Future Finance

In this episode, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss the latest updates in AI and how these advancements are impacting the finance sector. They explore the practical challenges that come with integrating AI into existing finance workflows and the real-world limitations of AI tools. The conversation covers new tools like Claude for financial services and the recent developments from OpenAI, while also delving into how AI can be used in financial modeling and analysis. The hosts also share their personal experiences, frustrations, and optimism about the future of AI, offering a balanced view of the excitement and challenges that come with these technologies.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How Claude for Financial Services is changing AI in finance.
• Insights on OpenAI’s agent rollout and its impact on the industry.
• The challenges of integrating AI into financial workflows, especially Excel.
• The practical limitations of AI in real-world finance applications.
• The future potential of AI tools and their role in financial decision-making.

Paul and Glenn highlighted the potential of AI tools like Claude and OpenAI’s agents in finance, stressing the importance of understanding their limitations. While these technologies offer exciting opportunities, integrating them effectively into existing workflows is key to realizing their value. The journey to fully harness AI in finance continues, and practical, cautious adoption will be crucial.

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

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:

[00:43] - Welcome to the Episode

[01:09] - Claude for Financial Services

[04:59] - OpenAI’s $10 Million Model

[06:41] - Integrating AI into Excel Workflows

[11:56] - Maintaining Data Integrity in AI Models

[13:37] - AI Integration via Spreadsheet Sidebars

[16:10] - Testing Data Formats: CSV vs JSON for LLMs

[21:59] - SNL Skit with Debbie Downer

[24:54] - Closing Remarks

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome digital transformation expert Tariq Munir to explore how AI and data are reshaping finance leadership. The conversation centers on the core message of Tariq’s upcoming book, Reimagine Finance: A Guide to Leading in the Age of Data, AI and Digital, and how finance professionals can drive transformation without needing deep technical expertise. The episode emphasizes mindset shifts, the human role in AI adoption, and the practical use of digital twins and reasoning models in finance.

Tariq Munir is a keynote speaker, writer, and digital transformation consultant with over two decades of experience working with Fortune 500 companies. Formerly with PepsiCo, Tariq recently transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship. His work focuses on empowering CFOs and finance teams to lead enterprise-wide digital transformations. He’s also the author of the forthcoming book Reimagine Finance, scheduled for global release with Wiley.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why mindset, not technical expertise, is the key to digital transformation in finance.
• How AI is changing leadership expectations and essential skillsets.
• What digital twins are and how they can optimize finance processes.
• The challenges of applying reasoning models in financial AI use cases.
• Why critical thinking and human judgment remain vital in an AI-driven world.

Tariq shared his inspiring transition from corporate executive to digital transformation leader, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone aiming for future-proof finance in the AI era. His reflections on leadership, his vision for human-centered AI adoption, and practical strategies like digital twins offer essential insights for finance professionals seeking to embrace innovation, drive change, and lead with purpose in an increasingly data-driven world.

Follow Tariq:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariq-munir

Website - https://www.tariqmunir.me/

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

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:

[02:23] - Writing "REIMAGINE FINANCE"

[03:45] - Key Takeaways For Finance Leaders

[06:02] - Career Shift And Current Update

[09:56] - AI And The New Breed Of Leaders

[14:57] - Balancing AI And Human-Centricity

[20:21] - Jobs And Technological Change

[28:42] - Challenges With AI Reasoning Models

[36:00] - Fun Questions & Episode Wrap-Up

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Siqi Chen, founder and CEO of Runway. Siqi opens up about the challenges he faced understanding finance as a founder, and how those frustrations led him to build a more intuitive platform. The conversation explores what’s broken in traditional finance tools and how better design can make finance easier to grasp for everyone in the business, not just the experts.

Siqi is a builder and investor with a background that spans NASA, gaming, and high-growth startups. Before Runway, he led products at Zynga and Postmates, served as CEO of Sandbox VR, and invested in companies like Clubhouse and Amplitude. His journey gives him a unique perspective on how product design can solve real business pain points, especially in finance.

Expect to Learn:

• Why traditional finance tools are often disliked.
• The common spreadsheet struggles growing teams face.
• How user-friendly design improves collaboration.
• Why Runway focuses on clarity and flexibility over complexity.
• What it means to build a thinking tool, not just a planning tool.

