Future Finance

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst welcome Geoff Robinson, a financial expert, tech enthusiast, and founder of theinvestmentanalyst.com. Geoff shares his insights on the intersection of AI, financial markets, and digital avatars, discussing how technology is reshaping finance, training, and investment strategies.

Geoff Robinson is an investment analyst and former Managing Director at UBS, with years of experience in financial modeling and research. After a successful corporate career, he founded theinvestmentanalyst.com, a platform designed to deliver high quality financial training using AI-driven avatars and cutting edge technology. Geoff is at the forefront of exploring AI’s impact on financial education, advisory services, and market predictions.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How AI powered digital avatars are transforming financial education
• Why traditional financial institutions struggle to keep up with tech innovation
• The role of AI agents in real time investment advice and analysis
• How banks like JP Morgan are integrating AI into their operations
• The ethical and reputational risks of AI generated financial content

In this episode, Geoff Robinson shared how AI, digital avatars, and automation are transforming finance. He discussed the power of AI driven training and the rise of digital investment advisors. Geoff emphasized the need for finance professionals to embrace technology and adapt quickly. Staying ahead in banking, investing, and education requires leveraging AI tools. Those who innovate will lead the future of the industry.

Follow Geoff Robinson:

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

Website - https://theinvestmentanalyst.com/

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:

[01:55] - Introduction to the Episode

[06:39] - Innovation Challenges in Finance

[10:49] - AI in Financial Training

[15:16] - AI Avatars in Advisory Services

[19:36] - AI in Investment and Risk

[22:19] - AI-Generated Podcasts

[26:50] - Managing AI Risks and Reputation

[37:08] - Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

[48:55] - Main Takeaway

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper talk about the latest AI developments impacting the finance and technology sectors. They discuss Perplexity AI’s rise, OpenAI’s new AI agent pricing, and how finance professionals can leverage cutting-edge AI tools to stay ahead. The growing AI browser wars, with Perplexity challenging Google and Microsoft, and the role of AI-powered financial tools like Lucid Now in transforming forecasting and decision-making for finance professionals.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How Perplexity AI is competing with ChatGPT and Gemini in AI-powered search
• The impact of AI-driven networking tools like Boardy on business connections
• OpenAI’s AI agent pricing and why some models cost up to $20,000 per month
• The AI browser wars and Perplexity’s challenge to Google and Microsoft
• How finance professionals can use AI to enhance efficiency and decision-making

AI is advancing rapidly, and finance leaders must adapt to remain competitive. Whether it’s leveraging AI for research, forecasting, or automation, staying informed is key to success in this evolving landscape. As new AI tools emerge, understanding their strengths and limitations will be crucial for making informed decisions. Those who embrace AI early will gain a significant edge in efficiency, strategy, and innovation.

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:

[00:32] - Perplexity AI’s rise and its impact on AI-powered search

[04:19] - Boardy’s AI networking tool and its implications for professionals

[05:51] - The risks of AI-generated content and best practices for using AI

[16:11] - AI-powered financial tools like Lucid Now and their impact on forecasting

[18:53] - Deep Research AI and how finance professionals can use it

[28:52] - Final thoughts on AI adoption in finance 

In this episode of Future Finance, host Glenn Hopper talks about the intersection of AI, data analytics, and finance with guest Tom Hinkle. Tom is a Microsoft MVP and analytics expert who shares his unique knowledge about AI’s impact on Excel, data science, and workforce analytics. He also discusses his Minesweeper project in Excel and the changing role of finance professionals in an AI-driven world.

Tom Hinkle is a Microsoft MVP with 20+ years of experience in analytics, data science, and business intelligence. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Tom has worked with major financial institutions, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and TIAA. He is known for his problem-solving mindset, technical expertise, and ability to bridge the gap between business and technology.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How AI is revolutionizing Excel and what that means for finance professionals.
• The role of AI in data cleansing and automation, making finance and analytics work more efficient.
• Why the best coders may not be the most valuable team members in the future of finance.
• Insights on Copilot in Microsoft 365 and how it’s changing financial modeling and reporting.
• The story behind Tom’s Excel Minesweeper project—how he built a game in VBA using AI.

As AI continues to automate repetitive tasks, finance professionals must adapt, refine their analytical skills, and focus on storytelling to translate data into meaningful information. Tom’s journey highlights how embracing new technologies like Microsoft Copilot can enhance productivity rather than replace human expertise.

