Summary

In this conversation, the speakers discuss the future of finance in relation to AI, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relationships and networking in a remote work environment. They explore the evolving roles of finance professionals, the impact of AI on entry-level positions, and the necessity for finance leaders to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining personal connections.

Takeaways

Building relationships is crucial for career advancement.
AI will assist but not replace finance professionals.
Networking should be a continuous effort, not just when job hunting.
Remote work has made personal connections more challenging.
Finance professionals need to adapt to AI and technology.
There is a declining interest in finance careers among young people.
AI can handle junior tasks, but mentorship is essential for growth.
CFO roles will remain relevant despite AI advancements.
Maintaining team dynamics is vital in finance roles.
The future of finance will involve collaboration between humans and AI.

Sound Bites

"AI is not going to replace you there."
"It's like picking your favorite child."

Chapters

00:00 The Future of Finance and AI Skills
05:56 Building Relationships in a Remote World
12:04 The Evolving Role of Finance Professionals

This episode of Asking Good Questions is brought to you by Caprus.Ai.

Check how we empower the office of the CFO to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and revolutionize their operations.

Summary

In this episode of Asking Good Questions, host Edward Roske interviews Anna Tiamina, a finance executive and AI advisor, about her journey in finance and the integration of AI in financial operations. They discuss the evolving role of CFOs, the balance between risk and innovation in leadership, and the transformative impact of AI on financial processes. Anna emphasizes the need for finance professionals to adapt to new technologies and the potential for AI to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

Takeaways

Finance is essential for company growth and management.
CFOs play a crucial balancing role in leadership dynamics.
Different CEOs have varying risk profiles that affect decision-making.
AI is set to revolutionize financial operations and processes.
The future of finance will require more tailored analysis roles.
Manual tasks in finance will be replaced by AI technologies.
AI will create new roles focused on auditing and compliance.
Understanding financial statements is key for effective leadership.
AI can provide real-time insights for better decision-making.
The standards of financial operations will evolve with technology.

Sound Bites

"Cash is king."
"AI will change the way we work."
"Reconciling is not a ton of fun."

Chapters

00:00 Bridging Finance and AI: An Introduction
03:07 The Role of CFO: Balancing Act in Leadership
05:48 Understanding CEO Risk Profiles
08:54 The Impact of AI on Financial Operations
12:08 AI: A Force Multiplier in Finance
14:57 The Future of Financial Roles in an AI World

This episode of Asking Good Questions is brought to you by Caprus.Ai.

Check how we empower the office of the CFO to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and revolutionize their operations.

Summary

In this episode of Asking Good Questions, host Edward Roske interviews Anna Tiomina, a finance executive and AI advisor, about her journey in finance and the integration of AI in financial operations. They discuss the evolving role of CFOs, the balance between risk and innovation in leadership, and the transformative impact of AI on financial processes. Anna emphasizes the need for finance professionals to adapt to new technologies and the potential for AI to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

Takeaways

Finance is essential for company growth and management.
CFOs play a crucial balancing role in leadership dynamics.
Different CEOs have varying risk profiles that affect decision-making.
AI is set to revolutionize financial operations and processes.
The future of finance will require more tailored analysis roles.
Manual tasks in finance will be replaced by AI technologies.
AI will create new roles focused on auditing and compliance.
Understanding financial statements is key for effective leadership.
AI can provide real-time insights for better decision-making.
The standards of financial operations will evolve with technology.

Sound Bites

"Cash is king."
"AI will change the way we work."
"Reconciling is not a ton of fun."

Chapters

00:00 Bridging Finance and AI: An Introduction
03:07 The Role of CFO: Balancing Act in Leadership
05:48 Understanding CEO Risk Profiles
08:54 The Impact of AI on Financial Operations
12:08 AI: A Force Multiplier in Finance
14:57 The Future of Financial Roles in an AI World

This episode of Asking Good Questions is brought to you by Caprus.Ai.

