensure your business is investor-readyHow to balance growth and profitability while keeping CAC under control.Why realistic scenarios and investor-friendly cash flow forecasts are essential for success.Insights into managing debt and aligning financial strategy with cash flow stability.Practical tips for those transitioning into the CFO role from non-traditional backgrounds.Links mentioned:Danyaal's LinkedinLearn more about Nokkel Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Four years into his 12-year career chapter at Amazon, Hetu Patel was appointed Finance Director for Prime—a role he credits with opening his eyes to strategic finance. In the days ahead Patel would be handed a milestone assignment, where he worked on a groundbreaking framework attributing the total value of Prime membership to each bundled benefit: video, music, books, and fast shipping. Collaborating with economics and business teams, he quantified how each offering affected purchase behavior and membership renewals, “Patel tells us.” This data-driven approach ultimately informed billions in investment decisions, illustrating how finance could reshape strategy, boost decision-making speed, and deliver transformative impact.Patel's nearly 12-year tenure at Amazon exposed him to operations, retail category development, and even a general manager role, sharpening his analytical skills and broadening his perspective on enterprise-wide connectivity. “Improving the quality and speed of decision-making is the most important role of finance,” Patel tells us. This belief guided him into his subsequent position as CFO at Imperfect Foods, where he further honed board relations, fundraising, and M&A capabilities.Today, Patel channels these cross-functional experiences into his role as CFO of Thrive Market, combining rigorous long-term planning with a mission-driven focus on healthy, sustainable living. Drawing on lessons from Amazon's culture of data-centricity, Patel emphasizes strategic foresight and clear performance metrics to guide decision-making.

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro welcomes back Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon, for the second instalment of the Mastering M&A series. Jeremy, a seasoned CFO coach and mentor, shares invaluable insights into structuring deals and preparing for a successful merger or acquisition. Join us as we explore:The key steps in structuring a deal, including understanding objectives, optimal exit strategies, and assessing readiness.The critical role of the CFO in managing the M&A process, from internal due diligence to project management.How to evaluate business value and address tax implications for potential buyers.Strategies to navigate due diligence, protect sensitive information, and negotiate effectively.The importance of preparing the organisation, including staff retention, contract management, and intellectual property.Top tips for CFOs to assess their readiness to sell and ensure a smooth transaction process. Links mentioned:Jeremy's LinkedinLearn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Mark Blakemore, CFO at Compleat Software, about the unique challenges and opportunities of working in SaaS finance. Mark shares valuable insights from his 30+ year career in finance, offering a detailed look into the world of SaaS, including practical advice for CFOs and finance professionals aspiring to break into the sector.Key topics covered in this episode:Mark's journey to becoming a CFO and his transition from audit to SaaS finance.The evolution of SaaS models and the challenges of shifting from perpetual licences to recurring revenue.Key metrics for SaaS CFOs, including MQL-to-win ratios, CAC, and revenue growth levers.The importance of cross-functional collaboration with sales, marketing, and engineering teams.Lessons learned from managing cultural differences and communication challenges in international teams.Links mentioned:Mark's LinkedinLearn more about Compleat Software Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

