Finance for Founders with Samuel Ajala

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Marshall, founder and managing director of Roma Finance, to explore his journey from engineering to becoming a trailblazer in the world of property finance. Scott unpacks Roma’s unique borrower-first approach, their innovative lending products like Roma Flow, Grow, and Pro, and how they’re using AI to streamline operations.

We also cover the impact of rising interest rates, building long-term customer relationships, and Scott’s philosophy on leadership—why making yourself “redundant” is key to scaling a business.

Whether you're a property investor, lender, or just curious about the future of finance and lending, this episode is full of practical insights.

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Key Takeaways:
- Roma Finance was built during a downturn to serve borrowers first.
- Scott Marshall emphasizes the importance of resilience and relationships.
- Lending decisions are made based on borrower stories, not just numbers.
- Bridging finance is evolving—Roma is leading the innovation.
- AI is helping the team deliver better, faster service.
- Strong leadership means knowing when to step back and empower others.

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Sound Bites:
🗣️ "Put the borrower first."
🧠 "Calculated risk, strategic growth."
📈 "Volatility creates opportunity."

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🔗 Connect with Scott Marshall

👉 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmarshallromafinance/

👉 RomaFinance
https://romafinance.co.uk/


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🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with founders, leaders, and investors shaping the future.

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRa7ERHIeNZbwJR2WBWEwjw

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1MrhBPUT0IkjT58lX2iHNi?si=ba95cf94528b4546

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📩 Join the Finance for Founders newsletter: 
https://scaleup-cfo.kit.com/f87991a5e8

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📱 Follow Samuel 

Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/Samuel_Ajala

LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-ajala-4b823444/

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#FinanceForFounders #ScalingSuccess #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategies #StartupAdvice #PropertyFinance #RomaFinance #ScottMarshall #BridgingLoans #BusinessGrowth #FinancePodcast #AIinFinance #BorrowerFirst #Leadership #InterestRates

In this episode of Finance for Founders, host Samuel Ajala sits down with Kathryn Strachan, founder of Copyhouse, to dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, business growth, and scaling success.

Kathryn shares her incredible journey — from walking dogs to building an award-winning agency — and offers powerful insights on the difference between growing fast and growing well.
She highlights the critical role of strong leadership, company culture, and effective marketing strategies in navigating barriers to growth and building sustainable businesses.

We also explore the impact of AI in business, how it’s transforming content creation, and why investing in team dynamics and leadership development is essential for long-term success.
Kathryn discusses her acquisition journey, the signs of over-scaling, and her future focus on making a positive impact in the world.

• The difference between growing fast and growing well
• Why strong leadership teams are essential to scaling
• How operational complexity often reflects leadership mindset
• The role of AI in modern marketing and content creation
• How company culture signals healthy (or unhealthy) scaling
• Importance of clear market positioning to attract the right clients
• Why early investments in your team drive sustainable growth

• "I was an accidental copywriter."
• "You need people who say no."
• "You can just do stuff."

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🔗 Connect with Kathryn Strachan

👉 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-strachan/


👉 Scaling for Success: How to Build a Brand that Breaks Barriers

https://amzn.eu/d/hPQT52M

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🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with founders, leaders, and investors shaping the future.

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRa7ERHIeNZbwJR2WBWEwjw

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1MrhBPUT0IkjT58lX2iHNi?si=ba95cf94528b4546

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📩 Join the Finance for Founders newsletter: 
https://scaleup-cfo.kit.com/f87991a5e8

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📱 Follow Samuel on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-ajala-4b823444/

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#FinanceForFounders #ScalingSuccess #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategies #StartupAdvice

In this episode of Finance for Founders, we sit down with Mark Dwyer, the accidental entrepreneur behind Big Red Cloud, a cloud accounting platform that has served over 75,000 customers.

Mark shares hard-won lessons from building and scaling a business—from surviving tough markets to navigating acquisitions and maintaining financial discipline. We dive into his leadership style, his take on customer support as a market differentiator, and how he balanced family life while running a fast-growing company.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Why resilience is a non-negotiable trait for entrepreneurs
• How acquisitions can fuel strategic growth
• The long-term value of cloud accounting and tech innovation
• What it takes to lead with integrity and build employee loyalty
• Mark’s thoughts on legacy, impact, and what comes next

🔑 Keywords: entrepreneurship, cloud accounting, business acquisition, leadership, financial discipline, scaling business, customer support, market competition, work-life balance, legacy

👂 Sound Bites: "Cash is king in business."
"Be careful what you wish for."
"I got the number that I wanted."

🔁 Like, comment, and subscribe if you found this valuable. New episodes every week.

