Afleveringen
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In this episode of CFO Weekly, Claire Bramley, Chief Financial Officer at Teradata, joins Megan Weis to discuss the modern CFO, how technology and AI are reshaping the CFO's responsibility, and defining what a successful executive looks like. Claire also dives into career growth, leadership strategies, and the underestimated power of storytelling in finance.
With a vast background in corporate finance and technology, Claire brings over two decades of experience, including significant tenure at HP, where she served as Global Controller and led finance strategy for their $17 billion EMEA business. Claire's expertise spans financial controls, strategic planning, and digital transformation, particularly in leveraging AI and analytics for business growth.
In this episode, we discuss:
The evolution of the CFO role beyond traditional financial operations
How Teradata implements rotation programs and cross-functional collaboration to develop talent
The impact of AI and analytics on financial decision-making
How modern CFOs balance traditional responsibilities with expanding strategic duties -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Rick Yvanovich, CEO & Founder of TRG International, explores why traditional leadership is failing—and how emotionally intelligent, purpose-driven leadership is the future. He shares decades of insights on how businesses can adapt and thrive in an era of constant change.
Rick is a Certified Chief Master Coach, serial entrepreneur, and the author of Business as Unusual. With over 40 years of leadership experience spanning multiple industries, he helps organizations unlock their potential through smarter leadership and cultural transformation.
In this episode, we discuss:
The transformative role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership and strategic decision-making
The reasons traditional business models are struggling and how organizations can adapt to thrive
Key strategies for CFOs to maintain relevance and drive value in an era of digital transformation
Why hiring for attitude and potential is more impactful than focusing solely on technical skills
The essential elements of building a high-performance, purpose-driven company that fosters growth and innovation -
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In this episode of CFO Weekly, William Washington, Global CFO of Baker McKenzie, joins Megan Weis to share his experiences regarding financial leadership, process improvement, operational efficiency, and many more. William also dives into the Six Sigma methodologies in financial operations and preparing finance teams for the AI revolution.
As a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with an MBA and Master's in Law Firm Management, William combines deep financial understanding with operational excellence principles to drive organizational success. His career spans prominent roles at global organizations, including Accenture and Fannie Mae, before finding his true calling in legal finance leadership.
In this episode, we discuss:
How the Six Sigma methodologies transform financial operations and process improvement
The unique challenges of financial leadership in law firms
The importance of authentic leadership and creating a culture where "trying is not a failure"
What impact does AI have on financial operations -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Alex Jimenez, Lead Principal Consultant at Backbase, joins Megan Weis to break down why traditional digital transformation approaches need rethinking, what digital transformation really means for banks, and why we should drop the word "digital" altogether.
Alex brings over 36 years of financial services expertise to the intersection of banking and technology transformation. As a respected thought leader in digital banking innovation, he has held strategic positions across major institutions including Bank of America and Zions Bank Corporation, and served as Chief Strategy Officer at both Extractable and Finalytics AI.
Alex's distinguished career spans roles in strategic planning, digital banking, operations, and customer experience, complemented by his influential work as chairman of the Consumer Bankers Association's Digital Channel Committee and founding member of the American Bankers Association's fintech committee.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why digital transformation should be viewed as a business model transformation rather than just a technology upgrade
How C-suite alignment and CEO commitment are essential for meaningful organizational change
What is progressive modernization
The impact of AI and machine learning on banking's future -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Jim Benson, Chief Financial Officer at Dynatrace, joins Megan Weis to share insights about modernizing the finance function, developing succession strategies, and what CFOs should focus on as we enter 2025.
Jim brings over three decades of leadership experience in market-leading technology companies. Before joining Dynatrace, he served as Executive Vice President and CFO at Akamai Technologies and spent over 20 years in various leadership roles at Hewlett Packard.
In this episode, we discuss:
The evolution of the CFO role from traditional financial steward to strategic business partner
What are the critical components of modernizing finance functions
How CFOs can leverage data analytics and storytelling to drive better decision-making
CFO's expanding role in driving company-wide alignment and growth -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Luigi Testa, Chief Financial Officer at LinkSquares, joins Megan Weis to dive into the intricacies of growth stage software, the challenges of raising capital, and operating these types of businesses. Luigi also shares insights on the importance of storytelling in finance and how AI is revolutionizing legal tech.
