Podcasts about finance leader

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPIiggRPhGU .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/show/7yTcgGvYdcXPxz2HbvgB2H The transition from Finance Leader to Chief Financial Officer is one of the most significant and demanding career moves in finance. While technical excellence, financial control, and operational discipline form a strong foundation, stepping into the CFO role requires a fundamental shift in mindset. It is not simply a promotion—it is a move from managing finance to leading the enterprise. The CFO becomes the strategic partner to the CEO, the external face of finance, and a key voice with investors, boards, and stakeholders. In this episode, Richard Turner, GrowCFO Mentor and Certified Transition Coach, draws on more than four decades of international finance leadership across 15 sectors and multiple countries. He explains how adaptability, humility, and curiosity enable successful transitions between industries—and why these same qualities are essential when progressing from FD to CFO. Richard outlines the universal principles that underpin effective finance leadership, from cash and cost management to stakeholder awareness and team empowerment, and explores how these fundamentals evolve at executive level. The conversation also addresses the modern pressures facing CFOs, including rapid technological change, AI adoption, and increasing executive scrutiny. Richard emphasizes that today's CFO must balance digital fluency with deeply human leadership—coaching teams, building trust, and supporting CEOs under pressure. With research showing that 40% of executives fail in new roles, he highlights the importance of structured mentoring and transition support to ensure aspiring CFOs not only secure the role—but succeed in it. Key topics covered: Why the move from FD to CFO requires a shift from operational control to enterprise-wide leadership The five universal principles that apply across all industries and underpin CFO effectiveness The three major pressures facing modern CFOs: technology, human leadership, and CEO partnership Why humility and curiosity are critical when entering new industries or executive roles The “5 Cs” communication framework every aspiring CFO should master How structured mentoring and executive transition coaching reduce failure risk in new roles. Links Richard Turner on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  00:00:39 – Richard outlines his second career in mentoring and global finance background 00:02:37 – International career journey across Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Africa 00:06:16 – Moving across industries: transferable finance leadership fundamentals 00:07:56 – Humility in new sectors: leadership lessons from oil & gas 00:16:14 – What is keeping CFOs awake at night: technology, humanity, and CEO pressure 00:20:20 – Extraordinary leadership: raising and empowering future leaders 00:33:39 – Transitioning from FD to CFO: enterprise-wide skill expansion 00:36:42 – The “5 Cs” of executive communication 00:41:46 – Executive transition coaching and why 40% of executives fail in new roles 00:44:16 – The orchestra analogy: FD vs CFO leadership scope Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

Jeremy is a recovering CFO who's led finance and strategy at billion-dollar companies, navigated 16 M&A transactions, and turned around 6 struggling businesses. In this episode of Coffee with Closers, he breaks down the frameworks every founder needs — whether you're early-stage, prepping for exit, or fighting to turn things around.Topics covered:- The "Playing to Win" framework for business strategy- How to get your CFO and sales team speaking the same language- What buyers actually look for before acquiring your company- VC funding vs. bootstrapping — what you're really giving up- The KPIs that reveal the true health of your business- How to build a turnaround plan that actually works