In this episode of Finance for Founders, host Samuel Ajala sits down with Guy Bartlett, a seasoned entrepreneur, M&A strategist, and founder of The Business Buyers Club. With over £146 million in closed deals, Guy shares powerful insights into business acquisition, SME growth, and scaling businesses the smart way.

🎯 From his military roots to becoming a leader in entrepreneurship and business coaching, Guy dives deep into the transition process, strategic acquisitions, funding options like vendor finance, and how to unlock hidden value in small to mid-sized businesses.

💡 Whether you're a founder looking to buy your first business, plan an exit, or simply want to understand how M&A strategies can fuel entrepreneurial growth, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

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📌 Key Takeaways

Business acquisitions can solve growth bottlenecks

Cash flow and people are critical success factors

Simple shifts can transform employee satisfaction

Vendor finance is a powerful (and often overlooked) funding tool

Team dynamics are everything in post-acquisition success

Business is ultimately about people and relationships

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🔊 Quotes & Sound Bites:

"You don’t need necessarily a lot of cash."
"Business is people."
"You can do it without any money."
"It’s a hearts and minds campaign."
"Money follows people."

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🔗 Connect with Guy Bartlett

👉 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/guybartlettuk/


👉 The Business Buyers Club:
https://thebusinessbuyersclub.co.uk/

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🔔 Subscribe for more founder-friendly finance insights every week. Like, comment, and share if this helped you!

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRa7ERHIeNZbwJR2WBWEwjw

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1MrhBPUT0IkjT58lX2iHNi?si=ba95cf94528b4546

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 📩 Join the Finance for Founders newsletter: 
https://scaleup-cfo.kit.com/f87991a5e8

--------------------

📱 Follow Samuel on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-ajala-4b823444/

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#BusinessAcquisition #Entrepreneurship #SMEGrowth #FinanceForFounders #ScalingBusinesses #MAStrategies #BusinessCoaching #CashFlow #VendorFinance #GuyBartlett #Leadership #StartupFunding #BusinessStrategy #Networking #BusinessGrowth #AcquisitionStrategy

In this episode of Finance for Founders, Samuel Ajala sits down with Astan Morarji — a serial entrepreneur who has launched, scaled, and exited over £30M worth of businesses. Astan shares brutally honest insights on what it really takes to grow a business, build trust, and lead through chaos.

You’ll learn: 

✅ Why trust beats authority in business
✅ How to scale fast without burning out
✅ The real cost of hiring top talent
✅ Why upselling existing clients is a growth cheat code
✅ How to avoid falling for common business myths
✅ What role luck, timing, and strategy play in exits and acquisitions

From navigating legal challenges as an immigrant founder to mastering the mindset shifts from founder to CEO, Astan brings raw and practical advice for early-stage and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.

🔥 Timestamps
00:00 – Intro to Astan Morarji
06:02 – The Importance of Family in Business
11:55 – Growth Strategies That Actually Work
17:58 – Rapid Scaling Secrets
22:06 – Marketing & Market Positioning
36:55 – From Founder to Leader
43:47 – Building Trust, Not Just Authority
52:47 – Upselling for Smarter Growth
01:00:03 – The Role of Luck in Business
01:09:55 – Scaling Through Acquisitions
01:17:08 – Why Turnarounds Are Brutal
01:30:00 – Debunking Business Myths
01:34:38 – Legacy, Mentorship & Giving Back

Follow Astan Morarji:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astanm/

🔔 Subscribe for more interviews like this: 

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRa7ERHIeNZbwJR2WBWEwjw

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1MrhBPUT0IkjT58lX2iHNi?si=ba95cf94528b4546

 📩 Join the Finance for Founders newsletter: 
https://scaleup-cfo.kit.com/f87991a5e8

📱 Follow Samuel on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-ajala-4b823444/

#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #AstanMorarji #FinanceForFounders #StartupAdvice #ScalingBusiness #FounderMindset #Leadership #TrustInBusiness

🎙 Episode Summary:
In this episode, we sit down with Wyclef Sande, an inspiring Ugandan entrepreneur and the founder of Blue Trucco Coffee. From a humble upbringing in Uganda to building a business that champions Ugandan coffee on the global stage, Wyclef shares his remarkable journey of resilience, rejection, and passion. He discusses how coffee and travel can drive social impact, his transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and why Uganda’s robusta coffee deserves global recognition.

