Podcasts about finance leader

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/3kw8uHSos6XKFrZncc2CEa Artificial intelligence is transforming the finance function, but most finance teams are still missing the skills to use it confidently, safely, and at scale. The real competitive advantage now lies in how quickly finance leaders can close this AI capability gap across their teams.  In this episode, GrowCFO host Kevin Appleby is joined by GrowCFO Facilitator and AI training specialist Guy Weaver to unpack the AI skills gap that is rapidly emerging across finance teams. As AI tools move from experiment to everyday infrastructure, finance leaders face a stark choice: either build the skills to harness these tools strategically or risk falling behind competitors who do. AI is presented not as a “nice to have” experiment, but as a core capability that will shape productivity, decision quality, and the operating model of modern finance functions.  Guy shares his journey from chartered accountant and venture capital portfolio director to AI practitioner and trainer, showing how a period on gardening leave became a deep dive into tools, agents, automations, and real-world business use cases. He explains that the real differentiator is no longer access to platforms like Copilot, Claude, or ChatGPT, but the human skills to design prompts, architect workflows, manage context files, and control costs at scale. Rather than eliminating finance jobs, AI is creating new responsibilities around context management, token and cost optimization, and continuous model evaluation—and finance leaders who invest early in mindset shifts, foundational skills, and disciplined experimentation will unlock both efficiency gains and new strategic opportunities that slower adopters will miss. Key topics covered: Why the AI skills gap is now a core strategic issue for finance leaders. Guy's journey from chartered accountant and VC to AI trainer for finance teams. The essential foundational skills: prompting, architecture, and context management. How AI is creating new roles and responsibilities instead of simply removing jobs. Managing AI cost, tokens, and model choice like any other major operating expense. The danger of AI-built financial models without proper financial modeling discipline. Links Guy Weave on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  00:00–05:00 – Why AI skills matter for finance leaders and how Guy's career led him into AI training.  05:00–12:00 – From “AI will take our jobs” to new responsibilities around AI, context, and automation.  12:00–18:00 – Prompting, architecture, treating AI like an employee, and managing context files.  18:00–24:00 – Who owns context files, how they're maintained, and the implications for CFOs and COOs.  24:00–29:00 – Rising AI costs, token limits, and the need to optimize AI usage across the finance function.  29:00–34:00 – What Guy sees in finance training sessions and how teams can keep up as tools evolve. 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

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/3cW4LImOlr2eDc6opOmyPp Going public is often seen as the ultimate milestone for a successful business, yet for many great companies it marks the beginning of decline rather than a new chapter of sustainable growth. In this episode of The Grow CFO Show, host Kevin Appleby sits down with Eric Ries, author of The Lean Startup, to explore why so many mission-driven, high-performing companies lose their way after an IPO – and what CFOs and boards can do differently to prevent this fate. The conversation frames governance not as a legal box-ticking exercise, but as a strategic discipline that protects long‑term value, mission, and trust. Through vivid case studies – from Saul Price and the origins of Costco, to Novo Nordisk and its foundation structure, to Johnson & Johnson's Credo – Eric shows how governance choices can either entrench short‑term shareholder primacy or build what he calls a “governance fortress” that shields companies from destructive external pressures. He argues that CFOs are uniquely placed to champion this new governance, redefine profit around human flourishing, and ensure the organization can't make money except by achieving its mission. The result is a powerful toolkit for finance leaders who want to keep their companies “incorruptible” long after they hit the public markets. About Eric Ries Over the last two decades, Eric Ries's ideas about continuous innovation, long-term thinking, governance, and market reform have reshaped company building and management practices. He is the creator of the Lean Startup method, and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup; The Leader's Guide; and The Startup Way.  As a founder, he has put his own ideas into practice with The Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE); Answer.AI, an AI R&D lab; Virgil, a legal services startup; and IMVU. On The Eric Ries Show, he talks with world-class technologists, thought leaders, and executives building for the long-term. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children. Key topics covered: Why good companies lose control and drift after going public. FedMart and Costco: how governance protects long‑term value. “Governance fortress” structures that resist short‑term investor pressure. Novo Nordisk: mission‑driven governance leading to massive value creation. Why most M&A destroys value and how CFOs should filter deals. Redefining profit around human flourishing and the CFO's new role. Links Eric Ries on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:00 – 1:42 — Why great companies lose their way post‑IPO. 1:42 – 4:27 — FedMart: investor pressure kills a great business. 4:27 – 7:30 — Costco and the “governance fortress” idea. 10:39 – 14:39 — The CFO as guardian of mission and structure. 15:21 – 20:19 — Novo Nordisk: foundation ownership and GLP‑1 success. 21:35 – 22:27 — Why many acquisitions are value‑destroying. 22:59 – 27:53 — J&J's Credo vs reality: mission statements aren't enough. 28:08 – 32:06 — Rethinking profit as human flourishing. 33:47 – 34:48 — Incorruptible as the essential book for 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

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/47RAQ1TXbfnlvIjsxzCHwH Delaying action on emerging technologies is often seen as the safest path for finance leaders. But in today's environment, standing still can quietly erode competitiveness faster than visible missteps. For CFOs, the choice is no longer between perfection and experimentation; it is between shaping how intelligent tools transform their business model, or inheriting a cost base, tech stack, and operating rhythm that were designed for a world that no longer exists. The real risk now lies in missed efficiencies, slower decision cycles, and constrained strategic options when rivals are already compounding the benefits of data- and AI-enabled finance. In this GrowCFO Show episode, host Kevin Appleby speaks with Todd McElhatton, CFO of Zuora, about why hesitating on AI adoption could be more damaging for CFOs than making imperfect early decisions. They frame AI not as a distant future technology, but as an immediate strategic lever that will separate adaptive finance leaders from those who are left managing obsolete operating models. The conversation stresses that waiting on AI often compounds operational risk, opportunity cost, and competitive disadvantage, especially for CFOs accountable for both efficiency and growth. Todd outlines how AI is reshaping finance, from quote-to-cash and system implementation to workforce design and governance. Drawing on his experience at HP, WebMD, Oracle, VMware, SAP, and now Zuora, he explains why CFOs must actively lead AI strategy, re-architect their tech stacks, and develop robust oversight rather than defaulting to conservative inaction. By the end of the episode, listeners gain a pragmatic view of where AI can deliver tangible value today, and why inaction may be the riskiest choice of all. Key topics covered: Todd charts his career journey across major tech companies and explains how it shaped his view of the CFO as both financial steward and operational leader. He details Zuora's evolution into an AI-enabled quote-to-cash platform and how AI is accelerating shifts to new, outcome-based business models. Todd and Kevin unpack the build vs. buy decision around AI, highlighting integration, domain expertise, compliance, and governance as critical factors for CFOs. The discussion explores how AI can reduce rework, speed implementations, and reallocate finance capacity from manual tasks to higher-value analysis and decision-making. Todd argues that CFOs who hesitate on AI risk constraining strategy, delaying business model transformation, and missing efficiency and innovation gains competitors are already capturing. He shares his personal AI use cases: research, scenario analysis, and board preparation, while emphasizing human oversight, skepticism, and multi-model validation. Links Todd McElhatton on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:00:00 – How roles at HP, WebMD, Oracle, VMware, and SAP shaped his perspective on the modern CFO and why understanding operations is now non‑negotiable. 0:02:53 – How AI is impacting subscription and outcome-based business models, and why this forces companies to reassess their tech stacks. 0:06:27 – ZUORA's internal journey: moving beyond pilots to AI projects that materially affect performance while maintaining human oversigh. 0:11:37 – The trade-offs between building AI in-house and buying AI-native systems of record, with a focus on integration, compliance, and risk. 0:19:04 – How AI will reshape implementation timelines, roles, and the skills finance teams need, plus the efficiency and innovation upside. 0:19:19 – Todd's guidance on aligning AI and tech stack decisions with business strategy, and a cautionary example where system limitations stalled an acquisition. 0:32:00 – How Todd uses AI for research, analysis, and board materials while maintaining critical thinking and cross-checking outputs across models. 0:36:21 – A closing argument for CFOs to lead AI adoption, embrace calculated risk, and redeploy teams from repetitive work to higher-value contributions. 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