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLJhHDOeYoc .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/05kTRvPnWeF66oWELGTfsm Access to capital is no longer cheap or guaranteed. Companies that once grew by “buying” growth with aggressive spend are now being forced to prove they can scale in a way that's sustainable, repeatable, and cash‑efficient.   Kevin Appleby sits down with Manu Diwakar, Chief Financial Officer at Virta Health, to unpack how high‑growth companies can scale aggressively without setting fire to their cash reserves  Manu draws on a career that spans Riot Games, the creator economy, AgTech, and now digital health, to show what disciplined, intelligent growth really looks like in practice. This isn't theory; it's the lived experience of a CFO who has repeatedly joined businesses in the steep part of the growth curve and helped them mature without losing their edge. Manu explains how Virta Health is tackling the massive, expensive problem of metabolic disease with a model that reverses conditions like type 2 diabetes while also reducing healthcare costs  Along the way, he breaks down how to think about capital efficiency, when to raise versus when to generate and reinvest your own cash, and why talent, culture, and clear unit economics beat vanity metrics every time. For finance leaders and founders who want to scale with ambition—but keep control of the runway—this conversation offers a grounded, experience‑driven playbook. Key topics covered: Manu's journey from Riot Games to digital health and why he chooses roles where the business is still being built and scaled, not just maintained  How Virta Health's model reverses metabolic disease while lowering costs, and what that teaches about aligning mission, product, and economics  Why scaling without burning cash starts with clear value delivery, not price cuts—especially in tough capital markets  The importance of hiring for growth: building teams whose capabilities can stretch with the business rather than constantly hiring “the next tier up”  How a CFO can balance regulation, data security, and innovation in complex sectors like digital healthcare  Manu's advice to aspiring CFOs: prioritize environments with steep learning, strong teammates, and real growth, not just impressive titles  Links Manu Diwakar on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:00 Manu's career in high‑growth companies – From Riot Games to Virta Health and why he gravitates to businesses that are still being built and scaled  4:00 Virta Health's mission and metabolic disease explained – What metabolic disease really is and how Virta's approach tackles the root cause, not just symptoms  8:20 Business model and unit economics – How partnering with health plans and employers, and charging per engaged patient, underpins a scalable, cash‑efficient model  12:10 Regulatory complexity vs. innovation – Balancing cost efficiency, patient outcomes, data security, and compliance in digital healthcare  15:40 Scaling without over‑spending – Generating capital internally, reinvesting in growth, and resisting the temptation to chase volume with discounts  19:30 Talent and leadership in scaling teams – Lessons from Riot on hiring for potential, designing growth paths, and building a high‑calibre environment  30:50 Career advice for future CFOs – Why continuous learning, working in truly growing businesses, and choosing stellar leaders matters more than almost anything else  Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyAXw591D6s .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Ci2KM7yh8NDxeX6Zr6QPf In this episode, Kevin Appleby speaks with GrowCFO Mentor Alan Scholnick, a finance leader with over 30 years' experience at IKEA, to explore why so many newly appointed CFOs struggle with imposter syndrome and feelings of fraudulence. Drawing on his journey from accounting roles to VP of Finance and later into executive coaching, Alan explains how the leap into the CFO role magnifies expectations around leadership, communication, and people development, often faster than new CFOs feel ready to handle. He frames these doubts not as weaknesses but as predictable responses to heightened responsibility and visibility. The conversation highlights practical strategies new CFOs can use to navigate these pressures: building trust with stakeholders, improving communication and active listening, and grounding confidence in past achievements. Alan emphasizes that finance transformations are fundamentally about people, not just processes or technology, and that self-reflection, clarity of purpose, and continuous learning are essential for any CFO who wants to move from feeling like a fraud to leading with credibility and impact. He also shares how mentoring, reverse mentoring, and ongoing development inside and outside the organization can help finance leaders sustain confidence over the long term. Key topics covered: The discussion frames imposter syndrome as a common, almost inevitable experience for new CFOs, especially during major finance transformations.  Alan outlines practical techniques to build confidence, including revisiting past accomplishments and reframing internal narratives that fuel self-doubt. The episode underscores the importance of communication, active listening, and curiosity in building trust and social equity with stakeholders. Alan explains how continuous learning, teaching, and mentoring—both as mentor and mentee—help finance leaders stay relevant and resilient amid rapid change.  The conversation closes with Alan's perspective on the type of mentee who benefits most from GrowCFO mentoring and how a growth mindset accelerates CFO development. Links Alan Scholnick on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:03:59 – Discussion on why people skills and leadership by example are critical when leading finance transformations. 0:05:16 – Alan explains how he helps finance leaders understand the “why” behind change and communicate it clearly to their teams. 0:07:40 – Focus on active listening, curiosity, and relationship-building as foundations for CFO credibility with stakeholders. 0:09:34 – Alan and Kevin directly address imposter syndrome, exploring why many new CFOs feel like frauds and how to rebuild confidence from prior achievements.  0:18:35 – Alan discusses transitioning from internal finance roles to external teaching, coaching, and representing the finance story to broader audiences. 0:23:31 – How academic work, private clients, and coaching combine to keep a finance leader's skills current and versatile. 0:25:21 – Alan describes the mindset of an ideal mentee and the value of reverse mentoring, including learning from younger professionals. 0:30:37 –  Kevin and Alan wrap up with the benefits of GrowCFO mentoring and the importance of a safe, supportive environment for CFO development. Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i6KEoQt1PQ .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/31OO5n3ePbBErPCklIhUim For modern finance leaders, staying offline is no longer a neutral choice. In an environment where boards, CEOs, and recruiters routinely research candidates before they ever meet them, a CFO's digital presence has become a critical part of their professional reputation. This episode explores why even the most technically strong CFOs risk being overlooked if their expertise is invisible online—and how a thoughtful, strategic presence can amplify their impact, influence, and career opportunities. In this episode, Kevin Appleby interviews Wassia Kamon, Chief Financial Officer at ACE, on why modern CFOs who remain offline are increasingly being overlooked for senior roles and strategic opportunities. Wassia explains that technical excellence and a strong CV are no longer enough on their own; in a world where boards, CEOs, recruiters, and investors routinely research leaders online, a CFO's digital footprint now forms a critical part of their professional reputation. The discussion positions online presence not as vanity marketing, but as a strategic leadership tool for signalling credibility, expertise, and relevance. Wassia breaks down how finance leaders can translate their offline achievements into a thoughtful online narrative, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. She explores the risks of staying invisible—missed promotions, fewer board invitations, and weaker influence in the market—and contrasts that with the compounding benefits of controlled visibility: attracting better opportunities, shaping industry conversations, and building trust at scale. Throughout the episode, she offers practical, realistic steps for time-poor CFOs to build a presence that aligns with their values, protects their reputation, and supports both their organisation's brand and their own long‑term career. Key topics covered: Why relying on “my work will speak for itself” is dangerous for CFOs in an era where decision‑makers research leaders online before ever speaking to them. The specific ways a weak or non‑existent LinkedIn presence can cause a CFO to be passed over for roles, speaking engagements, and advisory positions. How CFOs can reframe personal branding as professional positioning—focusing on credibility, clarity of message, and service to stakeholders rather than self‑promotion. Practical tactics for busy finance leaders to build an online presence in under 30 minutes a week, without feeling inauthentic or overly self‑promotional. The role of thought leadership content (posts, articles, podcast appearances, panels) in signalling strategic capability beyond accounting and control. How a visible, values‑aligned online presence helps CFOs attract better talent, influence key external stakeholders, and future‑proof their careers against rapid change and AI disruption.  Links Wassia Kamon on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  00:00–03:00 – Introduction: why staying offline is no longer a neutral choice for CFOs and how visibility influences who gets noticed for top roles. 03:00–10:00 – Wassia's perspective on how boards, recruiters, and CEOs research candidates online and what they expect to see from a modern finance leader. 10:00–18:00 – Breaking the “I'm not a marketer” mindset: reframing personal branding as risk management, professional positioning, and stakeholder communication. 18:00–28:00 – Concrete examples of simple, repeatable LinkedIn habits CFOs can build—profile optimisation, commenting, and sharing expertise in a low‑friction way. 28:00–36:00 – How visibility ties directly into influence: winning internal sponsorship, attracting external opportunities, and shaping perception of the finance function. 36:00–44:00 – Final playbook: a realistic weekly routine for CFOs to maintain an online presence without sacrificing core responsibilities. Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF8e-rMB7So .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/3kYIPViq648aqBM8MzHlcM Scaling quickly is every growth company's dream, but it's also the phase where finance is under the greatest threat. Rapid headcount expansion, evolving pricing, complex contracts, and rising investor expectations all hit at once—and every weakness in your finance stack is amplified. Understanding why this phase is so dangerous, and how to design the right controls, systems, and billing infrastructure, is critical if you want to protect cash, avoid revenue leakage, and build a resilient, investor‑ready business. In this episode, Kevin Appleby talks with Shadid Talukder, Strategic Finance Lead at Posh AI, about why the fastest phase of scaling is also the most dangerous for finance. They explore how a lean three-person finance team manages rapid ARR growth, complex enterprise contracts, and investor pressure for both growth and efficiency. Within Posh AI's finance stack, Zenskar plays a central role in billing and revenue recognition for a complex SaaS business selling into banks and credit unions. As pricing and contract structures evolved—across monthly, annual, and multi‑year deals—manual spreadsheets became too risky and operationally heavy. Zenskar now acts as a single system of record for contracts, subscriptions, line items, and future invoices, forecasting and scheduling billing over the life of each deal. This dramatically reduces manual reviews, mitigates missed invoices and revenue leakage, and lets Posh scale billing complexity without proportionally scaling finance headcount or operational risk. Key topics covered: Zero-to-one finance in a fast-scaling AI startup: Shadid joined Posh AI when “the books were literally empty” and helped the company triple ARR while building financial models, reworking an initially non-scalable chart of accounts, and installing core finance processes from scratch  Scaling headcount vs. VC expectations and burn: As Posh grew from ~30 to ~80 FTEs, shifting VC expectations forced a move from “growth at all costs” to tighter burn multiples, proving that rapid scaling without disciplined financial guardrails quickly becomes dangerous for finance  Running a modern finance org with a very lean team: Posh operates with a three-person finance function—SVP Finance, Strategic Finance (Shadid), and Accounting—where no work is “above” anyone, and leaders still handle AP/AR emails themselves, demonstrating what lean but high-caliber finance looks like in practice  Zenskar as a critical control for complex SaaS billing and revenue: To cope with complex, evolving pricing and a mix of monthly, annual, and multi-year contracts, Posh implemented Zenskar as a centralized system of record for contracts, subscriptions, and future invoices—significantly reducing the risk of missed billings and revenue leakage that could materially distort burn and board reporting  Deliberate restraint in tooling and tech stack: After initially “buying software like crazy,” Posh reversed course, cutting underused tools and adopting a strict standard that any new system must have a foundational, clearly justified use case; core stack is QuickBooks + spreadsheets + Zenskar + Ramp, with careful use of GPT for productivity rather than headcount replacement  Balancing growth, profitability, and dilution risk: Shadid outlines that the next phase is defined by sustaining growth while pushing toward profitability, making every incremental hire and dollar of software spend a high-stakes decision—especially when additional fundraising brings dilution, complex cap-table dynamics, and heightened investor pressure for returns About Posh AI Posh AI is an AI‑native SaaS company focused on transforming customer engagement for banks and credit unions. By combining conversational AI with deep domain knowledge of financial services, Posh helps institutions automate routine interactions, deliver personalized experiences, and operate more efficiently, while meeting the strict reliability and compliance standards of regulated industries. About Zenskar   Zenskar is a billing and revenue platform built for modern SaaS companies with complex pricing and contracts. At Posh AI, Zenskar serves as the single source of truth for all customer contracts, subscriptions, and invoice schedules. Once a deal closes, the finance team loads key terms into Zenskar, which then automates invoicing over the contract term. By moving off spreadsheet‑driven billing, Posh AI uses Zenskar to: Reduce manual billing work and one‑off reviews Prevent missed or incorrect invoices that can distort burn and board reporting Confidently support varied billing cadences and sophisticated deal structures This makes Zenskar a core control mechanism that enables Posh to scale faster while keeping finance lean and tightly governed. Links Shadid Talukder on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:00–0:04 Kevin introduces Shadid Talukder and his Strategic Finance role at Posh AI. 0:02–0:04 Shadid shares how he built finance from zero as Posh AI tripled ARR. 0:04–0:06 Posh scaled from ~30 to ~80 FTEs as investor focus shifted to burn efficiency. 0:09–0:11 Posh runs a full finance function with a three-person, hands-on team. 0:11–0:15 Shadid explains why Posh relies on QuickBooks, spreadsheets, and simplicity. 0:15–0:19 Zenskar became the system of record for managing complex SaaS billing and contracts. 0:19–0:23 After overbuying tools, Posh adopted strict controls to keep the stack lean. 0:22–0:23 Custom scripts and APIs replace traditional FP&A platforms. 0:23–0:26 GPT tools are used to boost productivity without adding headcount. 0:27–0:30 Shadid outlines the challenge of growing fast while staying within spend guardrails. 0:30–0:34 The discussion covers Series B trade-offs, dilution, and investor expectations. 0:35–0:38 Shadid reflects on decision pressure and the importance of founder trust. 0:38–0:40 He explains how he operates a high-impact finance role remotely with periodic in-person sessions. Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnQ5K1BNAl8 .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Rtn6WPqsCzQmMDOZOSnmV Nonprofit finance often lags behind its for-profit counterpart due to structural funding constraints, donor reporting requirements, and historical expectations of finance as a back-office cost center rather than a strategy partner. This episode examines why nonprofit financial leadership is perceived to be about a decade behind and outlines concrete ways to modernize the CFO role—shifting from retrospective accounting to forward-looking strategy, donor partnership, and operational rigor that sustains mission at scale . In this episode, Kevin Appleby hosts Ilana Esterrich, a GrowCFO Mentor and experienced nonprofit CFO, for a practical discussion on elevating nonprofit finance. Esterrich draws on a career spanning consulting, large corporates, and mission-driven organizations to explain how nonprofit finance must evolve from traditional, retroactive accounting to a strategic, value-creating function. She underscores that “no money, no mission,” and argues for disciplined investment in back-office capabilities—finance operations, legal, and technology—to build a foundation that enables programs to scale sustainably . Kevin and Ilana discuss the growing expectations on nonprofit CFOs: scenario planning, interpreting donor intent, creative application of restricted funds, and partnering closely with development leaders. Esterrich also emphasizes people-centric leadership, shaped by her military background, and the importance of mentoring CFOs transitioning from “scorekeeper” to strategic leader. The conversation offers actionable insights for closing the perceived 10-year gap with for-profit finance, focusing on operational efficiency, stakeholder communication, and aligning finance with mission outcomes. Key topics covered: “No money, no mission”: nonprofits need a growth mindset and disciplined investment in back-office foundations to scale programs responsibly  Why nonprofit finance lags: CFO roles historically centered on backward-looking reporting versus forward-looking strategic architecture Closing the gap: scenario planning, clarity on donor intent, creative use of funds, and operational efficiencies that reduce the cost to raise a dollar  Donor partnership: educating funders on the true cost of delivery and the need to resource “admin” to strengthen mission outcomes  Evolving CFO leadership: influence beyond finance, managing larger teams, and aligning finance early with strategy discussions   People-centric finance leadership: mission-first lessons from the military and mentoring the next generation of nonprofit CFOs    Links Ilana Esterrich on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:03:03 — “No money, no mission” and the case for investing in back office to strengthen program delivery  0:05:59 — Navigating donor-imposed admin limits and bringing donors into the operational reality  0:07:47 — CFO partnership with development and the shift toward direct donor engagement and reporting design  0:08:56 — Why nonprofit finance is ~10 years behind and the move from scorekeeping to strategic CFO  0:11:53 — Mentoring focus: helping CFOs become strategic value creators and people leaders  0:18:41 — Military-informed leadership principles applied to modern nonprofit finance teams  Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jWsLnnmcjA .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/0eoBcoM5gpdCjP3muHxCrQ In an era where CFOs are central to shaping valuation narratives, the “data cube” has emerged as a strategic edge. By unifying finance, commercial, and operational data into a single source of truth, CFOs can evidence revenue quality, retention, and growth levers with precision—thereby strengthening diligence readiness and elevating enterprise value. This episode unpacks how a robust data cube turns scattered systems into defensible metrics and actionable insights, enabling CFOs to move from reporting history to architecting valuation outcomes.  In this episode, Kevin Appleby hosts David Whitcombe, Founder and Managing Director of Data Vision Services, to examine how a “data cube” becomes the CFO's secret weapon in private equity exits. Whitcombe outlines the cube as a unified, governed layer that integrates ERPs, CRMs, and operational sources to produce investor-grade metrics. By clarifying revenue quality, customer concentration, retention, and compounding dynamics, the cube enables CFOs to communicate valuation drivers credibly and consistently across diligence and board forums. The discussion explores the practical path to building this capability—data discovery, mapping, and cleansing—along with realistic tooling from spreadsheets to modern integration stacks like Fivetran and DBT. The conversation also reframes the CFO role: beyond backward-looking reporting, a well-run cube supports forward-looking decision-making, ongoing value creation, and scalable insight for the wider organization. They touch on the promise of AI to democratize insights if it delivers action over noise, and on the skills and training needed to maintain the cube post-exit without costly org changes. Key topics covered: The data cube as a single source of truth connecting ERPs, CRMs, and ops data to produce investor-grade metrics and drive higher valuations  How the cube answers diligence-critical questions: revenue quality, customer concentration, retention, and growth compounding  Three valuation pathways: clearing tech due diligence, telling the metrics story credibly, and enabling better decisions that create value  Practical build: finding hidden data, mapping across systems, cleansing for consistency, and using modern integration tooling  CFO evolution: from reporting to proactive strategy, with AI poised to democratize insights when focused on actions  Sustainment after exit: skill mix for maintaining the cube and training existing teams over new headcount  Links David Whitcombe on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:01:41 — Defining the “data cube” and why CFOs need a single source of truth for exits  0:02:43 — Proving revenue quality, retention, and growth; valuation impact pathways  0:05:36 — Data discovery, mapping, and cleansing across fragmented systems  0:09:50 — Early preparation to avoid integration gaps derailing exit readiness  0:16:02 — AI's role in democratizing insights and enabling action-oriented analytics  0:19:07 — The evolving CFO: from reporter to strategist with a durable data platform  0:25:45 — Training and maintaining the cube post-exit with existing team capabilities  0:27:46 — Wrap-up and next steps, reinforcing ongoing value creation beyond the exit  Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