🚀 Key Takeaways:
✔️ "Don’t rush it, but don’t delay." – Wyclef’s philosophy on growth and success.
✔️ He grew up happy despite financial hardships.
✔️ Rejection taught him valuable life lessons and fueled his drive.
✔️ Uganda is home to robusta coffee, yet it remains undervalued.
✔️ His mission is to elevate Ugandan coffee and empower local farmers.
✔️ Building a brand is about more than just a product—it’s about purpose.
✔️ Community development and giving back are central to his vision.
✔️ Transitioning from corporate roles at Nando’s and Nestlé to founding his own company.

🎧 Listen Now:
🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5718cSZ79tVNRHaMJINBwt?si=h-KWNiGFRyOwlwYUjJDvOA
🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000695858745
🔹 YouTube: https://youtu.be/qOV0LRlIOCo?si=dumouwF7irKMe9c9

📌 Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Wyclef Sande
07:11 - Wyclef's Early Life and Challenges
14:34 - Journey to the UK and Education
20:22 - Overcoming Rejection and Building Resilience
24:10 - Creating Impact through Travel and Coffee
25:39 - Maintaining Connections: The Importance of Relationships
26:12 - A Journey of Self-Discovery and Purpose
30:50 - Cultural Shock: Adapting to Life in the UK
32:27 - Navigating Corporate Life: From Nando’s to Nestlé
38:32 - The Birth of a Passion: Transitioning to Coffee
44:15 - Championing Ugandan Coffee: A Mission to Transform
54:50 - Building a Brand: The Vision Behind Blue Trucco Coffee

💡 Notable Quotes:
📢 "I was a very happy, poor child."
📢 "I felt it was my duty to change that."
📢 "Coffee is more than a drink—it’s a movement."

🔔 Subscribe & Follow:
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps bring more inspiring stories like Wyclef’s to light.

📲 Connect with Wyclef Sande:
🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueturacocoffee/
🔹 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wycliffesande/
🔹 Blue Turacco Coffee: https://blueturacocoffee.com/pages/our-coffee

#WyclefSande #BlueTruccoCoffee #UgandanCoffee #Entrepreneurship #SocialImpact #Resilience #Travel #CommunityDevelopment

In this episode of Finance for Founders, we are joined by Lavinia, an award-winning blockchain consultant, international speaker, and founder of Women in Blockchain Talks. Lavinia is on a mission to introduce 50,000 women to the world of blockchain and web3 technology. Lavinia shares her journey, discussing her upbringing, the challenges she's faced in a male-dominated industry, and her passion for diversity and inclusion in tech. The conversation delves into Lavinia's personal story, her faith, and her vision for the future of blockchain. Join us for an insightful discussion on leadership, legacy, and the importance of representation in emerging tech industries.

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Tune in now and get inspired! 🔗:

Apple Podcast 🍎: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000690768391

Spotify 🎧: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4wNBBNtx1usxyAD8ZIon4M?si=kwYFZ2lFS3qdeyq8zc4JIw

YouTube 📺: https://youtu.be/cZlmV6Iiu9Q?si=5aIVx-hgm6zsOR0a

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Women in BlockChain Talk:
https://wibt.mykajabi.com/

Lavinia Osbourne:
linkedin.com/in/laviniaosbourne

Email: [email protected]

#Blockchain #Web3 #WomenInTech #Leadership #DiversityInTech #FinanceForFounders #Podcast

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:56 Quick Fire Questions
03:16 Lavinia's Mission and Passion
05:29 Personal Background and Challenges
13:03 Discovering Blockchain
16:52 Founding Women in Blockchain Talks
27:05 Preparation Meets Opportunity
27:48 Women in Blockchain Talks: Events and Opportunities
29:20 Challenges in the Blockchain Industry
36:31 Understanding Blockchain: A Simple Explanation
41:56 The Vision for 50,000 Members
44:30 Recognition and Imposter Syndrome
47:43 The Future of Blockchain and Women in Tech
51:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Summary

In this episode of Finance for Founders, Samuel Ajala interviews Ryan Chenier, CEO of Mastery Fractional CFO Services. Ryan shares his journey from corporate leader to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of fractional CFO services for small and medium-sized businesses. He discusses the financial blind spots that many founders overlook and provides actionable advice for achieving financial clarity and business growth. The conversation covers the cost-effectiveness of hiring a fractional CFO, key financial focus areas for scaling businesses, and the significance of metrics in managing business performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ryan Chernier and Mastery CFO Services
04:49 Ryan's Journey from Corporate Leader to Entrepreneur
10:19 Understanding the Role of a Fractional CFO
15:36 The Value of Fractional CFO Services for Small Businesses
21:15 Cost Considerations for Hiring a Fractional CFO
22:49 Revenue Generation and Business Development
26:43 Translating Vision into Financial Reality
29:26 The Importance of Metrics in Business
32:11 Case Study: Cash Flow Management Success
36:18 Tech Stack for Startups
37:56 Managing the CFO-CEO Relationship
40:48 Winning New Clients as a Fractional CFO
43:38 Initial Client Engagement and Goal Setting
47:26 Final Words of Wisdom


