Explore every episode of the podcast The Growth-Minded CFO
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acting like an owner and the value of international experience, with Rita Kale | 14 Oct 2024 | 00:38:27 | |
In this episode of The Growth Minded CFO, hosts Lauren and Alex speak with Rita Kale, a seasoned CFO with experience in global firms like Roche and New York-based biotech startups. The conversation delves into the evolving role of the CFO, emphasizing the importance of understanding and engaging with business processes beyond traditional financial functions. Rita shares her unique journey from international finance roles to leading financial operations in India, as well as how her early career experiences with ERP implementations have given her a unique view on finance technology projects. Rita also highlights the importance of work-life balance, and how she discovered running as a tool for personal reflection and problem-solving. The episode also touches upon the challenges and rewards of transitioning from large corporations to startups, which Rita has done several times in her career to date, showcasing the need for adaptability and strategic thinking in modern CFO roles. Conect with Rita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritakale/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| Introduction to The Growth-Minded CFO | 13 Oct 2024 | 00:04:14 | |
Get the lowdown on what our new podcast is about in this introductory episode. Forget the dusty stereotype of the CFO sitting in the corner, chained to a spreadsheet. Today's financial leader is a growth architect and a strategic partner in the organization’s success. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and smash the ‘back-office shackles’. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high performing organizations. Want to get in touch? Read out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| Business leader, not 'human calculator': The role of the CFO, with Chris Ortega | 28 Oct 2024 | 00:36:56 | |
In this episode, hosts Lauren and Alex sit down with Chris Ortega, the CEO and founder of Fresh FP&A. Chris shares his inspiring career journey, from his early passion for finance to roles at Ernst & Young and leadership positions in fast growing software and pharmaceutical companies. He discusses the foundation and philosophy behind Fresh FP&A, highlighting its focus on being Financial Partners and Advisors - and why all internal finance teams should position themselves the same way! The conversation delves into the necessity of thinking like a business person for success in finance leadership, and why a collaborative approach that builds strong business partnerships with other departments is key. Chris also emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence, authenticity, and learning from failure as key components of effective leadership. This episode is rich with personal anecdotes and professional insights, illustrating how CFOs can inspire and empower their organizations beyond traditional financial metrics. We hope you enjoy the episode! 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 00:22 Chris Ortega's Background and Career Journey 02:12 The Role of CFOs and CEOs 06:56 Transitioning to CEO and Fresh FP&A 14:43 Building Collaborative Finance Teams 18:41 The Consultative Approach in Finance 19:38 The Power of Empathy in Finance 20:55 The Concept of First Team 22:11 Balancing IQ and EQ 25:39 Embracing Failure as a CFO 30:24 Inspiring Leadership and Authenticity 33:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freshcfo/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| Series B to G: The role of the finance team in scaling, with Charly Kevers (CFO @ Carta) | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:42:25 | |
In this episode of 'The Growth Minded CFO,' hosts Lauren and Alex welcome Charly Kevers, CFO of Carta. Charly has served as CFO through some of the highest growth phases of Carta's journey - seeing them go from Series B to G in his 7 years there. Charly shares insights on the evolving role of the CFO, focusing on profitable growth, employee retention, and operational excellence. He also discusses Carta's strategic initiatives, including their recent acquisition of Tactyc, and the importance of cross-functional collaboration in finance. Tune in to learn how Charlie's diverse background and innovative approach are driving success at Carta. Don't miss his advice on leveraging CFO networks for problem-solving and growth. Discover Carta's data and research, as referenced by Charly in this episode, here: https://carta.com/data/00:00 The Role of the Modern CFO 00:44 Introduction and Welcome 00:59 Special Guest: Charly Kevers, CFO of Carta 03:03 Charly's Journey to Becoming a CFO 05:40 The Strategic Role of a CFO 07:56 Operational Involvement and Team Collaboration 10:24 Adapting to Growth and Scaling Challenges 12:39 Cross-Functional Integration and Communication 29:10 Leveraging Data and Insights at Carta 37:16 Acquisition of Tactyc and Future Plans 40:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Charly on LinkedIn: / charlykevers Find out more about Carta: https://carta.com/sg/en/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: / alexlouisy Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: / laurenepearl The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and smash the ‘back-office shackles’. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high performing organizations. Find the full audio versions on your favorite podcast app, by searching 'The Growth-Minded CFO'. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| A VC's perspective on the modern CFO, with Nick Wijnberg | 11 Nov 2024 | 00:39:59 | |
Lauren and Alex sit down with Nick Wijnberg, a former Wall Street banker turned CFO and partner at Lorimer Ventures. Nick shares his journey from high school investor to equity derivatives trader, structured credit specialist, commercial banker, and ultimately a company builder. He discusses the importance of understanding investments and the VC ecosystem, the return on investment (ROI) required in early-stage startups, and the evolving role of a CFO within a company. The conversation covers various topics like the impact of higher interest rates on financial decisions, and how Nick has brought together dual roles as a fractional CFO and investor. Nick offers insights on preparing for board meetings, the importance of three-sheet financial models, and actionable advice for finance leaders gearing up for fundraising rounds. Tune in to explore the dynamic interplay between finance, strategy, and operational success through the lens of an experienced CFO and investor. 00:00 Introduction to Growth Minded CFO 01:04 Meet Nick Wijnberg: From Wall Street to Company Builder 02:00 Nick's Journey: From Investor to CFO 05:02 The Challenges of Being an Operator 08:21 The Importance of Empathy and Experience 15:01 Balancing Roles: Investor and CFO 19:55 Adapting to a High Interest Rate Environment 20:59 The Evolving Role of the CFO 24:03 Managing Financial Conversations with Founders 27:20 Empowering Teams Through Financial Strategy 29:09 The CFO's Role in Board Meetings 34:35 Preparing for Fundraising as a CFO 39:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nwijnberg/ Find out more about Lorimer Ventures: https://www.lorimerventures.com/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and smash the ‘back-office shackles’. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| An alternative path to CFO and leading change at the MLBPA, with Tatia-Mays Russell | 10 Dec 2024 | 00:45:47 | |
