Cloud cost is no longer just a finance team issue. It is now a business-wide concern, and treating it as a budgeting exercise is holding companies back. In this episode, I’m joined by John Purcell, Chief Product Officer at DoiT, to unpack how organisations can rethink cloud financial management through a risk-first lens.

With the FinOps X conference just around the corner, John also gives us a preview of the themes likely to dominate the agenda this year, from Kubernetes complexity to the role of AI in governance.

DoiT is not just another optimisation tool. Their Cloud Intelligence platform helps companies align performance, reliability, and security with financial strategy. John explains how cost spikes are not just common, they are almost guaranteed. He shares a real example of a ninety-thousand dollar AWS bill caused by a minor configuration error and what could have prevented it.

We talk about the shift from reactive cost reviews to proactive financial defence. Think of it like cybersecurity but applied to your cloud budget. That mindset change is something FinOps teams need to embrace quickly. It is not just about watching what is spent, but understanding intent and outcomes across the business.

John also introduces the concept of the FinOps fabric, a combination of technology, processes, and culture that helps teams align on goals and mitigate risks. And while AI and automation are transforming how teams interact with cloud platforms, they are still responsible for driving most cloud spend today. We dig into what needs to change before AI can truly become an optimisation asset rather than another cost driver.

Whether you're gearing up for FinOps X or trying to get a better grip on cloud cost management, this episode offers practical insight into the tools, strategies, and cultural shifts that can help your team stay ahead.

To learn more, visit doit.com or connect with the team at booth G10 if you are attending the FinOps X event in San Diego.