Siqi shares practical, hard-earned insights on what it takes to build a truly useful finance platform, one that prioritizes clarity, flexibility, and collaboration. If you're frustrated by rigid systems or drowning in spreadsheet chaos, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how thoughtful design and a new approach to financial modeling can help you make better, faster decisions.

Follow Siqi:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/siqic/

Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/runway/

Twitter - https://x.com/blader

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

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:

[01:05] - Origin of Runway

[03:00] - Early Challenges & First Users

[04:10] - Early Demo & Launch Delay

[05:29] - User-Friendly Design

[11:43] - Winning by Being Different

[15:53] - Powerful Tech, Simple Design

[16:33] - From Workflow to Thinking Tool

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Siqi Chen, founder and CEO of Runway, a finance platform built to help operators understand their business without needing a degree in finance. The discussion explores how traditional FP&A tools fall short, and why Runway is reimagining financial modeling by combining flexibility, design, and deeper thinking.

Siqi is the founder and CEO of Runway, a modeling platform designed for operators and finance professionals who need flexible, intuitive tools to manage business complexity. He previously served as CEO of Sandbox VR, VP of Product at Postmates, and Head of Product at Zynga. Siqi has also invested in over 100 startups, including Clubhouse, Amplitude, Pipe, and Italic. Early in his career, he worked at NASA, where he was awarded a Congressional Space Act Award while still in school for his work on the Mars Exploration Rover.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why FP&A platforms often fail to replace spreadsheets for financial modeling.
• How Runway is addressing the core pains of collaboration, complexity, and data integration.
• Why flexibility and speed of thought matter more than workflow automation.
• How Siqi thinks about AI’s role in making finance tools more usable and accessible.
• A remarkable story of how a meme coin helped fund life-saving research for his daughter’s brain tumor.

Siqi shared his remarkable journey from NASA engineer and tech executive to founder of a finance platform built for modern operators. His experiences across product leadership, startup growth, and personal resilience highlight why tools like Runway are redefining how finance professionals think, plan, and collaborate. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to move beyond outdated systems and embrace a more flexible, human-centered approach to financial modeling and decision-making.

Follow Siqi:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/siqic/

Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/runway/

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

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:

[01:48] - Siqi’s Background

[04:41] - Runway Journey So Far

[07:11] - Approachable Finance Tools

[14:28] - UX & What Makes Runway Unique

[20:26] - Thinking Tool Idea

[24:28] - Excel Flexibility Trade-Offs

[33:46] - AI as a Financial Exoskeleton

[40:21] - The Meme Coin Surprise

[44:40] - Wrap-Up

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome John Glasgow, the founder and CEO of Campfire. With backing from Y Combinator and Foundation Capital, Campfire is rethinking the general ledger using AI-powered workflows that streamline accounting and accelerate financial reporting. John shares his journey, his experience with traditional finance systems, and how Campfire is bringing AI to the forefront of finance transformation.

John is the founder and CEO of Campfire, a cutting-edge AI-powered ERP platform that redefines how finance teams manage the general ledger. With a career that spans strategic roles in companies like Adobe, Magento Commerce, and Buildcon, John’s expertise in finance and corporate development has helped shape his vision for the future of financial reporting. He shares insights on how his career led him to solve the pain points in the finance sector, particularly around outdated software and complex financial processes.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI is transforming finance systems, especially in accounting and financial reporting.
• The challenges of ERP implementation and how Campfire is tackling them with AI-powered solutions.
• Insights on getting closer to a “day zero” close and speeding up financial closing cycles.
• The evolution of the general ledger and how modern ERPs are rethinking traditional finance tools.

John offers practical insights and forward-thinking strategies for embracing AI in finance. If outdated systems and slow processes have been holding you back, this episode provides a refreshing look at how AI can drive efficiency and smarter decision-making in finance.

Follow John:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnglasgow/

Website - https://campfire.ai/

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

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] - John’s Background

[01:34] - $35M Series A Announcement

[02:46] - Career Background & Campfire

[04:45] - Long-Term Vision & Career Decisions

[07:22] - Accelerating Financial Close

[12:05] - Modern Ledger vs. Legacy

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome John Glasgow, founder and CEO of Campfire, a modern AI-native ERP system designed for finance teams. The discussion centers on why traditional ERPs are no longer meeting the needs of growing businesses and how Campfire is offering a new solution built with automation and finance-first design. John shares insights from his career in finance and explains how his own challenges inspired the creation of Campfire.

