Podcast appearances and mentions of kevin appleby

.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

All of this week's episodes of It Could Happen Here put together in one large file. - How the United States Shaped the Dominican Republic’s Immigration Enforcement Machine - Settler Colonialism with Andrew - Anti-ICE Protesters in Minnesota Charged with Conspiracy - The Necessary War on Data Centers - Executive Disorder: Iran Deal, UFC at the White House, Dialog Hack You can now listen to all Cool Zone Media shows, 100% ad-free through the Cooler Zone Media subscription, available exclusively on Apple Podcasts. So, open your Apple Podcasts app, search for “Cooler Zone Media” and subscribe today! http://apple.co/coolerzone Sources/Links: How the United States Shaped the Dominican Republic’s Immigration Enforcement Machine Help Bring Ezra Home and Seek the Truth (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-ezra-home-seek-the-truth) More than a Massacre; Racial Violence and Citizenship in the Haitian-Dominican Borderlands by Sabine Cadeu Empire of Borders by Todd Miller Border Patrol Nation by Todd Miller From tierra de nadie to terre brulée – From Borderland to Border in Haiti and the Dominican Republic by Sabine Cadeu (https://www.histecon.magd.cam.ac.uk/barriers/July2022_papers/SabineCadeauPaper.pdf) Haitians, Magic, and Money: Raza and Society in the Haitian-Dominican Borderlands, 1900 to 1937 by Lauren Derby (https://www.jstor.org/stable/179294) Making the Dominican Republic Great Again? by Lorgia García-Peña (https://nacla.org/making-dominican-republic-great-again/) Marines in the Dominican Republic 1916-1924 (https://www.marines.mil/portals/1/Publications/Marines%20in%20the%20Dominican%20Republic%20PCN%2019000412600_1.pdf) US warns its ‘darker-skinned’ citizens of Dominican Republic’s migrant crackdown by Richard Luscombe (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/22/us-warns-darker-skinned-citizens-crackdown-dominican-republic) Latinobarómetro 2024 Resultados por sexo y edad Informe de estudio #LAT-2024 v1 (https://www.latinobarometro.org/latinobarometro-2024#LAT-2024-selected-country-header) Ten Years After a Fateful Court Decision, the Dominican Republic Still Has a Statelessness Problem by Kevin Appleby (https://cmsny.org/dr-statelessness-problem-appleby-102323/) Addressing the Next Displacement Crisis in the Making in the Americas by Valerie Lacarte (https://www.migrationpolicy.org/news/haiti-next-displacement-crisis-americas) ‘They grabbed us like dogs’: deportation quotas tear Haitian migrants’ lives apart by Shandra Back (https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/sep/07/they-grabbed-us-like-dogs-deportation-quotas-tear-haitian-migrants-lives-apart) Federal Agents Investigate Sugar Exporter Over Allegations of Forced Labor (https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/10/central-romana-homeland-security-sugar/) “They Just Came and Started Breaking Houses” (https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/12/central-romana-sugar-hoyo-de-puerco-demolished/) Despite US Import Ban, Sugar Cane Cutters Still Face Abuse in Dominican Republic (https://unicornriot.ninja/2023/despite-us-import-ban-sugar-cane-cutters-still-face-abuse-in-dominican-republic/) 10 years fighting for nationality in the Dominican Republic (https://www.institutesi.org/news/10-year-anniversary-of-dr-court-ruling-stripping-nationality) LEA Training Schedule 2024 (https://sansalvador.ilea.state.gov/training-schedule?c=fr-FR) International students graduate from elite federal law enforcement program (https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/international-students-graduate-elite-federal-law-enforcement-program) Dominican Republic students graduate from elite US law enforcement program (https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/dominican-republic-students-graduate-elite-us-law-enforcement-program) El misterio de Ellen Frances Hulett | El Informe con Alicia Ortega (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKIg2np081M) How Far Will the Dominican Republic Go in Deporting Haitians? by Marius Loiseau (https://inkstickmedia.com/how-far-will-the-dominican-republic-go-in-deporting-haitians/) Fearing Deportation, Mothers Give Birth in Shadows by Hogla Enecia Pérez and Luis Ferré-Sadurní (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/26/world/americas/dominican-republic-haiti-hospital-deportations.html) Dominican Republic and Haiti at the Crossroads of the Massacre River by Simón Rodríguez (https://nacla.org/dominican-republic-and-haiti-crossroads-massacre-river/) US team reveals weaknesses at the Dominican-Haiti border (https://web.archive.org/web/20110526044642/https://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2006/8/7/16173/US-team-reveals-weaknesses-at-the-Dominican-Haiti-border) Dominican Republic begins building border wall with Haiti (https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/dominican-republic-begins-building-border-wall-with-haiti-2022-02-20/) A 101-Mile Wall Goes Up to Block Haitians Pouring Over Border by Danielle Balbi (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2022-09-28/big-take-why-the-dominican-republic-is-building-a-border-wall-between-haiti?embedded-checkout=true#xj4y7vzkg) “A Veil of Legality” by Amelia Hintzen (https://www.sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S1382237316000234) Dominican border wall threatens environment, mangroves by Esteban ROJAS (https://phys.org/news/2023-03-dominican-border-wall-threatens-environment.html) Dominican Republic deports pregnant women in ‘inhumane’ migrant crackdown (https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/apr/29/pregnant-women-deported-dominican-republic-migration-crackdown-haiti) La muerte de Ellen Frances Hulett se debió a infartos agudos al miocardio, confirma autopsia (https://noticiassin.com/la-muerte-de-ellen-frances-hulett-se-debio-a-infartos-agudos-al-miocardio-confirma-autopsia/) La muerte de la estadounidense