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/1O3AJJ7rl6xqzgLnf82KP8 In today's finance function, relying solely on monolithic systems and periodic reporting is no longer enough, as rapid advances in AI transform how data is collected, processed, and turned into insight. Finance leaders are now expected to orchestrate an ecosystem of intelligent tools that automate routine work, enable continuous forecasting, and surface risks and opportunities in real time. Those who continue to treat technology as a back-office utility will quickly fall behind leaders who use it as a strategic lever for competitiveness and resilience. In this GrowCFO Show episode, Kevin Appleby is joined by Darren Cran, CEO of AccountsIQ, to explore how AI is reshaping the finance function and what a “CFO Mindset 2.0” really looks like in practice. The conversation underscores why this shift is not just a technology upgrade but a fundamental change in how CFOs think about systems, teams, and decision-making. As AI tools, such as Anthropic's Opus 4.6, rapidly increase their capabilities, Darren explains why finance leaders must move beyond simply running ERP systems and start orchestrating a broader ecosystem of AI-enabled tools that enhance forecasting, productivity, and strategic insight The episode examines the practical realities behind this transition: the readiness of organizations to adopt AI, the risks and opportunities around system change, and the human impact in terms of workload, overtime, and work–life balance. Darren contrasts AI-native companies with established platforms like AccountsIQ and shows how AI can be layered onto existing systems of record to automate routine tasks, strengthen continuous forecasting, and free finance professionals to do more relational, higher-value work. For CFOs wondering what to do next, this discussion offers a clear roadmap: maintain robust core systems, embrace AI as an orchestration layer on top, and cultivate a mindset that looks for opportunity in uncertainty rather than reacting to it. Key topics covered: The episode positions “CFO Mindset 2.0” as a response to AI's rapid impact on finance software, using Anthropic's Opus 4.6 as a signal that traditional software models are being disrupted and augmented by AI-first approaches. Darren explains how AccountsIQ is investing in AI orchestration, automating repetitive tasks for finance teams while preserving the ERP or core system of record as the backbone of financial data. The discussion compares AI-native companies versus established platforms, arguing that incumbents with deep domain knowledge and existing customers can unlock major value by embedding AI into real workflows rather than chasing hype. Kevin and Darren explore the evolving role of ERP systems, concluding that while ERPs remain essential for core functions, AI-powered financial operating platforms and integrations will increasingly handle flexibility, user experience, and advanced analytics. The conversation highlights the human and cultural side of AI, showing how automation can reduce overtime, improve work–life balance, and shift finance professionals toward more strategic and relational work if leadership sets the right expectations. Darren outlines how AI can transform forecasting, from periodic budgeting to more continuous, scenario-based modeling, while stressing that CFOs must still validate models and use judgment rather than blindly trusting outputs. Links Darren Cran on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:00:02 – Kevin introduces Darren and frames the episode around CFO Mindset 2.0, AI's impact on finance software, and the significance of Anthropic's Opus 4.6 as a turning point. 0:07:18 – Discussion on the pain of system changes, how older systems will coexist with new AI capabilities, and how AccountsIQ is investing in AI orchestration to automate routine finance tasks. 0:14:12 – Deep dive into the limitations of traditional ERP systems and the rise of financial operating platforms that rely on integrations and AI to deliver more flexible, user-friendly finance environments. 0:17:45 – Darren explains why ERP systems will remain core systems of record, while AI will build rich ecosystems around them rather than fully replacing them. 0:21:06 – Exploration of how AI can reduce overtime, change the shape of finance roles, and the importance of company culture in ensuring that productivity gains translate into better working lives. 0:28:27 – Darren and Kevin discuss how AI can dramatically speed up financial modeling and scenario analysis, enabling continuous forecasting as long as CFOs apply proper checks and validations. 0:31:49 – Darren shares AccountsIQ's roadmap for AI agents and products designed to improve the day-to-day experience of finance professionals and keep pace with frontier technology. 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