John is the founder and CEO of Campfire, an ERP platform developed for mid-sized and enterprise finance teams. With prior roles at Adobe and Invoice2Go, where he led strategic finance and corporate development, John has experienced firsthand the limitations of legacy ERP systems. Campfire, backed by Y Combinator and Foundation Capital, is rethinking the general ledger using AI to accelerate financial reporting, reduce manual work, and help finance professionals focus on strategic insights.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why companies are replacing legacy ERPs like NetSuite and what they look for in a modern solution.
• What a modern general ledger looks like, and how AI can support, not replace finance teams.
• Why finance leaders need systems that enable real-time visibility and decision-making.
• How strategic accounting is becoming a core part of modern finance.

John shared his insightful journey from finance leader to founder, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in modernizing finance through technology. His experiences in building an AI-native ERP, tackling the challenges of traditional systems, and redefining the role of finance offer valuable lessons for professionals seeking to drive efficiency, accuracy, and strategic value in their organizations.

Follow John:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnglasgow/

Website - https://campfire.ai/

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

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:

[04:36] - Career Journey & Inspiration

[06:35] - From Finance to Founder

[10:12] - Day-Zero Close & Real-Time Finance

[14:58] - Modern vs. Legacy Ledgers

[19:48] - The Case for a New ERP Tool

[23:14] - Campfire’s AI in Action

[28:20] - Key Differences: FP&A vs. Accounting

[31:17] - How to Humanize Finance

[35:08] - Wrap-Up & Takeaways

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Natalia Toronyi, a finance executive with nearly 20 years of experience in financial transformation. The conversation delves into Natalia’s impressive journey from navigating life during the collapse of the Soviet Union in Ukraine to leading financial transformations in major global companies. The episode explores how AI is reshaping finance, particularly in the areas of internal audits, treasury, and talent management. Natalia shares insights on the real-world applications of AI in finance, discussing both its potential and challenges.

Natalia Toronyi is a finance executive with nearly two decades of experience leading financial transformations across various sectors, particularly in Fortune 500 global industrial manufacturing companies. Known for her problem-solving mindset and focus on data-driven decision-making, Natalia has led numerous automation and digital transformation projects. Her passion for people-first leadership, integrity, and innovation has made her a trusted leader in the finance space.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI is reshaping traditional finance roles, especially in audits and treasury.
• Why standardized operating procedures (SOPs) are crucial for successful AI implementation.
• How to evaluate AI tools effectively, focusing on scalability, ROI, and integration with existing systems.
• The evolving skillsets finance leaders should prioritize in the era of AI.

Natalia brings clarity, depth, and a grounded perspective to the conversation around AI in finance. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the speed of technological change or unsure where to begin with AI integration, this episode offers a refreshing take. Her insights are both practical and empowering, showing that transformation starts with well-defined processes and a people-first mindset.

Follow Natalia:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliatoronyi/

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

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:

[00:59] - Natalia’s Journey

[05:41] - Generative AI Shift

[07:08] - Treasury Insights

[09:57] - Audits with AI

[12:39] - Documenting SOPs

[14:15] - Evaluating Tech

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Natalia Toronyi, a finance executive with nearly 20 years of experience in financial transformation. The conversation delves into Natalia’s impressive journey from navigating life during the collapse of the Soviet Union in Ukraine to leading financial transformations in major global companies. The episode explores how AI is reshaping finance, particularly in the areas of internal audits, treasury, and talent management. Natalia shares insights on the real-world applications of AI in finance, discussing both its potential and challenges.

Natalia Toronyi is a finance executive with nearly two decades of experience leading financial transformations across various sectors, particularly in Fortune 500 global industrial manufacturing companies. Known for her problem-solving mindset and focus on data-driven decision-making, Natalia has led numerous automation and digital transformation projects. Her passion for people-first leadership, integrity, and innovation has made her a trusted leader in the finance space.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How AI is transforming the finance function, from internal audits to treasury management.
• The importance of creating well-defined processes and SOPs as AI continues to integrate into business functions.
• How automation and AI tools can optimize working capital, cash flow forecasting, and financial risk management.
• The evolving role of talent in the finance industry and how leaders should focus on developing strategic and critical thinking skills.
• Key considerations when evaluating AI tools for finance teams, including scalability, security, and ROI.