In this episode, Kim McGinley shares how years spent inside specialist banks shaped her understanding of lender challenges and how she leads a growing team without losing trust, standards or balance.The conversation explores resilience through market change and why sticking to what you're genuinely good at matters more than chasing growth for its own sake.Kim McGinley is the Director and Specialist Broker at Vibe Finance, a multi award winning brokerage specialising in commercial and residential property finance. With over a decade spent working inside specialist banks, Kim brings a strong process led approach and a clear focus on doing finance properly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUuZyQZl1bI .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/7mFdcXjDTwb48H7AwuptDP In this episode, Kevin Appleby hosts Acterys leaders Eric Reyhle (SVP Global Alliances) and Manuel Marcos (Regional Director EMEA/LATAM) to explore 2026: The Six Defining Challenges for the Office of the CFO. The conversation opens by underscoring why 2026 is a pivotal inflection point: the convergence of mature enterprise data platforms (e.g., Microsoft Fabric), governed data foundations, and practical AI that elevates finance from historical reporting to forward-looking decisioning. The guests frame AI's promise and risks candidly—AI is transformative, but only as trustworthy as the underlying data and governance that feed it. Across the discussion, Eric and Manuel translate technical change into finance impact: continuous planning over static, snapshot budgeting; predictive and scenario-driven decisions over backward-looking reporting; and a shift from spreadsheet “systems of record” to governed, auditable platforms that keep Excel/Power BI as the familiar front-end. They emphasize cyber resilience as a CFO mandate with direct P&L and valuation consequences, and outline a pragmatic path: modernize the data foundation, embed governance, enable real-time write-back and scenario modeling, and apply AI to augment—not replace—finance judgment. The result is a finance function positioned to deliver strategic foresight and resilient performance in 2026 and beyond. Key topics covered: Why 2026 is the inflection point: convergence of AI, governed data, and enterprise platforms like Microsoft Fabric. From historian to pilot: AI automates consolidation/reconciliations and unlocks predictive forecasting and rapid scenario modeling. Keep Excel/Power BI; fix the back end: shift from spreadsheet “system of record” to governed, auditable, AI-ready data with real-time write-back. Cyber resilience is a CFO issue: attacks translate directly to P&L, cash flow, and valuation—governance and access control are non-negotiable. Continuous planning replaces static snapshots: always-on data flow enables weekly/biweekly scenario refreshes and faster decisions. Practical impact: 50–70% reduction in manual consolidation effort; 3–5x faster planning cycles; instant “what-if” responses for leadership. Links Eric Reyhle on LinkedIn Manuel Marcos on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 00:03 Why 2026 is pivotal: AI goes mainstream as data platforms mature; finance and IT must converge. 00:11 Finance's shift: from manual reconciliations to predictive forecasts, anomaly detection, and rapid scenario simulations. 00:16 Keep Excel/Power BI; govern the data: front-end familiarity with a secure, auditable back end and real-time write-back. 00:22 Data lake/warehouse/mart “kitchen” analogy for finance–IT alignment and model design. 00:23 Cybersecurity as a CFO mandate; the real risk of uncontrolled spreadsheets vs. governed environments. 00:35 Quantified benefits: 50–70% less manual consolidation; 3–5x faster forecasting/budgeting; instant “what-if” analysis. 00:39 Continuous planning defined: why snapshots are obsolete and how always-on data enables dynamic plans. 00:45 Microsoft Fabric as connective data tissue; build on the stack users already know 00:47 From reactive reporting to strategic foresight; leveraging granular operational data for predictive decisions. 00:53 What differentiates 2026 leaders: modern data foundations, governance, AI augmentation, and cross-functional collaboration. Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag1fw0H2rwU .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/33PbwJ8JaoPUFiqjijSl10 In this episode, Kevin Appleby hosts GrowCFO Mentor Lee‑Wen Chan to explore the confidence blueprint every new CFO needs. Drawing on a 40-year trans-Pacific career spanning Deloitte Taiwan, FedEx, and ultimately a history-making CFO appointment at NTT Communications, Lee‑Wen distills how new finance leaders can build durable confidence, overcome imposter syndrome, and translate financials into business impact. Her story threads together cultural dexterity, executive coaching, and practical leadership habits that help CFOs step into influence quickly and credibly. The conversation focuses on how confidence is learned and operationalized: knowing one's strengths, confronting low-confidence areas, and using clear business language that resonates across functions. Lee‑Wen shares how executive coaching refined both her capability to operate as a CFO and her ability to communicate as one—offering pragmatic guidance for newly appointed CFOs who must move from technical mastery to strategic partnership, change leadership, and people empowerment. Key topics covered: A first-principles confidence blueprint: “be comfortable in your own skin,” know your strengths, and deliberately shore up low-confidence areas to maximize influence. Confronting imposter syndrome with structure: targeted executive coaching for “being a CFO” and “communicating as a CFO.” Translating finance into business action: simple narratives that resonate (e.g., “$1 cost saving equals $4 of sales to hit the same bottom line”). Cultural agility as a leadership multiplier: thriving across Taiwanese, American, and Japanese corporate contexts; first non‑Japanese CFO at NTT. Strategic impact through proximity to the business: learning sales/engineering to make financial data genuinely useful and forward-looking. Change leadership at scale: FedEx supply chain expansion to 20+ countries; building regional hubs and accelerating learning under pressure. Links Lee-Wen Chen on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:03:29 From master's graduate to CFO: mentors, adaptation, and the stepwise journey to the first non‑Japanese CFO at NTT. 0:07:37 Lessons from Japanese leadership: zooming out to strategy, zooming in to detail, and reading between the lines. 0:12:17 The confidence blueprint: self-respect, truth-telling, leveraging strengths to counter low-confidence areas. 0:13:56 Tackling imposter syndrome: why new CFOs struggle and how executive coaching accelerates confidence. 0:17:01 Making finance useful: business-first framing (the “$1 saves equals $4 sales” clarity test). 0:18:42 Strategy via business partnership: learning sales/engineering to turn numbers into decisions. 0:19:55 Change leadership case: FedEx global supply chain expansion and accelerated capability building. Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj4Io4us81k .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/5qgEZZxdGgOTL9SqbWsxIH Stepping into the CFO seat concentrates pressure, confidentiality, and ambiguity—often without a true peer group. In this episode, GrowCFO Mentor Andrew Tapson joins host Kevin Appleby to unpack why first-time CFOs experience isolation and how to build the scaffolding that restores clarity and confidence. Tapson explains how the role's breadth, the need to “translate” across functions, and the lack of consequence-free spaces to test thinking create a unique loneliness—one that mentoring, selective networks, and practical operating rhythms can directly solve. Tapson blends four decades of finance leadership with a mentor's mindset: create safe space, build a relevant network, and develop emotional intelligence to navigate complexity. He shares real-world practices to replace isolation with support—designing a personal advisory circle, investing in relationships that open doors, and delegating to protect strategic attention. The result is a pragmatic playbook for new CFOs to gain momentum, credibility, and durable resilience in their first 90–180 days. Key topics covered: Why new CFOs feel isolated: pressure, confidentiality, breadth of remit, and no safe sounding board Mentoring vs. coaching: creating a consequence-free space to talk through mistakes and options Build a selective, relevant network that opens doors and accelerates problem-solving Emotional intelligence and “translating the room” as core CFO capabilities Delegation and focus: moving from detail to enterprise-level decisions First steps: set up advisory rhythms, stakeholder access, and early-win narratives Links Andrew Tapson on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 03:52 Mentoring vs. coaching; creating a safe space for new CFOs 06:37 From cost-cutting to growth levers; solving problems with lateral thinking 11:15 Designing a selective, useful network for support and access 23:12 Emotional intelligence and staying relevant amid rapid change 28:30 Delegation, scope shift, and protecting strategic attention 33:2 The future of CFO mentoring and structured support systems Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6TdUunLask .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a1JMPvXGUGhD6A8gC7E8m Influence is earned long before numbers hit the board pack. In this episode, Catherine Clark, GrowCFO Mentor, reframes influence as the practical outcome of deliberate connection. She and host Kevin Appleby unpack how remote and hybrid work have thinned everyday rapport, making it harder for finance leaders to shape decisions, mobilize teams, and retain talent. Their premise is simple: influence compounds when CFOs intentionally build trust, recognition, and emotionally intelligent dialogue across stakeholders. Catherine offers a playbook for finance leaders to operationalize connection: stakeholder mapping early and often, creating unstructured time for human conversation, signaling appreciation consistently, and showing up with presence—even through a screen. The episode highlights how small, repeated behaviors (gratitude, active listening, regular check-ins) turn into strategic leverage: faster alignment, better decision inclusion, higher engagement, and materially improved performance environments for finance teams and their partners. Key topics covered: Why remote/hybrid erodes spontaneous trust, and how CFOs can rebuild it with intentional routines Stakeholder mapping and early relationship-building as core influence mechanics, not “nice to haves Recognition and gratitude as low-cost, high-impact leadership signals that boost engagement and retention Emotional connection and presence (active listening, curiosity) driving performance and decision quality Practical cadence: unstructured touchpoints, pre-alignment conversations, and regular reconnection rituals Cultivating a culture of connection—small, repeatable behaviors that scale influence across the organization Links Catherine Clark on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 04:14 Remote/hybrid realities: the connection gap and its impact on leadership/retention 12:00 Relationship strategy: stakeholder mapping and early outreach to accelerate trust 27:42 Recognition and gratitude as influence multipliers 35:31 Emotional connection, interference removal, and performance outcomes 44:48 Building an organizational culture of connection and shared values 46:37 Final actions: small, consistent behaviors that compound into influence Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQXCNMM0zws .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/3XGL5Kr61RdspPniU8FD0B The transition to a CFO role is one of the most demanding steps in a finance leader's career. Many newly appointed CFOs face overwhelming challenges, from building board relationships to reshaping organizational strategy, often leading to missteps and a sense of isolation. Recognizing these hurdles, this episode underscores the need for experienced guidance in the early days of CFO leadership. Jeremy Earnshaw, Executive Coach & Mentor at Clarendon, brings decades of executive finance expertise to the discussion. Through a practical and insightful conversation, Jeremy and host Kevin Appleby explore how tailored mentoring equips new CFOs with tools, confidence, and the emotional intelligence necessary to succeed. Their dialogue highlights real-world stories, actionable tactics, and the transformational impact of mentorship on both performance and well-being in the CFO suite. Key topics covered: Challenges and pitfalls commonly faced by new CFOs Importance of mentorship and coaching for new finance leaders Real-life scenarios where mentoring influenced CFO performance Key competencies new CFOs need, and how mentoring builds them The long-term benefits of investing in leadership development Links Jeremy Earnshaw on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 01:00 Introduction and importance of mentoring for CFOs 07:30 Top struggles for newly appointed CFOs 15:00 Jeremy Earnshaw's mentoring philosophy and approach 24:10 Success stories: CFO transformations through mentoring 32:00 Actionable advice for organizations and aspiring CFOs Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pQsPAurZ5E .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/56xLS3vYYYDi3bsssHeBfq Understanding how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for rapid returns has become essential for today's finance leaders. While many organizations invest in AI, few manage to achieve tangible value quickly. This episode tackles a critical strategic challenge: how CFOs and finance teams can deliver measurable ROI from AI initiatives within just 30 days—a key success factor for staying competitive, agile, and efficient in a fast-changing market. Kevin Appleby speaks with Dan Fletcher, CFO of Planful, to uncover the often-overlooked strategies that accelerate AI's impact in finance. Their conversation explores the evolving landscape of finance technology, upcoming consolidation trends in the CFO tech stack, and practical steps for achieving quick AI wins. Dan also shares insights on how early, effective adoption of AI empowers finance leaders to move their teams from manual processes to strategic, insight-driven advisory roles—positioning finance as a true business partner for the future. Key topics covered: Mindset change is the hardest aspect of finance digital transformation Accurate, clean data is critical for successful AI adoption and savings AI enables finance teams to spend less time crunching numbers, more time adding value Savings are real when AI is applied to transactional and repetitive processes AI leads to more frequent, adaptive forecasting and better business partnering Boardroom strategy discussions increasingly focus on AI-driven transformation Links Dan Fletcher on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 18:47 Future trends and generative AI's impact on finance transformation 26:46 Real-world adoption stories, efficiency gains, and lessons for fast implementation 29:21 Step-by-step advice for CFOs on launching high-impact AI projects 34:51 Preparing finance teams for new job roles and skills in an AI-driven environment 38:26 Forecasting the biggest finance leadership challenges on the horizon Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