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/35qKYO14JG1pUeM5uoCQPg In a world of rapid disruption and volatility, finance teams can no longer rely on single‑point forecasts and rigid spreadsheets. They must understand ranges of possible outcomes, quantify risk, and communicate uncertainty in ways that enable better, faster strategic decisions, turning uncertainty from a threat into a competitive advantage. In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby speaks with Jason Brisbane, Founder of Finhelm, about how AI and Monte Carlo simulation are reshaping finance by replacing deterministic forecasts with probability‑driven models. Brisbane shares his journey from FP&A and treasury at Adobe to founding Finhelm, a platform that brings “computational finance” into the CFO organization and assigns an “uncertainty exposure score” to models, essentially a credit score for forecast risk. This approach helps FP&A teams treat variances as learning signals rather than failures and move from static scenario planning to continuous simulation at scale. The discussion also explores how probabilistic modeling supports risk management and AI governance, including “nutrition labels” for AI‑enabled processes so domain experts can understand volatility, detect drift, and know when human intervention is required. Key topics covered: Shift from deterministic to probabilistic finance: Brisbane explains how most organizations still rely on single‑point, deterministic forecasts, and how Monte Carlo simulation combined with AI introduces probability distributions, helping teams understand the likelihood of outcomes rather than relying on one number. Uncertainty Exposure Score as a “credit score” for forecasts: Finhelm applies Monte Carlo simulation to generate an “uncertainty exposure score,” giving finance leaders a clear measure of volatility and risk embedded in their models over time. Variances as learning, not failure: Brisbane argues that probabilistic finance allows FP&A teams to reframe forecast variances as opportunities for learning and calibration, rather than signs of failure, driving a more mature approach to performance management. From scenario to simulation in risk management: The discussion extends Monte Carlo beyond financial forecasting into risk, highlighting how organizations can move from simplistic low/medium/high risk grids to simulated, monetized risk impacts across portfolios and risk registers. AI “nutrition labels” and governance: Brisbane introduces the idea of a “nutrition label” for AI‑enabled processes, where risk scores and volatility bands help domain experts decide when it is safe for autonomous agents to operate and when human intervention is required. AI‑native build by a finance domain expert: As a finance professional rather than a traditional technologist, Brisbane describes how he is using AI‑native development tools to build Finhelm, demonstrating how domain experts can now create sophisticated, AI‑driven solutions without large in‑house engineering teams. Links Jason Brisbane on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  00:00 – 04:30 – Jason shares his background from Adobe's rotation program through FP&A and product roles, and explains Finhelm's mission: bringing computational finance and Monte Carlo simulation into the CFO organization to add probability and distribution to traditional forecasts. 04:30 – 08:30 – Appleby and Brisbane break down Monte Carlo as running hundreds or thousands of simulations across best/likely/worst‑case assumptions to produce a forecast with confidence bands instead of a single number, reframing how finance understands uncertainty. 08:30 – 13:45 – Appleby recounts a defense procurement project where Monte Carlo was used to estimate 25‑year life‑cycle costs and readiness, illustrating why probabilistic modeling is essential when multiple uncertain drivers interact over long horizons. 14:00 – 18:30 – Brisbane contrasts the classic “three‑tab spreadsheet” (worst/base/best) with probabilistic finance, arguing that Monte Carlo and uncertainty exposure scores allow FP&A teams to treat variance as learning data and continually recalibrate models. 18:30 – 22:30 – The conversation turns to risk registers and enterprise risk, discussing how organizations can move beyond low/medium/high matrices to simulated, monetary impact of risks, and how this supports more informed resource allocation and strategic decisions. 21:30 – 26:00 – Brisbane introduces the concept of scoring volatility to determine when AI agents can operate autonomously within “safe bands” and when domain experts must intervene, aligning probabilistic finance with AI governance and auditability requirements. 25:20 – 32:00 – Brisbane outlines Finhelm's early traction in law, professional services, and healthcare, and shares his vision that within 12–18 months, FP&A teams will routinely use Monte Carlo and uncertainty scoring to answer deeper questions about risk and 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

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/0zRJsjw9He6j7fvBc1Vzkp Stepping into senior finance leadership is rarely neat or linear. The move from technical expert to strategic leader often happens sooner than expected, with higher stakes, tougher decisions, and sharper scrutiny. Yet these stretching moments are where the next generation of CFOs is really formed. In this episode of the GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby speaks with David Hudson, Group Financial Controller at Empiric Student Property PLC. David shares how he found himself effectively operating as CFO during Empiric's takeover by Unite Group plc; leading a difficult audit, resolving a major misstatement, handling confidential deal work, and guiding his team through intense change. He explains how combining these real-world challenges with the GrowCFO program, especially the virtual boardroom, peer learning, and focus on personal branding, helped him accelerate his readiness for the top job. The conversation offers a practical blueprint for senior finance leaders who are being asked to step up before they feel fully prepared, showing how confidence, mentoring, and smart use of technology can enable them to perform credibly at CFO level. Key topics covered: David Hudson outlines his journey from audit into senior finance roles and ultimately into a position where he was effectively acting as CFO during a major corporate transaction. He explains how stepping into the CFO role created a step‑change in responsibility—owning cash, leading the team, and steering auditors through a challenging year-end with a significant misstatement. Hudson shares how the GrowCFO program, especially the virtual boardroom, stress‑tested his skills, built confidence, and helped him prepare for real board‑level scrutiny. He highlights the importance of personal branding, networking, and maintaining a strong LinkedIn presence and CV as critical enablers for aspiring CFOs. The discussion covers the realities of acquisition and integration—confidentiality, staff retention, fair reward, and managing external stakeholders such as brokers and investment banks. Hudson describes how leveraging AI and OCR in the finance function, combined with mentoring and team development, positions him for his longer‑term ambition to become a CFO in a FTSE 250 business. Links David Hudson on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:00:01 – David Hudson's background and progression to Group Financial Controller at Empiric Student Property, and how he found himself stepping into a de facto CFO role during a takeover. 0:03:00 – Discussion of fear versus imposter syndrome, and what changes when the responsibility and accountability of a CFO role land on your desk. 0:04:52 – How the GrowCFO virtual boardroom and peer group challenged Hudson, built confidence, and simulated real board pressure ahead of stepping up.  0:10:35 – The importance of personal branding, LinkedIn presence, and professional networking for finance leaders aiming at CFO roles. 0:18:10 – Lessons from leading through an acquisition: confidentiality, employee retention, fair recognition, and learning from brokers and investment banks. 0:21:25 – The role of mentoring, team strength, and calm leadership in successfully handling CFO‑level challenges. 0:29:37 – Practical use of AI and OCR in the finance function and how technology supports a more strategic, commercially focused CFO. 0:35:22 – The link between physical well‑being (e.g., marathon training) and better problem‑solving and resilience in high‑pressure finance roles. 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

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/5YwnZv8yNCPYP1osEaVFY6 In a world where business models, technology, and regulation can all shift in a single planning cycle, building a finance team and infrastructure that still works five years from now is a strategic necessity. Short‑term fixes and ad hoc processes quickly turn into bottlenecks as organizations grow and face deeper scrutiny from investors and regulators. In this episode, Kevin Appleby speaks with Rishi Oberoi, Deputy CFO and CAO at Varo Bank, about designing a finance function that scales for the long term. Rishi frames finance as a leadership system that enables organizations to move fast without breaking trust, drawing on two decades in global banking, fintech, audit, and capital markets. Together, they explore why scalable finance is as much about people and principles as it is about processes and platforms. Rishi highlights empathy, humility, and storytelling as core leadership traits, and explains how AI can act as a control sentinel and efficiency driver while preserving customer trust and regulatory rigor in a mission‑driven bank. Key topics covered: Finance should be designed and run as a leadership system, where everyone in the function leads in some way, not just the CFO.  Scalable finance functions are built on empathy, humility, and values-based hiring, not only on technical skill sets.  AI's most powerful role in finance may be as a real-time control sentinel, enhancing compliance, monitoring controls, and supporting faster, safer decision-making.  Systems should be architected to be modular, vendor-agnostic, and future-ready, designed around what the organization will need in 4–5 years rather than just today's constraints.  Finance can and should be a force for good, especially in mission-driven organizations, by balancing profitability with equitable access to financial products for underserved communities.  Modern CFOs must spend more time looking forward than backward, closing the books quickly so they can focus on strategy, relevance, and long-term value creation. Links Rishi Oberoi on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:00:00 – Kevin introduces Rishi and his global finance career; Rishi outlines his experience building fast-moving, trust-centric finance teams. 0:02:21 – Rishi explains why he views finance as one of the world's foundational leadership systems, shaping economies, companies, and households. 0:05:27 – Discussion on leading finance teams with empathy, recognizing life outside work, and hiring for values and learning ability. 0:09:46 – Rishi describes how finance must provide a forward-looking view and use storytelling to make numbers meaningful and actionable. 0:13:06 – Exploration of AI in finance, including using AI to monitor controls and compliance in real time within regulated environments. 0:18:12 – How to design finance systems that are modular, vendor-agnostic, and aligned to where the organization will be in 4–5 years. 0:24:26 – Rishi discusses using finance to benefit customers, employees, investors, and regulators, especially in a mission-led bank like Varo. 0:26:15 – The tension and balance between serving underserved communities and maintaining regulatory- and investor-grade profitability. 0:32:53 – Advice for CFOs to close faster, look further ahead, and focus on keeping their organizations relevant in a fast-changing world. 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