Follow Tom:

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

Website - https://excel-cafe.teachable.com/

Minesweeper Game - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/new-page-3

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:

[01:46] - Introduction to the Episode

[03:36] - Meet Tom Hinkle

[06:07] - The Future of AI in Finance

[11:53] - AI’s Impact on Excel and Financial Modeling

[15:31] - The Skills Professionals Need in an AI-Driven World

[24:02] - Building Minesweeper in Excel with AI

[29:51] - Exploring Microsoft Copilot & AI Coding Assistants

[33:07] - The Importance of Storytelling in Data Analytics

[36:54] - Fun Segment & Tom’s Personal Quirk

[40:53] - Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst sit down with Adam Shilton, a digital transformation expert, TEDx speaker, and founder of Shilton Digital. They explore the intersection of AI, automation, and business efficiency, discussing how leaders can leverage digital tools to replace manual work with more meaningful, impactful tasks. The conversation also focuses on the risks and challenges of AI-generated content, synthetic data, and the future of AI-driven business solutions.

Adam Shilton is a leading voice in digital automation, specializing in helping businesses streamline operations using AI-powered systems. As the founder of Shilton Digital and a sought-after speaker, Adam brings interesting knowledge about the importance and role of AI in modern workplaces.

Expect to Learn

• The potential and limitations of AI-generated content in podcasts and media
• How AI tools like Notebook LM can assist in decision-making and business analysis
• The risks of AI models training on synthetic data and the potential for misinformation
• How businesses can effectively integrate AI without fully outsourcing decision-making
• The future of AI-driven automation, including domain-specific AI agents

The real value of AI lies not in outsourcing thinking, but in amplifying our ability to innovate, streamline, and create. As businesses navigate the digital transformation, the key isn’t just to adopt AI blindly, but to use it as a strategic partner.

Follow Adam:

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

Website - https://www.adamshilton.com/

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:

[01:29] - Adam’s experiment with AI in comparing ERP systems.

[02:29] - The Risks of AI-Generated Content

[03:33] - AI Training on Synthetic Data

[05:24] - Digital Data vs. Human Knowledge

[07:23] - The Importance of Keeping AI Creative

[08:36] - AI as a Support Tool, Not a Replacement

[09:59] - The Future of AI Agents and Domain-Specific Models

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Adam Shilton, an expert in digital transformation, automation, and AI-powered workflows. The discussion focuses on how AI is changing the way we work, the risks of synthetic data, and how finance professionals can harness technology to become more efficient. Adam also shares his personal journey from corporate FP&A to running his own business, along with an overview from his recent TEDx talk.

Adam Shilton is the founder of Shilton Digital, a TEDx speaker, and a digital systems architect specializing in automation, AI tools, and no-code solutions. With a background in finance and technology, he helps leaders streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and replace manual work with meaningful work. He is also the Head of Partnerships at GrowCFO, supporting SME finance leaders, and a course facilitator for AI and automation.

In this episode, you will discover:

• The role of AI in finance and why understanding data science is crucial.
• The risks of synthetic AI training data and its potential long-term impact.
• How Adam transitioned from corporate finance to running his own digital business.
• The best ways to integrate AI into workflows without losing human creativity.
• Why learning foundational skills (like Python or Excel) still matters in the AI era.

In this conversation, Adam Shilton highlighted the importance of using AI as a supporting mechanism rather than a replacement for human expertise. With the risks of synthetic data and the value of foundational skills like Python and Excel, this discussion explains the need for adaptability in the digital age.

Follow Adam:

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

Website - https://www.adamshilton.com/

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:

[01:46] - Introduction of guest Adam Shilton

[02:48] - The Rise of AI in Podcasting

[06:11] - The Problem with Synthetic Data

[13:44] - AI in Financial Analysis

[17:20] - AI as an Augmenting Tool

[25:01] - AI for Learning & Skill Development

[29:04] - Should Finance Pros Still Learn Excel & Python?

[38:19] - Adam’s TEDx Talk

[41:17] - From Corporate Finance to Entrepreneurship

[44:23] - If Your TED Talk Had a Theme Song?

