The CFO-COO partnership is undeniably one of the most powerful alliances that can make or break a company's success. When working in perfect harmony, this duo creates a formidable force that drives strategic decisions, enhances operational efficiency, and propels growth. 

In this installment of our finance business partnering series, host Melissa Howatson welcomes Sandra Clarke, Former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Blue Shield of California. Sandra, who spent the majority of her career in finance, progressed from analyst to CFO before taking on the COO role. She discusses the unique perspective of having been on both sides of the CFO-COO relationship, addressing the benefits of close collaboration as well as the challenges that may arise from competing priorities. 

Discover what it takes to build a successful CFO-COO business collaboration that benefits the entire organization and learn how this dynamic partnership directly impacts a company's bottom line.

Discussed in This Episode: 

• The role of the COO, its variability across companies, and where it intersects with the CFO role in facilitating company strategy and boosting growth. 
• How finance leaders can bring the most value to the operations team by understanding the business, identifying patterns in numbers that may indicate potential issues, and recommending optimal resource allocation. 
• Key elements of a strong CFO-COO partnership, including humility, mutual trust in each other's expertise, and an unwavering focus on what's best for the business. 
• Navigating tensions between CFO and COO roles when financial data doesn't support perceived operational needs, and strategies for collaboration in these challenging situations. 

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Healthcare costs continue to be the most unpredictable expense for businesses, creating a challenging dilemma for CFOs. While healthcare benefits serve as a powerful tool for recruiting and retaining employees, the escalating costs are forcing many finance leaders to seek innovative ways to reduce expenses without compromising the quality of care or the attractiveness of their benefits packages.

Anisha Sood is the Chief Financial and Strategy Officer at First Choice Health, with more than 20 years of experience across the healthcare industry. Since joining First Choice Health in 2019, she has overseen finance and strategy, focusing on offering more cost-effective solutions to employers. In this episode, Anisha talks to host Melissa Howatson about why healthcare costs are rising and how providers like First Choice Health are bringing them down without sacrificing quality care.

Discover how CFOs can adopt innovative approaches to manage both healthcare costs and employee benefits expenditures effectively during challenging economic times.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Recent trends and changes in healthcare benefits, and factors contributing to rising costs
• How First Choice Health is disrupting the traditional healthcare benefits model through expanded partnerships and reduced administrative costs
• Strategies to mitigate healthcare costs, including how insurers can tailor benefits to an employer’s unique needs, considering factors such as geography and remote workforce
• Balancing the CFO’s need to control costs with the CHRO’s goal of recruiting and retaining employees
• The growing importance of mental and behavioral health benefits in comprehensive healthcare packages

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Revolutionizing tax functions is no longer a distant dream—it's happening now. This episode delves into the groundbreaking transformation of tax departments from cost centers to strategic powerhouses. Dave Helmer, EY Global Tax and Finance Operate Leader, and Daren R. Campbell, EY Americas Tax Technology and Transformation Leader, share their expertise on how Generative AI or GenAI and other cutting-edge technologies are elevating tax departments from mere cost centers to strategic business partners. 

The discussion explores how innovative tax strategies are influencing everything from supply chain management to corporate transactions, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of a modernized tax function. 

This episode examines the challenges and opportunities facing today's tax professionals. From talent acquisition to technological integration, it provides insights for finance leaders aiming to unlock the full potential of their tax departments and drive business value in an AI-driven world. 

Learn how forward-thinking companies are leveraging their tax functions to navigate complex regulatory environments, drive efficiency, and inform critical business decisions. 

Discussed in This Episode  

• The role tax plays in partnership with finance and business decision-making 
• How Generative AI is helping CFOs transform tax operations 
• Challenges in tax data management and integration within finance operations 
• AI use cases in tax 
• How tax functions integrate seamlessly into finance 
• Initial steps for AI adoption 
• Change management in AI adoption

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

The AI revolution is here, and it’s transforming business as we know it.  

In this episode, Hugh Cumming, Chief Technology Officer of Vena, discusses the new industrial revolution powered by artificial intelligence. With over 20 years of experience as a product and technology leader, Hugh offers insights into how AI is reshaping the modern business landscape.  

The conversation delves into AI’s impact on finance and productivity, offering a glimpse into the future of work. Hugh outlines the emerging skill sets required to thrive in this new era and provides valuable advice on how professionals and organizations can stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.  

Hugh explores the myriad ways AI is revolutionizing work by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making processes, and fostering creative problem-solving. From maximizing operational efficiency to nurturing creativity, Hugh offers practical examples and actionable insights for strategically integrating AI into business operations as a workforce partner.  

Learn how AI is shaping the future of business and how you can position yourself and your organization at the forefront of this exciting new frontier.  

Discussed in This Episode   

• The AI-Driven industrial revolution: How to avoid getting left behind  
• The changing skill sets required for the future AI-driven landscape  
• How businesses are integrating AI into their workflow  
• Embracing AI as a workforce partner, not your replacement  
• Suggestions on how to integrate AI without disruption  
• Importance of change management in AI adoption 

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

During times of uncertainty, CFOs must serve as the guiding compass for their organizations, helping business leaders move beyond reactive decisions toward sustainable, long-term strategies. Myles Corson, leader of EY’s Global and Americas Strategy and Markets, Financial Accounting Advisory Services and the host of The Better Finance Podcast, has engaged with numerous CFOs about the complexities of navigating turbulent economic landscapes.

Myles joins host Melissa Howatson to discuss why CFOs are uniquely equipped to drive business success in volatile times. They delve into how finance leaders can harness their comprehensive organizational perspective to not only weather challenges but also position their companies for growth and resilience.

Discover actionable insights on how CFOs can leverage their unique vantage point to ensure their businesses thrive during challenging times.

Discussed in This Episode:

• How finance leaders can use their vision as a navigation tool for informed decision-making and value creation.
• The significance of communicating clear end goals and actively soliciting feedback from stakeholders.
• Strategies for adapting to changing business landscapes without losing sight of long-term objectives.
• An increasing appetite for finance leaders to be critical players in innovation, as well as the challenges they face in implementing innovation within their own departments.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

A severe talent shortage is threatening the foundation of the finance function: accounting.

The accounting profession is facing a critical talent shortage, threatening the foundation of financial operations across accounting firms and businesses of all sizes. Mark Maurer, reporter for

The Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal team, joins host Melissa Howatson to explore this pressing issue. Drawing from his extensive coverage of the shrinking talent pipeline, Maurer discusses the factors driving the increased demand for accountants and the dwindling supply of qualified professionals.