As Tom Herbert returns from sunny San Francisco, he reflects on his time at Sage Future and the event's focus on building trust in artificial intelligence (AI). He shares the research from the conference, the push to improve user confidence and the announcements pointing towards a more practical, pragmatic phase of AI adoption. Mathew Ord explores the perception and performance gap facing finance professionals. He looks back on his conversation with Chris Argent, founder of GENCFO and Accounting Excellence judge, about the disconnect between finance teams that see themselves as strategic business partners and those genuinely operating in that role. Staying with finance, Ord also highlights this year's Accounting Excellence finance categories, including Finance Digital Transformation, Finance Team of the Year and Finance Leader of the Year. Get your entries in before the 20 May deadline.

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/5z9zV5mya9rDz6O8glCfy1 A high-income fractional CFO career is becoming one of the most attractive paths for senior finance leaders who want more control, variety, and upside than a traditional corporate role can offer. As businesses increasingly look for flexible, part-time strategic finance support, the opportunity for experienced CFOs and finance professionals to build profitable portfolio careers has never been greater.  In this episode, Kevin Appleby interviews Rob Nicholls, a fractional CFO, board adviser, and GrowCFO mentor, on how finance leaders can build a high-income, portfolio-style career. Rob draws on his commercially driven background and international experience to explain what a modern fractional CFO really does and how the role can deliver both financial and lifestyle benefits. He shares practical guidance on constructing a high-income fractional CFO portfolio – balancing a mix of clients, leveraging LinkedIn, and using non‑executive roles and mentoring to generate both impact and deal flow. The discussion highlights how deep experience, strategic advisory skills, and deliberate business development combine into a sustainable, long-term fractional CFO career. Key topics covered: How Rob built a high-value fractional CFO and board advisory portfolio across multiple SMEs, drawing on a career that spans finance, operations, sales, and supply chain. Why LinkedIn is central to his business development, including disciplined daily activity that generates around 30 conversations a day and compounds into long-term opportunity. The role of mentoring and advisory work (Innovate UK, university engagements, startup ecosystems) in building reputation, leverage, and future client pipelines. How being industry-agnostic yet commercially focused allows Rob to mentor founders, senior finance executives, and career-changers while remaining anchored in value creation. The impact of technology and AI on CFO work, including tools to streamline board reporting while reinforcing the need for real-world experience and judgment. Why non-executive roles and multiple income streams are powerful components of a resilient, high-income fractional CFO career. Links Rob Nicholls on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  00:00 – Intro to Rob and fractional CFO background 02:10 – From traditional finance to value creation focus 03:33 – Portfolio lifestyle and managing multiple clients 04:25 – LinkedIn strategy and pipeline building 09:37 – Mentoring, startups, and ecosystem leverage 12:15 – Who Rob mentors and career transitions 15:19 – Technology, AI, and modern CFO work 18:59 – Non-exec roles and board careers for CFOs 23:40 – Future plans and fractional startup in biz dev 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

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/55cBmmBgaKb7MGUsUgPtNT In this GrowCFO Show episode, Kevin Appleby sits down with Jeremy Earnshaw, GrowCFO Mentor, to unpack one of the most painful but instructive topics in corporate life. Rather than celebrating a headline-grabbing success, Jeremy walks through a deal that went badly wrong—financially, culturally, and strategically. The episode emphasizes why leaders often learn far more from failures than from smooth, textbook transactions, and why understanding what not to do in M&A can be a powerful competitive advantage.  Drawing on more than 20 M&A deals across his career, Jeremy dissects an acquisition from 30 years ago where he joined mid-transaction, found due diligence to be dangerously superficial, and discovered too late that the target's core direct-to-consumer channel was fundamentally unprofitable. He and Kevin explore how poor diligence, misaligned incentives, cultural blind spots, and weak integration planning combined to destroy value. The conversation offers CFOs, founders, and boards a candid look at the real costs of a bad acquisition and practical lessons on how to structure deals, probe assumptions, and retain the courage to walk away. Key topics covered: Jeremy explains how he joined an acquisition mid-stream and immediately saw that the “due diligence” was little more than an updated audit pack. Kevin and Jeremy break down why buying “a balance sheet” instead of a future business led to a badly structured deal, with 90% of the consideration paid in cash at completion. They expose how cultural issues, aggressive lawyers, and late negative disclosures undermined trust and should have been clear red flags to pause or walk away. Jeremy reveals that the acquisition's main focus—the direct-to-consumer channel—was actually loss-making, while an overlooked export dealer channel was where the real profitability lay. The episode highlights how weak integration planning compounded the initial mistakes, turning a flawed deal into a value-destroying one. Jeremy distills the lessons learned: insist on thorough due diligence, structure earn-outs intelligently, interrogate culture and people risk, and always be prepared to walk away. Links Jeremy Earnshaw on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:00:00 – Kevin frames the episode around learning from “the worst acquisition” and introduces Jeremy Earnshaw and his M&A background. 0:02:00 – Jeremy describes joining halfway through the deal and discovering that due diligence was basically a thin audit update. 0:06:23 – Deep dive into due diligence and valuation: why paying 90% cash up front and underweighting earn-out was a structural mistake. 0:19:35 – Cultural and legal challenges emerge: aggressive lawyers, late disclosures, and a finance controller's resignation revealed just before completion. 0:24:35 – Post-acquisition reality check: the direct-to-consumer channel is loss-making while the neglected export dealer business is the only profitable part. 0:36:56 – Jeremy and Kevin synthesize the core lessons around diligence discipline, deal parameters, and the importance of being ready to walk away. 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