Check how we empower the office of the CFO to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and revolutionize their operations.

Summary

In this episode of 'Asking Good Questions', host Edward Roske engages with John Beringer, managing director at Spaulding Ridge, to explore the evolving landscape of consulting, the importance of personal relationships in business, and the impact of AI and cloud technologies on the industry. They discuss how personal connections drive business success, the shift from traditional on-premise solutions to cloud-based technologies, and the future role of AI in consulting. John shares insights on maintaining relationships at scale and the skills needed for consultants to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

Takeaways

• The most valuable people will be the ones with the biggest ideas.
• All business is personal; relationships drive success.
• Consulting can be a path of accidental discovery.
• Understanding client needs is crucial for project success.
• AI will fundamentally change the consulting landscape.
• Maintaining relationships requires intentional effort.
• Success criteria are essential for digital transformation projects.
• Consultants must adapt to the evolving technology landscape.
• Being AI literate is important for future consultants.
• The best advisors will always be needed, regardless of technology. 

Sound Bites

"All business is personal."
"Success means I'll be able to take a vacation."
"You never know who's going to be the CFO."
"People buy from people."
"AI will fundamentally change what our industry looks like."
"The better advisor you are, the more valuable you become."
"Not having success criteria is a big mistake."
"Say yes to opportunities."

Chapters

00:00 The Value of Big Ideas
02:50 All Business is Personal
06:05 Consulting Journey and Growth
09:00 The Shift to Cloud Technologies
11:51 AI in Consulting: Current Trends
14:52 Building Relationships at Scale
18:10 The Future of AI in Consulting
20:57 Internal AI Strategies at Spaulding Ridge
23:59 The Changing Landscape of Consulting Jobs
27:03 Skills for Tomorrow's Consultants
30:08 Final Thoughts and Speed Round

This episode of Asking Good Questions is brought to you by Caprus.Ai.

Check how we empower the office of the CFO to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and revolutionize their operations.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Mark Dendle and Edward Roske explore the evolving landscape of finance, emphasizing the integration of AI, the importance of teamwork, and the common challenges faced across various industries. Mark shares his leadership philosophy, highlighting the significance of diversity and inclusivity in building effective teams. They discuss the critical role of data analytics and technology in driving business decisions and the future of finance as it adapts to new tools and methodologies. Mark's journey through different sectors showcases the transferable skills in finance and the necessity for continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing environment.

Takeaways

• AI is transforming finance, allowing for more efficient processes.
• Teamwork and diversity are essential for effective leadership.
• Financial skills are transferable across industries.
• Data analytics is crucial for informed decision-making.
• The role of CFO is evolving with technology integration.
• Continuous learning is necessary for career advancement.
• Understanding individual motivators is key to team success.
• Servant leadership fosters a supportive work environment.
• Project management is vital for successful transformations.
• Embracing change is essential in the finance sector.

titles

• Navigating the Future of Finance with AI
• The Power of Teamwork in Financial Leadership

Sound Bites

• "The power of technology has really helped."
• "Vive la différence!"
• "Have a great attitude, love learning."

Chapters

00:00
The Excitement of AI Agents

05:47
The Philosophy of Teamwork

12:34
Common Financial Challenges Across Industries

22:02
The Four P's of Leadership

30:05
Cultural Influences and Personal Growth

35:42
Diversity of Thought and Paradoxical Thinking

41:01
The Evolution of Finance and AI Integration

49:32
The Future of Finance Careers and Skills

This episode of Asking Good Questions is brought to you by Caprus.Ai.

Check how we empower the office of the CFO to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and revolutionize their operations.

In this eye-opening episode of "Asking Good Questions," host Edward Roske sits down with Valentino Hafalia, Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis at Western Alliance Bank Corp. With a distinguished career spanning JP Morgan and eFunds, Valentino shares his transformative philosophy on modern finance leadership.

