GrowCFO Show

In this episode of the Grow CFO Show, host Kevin Appleby sits down with Jordan Licht, the CFO of Burford Capital, to discuss the fascinating world of legal fundraising and litigation finance.

Jordan Licht’s career journey to becoming the CFO at Burford Capital is an interesting one. He transitioned from a 15-year background in investment banking and consulting to eventually taking on the CFO role, reconnecting with a former boss who had also joined Burford. This highlights the importance of maintaining professional networks and how serendipitous career paths can be.

The core focus of the discussion centers around Burford Capital and the unique world of litigation finance. Jordan provides an overview of how Burford invests in commercial litigation cases, sharing in the risk and reward. He explains Burford’s thorough underwriting process, the challenges of estimating case durations, and the benefits their capital and expertise can provide to clients. The conversation also touches on Burford’s global presence, their approach to building a non-law firm culture, and the complexities of funding and managing the company’s own capital requirements.

Beyond just traditional finance responsibilities, Jordan emphasizes the value of having diverse experience across sales, strategy, and operations. This broader understanding of the business, rather than just the finance function, has been crucial in his current role as CFO. Jordan discusses how this experience has helped him appreciate the symbiotic relationship between business operations and finance, and the dependencies that exist between the two.

Key topics covered include:

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.

GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here.

You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

In this episode, we have the privilege of diving deep into the remarkable career journey of Sharon Barber-Lui, the Chief Financial Officer of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Sharon’s path from her roots in public accounting to leading a diverse team of 200 finance professionals at a global pharmaceutical company is nothing short of inspiring. As someone who has successfully navigated the complexities of the finance world, Sharon has amassed a wealth of knowledge on building high-performing teams. She emphasizes the foundational role of trust and a shared sense of purpose, as well as the relentless pursuit of continuous improvement, as cornerstones of effective leadership.

Sharon’s insights don’t stop there; she passionately advocates for finance leaders to transcend traditional roles and become strategic business partners. In her view, this involves harnessing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to not only streamline processes but to add tangible value to the business. She also champions the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, urging leaders to broaden their candidate pools and engage in active outreach to cultivate a rich tapestry of perspectives and ideas.

Throughout this episode, Sharon shares her perspectives on the evolving role of the CFO as a strategic force within a company. She underscores the importance of delivering results while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Join us as we explore how these principles can be applied to drive success in an ever-changing business landscape. Whether you’re an aspiring finance professional or a seasoned leader, Sharon’s experiences and insights offer invaluable lessons in leadership and growth.

Key topics covered include:

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.

GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here.

You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

In this landmark 200th episode of The GrowCFO Show, hosts Kevin Appleby and Dan Wells celebrate a remarkable journey that began in August 2020. Over the years, the podcast has grown into a key resource for finance professionals worldwide. This special episode not only reflects on the show’s development but also reveals the launch of GrowCFO Premium and its innovative approach to experiential learning.

Dan Wells, Founder and CEO GrowCFO, introduces The World’s Leading Experiential Learning for Finance (ExLF) Programs, now available in an affordable, all-in-one subscription package! For just £195 a month, you can access 30+ LIVE training programs, including the highly sought-after FBP, FT, and FP&A boot camp workshops. Whether you’re an individual looking to advance your career or a corporate team aiming to enhance skills, this flexible program is designed to meet your needs.

For more information:

The subscription package bundles a variety of experiential learning programs, including boot camps and simulators, all led by top finance experts. With live, practical exercises and customization based on role, grade, and objectives, this package is perfect for finance professionals looking to gain new skills in a dynamic, hands-on environment. The program also meets CPD/CPE requirements, allowing professionals to integrate learning into their development plans seamlessly.

Offering global availability and multiple time zones, ExLF ensures that professionals from around the world can benefit from this transformational learning experience.

Key topics covered include:

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.

GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here.

