Future Finance

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Robert Collie, founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, for a conversation about artificial intelligence, data analytics, and how finance professionals can prepare for the future of work. Robert shares his journey from helping build Power BI at Microsoft to founding P3 Adaptive and explains why AI is creating both disruption and new opportunities for finance and data professionals.

Robert Collie is the founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, a Microsoft analytics and AI consulting firm. During his 13 years at Microsoft, Robert helped lead the development of Power Pivot and Power BI. He is also the author of the bestselling Power Pivot and Power BI book and hosts the Raw Data with Rob Collie podcast. His upcoming book, Fair Game: Customizing AI to Your Business is Easier Than You Think, explores how organizations can make AI practical and accessible.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How Power BI and Power Pivot changed the way organizations use data.
• Why AI is creating new opportunities for finance and data professionals.
• Why sitting still with current skills can create career risks.
• How companies can build AI systems using strong data foundations.
• Why semantic models are becoming essential for AI adoption.

Robert brings decades of experience in business intelligence, analytics, and AI, sharing practical lessons on how finance leaders and data professionals can adapt, learn, and create value in a rapidly changing environment.

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow Robert:

Website: https://p3adaptive.com/

Book: https://fairgamebook.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcollie/

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[00:00] – How AI is changing jobs

[02:43] – Robert’s Microsoft journey

[06:06] – Power BI and Power Pivot impact

[11:25] – Leaving Microsoft for P3 Adaptive

[15:43] – AI and the future of data work

[19:33] – Making AI accessible

[25:13] – AI tools and better workflows

[31:11] – AI in career planning

[33:38] – AI changing finance and consulting

[35:16] – Why semantic models matter

[38:35] – Building a strong company culture

[40:34] – Robert’s AI book and future plans

In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Hopper are joined by guest Alex Brower, co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, to explore why forecasting problems often begin with the data layer. They discuss data plumbing, semantic alignment, Model Context Protocols (MCPs), vibe coding, and how finance and go-to-market teams can work from shared definitions to improve forecast quality and analysis.

Alex Brower is the co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, helping finance and go-to-market teams connect data, improve forecast accuracy, and boost analyst productivity by up to five times. He previously led finance and marketing at high-growth tech firms like AppTelligent (acquired by VMware) and Cloud Academy (acquired by QA).

In this episode, you will discover:

• How data hygiene and shared definitions improve forecasting
• Why unified data alone does not solve business alignment issues
• MCP vs semantic layers for reliable analysis
• The risks of untested AI-generated analysis
• Why AI cost and governance matter

Alex explains how QFlow helps companies prepare data, run planning workflows, and turn analysis into board-ready stories.

Follow Alex:

Website: https://qflow.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrower/

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.ai:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] – Introduction

[02:15] – Data & Forecasting Challenges

[06:43] – MCP vs Semantic Layers

[09:55] – AI Coding Risks

[15:52] – QFlow Data Preparation

[18:10] – Planning & Business Insights

[20:51] – Closing Thoughts

Future Finance host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Hopper are joined by Alex Brower, co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, to unpack why forecasting often breaks down even when teams have plenty of data. The discussion focuses on how finance and go-to-market teams can work from shared inputs, improve planning accuracy, and use AI without losing the structure needed for reliable decisions.

Alex Brower is the co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, helping finance and go-to-market teams connect data, improve forecast accuracy, and boost analyst productivity up to five times. He previously led finance and marketing at high-growth tech firms like AppTelligent (acquired by VMware) and Cloud Academy (acquired by QA).

In this episode, you will discover:

• Fix data plumbing before system consolidation.
• Use data dictionaries for consistent definitions.
• AI helps, but semantic logic is still needed.
• Vibe coding can create hidden costs if untested.
• Start with key unanswered questions, then plan solutions.

Alex shares lessons from leading finance, operations, and marketing teams at high-growth companies, including what he learned from living the forecast tension on both sides of the table.