As competition for accounting talent intensifies, this episode offers valuable insights for CFOs, finance leaders, and business executives. Join us for a timely discussion on the urgent talent gap and its far-reaching impact on the future of finance teams and beyond.

Discussed in This Episode:

• The consequences of the current talent shortage, both on daily business operations, and long-term opportunities.
• What’s behind the sharp decline in CPA candidates and a dwindling interest in the accounting profession, and what plans are in place to regrow the pipeline.
• How finance leaders can retain talent by making accounting team members feel more engaged and valued.
• Ways to prevent burnout on short-staffed accounting teams, especially given the seasonality of the business function.
• The role AI will play in the future of accounting and solving the talent shortage.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Financial data alone can’t drive a company’s success; it’s the CFO’s ability to turn that data into a compelling narrative that moves the needle. Whether engaging investors, rallying the board, or inspiring internal teams, the power lies in transforming raw data into stories that align with the company’s vision and steer it through both challenges and opportunities.

In this episode, Stephen Bates, Chief Financial Officer of Canford Healthcare Ltd. shares his more than 20 years of experience in finance roles across a wide range of industries in the UK. Stephen discusses the crucial role CFOs play in transforming financial data into engaging stories that drive business outcomes, especially during uncertain times.

Learn how effective narratives and storytelling can propel companies toward their strategic goals.

Discussed in This Episode:

• The importance of transparency and clarity in financial storytelling. 
• Weaving your strategic vision into the financial stories you tell. 
• How to select the right metrics and KPIs that align with your story and communicate them through data visualization. 
• Techniques for connecting financial data with emotional appeals to inspire and motivate stakeholders. 
• The key components of an effective change narrative: setting the stage, identifying the drivers of change, outlining the journey, and envisioning the future. 

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Filmed at Vena’s Excelerate Finance 2024 Summit, this episode features insights from FP&A and accounting leaders about the demands and rewards of their work. Join us as we dive into the importance of cross-functional collaboration, the art of balancing strategic vision with daily tasks, and the leadership skills that make a difference. Discover how teamwork and a purpose-driven mindset are shaping the future of finance.

Featured Guests in Order of Appearance:

• [00:00], [01:03] Blake Dunaway, Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Corcentric
• [00:46] Eugene Fedorinov, MBA, CFA,Sr. Manager, Finance Database & Budget Analysis, Arizona Cardinals 
• [02:43] Pat Jones, SVP, Corporate Controller, PetIQ
• [04:15] Sultan Akif, Unicorn Account Executive,  Microsoft
• [06:02] Harjot Ghai, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Delbridge Solutions, Inc.
• [06:48] Christine Harms, Vice President and Controller, The Tuscon Roadrunners
• [07:26] Brian Krause, Chief Financial Officer, Community First Solutions
• [07:34] Jesse Funes, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis, New Horizons
• [11:07] Dan Crumb, Chief Financial Officer, Kansas City Chiefs
• [13:04] Carrie Self, Senior Director of Business Intelligence, Tacala Companies

Discussed in This Episode:

• What finance leaders enjoy most about their jobs, from working with so many other teams to being at the center of every major business decision.
• How finance leaders feel they could be even more impactful with the help of their team and colleagues,
• What finance leaders wish other colleagues understood about their jobs, and what it takes to be successful.
• How FP&A roles have changed over time, and why it’s so important to have a bridge between strategic and tactical work.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com. 

The CEO-CFO partnership is arguably the cornerstone of an organization’s success, shaping not only its financial health but its strategic trajectory. This relationship is a delicate balance of mutual respect, candid dialogue, and aligned vision. A thriving CEO-CFO dynamic goes beyond simple collaboration; it involves a continuous cycle of challenging each other’s perspectives, reinforcing financial discipline, and driving innovative strategies. 

Our host and CFO of Vena, Melissa Howatson, shares such a dynamic relationship with Vena CEO Hunter Madeley. Together, they explore the unique perspectives of their respective roles and how aligning them is key to ensuring that the business is healthy today and positioned for sustainable growth.

Learn how the CEO and CFO partnership can be a strategic catalyst for success and discover how this strategic alliance is more than just a business necessity—it’s the key to unlocking the full potential of an organization, ensuring its resilience today and its growth well into the future.

Discussed In This Episode: 

• What’s top of mind for today’s CEOs and how finance leaders can support them through uncertain economic times
• The evolving role of CFOs, and whether they should be perceived as order-takers or strategic sparring partners in shaping the future of the business
• How CFOs can use their unique vantage points to help other functional leaders be more future-centric
• The horizons of investments, and how CFOs can help CEOs commit to short and long-term goals

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been in effect since 2018, reshaping how businesses handle personal data across the globe. While many view GDPR as solely a legal or IT challenge, its impact ripples far beyond those departments—it touches every aspect of an organization. 

For CFOs, GDPR isn’t just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding the financial health of the company, managing operational risks, and ensuring long-term sustainability. CFOs must be at the forefront of creating a GDPR-compliant organization, not only to avoid costly penalties but to protect the organization's reputation.

Greet Gemels is the Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Advantage Group International, where she oversees the Finance, Human Resources, and Operations functions of a global market research company. In this episode, Greet and host Melissa Howatson discuss the critical implications of GDPR for CFOs and analyze the financial and operational risks involved.

Discover how CFOs can effectively navigate current and evolving GDPR requirements to mitigate data security risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and safeguard their organization's financial and operational integrity.

Discussed in This Episode

• How GDPR data privacy laws have transformed data handling practices and regulatory compliance across organizations.
• The tangible and intangible costs of achieving GDPR compliance, along with the serious repercussions of non-compliance.
• The risks and implications of working with third-party vendors for tasks such as human resources and payroll.
• The critical need for strategic resource allocation, cross-functional collaboration, and robust metrics to assess the financial impact of GDPR compliance efforts.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Filmed at Vena’s Excelerate Finance 2024 Summit,we had the opportunity to engage with a range of FP&A leaders, discussing the current state of business operations and their financial priorities as they strategize for 2025 and beyond.

Learn what’s top of mind for CFOs, finance leaders and Microsoft, and how they plan to support business growth in the year ahead.

