CFO 4.0 Podcast

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Gemma Doran, CFO at Savea Technology Ltd, about the realities of leading finance in high-growth SMEs. From her unexpected start in journalism to managing multi-million-pound fundraises, Gemma reflects on what it takes to thrive as a CFO in fast-moving environments, how to balance optimism with realism in forecasting, and why adaptability and clarity are vital when raising capital.

In this episode, Gemma discusses

• Her career journey from politics and journalism to finance leadership
• The pros and cons of different funding types, including SAFE and ASA
• Why micro-level cashflow management is essential in SMEs
• The true cost and complexity of fundraising for growth
• Forecasting with flexibility in uncertain economic climates
• The importance of team development, communication and stakeholder buy-in

Links mentioned

• Gemma's Linkedin 

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro dives into the critical steps for effective process mapping and how it can drive successful financial transformation. Discover practical insights on simplifying complexity and ensuring your processes are future-ready.

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of involving sales, CRM, and IT leadership in process evaluations.
• How to identify, map, and validate use cases before redesigning processes.
• Strategies to prioritise high-impact areas and manage process exceptions.
• Why future-proofing your processes is essential for growth and scalability.
• Best practices for facilitating and documenting process mapping sessions.
• Tools for effective digital documentation and why real-time collaboration matters.

Links mentioned:

• March FTL: Financial Transformation Live: Improving the Quote-to-Cash Process
• Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live  sessions 
• Getting started with mapping out your finance processes
• Why Salesforce Users Love Sage Intacct | On-Demand Webinar
• The Getting Started Guide: Streamlining your Finance Processes 
• Automate your finance processes with Sage Intacct | On-Demand Webinar
• CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
• Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro sits down with Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners, to explore how CFOs can navigate their first 100 days in Private Equity, set the right priorities, manage investor expectations, and lay the groundwork for long-term success.

Key topics covered:

• What CFOs should focus on when stepping into private equity ownership.
• How to identify risks, uncover hidden issues, and turn challenges into opportunities.
• How to set the tone, structure a strong agenda, and communicate effectively with investors.
• How to build trust with your Investment Director and avoid private equity stepping in too closely.
• Creating a strong 100-day plan and adjusting priorities based on due diligence insights.
• How to connect with other CFOs in the PE firm’s portfolio and leverage peer learning.
• The Role of Transparency & Communication

 Links mentioned:

• Richard's Linkedin
• Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners

• 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 Peter Morgan, CEO of Deep Learning Partnership and head tutor at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, to explore the rapid rise of AI and its impact on finance.

Key discussion points:

• Why advancements in AI have accelerated exponentially and what’s driving the change.
• The key differences and why generative AI is leading the conversation.
• How LLMs work and their evolving role in business and finance.
• The risks of AI, the importance of regulation, and how businesses can ensure responsible use.
• Practical applications, from portfolio management to risk assessment and automation.
• How finance leaders can experiment with AI tools and integrate them into their workflows.

Links mentioned:

• Peter's Linkedin 
• Learn more about Deep Learning Partnership

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this fourth instalment of the Mastering M&A series, host Hannah Munro is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO, to explore the journey from CFO to Non-Executive Director (NED). Whether you're considering your first NED role or want to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with it, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How the role differs from an executive position and the mindset shift required
• The reality of NED roles vs. advertised time commitments
• How to assess opportunities and avoid roles that aren't the right fit
• Common pitfalls, governance struggles, and difficult board dynamics
• The key to being an effective NED
• Tips for aspiring NEDs, including building experience and crafting the right CV

 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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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live Hannah Munro explores how finance leaders can step up and take a more strategic role in driving change and process improvement across their organisations.

With AI and automation set to reshape finance, CFOs and finance teams must shift their focus beyond transactional tasks and become catalysts for business transformation. Hannah dives into the opportunities for finance to lead cross-departmental change, break down silos, and enhance operational efficiency.

Key Topics Covered:

• The evolving role of finance in a world of AI & automation
• Why finance is uniquely positioned to drive change across the business
• How to identify inefficiencies and streamline finance processes
• The importance of cross-departmental collaboration in transformation projects
• Strategies for overcoming resistance to change and building consensus
• The role of finance in breaking down data silos and improving decision-making

Links mentioned:

• February FTL: Financial Transformation Live: The Finance-Driven Approach to Smarter Business Processes
• Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live  sessions 
• CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
• Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro sits down with Phil Moses, CFO at Octavius, to discuss his fascinating career journey from working in PLCs to Private Equity-backed businesses. With experience spanning insurance, telecoms, infrastructure, and construction, Phil shares his lessons on managing investors, driving financial strategy, and adapting to different ownership models.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• How Phil approached investor engagement and messaging in the PLC world, including handling difficult conversations.
• Key differences in reporting, decision-making speed, and working with multiple investors.
• Challenges of goal alignment, board dynamics, and the role of a strong chairperson in creating consensus.
• The importance of transparency, relationship-building, and setting realistic yet ambitious targets.
• How PE expectations differ from the public market approach.

Links mentioned:

• Phil's Linkedin 
• Learn more about Octavius

• 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 welcomes back Private Equity expert Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners, for the next episode of The Private Equity CFO. 
Together, they break down the key considerations for businesses looking to secure Private Equity investment, the challenges of the process, and how CFOs can prepare to maximize returns.

Key topics covered include:

• Is Private Equity the right option for your business?
• What makes a business ‘mature’ enough for Private Equity?
• Red flags that Private Equity investors watch out for
• Finding the right private equity house and corporate finance advisor:
• The Private Equity investment process: What to expect
• The CFO’s role in Private Equity investment

 Links mentioned:

• Richard's Linkedin
• Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners

• 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 Stuart Mellis, CFO of Optalysis, about his journey to CFO, the challenges of scaling deep tech startups, and navigating fundraising, investor relations, and financial planning in an emerging market.

Key topics covered:

• Private equity vs venture capital – key differences in expectations and investment approaches
• Managing investor relationships – balancing trust, communication, and transparency
• Fundraising in deep tech – navigating challenges and pitching to the right investors
• Financial planning & budgeting – setting realistic growth targets in an emerging market
• Advice for new CFOs – the importance of coaching, board management, and asking the right questions

Links mentioned:

• Stuart's Linkedin 
• Learn more about Optalysis

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

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In this third instalment of the Mastering M&A series, Hannah Munro is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO, to delve into the complexities of business disposals. 

Key topics discussed:

• The difference between being sought out by a buyer vs proactively seeking a sale.
• Essential preparations for making your business attractive to potential acquirers
• The critical role of the CFO in managing the disposal process and overseeing data flow.
• The importance of establishing good buyer relationships 
• Deal structures: earn-outs, share exchanges, and the implications for sellers.
• Warranties, indemnities, and legal considerations 
• The cultural and operational implications of a sale for the management team and employees.

 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!