CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance

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In this weeks episode of CFO 4.0 join Hannah Munro as she interviews Alex Ladd, CEO of Mindstream Analytics, Discover key insights and strategies for successful financial transformation projects.
In this episode, we cover:

• The importance of customer involvement and realistic expectations.
• How to identify data issues through process evaluation rather than just data accuracy.
• The critical role of change management in the success of transformation projects.
• The importance of ongoing investment and seeing technology as a journey, not just a project.
• How performance management tools have evolved and the impact of AI and machine learning.
• The necessity of clear communication and setting expectations with all stakeholders.

Links mentioned:

• Alex's Linkedin
• Learn more about Mindstream Analytics
• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this weeks episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Luigi Testa, CFO at LinkSquares, to discuss his journey and the incredible growth story of LinkSquares. Luigi shares his insights on transitioning into the CFO role, navigating funding rounds, and scaling the finance function within a rapidly growing company.

Key points covered:

• The importance of strategic finance skills over traditional accounting backgrounds in the CFO role.
• Insights into the Series A to Series C funding processes, including investor expectations and maintaining clean financials.
• Common challenges during rapid growth and the importance of resilience and problem-solving.
• Key financial metrics and unit economics crucial for SaaS companies and how they evolve.
• Strategies for hiring the right talent and balancing process and control with growth objectives.

Links mentioned:

• Luigi's Linkedin
• Learn more about LinkSquares
• Luigi’s Book Recommendation: The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months
• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined by Aaron Harris, Global CTO of Sage, to explore the transformative power of AI and technology in the finance sector.

This insightful conversation covers:

• How technology is shifting CFOs from record-keepers to strategic leaders.
• The role of AI in automating workflows and enabling digital transformation.
• How to ensure confidence in AI-driven systems
• Beyond AI, what other innovations are shaping the future of finance?
• The rise of digital networks and the global shift towards e-invoicing.
• Where AI excels and where human judgment remains crucial.

Links mentioned:

• Aaron’s Linkedin
• Learn more about Sage
• Sage’s report: The secrets of successful CFOs
• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks about the art of presenting a compelling business case for financial transformation. Whether you're aiming to gain executive buy-in or refine your strategy, this session is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed.

Key topics covered:

• Learn the essential components that make a business case compelling and effective.
• Explore the importance of justifying the need for transformation, especially in today's volatile environment.
• Discover how to present multiple options, including the risks of inaction, to ensure informed decision-making.
• Get insights on calculating the total cost of ownership and the importance of including resourcing costs in your proposal.
• Understand the benefits of a phased implementation approach and how to set realistic timelines and expectations.
• Learn how to identify and mitigate risks associated with financial transformation projects to build confidence in your plan.
• Find out how to plan out an effective technology implementation project and ensure a smooth transition.

Links mentioned:

• August FTL: Presenting The Business Case
• Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
• CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
• Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey
• Business Case Template
• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this special episode of CFO 4.0, Mark Blackmore steps in for Hannah Munro to provide a mid-year roundup of our podcast's most impactful conversations from 2024. Join us as we revisit the wisdom, laughter, and ground-breaking ideas shared by our remarkable guests.
Key Highlights:
January:

• Scott Buchanan on the challenges and preparations for taking a company through the IPO process.
• Dominique Highfield from Purple Bricks on the dynamics of financial and operational leadership.
• Soufyan Hamid on the transformative power of storytelling in finance.
• Chris Ortega on generative AI and navigating business uncertainty.

February:

• Hannah Williams, CEO of Alacrity, on effective team communication and the transition from CFO to CEO.
• Jamie Irwin on the dynamic world of CFO recruitment in private equity.

March:

• Nicholas Boucher on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in finance.
• Tory Bauman on the intricacies of financial planning and analysis in telecommunications infrastructure.
• Christian Frantz Hansen on balancing quantitative and qualitative measures in performance management.

April:

• Andy Burrows on developing a business-focused finance mindset.
• Marie Charpentier on transforming finance teams in high-growth companies.
• Clive Webb on the pivotal role of sustainability in mergers and acquisitions.

May:

• Katrina Nacci on the complexities of US GAAP and proactive planning.
• Arjit Kumar on leading through major organisational changes.
• Howard Friedman and Akshay Swaminathan on leveraging data science for business success.

June:

• Chris Lloyd Mostyn on mastering project requirements in financial transformation.
• David B Horne on fundraising, scaling businesses, and the challenges faced by diverse founders in venture capital.

Episodes mentioned:

• 158. The Road to IPO: A Bitcoin Depot Story with Scott Buchanan
• 159. A Leadership Journey at Purplebricks – Insights into Cash Burn, Resilience, and Transformational Triumphs with Dominique Highfield
• 160. Transforming Numbers into Stories: The Power of Financial Communication with Soufyan Hamid
• 161. Navigating 2024: Agility, AI, and People-Centric Finance with Chris Ortega
• 164. Leadership Evolution: Transforming from CFO to CEO with Hannah Williams
• 165. PE Backed | Insider Information on the Recruitment of CFOs in Private Equity with Jamie Irwin
• 167. AI's Role in the Future of Finance with Nicolas Boucher
• 168. PE Backed | The Evolution of a Finance Leader: Journey Through Audit, IPO, Acquisitions to Private Equity with Tory Bauman
• 169. Balancing Acts: Performance Management in Finance with Christian Frantz Hansen
• 171. Beyond Numbers: Cultivating a Business-Focused Finance Mindset with Andy Burrows
• 172. Global Expansion Tactics: Finance Strategies for Success with Marie Charpentier
• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!