Follow Alex:

Website: https://qflow.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrower/

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.ai:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[03:44] – Finance-to-marketing journey & QFlow’s solution

[07:10] – Data plumbing vs. alignment

[11:37] – MCPs, AI, and logic layers

[14:50] – Risks of vibe coding & maintainability

[21:56] – How QFlow handles data, planning, and storytelling

[30:57] – Alignment before strategy & reducing fact-hunting

[35:39] – Where CFOs/FP&A should start modernizing

[44:03] – Closing & sponsor sign-off

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Nick Jain and Daniel Settel, co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO. They discuss how AI is changing FP&A, why finance teams still need human expertise, and how their platform helps CFOs automate financial analysis while improving decision-making.

Nick Jain is a Harvard MBA and former CEO, CFO, and investor with experience at McKinsey, Bain Capital, and multiple high-growth companies. Daniel Settel is a Stanford engineer, Harvard MBA, former investment professional at Primecap Management, and co-founder of a venture secondary marketplace. Together, they founded Eagle Rock CFO to combine technology with fractional CFO services for growing businesses.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How AI can automate FP&A without replacing finance professionals
• Why clean financial data is essential for better analysis
• The role of humans in AI-powered finance workflows
• How fractional CFOs can use technology to serve more clients
• Where businesses can uncover hidden value in their financial data

AI-powered finance tools are changing how businesses analyze data, but success still depends on combining automation with sound financial judgment. Nick and Daniel share practical insights into how finance leaders can use technology to save time, uncover opportunities, and make better decisions.

Follow Nick:

Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmjain/

Follow Dan:

Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsettel/

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[02:24] – Why Eagle Rock CFO Was Founded

[04:35] – Building AI for FP&A

[09:12] – The Human Role in AI-Powered Finance

[10:38] – Why Fractional CFOs Need Better Tools

[14:18] – Cleaning Financial Data & Chart of Accounts

[16:21] – White-Labeling the Platform

[17:17] – Time Savings and Business Impact

[19:18] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Nick Jain and Daniel Settel, co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO, to discuss how AI is reshaping FP&A and fractional CFO services. Nick and Dan explain how their AI-powered system combines structured data processing, automation, and financial expertise to help companies analyze complex financial data faster, reduce manual workload, and uncover hidden value in their operations.

Dan and Nick are co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO, a financial advisory firm helping mid-size businesses grow faster and improve profitability. They combine AI and technology to deliver operational finance insights at a fraction of traditional consulting costs. Both are Harvard Business School graduates, with undergraduate degrees from Stanford and Dartmouth. Dan previously co-founded FinTech company Zanbato and worked as a professional investor at PrimeCap, while Nick has experience in private equity investing and scaling companies across SaaS, footwear, and trucking.

In this episode, you will discover:

• AI works best when paired with structured financial data, not raw inputs
• Why deterministic systems still matter alongside AI in finance workflows
• How Eagle Rock’s 5-step system improves financial analysis accuracy
• Why human oversight is still needed in AI-powered FP&A systems
• How fractional CFOs can save 20–50 hours per month using AI tools

Nick and Daniel demonstrate how AI is transforming finance by automating analysis while still relying on structured systems and human judgment. Their approach shows that the future of FP&A is not fully autonomous AI, but a hybrid model where AI enhances decision-making, improves efficiency, and strengthens financial visibility.

Follow Nick:

Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmjain/

Follow Dan:

Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsettel/

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[04:10] – Founding Eagle Rock CFO

[06:21] – Deterministic vs probabilistic systems

[07:22] – Why agents are not enough

[09:13] – Data compression and structuring

[10:13] – Human oversight in AI workflows

[14:51] – Data mess in SMB finance

[18:38] – White-label and consulting model

[22:18] – How to start using AI safely

[29:36] – CFO vs CEO vs CIO experience

[33:45] – Closing thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Ron Nachum, Founder of Sapien, an AI-native company building systems that understand and act on enterprise financial data. Ron shares how his team is redefining finance operations using AI agents that go beyond dashboards and chatbots to actively analyze, optimise, and recommend actions across business functions.