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/29EE2Ec32RWQKNVvVj2U8d In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby, together with Michael Pytel, Technology Leader & Director at VASS, underscores why AI is now a board-level issue for finance leaders: decisions made today about platforms, data, and governance will shape an organization's risk profile and competitive position for years to come. They frame AI not as a shiny add‑on but as an infrastructure-and-controls question that sits squarely in the CFO's remit: data sovereignty, privacy, security, and ROI. Michael draws on his deep background in ERP and large‑enterprise technology to give CFOs a practical roadmap for implementing AI safely and effectively. He explains how vendors such as SAP are approaching “sovereign AI” to keep sensitive financial data within the organization, why mid‑market businesses should consider anchoring around the Microsoft ecosystem, and how to structure permissions so AI behaves like a fully controlled team member rather than a black box. The discussion closes with forward‑looking guidance on avoiding vendor lock‑in, upgrading ERP for an API‑ready, AI‑enabled future, and identifying quick wins that prove value without compromising security. Key topics covered: Why AI implementation is now a core responsibility of the CFO, not just IT, with direct implications for risk, compliance, and competitive advantage. How data sovereignty, privacy, and “sovereign AI” approaches (as seen in SAP) allow organizations to choose where AI runs and how data is protected. Practical options for smaller and mid‑market companies without large IT teams, including leveraging the Microsoft ecosystem for secure and scalable AI. The importance of treating AI like a human team member with defined permissions, segregation of duties, and strong policy‑driven prompt design. Why CFOs must ensure ERP and core finance systems are API‑ready and AI‑enabled to remain competitive over the next planning cycles. Strategies to avoid platform lock‑in while still moving quickly, focusing on quick wins and flexible commercial contracts with AI vendors. Links Michael Pytel on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:00:01 – Kevin introduces episode 280 and guest Michael Pytel, outlining his enterprise technology and ERP background and why his perspective matters for CFOs considering AI. 0:02:27 – Discussion of SAP's cautious, data‑sovereign approach to AI, allowing customers to control where AI runs and how sensitive financial data is protected.  0:08:27 – Exploration of AI options for smaller organizations without full IT departments, including aligning with Microsoft to obtain secure, affordable AI capabilities. 0:12:05 – Deep dive into data security, permissions, and prompt engineering, positioning AI as a controlled “team member” governed by policies and segregation of duties. 0:26:25 – Analysis of how AI will reshape finance roles, the need to modernize ERP for AI integration, and what to look for in vendor roadmaps. 0:33:06 – Michael's closing advice for CFOs in 2026: prioritize secure, in‑house AI platforms, avoid lock‑in with flexible contracts, and focus on quick, demonstrable wins. 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

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tIFk3EkP63wzKxWBPJUeD In episode 279, Kevin Appleby and GrowCFO mentor Susana Serrano‑Davey explore a critical question for modern finance leaders: whether the rapid rise of AI is enhancing or eroding the strategic role of the CFO. They frame AI as both an incredibly powerful assistant and a potential threat to originality, judgment, and confidence if used uncritically. Throughout the conversation, they examine how tools like ChatGPT and other AI solutions are reshaping research, writing, preparation, and decision support for finance leaders, and what this means for the future of strategic finance careers.  The discussion moves from personal use cases, AI as a “personal assistant, sounding board, and translator”—into the realities of implementing AI within finance functions. Susana and Kevin highlight the growing interest in AI among CFOs contrasted with a lack of confidence about how to deploy it in practice. They compare AI adoption to past ERP implementations, emphasizing trial‑and‑error, learning from failure, and maintaining authenticity. The episode ultimately argues that AI should augment, not replace, a CFO's strategic thinking: the winners will be those who use AI for speed and insight while preserving their own voice, critical judgment, and leadership presence. Key topics covered: AI is becoming a personal assistant and translator for finance leaders, dramatically changing how they research, write, and prepare for meetings and communications. Both speakers warn that over‑reliance on AI risks diluting authenticity, with presentations and content sounding generic when leaders delegate too much to AI. The episode highlights how AI can undermine critical thinking and self‑confidence if finance professionals treat AI outputs as answers rather than input for their own judgment. Implementing AI in finance is compared to complex ERP rollouts—CFOs are interested but cautious, overwhelmed by the volume of tools and uncertainty about where to start. Kevin and Susana stress that AI should be used mainly for research, framing, and speed, while the CFO's strategic value lies in interpretation, narrative, and decision‑making. They raise concerns that widespread AI use could homogenize thinking and propagate confident but wrong answers, making human skepticism and validation more important than ever. Links Susana Serrano-Davey on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:00:00 – Kevin introduces Susana and they explore how AI is already reshaping day‑to‑day work, especially for finance leaders who use it for research and drafting. 0:02:46 – Susana describes AI as her “personal assistant and translator,” while Kevin explains how he uses AI extensively for reports, webinars, and thought leadership content. 0:07:13 – A workshop example shows how heavy dependence on ChatGPT produced a less authentic presentation, prompting a deeper discussion on storytelling, personal experience, and confidence. 0:12:38 – They compare AI rollouts to ERP implementations: CFOs are intrigued but hesitant, facing tool overload, uncertainty, and the need to accept mistakes and learn quickly. 0:25:01 – Kevin questions whether AI is eroding original thinking; Susana argues leaders must protect their own voice and avoid relying solely on AI‑generated content. 0:30:47 – The episode closes by examining AI's tendency to sound certain even when wrong, and the risk of AI‑generated falsehoods becoming accepted truths without human scrutiny. 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