“I transitioned into FP&A when I realized that it wasn't just about crunching the numbers, it was more about telling a story and trying to influence the future. Working with Fortune 100 companies has given me the fantastic platform to leave transformative projects in finance, procurement, and supply chain. I saw firsthand how FP&A acts as the strategic backbone of any type of organization” – Enrique Rodriguez, Finance Director, Walgreens Boots Alliance   Enrique Rodriguez is a multilingual finance director and business leader. With more than 15 years of experience in Fortune 100 companies, he has worked collaboratively with global functions directing FP&A, accounting and treasury teams. He's headed finance departments overseeing $7 billion in annual spend and managing operational budgets of up to $750 million in billion dollar business units and is a passionate believer in Zero Based Budgeting revealing how he implemented this – despite challenges. My background in Guatemala  When I realized it is not just about crunching the numbers  FP&A as the backbone of the institution  Main financial metrics bio biopharmaceutical companies, medical devices, and healthcare companies How FP&A departments are set up at the companies you worked for – and the philosophy and the outputs expected from FP&A producing outputs like dynamic scenario planning and  specific KPI dashboards  guiding decisions at the highest level. Zero based budgeting – the why and how of our experience  Biggest challenges I have seen in budgeting in my career – managing budgets during a turnaround How finance business partnering has changed in my career  The problem solving aspect of FP&A The opportunities and challenges of fast-growing technology  Saving $8million on inventory write-off in a country on a health product  Financial Executives International (Chicago) The power of a great mentor and books: Hit Refresh Satya Nadella (Microsoft) and Shoe Dog (Joe Knight) supporting a procurement organization in, in an early level of maturity – my toughest challenge  Index Match – more flexible and scalable for complex analysis  Connect with Enrique Rodriguez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enrique-a-rodriguez/

144 - Ed Sweeney In episode 144 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host, James Patrick Regan speaks with guitarist and banjo player Ed Sweeney. In their conversation Ed tells us about his Christmas album “Inside Fezziwig's, the Spirit of Christmas Past”, my favorite Christmas Album. Ed has generously offered it as free as a download on his website through the end of the year. We're sure you will love it! Ed talks about his home life in Rhode Island, growing up in Lexington, Kentucky and his early musical education. As well as the many moves his family made while he was growing up. Ed discusses taking guitar lessons from the blind blues singer Paul Pena and becoming Providence College's first-ever music major. Ed tells us about the instruments he plays, 6- and 12-string guitar, 5-string banjo, and fretless banjo and the companies and people who made those instruments. Ed tells us how he hooked up with documentarian Ken Burns and with Disney which is quite remarkable. Ed also tells us about spending 14 years as Finance Director of Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Project. Ed discusses who he's listening too right now and who inspires him. Finally Ed talks about playing live shows and teaching lessons. You can find out all you'd like to know about Ed at his website edsweeneymusic.com and he's active on Facebook. Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #VintageGuitarMagazine #EdSweeney #EdSweeneyMusic #MartinGuitar #InsideFezziwigs #Christmas #ChristmasMusic #theDeadlies #Banjo #FretlessBanjo #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #hgwt #HGWT . . . Please like, comment, and share this podcast! Download Link

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro kicks off The World of CFOs in Private Equity series by exploring the fascinating world of PE  with Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners.Dive into the dynamics of private equity and learn what it takes to succeed as a CFO in this unique investment environment.Key discussion points include:An overview of private equityThe internal structures of private equity firmsHow CFOs can understand the type of private equity backing their organisationThe concept of leveraged buyouts, including how debt is used to maximise returnsThe varying levels of private equity involvement in businessesKey strategies for value creation.Essential skills and expectations for private equity CFOs Links mentioned:Richard's LinkedinLearn more about Sullivan Street Partners Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

On the latest episode of Conversations with Ku, hear from Financial Services Director Buffy Alexzulian to learn about all things budget!Learn more about the Gwinnett County's budget and give your input at GwinnettCounty.com/BudgetCommissioner Ku would love to hear from you or answer questions about District 2. Feel free to email him at Ben.Ku@GwinnettCounty.com and your question may be read on air.