Featured Guests in Order of Appearance:

• [00:00], [01:53] Dan Crumb, Chief Financial Officer, Kansas City Chiefs
• [00:48],  [11:40]  Harjot Ghai, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Delbridge Solutions, Inc.
• [03:05] Jesse Funes, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis, New Horizons
• [03:53], [09:05] Eugene Fedorinov, MBA, CFA, Sr. Manager, Finance Database & Budget Analysis, Arizona Cardinals
• [04:13] Pat Jones, SVP, Corporate Controller, PetIQ
• [04:51] Sultan Akif, Unicorn Account Executive,  Microsoft
• [06:34] Carrie Self, Senior Director of Business Intelligence, Tacala Companies
• [07:26] Brian Krause, Chief Financial Officer, Community First Solutions

Discussed In This Episode:

• The state of business operations at various organizations, including recent process improvements and investments, as well as ongoing challenges
• How CFOs plan to adapt their financial strategies in the second half of the year to navigate potential economic shifts or market volatility
• Strategies CFOs and other finance leaders are implementing to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting processes and prepare their organizations for growth
• Where CFOs feel they need to make continued investments in the year ahead, including AI and other technologies

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Today's CFOs must excel at both driving organizational productivity while ensuring operational efficiency.

Brian Krause is the CFO at Community First Solutions, brings more than 20 years of experience building and leading financial teams, having served as a VP of Finance, Controller, and three-time CFO. He joins host Melissa Howatson to break down the difference between productivity and efficiency, and to explore how CFOs can strike the right balance to drive stronger results. 

Learn how to maximize productivity on your finance team without sacrificing efficiency, and vice versa.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Distinguishing productivity from efficiency, and the critical importance of ensuring all team members grasp this fundamental difference.
• The potential pitfalls of emphasizing either productivity or efficiency.
• How to leverage technology and streamline processes to build lean, agile finance teams.
• Actionable insights to help CFOs become ultra-efficient leaders in today's dynamic business environment.
• Strategies for finance leaders to cultivate an organizational culture that prioritizes both productivity and efficiency.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

The ability to transform raw complex financial data into a compelling narrative has become a critical skill. Mastering the art of finance data storytelling enables finance professionals to distill complex information into strategic insights, driving pivotal boardroom decisions and shaping business strategy.

Akash Kapoor is the CFO at ColdBlock Technologies and has been advising finance leaders on operations and strategy for the last 25 years. Host Melissa Howatson welcomes Akash to explore the transformative power of financial storytelling. Together, they delve into how mastering this critical skill can revolutionize organizational decision-making and propel finance professionals to new heights in their careers. As new technologies give us access to swaths of data, it’s more important than ever to have a finance department that can interpret data and turn numbers into clear business narratives. 

Learn how financial professionals can break down data silos and guide strategic decisions through compelling, data-driven narratives.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Discover techniques to transform complex financial data into engaging stories that inform and inspire action.
• The importance of tailoring presentations to various stakeholders, including C-suites, employees, and investors, depending on their financial acumen and objectives.
• Learn how to leverage storytelling techniques, narrative structures, and data visualization tools to bring your financial data to life and make your insights impossible to ignore.
• Understand why emerging technologies are elevating the role of finance professionals within organizations.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

In today's customer-centric business landscape, a leadership team that truly understands its customers is crucial. Everyone in the C-Suite should be learning from one another and challenging one another to be more customer-focused.

April Oman, the Chief Customer Officer at Resilinc, brings a unique perspective to the leadership team. While her primary role is championing customer success, she's gained invaluable insights about her customers from unexpected sources—including the company's CFO. April is an accomplished customer success executive with 20 years of experience. She is known for driving results and revenue and transforming organizations to be customer-centric in a wide variety of industries and company sizes

In this installment of our "Better Business Partnering" series, April joins host Melissa Howatson to explore the powerful synergy between Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Chief Customer Officers (CCOs). They delve into April's collaborative experiences with CFOs, examining how this partnership drives innovation across the organization, improves operational efficiency through cross-functional teamwork, and fosters sustainable growth.

Discover how breaking down silos between finance and customer success can lead to transformative outcomes and customer satisfaction.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Strategies to nurture a strong partnership between the finance and customer teams
• How to align financial strategies with customer-centric initiatives
• The number one trait that April values in a CFO, and how a CFO can help a CCO be more effective
• The value a CCO offers to CFOs and the broader C-suite
• Points of friction between CFOs and CCOs, and how to overcome them

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

The art of corporate debt management has become a critical balancing act for CFOs, who must simultaneously fuel company expansion and preserve financial robustness.   

Debt is a critical tool that, when leveraged effectively, can drive operational efficiency and business expansion. By structuring debt strategically, organizations can optimize liquidity, mitigate financial risk, and enhance overall capital efficiency.

Tom Panther, former Chief Financial Officer of Corpay, a leading S&P 500 corporate payments company, joins our host Melissa Howatson to discuss the complexities of debt management. Drawing on his 30+ years of experience in finance, Tom explains how CFOs can navigate debt management amid fluctuating market conditions and leverage these changes to benefit their organizations.  

Discover Tom’s strategies for effective spend management, proactive cash flow monitoring, and successfully adapting to today’s new business landscape.  

Discussed in This Episode:  

• The macroeconomic impacts resulting from the Federal Reserve rate cuts and broader market volatility.   
• Strategies CFOs are employing to adapt their financial approaches in response to economic shifts.  
• Advice on how to maximize debt structure.  
• How businesses can hedge against volatility.  
• Positioning your organization for future growth in an evolving climate.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Agile isn't just a buzzword—it's the key to unlocking your finance team's full potential in a changing market.

While annual budgeting and planning can be daunting, adopting Agile methodologies can transform this process into a dynamic, collaborative effort that propels your business forward, replacing rigid forecasts with flexible, data-driven strategies that adapt to market shifts in real-time.

Dominic DiBernardo is a Partner at Citrin Cooperman, where he helps middle-market businesses optimize their finance and business operations. In this episode, Dominic shares how to incorporate agile strategies into a finance team’s annual budgeting and planning cycle. These methodologies, he argues, will make finance teams more efficient and collaborative, so that they can withstand changes in market conditions and foster growth. 

Discover how finance leaders are revolutionizing their teams by cultivating nimble cultures and leveraging agile methodologies to enhance precision in strategic planning and dynamic budgeting processes.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Practical tips for finance leaders who are looking to pivot more quickly in response to emerging trends, shifting market conditions, and changing business needs. 
• How to leverage real-time data, cultivate a budget-conscious culture, emphasizing accountability and shared objectives, along with adopting budgeting practices that adeptly adjust to market shifts. 
• How finance leaders can foster an agile culture, as well as a collaborative and negotiation-focused approach to agile planning and budgeting.
• The importance of having the right technology in place to accommodate change and speed up processes, as well as the role AI will play in advancing FP&A.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

The Office of Finance is on the cusp of a transformative evolution, driven primarily by advancements in AI.