🔊 Listen now and take control of your financial future: 

ApplePodcast 🍎: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000688473022

Spotify 🎧: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FjBxKFPYZrEvJFecl5YbD?si=J9ivguV4R8OZNcC31AU05g

YouTube 📺 : https://youtu.be/vHibC0-HSNQ?si=aWuJzZ3jWT3oSAbu


Keywords

#FractionalCFO #financialstrategies #businessgrowth #entrepreneurship #financialmanagement #smallbusiness #scaling #financialclarity #Ryan Chenier #MasteryFractionalCFOServices

In this episode of Finance for Founders, Samuel Ajala interviews Salvatore Tirabassi, a seasoned fractional CFO and business strategist. They discuss Salvatore's extensive experience in finance, his insights on scaling businesses, and the importance of financial forecasting. Salvatore shares his journey through the venture capital landscape, the evolution of financial tools, and the challenges faced by startups in managing their finances effectively. The conversation emphasizes the need for founders to understand financial metrics and the role of a CFO in guiding businesses towards sustainable growth. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the role of a fractional CFO, emphasizing the importance of financial forecasting and the need for businesses to understand their financial data. They share insights on how to communicate the value of CFO services to founders, particularly those who have grown their companies without such support. The discussion also covers marketing strategies for CFO services, the significance of customer acquisition cost (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV), and key metrics that founders should monitor as they scale their businesses.


Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Salvatore Terabassi
02:49 Quick Fire Questions: Insights into CFO Life
05:13 Key Milestones in Salvatore's Career
07:46 Comparing Past and Present: The Financial Landscape
10:30 Understanding Financial Management for Founders
12:24 The Importance of Financial Forecasting
15:01 Challenges in Startup Financial Management
23:07 Understanding the Role of a Fractional CFO
30:27 Marketing Strategies for CFO Services
31:28 Decoding CAC and LTV for Founders
44:30 Key Metrics for Scaling Businesses


🎧 Listen now on your favourite platform and unlock growth strategies for 2025!

Youtube 📺 : 
https://youtu.be/Eu8zfXChFsA

Apple Podcast 🍎: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-financial-forecasting-for-startups/id1754190164?i=1000684653397

Spotify 🎧 : 
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mD9D7egUH7OHi5EmQZtTR?si=6301a15ad0014a14


Contact details:

Drive your business with strategic and analytical fractional CFO Services.
Expert in financial forecasting, budgeting, reporting, analytics, debt and equity.
Data-driven decisions can be a reality. We have years of experience bringing data into production in a usable and effective way. Our approach always keeps an eye on financial strategy and value creation. Real, tangible results. Reach out to learn more.

Website: www.cfoproanalytics.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stirabassi/


#CFO #finance #startups #financialforecasting #businessstrategy #cashflow #equity #debt #financialmanagement #entrepreneurship #FractionalCFO #clientacquisition #financialforecasting #CAC #LTV #businessgrowth #marketingstrategies #cash flow #metrics #entrepreneurship

Summary
In this episode of Finance for Founders, Samuel Ajala interviews Nana Parry, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Tectonic. They discuss Nana's journey from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, the challenges of starting and scaling a business, and the importance of customer insights. Nana shares his experiences with Tectonic, the role of AI in business, and the significance of maintaining a human touch in customer interactions. He also emphasises the value of networking, mentoring, and mental health for entrepreneurs, while providing advice for aspiring founders.

Takeaways
- Nana Parry emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs.
- Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship can be challenging but rewarding.
- Building a business around a first customer can lead to immediate revenue.
- AI can enhance customer insights but should not replace human interaction.
- Networking is crucial for business success and can lead to valuable connections.
- Mental health is vital for entrepreneurs; taking breaks is essential.
- Diversity in teams can lead to better business outcomes.
- Practical experience is as important as mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Gratitude journaling can improve mental well-being.
- Focus on taking small steps towards your goals.

You can listen on:

Spotify 🎧: 
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2QKPGqKgDOfZNHib46LWMl?si=dyDLNdiXTbmeqQLM_qr0TQ

Apple Podcast 🍎: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finance-for-founders-with-samuel-ajala/id1754190164?i=1000683775085

YouTube 📺: 
https://youtu.be/raRELGwM7dQ

Details:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nana-parry/
Website: http://tectoniclondon.com
Website: https://www.cluso.com/