Ellen Hulett: una cadena de preguntas sin respuestas by Ana A, Elina M (https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/sucesos/2025/07/03/muerte-de-ellen-hulett-una-cadena-de-preguntas-sin-respuestas/3170413) Alert: Ongoing Dominican Migration Enforcement (https://do.usembassy.gov/alert-ongoing-dominican-migration-enforcement/) 87 Aniversario de la Dirección General de Migración (https://migracion.gob.do/87-aniversario-de-la-direccion-general-de-migracion/) Haitians displaced by violence face deportation after fleeing to Dominican Republic (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/haitians-displaced-by-violence-face-deportation-after-fleeing-to-dominican-republic) Settler Colonialism with Andrew Settler Colonialism and the Elimination of the Native by Patrick Wolfe https://www.britannica.com/place/Liberia/History Liberia: The Violence of Democracy by Mary H Moran. The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi The Question of Palestine by Edward Said https://rpublc.com/story/2024/02/08/international-affairs/the-false-equivalence-of-liberia-and-israel Anti-ICE Protesters in Minnesota Charged with Conspiracy https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-it-could-happen-here-30717896/episode/everyone-vs-ice-on-the-ground-in-minnesota-319435576 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-it-could-happen-here-30717896/episode/outlaw-criminalization-of-ice-watch-in-minneapolis-326372276 https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mnd.234418/gov.uscourts.mnd.234418.1.0_1.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ0hYCF60og Executive Disorder: Iran Deal, UFC at the White House, Dialog Hack Short Stories: https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/spacex-ipo-makes-elon-musk-worlds-first-trillionaire-2026-06-11/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-complaint-challenging-virginia-mask-ban-and-identificationhttps://x.com/DHSgov/status/2065442267502882838?s=20 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7rjZqvbMIkhttps://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2026-06-11/ty-article/israeli-firm-blackcore-suspected-of-meddling-in-nyc-scotland-elections/0000019e-b7d1-d892-adde-f7df71710000 https://democrats-judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/democrats-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2026-06-15-raskin-to-patel-fbi-re-bonuses.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/05/removing-unnecessary-and-counterproductive-restrictions-on-access-to-federal-lands/ https://www.energy.senate.gov/hearings/2026/6/business-meeting-to-consider-pending-legislation https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2026/02/18/an-update-on-the-roadless-rulhttps://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73486770/united-states-v-warrant/ Police Shooting: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-police-officer-shoots-and-kills-1-year-old-child-in-response-to-senatobia-shoplifting-call/ https://capitalbnews.org/mississippi-police-shooting-kohen-kartier-wiley/ https://www.whsv.com/2026/06/17/family-identifies-1-year-old-killed-officer-involved-shooting-walmart-protests-break-out-store/?outputType=amp https://wreg.com/news/local/ms-town-looks-for-answers-after-walmart-shooting-that-killed-1-year-old/ https://wreg.com/news/local/mother-of-toddler-killed-in-walmart-shooting-speaks/ https://www.wapt.com/article/senatobia-officer-placed-on-leave-tear-gas-deployed-as-hundreds-protest-death-of-1-year-old-kohen-wiley/71608163 https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/watch-child-dead-another-person-critically-injured-after-officer-involved-shooting-at-senatobia-walmart-mbi/video_af5674d5-cfc5-5e9e-83cb-64f0beded36f.html https://wreg.com/news/mbi-investigates-shooting-at-senatobia-walmart-parking-lot/?ipid=promo-link-block1 https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/06/16/community-rally-planned-after-officer-shoots-kills-1-year-old-senatobia/ https://abcnews.com/US/officer-involved-shooting-walmart-killed-1-year-boy/story?id=133965022 Iran Deal: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116743808155352167 https://edition.cnn.com/2026/06/17/middleeast/us-iran-war-mou-text-intl https://en.mehrnews.com/news/245340/Islamabad-says-Iran-US-reach-peace-deal https://en.mehrnews.com/news/245343/Iran-s-top-security-body-confirms-Iran-US-finalization-of-MoU https://x.com/CMShehbaz/status/2065467425408405712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw https://x.com/CMShehbaz/status/2066268332832194810?s=20 https://x.com/itamarbengvir/status/2066392115027050781 https://farsnews.ir/Qaysar/1781530307974297749/Spokesman-Iran-Oman-to-Charge-Fees-for-Full-Services-in-Strait-of-Hormuz https://x.com/phildstewart/status/2066552634803155267?s=20 https://x.com/osinttechnical World Cup:https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/https://www.state.gov/fifa-world-cup-26-visas https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/world-cup-ice-visas-iran/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49017941/iran-players-say-us-visa-policies-create-world-cup-tensionhttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/somali-world-cup-referee-omar-artan-talking-to-very-bad-people-andrew-giuliani/UFC Freedom 250:https://time.com/article/2026/06/15/ufc-fight-white-house-hokit-obama/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/five-men-arrested-and-charged-plot-attack-and-kill-government-officials-and-others-attendinghttps://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1446021/dl?inlinehttps://cnycentral.com/resources/pdf/99a48b49-11dc-4b9c-a158-6487087ab779-Propercomplaint.pdfhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rSE1tw7lI0https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5927733-ufc-white-house-attack-plot/Dialog:https://www.wired.com/story/leak-exposes-members-of-peter-thiels-secretive-dialog-society/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