While finance professionals often find themselves bogged down with manual tasks, leaving little room for strategic thinking and data analysis, AI provides critical data and time efficiencies enabling the Office of Finance to focus on business strategy.

Rishi Grover, Co-Founder and Chief Solutions Architect at Vena, has spent most of his career helping companies re-engineer and optimize their financial processes. In this episode, Rishi shares how financial leaders can implement AI to reduce repetitive, manual work across their teams and increase focus on strategy. 

Learn how CFOs and finance leaders can take a pragmatic approach to AI adoption to improve finance functions, transform decision-making, and drive operational efficiency within their organizations.

Discussed In This Episode:

• AI’s potential to streamline and automate time-consuming processes, provide data-driven insights and handle complex tasks
• Tips for Incorporating AI into the Finance Function
• How to address security concerns, find internal champions, and securely leverage AI technology
• Advanced use cases of generative AI and the broader implications of this technology for the Office of Finance
• How to measure the ROI of AI adoption in finance operations

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Continuous learning is not just a nice thing to have; it’s a critical necessity in Finance. As regulations, finance tools, and technologies evolve, finance professionals must stay up to date to move at the pace of business. 

Bryan Lapidus helps financial professionals match that change. Bryan is Director of the FP&A Practice at the Association for Financial Professionals, where he leverages his 20 years of experience in finance, risk, and operations to create and lead educational programs for AFP members.

In this episode, Bryan talks to host Melissa Howatson about the many ways finance professionals can engage in ongoing learning on the job and through outside programs and networking opportunities.

Learn how CFOs and finance leaders can instill a culture of continuous learning and how finance professionals can embrace a growth mindset to advance in their careers.

Discussed In This Episode:

• Strategies for financial leaders to promote a growth mindset and continuous learning
• The effectiveness of micro-learning and its application at critical moments
• Analyzing the return on investment (ROI) of continuous education and strategies to counteract the inclination to cut educational expenses
• The benefits of cross-functional learning in all stages of a finance professional’s career
• Indicators that finance professionals should consider when selecting an employer that supports continuous learning

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Finance teams that want to be more data-driven need both technology that can consolidate mountains of data, and skilled professionals who can interpret what it all means.

Thomas Ho serves as the Vice President at ProLytics Consulting Group, guiding clients through the digital transformation in finance. Thomas discusses how data gathering methods are revolutionizing finance roles, necessitating new skills that finance professionals need to master to keep pace with rapid change.

Learn what hard skills are essential to the modern Office of Finance and how finance leaders can upskill their teams to improve the accuracy and efficiency of financial forecasting and modeling.

Discussed In This Episode:

• The transformative impact of technology on the Finance Department and the evolving requirements of finance occupations
• The critical importance of data literacy, data visualization, and data analytics for modern finance professionals
• The importance of learning SQL and other programming languages to perform needed data analysis and financial modeling
• How micro-learning and cross-team training can allow finance professionals to acquire new skills on the job and level up in their roles
• The tools and tech stack finance teams need to support data collection and data interpretation

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

AI is poised to revolutionize the way we work. Businesses across the globe are investing resources into the development needed to make AI an everyday reality. Leading the charge, Microsoft is pioneering the incorporation of AI into business and daily workflows.

Melissa Howatson sits down with Ahmed Adel, the Director of Data, Apps & AI Cloud Solution Architecture at Microsoft to discuss Microsoft’s continuous investments in AI, along with the implications these innovations could have for finance professionals and the potential impact of AI on the future of work.

Learn how Microsoft sees the ultimate future state of business operations for finance teams and beyond.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Microsoft's ongoing investments in AI, the evolving interaction between people and technology, and the potential impact of AI on the future of work
• How AI will elevate finance leadership by freeing up time for more strategic work, and improving the speed and accuracy of financial reporting
• How Microsoft prioritizes investments and works with partners to ensure that their innovations have the greatest impact
• Why organizations should be careful to implement AI in the right places, and how they can prepare their workforces for changes that AI will inevitably bring
• How Microsoft ensures its AI products are used ethically and responsibly

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

New technologies are changing finance roles, freeing up time for more analysis, strategy, and storytelling. As these roles evolve, so too do the soft skills financial professionals need to do their jobs well. 

Meg Bear, Controller at Turner Enterprises, has more than 20 years of experience leading finance teams and redesigning business processes. Meg sits down with host Melissa Howatson to discuss how CFOs and finance leaders can adapt their leadership styles and hiring standards to better fit the modern FP&A team. 

Learn how finance leaders should prioritize soft skills as they build the future office of finance.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Cultivating a work setting where empowerment and meaningful tasks are the foundation
• Strategies for ensuring your team feels valued as you implement new systems and processes
• Exploring the reasons behind the formation of siloes and how finance leaders can work to dismantle them for improved interdepartmental collaboration and integrated business strategy.
• The significance of possessing essential soft skills and maintaining transparency throughout the hiring process
• How leaders can be a talent magnet, building and retaining teams that work well together

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Employee burnout is on the rise, fueled by shrinking budgets and mounting pressure for employees to achieve more with less. But how can CFOs and finance leaders gauge the breaking point for their teams?

Ruchi Kasliwal has been building and guiding finance and accounting teams for over 15 years. With a deep passion for optimizing human and system resources, Ruchi joins Melissa to share vital strategies to protect their employees from burnout. By proactively identifying signs of burnout and offering effective support, leaders can prevent the loss of valuable team members. And by acknowledging the stressors inherent in finance roles, leaders can proactively implement strategies to protect teams from burnout while ensuring their well-being and productivity.

Join us as we discover the key techniques for tackling high-pressure finance environments and empowering teams to thrive.

Discussed In This Episode:

• Understanding good stress vs. bad stress
• Implementing a buddy system to improve team communication around workload
• Burnout warning signs that can help finance leaders identify when employees are struggling with prioritization or too much work
• Planning time off so that employees can truly unplug and unwind when they’re out of the office
• Working with your team to prioritize the most important tasks and automate tedious or unnecessary tasks

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

If a CRO is expected to understand the balance sheet, shouldn’t the CFO be just as familiar with the sales playbook? A strong partnership between these roles is critical to a company’s financial health, and each must be able to support the other. 

In this installment of our better business partnering series, Puneet Arora, President at Yellow.ai, joins Melissa Howatson to discuss how CFOs can build effective relationships with their CROs. With more than 25 years of experience leading sales teams in high-growth SaaS organizations—and as a former CRO himself—Puneet shares what he has learned from working closely with CFOs. He reflects on the many CFO-CRO partnerships he’s been part of and highlights what made the most successful ones stand out. 

