GrowCFO Show

#225 The Future of B2B Payments: AI, Automation & Financial Innovation with Alex Louisy

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3qy4Q5X2ZRjyzBfqhOA2Dl

The B2B payments ecosystem represents a critical financial infrastructure that fundamentally determines an organization's economic health and operational agility. In an increasingly digital and interconnected global marketplace, businesses are confronting unprecedented challenges in managing complex financial transactions, cash flow dynamics, and technological integration. The traditional paradigms of accounts receivable and payment processing are rapidly evolving, driven by technological innovations that promise to revolutionize how companies approach financial management. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics are creating transformative opportunities for businesses to optimize their financial workflows, reduce operational risks, and gain unprecedented insights into their economic performance.

In this illuminating podcast episode, Kevin Appleby engages in a comprehensive dialogue with Alex Louisy, the visionary Co-founder and CEO of Upflow, exploring the intricate landscape of business-to-business payment strategies and technological disruption. Louisy brings a unique Franco-American perspective, offering deep insights into the global variations of payment methodologies, technological adoption, and strategic financial management. The discussion transcends traditional financial discourse, delving into critical areas such as AI-driven automation, online payment methodologies, risk mitigation strategies, and the future of financial technology. By examining real-world data, industry trends, and practical implementation strategies, Appleby and Louisy provide business leaders and finance professionals with a sophisticated roadmap for navigating the complex and rapidly evolving world of B2B payments, emphasizing the critical importance of continuous innovation, technological adaptation, and strategic financial thinking.

Key topics covered:

Upflow's innovative technology helps B2B companies optimize their cash collection processes

Detailed insights from the B2B Payments Trends report revealing payment collection challenges

Critical analysis of invoice aging and its impact on business financial health

Exploration of online payment methods and their transformative potential

The emerging role of AI in automating and enhancing financial workflows

Strategies for reducing non-payment risks and improving accounts receivable

Comparative perspectives on payment practices between US and European markets

Impact of technological innovations on financial team efficiency

Discussion of payment method diversification and customer payment experience

Future outlook on AI's role in financial process automation

https://youtu.be/8Ta6pzF1MXc

Links

Alex Louisy on LinkedIn

Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn

GrowCFO Mentoring

Timestamps

0:00:34 Initial introductions and market sentiment discussion

0:02:45 Exploring business expansion strategies

0:04:16 CFO training and AI technology trends

0:06:39 Research on AI's impact in financial sectors

0:11:04 Detailed explanation of Upflow's business model

0:19:44 Analysis of invoice payment risk factors

0:32:28 Online payment method strategies

0:38:26 Customer payment experience considerations

0:43:27 AI's potential in financial process transformation

0:49:25 Reflections on technological evolution in finance

Find out more about GrowCFO

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

#224 The Future of Finance: How Power BI and AI Are Redefining the CFO Role with Rishi Sapra

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6sIeKqInI1Ur549AprBRnw

How Are Power BI and AI Redefining the CFO Role?

Power BI and artificial intelligence are transforming how finance leaders operate. In this podcast, Rishi Sapra, Microsoft MVP and GrowCFO Facilitator, explores how modern CFOs can use data, automation, and AI to make faster, smarter decisions. From building interactive dashboards to automating reporting, this episode shows why mastering these tools is no longer optional — it’s a competitive necessity.

Rishi Sapra, a GrowCFO Facilitator and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), brings a wealth of experience from top-tier financial institutions to demystify the power of business intelligence technologies. Through his expertise, finance professionals can understand how advanced analytics platforms are not just technological tools, but strategic assets that can drive organizational performance and competitive advantage.

The podcast explores the intricate world of Power BI, showcasing how modern finance professionals can leverage data visualization, automation, and AI-driven insights to make more informed decisions. By bridging the gap between complex technical capabilities and practical business applications, Sapra provides a comprehensive overview of how emerging technologies are reshaping the financial analysis landscape.

This session offers a deep dive into the transformative potential of Power BI, illustrating how finance leaders can move beyond traditional reporting to create dynamic, interactive, and intelligent financial narratives that drive strategic decision-making.