With a robust background in venture capital and private equity-backed tech companies, Luigi has sharpened his expertise in scaling businesses and navigating the complexities of financial management. His leadership was recognized when he was named one of Boston Business Journal's 2023 CFO of the Year honorees. Before LinkSquares, he held significant roles at companies such as Building Engines, Rapid7, Nanigans, Rapid7, and Acquia.
In this episode, we discuss:
Luigi's journey in the tech and finance sectors
How understanding the narrative behind the numbers is crucial for effective communication within a company
Insights on transitioning from a variable revenue model to a SaaS model
Fundraising strategies for growth-stage companies -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Keith Causey, SVP of Cloud ERP Transformation at Oracle, joins Megan Weis to discuss the transformative impact of AI on finance, how AI-driven tools are enabling touchless operations, and the role of CFOs as change agents and offers actionable advice for overcoming resistance to innovation.
Keith is a strategic and highly accomplished senior executive specializing in cloud technologies and digital transformation within the finance sector. With a career spanning over 35 years, Keith has held pivotal roles in various industries, including his tenure as Chief Accounting Officer at Caesars Entertainment, where he led a groundbreaking transition to cloud ERP systems, becoming the first in the industry to do so.
In this episode, we discuss:
The significant role of cloud technology in modern finance
How AI is revolutionizing traditional finance functions
Cultural challenges that organizations face when implementing AI
The future of finance and exciting trends in AI -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, CJ Gustafson, Chief Financial Officer at PartsTech, joins Megan Weis to discuss the annual planning process and the metrics that go into building a good budget. CJ also discusses the importance of storytelling in finance, how to foster a people-centric approach to budgeting, and the role of AI and analytics in transforming budgeting in the years ahead.
CJ is a seasoned CFO with vast experience in the tech industry, particularly in scaling software companies through strategic financial management. With a background that includes consulting at PwC and working in private equity, CJ has developed a keen understanding of business models and the complexities of revenue growth. He has played key roles in hyper-growth environments, focusing on financial planning and analysis, sales operations, and overall corporate strategy.
In this episode, we discuss:
The role of storytelling in finance
Key financial metrics to prioritize during the budgeting process
Common pitfalls companies face during budgeting and how to overcome them
The integration of data analytics and AI into budgeting -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Aaron Levine, Chief Financial Officer at Prophix, joins Megan Weis to discuss the challenges and opportunities of being a CFO at a company whose technology is made for CFOs. Aaron shares insights on the evolving role of the CFO in today's tech-driven landscape, the importance of data stewardship, and how innovative financial solutions can enhance collaboration across teams.
Aaron is a seasoned financial executive with vast experience in high-growth venture capital and private equity-backed technology companies. With a career that began in public accounting and transitioned through various roles, he has developed a robust skill set in business analysis, investor relations, budgeting, and P&L management. Before Prophix, Aaron held financial leadership roles at companies such as ChurnZero, EveryAction, BluVector, Fishbowl, and more.
In this episode, we discuss:
The importance of technology integration to improve decision-making
How Prophix's technology impacts decision-making and collaboration within finance teams
The growing demand for tech-savvy finance professionals
What skills future financial leaders must possess to succeed -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Carlos Vega, Co-Founder and CEO of Tesorio, joins Megan Weis to explore how AI is transforming the invoicing and payment collection process, the importance of real-time data in cash flow management, and the emerging role of financial operations in organizations.
With a strong background in finance, including roles at Lazard and Elemento Factoring, Carlos has dedicated nearly a decade to developing Tesorio's AI-powered platform. His expertise in financial operations and machine learning positions him as a thought leader in the evolving landscape of AI in finance. Under his leadership, Tesorio has helped clients like Slack and UiPath achieve remarkable efficiency and growth.
In this episode, we discuss:
The transformative role of AI in the invoicing and payment collection process
How "connected financial operations" integrate various financial processes to provide a real-time view of cash flow
The role of real-time data in improving cash flow management
What the future of invoicing and payment collection will look like -
In the past year, AI has taken center stage, leaving a profound impact on most industries, and finance is no exception. By integrating AI tools, financial institutions have completely transformed their operations, increasing their efficiency and growth… but at what cost? To explore the role and impact of AI in finance, we discussed with Ashwath Bhat.
