FinPod

How do major companies plan for long-term success and stay agile when things change? In this episode of What’s New at CFI, Duncan McKeen breaks down the essentials of corporate budgeting, why it’s critical for aligning strategy with execution, and how FP&A teams use budgeting to drive better decision-making across every department.

Whether you're a finance professional working in FP&A, a business analyst building forecasts, or a team lead navigating strategic planning cycles, this episode gives you a practical roadmap for how budgeting works at scale.

Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is more than simple math, it’s the cornerstone of smart business decisions. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we dive deep into how companies weigh financial trade-offs, avoid common pitfalls, and use CBA to drive strategy. Learn how leading firms like Amazon, Tesla, Apple, Ford, and Quibi used (or misused) CBA to shape their success—or struggle.

PhD to Corporate Finance & M&A? Gabriel Fung's Unconventional Journey!

Ever wondered how a PhD in Pathology transitions to high-stakes roles in Equity Research and Corporate Development? In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, Gabriel Fung reveals his unique path from the lab to leading strategic M&A and partnerships at Exact Sciences in the competitive healthcare and biotech sectors. This is a must-listen for PhDs, scientists, and anyone considering a career pivot into finance from a non-traditional background!

In a world of constant change, rising interest rates, inflation, and global disruptions, how do top companies prepare for the unexpected? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down scenario planning and sensitivity analysis, the essential tools finance teams use to stay agile, resilient, and ready for anything.

Learn how Airbnb, Starbucks, Delta Airlines, and Unilever use these strategies to thrive despite uncertainty, from pandemic disruptions to geopolitical shifts.

In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we dive into the world of corporate debt management, a crucial aspect of business strategy that can fuel growth or sink companies if mismanaged. Join us as we break down the fundamentals of debt versus equity financing, explore real-world examples like Tesla, Apple, and Toys R Us, and reveal best practices that companies use to navigate the complex financial landscape.

Learn how companies use leverage to amplify returns, the strategic use of convertible debt in high-growth phases, and the risks of over-leverage with cautionary tales from companies like Evergrande. From term loans to mezzanine financing, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the tools and strategies finance professionals need to manage debt effectively.

Whether you're a finance student, an aspiring corporate finance professional, or someone looking to understand how companies manage financial risks and optimize capital structures, this conversation offers invaluable insights and practical strategies for success.

In this episode of CFI Member Spotlight, we sit down with Russel Tan, a dynamic professional from Singapore who’s bridging the worlds of engineering and finance. Join us as Russel shares his unconventional journey from aerospace engineering to pursuing a career in finance, highlighting his passion for problem-solving, private equity, and the power of networking.

Russel’s early dive into financial modeling and his plans to pursue an Accounting and Finance degree at Durham University set him up for a promising career in investment banking and consulting. Whether you're a finance student, a professional exploring career transitions, or someone curious about global perspectives in finance, this conversation offers inspiration and practical advice on blending technical expertise with business acumen. 

How do companies decide where to invest, when to return cash to shareholders, or when to take bold risks on new technologies? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down capital allocation, the art and science behind a company’s biggest money decisions.

From ROI and NPV to multi-billion dollar bets on streaming, cloud computing, and biotech, this deep dive features case studies from Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, Pfizer, and more. Learn how capital allocation drives long-term value, and how to spot it in your own company or investments.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What capital allocation really means and why it matters
• The key metrics (ROI, NPV, IRR) behind investment decisions
• Real-world strategies from Amazon (AWS), Apple (stock buybacks), and Microsoft (Azure)
• Warren Buffett’s approach to acquisitions at Berkshire Hathaway
• How companies like Netflix, Disney, Intel, and Pfizer made bold capital bets
• How to evaluate capital allocation as an FP&A analyst or investor

Who this episode is for:

This episode is for finance professionals, FP&A analysts, investors, and business strategists who want to understand how capital allocation decisions shape value creation. It’s also valuable for anyone making or analyzing investment decisions—inside a company or in the stock market.

What happens when a company starts slipping, has declining margins, mounting debt, or cash flow concerns? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we take a closer look at how businesses bounce back from financial distress and the critical role corporate finance teams play in making that happen.

From early warning signs to full-scale restructurings, we break down the strategies, case studies, and financial tactics that fuel real-world corporate turnarounds.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What signals financial trouble before it hits the headlines
• How finance teams use cash flow stress tests and scenario modeling to guide recovery
• The difference between cost-cutting and strategic restructuring
• Why communication and leadership are just as important as balance sheets
• Case studies from Apple and General Motors’ historic turnarounds
• Practical insights for FP&A, Treasury, and Strategy professionals navigating uncertainty

Who this episode is for:

This episode is essential for finance professionals in FP&A, Treasury, or Strategy roles who want to better understand turnaround mechanics and strategic problem-solving. It's also valuable for mid-career professionals managing risk, forecasting under pressure, or supporting business transformation.

What does it take to go from audit associate to CFO of a PE-backed startup? In this episode of Careers in Finance, host Meeyeon reconnects with longtime friend and finance leader Sharron Xiao to explore the career choices, transitions, and leadership lessons that shaped her journey from the Big Four to the C-suite.

This is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a future in finance, especially those considering the CPA route, a career pivot into startups, or long-term CFO goals.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Sharron navigated her early career at PwC through co-ops, exams, and structure
• Why joining a startup with no finance team was the most pivotal move she made
• What skills you must build to go from reporting roles into leadership
• How industry choice shapes your CFO potential and why timing matters
• Practical advice on networking, job search, and getting noticed by recruiters
• What to do now if you want to become a CFO later

Who this episode is for:

This episode is perfect for corporate finance professionals, especially CPAs or aspiring CFOs, who want to understand how to strategically navigate career growth. It’s also valuable for mid-career analysts, managers considering a move into startups, or anyone seeking practical advice on career planning, leadership skills, and standing out in a competitive finance job market.

Discover how companies like Tesla, Apple, and Amazon strategically use corporate tax planning to drive profitability, fund innovation, and stay competitive. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we break down how world-leading finance teams turn tax incentives into strategic levers, from sustainability credits and R&D tax breaks to international tax optimization.

Learn how corporate tax isn’t just about compliance; it’s a powerful part of the financial playbook.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Tesla generated over $1.5B through regulatory credits as a revenue stream, not just a tax break.
• Why Amazon’s $56B in R&D spending ties directly to U.S. federal tax incentives.
• How Apple and Google leverage transfer pricing and global tax frameworks to reduce effective tax rates.
• What the OECD global minimum tax could mean for multinational financial teams.
• How FP&A, Treasury, and Strategy teams model and navigate evolving tax rules.
• Why tax policy knowledge matters for analysts, investors, and job seekers in corporate finance.

Who is this episode for?
Whether you're an FP&A analyst, strategy manager, investor, or just exploring how finance drives real-world outcomes, this episode will change how you think about corporate tax strategy.