Key topics covered:

Power BI's role in creating comprehensive semantic models for financial data

The importance of context and storytelling in financial reporting

Automation capabilities that streamline financial data processing

Integration of AI and copilot technologies in financial analytics

Practical approaches to building interactive financial dashboards

Bridging the gap between technical complexity and business value

The future of data management through unified platforms

Strategies for handling diverse skill levels in financial technology training

The critical role of education in adopting advanced analytics tools

Transforming financial reporting from static to dynamic insights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guXnwOwe0_s&t=7s

Links

Rishi Sapra on LinkedIn

Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn

GrowCFO Mentoring

Timestamps

0:03:22 Initial introductions and background context

0:06:37 Podcast formal introduction

0:08:37 Discussion of Power BI teaching approach

0:11:30 Motivation for teaching technical subjects

0:13:58 Experiential learning in technical training

0:20:34 Power BI's core functionalities in financial reporting

0:31:14 Course structure and content details

0:38:13 Future trends in Power BI and AI integration

0:41:11 Historical challenges in performance management

0:45:56 Concluding insights on technology and education

Find out more about GrowCFO

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

#223 Streamlining Success: The Key to Sustainable Growth with Karina Rasic

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7aOwo254gene5On21geffe

Karina Rasic, CEO and Business Strategy Consultant at Make Business Flow, shares her insights on the challenges and strategies for helping female-led companies succeed in fundraising. Accessing capital is a critical issue for entrepreneurs, and Karina's experience in working with women-owned businesses provides valuable perspectives on addressing this problem.

In this episode of the Grow CFO Show, Karina discusses the cultural and educational differences that impact financial literacy in Latin America, particularly the contrast between Protestant and Catholic views on money and work. She explains how these factors create unique obstacles for women seeking to build and grow their businesses. Karina's approach to supporting her clients involves empowering them to present their ventures in a more confident, "male-like" manner to potential investors.She highlights the importance of financial education, her strategies for helping female founders overcome fundraising challenges, and her own entrepreneurial journey. She also shares details about her two companies - one providing fractional CFO services and the other, a legal services platform. Karina's passion for writing and her plans for the future, including a program to help retirees start new businesses, provide a well-rounded perspective on her multifaceted career.

Karina and Kevin Appleby explore the potential for growth in the Latin American market for fractional CFO services, as well as the challenges of finding qualified professionals in the region. Karina's commitment to making a positive impact and her belief in the power of entrepreneurship to drive change are evident in her words and actions.About Karina Rasic:

Karina is an accomplished project manager with extensive experience in financial analysis, digital marketing, and business development. Karina specializes in CFO fractional services, financial assessments for startups, and securing funding—particularly for businesses founded and led by women.

Currently, she leads initiatives at Make Businesses Flow, focusing on streamlining operations and enhancing business performance. With a strong ability to manage cross-functional teams and implement data-driven strategies, Karina is dedicated to driving organizational success and sustainable growth.

Key topics covered:

Karina's background as an Argentinian with a mix of Spanish and American accents

The cultural and religious differences that impact financial literacy in Latin America

Karina's work in helping women-led companies with fundraising and presenting their businesses

Her two companies: a fractional CFO service and a legal services platform

Karina's passion for writing and her plans for the future, including a program to help retirees start new businesses

The potential for growth in the Latin American market for fractional CFO services and the challenges of finding qualified professionals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGURhtRgtDs

Links

Karina Rasic on LinkedIn

Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn

GrowCFO Mentoring

Timestamps

0:06:07 Karina's background and accent

0:07:21 Karina's two companies

0:10:26 Cultural differences in finance education

0:12:38 Karina's focus on working with women

0:15:04 Common problems Karina helps clients with

0:18:54 Fundraising challenges for female-led companies

0:24:51 Karina's role as a personal mentor to founders

0:30:02 Karina's legal services platform

0:35:05 Karina's definition of success

0:37:37 Karina's plans for the future

Find out more about GrowCFO

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

#222 Master the Art of Financial Product Design with Siqi Chen

https://open.spotify.com/episode/019MLgaVF4N7jNvm2Ek910

Mastering the art of financial product design is a crucial skill for finance professionals in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. In this insightful podcast episode, Kevin sits down with Siqi Chen, the Founder and CFO of Runway, to explore the challenges and opportunities in creating innovative finance software. The discussion delves into the limitations of traditional finance tools, the importance of user-centric design, and the transformative potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Siqi Chen shares his diverse background, from his studies in mathematics to her experience working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Siqi recounts his journey as a serial entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges she faced in understanding finance and the inspiration behind founding Runway, a finance software company aimed at revolutionizing the way businesses approach financial management.

They delve into the unique features and design principles that set Runway apart from traditional finance tools. Siqi explains how Runway's focus on collaboration, data visualization, and seamless integration with other business systems addresses the pain points experienced by finance teams. The discussion also explores the role of ambient intelligence and artificial intelligence in enhancing the user experience and providing proactive insights.

Kevin and Siqi also discuss the potential for collaboration between their respective organizations, exploring opportunities for joint webinars, summits, and other initiatives. The shared enthusiasm for innovation in the finance space sets the stage for a continued dialogue and the exploration of new ways to empower finance professionals in their quest to drive business success.

Key topics covered:

Siqi Chen's diverse background and his journey as a serial entrepreneur

The limitations of traditional finance tools and the inspiration behind founding Runway

Runway's focus on collaboration, data visualization, and seamless integration

The role of ambient intelligence and artificial intelligence in enhancing the user experience

Potential for collaboration between Grow CFO and Runway, including joint webinars and summits

Runway's pricing and target market for mid-market companies

Siqi Chen's emphasis on the importance of user-centric design in finance software

Runway's unique features, such as fine-grained permission controls and the ability to encrypt sensitive data

The potential of finance software to revolutionize the way businesses approach financial management

The shared enthusiasm for innovation and the exploration of new opportunities in the finance space

https://youtu.be/79XXRP-gKCk

Links

Siqi Chen on LinkedIn

Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn

GrowCFO Mentoring

Timestamps

0:03:14 - Initial greetings and discussion of partnership opportunities

0:05:09 - Siqi Chen's background and the founding of Runway

0:08:53 - Challenges in finance and the need for better tools

0:13:04 - Runway's unique approach and features

0:16:52 - Runway's focus on collaboration and data visualization

0:20:59 - The role of ambient intelligence and artificial intelligence in Runway

0:26:55 - Runway's integration with other business systems and workflows

0:32:28 - Runway's pricing and target market

0:35:20 - Siqi Chen's emphasis on user-centric design

0:47:18 - Potential for collaboration between Grow CFO and Runway

Find out more about GrowCFO

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

#221 The Ultimate Guide to Cost-Smart Property Management with Scot Ginsburg

https://open.spotify.com/episode/31KM37M8HM8JHmbZPtm203

Property management is a critical aspect of business operations, with real estate often representing one of the largest fixed costs for organizations. In this podcast episode, Scot Ginsburg, Executive Managing Director at Hughes Marino, shares his expertise on navigating the complexities of commercial real estate and optimizing property-related expenses.The discussion covers a range of topics, highlighting the importance of strategic planning, lease negotiations, and the evolving landscape of office and retail spaces. Ginsburg emphasizes the need for finance leaders, particularly Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), to take an active role in managing their organization's real estate portfolio, as it can have a significant impact on the bottom line.