In this episode of The Growth Minded CFO, we dive deep with Tatia Mays-Russell, the visionary CFO of the Major League Baseball Players Association. Discover how Tatia's unique journey from a material science engineer to a strategic finance leader has shaped her approach to business. Learn about her strategies for transforming the finance function into a strategic partner, empowering her team, and leveraging technology to drive innovation. Key Takeaways:
Listen now to gain valuable insights and inspiration for your own career. Connect with Tatia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatia-mays-russell-5a86362/
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| Money in, money out: How the best finance teams are running AR & AP in 2025, with Howard Katzenberg | 07 Jan 2025 | 00:36:58 | |
In this episode of 'The Growth Minded CFO,' hosts Lauren and Alex welcome Howard Katzenberg, CEO of Glean.ai. With our co-host Alex Louisy representing the world of Accounts Receivable, Howard brings the other side of the coin with Accounts Payable, as they both discuss what innovative approaches to these seemingly transactional processes can do for your business. Howard shares his transition from CFO to founder, the importance of changing mindsets in AP processes, and the development of Glean.ai. Alex discusses revolutionizing Accounts Receivable, focusing on customer relationships, and the impact of smart tooling. Together, they explore the evolving role of the CFO and the strategic integration of finance within businesses. 00:00 Mindset Shift in AR and AP 00:33 Introduction to the Growth-Minded CFO Podcast 01:04 Meet Howard Katzenberg, CEO of Glean AI 02:06 Understanding Vendor Expenses with Glean AI 03:08 Revolutionizing Accounts Payable and Receivable 03:51 The Role of Analytics in Finance 06:44 Challenges in Traditional AR Processes 08:36 The Value of Automation and Insights 21:36 Building a Strong Spend Culture 26:20 The Strategic Role of the CFO 30:36 Howard's Journey from CFO to CEO 35:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Howard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardkatzenberg/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. Find the video version of this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YVrL6tjqDkw?si=P7Jnww_8pdSduMCA This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| The skills finance teams need now & in the future, with Carl Seidman | 20 Jan 2025 | 00:47:37 | |
In this episode of the Growth Minded CFO podcast, hosts Lauren Pearl and Alex Louisy speak with Carl Seidman, an industry-leading finance educator and consultant. Carl talks through his professional journey from Big Four consulting to establishing his own successful practice focused on FP& A processes and upskilling teams. The discussion then focuses into the evolving role of finance professionals, emphasizing the importance of technical skills (but not only!), critical and strategic thinking, and effective communication. Carl also highlights the continuous nature of learning and development, and the impact of AI and digital transformation on the finance function. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts 00:39 Welcome to the Growth Minded CFO 00:59 Meet Carl Seidman 02:06 Carl's Career Journey 02:52 Helping Companies Upskill 03:53 Differences in Company Sizes 08:01 Mindset Evolution in Finance 14:20 Training and Development in Finance 40:16 The Role of AI and Digitization 45:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Carl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlseidman/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/
Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/
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| Clean data, clear insights: AI for finance and how to build the right foundation, with Gabi Steele | 03 Mar 2025 | 00:31:05 | |
Finance teams are drowning in data—but turning it into clear, strategic insights is the real challenge. In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, hosts Lauren and Alex sit down with Gabi Steele, CEO and Co-founder of Preql (and formerly Head of Data Visualization Engineering at WeWork), to explore how CFOs can build a rock-solid data foundation, harness AI effectively, and lead with confidence in an AI-powered world. Gabi shares why AI is only as good as the data behind it, how multidisciplinary teams are shaping the future of finance, and why storytelling is the key to turning numbers into action. Whether you’re just starting your AI journey or looking to refine your approach, this conversation is packed with insights to help you stay ahead. Key takeaways:
AI isn’t replacing finance professionals—it’s redefining their roles. Tune in to learn how CFOs can embrace AI and data-driven leadership to drive long-term success.
Connect with Gabi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellasteele/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Find the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PGOmS2MW_-c?si=hpIJFd0aWBMpPxL6 The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| The CFO as manager: How to lead beyond the numbers, with Ilana Esterrich | 21 Feb 2025 | 00:40:03 | |
Great CFOs do more than manage the numbers—they lead, adapt, and shape the future of their organizations. In this episode, Ilana Esterrich, CFO of Planned Parenthood, shares how she steers her team through uncertainty and change while keeping a sharp focus on strategy and leadership. With a background in the military, Ilana brings a unique perspective on building strong teams, fostering a growth mindset, and navigating the shifting financial and regulatory landscape. Tune in for a candid conversation about what it really takes to be a CFO who drives impact, resilience, and innovation in today’s world. Connect with Ilana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanaesterrich/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/Find the video version of this episode on YouTube:The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| Top 5 takeaways from season one—and what’s next! | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:44:08 | |
In this episode, we reflect on the first season of the podcast. We discuss what we learned from the first 7 episodes featuring top CFOs and finance leaders. As you listen, feel free to pause this episode and jump into the earlier episodes we highlight - our aim here is to give you a good overview of the best bits from the podcast so far! Key highlights include the importance of getting out of the finance office, the value of startup experience, the need for patience in new CFO roles, the cultural challenges in digital transformation, and the blurring lines between data science and finance. We also share our excitement for season two and let you know how you can get in touch to share feedback. 00:00 Welcome to the Growth Minded CFO Podcast 00:46 Reflecting on Season One's Success 01:11 Studio vs. Remote Recording 02:26 Unexpected Engagement and Accolades 04:38 Top Five Insights from Season One 06:34 Insight 1: CFOs Need to Engage Beyond Finance 12:21 Insight 2: Value of Startup Experience for CFOs 19:32 Insight 3: Patience and Cultural Absorption in New Roles 28:15 Insight 4: Digital Transformation is About Culture 33:04 Insight 5: Blurring Lines Between Data Science and Finance 38:12 Looking Forward to Season Two 40:58 How to Get in Touch with Us 42:22 Conclusion Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Find the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5rpzJEvqgG4?si=PzfzUaHhqiNkADFw The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| Wall Street to SaaS CFO: Lessons from IPOs, Acquisitions & Growth, with Carla Cooper | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:41:46 | |
