CFO 4.0

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In this week’s episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro sits down with Tom Miller, Finance Director at Illuma Technology, to discuss the critical role of finance leaders in both crisis management and everyday operations. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to mastering cash flow and cost control, Tom shares invaluable lessons that every finance professional can apply. 

Key topics include:

• Discover how Tom’s journey from big four training to startups shaped his approach to the CFO role.
• Insights on building resilience and demonstrating leadership during the volatile COVID-19 period.
• Learn Tom’s strategies for ensuring cash flow stability
• Practical advice on negotiation with suppliers, landlords, and even tax authorities to maintain financial health.
• Explore Tom’s methods for enforcing cost discipline and incentivising budget adherence within the organisation.
• How finance can be more approachable, service-oriented, and add strategic value across the organisation.

Links mentioned: 

• Tom's Linkedin
• Learn more about Illuma Technology
• Tom's Book Recommendation: Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It By Chris Voss

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Phil Richards, CFO of GiG, to delve into his journey to CFO and the complex path of taking a company public. Phil shares his experiences and insights from leading GiG’s IPO on the Swedish First North, discussing the planning, challenges, and strategic choices involved. 

Here’s what you can expect:

• Phil discusses what makes the gaming industry unique and why it continues to be an exciting and evolving space.
• Insights into the decisions and steps that took GiG public, including splitting from a parent company and selecting the Swedish First North market.
• How GiG navigated complex regulatory, tax, and investor expectations.
• The role of a CFO in maintaining investor interest post-IPO, balancing growth targets, and keeping the company’s story fresh.
• Phil shares practical advice on choosing the right stock exchange, managing advisors, and aligning teams for IPO success.

Links mentioned:

• Phil's Linkedin 
• Learn more about GiG

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, hosted by Hannah Munro, we dive into the essential strategies for building a sustainable and future-proof financial reporting architecture. Whether you're navigating reporting for the first time or refining an existing structure, this session covers critical insights and best practices to ensure longevity, flexibility, and clarity in your financial data systems.

Topics include:

• Understanding and Gathering Reporting Requirements
• Designing with Your Business Model in Mind
• Assessing and Aligning Data Structures with System Capabilities
• Validating Input Processes and Permissions
• Integrating with Existing Systems and Future-Proofing Structures
• Key Dos and Don’ts for Reporting Architecture

Links mentioned:

• October FTL: Financial Transformation Live: Building a Future Proofed Reporting Architecture
• Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live  sessions 
• CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
• Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey

• 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 sits down with Tatiana Okhotina, CFO of Token, to explore her journey in FinTech and discuss key challenges in scaling global finance teams in a rapidly evolving industry. Tatiana shares valuable insights into building diverse, high-performing teams and balancing the unique demands of a growing FinTech company. 

Tune in to hear about:

• Key considerations when scaling finance teams globally, especially in regulated industries.
• How FinTech companies differ from traditional tech businesses in terms of complexity, risk, and compliance.
• The role of communication and cultural understanding in managing remote, global teams.
• Tatiana’s approach to building relationships within her team and with the board.
• How sustainability and ESG initiatives play a vital role in FinTech and her passion for building sustainable businesses.

Links mentioned:

• Tatiana's Linkedin
• Learn more about Token 
• Tatiana's Book Recommendation: The Venture Mindset: How to Make Smarter Bets and Achieve Extraordinary Growth

• 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 sits down with Byron Cowie, Director of Finance at Elliptic and former Head of Reporting and Control at Luno, to discuss his incredible journey across two innovative fintech companies. Tune in as Byron shares his experiences in scaling teams, managing volatility, and navigating the world of crypto exchanges.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Byron's transition from traditional finance roles to scaling Luno, a global crypto exchange
• The importance of the right hires, scalable finance systems, and the challenge of maintaining financial control
• How Byron and the Luno team navigated the volatile nature of the crypto market
• Building effective controls, team onboarding, and communication strategies 
• Byron’s move to blockchain analytics, focusing on how his experiences at Luno have shaped his approach in his new role.