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/0OACVC3ORVz0myWlYqkdz1 Stepping into a first CFO role is rarely a smooth promotion from finance manager to “bigger calculator.” In this GrowCFO episode, host Kevin Appleby speaks with Ian Goodkind, Chief Financial Officer at Smarsh, about the often‑overlooked capabilities that determine whether a new CFO becomes a true strategic leader or struggles with imposter syndrome. The conversation underscores how the modern CFO role has shifted from pure financial stewardship to that of strategic, tech‑savvy, trusted advisor at the center of complex, AI‑driven and heavily regulated businesses. Against the backdrop of Smarsh, a profitable, AI‑native leader in communications data compliance and intelligence, Goodkind explains how today's CFO must understand macro forces, regulation, and technology while also managing non‑finance functions such as IT and operations. He shares practical, experience‑based advice for aspiring and newly appointed CFOs on building external peer networks, developing strategic and listening skills, embracing AI for both efficiency and value creation, and navigating the psychological shift into the C‑suite. The episode delivers a clear message: technical finance skills get a professional into the CFO seat, but it is strategic thinking, curiosity, and people‑centric leadership that keep them there and drive impact. Key topics covered: Smarsh's mission, regulatory moat, and AI‑native product strategy as the context for Ian Goodkind's CFO role and growth mandate. The evolution of the CFO from “number cruncher” to strategic leader and trusted advisor, requiring deep understanding of the macro environment and industry dynamics. The importance of building and leveraging a peer network of CFOs to counter isolation, share best practices, and overcome imposter syndrome in the early stages of the role. How active listening, cross‑functional relationship‑building, and regular conversations with sales, strategy, IT and other leaders expand a CFO's lens beyond purely financial metrics. Practical ways finance teams are already using AI for repetitive and manual processes, freeing capacity for higher‑value work while scaling without equivalent headcount growth. Why future‑ready finance functions must recruit and develop talent with automation and AI skills, positioning AI as an efficiency and empowerment tool rather than a headcount reduction lever. Links Ian Goodkind on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  0:00:00–0:00:02 – Introduction to Ian Goodkind and Smarsh; mission, customer base, regulatory focus, and the AI‑driven surveillance and compliance platform that frames his CFO mandate. 0:00:02–0:00:04 – Dual role of the CFO as steward of AI governance internally and advocate of secure, AI‑native products for highly regulated customers; addressing hallucination and data security concerns. 0:00:04–0:00:07 – Strategic “bowling pin” growth framework: moving from archiving to data capture, surveillance, and intelligence; using proprietary data and regulatory specialization as a durable moat. 0:00:09–0:00:12 – Advice to aspiring and new CFOs: study the macro environment, understand industry risk beyond the “four walls” of the company, and embrace the role as a core strategist. 0:00:12–0:00:15 – Transition from finance operator to trusted advisor: understanding what keeps the C‑suite and board awake at night, widening the lens beyond pure financial risk. 0:00:15–0:00:19 – Managing the psychological shift into the CFO role: imposter syndrome, the loneliness of the C‑suite, and how a structured peer network and mentoring mitigate these pressures. 0:00:19–0:00:22 – The role of active listening, curiosity, and deliberate calendar design—spending time with sales enablement, customers, and reading widely—to build a holistic, strategic viewpoint. 0:00:22–0:00:25 – Overseeing IT as a CFO: why previous collaboration on systems, ERPs, and audit committees makes the transition manageable, and how strong IT leadership complements the role. 0:00:25–0:00:28 – Concrete examples of AI in finance like automating repetitive accounting, payroll, and manual processes; setting explicit AI efficiency goals for each sub‑team. 0:00:28–0:00:31 – Experimenting with AI in day‑to‑day management (e.g., job descriptions, process benchmarking) and the challenge of training and upskilling finance teams in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. 0:00:31–0:00:33 – Reframing AI as a scaling and engagement tool, using automation to avoid adding headcount while removing boring, repetitive work so finance professionals can focus on higher‑value activities. 0:00:33–0:00:34 – Why intelligence and risk insight on top of longstanding archiving and capture capabilities represent the next game‑changing phase for regulated industries. 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

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/6VmtDMkbdfGLsDqQacuPGi This episode of The GrowCFO Show brings together David Tuck, Founder of Mayday and CFO Tech Stack, and Kate Hayward, Managing Director UK at Xero, to challenge one of the biggest assumptions in mid-market finance: that fast-growing businesses must eventually abandon Xero for a larger ERP. Drawing on real-world data from the State of the Stack report and the CFO Tech Stack community, they demonstrate how finance teams are successfully scaling to $100M+ in revenue, and running sizeable in-house finance functions, while staying on Xero and surrounding it with a best-in-class ecosystem of tools. The discussion moves from the origins and purpose of Xero as a cloud-based system of record through to the realities of scaling with an app stack versus undertaking a disruptive ERP migration. David and Kate share evidence from dozens of growing businesses, highlighting how Xero plus Mayday and complementary apps are delivering better, cheaper, and faster outcomes compared with traditional ERP transformations. They also explore how AI and automation are reshaping month-end, reporting, and forecasting, positioning Xero and its ecosystem as “AI winners” rather than legacy holdovers. The result is a practical, evidence-backed roadmap for CFOs who want to keep their finance function agile, tech-enabled, and focused on value creation rather than costly system overhauls. At its core, this episode underscores why the default assumption for modern CFOs should be to scale on Xero with an ecosystem, only moving to ERP when there is a truly critical business reason to do so. It frames the Xero-based tech stack not as a compromise, but as an empowered, future-ready platform for ambitious mid-market finance teams who want to avoid unnecessary transformation risk while still achieving enterprise-grade capabilities. Key topics covered: The guests dismantle the myth that growing companies must abandon Xero as they scale, showing multiple examples of businesses surpassing $50–100M+ in revenue while remaining on Xero with an ecosystem of specialist apps. David introduces the CFO Tech Stack community and the State of the Stack report, explaining how it provides psychological safety and precedent for finance leaders who want to scale on Xero rather than defaulting to ERP. Kate explains Xero's original mission as a single cloud-based system of record for small and mid-sized businesses, and outlines how it now supports larger, multi-entity and franchise-style organizations through integration with a rich app ecosystem. The conversation details common components of a modern Xero-based finance stack including reporting, operations (AP, payroll, spend, FX, inventory, billing), and planning tools, and how these collectively rival or surpass ERP capabilities. Both speakers stress the risks and weak business cases of unnecessary ERP transformations, arguing that many scale-ups should prioritize growth, fundraising, and market expansion over complex finance system migrations. They explore how AI and automation are being embedded into Xero and Mayday, turning Xero from a system of record into a system of action and decision-making, and automating month-end tasks like intercompany reconciliations and revenue recognition. Links David Tuck on LinkedIn Kate Hayward on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  00:00:00 – 00:00:05 – Introduction to the episode, guests, and core premise: can CFOs scale past perceived Xero “limits” without moving to ERP? 00:00:05 – 00:00:07 – Kate outlines Xero's origin story and its role as a single source of truth for small and medium businesses needing real-time financial insight. 