Discover how to strengthen alignment between the Office of Finance and revenue operations by fostering not just rapport, but true strategic partnership. 

Discussed in This Episode: 

• The unique responsibilities of the CFO and CRO, and how a strong partnership leads to better business outcomes. 
• The increasing importance of the revenue operations team in modern organizations and the layer of support they bring to the business. 
• Some of the top challenges CROs are facing in today’s business landscape, and how CFOs can support them through these challenges. 
• Common points of friction between the finance and revenue operations teams, and how they can work better together to uncover growth opportunities and get deals done. 
• Traits CROs appreciate in a CFO, and tactics CFOs can use to facilitate a productive relationship with the revenue operations team. 

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com. 

FP&A professionals spend so much of their time gathering data, and only a small portion analyzing it. Integrating digital transformation in finance has the potential to shift this dynamic by automating data collection and allowing more time for in-depth analysis and interpretation.

Stacy Brown is VP at CBIZ (Formerly Marcum Technology) and has more than 15 years of experience advising on ERP and CPM implementations. Stacy specializes in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), financial reporting, workforce planning, and financial forecasting, leveraging her extensive accounting and finance background to help organizations create efficiencies within their finance organizations.

In this episode, Stacy talks to host Melissa Howatson about the lessons she’s learned through these implementations and her advice for organizations beginning their digital transformation journeys.

Learn how finance can benefit from investing in digitization, and the role CFOs need to play in leading digital transformation within their organizations. 

Discussed in This Episode:

• Identifying opportunities for digitization and how an outside consultant can help spot inefficiencies.
• The five steps of a digital transformation journey in finance, including the implementation of a modern ERP.
• How to build a lean, flexible, and cost-effective tech stack.
• Common pitfalls that slow down software implementations.
• How to select the right vendor for your current and future needs.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

CFOs are experts in growing a business, navigating volatile economic environments, and acting as leaders inside and outside the organization. But as they focus on these big-picture problems, they naturally become removed from many day-to-day operations. It can be a challenge to stay sharp on basic skills and be informed about new trends and technologies.  

Thomas Krolak, Director of FP&A at Vena, has a front-row seat to how our CFO and show host, Melissa Howatson, handles this challenge. In this episode, Thomas and Melissa flip the script, with Thomas interviewing Melissa about how to stay sharp as a CFO. Melissa discusses some best practices for continued learning, as well as some humbling moments in her leadership career. 

Learn how CFOs keep their tactical skills sharp as they move a little farther away from day-to-day action. 

Discussed in This Episode: 

• How busy CFOs can stay current with industry trends. 
• The value of sharing insights with peers, mentors, and your broader network. 
• How to maximize ROI from conferences and other external learning opportunities. 
• Why is it important to revisit foundational skills from time to time. 
• The benefits of learning from rising stars within your organization. 

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Intellectual property (IP) is revolutionizing how companies build value. For many businesses, the key to sustainable growth lies not in their balance sheet, but in the ideas they own. 

Erin-Michael Gill, founder of M&A firm Genaesis, LLC, and Chairman of a Federal Advisory Committee on Intellectual Property and Trade, shares his expertise in this episode. With over $1.2 billion in M&A and capital formation investments under his advisory, Gill is consistently recognized as one of the world's leading IP strategists. 

Erin-Michael delves into the intersection of IP strategy, innovation, and deal-making. He discusses how CFOs can unlock the full potential of their IP portfolios to fuel growth, attract investors, and drive success in M&A transactions. 

Discover why IP should be at the forefront of your business strategy and learn practical approaches to developing and managing IP assets. 

Discussed in This Episode: 

• The pivotal role of IP and intangible assets in driving company valuation and growth, with a focus on M&A contexts. 
• Why many businesses overlook their potential to monetize IP and other intangible assets. 
• How a well-crafted IP portfolio can become a cornerstone of a company's growth strategy, attract investors, and secure competitive advantages.  
• The various ways patents add value to a business, from legal protections to social proof.  
• Strategies for assessing, valuing, and positioning intangible assets to optimize outcomes in deal-making scenarios.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

What makes an exceptional, growth-driving CFO? 

Vinny Prajka may understand this better than anyone. In his role at JMI Equity, he has worked with dozens of CFOs, helping portfolio companies accelerate growth and overcome operational challenges. He also serves on multiple boards and previously held CFO positions at SonaCare Medical and Blackbaud Inc. 

In this episode, Vinny talks to host Melissa Howatson about the best CFOs he’s worked with and the qualities these A-players all have in common.  

Discover how, as a CFO, you can help drive growth in your organization, demonstrate exceptional leadership, effectively communicate with investors, and become the driving force behind business performance. 

Discussed in This Episode: 

• The delicate balance between driving organizational growth and managing costs, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. 
• The importance of the CFO’s key relationships, particularly with the CEO and the Board of Directors. 
• How to create and communicate alignment between the CEO and the CFO. 
• Why CFOs should adopt a zero-based budgeting mindset to continually assess and reassess the value of every role within the organization. 
• The value of maintaining a long-range plan (LRP) and how frequently a CFO should revisit and update it. 

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com. 

CFOs wield significant influence in safeguarding a company’s financial data, but entrusting cybersecurity solely to their CIOs may jeopardize privacy and open the door to data breaches.

As a Partner at Plante Moran, Joe Oleksak advises businesses on cybersecurity, IT audit, and technology compliance. He has more than twenty years of information systems security and information technology audit experience in financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and insurance companies.

In this episode, Joe and host Melissa Howatson discuss the role CFOs play in protecting financial data against cyber threats, and how they can partner with CIOs and CEOs to build a holistic cybersecurity operation that prioritizes culture and processes as much as technology. 

Learn how important the CFO is to modern cybersecurity risk management, and the steps CFOs should take to protect their organizations against privacy and security threats.

Discussed in This Episode:

• The evolving cyber threat landscape, and how hacker attacks are gaining strength.  
• Why people and processes are just as important to cybersecurity as technology. 
• How CFOs, CEOs, and CIOs should work together to create a holistic approach to cybersecurity. 
• Proactive strategies for CFOs to safeguard their organizations and mitigate risk. 
• The distinction between privacy and security, and why understanding this difference is essential for protecting financial data.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Market volatility in the last few years has shifted the business landscape. We’ve gone from a “growth at all costs” mindset, to one that is hyper-focused on efficiency.