Key topics covered:

The importance of aligning real estate strategy with overall business objectives

Common pitfalls in lease negotiations and how to avoid them

The impact of remote work and changing office space utilization

Strategies for managing a portfolio of commercial properties

The role of CFOs in overseeing real estate decisions

The financial implications of rising interest rates on commercial real estate

The evolution of retail and office spaces in the digital age

The need for flexibility and adaptability in real estate planning

The value of proactive real estate management in driving business success

Effective marketing and audience engagement strategies for thought leadership content

https://youtu.be/q2aJobfj6Mo

Links

Scot Ginsburg on LinkedIn

Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn

GrowCFO Mentoring

Timestamps

0:00:00 - Introduction to the guest and the topic

0:05:00 - Aligning real estate strategy with business objectives

0:10:30 - Avoiding common mistakes in lease negotiations

0:15:45 - Adapting to the impact of remote work on office space

0:20:00 - Strategies for managing a diverse real estate portfolio

0:25:15 - The role of CFOs in overseeing real estate decisions

0:30:00 - The financial implications of rising interest rates

0:35:20 - The evolution of retail and office spaces

0:40:00 - The need for flexibility in real estate planning

0:45:00 - Effective marketing and audience engagement strategies

Find out more about GrowCFO

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

# 220 Financial Modelling Done Right: Expert Tips with Danielle Stein Fairhurst

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6sSbm92dhd0BaEzD91LJPp

Financial modelling is a critical skill for finance professionals, enabling them to analyze data, forecast scenarios, and make informed business decisions. In this podcast episode, Danielle Stein Fairhurst, a renowned financial modelling expert and GrowCFO Mentor, shares her insights and best practices on mastering the art of financial modelling.

Danielle's extensive experience in the field, including her work as a Microsoft MVP and the author of several books on financial modelling, makes her a valuable resource for finance professionals looking to enhance their skills. Throughout the conversation, she delves into the importance of financial modelling, the evolution of Excel as a tool, and the key techniques and strategies that can help professionals create robust and efficient models.The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to financial modelling, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Danielle's expertise and passion for the topic are evident as she discusses the various aspects of financial modelling, from best practices to the latest industry trends and developments.Key topics covered:

Danielle's background and journey into financial modelling

The importance of best practices in financial modelling, such as consistent formula usage and leveraging new Excel features

The Excel World Cup and the financial modelling world championship, where Danielle serves as a commentator

The GrowCFO financial modelling course and its structure, covering topics like financial statement linking and scenario analysis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-8uJgv4w_I

Links

Danielle Stein Fairhurst on LinkedIn

Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn

GrowCFO Mentoring

Timestamps

0:15:21 Danielle's journey into financial modelling

0:19:38 Discussing common bad habits in financial modelling and how the GrowCFO course addresses them

0:28:59 The upcoming Excel and financial modelling world championships and the debates surrounding modelling best practices

0:35:00 The structure and delivery of the GrowCFO financial modelling course

0:41:45 The excitement and passion surrounding the world of financial modelling

0:42:35 Danielle's upcoming participation in the global Excel summit

0:43:42 Danielle's recognition as a master financial modeller with the Financial Modelling Institute

0:44:10 Discussing affiliate opportunities and discount codes for the GrowCFO financial modelling course

0:46:39 Strategies for promoting the GrowCFO course and engaging with past attendees

0:48:14 The challenge of getting people to recognize the value of free training offerings

Find out more about GrowCFO

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

# 219 Celebrating 5 Years of Driving Change for Finance Leaders with Dan Wells

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1mgQkjEkaaBVBghRye7nhD

Celebrating its 5th anniversary, the GrowCFO podcast takes a deep dive into the remarkable journey of the finance community platform. Led by founder and CEO Dan Wells, this special episode reflects on the evolution of the business, the key milestones, and the vision for the future. As a purpose-driven startup that has transformed into a leading resource for finance professionals worldwide, GrowCFO's story offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.

Throughout the conversation, Dan and Kevin explore the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the GrowCFO narrative over the past five years. From the initial community-focused vision to the pivotal shift towards virtual and global expansion, the podcast delves into the strategic decisions, innovative programs, and the power of a dedicated team and supportive community.