Ashwath Bhat serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Fractal. With over twenty years of experience in global finance across multiple markets, he has a proven track record of collaborating with industry leaders to enhance financial outcomes. His expertise lies in FP&A, strategic planning, M&As, commercial finance, pricing strategies, treasury management, and in-depth financial analysis. Before Fractal, he served in various leadership roles at Nielsen, IBM, and GE.
In this episode, we discuss:
The role of AI in finance
Leveraging AI for efficient decision-making
The evolving role of CFOs in the age of AI
Data privacy and cybersecurity -
Winning at the finance game requires a specific set of skills. It's not just about financial literacy or accounting; soft skills are equally important. You might wonder what these skills are and how to learn them, but don't worry. Stephen Newland, Director of FP&A at GrowthLab Finance-as-a-Service, got you covered.Stephen has worked in a finance role at various organizations, including startups, early-stage companies, nonprofits, and Fortune 500s. He earned the Certified Management Accountant designation in July 2022 and has an Honors Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Cincinnati. Before GrowthLab, Stephen held finance roles in organizations like Gravy, Qoins, North Point Community Church, Buckhead Church, Delta Air Lines, and GE.In this episode, we discuss:How does GrowthLab help businesses optimize their finances for growth?The importance of learning from mistakesWhat skills are essential in helping finance professionals stand out and advance more quickly within their organizations?How can finance professionals develop soft skills early on?How can you build relationships and win over the trust of leadership?Creating a plan for personal growth
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In this episode of CFO Weekly, Sam Wehbe, Chief Financial Officer at Medical Teams International, joins Megan Weis to dive into the vital balance between financial health and social impact in the nonprofit sector. Sam shares insights on navigating financial challenges, the importance of sound fiscal management, and innovative revenue strategies that support humanitarian efforts.
Sam is an experienced financial management and compliance executive with 20 years of experience in international development and the non-profit sector. Over their career, Sam has successfully managed over $2 billion in donor funds and held key financial roles both in the US and internationally at organizations like Social Impact, Nexant, and Creative Associates International.
In this episode, we discuss:
The unique financial landscape of nonprofits
How sound financial management drives positive change
Adapting financial structures to navigate funding shortfalls
Transparency and accountability in managing donor funds
Emerging trends in nonprofit financial management -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Karl Maier, founder of Abunden, joins Megan Weis to share insights on building value through financial analysis. Karl discusses his extensive experience helping businesses protect cash flow, secure funding, and boost profits, particularly in challenging economic conditions. As an experienced fractional CFO and business advisor, Karl has played a key role in doubling sales at five companies in just two years by expanding credit lines, leading acquisitions, and enhancing profitability.
Karl brings over three decades of experience in financial leadership and consulting. He founded Abunden to help private companies enhance their financial strategies through innovative pricing, systems implementation, and cash flow management. Before founding Abunden, Karl worked in corporate finance and helped grow his family's business 5x in three years.
In this episode, we discuss:
How to effectively communicate financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders
The importance of cash flow management in growing businesses
Strategies for developing effective pricing models
Managing financial transitions including M&A and turnarounds
Building Resilient Finance Teams -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Monica Proothi, Partner and Global Finance Transformation Lead for IBM, joins Megan Weis to explore the latest trends and challenges facing finance leaders, particularly around generative AI. Monica discusses how generative AI is reshaping finance, the need for CFOs to collaborate with CTOs early in IT planning, and the ethical considerations of AI.
Monica brings over 20 years of experience in finance transformation across both consulting and industry roles. Known for driving hyper-growth and productivity, she specializes in reshaping finance operating models through people-centered transformations, ERP modernization, intelligent operations, and data-driven technology solutions. Before IBM, Monica held various finance roles at Accenture, Morgan Stanley, and UBS.
In this episode, we discuss:
How to leverage generative AI for finance transformation
Upskilling finance professionals for an AI-driven future
The role of DEI in building stronger finance teams
Why CFOs must partner with CTOs
The ethical landscape of AI in finance -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Eric Muhlheim, Chief Financial Officer at Mozilla, joins Megan Weis to share insights on mastering financial leadership in tech and advancing strategies that are shaping the reinvention of the two-decade-old technology pioneer, Mozilla. Eric also discusses how to build high-performing finance teams, the importance of transparency in leadership, and how AI is reshaping finance.