Discover how Valentino's personal motto—"Listen, Analyze, Plan, Execute"—has guided his approach to financial planning across different institutional cultures. He offers profound insights on the evolving role of FP&A from mere number crunching to strategic storytelling, emphasizing that "whether the story is good or bad, it has to get told."

The conversation explores how AI is reshaping finance teams and why emotional intelligence (EQ) will ultimately triumph over technical skills (IQ) in tomorrow's financial landscape. Valentino's compelling "bass relief" analogy illustrates how humans and AI must work together, with technology handling computations while humans provide the creative insights that truly differentiate organizations.
Don't miss Valentino's surprising advice for aspiring finance professionals—including why acting classes might be the most valuable elective for future financial leaders. This conversation offers essential guidance for anyone looking to future-proof their finance career in an age of rapid technological transformation.

Takeaways

• AI integration will take time and requires hands-on experience.
• Finance professionals must learn to tell the story behind the numbers.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for finance teams to thrive.
• Recruiting for soft skills is essential in the evolving finance landscape.
• Predictive planning tools can significantly enhance forecasting accuracy.
• CFOs are becoming more strategic and are often the face of the company.
• Technology should be embraced to improve efficiency in finance processes.
• The future of finance will require a blend of IQ and EQ.
• Acting and improv skills can enhance communication in business.
• Finance is about making history, not just recording it. 

Sound Bites
"We’re really storytellers in finance."
"Listen, analyze, plan, execute."
"The CFO will be the face of the company."

Chapters
00:00 Preparing Finance Teams for AI Integration
03:04 The Evolution of Financial Planning and Analysis
06:05 The Role of AI in Finance
09:04 Emotional Intelligence in Finance
12:11 Recruiting for Soft Skills in Finance
15:12 Navigating Data Management Challenges
18:04 Modernizing Finance Processes
21:03 Technology Implementation in Finance
24:08 Vision vs. Efficacy in Decision Making
26:50 Navigating Financial Insights
31:18 The Role of Technology in Finance
32:13 The Importance of Soft Skills
36:46 The Future of Finance and AI
41:08 Preparing for AI Integration
42:30 Lightning Round: Quickfire Insights

This episode of Asking Good Questions is brought to you by Caprus.Ai.

Check how we empower the office of the CFO to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and revolutionize their operations.

In this episode, Edward Roske speaks with Christine Duque about the rapid adoption of AI in business, the importance of storytelling in customer experience, and the unique challenges faced by mid-market companies. They discuss how data and AI can transform customer interactions, the ethical considerations of AI, and the need for upskilling in the workforce. Christine emphasizes the importance of human connection in business and the potential for AI to enhance rather than replace human roles.

Takeaways

• AI adoption is predicted to reach 90% in four to five years.
• Storytelling is crucial in marketing and customer experience.
• Mid-market companies often lack the resources to implement advanced technologies.
• Data-driven experiences are essential for modern customer interactions.
• AI can help businesses provide personalized experiences to customers.
• The human element in business is vital for success.
• Ethical considerations around AI must be addressed by leaders.
• Upskilling and reskilling are necessary for workforce adaptation to AI.
• AI can free up time for employees to focus on higher-value tasks.
• The future of work may involve a blend of AI and human collaboration.

Sound Bites

• "AI adoption is faster than anything else."
• "It's all about stories in marketing."
• "AI is going to give us back time."

Chapters

00:00
The Future of AI Adoption and Education

04:57
Transitioning from Corporate to Consultancy

08:07
Democratizing Technology for Mid-Market Companies

11:57
Data-Driven and AI-Enabled Experiences

17:15
Navigating Digital Transformation Challenges

20:27
Understanding the CFO's Perspective

24:25
Unlocking AI Capabilities

28:33
ROI Conversations with CFOs

30:54
Transforming Roles with AI

32:39
The Ethical Implications of AI Adoption

35:20
AI's Impact on Humanity and Creativity

36:11
Upskilling for the AI Era

37:42
Preparing the Workforce for AI

38:08
The Future of AI Adoption

39:35
Technology and Population Decline

40:31
The Evolution of AI in Creative Writing

41:55
Transforming Customer Experience with AI

43:18
AI and the Value of Time

44:39
Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Blend

46:50
The Future of AI in Everyday Life

This episode of Asking Good Questions is brought to you by Caprus.Ai.