What does it take to be a truly great CFO today? It’s not just about balancing the books—it’s about driving strategy, managing risks, and telling the financial story in a way that inspires confidence. In this episode, Carla Cooper, CFO of Contentful, shares her journey from Wall Street equity analyst to CFO, discussing her role in scaling Contentful, navigating IPOs and acquisitions, and offering valuable tips on transitioning into a CFO position. She emphasizes the importance of networking, continual learning, and telling a compelling financial story. Carla also provides practical advice for finance professionals contemplating job changes and reflects on the evolving responsibilities of a CFO. 00:41 Meet Carla Cooper, CFO of Contentful 01:27 Carla's Career Journey and Transition to CFO 03:09 Insights on Transitioning from Wall Street to Operations 08:28 The Importance of Networking and Informational Interviews 11:00 Navigating Acquisitions and IPOs 11:49 The Role of Finance in Scaling and Transformation 13:41 Adapting to New Financial Systems and Processes 15:57 Learning Opportunities in Acquisitions 19:03 The Growth-Minded CFO: Embracing Change and Learning 22:23 Preparing for the CFO Role: Principles and Strategies 25:58 Building a Thesis and Understanding Stakeholders 33:01 The CFO's Role in Vision and Strategy 38:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Carla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-newmeyer-cooper-843a591/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Find the full video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pB5UagvsWYg?si=wKAe_RddYe0SzMCJ The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| What Makes a Great CFO in 2025? Insights from the Frontlines of CFO Hiring, with Dav Masaon | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:38:22 | |
Bringing on a CFO is one of the most critical decisions a startup can make—but how do you know when it’s the right time? And more importantly, how do you find someone with the right skills to drive growth, manage complexity, and scale alongside your company? In this episode of The Growth Minded CFO, hosts Alex and Lauren sit down with Dav Masaon, Co-Founder of executive search firm Zanda, to explore what it really takes to hire the right CFO in today’s fast-changing startup landscape. Together, they dive into:
Dav shares expert insights into the traits to look for in finance leaders—from scrappiness and stage-fit to international hiring nuances—offering practical tips for founders, investors, and finance leaders alike. Whether you’re scaling a startup or refining your leadership team, this episode is packed with must-know advice for building a high-performing finance function in 2025. 01:06 Meet Our Guest: Dav Masaon, Co-Founder of Zanda 02:23 When to Hire a CFO: Key Considerations 08:49 The Evolving Role of the CFO 12:24 Challenges and Pressures Faced by CFOs 17:27 Financial Relationship Management: A New Era 19:14 Recruiting Trends and CFO Backgrounds 20:21 Challenges of Transitioning from Corporate to Startup CFO 20:57 Key Traits for a Successful Startup CFO 21:24 The Role of AI and Automation in Finance 22:32 Importance of Background and Experience for CFOs 24:58 Hiring the Right CFO at the Right Stage 27:48 Evaluating Candidates' Understanding of Startups 31:06 Pitching to Candidates Like Investors 31:20 Comparing US and UK Markets for CFOs Subscribe for more insights on startup finance, leadership, and growth. Connect with Dav on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davmasaon/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Find the full video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JwItKrlAZjk?si=_5rvedB8vWv63iSA The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/. Feedback or praise for the podcast? Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| AI in Finance: From Buzz to Business Value, with Nicolas Boucher | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:40:34 | |
In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, co-hosts Lauren Pearl and Alex Louisy sit down with Nicolas Boucher, finance professional turned AI educator, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of corporate finance. When ChatGPT first launched, most attention went to marketing and content creation. But Nicolas saw something different. He became one of the earliest voices in applying AI to finance—eventually building a following of 1M+ on LinkedIn and publishing guides that have shaped how finance teams use AI today. Topics covered in this episode:
“AI won’t replace you, but misusing it might.” — Nicolas Boucher 00:59 Meet Nicholas Boucher: AI and Finance Expert 01:42 Nicolas' Journey into AI and Finance 03:53 The Impact of AI on Finance 08:00 Real Use Cases of AI in Finance 11:57 Hype vs. Reality in AI Tools 16:37 Focused AI Solutions for Finance 19:13 Data Challenges in AI Implementation 21:45 Corporate Licenses and AI Adoption 25:23 Common Mistakes in Using AI for Finance 30:05 The Role of the CFO in AI Integration 32:39 Practical Steps for CFOs to Leverage AI 35:12 Managing AI as a Team Member Don’t miss this one if you want to future-proof your finance team. Subscribe for more conversations with forward-thinking CFOs and finance leaders. Connect with Nicolas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bouchernicolas/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Find the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UhEavWaZEbQ The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/. And find out about our own AI functionality in Upflow at https://upflow.io/features/upflow-ai. Feedback or praise for the podcast? Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| The CFO Leading Talent, Operations & Corporate Communications (Kate Gulliver, CFO & CAO, Wayfair) | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:39:15 | |
The path to becoming a CFO today is rarely a straight line. Finance leaders are increasingly coming from diverse backgrounds, bringing a broad range of skills to the role. After all, the best CFOs don’t just manage numbers; they shape strategy, foster talent, and drive innovation across an organization. In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, hosts Lauren and Alex sit down with Kate Gulliver, CFO and CAO of Wayfair. It's an insightful conversation about leadership, adaptability, and impact. Kate shares her journey from investor relations to overseeing finance, legal, talent, and corporate communication—offering a rare look at the evolution of a top executive. She reflects on the challenges of stepping into new roles, the power of an entrepreneurial mindset in a high-growth company, and the lessons learned from integrating finance with people strategy. Kate also opens up about balancing a demanding career with motherhood and the importance of fostering an inclusive, authentic workplace. Tune in for a deep dive into how finance leaders can drive value beyond the numbers and shape thriving organizations. 00:58 Meet Kate Gulliver: Wayfair's Multifaceted Leader 01:53 Journey Through Wayfair: From IPO to CFO 06:55 Transitioning to Talent: A Leap of Faith 10:28 Learning and Leading in Talent Management 16:08 The CFO Perspective: Integrating Talent and Finance 17:11 Navigating the CFO Role: Insights and Reflections 18:50 The Importance of Cross-Departmental Communication 21:30 Wayfair's Latest Launch: Wayfair Verified 24:49 Operationalizing New Ideas at Wayfair 29:59 Balancing Work and Life 33:23 The Importance of Authenticity at Work Connect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-gulliver-3b242762/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Find the full video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tQPhCDNkSUs The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| Spreadsheets to Storytelling: Communication & EQ Tips for CFOs, with Erik Nakamura | 27 May 2025 | 00:37:58 | |