Send us a textEpisode # 150: Leadership in finance isn't a title—it's a practice. We dive into what turns any role in accounting, FP&A, or audit into a force for strategic impact, starting with the four pillars that anchor meaningful change: influence, grow your people, deliver results, and see the future. Along the way, we unpack how to turn data into decisions, build trust with senior leaders, and convert operational friction—like a chaotic month end—into a reliable, learning-driven process.We start by reframing influence as earned alignment. You'll hear how to show up with validated numbers, a sharp point of view, and a concise ask that respects executive time. Then we get practical about developing talent: mentoring for strategic thinking, cross-training on the business model, and running blameless reviews that raise the team's ceiling. Execution takes center stage with tactics to speed the close, improve forecast accuracy, and translate variances into action. Finally, we step into forward-looking leadership—tracking external signals that matter, setting crisp scenarios, and aligning decisions to both profitability and purpose.If you're ready to elevate your impact, this conversation will help you become the partner your organization needs: people-centered, data-driven, and ethically grounded. Please connect with me on:1. Instagram: stephen.mclain2. Twitter: smclainiii3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiiiFor more resources, please visit Finance Leader Academy:  financeleaderacademy.com.Support the show

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGwhmpyXA-U .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Lv2wr2B8h40VtL9K2oWH9 As AI transforms the business landscape, finance leaders are seeking practical examples of true value creation—not just hype. In this episode, Marco Torrente, Interim Group CFO at Bakuun Holdings, joins host Kevin Appleby to share real financial transformation lessons from the front lines. Marco's candid reflections move beyond generic AI discussions to pinpoint what actually saves money, emphasizing the importance of getting digital transformation right and building team mindsets that embrace technology. The conversation explores the practicalities of starting the AI journey, including improving transactional systems and data quality, as well as how AI enables FP&A teams to shift from data crunching to value-adding activities. Marco further reveals that while AI projects haven't yet drastically reduced headcount, they empower teams to deliver faster, more adaptive business forecasts and partner more effectively with the business. Listeners gain actionable insights on risk analysis, business partnering, and future-proofing the finance function in an era of rapid technological change. Key topics covered: Mindset change is the hardest aspect of finance digital transformation Accurate, clean data is critical for successful AI adoption and savings AI enables finance teams to spend less time crunching numbers, more time adding value Savings are real when AI is applied to transactional and repetitive processes AI leads to more frequent, adaptive forecasting and better business partnering Boardroom strategy discussions increasingly focus on AI-driven transformation Links Marco Torrente on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 03:57 Overcoming mindset challenges in tech and finance teams 07:45 How clean data and smart choices spark successful AI projects 14:48 Impact of AI on workflows—shifting FP&A from data crunching to insights 18:16 Balancing business strategy with transformation and risk 26:15 Real savings and workforce impact: redeployment not just reduction 30:04 Future plans, ongoing learning, and actionable advice Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ4_Fr3a07Y .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/1FpRXhcwICZELr5lwHBodV In this episode, host Kevin Appleby speaks with Andrea Hecht, Chief Financial Officer at CSAA Insurance Group, to explore the realities of leading finance within a member-owned insurance organisation. The conversation traces Andrea's professional evolution—from a Midwest-based controller with a public-accounting background to a strategic CFO steering one of the nation's major property and casualty insurers. Andrea shares how transitioning from controller to CFO required developing a deep strategic lens, embracing enterprise-wide business partnering, and cultivating confidence to challenge executive consensus. She also discusses the complexities of the insurance sector—from pricing uncertainty and catastrophe risk to regulatory constraints—and how technology, data, and AI are reshaping financial planning and claims management. Her story offers a practical playbook for finance leaders ready to elevate their impact beyond accounting into organisational leadership. Key topics covered: Andrea's career journey from EY auditor in Ohio to CFO of CSAA Insurance Group in California. Why the CFO role demands strategic thinking that connects company vision with financial planning and resource allocation. The unique financial challenges of the insurance industry—pricing risk without knowing true costs for years, managing reinsurance markets, and handling catastrophe losses. How membership ownership changes financial priorities versus shareholder-driven models, placing policyholders at the centre. The importance of financial education and business partnering to build trust across departments and improve decision quality. How AI and automation are transforming finance, forecasting, and claims—bringing speed, empathy, and new skill-building challenges for future talent. Links Andrea Hecht on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 00:28 Andrea's background and move from Ohio to California 03:30 Inside CSAA Insurance Group: business model and coverage areas 05:00 Challenges of pricing insurance and managing capital risk 12:40 Transition from controller to CFO—learning to think strategically 16:10 Building finance partnerships and educating the organisation 18:10 Balancing collaboration and contrarian thinking with the CEO 25:00 Forecasting amid inflation and market volatility 27:35 How AI and generative tools are redefining productivity 34:00 Future of work, training paths, and ethical concerns in AI adoption 36:35 What CFOs should know about the changing insurance landscape Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyOBP_QcsLI .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CrRco4GBJsnDQYaJSiPnT In this insightful episode, Kevin Appleby sits down with Michael O'Reilly, a seasoned executive coach and former CFO with a diverse career spanning global finance, digital transformation, and leadership development. Together, they explore “The Three Hidden Traps That Stall New CFOs” — a candid discussion about the unseen challenges finance leaders face as they transition into enterprise leadership roles. Michael shares his own experiences across companies like Citibank, Gap Inc., and PepsiCo, highlighting how curiosity, empowerment, and trust play crucial roles in a CFO's success. He also explains how imposter syndrome, reluctance to delegate, and overreliance on technical mastery can prevent new CFOs from thriving in their roles. With AI reshaping the finance landscape, Michael emphasises the growing importance of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and creating psychological safety for teams navigating disruption. The conversation goes beyond professional growth, touching on personal fulfilment and energy management — understanding what “charges or drains your batteries” as a leader. Drawing from his coaching practice and experiential leadership retreats in Ireland, Michael reveals how rediscovering purpose and flow can reignite a CFO's impact, both in business and in life. Key topics covered: How imposter syndrome can fuel curiosity and growth rather than paralysis Why delegating and letting go is the biggest unlock for new CFOs The importance of psychological safety in driving innovation and AI adoption Transitioning from technical expert to strategic enterprise leader Understanding personal “energy management” to avoid burnout The power of trust, empathy, and soft skills in effective CFO leadership Links Michael O'Reilly on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 00:40 Michael O'Reilly's career journey from CPA to Chief Digital Officer 05:52 The role of imposter syndrome in a CFO's development 07:52 How AI amplifies insecurity and why creating safe environments matters 10:07 Balancing accuracy with experimentation in finance leadership 16:46 What a mentoring relationship looks like with Michael 21:21 The critical need to delegate and empower teams 22:33 Michael's experiential leadership program in Ireland 30:31 Finding your “flow state” and energizers outside of work 34:20 What kind of leaders benefit most from mentoring 36:16 The “ski story” — how aligning passion with leadership drives performance Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg1knQ7TQ_E .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/68OnCL6OYQml4L6bu1Wejm Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate finance discussions, but for many CFOs, the real challenge isn't understanding the technology—it's knowing where to start. In this episode, host Kevin Appleby welcomes back Hannah Munro, Managing Director of ITAS Solutions and host of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, to unpack the hype surrounding AI and offer clear, practical steps for finance leaders ready to take action. Hannah shares first-hand insights from her work helping finance teams implement technology-driven transformations, explaining why success depends less on the AI tools themselves and more on simplifying processes, standardizing data, and fostering cultural change. The conversation draws a clear distinction between technology implementation and true transformation—and why CFOs must master both to realise measurable ROI from new systems. As AI continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Hannah and Kevin explore how finance leaders can stay agile, focus on data quality, and ensure their organizations are prepared for the next generation of AI-enabled finance. From managing expectations to defining tangible outcomes, this episode is an essential listen for CFOs looking to move beyond buzzwords and deliver meaningful digital transformation. Key topics covered: The difference between AI-enabled tools and building AI from scratch—and why most finance teams are already using AI without realising it. Why the biggest implementation risks aren't technical but cultural and process-related. How to distinguish transformation from implementation—and why most projects should involve both. The importance of defining measurable outcomes before investing in technology. Why simplification, standardisation, and clean data are the foundations for any successful AI adoption. How CFOs can future-proof their finance function by focusing on integration, agility, and benefit-driven technology selection. Links Hannah Munro on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 01:00 Why AI isn't new—and how finance teams are already using it unknowingly 03:25 Implementation vs. transformation: the fundamental question every CFO must ask 07:30 Why traditional RFP processes often fail in fast-changing tech environments 10:45 The hidden cost of customisation and how to challenge unnecessary complexity 16:15 Measuring the true value and ROI of finance technology projects 19:20 Why every tech implementation should also be a transformation initiative 27:20 Using psychology and “nudging” principles to drive behavioural change in transformation 33:30 Preparing for AI: simplify processes, integrate systems, and clean your data 38:40 The limits of AI: understanding data quality, context, and validation 44:30 Looking ahead—how AI, automation, and integration will redefine the finance function Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ Gustafson sits down with Ivan Makarov, Operating Partner at Andreessen Horowitz and former VP of Finance at Webflow, to explore what it takes to build a finance function from scratch inside a fast-growing startup. Ivan shares lessons from the trenches—how to decide between outsourcing and hiring in-house, what makes a great first finance hire, and why early-stage companies often run out of cash before they run out of ideas. He also dives into fundraising pitfalls, audit readiness, and the tools that make up a modern finance stack. Beyond the spreadsheets, Ivan opens up about the shift from operator to venture partner, the value of helping founders avoid his past mistakes, and what makes an offsite actually work.—LINKS:Ivan Makarov on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivansmakarov/Andreessen Horowitz: https://a16z.com/CJ on X (@cjgustafson222): https://x.com/cjgustafson222Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.comRELATED EPISODES:Webflow's VP Finance Ivan Makarov on Understanding Startup Equity:Portfolio Operations: This Is What You Actually Have To Do To Make Sure a Company Is Successful:Brex COO/CFO Michael Tannenbaum on Taking Risks996 Culture, Exploding AI Bills & SaaS Chaos—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00:00) Preview, Intro(00:01:18) Meet Ivan Makarov of Andreessen Horowitz & Episode Setup(00:02:39) Sponsor – Tipalti | Aleph | Rillet(00:06:51) From Webflow to Andreessen: Becoming an Operating Partner(00:09:19) When and Why Founders Hire Their First Finance Leader(00:12:52) Hiring Early in Complex or Regulated Industries(00:13:58) The First Finance Hire in 2025 vs. 2015(00:15:46) Sponsor – Fidelity Private Shares | Mercury | RightRev(00:19:02) The Many Hats of Finance Leaders & The Rise of RevOps(00:24:55) What Founders Look For: Startup DNA and Work Ethic(00:26:05) Grind Culture, Return to Office, and New Expectations(00:28:20) From BizOps to RevOps: How Finance Roles Are Evolving(00:31:57) The First 12 Months of a Finance Leader's Playbook(00:35:05) Choosing Audit Partners and Avoiding Hidden Costs(00:36:32) Why Startups Really Fail — Running Out of Cash(00:39:16) Cash Controls, Banking Diversification, and Fraud Prevention(00:43:48) Fundraising Red Flags: Metrics, Definitions, and Diligence(00:47:50) 409A Valuations, Equity Clarity & Candidate Questions(00:50:09) The Modern Finance Tech Stack & Gen 3 Tools(00:55:05) AI's Impact: Replacing Labor, Not People(01:00:00) Offsites, Team Building & The Future of Finance Leadership(01:02:28) Wrapping Up: Reflections, Gratitude & Closing Credits—SPONSORS:Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runRillet is the AI-native ERP modern finance teams are switching to because it's faster, simpler, and 100% built for how teams operate today. See how fast your team can move. Book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/metricsFidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.Mercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.comRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.#RunTheNumbersPodcast #StartupFinance #VentureCapital #CFOInsights #Leadership This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOotp0bZAdU .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/294IkTuJrgCIgxARFhnHZW In today's rapidly evolving business environment, the transition from CFO to CEO is a journey that demands more than technical expertise—it requires a profound shift in mindset, leadership style, and strategic vision. In this episode, Dave Osh, a seasoned CFO, CEO, and mentor, joins host Kevin Appleby to share his unique path from fighter pilot to corporate leader, and the critical lessons learned along the way. The episode opens by underscoring the importance of leadership agility and the ability to adapt to new domains, stakeholder dynamics, and the ever-changing demands of the C-suite. Dave Osh discusses the challenges CFOs face when stepping into broader leadership roles, emphasizing the need for executive presence, effective communication, and a deep understanding of both business strategy and human psychology. He introduces his “CFO aura” framework—openness, unattached perspective, resonance, and authenticity—as essential qualities for finance leaders aspiring to become strategic collaborators and inspirational CEOs. Drawing from his books and real-world experiences, Dave provides actionable insights for finance professionals seeking to unlock their leadership potential and drive meaningful change within their organizations. Key topics covered: The journey from CFO to CEO requires a shift from technical mastery to strategic leadership Executive presence and effective communication are critical for C-suite success The “CFO aura” framework: openness, unattached perspective, resonance, authenticity Navigating stakeholder relationships and organizational politics is essential Continuous learning and personal development underpin leadership growth Playfulness and joy can empower leaders and foster a positive work culture Links Dave Osh on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:02:07 Dave Osh's unique journey from fighter pilot to CFO and CEO 0:05:29 Challenges and learning curves in becoming a CFO 0:10:43 Developing executive presence and the “CFO aura” framework 0:15:28 Practical advice for CFOs to avoid being seen as a naysayer 0:20:04 Transition from CFO to CEO and lessons on leadership philosophy 0:30:15 Dave's books and frameworks for leadership development 0:38:35 The role of playfulness and joy in effective leadership Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4pb1S_bdgE .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QIAi3e2eHEp57xjU474IH In today's competitive financial services landscape, simply offering “fractional CFO” services is no longer enough to stand out or win business. In this episode, James Donovan, Founder of Nine Two Media, joins host Kevin Appleby to challenge the conventional approach to selling CFO services. The conversation opens by emphasizing that business owners rarely seek out a “fractional CFO” by name; instead, they are looking for solutions to pressing problems—especially those that keep them up at night, like cash flow and financial clarity. Donovan shares insights from his experience helping accounting firms and CFOs shift their marketing from generic service offerings to problem-solving, value-driven messaging. He explains why focusing on the client's pain points, leveraging digital marketing channels like LinkedIn and Facebook, and building authority through content and podcasting are essential for growth. The episode offers actionable strategies for finance professionals to reposition themselves as indispensable advisors, not just another service provider. Key topics covered: Business owners buy solutions to problems, not “fractional CFO” services Effective marketing focuses on client pain points, not credentials or titles LinkedIn and Facebook are key channels for building authority and generating leads Relying solely on referrals is not a sustainable marketing strategy Podcasting and content creation help establish credibility and reach new audiences Case studies and client success stories are powerful tools for differentiation Links James Donovan on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:05:00 Trends in the fractional CFO market and the shift toward advisory roles 0:07:55 Why selling “fractional CFO” services misses the mark—focus on solving business problems 0:11:16 Digital marketing strategies: LinkedIn and Facebook for lead generation 0:17:15 The role of websites and content in attracting clients 0:22:07 The need for proactive marketing and moving beyond referrals 0:24:03 Podcasting as a tool for authority and business development Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYLpc5IwiOU .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/6IMVXCScEJEc6NiajXTBWm In the ever-changing world of finance, resilience and determination have become indispensable qualities for modern CFOs. In this episode of the GrowCFO Podcast, Kevin Appleby speaks with Ademola Odewade, CEO of K-Dems Consulting Limited and host of the Diary of a CFO Podcast. Together, they explore why hard work consistently outperforms raw talent in the journey to leadership. The discussion highlights the critical role of perseverance, adaptability, and a growth mindset for finance professionals navigating complex business environments. Ademola shares his inspiring path from Nigeria to the UK, illustrating how overcoming adversity, embracing continuous learning, and leveraging effective communication have shaped his success. Through candid stories and practical advice, he and Kevin discuss the expanding responsibilities of CFOs, the necessity of self-belief, and the power of taking ownership. This episode offers actionable lessons for finance leaders, demonstrating that resilience and relentless effort are the true drivers of sustainable achievement in today's demanding corporate landscape.For further support, explore our BetterHelp partner link. Key topics covered: The importance of rational, well-supported business valuations for CFOs Common mistakes founders and finance teams make in the valuation process Why valuations are often driven by optics rather than true economic value The impact of market cycles and AI hype on company valuations The critical role of management quality and organized financials in achieving accurate valuations Actionable tips for CFOs preparing for a valuation process Links Ademola Odewade on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:04:22 Introduction of Dan Eyman and the importance of business valuation 0:05:17 Dan Eyman's background and entry into the valuation field 0:09:00 Common mistakes in valuation and the need for early CFO involvement 0:13:51 Why valuations can be “smoke and mirrors” and the reality behind headline numbers 0:18:41 The impact of AI and market cycles on valuation trends 0:39:07 The role of management quality and organized financials in valuation 0:45:13 Practical tips for CFOs preparing for a valuation 0:51:09 Final advice for businesses: be rational, organized, and build a compelling valuation story Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