Check how we empower the office of the CFO to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and revolutionize their operations.

In this forward-looking episode of "Asking Good Questions," host Edward Roske explores the technological revolution reshaping finance with Robert Dika, Chief Financial Officer of the Primex Group of Companies.

As Primex undertakes a comprehensive ERP system selection to replace their highly customized Microsoft Navision platform, Robert shares invaluable insights on evaluating technology partners in the age of artificial intelligence. The conversation reveals how modern finance leaders are navigating the integration of AI capabilities into their ERP implementations, ensuring their systems remain future-proof while addressing industry-specific challenges.

Robert provides a compelling perspective on automation's accelerating role in finance operations, particularly in response to the accounting talent shortage. He details how AI will transform routine accounting processes—from three-way matching purchase orders, invoices, and bills of lading to handling month-end reconciliations and journal entries—freeing finance professionals to focus on higher-value strategic activities.

The discussion extends beyond the finance department to examine how robotics and automation are revolutionizing agricultural operations. Robert explains how Primex and other California agricultural enterprises are leveraging robotics for harvesting and field operations, helping them maintain global competitiveness despite regulatory and cost pressures.

For finance leaders evaluating their technology roadmaps, Robert offers practical wisdom on:

• Selecting ERP systems that incorporate AI capabilities responsibly
• Balancing automation opportunities with human oversight
• Using technology to enhance productivity amid talent shortages
• Maintaining accounting principles like conservatism in increasingly automated environments

This episode provides essential listening for finance professionals, technology decision-makers, and business leaders seeking to understand how ERP systems, AI, automation, and robotics are transforming financial management across traditional industries.

Takeaways

• Accountants must prioritize ethical considerations in their work.
• A passion for numbers can start from a young age.
• Technology has transformed the finance industry significantly.
• Career paths can be non-linear and filled with unexpected opportunities.
• Agriculture presents unique financial risks due to external factors.
• Tariffs can complicate the food industry landscape.
• CFOs must adapt to rapidly changing financial environments.
• AI is becoming essential in finance and accounting roles.
• Communication skills are vital for finance professionals.
• The accounting profession needs to attract more talent.

Chapters
00:00 The Role of Accountants in Business Ethics
03:09 Journey into Accounting and Finance
06:00 The Evolution of Technology in Finance
08:49 Career Path: From Entertainment to Agriculture
12:01 Managing Financial Risk in Agriculture
15:13 The Impact of Tariffs on Agriculture
18:02 CFO Insights: Navigating Financial Challenges
20:49 The Future of AI in Finance
23:57 Operational Efficiencies in Agribusiness
27:09 Key Metrics for Success in Agriculture
30:06 The Role of Communication in Finance
32:55 AI's Role in Transforming Finance
35:50 The Future of Work in Accounting
39:02 Final Thoughts on the Accounting Profession

This episode of Asking Good Questions is brought to you by Caprus.Ai.

Check how we empower the office of the CFO to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and revolutionize their operations.

Summary

In this conversation, Gary Crisci discusses the evolution of enterprise architecture, the importance of bridging the gap between business and IT, and the role of AI in optimizing processes. He emphasizes the need for collaboration, standardization, and a focus on long-term goals in enterprise architecture, particularly in the finance sector. The discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, including its potential to enhance efficiency and innovation while navigating the complexities of human nature and organizational dynamics.