Send us your thoughtsJoin Hannah Munro in this thought-provoking episode of CFO 4.0 as she sits down with Clive Webb, Head of Business Management at ACCA, to explore the latest insights from ACCA's ground breaking research, Finance Evolution. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the finance function of tomorrow. Key discussion points include:How finance teams can position themselves as custodians of reliable data.Emerging roles like Sustainability Controllers and Data Governance LeadsThe rise of AI, machine learning, and e-invoicing, and their impact on forecasting and compliance.The role of finance in bridging the gap with accurate and integrated data.The skills needed to build predictive models and adapt to rapid changes in the business landscape.Bridging the gap between traditional roles and the demands of the future.Links mentioned:Clive's LinkedinLearn more about the ACCAFinance evolution report: Thriving in the next decade Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

"I love to make money, of course, but if it doesn't feed my spirit, it doesn't make sense." -Nizhoni Smocks Welcome back to the Turmeric & Tequila Podcast! I'm your host, Kristen Olson, and today we continue our discussion with Nizhoni Smocks, Finance Director of Youth Seen. We'll explore the incredible work being done to support the social and emotional well-being of LGBTQIA youth, including programs like Camp Seen and Black Pride Colorado. Nizhoni shares the challenges they face, from funding struggles to legislative barriers, and highlights upcoming events like the Youth Queer Homecoming and the Black Fantasy Ball. We'll also discuss how you can get involved, whether through volunteering or attending events. A special thanks to our sponsor Lux Neuro for their support in neurofeedback and counseling. Stay tuned for an inspiring episode filled with heartfelt insights and actionable ways to make a difference in the community. Nizhoni Smocks: Nizhoni Smocks (she/her), an Afro-Indigenous woman, is a fierce advocate, facilitator and operations innovator. She left corporate America to pour back into the underserved and overlooked communities that she most connected with. She believes that you must go beyond being an ally to accomplice even though you're not a true stakeholder; their challenges are your challenges. She understands the incredible impact that organizations have on real people's lives. Nizhoni is constantly seeking and learning the skills that help organizations work smarter not harder. She deeply believes that organizational efficiency influences everything. As featured on Colorado Voices, she shared experiences of growing up as an outsider on the Navajo Reservation and her journey of self-discovery while never fitting in. Nizhoni is a founding member of Black PRIDE Colorado and is the current Finance Director of YouthSeen. @nizhoni_e About Youth Seen Coming Events: Michael Roberson In Conversation with Twiggy Pucci Garcon Film Screening: The Ball The 4th Annual Black Fantasy Ball: Mile High Stampede . . . Connect with T&T:  IG: @TurmericTequila  Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila  Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com Host: Kristen Olson  IG: @Madonnashero  Tik Tok: @Madonnashero  Website: www.KOAlliance.com WATCH HERE MORE LIKE THIS: https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF   https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH

Welcome to the Car Dealership Guy Podcast. In this episode, I'm speaking with Dennis Gingrich, Sales/Finance Director at The Niello Company where we discuss: How he's selling $725M a year in luxury vehicles, the top backend products and highest margin brands, and much more. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by: CDK Global - CDK will once again be streaming its annual industry conference CDK Connect 2024 on October 22. This year's virtual CONNECT conference will feature CDK's latest product innovations, a keynote from CEO Brian MacDonald, and live breakout sessions focused across all operations of the dealership.  You can register for CDK CONNECT at the link in our notes below or by visiting http://CDK.com/Connect Cars Commerce - The platform to simplify everything about buying and selling cars. Learn more at https://www.carscommerce.inc/ Dealer Image Pro - The in-house photo, video and 360° solution for auto dealers. Learn more at https://www.dealerimagepro.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:53) - The Zurich Mafia (00:01:50) - Moving from the vendor side to the dealer side (00:05:39) - What are the best-performing dealerships doing from an F&I standpoint? (00:07:32) - What is the size and scale of your organization?  (00:10:56) - What brands offer the best and worst F&I profits? (00:13:40) - How have you improved margins at this dealership? (00:19:08) - The 7-day return policy (00:20:32) - Merchandising & CGI (00:27:30) - The in-store sales process and F&I (00:29:48)- Vehicle trends (00:32:12) - What's your outlook on the industry? (00:33:31) - What concerns you? (00:35:11) - The CARS rule (00:37:53) - What's exciting to you these days? Check out The Niello Company here. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.