Key topics covered:

The evolution of GrowCFO's business model, from community-based to virtual and global

The launch and success of flagship programs like the Future CFO and CFO programs

The transition to experiential learning and the impact of the XLF (Experiential Learning for Finance) initiative

The importance of mentoring, partnerships, and the diverse team of experts that have contributed to GrowCFO's growth

The key learnings and challenges faced by the startup, including the willingness to pivot and the power of purpose-driven leadership

The future vision for GrowCFO, focusing on strategic finance, technology integration, and empowering finance teams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prCNHnQyBDI&t=55s

Links

Dan Wells on LinkedIn

Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn

GrowCFO Mentoring

Timestamps

0:00:22 - Introduction and discussion of the 5-year anniversary

0:00:44 - Reflecting on the early days and the launch of the business

0:04:29 - Discussing the initial community-focused vision and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

0:08:05 - Exploring the evolution of the business model and the importance of mentoring

0:12:24 - Introducing the CFO program and the role of mentors

0:17:23 - Transitioning to experiential learning and the success of the XLF program

0:23:35 - Discussing the key learnings and challenges faced over the past 5 years

0:29:37 - Partnerships with tech companies and the transformation of the finance function

0:35:28 - Future vision and objectives for the next 5 years

0:39:30 - Closing remarks and a special offer for the community

Find out more about GrowCFO

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

#218 Soft Skills Every Financial Leader Needs with Melanie Coeshott

https://open.spotify.com/episode/65A52E2nhXg7T5L4SPV1Q1

As the business landscape becomes increasingly complex, the ability to effectively communicate, manage people, and navigate interpersonal dynamics has become just as essential as technical financial expertise. Melanie Coeshott, a GrowCFO mentor, shares her insights and experiences in coaching and facilitating courses that help finance professionals develop these crucial soft skills.

Melanie and Kevin Appleby explore the importance of experiential learning, where participants actively engage in role-playing, group discussions, and feedback sessions to hone their skills. They discuss the various courses Melanie facilitates, including emotional skills, interpersonal skills, people management, and delegation. Melanie emphasizes the need for finance professionals to continuously develop their soft skills, regardless of their career stage, as these capabilities can significantly impact their effectiveness as leaders and their ability to navigate the evolving business environment.

The key highlights of this session include Melanie's personal journey from an accountant in the financial services industry to a career coach and facilitator, her insights on the role of mindset and limited beliefs in career development, and the practical strategies she employs to help her clients and workshop participants unlock their full potential. The discussion also delves into the nuances of active listening, the importance of empowering others through effective delegation, and the value of creating a safe and inclusive environment for learning and growth.

Key topics covered:

Melanie's background as an accountant and her transition to a career coach and facilitator

The importance of soft skills for finance professionals, including emotional skills, interpersonal skills, people management, and delegation

The experiential learning approach used in Melanie's courses, emphasizing active engagement and feedback

Melanie's insights on addressing mindset and limited beliefs in career coaching

The role of motivational maps in understanding individual drivers and satisfaction levels

The overlap between one-on-one coaching and group workshops in developing soft skills

The relevance of soft skills courses for finance professionals at different career stages

