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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined by Jason Godley, CFO of Xactly Corp. as they the critical soft skills necessary for successful CFOs. Exploring how effective communication and strategic thinking are key to driving business success. Jason shares insights from his extensive career, offering valuable advice for both aspiring and seasoned CFOs.

Key Discussion Points:

• Importance of clear and succinct communication with boards and CEOs
• Strategies for presenting complex decisions and balancing risks
• Adapting communication styles for different CEO personalities
• Techniques for managing challenging board dynamics and building relationships
• Engaging employees and explaining financial concepts in relatable terms

Links mentioned: 

• Jason’s Linkedin 
• Learn more about Xactly
• Jason’s Book Recommendation: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by co-host Paul Newton, Pre-sales Consultant at itas, to delve into the essential components of successful financial transformation projects.

Topics covered include:

• Defining Project Scope and Priorities: Tips on setting clear goals and involving the right stakeholders.
• Budget and Resource Management: Discussing the importance of budget considerations and resource allocation.
• Integration and Implementation Strategies: Exploring the pros and cons of Big Bang versus phased approaches.
• Data Quality and Migration: Assessing and improving data quality before migration.
• Optimisation and Continuous Improvement: Ensuring ongoing value and practical tips for continuous improvement.
• Choosing the Right Partner: Key questions to ask potential partners and the importance of long-term support.

Links mentioned:

• Hannah’s LinkedIn
• Paul’s LinkedIn
• Learn more about itas Solutions

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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, Hannah Munro talks to Michelle Pendergast, Group Finance Director at The Lowry Theatre. Michelle shares her unique journey from dance college to heading finance at one of the UK's leading cultural venues.

This episode covers:

• Michelle's transition from a creative background in dance to a career in finance.
• The challenges and strategies of managing finances in a non-profit organisation.
• Insights into The Lowry's budgeting and forecasting processes for their diverse range of performances.
• Balancing commercial and non-commercial activities to support The Lowry's mission.
• Implementing cost-effective financial practices in a charitable setting.
• The importance of aligning finance with the organisation's artistic and community objectives.
• Engaging with various departments and stakeholders to communicate financial data effectively.
• The role of finance in supporting The Lowry's social and economic impact initiatives.

Links mentioned: 

• Michelle's Linkedin
• Learn more about The Lowry Theatre

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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro explores the essential topic of designing robust finance data structures. This month's session examines various aspects of financial data design, ensuring it meets both current and future needs.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Components of Strong Financial Data Design
• Common Mistakes and Risks
• Ensuring the Right Financial Structure
• System Capabilities: Evaluating system layers, dimensions, and available reporting tools
• Practical Testing and Feasibility
• Migration and Planning

Links mentioned: 

• June FTL: Navigating Process Improvement on the Maturity Scale
• Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live  sessions 
• Register for July's Financial Transformation Live session
• 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 special episode of CFO 4.0, Mark Blackmore steps in for Hannah Munro to provide a mid-year roundup of our podcast's most impactful conversations from 2024. Join us as we revisit the wisdom, laughter, and ground-breaking ideas shared by our remarkable guests.

Key Highlights:
January:

• Scott Buchanan on the challenges and preparations for taking a company through the IPO process.
• Dominique Highfield from Purple Bricks on the dynamics of financial and operational leadership.
• Soufyan Hamid on the transformative power of storytelling in finance.
• Chris Ortega on generative AI and navigating business uncertainty.

February:

• Hannah Williams, CEO of Alacrity, on effective team communication and the transition from CFO to CEO.
• Jamie Irwin on the dynamic world of CFO recruitment in private equity.

March:

• Nicholas Boucher on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in finance.
• Tory Bauman on the intricacies of financial planning and analysis in telecommunications infrastructure.
• Christian Frantz Hansen on balancing quantitative and qualitative measures in performance management.

April:

• Andy Burrows on developing a business-focused finance mindset.
• Marie Charpentier on transforming finance teams in high-growth companies.
• Clive Webb on the pivotal role of sustainability in mergers and acquisitions.

May:

• Katrina Nacci on the complexities of US GAAP and proactive planning.
• Arjit Kumar on leading through major organisational changes.
• Howard Friedman and Akshay Swaminathan on leveraging data science for business success.

June:

• Chris Lloyd Mostyn on mastering project requirements in financial transformation.
• David B Horne on fundraising, scaling businesses, and the challenges faced by diverse founders in venture capital.