Ron Nachum is the Founder of Sapien, an AI-native platform that helps companies run finance and operations through intelligent systems built on top of ERPs, spreadsheets, and enterprise data. With a background in applied AI research at Harvard, Ron focuses on building systems that turn fragmented financial data into real-time business decisions.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How AI agents are reshaping finance and FP&A workflows
• Why companies need systems that understand their business context
• How Sapien automates reporting, analysis, and decision support
• The importance of guardrails, auditability, and financial structure in AI

Ron shows how AI agents are moving finance beyond reporting into real-time decision-making. Sapien blends structure, data, and intelligence to turn complex systems into actionable insights.

Follow Ron:

Website: https://sapien.ai/news

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nachum/

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[02:35] – Why Ron left Harvard to build Sapien

[05:15] – Founding story and early vision

[07:46] – Building AI systems for finance

[09:13] – From manual workflows to AI automation

[10:03] – Evolution of AI agents in finance

[11:29] – How AI is changing FP&A roles

[12:45] – Guardrails and system design

[13:56] – Financial intelligence in AI systems

[16:19] – Opinionated vs. flexible AI systems

[18:26] – Closing thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Ron Nachum, Founder and CEO of Sapien, to discuss how AI agents are transforming financial operations and decision-making for companies. Ron shares how Sapien leverages AI to unify siloed financial data, automate workflows, and provide actionable insights, helping companies unlock millions of dollars in hidden value while enabling employees to focus on strategic work.

Ron Nachum is the founder and CEO of Sapien, an AI-native platform that deploys agents to understand and act on messy, siloed data across ERPs, data warehouses, CRMs, and spreadsheets. Ron studied at Harvard, where he focused on computer science, statistics, and applied AI research. He has spent years building AI solutions for finance and operational processes, creating systems that help companies make better, faster decisions and optimize their operations.

In this episode, you will discover:

• AI can unlock value from messy, siloed financial data
• Sapien’s platform automates reporting, forecasting, and operational decisions
• Human oversight and governance remain crucial for AI configurability
• Talent density and culture are key to scaling a young, fast-growing company
• Early entrepreneurial mindset shapes long-term innovation

Ron Nachum demonstrates how AI can revolutionize financial operations by turning siloed, messy data into actionable insights. Sapien’s platform empowers companies to automate reporting, optimize decisions, and free employees to focus on high-value work. Ron emphasizes that combining AI with governance, configurability, and a talented team creates systems that not only deliver immediate value but also scale strategically.

Follow Ron:

Website: https://sapien.ai/news

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nachum/

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[03:15] – Data-Rich, Analysis-Poor Challenge

[06:21] – Harvard & the Leap to Sapien

[11:32] – AI Agents in Finance

[17:01] – Balancing AI Flexibility & Guardrails

[23:19] – Efficient & Secure Data Handling

[26:34] – Making Insights Accessible to All Teams

[30:45] – Configurability, Forecasting & Learning

[38:22] – Real-World Impact & Optimizations

[40:25] – Leading Young Teams with Experienced Advisor

[46:11] – Early Entrepreneurial Ventures

[49:13] – Closing Thoughts & Thanks

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp, to discuss how enterprises can govern, manage, and operate AI at scale. Dave shares insights on implementing AI responsibly, tracking ROI, managing risks, and creating an enterprise-wide AI portfolio that drives value while ensuring compliance and governance.

Dave Trier leads ModelOp with a focus on customer value, product innovation, and enterprise execution. With over 20 years in data science, AI, analytics, cloud, and enterprise software, he brings technical expertise and a pragmatic leadership style, helping CIOs, CTOs, and AI leaders deploy AI effectively across organizations .

In this episode, you will discover:

• How enterprises can scale AI responsibly and reliably
• The CFO’s role in AI oversight and portfolio management
• Measuring AI value through ROI, usage, and internal feedback
• Distinctions between AI governance and traditional data governance
• Importance of change management and structured AI adoption

Dave provides a framework for enterprise AI adoption, emphasizing disciplined management, measurable impact, and alignment with regulatory and operational requirements. This episode is essential for finance and tech leaders looking to integrate AI at scale while ensuring oversight, efficiency, and business value .