This shift has had a huge impact on the Office of Finance. In this episode, recorded as a keynote onstage at Excelerate Finance 2024, host Melissa Howatson and Vena’s Director of FP&A, Thomas Krolak, discuss the ways the CFO’s role has evolved, as well as changes that are yet to come.

Learn what the future of finance holds, and what strategic finance leaders can do to unlock the potential in their people and data as they contend with unprecedented challenges.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Disruptive forces that are changing the way businesses operate
• How the scope of the finance team is growing as businesses reprioritize efficiency and productivity
• New ways FP&A leaders can use their skillsets to uncover business opportunities
• Anticipated investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how new technologies will strengthen FP&A insights

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

A job description that is 40% controller, 20% bookkeeper and 20% Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) is going to be near impossible to fill. But for many businesses, this is exactly the sort of hybrid role they need.

Outsourced accounting, through fractional models, has emerged as an option for businesses seeking flexibility, cost-efficiency, and specialized expertise in their financial operations. 

Dani Sandler works with those businesses at ScaleNorth, an outsourced accounting partner and NetSuite Solutions provider. In this episode, Dani shares how fractional finance services allow businesses to access a diverse pool of accounting professionals with varying skill sets, without having to increase their headcount.

Learn how businesses leverage outsourced accounting and fractional models to reduce costs and improve processes and accuracy in accounting. 

Discussed in This Episode:

• The benefits of fractional models in finance, from cost-effectiveness to scalability
• How outsourced accounting drives operational efficiency and enhances decision-making processes
• What types of businesses see the most value in an outsourced accounting model
• How to select the right outsourced accounting provider for your business and how to get the most value out of the partnership
• Implementing an ERP system such as NetSuite, and how businesses can optimize the platform for their unique needs

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Accountants work with certainties, recording and reporting on past financial transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance. FP&A professionals, however, are concerned with what-ifs, looking toward the future in the forms of forecasting and strategic planning. It’s no wonder these two sides of the finance team can sometimes feel their goals are incongruent.  

David Cornfield of World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF) and Tom Seegmiller of Texada Software each started their careers on one side of the finance team and now oversee both functions. They understand what can cause friction between these two roles and the dangers of working in silos.  

In this episode, David and Tom sit down with host Melissa Howatson to discuss the processes needed to build stronger collaboration across the finance team, improving data accuracy for accounting, forecasting accuracy for FP&A, and ultimately driving insights and value for the team as a whole. 

Learn how both FP&A and accounting professionals approach their work, and how to build a cohesive and healthy finance team by aligning their KPIs. 

Discussed in This Episode: 

• The benefits of a strong, symbiotic relationship between FP&A and accounting, and how this partnership can improve overall efficiency and support better decision-making. 
• The perspectives Tom and David have gained on accounting and FP&A as their responsibilities have grown, including what they wish they had known earlier in their finance careers. 
• How FP&A, with its emphasis on forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning, can equip accountants with forward-looking insights that help them anticipate trends and allocate resources more effectively. 
• How accountants, through their attention to detail and commitment to regulatory standards, ensure the accuracy and integrity of the financial data that FP&A relies on. 
• Examples of processes Tom and David have implemented to align their FP&A and accounting teams and to standardize data across both functions. 

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com. 

The transformative potential of AI for finance teams is extraordinary. CFOs need to educate themselves on how, where and when to adopt new technologies, and what they can be doing ahead of adoption to prepare their organizations. 

Howard Dresner is a technologist, researcher, and one of the foremost thought leaders in business intelligence. In this episode, Howard discusses the research his firm, Dresner Advisory Services, has conducted on AI adoption, as well as his predictions for how next-generation AI technologies will be used in Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A). Howard also explains how AI works and why the insights it generates are so much more sophisticated than what we can produce in a spreadsheet.

Learn how innovation in AI is likely to impact FP&A, and how these developments will elevate the Office of Finance. Even if you don’t plan to be a first-mover, Howard’s insights can help your business get ready for the integration of these new technologies, long before you actually invest in them.

Discussed in This Episode:

• How AI will empower finance professionals to navigate complex data landscapes with unprecedented precision and agility. 
• Potential use cases for AI in FP&A, including forecasting and churn and risk assessment. 
• The difference between AI and generative AI, as well as the strengths and limitations of each. 
• When businesses should invest in AI, and how they should prepare for adoption ahead of those investments through education and policymaking. 
• The history of business intelligence and Howard’s view on how it has evolved over the last few decades. 

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Small businesses rarely have the budget to hire a full finance team, but they still need the same diverse range of support across payroll, accounting and financial planning as a large corporation. Some companies decide to outsource these functions to a dedicated finance and accounting partner as a more cost-effective and efficient way to handle their finance function needs and expedite growth. 

Kendra James-Anderson, founder of The Finance Femme, helps female entrepreneurs grow their businesses through virtual financial and accounting advisory. In this episode, Kendra gives us an inside look at a day in the life of a fractional CFO; shedding light on the value outsourced financial services can bring to small businesses. Kendra discusses when entrepreneurs should hire an outside finance partner, as well as how that partner should work with small businesses to stabilize or accelerate growth.   

Learn how a fractional CFO or an outsourced accounting team can help small business owners with everything from basic accounting obligations to long-term business strategies.   

Discussed in This Episode: 

• A close-up look at the office of the fractional CFO, from how they function to how they support clients. 
• The increasing small business need for a trusted financial advisor. 
• When entrepreneurs should seek outside finance assistance and guidance. 
• Entrepreneur’s shifting mindset toward business financial health post-COVID and now during economic uncertainty. 
• How a fractional CFO can support day-to-day operations and bring a growing business(es) to the next level. 

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com. 

A CFO is expected not only to lead financial reporting and the Office of Finance but also to provide strategic insights and strategies that propel the business forward. As a new CFO, you might feel eager to start doing the latter as soon as possible.  

But you don’t need to build your long-term strategy in the first few months on the job. When starting a new role as a CFO, your first 90 days should focus on learning about the organization and its members, building relationships across the business, and setting up a long-term vision. Only then can you start making big changes and building a roadmap for the future.  

Tom Seegmiller, CFO of Texada Software provides his five-bullet checklist for new CFOs. He reflects on what it’s like to navigate the first 90 days, both professionally and personally, and offers practical tips for anyone taking on a new CFO role. 

Learn how spending time in the trenches can help you better understand the business and secure some quick wins. Once you have a full understanding of the work your colleagues are doing and how each department operates, you’ll be in a much better position to create long-term strategic value for the organization.