.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

.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

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

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

Hour 1 for 2/25/26 Drew shares a brief recap of the State of the Union (1:53). Then, Officer Nate Stevens covers the loss of respect for police (8:56), lawlessness (13:42) Godlessness (16:30), and the lack of support for police in young people (21:27). Then, Kevin Appleby covers the US Bishop's statement on mass detention of immigrants (29:54), housing for immigrants (37:22), Bishops speaking on enforcement (42:16), and the moral responsibility for open borders (44:40).

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

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

Hour 3 for 12-1-25 Drew is joined by Kevin Appleby to talk about the recent comments made by President Donald Trump in regards to limiting immigration from Third World Countries (6:24). Later on Paul Oster discusses holiday overspending (31:59) Resources: Center for Migration Studies: https://cmsny.org/ Better Qualified: https://betterqualified.com/home

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

Hour 3 for 11/20/25 Drew welcomed Dr. David Pinault to discuss if Islam is spreading in the US (7:56). Caller: I had Muslim neighbors in Michigan (22:10). Then, Kevin Appleby covers immigration reform (31:45), and Pope Leo's comments on Immigration (41:01) Links: https://ignatius.com/earth-dragon-run-edrp/ https://spiritualdirection.com/author/mary-ruth-hackett https://cmsny.org/