00:00:07 – 00:00:10 – Discussion of how far Xero can scale, including examples of larger, multi-entity businesses successfully running on Xero with an app ecosystem. 00:00:10 – 00:00:13 – David breaks down the State of the Stack report: core infrastructure and the main categories of apps (reporting, operations, planning) that typically surround Xero. 00:00:13 – 00:00:16 – Kevin explains GrowCFO's independent stance on technology and why GrowCFO chose to sponsor the State of the Stack report for the CFO community. 00:00:16 – 00:00:19 – Deep dive into the myth of “outgrowing Xero” and the importance of proving that many mid-market businesses can and do scale on Xero plus a tech stack. 00:00:19 – 00:00:23 – Discussion of the real cost and distraction of ERP transformations, and why many high-growth CFOs should avoid them unless there is a compelling business case. 00:00:23 – 00:00:29 – Exploration of AI-native platforms vs. Xero ecosystem: how Xero and Mayday are integrating AI for decisioning, automation, and month-end efficiency. 00:00:31 – 00:00:33 – Call to action: how finance leaders can access the State of the Stack report and join the upcoming webinar to see real-life examples of Xero-based scaling. 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=wvSRX-na_Ho .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/5viwKl2fFV1BFDZGyag2rN In episode 276 of the GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby is joined by Howard Francioni, Lead Auditor at Akton Boundrie Group, to explore why information security has become a core responsibility for today's CFO. The conversation frames cyber risk not just as an IT problem but as a strategic, financial, and reputational threat that CFOs must own. Using high‑profile breaches such as Jaguar Land Rover and others, Kevin and Howard illustrate how attacks can halt production, disrupt supply chains, destroy value, and inflict long‑term brand damage, issues that sit squarely in the CFO's remit of safeguarding enterprise value. From there, the discussion moves into practical guidance for finance leaders who may not have a CISO or large security team. Howard explains how CFOs can embed information security into risk registers, adopt a “defense in depth” mindset across customers and suppliers, and drive culture change around password hygiene, endpoint security, backups, and data leakage prevention. The episode concludes with forward‑looking insights on AI, data governance, and why standards such as ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 offer powerful frameworks—even for smaller, growing finance organizations—to systematically reduce cyber and data risks. Key topics covered: Why information security has shifted from a pure IT concern to a strategic CFO responsibility, given its impact on operations, finances, and reputation. Real‑world breach examples (e.g., Jaguar Land Rover, Marks & Spencer, Co‑op) showing how attacks on suppliers can cascade through the entire value chain. Practical foundations of defense in depth: robust password hygiene, secure endpoint configuration, dual user/admin accounts, disk encryption, patching, VPN use, and regular device hygiene. The critical difference between data leakage and data loss, and how everyday behaviors, such as conversations on trains or visible screens, can quietly leak sensitive information. How immutable offline backups and structured risk registers enable organizations to survive ransomware incidents without paying attackers. Emerging risks from AI and agents: systems built without security by design, hallucinations, IP ownership issues, and the need for AI‑specific governance frameworks like ISO 42001. About Howard Francioni Howard Francioni is an Information Security specialist with nearly two decades of experience in the card-payments industry—one of the most heavily targeted sectors for cyber-attacks—working across ATMs, POS, online payments, and MOTO environments. He led projects including pioneering contactless EMV acceptance in mass transit for Transport for London and building secure X.509 infrastructures for payment terminals, while also heading a PCI DSS function supporting around 140,000 merchants with data-driven compliance and breach investigations. Today, he helps organizations develop ISO/IEC 27001-aligned information security frameworks and serves as an independent auditor for UKAS-accredited certification bodies, combining consultancy and auditing to strengthen organizational security practices. Links Howard Francioni on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  00:00:38 – Howard explains how breaches cause production outages, operational disruption, and severe reputational harm—core concerns for any CFO. 00:02:21 – Discussion of how threat actors target less secure suppliers to reach larger organizations, and why CFOs must think in terms of ecosystem‑wide defense in depth. 00:05:00 – Howard outlines the three recurring problem areas he sees: poor password hygiene, insecure endpoints, and lack of a healthy “suspicious mindset” among staff. 00:10:19 – Concrete measures for devices, including PIN/biometric login, dual standard/admin accounts, disk encryption, patching, reboots, local backups, and use of VPNs on public networks. 00:18:23 – Stories about overheard conversations, visible screens, and password Post‑its illustrate how data can be leaked without being “lost,” and why leakage is often more insidious. 00:21:26 – Howard stresses that once files are encrypted, recovery is only possible if immutable, offline backups and clear mitigation actions were in place beforehand. 00:28:27 – Comparison between how the internet was built without security in mind and how AI is repeating the pattern, plus why AI‑specific standards are now essential. 00:35:52 – Kevin summarizes what CFOs should do next: understand potential large‑scale and insider risks, quantify reputational impact, and implement practical controls ahead of any incident. 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 The Girl Dad Show, host Young Han sits down with Martin Zych, founder of xPanda.ai, an AI-powered financial analyst platform helping businesses automate financial insights and decision-making. Martin shares his journey from working in finance and accounting at high-growth tech companies to becoming an entrepreneur building tools that leverage artificial intelligence to improve how companies understand their numbers. Before founding xPanda.ai, Martin also built Jirav, a financial planning and analysis platform used by thousands of companies and accounting firms to automate reporting and forecasting. Beyond business, this conversation dives into Martin's approach to fatherhood and how he balances building companies while raising two children. He discusses the importance of setting boundaries between work and family, spending meaningful time with his kids, and intentionally teaching them resilience, problem-solving, and independence. Young and Martin also explore Martin's early entrepreneurial ventures, his creative approach to branding using animal logos, and his belief in lifelong learning through new skills and experiences. Whether experimenting with biohacking, building new companies, or even trying stand-up comedy, Martin believes curiosity and continuous growth are key to both business and life. ✨ All episodes of The Girl Dad Show are proudly sponsored by Thesis, helping founders go further, together. Takeaways Martin Zych transitioned from finance and accounting into entrepreneurship xPanda.ai is building an AI-powered financial analyst platform Martin helped companies raise more than $250M during his finance career Setting boundaries between work and family is essential for founders Teaching kids resilience and problem-solving is a top parenting priority Lifelong learning drives both personal and professional growth Creative branding and storytelling can differentiate a business