Being great with numbers may open the door—but it’s your emotional intelligence that keeps you in the room. In this episode, Erik Nakamura—CFO of Journal Technologies—joins hosts Lauren Pearl and Alex Louisy to explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) is transforming the modern CFO role from number cruncher to strategic business partner. With 25+ years of experience across startups, public companies, IPOs, and CFO consulting, Erik shares real-world insights on how today’s finance leaders can lead with empathy, drive culture, and communicate with clarity. In this episode, you’ll learn:
“You want to treat people how they want to be treated. That takes emotional intelligence. That’s how you build trust—and trust is everything.” — Erik Nakamura Whether you're hiring your first CFO, leading a finance team, or just exploring how to grow your leadership skills, this episode is packed with tactical advice and human-first leadership insights. Chapters:
Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/lYktfwG2w44?si=Sz3CdbO-anAITqTr Connect with Erik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriknakamura/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Feedback or praise for the podcast? Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| Rise of the Fractional CFO - Your Next Career Move? (& When and Why to Hire One) | 14 May 2025 | 00:47:46 | |
In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, we’re joined by Anne Samak de la Cerda, Partner at FLG Partners, for a deep dive into the rise of fractional CFOs. With two seasoned fractional CFOs on the mic (our co-host Lauren Pearl included) we explore how the role has evolved, when it makes sense to hire one, and what early vs late-stage companies actually need from finance leadership. You’ll learn:
01:03 Meet Anne and Lauren 01:54 Anne's Journey to Becoming a Fractional CFO 05:42 Lauren's Path to Fractional CFO 09:00 Early Stage vs. Late Stage CFO Roles 15:29 Navigating Crises and Transformations 24:11 Transitioning Out of Business: When and How 24:47 Challenges of Ending Client Relationships 25:20 Evaluating Team Readiness and Setting Expectations 27:39 Lauren's Perspective on Client Transitions 30:34 Balancing Multiple Clients and Diversifying Revenue 37:34 The Importance of Networking for Fractional CFOs 40:04 The Evolving Role of Fractional CFOs 44:49 Global Perspectives and Future Trends Whether you're a founder, finance leader, or considering going fractional yourself—this episode is packed with insights from the trenches. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with today’s most strategic finance leaders. Connect with Anne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samakdelacerda/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Find the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kYrQay8k92g?si=PtsrI2KXXEgdC2Fm The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Feedback or praise for the podcast? Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| From Banker to Builder: Hands-On CFO Lessons for SaaS, with Jon Gross | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:39:33 | |
Startups don’t need spreadsheet CFOs—they need operators who can think like owners. That’s the core message in this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO as hosts Alex Louisy (CEO, Upflow) and Lauren Pearl sit down with Jon Gross, CFO of RepeatMD. In this conversation you’ll learn: 👉 “Three-level CFO” playbook – how Jon shifts from board-level strategy to ground-floor execution without missing a beat. 👉 Why empathy for sales, product & customers is a super-power for finance leaders. 👉 The art of balancing professionalising a business without killing the scrappy magic that made it special. 👉 How your cap-table incentives should shape growth targets and risk tolerance. 👉 Jon’s method for carving out time to write, share and build in public—and why more CFOs should do it 👉 Practical tips for turning finance into an enablement function (not the department of “no”) About our guest: Jon Gross is CFO at RepeatMD, a Houston-based SaaS platform helping aesthetics, med-spa and wellness clinics drive repeat business through rewards and financing tools. A former investment banker, PE operator and chief-of-staff, Jon brings rare range—from capital markets to zero-to-one execution. Connect with Jon ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-gross10/ Connect with Alex ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/
Watch the full video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bmHXjDPnQe0?si=bODFdQU02rsQnTbz The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| Rewiring Finance: AI, ERP, and the Rise of the Executional CFO, with Nicolas Kopp (Rillet) | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:42:23 | |
Finance is evolving—and so is the CFO. In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, Rillet CEO Nicolas Kopp joins hosts Alex Louisy and Lauren Pearl to talk about what’s next for finance leaders. Fresh off a $25M Series A, Nicolas shares why Rillet is rebuilding the general ledger from the ground up with AI at the core.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes of The Growth-Minded CFO. Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/jmD1uUvum1E?si=Lh9MvOm0fjHeQDDI Connect with Nicolas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-kopp/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Feedback or praise for the podcast? Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| Fundraising, AI, and Starting Smart in 2025, with Jeffrey Fidelman | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:44:32 | |
In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, we sit down with Jeff Fidelman—Founder and Managing Partner at Fidelman & Co.—to talk about how startup fundraising has shifted, what VCs actually want to hear, and why today’s CFOs need more than spreadsheets to lead. Chapters: 02:00 - Why Fidelman & Co. Was Born from a Market Gap 06:00 - Broken Incentives in Startup Fundraising 09:00 - How the Fundraising Game Changed Since 2021 13:00 - Why Founders Must Talk Like Operators 16:00 - The Role of Financial Models (and How to Build Them Right) 21:00 - Why Top-Down Models Alone Don’t Cut It 25:00 - AI: Useful Tool, Not Magic Bullet 29:00 - AI Use Case: Building an Internal CRM for $300 34:30 - Fundraising Tips for Finance Leaders 37:00 - CFOs as Process Owners During a Raise 38:00 - The Two Types of CFOs (and Why It Matters) 41:00 - Final Reflections on Strategic Thinking and Belief📌 Key takeaways:
Connect with Jeff ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyfidelman/ Connect with Alex ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q-J8Ot3ecjQ?si=Pmfbug0McFB4AEmV Subscribe for more episodes with founders, CFOs, and finance leaders. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| Season 2 Recap — What Today’s Best CFOs Actually Do | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:43:15 | |
Hosts Alex Louisy (CEO, Upflow) and Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO) unpack the sharpest insights from Season 2 of The Growth-Minded CFO - from AI (without the hype) and executional finance to storytelling, EQ, and when to hire fractional vs. full-time. It’s your highlight reel to operate smarter, lead better, and move faster. What you’ll learn 1. Clean data before clever AI — hygiene first; tools and agents second 2. Storytelling that moves decisions — narratives that align teams and unlock action 3. The rise of the executional CFO — architect systems, not just measure them 4. Stage-fit team building — when to hire full-time vs. bring in fractional expertise Episodes mentioned
Try Upflow FRM (Financial Relationship Management) – get paid faster and keep customers happy: https://upflow.io
The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time founder, Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO, Y Combinator graduate) talk with inspiring finance and business leaders who share playbooks for building high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow — a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth. Questions or guest ideas? Email our producer: joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| Profitability vs Growth: A CFO’s Balancing Act (& Lessons Across Industries), with Cameron Kinloch | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:38:40 | |
What happens when a finance leader who learned discipline in the consumer goods industry steps into the fast, unpredictable worlds of SaaS and AI? In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, hosts Alex Louisy and Lauren Pearl speak with Cameron Kinloch, an advisor to boards, CFOs and CEOs through her company True Vantage Partners. Cameron shares lessons from her journey — from Wall Street to Silicon Valley — and what it takes to lead finance across radically different industries. She explains how each stage of her career built a new “muscle”: the precision of fintech, the discipline of CPG, and the strategic bets of enterprise software. Together, the hosts and Cameron unpack what makes a great operator CFO — one who’s trusted by the CEO, grounded in data, and unafraid to get close to the business.Chapters
Key Takeaways
📺 Subscribe for more episodes with founders, CFOs, and finance leaders.LINKS & RESOURCES
👉 SUBSCRIBE for more real-talk with modern finance leaders.👉 SHARE this episode with a CFO or operator who needs to hear this. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| From Steward to Orchestrator: CFO Leadership Lessons with Xavier Castellana | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:42:06 | |
What happens when a CFO stops acting as a financial steward and starts leading as an orchestrator - aligning rhythm, trust, and strategy across the entire business? In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, hosts Alex Louisy and Lauren Pearl speak with Xavier Castellana, former CFO of Typeform, TravelPerk, and Amenitiz, and now Managing Partner at LeaderNess. Xavi shares lessons from scaling some of Europe’s fastest-growing SaaS companies - and how today’s CFO must go beyond reporting to become the conductor of alignment, cadence, and culture. He explains why small misalignments at the top create chaos below, how the best CFOs find the right rhythm for leadership collaboration, and the four numbers every finance leader needs to turn strategy into execution. Together, Xavi and our hosts unpack what it means to lead finance as a human system - one that connects people, numbers, and purpose. Chapters:
Key Takeaways:
Subscribe for more episodes with founders, CFOs, and finance leaders. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TzHDVpHWrbM?si=NiogFZVD-AOav3OU Links and Resources:
👉 SUBSCRIBE for more real-talk with modern finance leaders 👉 SHARE this episode with a CFO or operator who’ll find it valuable. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (Fintech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) talk with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io. Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io Want to recommend a guest? Apply via our form: https://insights.upflow.io/apply-to-be-a-guest-on-the-growth-minded-cfo-podcast | |||
| How to Run Finance in a Creative, 'Hit-Driven' Business, with Diya Sagar | 08 Jan 2026 | 00:36:12 | |
In creative businesses, the art drives the upside — but the numbers determine whether the art can exist at all. In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, hosts Alex Louisy and Lauren Pearl sit down with Diya Sagar, CFO of AWA Studios, a young media company that publishes original graphic novels and brings them to life in film and television. Diya leads finance in this truly hit-driven business. There’s no recurring revenue, outcomes are unpredictable, and every project is a bet. She shares how she brings financial certainty to an inherently uncertain environment - without slowing creativity. Chapters:
In this episode, you'll learn:
This conversation is essential listening for CFOs, finance leaders, and operators working outside traditional recurring-revenue models - or anyone navigating creative, nonlinear businesses. Prefer to watch? Check out the full video of the interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MfFEkYmPMQY?si=cXsfD_dOLfn3L73X 👉 SUBSCRIBE for more real-talk with modern finance leaders 👉 SHARE this episode with a CFO or operator who’ll find it valuable. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (Fintech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) talk with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io. Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io Want to recommend a guest or apply yourself? Fill out our form: https://insights.upflow.io/apply-to-be-a-guest-on-the-growth-minded-cfo-podcast | |||
| Leveraging Data Insights for Smarter Business Decision Making, with Jim Cook and Winnie Aoieong | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:59:18 | |
This week on The Growth-Minded CFO, we’re sharing a special podswap with our friends at the FP&A Unlocked podcast (formerly FP&A Tomorrow). Host Paul Barnhurst sits down with two finance leaders who’ve shaped how modern FP&A operates: Jim Cook (former CFO of Mozilla, with leadership roles at Netflix and Intuit) and Winnie Aoieong (VP of Business Finance at PowerSchool). Together, they explore what great FP&A looks like today - and why the function’s real power goes far beyond data analysis. Jim and Winnie unpack how to build decision-making systems, create trust-based business partnerships, and balance technical depth with clear, actionable communication. They also dive into the growing role of generative AI, and why “progress over perfection” is now the mindset every high-performing finance team needs. If you’re a CFO, FP&A leader, or operator who wants to elevate how your team influences decisions, this conversation is packed with practical insights. Check out the full feed of other great episodes on the FP&A Unlocked podcast:
What you’ll learn:
A thoughtful and inspiring conversation with two leaders who’ve lived through hyper-growth, transformation, and the evolution of the finance function.