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

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

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

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

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

Send us your thoughtsHost Hannah Munro sits down with Kevin Appleby, host of the Grow CFO Show, to share hard-won lessons from finance transformation projects. From failed demos to faster closes, they explore how CFOs can avoid common pitfalls and deliver real value.In this episode, you'll learn:How to approach system selection with scenarios and use cases, not just feature lists.Why keeping solutions simple and phased prevents failure points.The importance of engaging naysayers and building super users for adoption.Why benefits come from people and process changes, not just technology.Practical lessons for faster month-end closes and smarter procurement processes.How CFOs can communicate with boards, influence decisions, and choose the right timing for go-live.Links mentioned: Kevin's Linkedin Learn more about GrowCFO Join the Grow CFO community Discover more with Anchor Customer Story  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Hour 2 for 7/1/25 Drew prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with Brooke Taylor (1:00). Then, Kevin Appleby covered the US Bishops pushback on the Trump administration's immigration policies (27:11). Topics: Big Beautiful Bill (38:56), caller: I was harmed by an illegal immigrant (40:10), caller: I have a problem with illegal immigration (43:22), and caller: I have a problem with deportations (48:13). Link: https://cmsny.org/about/team/

Hour 3 for 6/11/25 Kevin Appleby joined Drew to discuss the broken American immigration system (1:00). Callers: My experience as an illegal immigrant (11:57), I immigrated legally (15:54), we need reform (19:57). Then, Former Congressman Fortenberry discussed the politics of immigration (31:11). Callers: cheap labor (35:40), I worked as a border agent (42:40), and The Dignity Act (48:56). Link: https://cmsny.org/ @JeffFortenberry

Pankaj Singh, also known as "Sing", has created a framework called the Ascendency Action System. It's designed to help leaders unlock their full potential. Pankaj was an insightful and engaging guest on The Next 100 Days podcast and shared insights across leadership, personal development and workplace culture.Summary of the PodcastIntroductions and backgroundPankaj Singh, Kevin Appleby, and Graham Arrowsmith introduce themselves and discuss Pankaj's background, including growing up in India and now living in Jacksonville, Florida. They also discuss Pankaj's work as a business and management coach focused on mindfulness and leadership.Mindfulness and presencePankaj explains his approach to teaching mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of being present in the moment rather than getting caught up in preconceived notions or attachment to outcomes. He shares practical exercises like the "STOP" technique to help people become more mindful throughout their day.Ascendency Action SystemPankaj discusses some of the frameworks and models he uses in his work, including the "Ascendency Action System" and the "Mindful Universal Compass" which focuses on presence, emotional agility, cognitive clarity, and compassionate action. He explains how these tools help people apply mindfulness principles in practical ways.Outcomes and impactPankaj shares examples of how his work has positively impacted clients, helping them save their marriages, get their careers back on track, and generally reclaim their "human life" through mindfulness practices. He emphasises that his goal is to empower people to make changes themselves, rather than relying on him.The Next 100 Days Podcast Co-HostsGraham ArrowsmithGraham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. Graham founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, which combines the world's biggest source of 10,000 marketing experiments with AI. Find Graham on LinkedIn.Kevin ApplebyKevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

If you visit Stevie Ward's website, its current headline is Captain, Winner, Truth Speaker.Stevie is a former professional rugby player and part of the golden generation at the Leeds Rhinos, one of the most successful teams in Super League history. He became the youngest grand final winner ever, winning two more Grand Finals and 2 Challenge Cups, and was named captain at just 26.Amongst the highs, Stevie endured ten operations and several mental health struggles. This adversity inspired Stevie to launch Mantality in 2016 to promote mental health for men through counselling, life-coaching services, and a stigma-breaking podcast.Summary of the PodcastIntroductions and casual conversationThe participants, Kevin Appleby, Stevie Ward, and Graham Arrowsmith, engage in casual conversation and banter, discussing topics like Stevie's background in rugby league, the participants' accents and regional origins, and some technical issues with Stevie's video background.Stevie Ward's rugby and personal journeyStevie shares details about his early experiences playing rugby, including transitioning from union to league as a child and the intensity and physicality he brought to the sport. He discusses being one of the youngest captains in Leeds Rhinos history, winning a Grand Final at age 18, and the highs and lows of his professional rugby career, including injuries and a brain injury that led to his retirement at age 26.Stevie's work as a speaker and coachStevie explains how his experiences in rugby, including the challenges he faced, have shaped his work as a speaker and coach. He describes his approach of using stories and metaphors to help leaders and teams explore concepts like vulnerability, psychological safety, and authenticity. Stevie shares how he aims to create transformative experiences for his clients by inviting them to inquire into their own thoughts and feelings.Reflections on the ConversationThe hosts, Graham and Kevin, express their appreciation for Stevie's honesty and vulnerability in sharing his personal journey. They acknowledge the unique perspective and insights Stevie brings and suggest that his experiences and approach could be valuable for a wide range of organizations and leaders.The Next 100 Days Podcast Co-HostsGraham ArrowsmithGraham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. Graham founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, which combines the world's biggest source of 10,000 marketing experiments with AI. Find Graham on LinkedIn.Kevin ApplebyKevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