Links mentioned: 

• Byron's Linkedin 
• Learn more about Elliptic
• Byron's Book Recommendation: In Math We Trust By Simon Dingle

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Alex Baulf, VP of E-Invoicing at Avalara, to discuss the growing trend of electronic invoicing and how it is reshaping businesses globally. 
Alex shares valuable insights into the current and future state of E-Invoicing across Europe, the US, and beyond, offering CFOs and finance leaders essential advice on how to prepare for upcoming changes.

Key points covered in this episode:

• What is E-Invoicing, and why is it gaining traction globally?
•  Differences between the US and other countries, and the efforts of the Digital Business Network Alliance (DBNA).
• Why tax authorities are pushing for E-Invoicing to close the VAT gap and improve tax collection.
• How E-Invoicing can lead to faster payments, reduce costs, and streamline operations.
• What CFOs need to consider now, as the UK prepares to follow the global trend of E-Invoicing mandates.
• How finance teams can get ready for E-Invoicing by assessing their data, technology, and compliance strategies.

Links mentioned:

• Alex's Linkedin 
• Learn more about Avalara

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Brad Channer, CFO at UBIO, to discuss the challenges and strategies of scaling and fundraising in fast-growing companies. Brad shares his unique journey from acting to finance, alongside valuable insights on how to lead, communicate, and navigate the world of Series A funding and beyond.

Key highlights include:

• From actor to CFO, lessons learnt from the entertainment and tech industries
• Challenges and best practices for managing Series A and Series B funding rounds
• Balancing growth expectations with realistic targets in fundraising
• How understanding different communication styles (including love languages!) can improve relationships with founders, investors, and teams
• Tips on managing expectations, fostering collaboration, and maintaining trust
• How to identify and manage narcissistic founders, with advice on protecting yourself emotionally

Links Mentioned:

• Bradley's Linkedin
• Learn more bout UBIO

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro, Managing Director of itas, shares her extensive experience in financial transformation and project implementation. Learn how to ensure the success of your next financial transformation project by following best practices and avoiding common pitfalls.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

• A refresher on Kotter’s Change Cycle and how it applies to financial transformation projects.
• Pre-implementation activities 
• Insights on dealing with team resistance, capacity management, and team buy-in.
• Key phases of successful financial system implementation
• Training and testing tips to ensure smooth onboarding and successful adoption of new systems.
• The importance of data migration and how to ensure accuracy in your new system.
• How to navigate the go-live phase with a proactive approach and risk management.
• FAQs on common concerns like hiring external resources, testing schedules, and building super users.

Links mentioned: 

• September FTL: Ensuring a Successful Finance Systems Implementation Project
• Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live  sessions 
• CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
• Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey

• 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 speaks with Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring, about his journey from CFO to executive coach, and the soft skills crucial for senior finance leaders. Together, they explore how CFOs can navigate leadership challenges, stakeholder management, and complex financial situations.

Key topics covered in this episode include:.

• The transition from CFO to Executive Coach and Mentor, and the value of coaching for finance leaders.
• Managing stakeholder relationships, including high-powered investors and board members.
• The importance of clear, concise board presentations and how to manage differing stakeholder expectations.
• Real-life lessons from Jeremy’s experience with acquisitions, liquidity crises, and credit crunch challenges.
• Strategies for delivering both good and bad news effectively to stakeholders.
• The balance between supporting the CEO and fulfilling the role of a CFO, especially in challenging situations.

Links mentioned:

• Jeremy's Linkedin
• Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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Join Hannah Munro, as she speaks with Josh Schenker, CFO of Aditude, about his journey in the world of strategy consulting, corporate development, and now scaling startups. In this episode of CFO 4.0, Josh shares his experience raising capital, navigating acquisitions, and the evolving role of the CFO.

Key Takeaways:

• Lessons learned during the pandemic and how to target investors strategically.
• How Aditude evaluates and executes acquisitions, including key criteria for selecting target companies.
• A deep dive into the multi-faceted due diligence process for both buyers and sellers.
• Top Tips for CFOs: How to prepare for fundraising, acquisitions, and scaling operations.
• The importance of aligning people and culture during the M&A process.
• How to build processes that allow for seamless integration of new businesses.

Links mentioned: 

• Josh's Linkedin
• Learn more about Aditude 

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!