You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

In this insightful episode, Kevin Appleby sits down with Andrew Waters, the esteemed co-founder of Zanda, to delve into the dynamic evolution of the Chief Financial Officer’s role over the past four years. As businesses navigate a post-lockdown world, the conversation reveals how CFOs have transitioned from a focus on transformation to leading the charge in sustainable growth and efficient cash flow management. Andrew and Kevin discuss the critical importance of soft skills in today’s financial landscape, such as resilience, agility, and storytelling, which are essential for CFOs to excel. The dialogue underscores the necessity for CFOs to blend entrepreneurial spirit with pragmatic decision-making, fostering an environment where finance leaders can thrive and drive substantial organizational impact.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the regional nuances between New York and London CFO roles, with Andrew highlighting how New York’s financial leaders are often more strategically inclined and investment-ready. The episode also introduces the Future CFO program, a developmental initiative designed to equip finance leaders with the essential skills for future success in the CFO role. Furthermore, Andrew provides a preview of the upcoming Future CFO Strategy, Growth, and Impact Summit, where he will be speaking and offering a glimpse into sessions that promise to enhance leadership capabilities, optimize the finance function, and harness cutting-edge technology. You can register to join the summit here: https://future-cfo-global-summit.heysummit.com/talks/landing-your-dream-cfo-role/!

This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals eager to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Key topics covered include:

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.

GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here.

You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

Kevin Appleby and Susana Serrano-Davey, GrowCFO Mentor, dive deep into the topic of communicating with confidence in this insightful episode. Susana, who is writing a book on confidence, shares her own experiences of overcoming nervousness in public speaking. She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, whether it’s joining a public speaking club like Toastmasters or taking on a daunting challenge like a stand-up comedy course. The two discuss a range of techniques to enhance communication skills, from reducing the use of filler words to structuring presentations for maximum impact. Susana stresses the need to identify and challenge limiting beliefs about one’s communication abilities, a journey that Kevin himself has undertaken, moving from avoiding presentations to becoming a confident speaker.

The conversation also explores the significance of adapting communication styles to different audiences and personalities, as well as the role of ambition and continuous practice in building confidence. Susana and Kevin share valuable insights and personal anecdotes, providing listeners with a roadmap to improve their communication prowess and unlock their full potential as confident, impactful communicators.

Key topics covered include:

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.

GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here.

You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

Adam Rakich, the esteemed author of “The Business User’s Guide to Data Integration,” joins us for a deep dive into the pressing issues surrounding data integration in the finance sector.

Adam is Senior Director, Strategic Alliances at DataBlend, a finance-focused integration platform as a service.  Most of his career has been in technology companies serving the office of finance, in budgeting and forecasting, financial consolidation and reporting.

His experiences with the data challenges facing the finance function led him to write The Business User’s Guide to Data Integration (available on Amazon Kindle), a guide designed to help non-technical people understand their options for data integration, questions to ask, things to think about – and ultimately feel confident that they can solve their data problems.

In this episode, Adam brings his extensive expertise to the table, discussing the common challenges finance professionals face when it comes to integrating data across various platforms and tools. He sheds light on the necessity of a comprehensive approach to data integration, emphasizing how crucial it is for businesses to employ effective integration tools and platforms to streamline their operations.

Adam and Kevin also explore the transformative benefits of automating manual data processing in accounting. They discuss how automation can lead to significant time savings and improved efficiency, allowing finance professionals to focus on more strategic tasks. Additionally, the conversation covers the critical aspects of understanding the costs and potential risks associated with custom integration solutions, alongside the imperative need for accuracy and transparency in integration flows.

Key topics covered include:

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.

GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here.

You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

Sam Divine, Founder of GrowthXel, joins Kevin Appleby, to delve into the pivotal role of the CFO in shaping culture within the finance function. The conversation underscored the importance of treating everyone fairly and respectfully, a principle deeply ingrained in Divine’s philosophy due to his upbringing during the Liberian Civil War. Both Appleby and Divine shared personal experiences that highlighted the necessity of adapting to circumstances beyond one’s control, emphasizing family, resilience, and adaptability as cornerstones of personal and professional development.