In this episode, Tim Graham sits down with Louis Velasquez—better known as Lucky—the founder of Finance Better. From humble beginnings in the slums of Manila to becoming a hedge fund trader and ultimately building one of Australia's standout mortgage broking businesses, Lucky's story is one of grit, resilience, and purpose. Lucky opens up about: His journey from hardship to finance – including being homeless as a teen, landing a role at a major bank, and discovering his passion for helping families make smarter financial choices. Building Finance Better – how he carved out a reputation in a competitive industry by keeping advice simple, relatable, and focused on people, not just numbers.  Lessons in business – the importance of planning for success, hiring to fill gaps, and knowing when to step back and bring in leadership to take things to the next level. Innovation in finance – how Finance Better is investing in AI and customer experience, creating platforms that help people better manage their loans and portfolios 24/7. Market insights – his candid take on the 5% deposit scheme, why many first-home buyers may turn into rentvestors, and why he believes Australia is heading into a “super boom” driven by migration, falling rates, and housing undersupply. This conversation goes beyond policies and products, uncovering the human story behind Lucky's passion for finance and his bold predictions for the property market. Where to connect with Lucky: Website: financebetter.com.au Instagram: @_luckyvelasquez

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUqhoJnH0oI .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/6n4Tb6ZkiJAoioEIQCC48p In this episode, Georgia Wilson, Member of GrowCFO and Former Group CFO at Together Group, shares her remarkable journey from Grenada to the helm of a high-growth business. The episode underscores the critical importance of building a robust finance function from the ground up, especially in a fast-scaling environment. Georgia's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the power of mentorship. She details how her diverse background, from Big Four audit to industry roles at Shell and Centrica, equipped her to lead Together Group's finance team through rapid expansion and multiple acquisitions. Georgia emphasizes that scaling a finance function is not just about technical expertise, but also about fostering a strong team, leveraging external support, and embracing diversity in leadership. Her experience highlights the value of corporate sponsorship, continuous learning, and the courage to step outside one's comfort zone. The episode offers practical insights for finance professionals aiming to drive growth, manage complexity, and build high-performing teams in dynamic business environments. Key topics covered: Built a finance team from 3 to over 10 people while scaling revenue from zero to £100M Leveraged mentorship, coaching, and corporate sponsorship to accelerate her CFO journey Emphasized the importance of diversity and resilience in leadership roles Successfully navigated multiple industry and cultural transitions Managed rapid acquisitions and integration of 13 brands across global markets Advocated for continuous learning and empowering future finance leaders Links Georgia Wilson on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:19:08 Georgia's move from Grenada to the UK and her early career at Deloitte 0:22:44 The pivotal role of mentorship and coaching in her CFO journey 0:34:56 Transitioning to Together Group as first-time CFO in a startup environment 0:44:49 Building and scaling the finance team to support rapid growth 0:48:49 The impact of external support and GrowCFO's programs on her success 0:53:02 Developing future finance leaders and fostering team growth Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

Send us a textBonus episode #96: This episode delivers a concise, actionable guide to the three most crucial learning priorities for finance leaders in the coming year: 1) using artificial intelligence to elevate your analysis, 2) performing a sensitivity analysis to make better strategic decision, and 3) applying financial risk management.Please connect with me on:1. Instagram: stephen.mclain2. Twitter: smclainiii3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiiiFor more resources, please visit Finance Leader Academy:  financeleaderacademy.com.Support the show