Embracing AI and automation in 2025Kevin discusses his plans to implement a new productivity system called "Pillars, Pipelines, and Vaults" (PPV)He discovered PPV from a YouTuber named August Bradley.The system aims to help him better manage his planning, to-do lists, contacts, and knowledge base.Graham shares his excitement about the potential of AI and automation to transform businesses and industries in 2025.Balancing work and personal prioritiesKevin and Graham discuss the importance of balancing work and personal priorities as they get older.They agree that they don't want to fall behind on technology and want to continue learning and growing, but also recognise the value of having a fulfilling life outside of work.Upcoming projects and initiativesKevin shares his plans for Grow CFO, a company he is involved with, to produce a technology innovation report focused on finance-related topics.He explains how AI and data analysis can help organisations optimise their spend management and procurement processes.Graham also discusses his plans to leverage MeclabsAI and automation to develop personalised solutions for a specific market sector.Closing thoughts and future of the podcastAs the meeting comes to a close, Kevin and Graham reflect on the longevity of their podcast, which is approaching its 10th year.They discuss the possibility of continuing the podcast, potentially with the involvement of listeners, and how it provides them with the "freedom of association" that they value.The Next 100 Days Podcast Co-HostsGraham ArrowsmithGraham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. Graham founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, which combines the world's biggest source of 10,000 marketing experiments with AI. Find Graham on LinkedIn.Kevin ApplebyKevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.comDo you want to be a guest on The Next 100 Days Podcast? Apply here

Unlock the keys to propelling your business forward with strategic financial insight in our latest episode of Scaling with People. Featuring Kevin Appleby, a visionary in finance team development, we explore the critical juncture when founders should bring finance experts on board. Discover why delegating transactional finance tasks early can free you to concentrate on transformative activities like investor relations and product innovation. Kevin sheds light on the indispensable role of strategic finance expertise during pivotal fundraising phases, from crafting dependable financial forecasts to leveraging industry contacts for securing funding. This episode is your guide to understanding how integrating finance professionals into your startup can provide a compelling strategic edge.In our deep dive into professional growth, we spotlight Grow CFO's Future CFO program, a unique 12-month experience designed to catapult finance professionals into top-tier leadership roles. Through practical, interactive workshops held over Zoom, this program equips aspiring CFOs with crucial skills, while we stress the importance of nurturing existing talent alongside new hires in rapidly scaling companies. From our conversation, learn how hands-on experiential courses can transform finance roles at every level, from controllers to seasoned CFOs. As a founder, I share a crucial lesson on embracing flexibility and strategy pivots to drive business success. Tune in to tap into insights that could redefine your approach to financial management and career advancement.