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper talk about the latest AI advancements shaking up the finance and tech industries. They discuss China’s new AI model DeepSeek and the evolving landscape of AI-powered finance tools. The discussion breaks down what’s happening, what it means for businesses, and how finance leaders should navigate the AI revolution.

In this episode, you will discover:

• The impact of DeepSeek, China's new AI model, on the global market and major tech stocks.
• The data security concerns surrounding AI tools, including the latest ChatGPT data breach.
• A discussion on Gemini 2, Google's AI model, and how it stacks up against competitors.
• The rise of AI productivity tools like Operator, Deep Research, and AI-powered finance assistants.
• Why CFOs and finance professionals must embrace AI now and how to integrate it effectively.

AI is moving at an unprecedented speed, reshaping industries, markets, and the way we work. For finance professionals, the challenge is no longer if AI will play a role, but how to use it effectively. Whether it’s choosing the right tools, navigating security concerns, or leveraging automation, those who adapt will gain a competitive edge.

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:

[00:27] - DeepSeek’s sudden market entry and its impact

[03:44] - Data Security Concerns with AI

[08:24] - Gemini 2 & AI Benchmarks

[09:25] - Exploring New AI Productivity Tools

[14:15] - Practical Advice for CFOs on adopting AI

[16:14] - The Future of AI Automation & RPA for Everyone

[17:26] - Wrapping Up & Looking Ahead

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Ben DeBow who is a trailblazer in technology efficiency and sustainability. Ben is at the forefront of helping businesses optimize their tech investments while balancing environmental impacts. His book, End of Abundance in Tech (Forbes Books, 2023), challenges conventional IT practices and advocates for a more sustainable, efficient approach to technology.

Ben is a serial entrepreneur, author, and advocate for leveraging technology efficiently and sustainably. Through his companies, Fortified Data and Fortified, he helps organizations streamline data management and tech investments. Ben also hosts the Tech Evaluation podcast, where he discusses pressing tech challenges with industry leaders. With dual degrees in Information Systems and Accounting from the University of Cincinnati, Ben bridges the gap between finance and technology, offering unique insights into how organizations can thrive in the digital age.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How technology spending has shifted from 2-3% of revenue to a major line item in company budgets.
• The concept of “tech debt” and how it silently eats into company resources.
• Why understanding the true cost of digital services is critical for CFOs.
• The environmental impact of AI and cloud computing, and how efficiency can mitigate it.
• Practical strategies for aligning IT and finance teams for better ROI on tech investments.

Ben’s knowledge highlights the importance of adopting an efficiency mindset, not just to control budgets, but to create sustainable, long-term value. By aligning IT strategies with business goals and fostering better communication between finance and tech teams, organizations can optimize their technology investments without compromising growth or sustainability.

Follow Ben:

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

Website - https://bendebow.com/

Company - https://fortified.com/

End of Abundance in Tech - https://a.co/d/iu0FqG0

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:

[01:53] Ben DeBow’s background

[04:44] The Rising Cost of Technology

[07:12] Inefficiencies in IT Systems

[11:43] Subscription Creep & SaaS Spending

[14:12] Aligning Tech with Business Value

[19:11] Environmental Impact of Technology

[28:08] Fortified Data & SaaS Solutions

[30:07] Future Trends in Tech Efficiency

[34:51] Fun Questions for Ben

[39:30] Conclusion and Final thoughts

In this highlights episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss generative AI in finance and accounting with Jason Pikoos. As industries adopt AI for efficiency and innovation, they must also understand the challenges like audit readiness, compliance, and explainability. Our guest, Jason Pikoos, unpacks the complexities of using AI in financial operations and what it takes to align emerging technologies with rigorous audit standards.

This episode focuses on the need for finance professionals to stay informed and proactive as the industry grapples with the opportunities and risks of AI. AI Technology continues to revolutionize finance, but auditors face an uphill battle in adapting to this unpredictable and rapidly evolving technology. The black-box nature of AI, combined with its non-deterministic outputs, challenges traditional auditing methods that rely on consistency and explainability. Without clear guidance from regulatory bodies like the PCAOB, companies are left navigating a landscape where the rules are yet to be written.

Expect to Learn

• Why generative AI presents unique challenges for audit and compliance.
• How companies can implement AI while staying audit-ready and minimizing risk.
• The importance of “reperformance” and ongoing validation for AI systems.
• Real-world examples of companies navigating AI implementation in finance.
• Predictions for the future of audits, including real-time monitoring powered by AI.