The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (Fintech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) talk with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io. Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io Want to recommend a guest for a future episode? Apply via our form: https://insights.upflow.io/apply-to-be-a-guest-on-the-growth-minded-cfo-podcast | |||
| How to Communicate Financials to Executives, with Anders-Liu Lindberg | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:42:19 | |
Every finance team wants a seat at the table - but too often, their message gets lost once they’re there. In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, we sit down with Anders Liu-Lindberg - Partner at the Business Partnering Institute, co-author of the book 'Communicating Financials to Executives', and one of the most followed finance voices on LinkedIn - to unpack how finance leaders can move from number-crunchers to true strategic partners. Anders shares practical frameworks and real-world stories to help finance professionals strengthen their influence, communicate with clarity, and earn trust with leadership teams. Chapters:
You’ll learn:
Listen (and subscribe) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B5twrAIQN-w?si=BW7EHFCSfTG-8Jd9 Connect with Anders: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersliulindberg/ Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/Links and Resources (mentioned in this episode):
The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (Fintech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) talk with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io. Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io Want to recommend a guest? Apply via our form: https://insights.upflow.io/apply-to-be-a-guest-on-the-growth-minded-cfo-podcast | |||
| Stepping In Mid-Crisis: Trust, Pressure, and the CFO Role, with Niels Boon | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:42:02 | |
What should a CFO prioritize when stepping into a business already under pressure? In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, Alex Louisy and Lauren Pearl speak with Niels Boon, CFO of Cint, a Stockholm-Nasdaq listed tech company and the world’s largest survey exchange. Niels joined Cint as the sixth CFO in four years, at a time of leadership change, debt pressure, public market scrutiny, and an unfinished post-merger integration. What followed was not just a financial turnaround - it was a story about rebuilding trust, stabilizing operations, and leading teams through sustained pressure. In this conversation, Niels shares how the CFO role changes when a business is fragile, why radical candour builds credibility, and how fixing unglamorous structural issues can unlock real performance.Chapters:
In this episode, Niels covers:
As Niels puts it: “What is important is what you see on the surface, and then you need to find out why that problem is so persistent.”This is a practical, honest look at CFO leadership when the stakes are high and the margin for error is thin. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ONNt63tbED0?si=6AMhdCirK-4gbeSR If you’re a CFO, finance leader, or aspiring executive navigating change, turnaround situations, or high-pressure environments - this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations with growth-minded finance leaders shaping the future of the CFO role. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (Fintech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) talk with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io. Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io Want to recommend a guest or apply to be on the show yourself? Apply via our form: https://insights.upflow.io/apply-to-be-a-guest-on-the-growth-minded-cfo-podcast | |||
| How a Former Pro Musician Became the CFO of a $1B Marketplace, with Kevin Drost | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:48:41 | |
How does someone go from jazz musician to CFO of a $1B marketplace? In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, Alex Louisy and Lauren Pearl speak with Kevin Drost, former CFO of Reverb — the musical instrument marketplace acquired by Etsy — about his unconventional path into finance and what it taught him about the role. Kevin didn’t start in finance. He started by running a business. From founding a record label to navigating cash flow, trade-offs, and uncertainty in real time, he learned finance by doing — not by following a traditional path. In this conversation, he shares how that operator mindset shaped his approach as a CFO, why finance leaders need to stay close to customers, and how the role has evolved from reporting performance to helping drive growth. Chapters: 02:38 From Jazz to Record Labels 05:18 Learning Business on the Fly 06:51 MBA While Operating 10:40 MBA Value Framework 14:13 Faking It and Risk 20:19 Why Choose CFO 23:57 Leaving Consulting for Reverb 25:28 Building the Music Marketplace 26:32 Choosing Growth Priorities 27:25 From Strategy to CFO 29:21 Learning by Doing 35:05 Public Company Rigor at Etsy 37:27 Marketplace Metrics and ROI 40:42 New Era ADR Mission 44:57 Advice for Finance LeadersIn this episode, Kevin covers:
As Kevin puts it: “Getting yourself out and speaking to customers is probably the most valuable thing you can do as a finance leader.”This is a practical look at how finance leaders can move beyond reporting and play a more active role in shaping the business.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W30D0JNJnLg?si=53lBTp2oyBHyTXBVIf you’re a CFO, finance leader, or operator, this episode will give you a clearer view of how the role is evolving — and what it takes to stay effective as the business grows.Subscribe for more conversations with growth-minded finance leaders shaping the future of the CFO role.The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations.This podcast is powered by Upflow — a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth for your business.Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io.Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.ioWant to recommend a guest? Apply via our form: https://insights.upflow.io/apply-to-be-a-guest-on-the-growth-minded-cfo-podcast | |||
| Revisiting: What Makes a Great CFO? Expert CFO Recruiter, Dav Masaon, Tell Us | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:39:17 | |
When is the right time to hire your first CFO? And what actually separates a great one from an expensive mistake? In this re-released standout episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, we revisit our conversation with Dav Masaon, Co-Founder of executive search firm Zanda, to unpack one of the most high-stakes decisions founders make: hiring a CFO who can truly scale with the business. This isn’t a checklist of qualifications. It’s a practical look at what happens when companies bring in finance leadership too early, too late - or with the wrong expectations. Dav brings a front-row view from placing CFOs across high-growth startups globally, sharing how the role is evolving fast in response to tighter capital, rising expectations, and the growing influence of AI and automation. A clear tension runs through the conversation: startups don’t just need financial oversight anymore. They need operators who can balance discipline with ambition - driving growth while building the foundations for long-term performance. We also dig into what founders consistently get wrong. From over-indexing on “big company” experience to underestimating the importance of stage-fit, Dav explains why the best CFO hires aren’t always the most obvious on paper. If you’re a CFO or finance leader looking to understand what truly sets the best apart — from how they operate to the traits and experiences that define them — this episode will help you benchmark and sharpen your own approach. In this episode:
Subscribe for more conversations with growth-minded finance leaders shaping the future of the CFO role. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (Fintech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) talk with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io | |||
| How Nonprofit Finance Sharpens Decision-Making for Any CFO, with Darien Wright | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:33:36 | |
What can nonprofit finance teach CFOs about decision-making In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, Alex Louisy and Lauren Pearl speak with Darien Wright, CFO and COO of the National Geographic Society. After a 30-year career spanning public accounting, consulting, telecommunications, hospitality, and private equity - including roles at PwC, Accenture, Sprint, Marriott, and Brookfield - Darien made an unexpected move into the nonprofit sector. What he found there reshaped how he thinks about finance leadership. In this conversation, Darien explains how nonprofit operating models force finance leaders to make decisions with less certainty, longer revenue cycles, and greater ambiguity. With contributions replacing traditional revenue streams and impact replacing traditional ROI, the role demands discipline, judgment, and a deep understanding of mission. Darien also shares how combining the CFO and COO roles requires enterprise-level thinking, operational alignment, and constant prioritization of liquidity, impact, and mission. Chapters:
In this episode, Darien covers:
As Darien explains: “You have to make decisions along the way with imperfect information.” This is a thoughtful conversation about finance leadership in environments where certainty is limited, impact matters deeply, and judgment becomes the CFO’s most valuable skill. 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: If you're a CFO, finance leader, or aspiring executive, this episode offers valuable insight into how leadership, capital discipline, and mission-driven thinking intersect. Mentioned in this episode: our episode with Erik Nakamura, where he discusses the importance of EQ for any great CFO https://youtu.be/lYktfwG2w44?si=3oiEC_qqeYSxA244 Subscribe for more conversations with growth-minded finance leaders shaping the future of the CFO role. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (Fintech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io. Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io Want to recommend a guest? Apply via our form: https://insights.upflow.io/apply-to-be-a-guest-on-the-growth-minded-cfo-podcast | |||
| Revisiting: Charly Kevers (CFO @ Carta) On The Role Of The Finance Team In Scaling | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:44:40 | |
What does it really take to scale finance through the stages that break most teams? In this re-released standout episode, we revisit our conversation with Charly Kevers, CFO of Carta - who helped guide the company from Series B to Series G over seven years of hypergrowth, complexity, and rising investor expectations. This isn’t a theoretical discussion about what CFOs should do. It’s a practical look at what actually happens when growth accelerates, pressure mounts, and the role of finance fundamentally changes. Charly makes a compelling case that modern CFOs no longer get to choose between growth and profitability. Today, you’re expected to drive aggressive expansion while proving a credible path to sustainable profits — at the same time. That tension is where the real leadership begins. We also explore one of the most forward-thinking aspects of Carta’s finance function: it’s not just accountants and FP&A. Charly built a cross-functional organisation that includes engineers and works deeply alongside sales, marketing, and product. His philosophy? Use constraints to sharpen creativity — not to slow teams down. If you’re building a finance team for scale, navigating the shift from high-growth to durable growth, or redefining what the CFO role looks like today, this episode is worth a (re)listen. In this episode:
Subscribe for more conversations with growth-minded finance leaders shaping the future of the CFO role. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (Fintech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) talk with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io. Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io Want to recommend a guest or apply to be on the show yourself? Apply via our form: https://insights.upflow.io/apply-to-be-a-guest-on-the-growth-minded-cfo-podcast | |||
| Revisiting: Rita Kale (CFO @ Valo Health) On Why The Best CFOs Think Like Owners | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:40:34 | |
In this special re-release of The Growth-Minded CFO, Alex and Lauren revisit the very first episode of the podcast - featuring Rita Kale, now CFO at Valo Health. At the time, we didn’t know what this show would become. Since then, we’ve spoken to some of the best finance operators in the world. But looking back, this conversation set the tone for everything that followed. Rita brings a rare combination of global corporate experience - from companies like Roche Pharmaceuticals - and hands-on leadership in high-growth biotech startups. That mix makes this episode just as relevant today as it was when we first recorded it. In this conversation, we explore what it really means to operate as a modern CFO:
We also get into something a bit unexpected, but now very familiar for this show. Rita shares how running became a tool for reflection and decision-making. Creating mental space. Finding your own rhythm instead of copying others. It’s a reminder that performance isn’t just about output - it’s about sustainability, both professionally and personally. Looking back, this episode captures what The Growth-Minded CFO is all about: going deep into the technical side of finance, while also exploring the mindset behind great leadership. It’s a gem - and the perfect place to start if you’re new to the show. Chapters:
Subscribe for more conversations with growth-minded finance leaders shaping the future of the CFO role. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io. Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io Want to recommend a guest? Apply via our form: https://insights.upflow.io/apply-to-be-a-guest-on-the-growth-minded-cfo-podcast | |||
| Revisiting: Ilana Esterrich (CFO @ Planned Parenthood) On Leading Beyond The Numbers | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:40:21 | |