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_IZQTzJDcg .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/54mrNA8HZaZWRvpS5wniw5 In this episode, host Kevin Appleby is joined by Gavin McGahey, CTO and Co‑Founder of AccountsIQ, to explore one of the most pressing questions facing finance leaders today: how to choose between shiny “AI‑native” tools and proven finance platforms. The conversation sets out why finance data, controls, and auditability demand a higher bar than generic AI adoption, and why CFOs cannot afford to gamble on tools that prioritise novelty over reliability. Gavin traces the evolution of AccountsIQ from its origins in 2005 as an early web‑based accounting solution through to today's environment of interoperability, APIs, and embedded AI. He explains how AI is already transforming finance operations, particularly through automation, document capture, and coding, while stressing that trust, transparency, and explainability must sit at the core of any finance AI strategy. Rather than chasing hype, he argues that finance leaders should look for platforms that build AI as an assistive, tightly‑scoped layer on top of robust, battle‑tested financial controls. Across the discussion, listeners hear a pragmatic framework for evaluating AI in finance systems: can it be trusted, can users see what it is doing, and can auditors trace its outcomes? Gavin shares how AccountsIQ is using AI agents, machine learning and long‑standing technologies such as OCR to remove bottlenecks, from invoice coding to bank reconciliation, without undermining control or data privacy. The episode offers CFOs and finance leaders a grounded, practitioner's view of how to balance innovation with reliability when selecting their next generation of finance technology. Key topics covered: Gavin outlines the 20‑year journey of AccountsIQ from early “web‑based” accounting to a fully cloud, API‑driven platform serving modern finance teams. Gavin describes how AI and machine learning have already driven around 30% productivity gains in development and design workflows, accelerating both feature delivery and prototyping. Shadow AI and cautious CFO adoption: The discussion highlights the rise of shadow AI, staff using personal AI tools at work, and why CFOs are taking a measured, conservative approach to AI adoption in finance. Gavin explains why long‑standing finance systems with strong controls, security and compliance can be a safer bet than brand‑new “AI‑native” tools that may be inconsistent, opaque, or loose with data usage. AccountsIQ's strategy focuses on tightly scoped, assistive AI agents that automate tasks such as invoice coding, expense processing and reconciliations, while keeping finance professionals firmly “in the loop”. Gavin closes with a simple evaluation lens for any finance AI solution: Can I trust it? Can I see what it's doing? Can I audit the outcome? Links Gavin McGahey on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  00:03:06 – Discussion on interoperability, APIs, and the rise of connected finance stacks integrating expense tools, automation, and accounting platforms. 00:04:20 – Gavin reflects on AI as the biggest change of his 25‑year career, with examples of how tools like ChatGPT have transformed document creation and finance operations, and what Gartner data shows about a plateau in AI adoption. 00:07:34 – Deep dive into AccountsIQ's assistive AI agents approach, focused on automating bottlenecks such as invoice coding, OCR‑based AP automation and bank reconciliation, rather than deploying uncontrolled chatbots over finance data. 00:10:10 – Core segment on AI‑native tools vs established platforms: Gavin explains why experience, financial controls, security, and predictable performance matter more than “AI‑washing” and why AccountsIQ doesn't use customer finance data to train models. 00:14:37 – How regulation (e.g. EU AI Act), explainability, and audit trails are being baked into AI agents, and why transparency about how AI reaches its recommendations is critical in finance. 00:29:58 – The future role of finance teams: AI removing manual work, creating capacity rather than straightforward headcount cuts, and enabling more analytical, insight‑driven finance functions. 00:32:09 – Gavin's closing advice to cautious CFOs: use the three‑question test—trust, visibility, and auditability, before committing to any AI‑driven finance solution. 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=niLFK8PzZfA .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/2k0Q4tIQThBIQZ5cCfz5nq In today's M&A landscape, the businesses that achieve premium valuations are rarely those with the best numbers alone. They are the ones with brands that command trust, preference, and pricing power. Yet, brand equity is still one of the least understood and least quantified assets in most deals, often buried in a vague goodwill line and ignored in negotiation. For CFOs, founders, and deal professionals, learning how to value brand equity in an M&A deal has become essential to avoiding underpriced exits and capturing the full economic value of what has been built over years, if not decades. In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby tackles a topic that is rapidly becoming mission-critical in corporate transactions: how to value brand equity in an M&A deal. Traditional deal models lean heavily on EBITDA multiples, revenue, and tangible assets, often sweeping brands into a vague “goodwill” bucket. Yet buyers are truly paying for demand, pricing power, and confidence in future cash flows, all of which are heavily influenced by brand equity. Failing to quantify this asset means many sellers unintentionally give away a significant portion of what they have built. To unpack this, Kevin is joined by Stevey Arroyo, Founder & Partner at The Brand Exit, who explains how a brand can be transformed from something “soft” and aesthetic into a measurable, auditable financial asset. Drawing on ISO 10668 and practical M&A experience, Stevey shows how tools like relief-from-royalty and replacement cost can be used to calculate brand value, justify premium multiples, and de-risk post-deal cash flows. For CFOs, founders, and deal professionals preparing for an exit or acquisition, the discussion offers a structured pathway to turning perceived brand value into defensible numbers that stand up in due diligence and negotiations. Key topics covered: Why treating brand equity as indistinct “goodwill” leads to incomplete valuations and allows sophisticated buyers to capture unpriced upside in M&A deals. How ISO 10668 and the relief-from-royalty approach can convert brand equity into a concrete number using projected revenues, replacement cost, discount rates, and market value assumptions. The role of brand in driving demand, pricing power, and quality of earnings, and why these factors often justify a higher multiple than the standard industry benchmark. Why effective exits start years in advance, with brand audits, evidence-building, and linkage of metrics like CAC, LTV, and ROAS to enterprise value, rather than last-minute positioning. How AI, SEO, and “answer engine optimization” (AEO) are reshaping discoverability, and why being the most specific, trusted brand in a crowded market will increasingly drive both deal flow and valuation. Case examples, from specialist properties to Pimlico Plumbers and Apple, illustrate how targeting the right buyer and properly articulating brand equity can multiply deal value well beyond the underlying assets.  Links Stevey Arroyo on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  00:00:00 – 00:05:00 – Kevin introduces the importance of valuing brand equity in M&A and welcomes guest Stevey Arroyo, who outlines his journey from creative agencies to brand-focused M&A. 00:05:00 – 00:15:00 – Why brand is more than logos and design; how brand equity sits behind customer preference, demand, and the very ability to sell a business versus a look alike competitor. 00:15:00 – 00:25:00 – Breakdown of ISO 10668, relief-from-royalty, replacement value, and market value—how these methods turn a brand into a certified, auditable asset in deals. 00:25:00 – 00:35:00 – Exit readiness and due diligence: brand audits, building a multi‑year “log of proof,” and linking marketing metrics to the de‑risking of future cash flows. 00:35:00 – 00:46:00 – AI-driven discoverability, examples like Pimlico Plumbers, and how both buyers and sellers can use brand equity strategically to identify bargains or justify a premium sale. 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=lzUbogTP12A .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/5adKQ9IEs8J3Y9kTHp4NBd In today's capital-constrained and AI-accelerated economy, company valuation is no longer just an exit consideration, it is a strategic priority. Investors, lenders, and strategic partners are increasingly assessing businesses not only on financial performance but on scalability, defensibility, and global potential. For modern finance leaders, valuation has become a continuous process rather than a one-off event. In this episode of The CFO Show, Matteo Turi, Chief Operating Financial Officer at Letoon Holding Ltd, shares a structured framework for driving valuation growth: the High Valuation Triangle. Drawing on over two decades of CFO experience across blue-chip organisations, scale-ups, restructurings, and turnarounds, Matteo outlines how intellectual property monetisation, leadership architecture, and global market strategy combine to make businesses investable at every stage, from startup to exit. The discussion explores how CFOs must move beyond traditional reporting responsibilities and step into the role of “valuation architect.” As artificial intelligence reshapes competitive dynamics and lowers geographic barriers, the ability to systemise, scale, and defend value has never been more critical. This episode provides finance leaders with a practical lens for building transferable, investor-ready value in an increasingly intangible economy. Key topics covered: Why intellectual property monetisation significantly increases funding probability and enterprise value The importance of building transferable value through succession planning and leadership depth How CFOs should evolve into Chief Value Officers and valuation architects The role of global expansion and partnerships in accelerating valuation growth Why AI amplifies both operational strengths and weaknesses — and what CFOs must fix first How failing strategically, pivoting decisively, and scaling systematically drive long-term value creation  Links Matteo Turi on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps:  00:00:01 – Introduction to the High Valuation Triangle framework 00:02:00 – Why CFOs must focus on wealth creation, not just wealth management 00:04:15 – Intellectual property monetisation and its impact on funding success 00:11:08 – Building transferable value through leadership architecture 00:17:44 – The global markets dimension of valuation growth 00:23:06 – Overview of Fail, Pivot, Scale and its practical application 00:33:08 – AI as the “new electricity” and why businesses need a structural grid 00:36:17 – Preparing processes and documentation to scale with AI  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=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

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

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

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!

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.