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL4WLMpEejI .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/5o6eC1cVuEOy3ebPDmOb0t The transition between nonprofit and corporate finance is a pivotal topic for CFOs, as each sector presents unique challenges and opportunities. In this episode, Baz Bedrossian—Interim CFO, COO, and Business Consultant—draws on his extensive experience in both worlds to illuminate the similarities and differences. Bedrossian emphasizes that while the core financial principles remain consistent, nonprofit roles demand heightened attention to compliance, regulation, and the management of restricted funds. He also highlights the importance of adaptability, as nonprofit CFOs often engage more directly in fundraising and grant management, requiring a broader skill set. Bedrossian's insights reveal that, despite the sectoral differences, the fundamentals of cash flow management, stakeholder communication, and strategic leadership are universal. However, nonprofit CFOs must navigate more complex reporting requirements, manage multiple boards and committees, and ensure that funds are used in accordance with donor restrictions. For finance professionals considering a move between sectors, Bedrossian's experience offers practical guidance on building sustainable financial models and maintaining operational excellence in any environment. Key topics covered: Compliance and regulation are more stringent in nonprofit organizations Managing restricted funds and detailed grant reporting is critical Cash flow management is challenging due to irregular funding sources Nonprofit CFOs often participate directly in fundraising and grant applications Non-financial KPIs and stakeholder management are more prominent in nonprofits Core financial principles and leadership skills remain consistent across sectors Links Baz Bedrossian on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:16:37 Key differences between nonprofit and corporate finance roles 0:18:50 The CFO's involvement in fundraising and grant management 0:20:23 Managing restricted funds and compliance in nonprofit organizations 0:24:48 Reporting on non-financial KPIs and statutory requirements 0:29:06 Cash flow management strategies for nonprofits 0:31:28 Tips for new nonprofit CFOs on building sustainable financial models Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFaDrJtO-KA .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vlmYVdDXfeKlkeuBrnaY7 The transition into a CFO role is one of the most significant steps in a finance leader's career, bringing both opportunity and challenge. In this episode, Warren Wise—GrowCFO Mentor and Fractional CFO—shares his journey from a 22-year tenure at a manufacturing company to his current role supporting multiple organizations. Wise's experience highlights the importance of adaptability, staff support, and the ability to manage new responsibilities beyond traditional finance functions. Wise discusses the mindset shift required to move from a detail-oriented finance role to a strategic leadership position, emphasizing the need to trust and empower staff. He also addresses the common struggles of imposter syndrome and task overwhelm, offering practical advice for new CFOs to build confidence and maintain work-life balance. His insights are invaluable for finance professionals stepping into the CFO role, as well as for organizations seeking to support their finance leaders through this critical transition. Key topics covered: The importance of staff support and trusting your team as a new CFO Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence in a leadership role Managing task overwhelm and learning to delegate effectively Adapting to new responsibilities beyond finance, including HR and operations Gaining value from diverse industry exposure as a fractional CFO Achieving work-life balance and flexibility in modern CFO roles Links Warren Wise on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:59 Wise describes his initial hesitation and transition to a fractional CFO role 0:04:00 Insights from 22 years in manufacturing and progression to CFO 0:10:30 The mindset shift from detail-oriented finance to strategic leadership 0:12:12 Advice for new CFOs: staff support and trusting your team 0:14:39 Wise's experience with imposter syndrome and building confidence 0:17:13 The value of mentoring and supporting new CFOs through challenges Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02hn26-tQBk .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tBDVuXoypTamhrWnvXBj8 In today's complex business environment, CFOs are expected to deliver strong results while also maintaining the legitimacy and trust of their organizations. Paul Achleitner, former Deutsche Bank Chair and Goldman Sachs Partner, shares his unique perspective on the evolving demands of financial leadership. Achleitner emphasizes that while performance metrics remain crucial, the legitimacy dimension—how stakeholders perceive the organization's actions and values—has become equally vital in an era of transparency and social media scrutiny. Drawing from decades of boardroom experience, Achleitner discusses the risks of relying solely on past experience, the importance of judgment in a rapidly changing world, and the need for CFOs to manage both their own egos and those of their teams. He highlights the dangers of both underperformance and unsustainable overperformance, urging leaders to continuously evaluate whether they are truly adding value. Achleitner's insights offer CFOs practical guidance on navigating the balance between delivering results and sustaining legitimacy, ensuring long-term organizational success in a world where both are under constant public review. Key topics covered: The critical need for CFOs to balance performance with legitimacy in leadership Why obsolete experience can hinder effective decision-making in today's fast-changing environment The growing importance of judgment and self-evaluation for finance leaders Managing egos and fostering authentic, team-based leadership structures The risks of both underperformance and unsustainable overperformance The evolving role of the CFO as a “chief value officer” focused on long-term impact Links Paul Achleitner on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:05:50 Achleitner introduces the “performance” and “legitimacy” dimensions of leadership 0:10:59 Discussion on the dangers of obsolete experience and the need for accelerated learning 0:13:43 Advice for managing change and the inevitability of unintended consequences 0:15:28 The importance of controlling egos and building strong leadership structures 0:20:18 Addressing imposter syndrome and the power of convincing narratives 0:29:07 The illusion of satisfactory underperformance and the need for continuous improvement 0:30:33 The deception of sustainable overperformance and the importance of balance 0:33:24 The CFO's evolving role as a chief value officer and the importance of legitimacy Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWB_AMZQZ4M .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/0P8V9z07yLiLffCgKowZxM In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the integration of technology talent into finance teams is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This episode explores how leveraging technical expertise can drive operational efficiency, foster innovation, and future-proof financial operations. Jay Majeske, Founder of Stalliant, brings a wealth of experience to the discussion, sharing insights on how full-stack developers and data-driven approaches are transforming the traditional finance function. Majeske highlights the inefficiencies of conventional CFO models and introduces a forward-thinking strategy that combines technical and financial acumen. By training developers in accounting principles and embedding them within finance teams, organizations can unlock new levels of automation, data modeling, and process optimization. The conversation underscores the importance of cultural change, continuous learning, and the adoption of best practices to ensure finance teams remain agile and competitive in the face of technological disruption. Key topics covered: The evolving role of CFOs and the need for technical skills in finance How full-stack developers trained in accounting can drive efficiency The impact of automation and data models on financial operations The importance of cultural change and continuous learning in finance teams Predictions for the future of FinTech and process-oriented software Bespoke solutions for lower middle-market clients to address unique challenges Links Tinashe Chigede on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:02:57 Introduction of Jay Majeske and his background in fractional CFO work 0:05:07 The game-changing impact of hiring full-stack developers for finance 0:09:37 Embedding tech talent in FP&A and governance roles 0:16:51 The enduring relevance of Excel and Power BI in modern finance 0:22:34 The critical role of culture in successful tech adoption 0:29:40 FinTech trends: process-oriented software and democratization of technology 0:33:23 The future of finance jobs: shifting from production to critical thinking and research Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=las4ugear3s .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wOUdF52mYu7TzzdsmlING In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby engages with Gilles Bonelli, Founder and CEO of SEE THE NEXT MOVE, to explore the practical applications of AI in finance beyond the hype. Gilles, with his extensive background in management consulting and digital transformation, established his startup to help finance leaders implement meaningful AI solutions. The conversation delves into how finance professionals can leverage AI effectively across various roles and processes, with Gilles introducing his company's 30 role-specific AI finance playbooks designed to guide implementation with the support of AI-trained subject matter experts. The discussion examines three primary families of AI use cases in finance: personal and team productivity enhancements, entirely new capabilities enabled by AI, and process optimization. Gilles emphasizes the importance of clean data for successful AI implementation, particularly in areas like forecasting, and advocates for a structured approach that considers both process and technology. The episode also addresses persistent challenges in finance transformation that have remained largely unchanged for 25 years, questioning whether AI truly offers solutions to longstanding issues like faster month-end closing and improved forecasting. Key topics covered: Gilles Bonelli's startup SEE THE NEXT MOVE cuts through AI hype by leveraging a 700-strong network of professionals to identify genuine use cases for finance functions AI applications in finance fall into three categories: productivity enhancement, enabling new capabilities, and process optimization Clean data is essential for successful AI implementation, particularly for advanced applications like forecasting AI is transforming traditional finance roles, creating opportunities for more strategic business partnering and sustainability focus Despite technological advances, many finance teams still struggle with the same challenges from 25 years ago, including month-end closing and forecasting Links Gilles Bonelli on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:09:48 Gilles introduces his startup SEE THE NEXT MOVE and its mission to cut through AI hype in finance 0:11:17 Explanation of how the company leverages its professional network to identify real AI use cases 0:38:26 Discussion on whether AI can solve longstanding finance challenges like faster month-end closing Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://open.spotify.com/episode/03u50sozLnuFp4IEmAWJ25 In episode 244 of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby interviews Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House, about the strategic role of CFOs in nonprofit organizations. Olaide shares her extensive experience as the head of finance at Jesus House and its sister charity, Festival of Life, providing valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities facing finance leaders in the nonprofit sector.Throughout the conversation, Olaide emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven leadership in nonprofit finance, highlighting how transparency, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement are crucial for success. She discusses the evolution of her role from operational tasks to strategic leadership, and how finance professionals in nonprofits must balance traditional financial management with impact measurement and mission fulfillment. Olaide also shares her personal journey, including the establishment of her own foundation, Precious Seeds Foundation, which supports underprivileged children in Africa. Key topics covered: Nonprofit finance leaders must be driven by purpose beyond financial metrics, as the sector requires a commitment to mission that transcends traditional compensation incentives Transparency and integrity are fundamental to building trust with donors and stakeholders, requiring finance teams to develop systems that clearly track and report on restricted and unrestricted funds The role of finance in nonprofits has evolved from purely operational to strategic, with CFOs now actively involved in grant applications, project planning, and measuring impact beyond traditional financial KPIs Effective cash flow management is critical in nonprofits, requiring tight week-to-week planning, contingency strategies, and rolling annual planning cycles to respond to changing needs Nonprofit CFOs must "THRIVE" by embracing Transparency, Horizontal thinking, Resilience, Integrity, Values, and Engagement to lead their organizations through uncertainty with courage, clarity, and compassion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn0jJKKF6Co Links Olaide Olunloyo on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 10:55 Olaide shares her journey into nonprofit finance and how purpose drives her work despite the different pay scales compared to the corporate sector 19:36 Discussion of the complex financial systems required to manage restricted and unrestricted funds in nonprofit organizations 30:15 Explanation of how finance teams collaborate with community and fundraising teams on grant applications and project implementation 35:40 Insights into measuring project impact beyond traditional financial metrics using pre- and post-project surveys 49:09 Olaide discusses balancing her full-time role with running her personal foundation through strategic delegation and focus 50:52 Introduction of the "THRIVE" framework for nonprofit finance leaders, emphasizing transparency, horizontal thinking, resilience, integrity, values, and engagement Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://open.spotify.com/episode/229S6uGYFdmhClCkf9I9Bc In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby welcomes Melanie Coeshott, a GrowCFO Facilitator, to discuss the concept of "Finance Fit" - a framework designed to help finance teams prepare for their next evolutionary chapter. Melanie introduces her innovative F-I-T mnemonic, which stands for Future-oriented, Innovative, and Thriving, providing a structured approach for finance professionals to adapt to changing business landscapes. The conversation explores how finance teams can shift from their traditional backward-looking roles to become more proactive, creative partners in business decision-making. Kevin and Melanie discuss the challenges finance professionals face in making this transition, including mindset barriers, change fatigue, and the need for leadership support. They emphasize that becoming "Finance Fit" requires not only technical skill development but also personal growth, relationship building, and finding fulfillment in one's work. Key topics covered: The "Finance Fit" concept represents a significant mindset shift for finance professionals, requiring them to balance their traditional reporting responsibilities with forward-looking strategic contributions Innovation in finance doesn't necessarily mean radical changes but can involve small, incremental improvements that collectively drive significant value for the business Finance professionals often struggle with "change fatigue" and need permission from leadership to experiment, fail, and learn from their experiences Building strong relationships across the organization is crucial for finance teams to effectively contribute to business transformation Personal development and job satisfaction are essential components of the "Thriving" element, with tools like StrengthsFinder helping finance professionals identify and leverage their natural talents https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kST0q4krSxs Links Melanie Coeshott on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:04:45 Introduction to the "Finance Fit" concept and explanation of the F-I-T mnemonic 0:12:30 Discussion of the challenges finance professionals face in becoming more future-oriented 0:18:15 Exploration of innovation in finance and overcoming resistance to change 0:27:45 The importance of thriving as finance professionals through resilience and relationship building 0:35:20 Strategies for improving job satisfaction and playing to strengths in finance roles 0:42:32 Next steps for developing and implementing the Finance Fit framework Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