If your role as CFO stops at the numbers, you’re already behind. Ilana Esterrich, CFO at Planned Parenthood, breaks down what it actually means to lead in today’s environment—from building resilient teams to operating in constant uncertainty. With a background in the military, Ilana brings a unique perspective on leadership, discipline, and adaptability—showing how finance leaders can step into a far more strategic role inside their organisations. In this episode, we cover:
About our guest: Ilana Esterrich is the CFO at Planned Parenthood, where she leads financial strategy in a complex, high-stakes environment. With a background in the military, she brings a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and team development. The Growth-Minded CFO is the podcast for finance leaders who want to go beyond the numbers and play a bigger role in driving growth. Hosted by Alex Louisy (CEO at Upflow) and Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO and Founder), the show explores how modern CFOs are building, leading, and scaling high-performing organisations. This podcast is powered by Upflow - helping businesses get paid faster, strengthen customer relationships, and grow more efficiently. Learn more at upflow.io Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io Want to recommend a guest? Apply via our form: https://insights.upflow.io/apply-to-be-a-guest-on-the-growth-minded-cfo-podcast | |||
| Why Every CFO Needs a Personal Brand (And How to Build One), with Wassia Kamon | 14 May 2026 | 00:38:38 | |
Most CFOs don’t think about personal brand until they need something: a new role, a board seat, a stronger network, or a way to stand out. But by then, it might already be too late. In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, we speak with Wassia Kamon, CFO of Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs and host of The Diary of a CFO podcast, about why finance leaders can no longer afford to stay invisible. Wassia shares how she went from having “nothing much” show up when she Googled herself to building a LinkedIn presence with more than 20,000 followers, launching her own podcast, becoming a speaker, teaching in Wharton Online’s FP&A Certificate Program, and landing her first CFO role. We discuss why personal brand is not about becoming an influencer. It is about making your thinking visible, building trust before you need it, and creating opportunities your resume alone cannot unlock. Chapters:
For CFOs and finance leaders thinking about their next stage of growth, this episode is a reminder that personal brand isn’t about posting for the sake of posting. It’s about making sure the market can see the leader you already are. Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dGFQHSJuoOo Check out Wassia's Diary of a CFO podcast here: https://thediaryofacfo.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with growth-minded finance leaders shaping the future of the CFO role. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations. This podcast is powered by Upflow — a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at upflow.io. Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io Want to recommend a guest? Apply via our form: https://insights.upflow.io/apply-to-be-a-guest-on-the-growth-minded-cfo-podcast | |||
| The CFO’s AI Playbook: How to Roll Out AI Across Your Company, with Ryan Roccon (CFO at Zapier) | 10 Jun 2026 | 00:42:27 | |
AI is no longer just an experiment. For many companies, it is quickly becoming an expectation. But rolling it out across a business is a very different challenge from giving a few people access to a few tools. So what does AI adoption actually look like when it is done at scale? In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, Alex Louisy and Lauren Pearl sit down with Ryan Roccon, CFO at Zapier, to unpack how one of the world’s leading automation companies is approaching AI across the organisation. Ryan shares why Zapier has taken a broad-access approach to AI tools, how they balance speed with control, and why CFOs need to avoid getting stuck in a purely cost-focused mindset. Because according to Ryan, the risk of getting left behind is far greater than the risk of a few expensive experiments. The conversation also gets into how Zapier measures AI usage, why telemetry matters, how to build guardrails without killing momentum, and why finance can be one of the best places to prove what AI can really do inside a company. They also discuss Ryan’s own journey from controller to CFO, the importance of curiosity in finance leadership, and why the modern CFO has to play a much more active role in shaping company culture. If you are a CFO, finance leader, founder, or operator thinking about how to move from AI experimentation to real adoption, this episode is a great place to start. Check out this episode on YouTube. Connect with Ryan Roccon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanroccon/ Learn more about Zapier: https://zapier.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with growth-minded finance leaders shaping the future of the CFO role. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl, Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU, and Alex Louisy, FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate, speak with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organisations. For the full episode summary and key takeaways, visit: https://growthmindedcfo.com/podcast/ryan-roccon Got a question or want to get in touch? Reach us at hello@growthmindedcfo.com | |||
| Revisiting: Chris Ortega on What Makes a Great CFO (Hint: They're Not Just a 'Human Calculator') | 28 May 2026 | 00:37:49 | |
In this episode, hosts Lauren and Alex sit down with Chris Ortega, the CEO and founder of Fresh FP&A. Chris shares his inspiring career journey, from his early passion for finance to roles at Ernst & Young and leadership positions in fast growing software and pharmaceutical companies. He discusses the foundation and philosophy behind Fresh FP&A, highlighting its focus on being Financial Partners and Advisors - and why all internal finance teams should position themselves the same way! The conversation delves into the necessity of thinking like a business person for success in finance leadership, and why a collaborative approach that builds strong business partnerships with other departments is key. Chris also emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence, authenticity, and learning from failure as key components of effective leadership. This episode is rich with personal anecdotes and professional insights, illustrating how CFOs can inspire and empower their organizations beyond traditional financial metrics. We hope you enjoy the episode!00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction00:22 Chris Ortega's Background and Career Journey02:12 The Role of CFOs and CEOs06:56 Transitioning to CEO and Fresh FP&A14:43 Building Collaborative Finance Teams18:41 The Consultative Approach in Finance19:38 The Power of Empathy in Finance20:55 The Concept of First Team22:11 Balancing IQ and EQ25:39 Embracing Failure as a CFO30:24 Inspiring Leadership and Authenticity33:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freshcfo/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io Want to recommend a guest? Apply via our form: https://insights.upflow.io/apply-to-be-a-guest-on-the-growth-minded-cfo-podcast | |||