Their discussion further explored how these formative experiences influence career choices and the significance of being in the right place at the right time. Divine and Appleby stressed the value of luck and the importance of connecting with employees to understand and improve organizational culture. They highlighted how creating a culture that encourages innovation and equality within finance departments can drive success, showcasing the CFO’s unique position to foster an environment that not only supports financial goals but also nurtures a fair and dynamic workplace.

Key topics covered include:

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.

GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. 

Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

Catherine Clark, a seasoned GrowCFO mentor, joins Kevin Appleby to delve into the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership. They explore how self-awareness is the foundation upon which successful leaders build their careers. By understanding their own emotions and triggers, leaders can better manage their responses and interactions with others. Catherine and Kevin emphasize that adaptability in communication styles is essential for fostering an inclusive and productive work environment, enabling leaders to connect more effectively with their teams and stakeholders.

The conversation also highlights the resilience required for leaders to navigate the inevitable challenges and setbacks they encounter. Catherine shares her experiences and strategies for maintaining composure and focus during turbulent times, underscoring the importance of aligning personal values and beliefs with the responsibilities of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). By staying true to their core principles, finance leaders can make decisions that are not only strategic but also ethical, thereby earning the trust and respect of their colleagues and subordinates.

Key takeaways from this episode include the vital importance of self-awareness in leadership, the power of having a clear vision, and the impact of empowering others to achieve collective success. Catherine argues that effective CFOs and finance professionals should continuously develop these attributes to lead with confidence and authenticity. By doing so, they can inspire their teams, drive organizational growth, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Key topics covered include:

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.

GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. 

Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

In this podcast episode, Eric Muhlheim, CFO, Mozilla, joins Kevin Appleby to provide a wealth of insights about the significance of being a thought partner to leadership, a role that transcends traditional financial oversight to actively shape strategic decisions. Their conversation shed light on navigating the journey to the CFO role, highlighting the crucial interplay between finance and accounting. They underscored the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between profitability and sustainability, particularly in multi-product companies where diverse revenue streams must be managed cohesively.

A focal point of their discussion was the value of storytelling in the CFO role. Appleby and Muhlheim emphasized how effective communication and a holistic perspective are key to articulating financial strategies and fostering alignment within the organization. They explored how a CFO must not only crunch numbers but also weave compelling narratives that resonate with various stakeholders, ensuring that financial goals support the broader mission and values of the company. This approach helps in building trust and driving informed decision-making across all levels of the business.

Furthermore, the conversation highlighted Mozilla’s unique business model, with a specific emphasis on open source AI and the transparency required in AI development. Muhlheim discussed how Mozilla’s commitment to openness and ethical practices in technology sets it apart in the industry. He emphasized the importance of transparency, not just as a corporate value, but as a fundamental principle in developing trustworthy AI solutions. By advocating for open source AI, Mozilla aims to foster innovation while ensuring accountability, thus contributing to a more equitable and transparent technological future.

Key topics covered include:

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.

GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. 

Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

In this episode, we are honored to have Vineta Bajaj, the Group CFO of Rohlik Group and former executive at Ocado, as our guest. Vineta opens up about her personal and professional experiences across diverse environments, stressing the importance of owning one’s space and maintaining authenticity. Her insights are not only inspiring but also provide practical advice for navigating the complexities of leadership in today’s fast-paced business landscape.

Kevin enriches the dialogue by addressing the unconscious biases and challenges that female founders often encounter in fundraising and business operations. Kevin underscores the significance of personal development mentors like Michael Hipple, who play a crucial role in helping leaders transform challenges into opportunities. This discussion sheds light on the unique obstacles faced by women in the entrepreneurial world and offers valuable perspectives on overcoming these barriers through self-awareness and strategic thinking.

In the latter part of the episode, Vineta and Kevin pivot to the specific challenges associated with sustainable growth in the competitive online grocery market. They explore the demanding responsibilities of a CFO, particularly in formulating effective communication strategies with investors during fundraising efforts. Their combined expertise provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of balancing sustainable growth with the intricate demands of financial leadership. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to gain deeper insights into the multifaceted role of a CFO and the evolving dynamics of the online grocery industry.

Key topics covered include:

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.

GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. 

Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net