What separates a good CFO from a transformational one? Jeff Epstein, Operating Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners and former Oracle CFO, breaks it down. In this episode, he shares battle-tested strategies on balancing growth and profitability, turning finance into a lever for innovation, and building governance systems that scale. This two-part episode is a must-listen for business leaders managing high-stakes decisions in large-scale environments.

Jennifer Reilly, CPA, CGMA, values listening. She enjoys the collaboration with fellow finance leaders as part of the Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group, and she has made a habit of emphasizing listening in guiding teams from around the world. Reilly, scheduled to be part of two sessions at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 25, explains the importance of listening, developing through broad and niche roles, and more in this Journal of Accountancy podcast episode. What you'll learn from this episode: ·         The value of collaboration with finance peers. ·         How finance's expanded role changes the way finance professionals are evaluated. ·         A summary of Reilly's “broad” and “niche” roles. ·         Strategies for better engagement with a globally dispersed team. ·         The benefits of a wide-ranging listening tour for Reilly in her current role. ·         One pillar of corporate culture that stood out to her from a Future of Finance Summit presentation.

To be a great finance leader, one needs to have both hard and soft skills. Today's guest believes in running towards the hard market, asking dumb questions, and showing up as your whole self at work. Craig Conti is the EVP and CFO of Verra Mobility, the almost $900 million in revenue, publicly-traded company that is responsible for the silent infrastructure behind seamless tolling, traffic enforcement, and smart mobility. Apart from providing a visual breakdown of his approach to mitigating risk, he shares a wealth of wisdom from his years in finance. Hear about why Craig prioritizes investing in existing customers when it comes to capital allocation and how he explains Verra Mobility's complex business model to non-finance people in the organization. This episode covers impostor syndrome, the difference between cost avoidance and cost savings, and why it may be more beneficial for you to work at a paper mill than at Apple, Meta, or Google.—LINKS:Craig Conti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigcconti/Verra Mobility: https://www.verramobility.com/CJ on X (@cjgustafson222): https://x.com/cjgustafson222Mostly metrics: http://mostlymetrics.comRELATED EPISODES:Uncovering Blind Spots and Other Lessons from High-Growth Companies with Five-Time CFO David Lapter. —TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview and Intro(02:35) Sponsor – NetSuite | Planful | Tabs(06:20) An Intro to Verra Mobility(11:36) Continually Investing in Existing Customers(14:47) Explaining Your Business Model When You Have Multiple Business Lines(17:02) Sponsor – Rippling Spend | Pulley | Tropic(21:10) A Tip for Orienting Outsiders to Your Business(22:56) Decoding Finance for Non-Finance People in Your Org(29:33) Cost Avoidance Versus Cost Savings(31:00) How Having Resources To Reinvest Affects Capital Allocation Decisions(34:12) A Skillset for Stepping Into New Roles: Stupid Questions(38:55) Imposter Syndrome(40:52) A Visual Framework for Mitigating Risk(44:52) Known Risks Versus Unknown Risks(46:07) Why Incentives Need To Align With Risk and Reward(50:40) The Feedback Loop: Crisis Management to Future Risk Management(52:16) Hard Skills Versus Soft Skills in Finance(56:51) The Benefits of Bringing Your Whole Self To Work(59:12) “Always Run to the Tough Market”(1:03:34) “Life Comes Down to a Series of a Couple of Interactions”(1:08:04) Long-Ass Lightning Round: Bad Hiring Decisions(1:10:05) Advice to Younger Self: Move at Your Own Pace(1:11:46) Finance Software Stack(1:13:18) Craziest Expense Story—SPONSORS:NetSuite is an AI-powered business management suite, encompassing ERP/Financials, CRM, and ecommerce for more than 41,000 customers. If you're looking for an ERP, head to https://netsuite.com/metrics and get the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning.Planful's financial planning software can transform your FP&A function. Built for speed, accuracy, and confidence, you'll be planning your way to success and have time left over to actually put it to work. Find out more at www.planful.com/metrics.Tabs is a platform that brings all of your revenue-facing data and workflows - billing, AR, payments, rev rec, and reporting - onto a single system so you can automate and be more flexible. Find out more at: tabs.inc/metrics.Rippling Spend is a spend management software that gives you complete visibility and automated policy controls across every type of spend, saving you time and money. Get a demo to see how much time your org would save at rippling.com/metrics.Pulley is the cap table management platform built for CFOs and finance leaders who need reliable, audit-ready data and intuitive workflows, without the hidden fees or unreliable support. Switch in as little as 5 days and get 25% off your first year: pulley.com/mostlymetrics.Tropic is an intelligent spend management solution that consolidates your spend data and processes into one unified offering, enabling insights and decisive action. Take control of your spend with intelligent spend management at tropicapp.io/mostlymetrics.#financeleader #softskills #mitigatingrisk #capitalallocation #chieffinancialofficer Get full access to Mostly metrics at www.mostlymetrics.com/subscribe

In this episode of FinPod, we break down how the CFO role is transforming and what that means for ambitious finance professionals. From FP&A to board-level strategy, today's CFOs are expected to lead digital transformation, navigate complex markets, and drive business growth beyond the numbers.We unpack the real skills that future CFOs need to build: strategic thinking, tech fluency, cross-functional experience, and strong leadership. You'll also hear real-world case studies from Amy Hood at Microsoft to Ruth Porat at Alphabet and practical advice for professionals with 3–8 years of experience who want to take ownership of their career trajectory.Whether you're working in FP&A, financial reporting, or corporate strategy, this episode will help you understand what it takes to step into the CFO role and how to start building toward it now.

In this special episode, host Annie Kane sits down with Anja Pannek, the CEO of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia, to unpack the big issues and opportunities facing the mortgage and finance broking industry in Australia. Tune in to find out: Why the payroll tax issue is threatening industry and borrowers. The value of brokers to the economy and borrowers. Why she believes minimum broker education standards need to be raised. And much more!

Ambereen Toubassy, the CFO of Airtable, has experience as an advisor, an investor, and an operator. In this episode, she joins CJ to talk about how this experience informs her role as a CFO. The two delve into the complexities of navigating investor feedback and how to take criticism without getting defensive. They also discuss how to build the right advisory network, red flags to watch for, and the importance of scaffolding your weaknesses with external expertise. The episode also highlights the value of specificity in the role of a finance leader. Ambereen shares insights from her extensive career, including her time at Quibi, explaining what she learned from this moonshot idea that didn't work out as hoped and her approach to balancing fiduciary duties with the human side of leadership.If you're looking for an ERP head to NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/metrics and get a customized KPI checklist.—SPONSORS:Brex offers the world's smartest corporate card on a full-stack global platform that is everything CFOs need to manage their finances on an elite level. Plus they offer modern banking and treasury as well as intuitive expenses and accounting automation, bill pay, and travel. Brex makes it easy to control spend before it happens, automate annoying tasks, and optimize your finances. Find out how Brex can help you make every dollar count at brex.com/metrics.Vanta's trust management platform takes the manual work out of your security and compliance process and replaces it with continuous automation. Over 9000 businesses use it to automate compliance needs across over 35 frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001. Centralize security workflows, complete questionnaires up to five times faster, and proactively manage vendor risk. For a limited time, get $1,000 off of Vanta at vanta.com/metrics.Tropic is an intelligent spend management solution that consolidates your spend data and processes into one unified offering, enabling insights and decisive action. It doesn't just show you where the problems are—it helps you solve them. From spotting hidden optimization opportunities, like duplicative spend, to automating those painful procurement workflows, to giving you the best market data that turns every vendor negotiation in your favor. Tropic combines smart insights with real human expertise to keep you ahead of the curve. Visit tropicapp.io/mostlymetrics to learn howMUFG is the largest bank in Japan and a global banking powerhouse with a focus on empowering Growth and Middle Market stage companies in North America and Europe. MUFG provides comprehensive banking services for VC-backed, PE-backed, and public companies with revenues starting at $40M. The bank combines its global capabilities with deep operational understanding to help companies accelerate their growth trajectory. Contact group head Bob Blee at bblee@us.mufg.jp to find out more.NetSuite provides financial software for all your business needs. More than 40,000 companies have already upgraded to NetSuite, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you're looking for an ERP platform ✅, head to NetSuite https://netsuite.com/metrics and get the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning.RightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. Whether it's multi-element arrangements, subscription renewals, or complex usage-based contracts, RightRev takes care of it all. That means fewer spreadsheets, fewer errors, and more time for your team to focus on growth. For modern revenue recognition simplified, visit rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Planful is a financial performance management platform designed to streamline financial tasks for businesses. It helps with budgeting, closing the books, and financial reporting, all on a cloud-based platform. By improving the efficiency and accuracy of these processes, Planful allows businesses to make better financial decisions. Find out more at www.planful.com/metrics.—FOLLOW US ON X:@cjgustafson222 (CJ)—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview and Intro(02:25) Sponsor – Brex | Vanta | Tropic(06:55) What Ambereen Has Learned from Being an Investor(10:53) Dealing with Investor Feedback(18:09) Sponsor – MUFG | NetSuite | RightRev | Planful(22:54) Tips for Not Taking Feedback Personally(24:12) When to Bring Founders into Meetings with Investors(25:52) Scaffolding Your Weaknesses(30:59) Whether or Not to Pay More for Great Advisors(34:12) How to Identify the Right Banker or Consultant(35:13) Banker and Consultant Red Flags to Watch Out For(39:11) “In the Particular Is Contained the Universal”(42:42) How the Specific Plays a Role in the Job of a Finance Leader(46:46) Quibi, the Moonshot Idea That Didn't Land as Planned(50:16) Fiduciary Responsibility When Things Don't Go as Planned(55:00) Long-Ass Lightning Round: A Career Mistake(55:48) Advice to Younger Self(57:14) Finance Software Stack(58:26) Craziest Expense Story Get full access to Mostly metrics at www.mostlymetrics.com/subscribe