Discussed in This Episode: 

• The value of building relationships and goodwill with stakeholders and partners across the business
• How to make yourself an invaluable partner to your CEO and other members of the C-Suite
• Assuming best intent, keeping an open mind, and demonstrating an eagerness to help your colleagues
• Aligning your vision to organizational and business goals
• Why mentorship matters throughout your career, even as CFO

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

If you like sports, you might say James Suh has one of the coolest jobs in the world. After 11 years with the Toronto Maple Leafs, James became CFO of the NHLs Florida Panthers. What a first year he had, as the Panthers went from barely making the playoffs to the Stanley Cup finals!  

In this episode, James gives us an inside look at what goes into finance operations for a sports team and what it was like to lead those operations for an underdog in a breakout year. His experiences offer valuable lessons in strategic planning, underscoring the importance of knowing your market and prioritizing long-term growth and profitability over quick sales streams. 

Discussed in This Episode:

• Understanding the finances of a hockey franchise
• The many streams of revenue in an NHL franchise, and how those differ from team to team
• Scenario modeling in an industry and market that are both highly unpredictable
• The impact fan behavior has on budgeting and revenue forecasting
• How winning impacts work culture, revenues and operations

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Amid uncertain market conditions, many companies are adopting a cautious "wait and see" stance regarding their initial public offering (IPO) plans. However, instead of delaying, proactive planning for an eventual IPO launch is essential. By preparing in advance, companies can capitalize on market opportunities, mitigate risks, and position themselves strategically for a successful public offering when market conditions stabilize. 

Donna Dellomo, Former EVP and CFO and Current Senior Strategic Advisor for Lovesac, has helped three companies go public throughout her long career leading finance teams. In this episode, Donna discusses how she built data-driven finance operations and prepared her teams to operate as public companies. Donna’s experiences highlight the importance of investing in technology and establishing the right controls to ensure a healthy public offering, as well as how adaptability can help keep your valuation high.

Learn what meticulous planning and organization it takes for IPO readiness. While you can’t control when market conditions will shift in your favor, you can ensure you and your finance team are ready when they do. 

Discussed in This Episode:

• Key factors to consider when timing your IPO
• Why building the right team of advisors (bankers, lawyers, auditors, investor relations, etc.) is key to fundraising and storytelling
• The role of agile planning and scenario forecasting in your IPO-readiness strategy.
• How Donna and her team navigated unprecedented macroeconomic shifts, such as COVID, supply chain disruption, and tariffs
• Leveling up as a CFO by learning to communicate with the Street and spearhead investor relations
• Cultural differences that arise once you go from private to public, and how to stay true to your company values

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

The journey from being a solo finance expert to architecting a robust finance function is complex. Knowing where to begin and how to proceed can shape the future of your department and company.

In this episode, host Melissa Howatson welcomes Amy Ward, CFO of Blue River PetCare, to discuss the intricacies of building a finance function from the ground up. Amy shares her journey from Senior Accountant to CFO, offering valuable insights into the strategic approach required to align finance with organizational goals and drive sustainable growth. Amy joined Blue River PetCare's team in 2014 as a Senior Accountant and, since then, has played a critical role in the development and management of their Accounting and Payroll teams.

Discover how finance leaders should navigate hiring, technology investments, and cross-departmental collaboration as they build and nurture a finance team to drive long-term success.

Discussed in This Episode:

• The most important considerations for finance leaders before making their first hire
• Why Amy invested first in her accounts payable team, and how she now views this function as a breeding ground for talent
• How to assess the technologies a business truly needs at various stages of its growth
• Navigating the challenges of transitioning from a small to a larger, more complex finance function
• Why culture fit is often overlooked in finance, but is just as important as in any other part of the business
• Why cultural fit is often overlooked in finance, but is just as important as in any other part of the business

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

As your business grows, you may feel a lot of pressure to meet increasing operational demands. However, investing in new resources brings the company additional risk, especially in times of economic uncertainty. How do you strike the right balance between prioritization, creating operational efficiencies and hiring?

Andy Young, CFO at Horwich Farrelly, has led finance teams through multiple acquisitions and periods of high growth. In this episode, Andy and host Melissa Howatson discuss how to scale up finance operations amongst global economic shifts. Their conversation focuses on re-evaluating the traditional financial framework and implementing innovative strategies as technologies advance and business structures become more complex.

Learn how to approach high-growth seasons and lead your team through major business changes. 

Discussed in This Episode:

• The challenges of scaling up and practical solutions to address them
• How to lead and inspire a finance team through business and economic changes 
• What to do when there’s a misalignment between resources and growth plans
• Automating processes to trim down operations while you scale up
• The importance of a dedicated team during acquisitions

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Startups in highly regulated industries must strike a tough balance — keeping operations both lean and compliant.

Sruthi Lanka, CFO at Public.com, leans on her engineering background, as well as out-of-the-box thinking from her team, to meet both criteria. Sruthi explains why she made process efficiency a top priority for her team, and how a combination of high and low-tech solutions has created efficiencies and mitigated risk. 

Learn what it takes to fortify your organization against unforeseen risk management challenges with this in-depth look at Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and internal controls.

Discussed in This Episode:

• The impact of automation on internal controls and how to make time for automation when you’re resource-constrained
• The importance of accurate and unified data across the business
• Ensuring regulatory and data compliance when leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)
• How smarter checks and balances and risk management can improve the quality of your business

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Achieving optimal growth calls for collaboration between marketing and finance.

Ruth Zive, CMO at LivePerson, joins Melissa Howatson to dive into data-driven decisions and the critical need for business partnering between the CMO and CFO. She shares insights on driving scalable growth, pipeline coverage and brand awareness in B2B SaaS marketing, as well as nuanced marketing metrics and the impact of AI investments on customer experience.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Marketing strategy and data-driven decision making
• Improving finance-marketing business partnerships for better outcomes
• Metrics, ROI, and efficiency in enterprise B2B SaaS

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

When it comes to metrics, less is more.

Host Melissa Howatson, is joined by Craig Schiff, Founder and CEO of BPM Partners. A pioneer in Business Performance Management, Craig helped create and define the field as it evolved from generic business intelligence and analytic applications into BPM.

In this episode, we unpack the crucial components, dashboards, scorecards, KPIs, and metrics that drive business performance management and strategic business success. We discuss the mismatch between technological progress and the slow evolution of organizational processes and culture in performance management. This conversation is filled with practical advice on navigating the complexities of business performance metrics and creating synergy between strategy and execution. 