Jason Pikoos emphasizes the importance of cautious adoption, ongoing validation, and strategic planning to bridge the gap until formal frameworks are established. While the potential of AI to transform audits is undeniable, the journey will require auditors, companies, and regulators to work together to define how trust and compliance are maintained in this new era.

Follow Jason:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-pikoos/

Connor Groups - https://p.connorgp.com/l/

Governance Framework - https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/

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:

[00:09] – Challenges of Using AI in Auditing

[01:11] – Current Gaps in Audit Guidance for AI

[02:13] – The Role of Reperformance in AI Validation

[03:28] – Balancing AI Adoption with Audit Risks

[04:20] – Lessons from Real-World AI Implementation

[06:15] – The Future of Finance and AI

[06:32] – Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

In this episode of the Future Finance Show, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper check out  the transformative potential of AI and its implications for businesses, especially in finance and compliance. With guest Jason Pikoos, the discussion unpacks the opportunities and risks associated with adopting generative AI. Jason shares his experience developing frameworks that guide companies in responsibly leveraging AI while maintaining agility and compliance.

Jason Pikoos is a seasoned expert in accounting and operational transformation and has over 18 years of experience working with high-growth and tech-driven companies. Currently at The Connor Group, Jason has supported over 40 businesses in IPO preparations and implementing transformative governance systems. He has co-authored a framework addressing the challenges and risks of AI adoption. Jason’s extensive background includes roles at McAfee, KPMG, and collaborations with industry giants like Google and Sony.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why AI governance can accelerate adoption instead of slowing it down.
• The risks and opportunities in using generative AI for finance and accounting.
• How companies can prepare for audits and compliance in the AI era.
• The role of AI in revolutionizing business processes through advanced automation.
• Practical advice for businesses to integrate AI thoughtfully without jeopardizing compliance.

The intersection of AI, governance, and business transformation is both exciting and complex. By embracing thoughtful governance, companies can not only mitigate risks but also unlock AI’s full potential to transform finance and operations. The key lies in understanding the balance between control and innovation, ensuring AI adds measurable value to your organization.

Follow Jason:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-pikoos/

Connor Groups - https://p.connorgp.com/l/

Governance Framework - https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/

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:

[01:31] Introduction and Opening Thoughts

[02:37] Meet Jason Pikoos

[04:09] Why AI Governance Matters

[06:10] Driving Innovation with Governance

[09:30] Challenges of Generative AI in Public Companies

[14:19] Reperformance and Ongoing Validation

[17:59] AI Adoption in Finance

[25:02] The Future of Auditing with AI

[32:17] What’s Next in Advanced Automation

[41:46] Fun Insights and Closing Thoughts

In this special episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper take a reflective look back at the year 2024. They explore the biggest moments in technology and finance, share personal milestones, and make bold predictions for 2025. The conversation is an engaging mix of professional insights, personal anecdotes, and a bit of humor to ring in the new year.

Paul Barnhurst known as "The FP&A Guy," is a finance thought leader who bridges the gap between finance, technology, and strategy. Glenn Hopper: A finance professional and author focused on leveraging AI and technology in finance to drive innovation. Glenn brings expertise from a practitioner’s perspective and insights into the evolving role of technology in business.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Key technological advancements of 2024, including AI tools and quantum computing breakthroughs.
• The challenges and opportunities in integrating generative AI into financial workflows.
• Reflections on the professional and personal growth journeys of the hosts over the past year.
• Predictions for 2025 in AI, finance, and beyond, including the potential of AI agents and quantum computing.
• The evolution of tools for fractional CFOs and the future of scalable financial solutions.

Paul and Glenn explored the dynamic intersection of finance, technology, and innovation. 2025 holds the promise of even greater strides in AI, quantum computing, and tools that redefine how finance professionals work and collaborate. This episode has been a blend of reflection, insight, and a bit of fun to welcome the new year.

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:

[01:44] Introduction to the Episode

[02:44] Looking Back at 2024

[12:45] Biggest Tech Trends of 2024

[19:49] Emerging Financial Technologies

[23:06] Fractional CFO Tools

[27:21] Innovative Planning Tools.

[30:57] Predictions for 2025

[37:08] Fun with AI-Generated Songs

[44:26] Closing Remarks