All Things Financial Management

What does it take to lead through change? For Lara Sayer, it starts with staying open to unfamiliar opportunities, trusting the people around you, and continuing to learn. In this episode of the All Things Financial Management podcast, presented by the Society of Defense Financial Management (SDFM) and Guidehouse, Ms. Sayer joins host Ruba Elbasha to trace her path from music to Air Force financial management and discuss PPBE reform, audit, workforce development, and the growing role of AI.

In this episode of the “All Things Financial Management” podcast, presented by SDFM and Guidehouse, Danny Bethke joins host Angel Wang to share his nontraditional career journey and passion for helping others work smarter through technology. They explore how AI, automation, and hands-on training are helping the Department of the Navy reduce repetitive work, support auditability, and give financial managers more time to focus on analysis, strategy, and mission priorities. Danny also discusses how citizen developer programs are helping translate these tools into meaningful impact.

In this episode of the "All Things Financial Management" podcast, presented by the Society of Defense Financial Management (SDFM) and Guidehouse, Rich Brady, Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Defense Financial Management, joins host Ruba Elbasha to discuss the evolution of SDFM and its role in supporting the defense financial management community. Listen in conversation covering organizational transformation, changes to SDFM’s operating and events model, and the Department’s priorities related to auditability, modernization, and workforce efficiency.

In this episode of the "All Things Financial Management" podcast, presented by the Society of Defense Financial Management and Guidehouse, Melissa Blakesly, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller (SAF/FML), sits down with host Tom Rhoads to reflect on a career shaped by mobility, mentorship, and a willingness to take on new challenges. Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation about navigating a nonlinear career in public service, the important of developing and supporting the FM workforce, and how practical applications of AI may help FM professionals turn data into actionable insight. 

In this episode of the "All Things Financial Management" podcast, presented by the Society of Defense Financial Management and Guidehouse, Shawn Lennon, Assistant Deputy Chief Financial Officer, OUSW(C), sat down with host Tom Rhoads to discuss the latest ongoings in the financial management space. Tune in for conversations about strategy to achieve a clean audit opinion, a groundbreaking financial statement, career advice and more. 

In this episode of the "All Things Financial Management" podcast, presented by the Society of Defense Financial Management and Guidehouse, Russ Rumbaugh, Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Financial Management and Comptroller, sat down with host Tom Rhoads to discuss the latest ongoings in the financial management space. Tune in for conversations about the current budget environment, challenges in the financial management workforce, career advice and more.  

In this episode of the "All Things Financial Management" podcast, presented by the Society of Defense Financial Management and Guidehouse, Victoria Crouse, Former Deputy Director, Office of Financial Operations, DON Financial Management and Comptroller, sat down with host Tom Rhoads to discuss the latest ongoings in the financial management space. The pair discuss Victoria’s career trajectory to her role at DON, advice for early careerists and more. Listen to this new episode to gain valuable insight.  

In this episode of the "All Things Financial Management" podcast, presented by the Society of Defense Financial Management and Guidehouse, Mike Cook, G-8, Army Materiel Command (AMC), sat down with host Tom Rhoads to discuss the latest ongoings in the financial management space. The pair discuss Mike’s career trajectory to his current role at AMC, the team’s recent accomplishments and fiscal goals, and advice for early careerists. Listen to this new episode to gain valuable insight. 

In this episode of the "All Things Financial Management" podcast, presented by the Society of Defense Financial Management and Guidehouse, Mike McCord, Former Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) & CFO, sat down with host Tom Rhoads to discuss the latest ongoings in the financial management space. The pair discuss Mike’s career trajectory, advice for early careerists and more. Listen to this new episode to gain valuable insight.