Like many seasoned finance executives, Damon Fletcher saw Snowflake as a game-changer in cloud-based data management. While a senior finance executive at Tableau, he championed its adoption, recognizing its ability to scale analytics and streamline enterprise data operations. But he also discovered a challenge familiar to many finance leaders—the hidden costs that come with cloud consumption-based pricing.At Tableau, Fletcher tells us, the company's Snowflake costs grew exponentially, mirroring a broader trend in tech where companies struggle to control cloud spend. This realization led Fletcher beyond the CFO office. In 2023, he co-founded Caliper, a company dedicated to bringing greater cost transparency and AI-powered efficiency to cloud spending.Fletcher tells us that AI is central to Caliper's approach. The platform leverages machine learning forecasting to predict cloud usage trends and generative AI to surface actionable cost-saving recommendations. Unlike traditional cloud cost tools, Caliper provides deep insights across Snowflake, AWS, and Datadog, allowing finance and DevOps teams to pinpoint inefficiencies in real time.

In this special episode of Mortgage and Finance Leader, host Annie Kane sits down with John Ruddick, libertarian member of the NSW Legislative Council and former broker, to explore the pressing issue of payroll tax and its implications for the broking industry in NSW. Tune in to find out: The motivations behind Ruddick's push for a parliamentary inquiry into the Payroll Tax Act 2007. Why he believes this tax burden threatens the very fabric of the industry. What he thinks brokers could be doing to raise awareness about this core issue. The timelines for the NSW Legislative Council's review findings. And much more!

In this special episode, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic sits down with Luke Howarth, the shadow financial services minister and shadow assistant treasurer of Australia, to deep dive into the world of financial services, touching upon regulatory challenges, political accountability, and the future of financial advice in Australia. Tune in to find out: His thoughts on what should be done about the serviceability buffer. The problems with the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR). What the Coalition would like to see happen in advice and super. And much more!

Ok, quick question for you: Ever feel like your work and identity are all tangled up?Today, we're chatting with Ricky Padgett from Burlington, Vermont. He's a certified executive and leadership coach, and he's been there. In this episode, Ricky shares his career flip story—from being a CFO to still doing CPA work, while coaching others to navigate their own big career changes. He talks about how staying true to your values is key when making those big decisions. Plus, he highlights the power of asking for help when you're going through change. Spoiler alert: you don't have to figure it all out alone! Ricky also opens up about the challenge of separating who you are from what you do—and why it's so important to give yourself permission to redefine what success looks like for *you.*And for listeners of The Career Flipper podcast, Ricky's offering a 20% discount on his coaching program!Episode TakeawaysValues play a crucial role in guiding career decisions and can serve as anchors during times of change.Asking for help is a superpower that can lead to support, growth, and stronger relationships.Untangling one's identity from their work is a challenging but necessary process when making a career flip.Giving oneself permission to redefine success and follow a different path is essential for personal and professional growth.Connect with Rickyhttps://www.padgettcoaching.com/Mention The Career Flipper Podcast for 20% off a 3-month coaching package! Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper podcast!If you loved this episode, spread the word! Share it with a friend, hit that subscribe button and don't forget to leave a review—it really helps spread the word to more career flippers like you. Let's Connect:Join the flippin' fam: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com@thecareerflipperInstagram: http://instagram.com/thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I want to hear all about it & have you on an episode! Whether you've flipped or are about to, or right smack in the middle of a flip, drop me a line: hello@thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show? You can hire me to speak at your event about career changes or let's collaborate through affiliates or sponsorships. Interested? Reach out at hello@thecareerflipper.com Take my customer service courses, maybe? Before being laid off, I spent years in customer experience leadership, helping teams improve how they serve their customers. That work didn't stop with my corporate job—it's now helped over 12,000 students worldwide through the online courses I've built. Whether you're looking to switch to customer service or sharpen your skills, these courses are packed with real-world tips, from handling tough conversations to managing customer interactions. Check them out at thecareerflipper.com/courses! Other ways to get involved with the show:Buy me a coffeeCheck out my furniture flipsIntro & outro music by audionautix.com!

This week on the Expert Voices podcast, Randy Wootton, CEO of Maxio, speaks with Dave Woolliscroft, Finance Leader and Big 4 Managing Director. Randy and Dave discuss the key differences between venture capital and private equity, particularly focusing on what it means for companies preparing for a sale to a PE firm. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the operational changes that occur under PE ownership, emphasizing that companies often experience increased scrutiny and a more rigorous reporting structure. Dave shares insights on what makes a great PE firm and how their approach to growth can differ significantly from that of VCs, especially regarding profitability and operational discipline. Expert Takeaways Understanding the differences between VC and PE is crucial for founders and CEOs.Preparing for a sale to a PE firm requires clear financial data and predictability.Effective go-to-market execution is essential for attracting PE interest and valuation.CFOs must adapt to a more rigorous financial environment under PE ownership.Regular communication with the board helps alleviate concerns and ensures alignment.Pricing strategy plays a significant role in maximizing profitability and growth potential.Timestamps(00:00) Intro(00:15) Meet Dave Wooliscroft(01:24) Understanding VC vs PE(13:26) Preparing for a Sale to PE(24:58) Life Under Private Equity(36:37) Key Advice for CFOs in PE Transactions(40:47) Speed Round: Metrics, Books, and InfluencersLinksMaxioUpcoming EventsMaxio Institute ReportRandy Wootton LinkedIn Dave Woolliscroft LinkedIn

Why you should listenLearn Jamie's approach to selecting and integrating new ERP systems for growing businesses.Hear about Jamie's personal journey and the challenges she overcame in expanding her SaaS partnerships.Get actionable tips on managing client experiences and financial strategies in a dynamic business environment.Feeling overwhelmed as a tech consultant with one SaaS partner and considering adding another? In this episode, I speak with Jamie Smith, co-founder of Amplified Advisors, about the challenges and opportunities of expanding your ERP solutions. Jamie shares her journey from managing a single SaaS partner to incorporating a second and how it has impacted her business strategy. Tune in to learn about the key factors in choosing the right ERP systems and Jamie's lessons in her multifaceted role.About Jamie L. SmithJamie is a Co-Founder of Amplify Advisors, which focuses on financial strategy for growing business. As the Chief Experience Officer, she leads the Client Experience and reinforces the values and purpose of Amplify. She runs communications, marketing, brand, Employee Experience, the CFO team, Finance Leader services, Recruiting services and all areas of experience.Jamie always knew she wanted it all: a husband, kids, and an important job. Her biggest lesson to date was learning that you can have it all, but you can't do it all yourself. So, she's surrounded herself with an epic team, family, and friends to keep the dream alive. Resources and LinksAmplifyadvisors.caJamie's LinkedIn profileOpus ClipJoin the Tech CollectivePrevious episode: 554 - Shift Your Tech Consulting Business Into High GearCheck out more episodes of The Paul Higgins ShowPaul Higgins Mentoring YouTube channelTech Consultant's RoadmapJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Continuing in the series of interviews with CFOs from pre-IPO companies recorded live from the New York Stock Exchange, in this episode, CJ is joined by Marcos Torres, CFO of Huntress. Marcos talks about his unusual career path and how he believes there are outsized prizes for people who take the path less traveled. He discusses the qualities of a good CFO such as critical thinking and adaptability, and how this relates to the survival of the fittest versus the survival of the strongest in Darwin's theory. He explains the significance of having a clear vision, making strategic decisions in the face of ambiguity, and the role of the CFO as a business leader, not just a finance leader. Listen out for an exciting fundraising announcement.If you're looking for an ERP head to NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/metrics and get a customized KPI checklist.—SPONSORS:Mercury is the fintech ambitious companies use for banking and all their financial workflows. With a powerful bank account at the center of their operations, companies can make better financial decisions and ensure that every dollar spent aligns with company priorities. That's why over 100K startups choose Mercury to confidently run all their financial operations with the precision, control, and focus they need to operate at their best. Learn more at mercury.com.Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust®; Members FDIC.NetSuite provides financial software for all your business needs. More than 37,000 thousand companies have already upgraded to NetSuite, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you're looking for an ERP platform ✅ NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/metrics and get a customized KPI checklist. Maxio is the only billing and financial operations platform that was purpose built for B2B SaaS. They're helping SaaS finance teams automate billing and revenue recognition, manage collections and payments, and put together investor grade reporting packages.

11. Finance leader Liz Stapleton Zerella's moxie landed her a rare senior job share arrangement at Clorox with partner Michelle Shalauta.What the duo did next is remarkable. If you're wondering if job sharing will negatively impact your career progression, not only does research prove the opposite—According to The Job Share Project, over 70% of job share teams who apply are promoted together—but Liz and her job share partner Michelle successfully navigated a nine-year partnership in four roles while also winning promotion as a job share. As if that weren't impressive enough, they worked in a predominantly male division of Clorox in finance where job sharing was unheard of. So friend, take that to heart. Both are possible for you too. We had this phone meeting before this podcast was even a thing, and I think you'll find our conversation unique and special—like being a fly on the wall for two former job sharers who've finally connected as part of a secret society of job sharers to dish on what it was really like. I hope you enjoy it! Episode Website: workmuse.com/11Transcript hereSend Melissa a Text Message.RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS “I love Melissa and Jobshare Revolution.”

In this insightful continuation of the conversation, Lisa Marie shares invaluable advice on navigating career switches and finding new job opportunities amidst mass layoffs. Delve into creative techniques for career transitions, gleaned from Lisa Marie's extensive experience in finance. Explore the role of women in finance, including strategies for breaking barriers and advocating for diversity and inclusion. Additionally, gain a deeper understanding of the water crisis and discover innovative solutions proposed by Lisa Marie based on her experience with the San Diego Water Authority. Whether you're facing job uncertainty or seeking to empower yourself in the finance industry, this episode offers practical guidance and inspiring insights to help you thrive in today's dynamic landscape.Disclaimer: The content provided in this episode is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and shall not be construed as, financial or investment advice. Any strategies, tips, or information shared in this episode are solely for the purpose of general knowledge and discussion. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified financial professionals and conduct their own research before making any financial decisions. The hosts and guests do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information presented. Investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Listeners should exercise caution and discretion when considering any financial actions, and their personal circumstances and goals should always be taken into account.