Follow Dave:

Website: https://www.modelop.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidetrier/

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[02:38] – AI Compliance & Governance Challenges

[04:35] – Distinction Between AI & Data Governance

[07:28] – Measuring AI Value & ROI

[12:41] – Treating AI as a Portfolio of Investments

[15:05] – Change Management & Enterprise Adoption

[17:39] – Wild West of AI & Need for Rigorous Processes

[18:54] – CFO Oversight in AI Implementation

[21:00] – Closing Remarks

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp, to explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI at scale in enterprises. Dave shares how organizations can manage AI responsibly, measure ROI, and move from scattered pilots to a disciplined, industrialized approach. He also discusses the critical role of CFOs in AI oversight, change management, and creating measurable business value from AI initiatives

Dave Trier is CEO of ModelOp, leading the company with a focus on customer value, product innovation, and enterprise execution. With over 20 years of experience across AI, data science, analytics, cloud, and enterprise software, Dave is a patent-holder and trusted partner to CIOs, CTOs, and AI leaders. Prior to becoming CEO, he shaped ModelOp’s product strategy and held senior roles at Think Big Analytics, Powered by Action, and Accenture Technology Labs. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How to industrialize AI delivery across an enterprise
• Managing risk, governance, and compliance for AI implementations
• Measuring AI ROI using financial, feedback, and usage metrics
• The CFO’s role in AI oversight and rationalizing AI investments
• Key lessons for change management and process discipline in AI adoption

Dave Trier highlights how enterprises can move from scattered AI pilots to a disciplined, industrialized approach that delivers measurable business value. He emphasizes the importance of governance, change management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure AI initiatives succeed. CFOs play a key role in oversight, setting financial parameters, and rationalizing AI investments.

Follow Dave:

Website: https://www.modelop.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidetrier/

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[02:07] – Meet Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp

[04:57] – ModelOp & AI Governance Explained

[06:21] – AI vs Data Governance

[08:11] – Evaluating AI ROI for CFOs

[13:24] – AI as a Managed Investment Portfolio

[16:43] – Change Management & Process Discipline

[20:48] – CFO’s Role in AI Oversight

[27:38] – Tips to Maximize AI ROI

[30:16] – Enterprise AI Complexity & Coordination

[32:13] – Dave’s Journey: Electrical Engineer to AI CEO

[35:12] – Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Scott Leshinski, President of OneStream Software, to discuss the company’s recent acquisition by Hg Capital. Scott explains how OneStream’s unified platform is transforming finance workflows, the role of AI in enterprise finance, and how finance teams are learning to trust and use these advanced tools.

Scott Leshinski is the President of OneStream Software, with experience in corporate finance at GE Capital, co-founding Bluestone International, and leading finance technology transformations at Huron Consulting Group. He joined OneStream in 2021 and was promoted to President in 2023 after driving strong growth in AI initiatives.

In this episode, you will discover:

• The impact of OneStream going private under Hg Capital
• How unified platforms improve financial planning and reporting
• AI and machine learning are enhancing forecast accuracy and efficiency
• Importance of transparency, traceability, and trust in AI outputs

Scott Leshinski highlights the exciting future of finance, where unified platforms and automation are transforming how businesses manage financial workflows. He emphasizes the growing role of technology in making finance processes more efficient and discusses how OneStream is helping companies become more agile.

Follow Scott:

Website: https://www.onestream.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-leshinski-bb5736b/

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[00:23] – Guest Intro

[01:32] – Acquisition & AI-First Strategy

[03:57] – Long-Term Growth Opportunities

[05:18] – Scott’s Career Journey

[08:38] – Need for Unified Platform

[10:13] – OneStream Overview

[13:29] – Practical Enterprise Impact

[17:11] – Unified Platform for AI

[21:01] – Agentic AI & High Accuracy