Episodes mentioned:

• 158. The Road to IPO: A Bitcoin Depot Story with Scott Buchanan
• 159. A Leadership Journey at Purplebricks – Insights into Cash Burn, Resilience, and Transformational Triumphs with Dominique Highfield
• 160. Transforming Numbers into Stories: The Power of Financial Communication with Soufyan Hamid
• 161. Navigating 2024: Agility, AI, and People-Centric Finance with Chris Ortega
• 164. Leadership Evolution: Transforming from CFO to CEO with Hannah Williams
• 165. PE Backed | Insider Information on the Recruitment of CFOs in Private Equity with Jamie Irwin
• 167. AI's Role in the Future of Finance with Nicolas Boucher
• 168. PE Backed | The Evolution of a Finance Leader: Journey Through Audit, IPO, Acquisitions to Private Equity with Tory Bauman
• 169. Balancing Acts: Performance Management in Finance with Christian Frantz Hansen
• 171. Beyond Numbers: Cultivating a Business-Focused Finance Mindset with Andy Burrows
• 172. Global Expansion Tactics: Finance Strategies for Success with Marie Charpentier

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Join Hannah Munro as she interviews David B. Horne, Founder of Add Then Multiply and Funding Focus. With over 20 years of experience as a CFO, David shares his wealth of knowledge on fundraising, scaling businesses, and the challenges faced by diverse founders in the venture capital industry.

Key topics covered include:

• Insights from David’s extensive experience as a CFO across various industries and his transition to running his own business.
• The current market difficulties, inherent gender biases, and the lack of diversity in the venture capital industry.
• Exploring crowdfunding, angel investing, and family offices as viable alternatives for conservative growth plans.
• David’s FACE methodology (Fund, Acquire, Consolidate, Exit) for driving business growth and successful scaling.
• Key considerations and best practices for merging and integrating businesses post-acquisition.
• The critical role of CFOs in financial modelling, scenario planning, and ensuring the financial health of the business.

Links mentioned: 

• David's Linkedin
• Learn more about Add then Multiply
• Read David's Book 'Add then Multiply'
• Read David's Book 'Funded Female Founders'

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Join Hannah Munro as she interviews Chris Lloyd-Mostyn, Senior Business Partner, on his extensive experience driving financial transformation at BT Group. In this episode of CFO 4.0, Chris shares detailed insights into the complexities and strategic decisions involved in managing one of Europe's largest finance transformation projects. 

Key topics covered include:

• Understanding the initial state of BT's finance systems and the decision to undergo transformation.
• How the project was scoped, planned, and the strategic pivot to cloud computing mid-way through.
• The intense focus required to manage data from decades-old systems during the transition.
• Building a robust business case, revising it in response to evolving circumstances
• Strategies for reducing operational risks and ensuring continuous compliance during the transformation.

Links mentioned:

• Chris' Linkedin
• World Finance Forum London 2024

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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro discusses the Process Improvement Maturity Scale. This session focuses on helping you understand and evaluate the maturity of your organisation's process development. Hannah takes you through various aspects of process improvement, offering insights and practical advice.

Key topics covered:

• Overview of the Process Improvement Maturity Scale.
• Assessing process knowledge and measuring performance with KPIs.
• Defining process ownership and leveraging technology for digitisation and automation.
• Stages of process optimisation and continuous improvement.
• Importance of thorough and consistent process documentation.
• Indicators of process effectiveness and aligning with organisational goals.

Links mentioned:

• May FTL: Navigating Process Improvement on the Maturity Scale
• Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live  sessions 
• Register for June's Financial Transformation Live session
• 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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Join Hannah Munro in this episode of CFO 4.0 as she delves into the power of data science with Howard Friedman and Akshay Swaminathan, authors of "Winning with Data Science." This episode is packed with expert insights on how CFOs and finance leaders can leverage data to make smarter decisions and drive their organisations forward.
 
In this episode:

• Learn the essentials of data science and how it can influence decision-making processes in business.
• Howard and Akshay share their diverse experiences and paths to becoming data science experts.
• Techniques and tools that can enhance accuracy in forecasting future business needs.
• Discussing the practical application of AI and machine learning in business settings and their real-world efficacy.
• How to handle and interpret data correctly, avoiding common pitfalls like biases and misinterpretation.
• Strategies for integrating data science into business operations to improve outcomes and efficiency.
• Concrete advice for CFOs on implementing robust data-driven strategies within their organisations.

Links mentioned:

• Howard's Linkedin
• Akshay's Linkedin
• Learn more about Howard's work
• Learn more about Akshay's work
• Howard & Akshay's book "Winning with Data Science." 

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Join us in this episode of CFO 4.0 as Hannah Munro discusses with Ajit Kumar, VP of Finance at Signal AI, the intricate process of leading through major organisational changes, focusing on acquisitions and international expansion. Jump deep into the complexities of merging different cultures and systems, and the critical role of finance leadership in driving successful integration.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Ajit’s international experiences shaped his professional outlook.
• Strategies for blending corporate cultures across borders and the significance of understanding local nuances.
• The importance of building a project management mindset within finance teams
• Effective tactics for managing people through changes, including dealing with resistance 
• Insights into leveraging technology for better data management and process efficiency
• How artificial intelligence can revolutionise data handling in finance, giving leaders more time to focus on strategic initiatives.

Links mentioned:

• Ajit's Linkedin
• Learn more about Signal AI

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