DSV FundSiam is the Chief Investment Officer for the DSV Fund. He is an ex-RAF Pilot who also started Trading at the age of 18. Over the last 20 years on the markets he's publicly called many major economic events and profited from them such as the 2015 Black Monday crash where he made £422k in 30 minutes and the 2020 Oil crash which he shorted from $80 down to $10. He's also made multiple thousand % ROI gains in the last 2 Crypto cycles since 2017.In 2015, Siam was the best-performing Fund Manager in the UK, attaining 60% ROI in the 11 months that his AR PAMM fund was running.In 2016 he set up a Private Equity firm and promptly bought over 12 businesses. Unfortunately, this venture was peppered in misfortunes. Which is one of the risks when acquiring distressed businesses! But this firm is now on the up thankfully. He also recently sold his Crypto PE firm for £10.75m and is currently in the earn-out phase.Summary of the PodcastIntroductions and small talkThe meeting begins with casual conversation between the participants, Kevin Appleby, Siam Kidd, and Graham Arrowsmith.They discuss the weather, politics, and some personal anecdotes.Siam Kidd's background and investment philosophySiam Kidd explains his journey into investing, starting with a gold and silver bullion business.He discusses the importance of beating inflation, which he estimates at 15% annually, and how traditional assets like stocks and real estate have struggled to keep up.his led him to discover Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies as a way to outpace inflation.The DSV Fund and investing in crypto and AISiam describes the DSV Fund, which focuses on investing in open-source AI and the intersection of AI and crypto.He emphasises that the fund is targeted at high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and fund managers, not retail investors.He explains the rationale for investing in these emerging technologies, noting their potential to be the fastest growing sectors.Tokenisation of real-world assetsThe discussion turns to the potential for tokenising real-world assets like real estate on the blockchain.Siam and the others explore the benefits and challenges of this concept, such as ensuring homeowner rights and preventing large investors from dominating local markets.Siam's investing approach and market cyclesSiam shares his approach to investing, emphasising the importance of having a predictive mental model and closely following market cycles.He explains his belief that the crypto market follows a 4-year cycle that is aligned with a 5.5-year global liquidity cycle, and predicts a potential “blow-off top” in the crypto market in Q4 2025.Advice for individual investorsWhen asked about options for investors with smaller amounts to invest, Siam emphasises the importance of self-education, particularly in areas like crypto and AI.He discusses plans to publish a book to help guide individual investors, and suggests ways they can leverage AI and digital tools to enhance their investing knowledge and capabilities.Wrap-up and next stepsThe meeting concludes with a discussion of potential collaborations and next steps, including the possibility of integrating Siam's book with AI-powered tools to enhance the learning experience for readers.Clips from the PodcastGlobal Expansion of Fiat Currencies

Hour 1 for 11/12/24 Drew welcomed John Knutsen to discuss the retirement for religious fund (16:48). Then, Kevin Appleby broke down immigration in the second Trump administration (20:46) and a spiritual perspective on deportation (43:57). Callers shared their perspectives: My husband is an illegal immigrant but urged me to vote for Trump (45:38) and I want a safe country (48:34). 

New Podcasts New podcasts feature in this week's episode of The Next 100 Days Podcast. Graham is about to start 42ai, Kevin is about to start The Great Model Train Show. Summary of the Podcast Key Takeaways Graham is launching "42 AI" podcast about MeclabsAI with co-host Anna Kapil, focusing on UK and India markets. Kevin is starting "The Great Model Train Show" podcast about model railways, targeting an UK audience initially. Both emphasise the importance of identifying target audience, valuable content, and distribution strategies. Podcasting seen as a way to build influence and potentially monetise expertise in semi-retirement. New Podcast Ventures Graham: "42 AI" podcast about MeclabsAI with Anna Kapil Focus on UK and India markets initially. Aims to showcase MeclabsAI capabilities to marketing heads of brands and their marketing agencies. Name references "42" as answer to life, universe, and everything (Hitchhiker's Guide) plus the age difference between Graham and Anna! Anna Kapil Kevin: "The Great Model Train Show" Targeting UK model railway enthusiasts. Plans to have industry sponsors and high-profile guests (e.g. Pete Waterman, Rod Stewart). www.thegreatmodeltrainshow.com Podcast Launch Strategies Identify target audience and their interests. Create valuable, niche-specific content. Leverage existing networks for initial guests. Aim for at least 10 episodes to establish consistency. Consider appearing as guests on other relevant podcasts for cross-promotion. Utilise social media, website, and email marketing for distribution. MeclabsAI Capabilities Trained on 10,000 marketing experiments. Offers marketing heuristics, copywriting, strategy, social media post creation, and conversion optimisation tools. Can create personalised marketing strategies and content. Potential to replace traditional websites with AI-driven engagement. New Podcast Technology Discussion of new podcast hosting and production tools. Consideration of AI-powered tools for content creation and clip generation. Importance of video content alongside audio for social media distribution. Retirement and Future Plans Both see podcasting as a way to stay engaged and potentially earn income in semi-retirement. Graham aims to continue with MeclabsAI ventures. Kevin planning ahead for potential income streams post-67. Next Steps Graham to explore guest opportunities on marketing podcasts to promote "42 AI" Kevin to secure first 10 guests and sponsorship for "The Great Model Train Show" Both to investigate modern podcast hosting and production tools. Continue "The Next 100 Days" podcast, aiming for 500 episodes milestone. Graham to further develop Meclabs AI expertise and use cases. Clips from the Podcast Topics for The Great Model Train Show https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kevin-Appleby-Whats-in-the-New-Podcast.mp4 Why Listen to 42AI? https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Graham-Arrowsmith-42AI.mp4 Different Perspectives https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Graham-Arrowsmith-Different-Perspectives.mp4   The Next 100 Days Podcast Co-Hosts Graham Arrowsmith Graham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers.  MicroMailings is his new low risk, done for you marketing solution for companies seeking high net worth leads. He is also founder of MicroYes, a Partner for MeclabsAI, which combines the world's biggest source of 10,000 marketing experiments with AI. Find Graham on LinkedIn. Kevin Appleby Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders.