Takeaways

• Enterprise architecture is an evolving discipline that connects business and technology.
• Standardization in processes can lead to greater efficiency and agility.
• AI can optimize processes by removing emotional attachments to existing methods.
• Collaboration between business and IT is crucial for successful enterprise architecture.
• Understanding the unique capabilities of an organization is key to competitive advantage.
• Change management is essential for implementing new processes and technologies.
• AI can help capture and disseminate knowledge within organizations.
• The future of enterprise architecture will be shaped by advancements in AI and technology.
• Organizations must balance standardization with the need for unique processes.
• Effective leadership is necessary to guide teams through change and innovation.

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Enterprise Architecture
10:00 Bridging the Gap Between Business and IT
19:58 The Role of AI in Enterprise Architecture
21:58 Enterprise Architecture in Finance
27:51 The Future of AI in Business
28:45 Capturing Knowledge and Productivity
30:35 The Ethics of AI and Knowledge Management
33:32 AI as an Accelerator for Information
34:20 Maintaining Uniqueness in a Standardized World
36:54 Competitive Advantage and Standardization
39:21 Using AI as a Scaffolding Tool
41:12 The Role of AI in Business Processes
43:24 Adapting to Rapid Change
45:57 AI as a Translation Tool
48:22 Final Thoughts on AI and the Future

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Check how we empower the office of the CFO to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and revolutionize their operations.

In this conversation, Sean Blitchok, CFO of Zenoti, discusses the evolving role of finance in the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of technology and automation in financial processes. He reflects on his journey through various companies, highlighting the strategic influence of CFOs and the necessity of adapting to rapid changes in the business landscape. The discussion also touches on the balance between growth and financial controls, as well as the future potential of AI in finance. In this conversation, Sean discusses the rapid evolution of AI in finance, emphasizing its potential to automate processes and create value. He highlights the importance of quality control in automation, the artistic nature of accounting, and the need for finance professionals to embrace AI as a tool for strategic value. Sean also addresses the changing landscape of finance metrics, the critical role of investor relations, and the skills needed for future finance roles. He concludes with a focus on people-centric leadership in finance, stressing that success hinges on hiring and nurturing the right talent.

Takeaways

• Technology can alleviate many financial process issues.
• The role of CFO has evolved to be more strategic.
• CFOs must understand the entire business landscape.
• Automation is key to improving financial processes.
• Financial controls are essential for scaling companies.
• CFOs are increasingly seen as potential CEOs.
• The relationship between CFOs and boards is crucial.
• Emerging technologies are changing the finance landscape.
• Process optimization and technology should go hand in hand.
• AI's impact on finance is still developing. AI is evolving rapidly and will impact the finance sector significantly.
• Quality control is essential as companies automate processes with AI.
• Accounting is not just transactional; it involves interpretation and creativity.
• AI should be viewed as a value creator, enhancing strategic roles.
• Future finance professionals need to embrace AI and adapt to new technologies.
• Understanding business and economics is crucial for finance roles.
• Investor relations play a vital role in connecting finance with the broader business.
• Choosing the right AI tools is essential for effective implementation.
• People-centric leadership is key to success in finance.
• The finance landscape is constantly changing, requiring adaptability.

Sound Bites

• "The CFO plays a critical role."
• "I can't stand fingers on keyboards."
• "We can fix a lot of the manual work."
• "It's not just about cost arbitrage."
• "It's incredible how fast it's moving."
• "AI is a value creator, right?"
• "AI is going to be a piece of that."
• "Embrace AI, be part of a solution."
• "You have to have those core skills."
• "Don't underestimate the IR capability."

Chapters

00:00
The Role of Technology in Finance

05:14
Evolving CFO Responsibilities

10:06
The CFO's Strategic Influence

18:36
Automation and Financial Processes

22:32
Balancing Growth and Financial Controls

25:10
The Future of AI in Finance

28:22
The Rapid Evolution of AI in Finance

30:54
Navigating Automation and Quality Control

32:56
The Artistic Side of Accounting

35:36
AI as a Value Creator

39:14
Preparing for the Future of Finance Roles

42:52
The Changing Landscape of Finance Metrics

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Check how we empower the office of the CFO to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and revolutionize their operations.