Discussed in This Episode: 

• The challenges of today’s performance management and business metrics.
• How can the Office of Finance take the lead when it comes to performance culture within the business. 
• Differences between dashboards, scorecards, KPIs, and metrics.
• Common pitfalls companies face, from static approaches to KPI development to internal political resistance that hinders strategic execution. 
• How to align business strategies with performance measures and foster a productive and enjoyable work culture.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Finance business partnering is crucial for aligning financial strategies with overall business objectives, but what are the essential skills that finance professionals need to make truly successful business partners?

Hosts Melissa Howatson and Tom Seegmiller discuss moving beyond finance and technical expertise to develop key skills such as empathy, communication, negotiation, leading with influence and developing business acumen. These skills are crucial for fostering effective collaboration, understanding diverse perspectives, and driving meaningful outcomes in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Discussed in This Episode:

• How to balance technical expertise with empathy and influence to shape business strategies and drive change.
• Have a genuine interest and understanding the other parts of the business and what they’re doing and be willing to get out of your lane of Finance to form solid partnerships
• Encourage a culture where failure is a learning tool that fosters team growth and innovation.
• Embrace lull periods within business for skill development, to ensure the team is prepared to lead and adapt to new challenges.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

How can you showcase value and ROI effectively when talking about your business with customers and with stakeholders across the business?

In this episode, host Melissa Howatson sits down with Ian Campbell, CEO of Nucleus Research, to explore the complexities of financial collaboration and its role in driving business success. Ian, a Wall Street Journal best-selling author known for his expertise in “the value sale,” shares powerful insights on embedding sales knowledge and ROI best practices throughout an organization. His emphasis on payback and customer satisfaction provides a clear, practical framework for evaluating decisions and strengthening performance across the entire business. 

Discussed in This Episode:

• Leading sales conversations with value propositions and ROI calculations
• Empowering sales teams with finance insights to articulate the benefits of products or services effectively
• The significance of collaboration between finance and sales in driving revenue growth and aligning sales strategies with financial objectives
• Implementing finance collaboration principles across Marketing and Product development to optimize investments and maximize returns

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

A strong partnership between finance and HR is crucial to the health of any organization, and yet, studies show that fewer than half of HR leaders believe their rapport with finance is productive.

What hampers this relationship? And what can the CFO do to improve the quality of their rapport with HR? Tracy Edkins, CHRO, Board Member and Advisor, joins Melissa Howaston to detail what strategic alignment between HR and Finance can achieve for growth and sustainability.

Discussed in This Episode:

• The significance of open communication and collaboration between HR and finance departments for successful change management and strategic alignment
• Strategies for data-driven decision-making, transparent communication, and securing resources to drive HR initiatives that align with business objectives.
• The role of effective leadership, empathy, and skills development in navigating organizational challenges

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Securing funding and raising capital in today’s market can be difficult, but it's not impossible.

In this episode, our host Melissa Howatson speaks with Peter Arrowsmith, Managing General Partner at JMI Equity, about businesses seeking capital in the current economic climate. Peter shares insights on what is most important when valuations are experiencing a downturn from previous years, and companies are prioritizing prudent cash management. From the impact of market fluctuations to the importance of relationship-building and operational rigor, this episode is a must for any CFO and finance leader seeking to secure funds during challenging market conditions.

Discussed in This Episode:

• The influence of market volatility and investor expectations on fundraising activity
• Strategies for proactive relationship-building and preparation to navigate the fundraising process effectively
• The significance of operational excellence and clear communication in securing funding amidst uncertain market conditions

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

Finance holds a unique and pivotal vantage within a company or organization and is much more than checks and balances. Finance is at the heart of optimizing the financial and operational performance of the organization on the whole and helps to guide leadership in making impactful strategic investments and aligning financial strategies with business vision and goals.

In this episode, hosts Melissa Howatson and Tom Seegmiller get to the heart of strategic finance as they discuss investments, priorities and tradeoffs.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Aligning investments with the business roadmap and priorities, focusing on areas such as headcount, technology, ESG, and supply chain
• Strategies for defining and implementing impactful initiatives to bridge gaps and drive the business priorities
• The crucial interplay between finance and overall business strategies, involving tough decision-making, open communication, and prioritization discussions

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

We made it to 2024, not unscathed, but with a new year and fresh outlook on the economy. Yet what created the uncertainties in the markets these past several years is still driving uncertainty. To run our business and our lives, most of us want to know: when will interest rates start to drop? Will employment rates stay strong? And a big question, with big impact: are wage increases on the horizon?

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com. 

This week, host Melissa Howatson gets to ask one of Canada’s leading economists all this and more. Benjamin Tal, Managing Director and Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC Capital Markets Inc, shares his insights, predictions and more.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Anticipation of normalizing labor markets and the impact on wages
• The lingering uncertainties in the global markets and the factors contributing to economic unpredictability
• How AI can affect profitability and long-term business strategies

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

The best leaders are insatiable learners, constantly seeking knowledge to fuel their growth. They forge connections with peers, stay attuned to industry trends, and eagerly embrace fresh perspectives.

In this special episode, host Melissa Howatson shares three of her top book recommendations, complemented by a curated selection of favorite reads from some past CFO Show guests.

Discover what CFOs and business leaders are reading to advance their skills, step outside their comfort zones, and bring continuous value to their teams and organizations.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.

How can CFOs escape the daily grind to focus on strategic initiatives that are increasingly being asked of them? Our day-to-day financial responsibilities are constantly competing with the pressing need for organizational innovation from financial leadership.

In this episode, Nicolas Herman, CFO, Microsoft Americas Enterprise, sits down with Melissa to discuss strategies for building and guiding teams to amplify their impact and offers advice to CFOs on how to differentiate themselves and ultimately leave their mark.

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com. 

How can organizations keep up with constant change in the digital landscape? Your CTO is a big asset in staying agile in an ever-changing business landscape. No longer are they primarily focused on technological needs, but key in working together with the CFO to drive strategic initiatives.

Hosts Melissa Howatson and Tom Seegmiller sit down with Joel Dolisy, Chief Technology Officer at WellSky, to explore the vital relationship between finance and technology. Joel discusses the natural tensions between the two functions, what successful partnerships look like, and how they can work together strategically. With consistent communication and thoughtful investment, he explains how aligning finance and technology ultimately drives growth and strengthens the business.

Discussed in This Episode

• Insights into the CTO’s role and the key areas they oversee
• The unique dynamics between the CTO, the finance team, and other groups across the organization
• Common sources of tension between CTOs and finance departments
• Real examples of effective collaboration between the finance office and the CTO

Episode Resources

• How To Develop a Finance Business Partnering Model
• Transforming Finance as a Strategic Business Partner | 0.5 CPE/CPD Course

For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.