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkPl3enoqso

Links

Melanie Coeshott on LinkedIn

Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn

GrowCFO Mentoring

Timestamps

0:00:34 - Introduction and initial greetings

0:01:48 - Melanie's background and facilitation work with GrowCFO

0:05:27 - Discussion of the various courses Melanie facilitates

0:12:38 - The importance of soft skills for aspiring CFOs

0:16:13 - Melanie's approach to the delegation and empowerment course

0:25:17 - Melanie's use of motivational maps in career coaching

0:37:44 - Explanation of the motivational maps tool

0:47:03 - Discussion of networking for future CFOs

Find out more about GrowCFO

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

#217 The Blueprint for a High-Performing Finance Team with Damian Smith

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4bLrSTnZuprXVZcK4eSF4s

Damian Smith, a GrowCFO Mentor, joins the Grow CFO Show to discuss the blueprint for building a high-performing finance team. In today's dynamic business landscape, the need for finance teams to operate at peak efficiency has never been more crucial. Effective finance teams not only drive financial success but also play a pivotal role in shaping the overall success of an organization.Damian, a seasoned finance professional turned leadership coach, shares his unique perspective on transforming dysfunctional finance teams into thriving, purpose-driven units. Drawing from his own experiences as a "recovering toxic CFO," Damian delves into the core principles of the Thrive methodology, a comprehensive approach to cultivating high-performing teams. He emphasizes the importance of trust as the foundation for building a cohesive and collaborative team, as well as the need to align team purpose, values, and goals to drive commitment and accountability.Throughout the discussion, Damian shares practical strategies for finance leaders to address the challenges of dysfunctional teams. He highlights the significance of fostering a culture of healthy conflict and open communication, where team members feel empowered to voice their perspectives and work towards the best possible outcomes. Additionally, Damian underscores the importance of embedding values and accountability into the recruitment and onboarding process to ensure a strong cultural fit and a shared commitment to the team's objectives.

Key topics covered:

Damian's journey from a toxic CFO to a leadership coach and the lessons he learned along the way

The importance of trust as the foundation for building a high-performing team

Aligning team purpose, values, and goals to drive commitment and accountability

Fostering a culture of healthy conflict and open communication

Embedding values and accountability into the recruitment and onboarding process

Practical strategies for finance leaders to transform dysfunctional teams

https://youtu.be/fmC7hZbVhhs

Links

Damian Smith on LinkedIn

Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn

GrowCFO Mentoring

Timestamps

0:00:50 - Introductions and initial chit-chat

0:09:03 - Damian's background and journey from toxic CFO to leadership coach

0:20:54 - The importance of trust in building high-performing teams

0:27:08 - Aligning team purpose, values, and goals

0:38:39 - The Thrive methodology and its key components

0:48:31 - Advice for finance leaders with dysfunctional teams

Find out more about GrowCFO

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

#216 Navigating People and HR Challenges as a CFO with Gwenevere Crary

https://open.spotify.com/episode/31IPiTQcj3yVhQ2IvJnXVX

As businesses grow, the people and HR challenges they face become increasingly complex. Founders and finance leaders often find themselves responsible for managing HR-related tasks, even without formal training or expertise in this area. In this episode, Gwenevere Crary, Founder and CEO of Guide to HR, shares her insights on how finance leaders can effectively navigate these challenges and build a strong HR foundation for their organizations.

Crary emphasizes the importance of establishing robust onboarding processes to retain new hires and ensure a smooth ramp-up. She also discusses strategies for creating a learning and development culture, including providing a variety of training options and aligning with employee career goals. These proactive measures can help finance leaders support their teams and foster a positive work environment.Furthermore, Crary highlights the significance of recruiting with a focus on culture fit and values, especially in startup environments. She also addresses the challenges of transitioning from a founder-led to a professional leadership team and maintaining a strong company culture. By prioritizing these aspects, finance leaders can contribute to the overall success and sustainability of their organizations.

Lastly, the discussion underscores the need for finance leaders to develop strategic thinking and planning skills to succeed in C-level roles. As they navigate the evolving landscape of their businesses, the ability to make informed decisions and align HR practices with the company's goals becomes increasingly crucial. By leveraging Crary's insights, finance leaders can enhance their capabilities and effectively manage the people-related aspects of their organizations.

Key topics covered:

Importance of establishing robust onboarding processes to retain new hires and ensure a smooth ramp-up

Strategies for creating a learning and development culture, including providing a variety of training options and aligning with employee career goals

Significance of recruiting with a focus on culture fit and values, especially in startup environments

Challenges of transitioning from a founder-led to a professional leadership team and maintaining a strong company culture

Need for finance leaders to develop strategic thinking and planning skills to succeed in C-level roles

https://youtu.be/lwnsjDNSi50

Links

Gwenevere Crary on LinkedIn

Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn

GrowCFO Mentoring

Timestamps

[0:06] - Introductions and setting the agenda

[0:24] - Discussion on Grow CFO's product launch and experiential learning

[3:41] - Exploring partnership opportunities and fractional communities

[6:22] - Addressing HR challenges and solutions for startups

[11:54] - Importance of onboarding and performance management

[15:22] - Creating a learning and development culture

[20:12] - Recruiting and culture fit considerations

Find out more about GrowCFO

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