Natalia’s expertise makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in AI and finance. Her insights on AI in audits, treasury, and talent management offer valuable takeaways for both finance professionals and tech enthusiasts, inspiring new ways to approach decision-making and business processes.

Follow Natalia:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliatoronyi/

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

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:

[03:27] - Natalia’s Background

[10:09] - Treasury & AI

[13:08] - AI in Audits

[17:07] - Evaluating AI Tools

[24:39] - Talent Development & AI

[28:10] - Future of Finance

[32:41] - Advice to Younger Self

[33:23] - Leadership Across Cultures

[35:02] - Episode Wrap-Up

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper take a deep dive into the latest developments in AI, especially how the technology is transforming the business world, from tools that help with forecasting to the ongoing evolution of AI avatars and agents. They also explore the impact of multimodal models, like OpenAI’s multimodal capabilities and Google's recent advancements. From AI-generated images to automated agents, the discussion reveals how AI is quickly becoming a game-changer across industries, including finance, content creation, and customer service.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How multimodal AI models are changing content creation and business operations
• The role of AI-generated avatars in training, presentations, and content production
• The current limitations of AI agents and how businesses are adopting them
• Google’s new video AI tools and their impact on content creation
• How AI memory is enhancing personalized digital assistants and business processes

In this episode, Paul and Glenn explored how AI is transforming content creation, business operations, and personal assistance. While AI advancements are exciting, they also highlight the current limitations of AI agents. Stay tuned for more as they continue to dive into AI’s evolving role in finance and beyond..

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

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:

[00:41] - Welcome to The Episode

[05:28] - AI-generated images

[08:33] - Google’s video AI

[13:28] - Multi-step vs. Workflow Agents

[17:53] - Persuasion Through Visuals & AI

[20:32] - AI: Progress or Rebranding

[26:40] - Moore’s Law on Steroids

[29:55] - AI Models for Clients

[39:32] - Closing Thought

In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Kam Star, a strategic product and technology leader with over 25 years of experience in AI, finance, and digital innovation. Kam shares his unique perspective on the evolution of artificial intelligence from early expert systems to today's powerful neural networks and how AI is shaping decision-making in finance and private equity. The discussion discusses the prediction, gamification, motivation, and the future of AI-assisted strategic decisions in business.

Kam Star is a visionary in AI and technology, with a rich background blending computer science, psychology, and architecture. He has led significant business growth initiatives, including scaling Blue Prism’s product portfolio and founding ventures with revenues exceeding £100 million. Kam holds a PhD in Computer Science and Psychology, alongside advanced studies in AI from MIT, Sloan, and LSE. Passionate about emerging tech, Kam currently focuses on predictive analytics to support better decision-making in private equity-backed companies.

In this episode, you will discover:

• The history and evolution of AI from rule-based expert systems to modern neural networks.
• How gamification and motivation impact team performance and customer engagement.
• The role of predictive analytics in supporting strategic business decisions.
• Challenges and opportunities in democratizing advanced AI tools for mid-market companies.
• Kam’s vision of AI’s future impact on decision-making, creativity, and personalization. 

Kam’s expertise and thoughtful insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and finance. His stories about the evolution of technology, combined with practical advice on predictive analytics and gamification, offer valuable takeaways. Whether you’re a finance professional or a tech enthusiast, Kam’s vision will inspire you to think differently about how AI can transform decision-making. 

Follow Kam:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamstar/?originalSubdomain=uk

Website - kamstar.net

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

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:

[05:48] - Childhood programming story

[10:16] - Evolution of AI and expert systems

[13:26] - Gamification’s role in engagement

[19:07] - Predictive analytics focus

[22:25] - Cause and effect in decision making

[30:46] - Generative AI and creativity

[38:22] - Fun rapid-fire: Secret room

[42:48] - Ambitious bucket list goal

[43:32] - Closing thoughts and thanks