Hour 1 for 8/30/24 Drew covered the Harris-Walz interview (:54). Then, Dr. Grazie Pozo Christine broke down Trump's position on abortion and IVF (17:12). Finally, Kevin Appleby discussed the migrant crisis (29:29). Callers expressed thoughts about fixing the border (35:57) and why this is a tough issue as a Catholic (47:08). 

Information Technology Asset Management Information Technology Asset Management is the practice dedicated to saving money on outdated or duplicate software licenses. You might have a saving of 30% buried in your company. Who can dig out that saving? Our guest Jeremy Boerger. Summary of the Podcast Introductions and small talk The participants, Jeremy Boerger, Kevin Appleby, and Graham Arrowsmith, engage in some initial small talk about locations, conferences, and sports teams. They establish that Jeremy is an expert in IT asset management based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The value of Information technology asset management Jeremy explains that his specialty is hardware and software asset management. His aim is to reduce the total cost of operating a company's IT infrastructure. He cites a Gartner study estimating that companies can save 28-32% on their IT budgets by implementing proper asset management practices. Case study: Saving a hospital $1.5 million Jeremy shares a case study of a hospital that was able to reduce its Office 365 software license costs. He saved them a staggering $1.5 million over 3 years by closely analysing usage and optimising their license agreements. The shift to subscription-based software The discussion turns to the challenges of managing subscription-based software. Companies often continue paying for unused or redundant tools. Kevin and Jeremy discuss the tendency for companies to be hesitant to review and optimise their software portfolios. Applying AI and automation to asset management Jeremy suggests that asset management teams should leverage AI. He also recommends using data analytics to become a "digital twin" of the computing environment. This automatically monitors usage patterns and identifies optimisation opportunities. Recap and next steps The participants wrap up the discussion, with Graham expressing interest in having Jeremy provide consulting services. Jeremy provides his contact information. He offers to provide free consulting to help companies get started on optimising their software costs. Clips from the Podcast Reducing the Cost of Operation https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jeremy-Boerger-Basics.mp4   2016 Study by Gartner https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jeremy-Boerger-2016-Gartner-Study.mp4   Hospital Saves a Wing's Worth https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jeremy-Boaerger-Saves-a-Hospital.mp4   Testimonial from Jeremy Boerger https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jeremy-Boerger-ITAM-Testimonial.mp4   Other Related Podcasts: https://thenext100days.org/432-martin-rides-data-software https://thenext100days.org/420-david-oates-yavica   The Next 100 Days Podcast Co-Hosts Graham Arrowsmith Graham is "The High Net Worth Data Guy" who founded Finely Fettled to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers.  Now get all-inclusive affluent direct mail campaigns combining A lister copy, design, print and postage for £599+vat, without the DIY hassle. Find Graham on LinkedIn. Kevin Appleby Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting firm, host Roger Knecht interviews chartered accountant and COO Kevin Appleby to explore his journey from traditional accounting roles to strategic advisory positions. They delve into the changing landscape of the CFO's responsibilities and the future of accounting in the age of automation and AI. Key Discussion Points: The New Path for Many Accounting Professionals: Kevin recounts his transition from traditional accounting roles to industry positions at companies like ICI and PwC. Roger and Kevin discuss his experience and insights gained from podcasting and sharing industry knowledge. The Evolving Role of CFOs: The hosts explore the shift from traditional financial tasks to providing strategic advisory services in today's accounting world. Roger and Kevin highlight key competencies needed to work with clients: cash flow management, fundraising, and business strategy. Mentoring, Consulting, Advising, and Coaching: Kevin shares what he's learned from taking on different roles within the accounting industry. Roger emphasizes the importance of managing client expectations effectively. Future Trends in Accounting: The hosts explore how increased automation has and will impact accounting practices. Roger and Kevin wonder how large a role AI will take in interpreting financial data and providing actionable insights. Advice for Accountants Transitioning to Advisory Roles: Kevin recommends strategies for data analysis and delivering insights that drive business decisions. The importance of detailed cost analysis and product performance evaluation is discussed. Preparing for Emerging Technologies: Understanding and leveraging new technologies to stay ahead. Preparing for future challenges in the accounting profession. Effective Storytelling for Client Communication: Using storytelling techniques to convey complex financial information clearly and compellingly. Conclusion: Kevin Appleby's discussion provides valuable insights for accountants looking to evolve their roles and embrace the future of the profession. By focusing on strategic advisory services and understanding emerging technologies, accountants can better serve their clients and drive business success.   Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Join GrowCFO as a free member http://www.growcfo.net   Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable.  These are a must-have addition to every accountant's library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today: “Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds” – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. 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90 Minute Books Stuart's marketing and operational experience helped take 90-Minute Books from idea to an organisation that has helped over 800 business owners and entrepreneurs create their greatest lead generation tool. And in this episode of The Next 100 Days, he unpicks how everything works and why you should consider writing your own 90 Minute Book. Stuart and Graham are both MeclabsAI Guild members. What is even more exciting is Stuart's partner in 90 Minute Books is the one and only Dean Jackson, a world renowned marketing expert. Come across a landing page? Or the 9-word email? Yep, Dean was the inspiration for both. Summary of the Podcast Before We Got Started The participants, Stuart Bell, Kevin Appleby, and Graham Arrowsmith, engage in some casual conversation. They banter about British accents, the Queen, and changes to British currency and culture. Discussing the 90 Minute Books concept Graham introduces Stuart Bell, who explains his "90 Minute Books" concept. Stuart helps business owners create a valuable, conversation-starting book in just 90 minutes of recorded content. The 8-step framework focuses on identifying the target audience, crafting an attention-grabbing title, and including a clear call-to-action. Pricing and delivery options Stuart discusses the pricing model for the 90-minute books service. Prices range from $3,000 to $6,000 depending on the level of customisation and support needed. He explains the benefits of providing both digital and physical book copies. These books can be used as lead generation and relationship-building tools. Comparison to traditional publishing Stuart contrasts the 90-minute books approach with traditional book publishing, With Stuart, the goal is to create a conversation-starting tool rather than a lengthy, academic work. He emphasises the importance of maintaining the author's natural voice and tone throughout the book. Synergies with Meclabs AI  Stuart discusses the connection between his book concept and the MeclabsAI framework. MeclabsAI focuses on a sequential "micro-yes" approach to lead generation. He explains how the two methodologies complement each other in creating effective marketing tools. Potential for voice integration The group discusses the potential for integrating AI-generated voice technology to create audiobooks This offers a further way to enhance personal connection with the audience. Clips from the 90 Minute Books Podcast The Kings English https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Stuart-Bell-Kings-English.mp4   90 Minutes Explained https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Stuart-Bell-90-Minutes-Explained.mp4   My Damn Toe Hurts - Single Target Market https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Stuart-Bell-My-Damn-Toe-Hurts.mp4   A Conversation Starter https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Stuart-Bell-Conversation-Starter.mp4   A High Net Worth Shock n Awe Package Strategy https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Stuart-Bell-HNW-Strategy.mp4 Testimonial from Stuart Bell https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Stuart-Bell-Testimonial.mp4   The Next 100 Days Podcast Co-Hosts Graham Arrowsmith Graham is "The High Net Worth Data Guy" who founded Finely Fettled to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers.  Now get all-inclusive affluent direct mail campaigns combining A lister copy, design, print and postage for £599+vat, without the DIY hassle. Find Graham on LinkedIn. Kevin Appleby Kevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

Hour 1 of The Drew Mariani Show for 1-5-24 Drew's News Roundup Drew is joined by Kevin Appleby to discuss the latest on the immigration issue Peter Grandich shares his insights on the economy