Eric is an experienced finance executive who combines a rigorous analytical mindset with operational expertise in developing and leading organizations. In addition to his role at Mozilla, Eric is the Owner of HLH Bizworks and HLH Yeastworks, a Founding Member of Journey CxO, and a Member Of The Board Of Advisors at Deep Knowledge Investing. Before that, he worked for companies such as Morgan Stanley, The Walt Disney Company, Helix Education, OpenX, and BuzzFeed.
In this episode, we discuss:
How Mozilla balances innovation with sustainability
Why transparency is key to thriving through change
The profit-by-product framework for better investment decision-making
Aligning teams and optimizing costs for growth -
The past and present of the CFO role look significantly different. Once primarily considered as the steward of a company's financial well-being, the CFO today is instrumental in charting the organization's strategic course and leveraging technological advancements for growth. But what catalyzed this shift? Join us as we delve into the change of the CFO role, tracing its origins in accounting and understanding its present-day nexus with strategy and technology in a conversation with Beatty D'Alessandro.
Beatty is currently the Executive In Residence - Graduate Finance Program at Georgia State University. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer for three premier companies up until mid-2018. At Merchants Metals, an Atlanta-based spin-off from Oldcastle and North America's second-largest chain link fence manufacturer, he oversaw finance, accounting, technology, and manufacturing. In 2015, Beatty finished his tenure as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Univar, a global chemical distributor valued at $10 billion. Before this, he held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Graybar, a company worth $5 billion.
In this episode, we discuss:
The evolution of the CFO from accounting to strategic leadership
The strategic path to CFO success
How a CFO should evaluate and leverage risks and opportunities
The CFO role in a large public organization versus smaller, non-public companies
AI and Modern Finance -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Howard Wilson, Chief Financial Officer at PagerDuty, joins Megan Weis to dive into his journey and the insights he has learned along the way regarding scaling finance in tech. Howard shares how financial leadership now drives strategic change and integrates with commercial strategy, the importance of a customer-centric mindset, and the role of technology and data analytics in decision-making.
Howard brings over 20 years of experience in software and operational management to his role as CFO at PagerDuty, where he leads the finance organization to support the company's growth and scaling initiatives. Before joining PagerDuty, Howard managed the SaaS business at Dynatrace and was Chief Operating Officer at Keynote Systems. He also served as Senior Vice President of Field Operations at Ventyx Biosciences and spent 14 years at Oracle in various senior leadership roles.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why CFOs are the new “Chief Everything Officers”
The importance of aligning the commercial and financial strategies
How technology and data analytics are shaping the future of finance
Managing finance in a customer-centric environment
Balancing strategic planning with operational execution
Key strategies for scaling finance operations in tech -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, John Ferrari, VP of Finance and Administration (CFO) at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), joins Megan Weis to discuss the role of a CFO as a business leader or the strategic CFO in higher education and the importance of financial stewardship and data-driven decision-making in enhancing student outcomes.
John is a senior executive with expertise in business reengineering, data analytics implementation, and financial management. Besides his role at NOVA, he is also a Board Member of AAFMAA, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow for the American Enterprise Institute, and a Senior Strategy Mentor for Strategic Education International.
In this episode, we discuss:
How John is driving student success with strategy and data
Driving collaboration through transparency and team empowerment
Change management strategies for CFOs
How the role of a CFO is evolving to incorporate a more customer-focused approach
Cultivating future leaders in finance -
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Michelle DeBella, Chief Financial Officer at JumpCloud, joins Megan Weis to explore the CFO trifecta: finance, strategy, and leadership. Michelle also dives into the importance of balancing immediate financial responsibilities with long-term strategic planning, the role of AI in business, and the significance of clear communication and mentorship.
Michelle is a dynamic, results-oriented finance executive with over 15 years in public accounting, followed by 10+ years in VP/C-Suite roles in companies such as Knock, Lyft, Uber, Hewlett Packard, Ernst & Young, and Coram Healthcare. Michelle is also an Official Member and Finance Thought Leader for the Forbes Finance Council.
In this episode, we discuss:
The key elements of successful finance transformation
Critical qualities a CFO has to possess to manage diverse teams
How to leverage finance data and AI for business growth
Storytelling and mentorship in finance - Laat meer zien
