How do you build a finance organization that fuels rapid scale without losing agility and clarity of purpose?

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Liz Kistruck, Chief Financial Officer at Motorway, the UK’s largest consumer to dealer used car marketplace and one of the country’s fastest-growing unicorns. Liz shares how Motorway has transformed a fragmented offline industry into a digital platform that creates value for both sellers and dealers, and how the company is preparing for its next chapter as it approaches profitability.

Listeners will hear Liz break down the CFO remit inside a high-growth scale up, from saying yes faster with confidence to knowing when to pump the brakes. She explains the discipline required to avoid the trap of doing too much, why organizations should only pursue slam dunk initiatives and how finance can be a force for clarity, conviction and forward momentum rather than the office of no.

We also explore the evolution of hybrid work, scaling communication muscles as companies grow, the realities of navigating regulation as a disruptive business model and the mindset needed to push through uncertainty. Liz reflects on her path from engineering jet engines to building finance functions at Expedia, fashion marketplaces and now Motorway, sharing insights on problem solving, leading change and staying curious across an entire business.

Liz’s contribution to the CFO Playbook centers on the power of confident decision making. Her guiding principle If it has to be now, it has to be no helps finance leaders resist pressure, create space for better choices and lead with calm clarity.

Download our checklist, The future belongs to adaptable finance leaders.

How do you build a finance function that can plan and pivot at the speed of change?

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Hemant Kapadia, Chief Financial Officer at Anaplan, the connected planning platform used by enterprises across finance, sales, supply chain and workforce planning. Hemant shares how Anaplan’s AI-driven calculation engine and new purpose-built applications help leaders model scenarios, understand ripple effects across the business and make confident decisions faster.

Listeners will hear how Hemant runs finance with a daily close mindset, translating shifts in pipeline into real-time visibility on bookings, billings, EBITDA and cash flow. He explains his dual role as an internal operator and external advisor to customer CFOs, and why connecting teams to both operational metrics and long-term impact is central to his remit. We also unpack the current state of AI in the enterprise, from the hype to the practical point solutions that are starting to deliver value, plus the data orchestration and governance needed to avoid noisy outcomes and protect trust.

Hemant’s career story moves from engineering microelectronics for the F-35 to GE’s audit staff and through low-margin manufacturing, product, services, FP&A and more. He reflects on building range by leaving your comfort zone, the power of mentors, making decisions with imperfect information and why finance teams should be in the boat rowing with the business, not watching from the pier.

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What role should finance play when artificial intelligence is reshaping the way global businesses operate?

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Riccardo Calliano, VP Finance, GenAI Commercial Investments at GSK, to explore how AI is transforming finance and business decision-making. With a career spanning Europe, the US, China and beyond, Riccardo has built a reputation for leading finance teams through transformation while staying focused on value creation.

Listeners will gain insights into the opportunities and challenges of deploying AI at scale, from driving productivity and compliance to unlocking real-time insights that fuel commercial outcomes. Riccardo shares why traditional ways of measuring ROI don’t always apply in the age of AI, and why CFOs must move beyond being guardians of value to become true drivers of innovation.

Our conversation also looks at leadership and career development. Riccardo reflects on his own journey from finance roles across multiple markets to embracing technology head-on, even learning to code in Python in order to bridge the gap between business and tech. His philosophy of investing in “optionality, not certainty” offers lessons for finance leaders navigating change, and he explains why, in his words, “our safety is in our speed.”

Download our checklist, 6 practices of a fulfilling Finance career 

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What does it take to keep a finance function firmly on track in one of the UK’s most asset-heavy industries?

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Funto Agbeniga, Head of Finance at GB Railfreight, to explore her intentional career journey and the leadership lessons she’s picked up along the way. From her early days at KPMG, to roles at Unilever and the charitable sector, Funto has made purposeful stops along the way — each one shaping how she drives transformation and keeps momentum in her career.

Listeners will gain a firsthand look at how finance powers GB Railfreight’s operations — from keeping contracts on the right track and managing the life cycle of heavy-duty assets, to balancing short-term reporting with the long-haul view of strategy. Funto shares how she’s helped her team move from number-crunching to true business partnering, ensuring finance always has a seat at the table when critical decisions are made.

Our conversation also dives into transformation and innovation: from the role of AI and tools like ChatGPT, to investing in the Class 99 dual-mode locomotive — a major step in building a more sustainable railway. Funto reflects on the importance of leadership visibility, nurturing future talent, and why finance leaders need to understand their stakeholders beyond the numbers.

It’s not only understanding others that Funto highlights, but it is also about ensuring you are staying true to yourself. Funto advice: don’t settle — be the driver of your own locomotive.

Download our checklist, The 8 CFO Stategies for Smart Scaling

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What does it mean to build a finance function that is truly aligned with product, operations and customers?

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Ben Averis, CFO of Yoto, the screen-free audio platform helping children explore stories, music and learning on their own terms. Ben shares his strategic journey of steering Yoto through its ambitious expansion across five countries, including the US, which stands as its largest market. Listeners will gain a firsthand account of balancing operational growth with financial discipline in a seasonal business, as well as insights into the distinct challenges of raising capital and making sound decisions in a fast-paced startup environment.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into Ben's transition across industries, from navigating the turbulent waters of the travel sector during the pandemic to embracing the vibrant startup landscape at Yoto. His reflections on cash flow management during crises offer valuable lessons and underscore the critical nature of agility and foresight in financial leadership. We also explore the broader scope of Ben’s role, which encompasses finance, operations, and supply chain management, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and collaboration for informed decision-making.

Ever wondered how AI and outsourcing can revolutionise productivity? Ben unveils the innovative ways Yoto is leveraging these tools to enhance efficiency and maintain flexibility, especially in a seasonal market. Through strategic playdates and community-driven content creation, Yoto fosters a vibrant ecosystem that stands resilient against competition. Ben shares his vision for progressive finance, where clarity and simplicity reign supreme, and invites listeners to transform insights into action with a unique high-value resource crafted to guide finance leaders on their journey.

What if you could transform your finance operations by integrating technology and automation into every aspect of your business strategy? 

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by fractional CFO-COO Charlie Hunt to explore how FinOps are reshaping the landscape of finance by shifting from isolated departments to integrated roles, with finance leaders becoming strategic partners to CEOs.

Starting out in retail banking during the 2008 financial crash to now working with a portfolio of companies as a fractional CFO-COO, Charlie is an advocate for the hybridisation of the roles, emphasising trust and collaboration with CEOs as a paramount feature. 

FinOps, as a philosophy, merges financial and operational efficiencies, streamlining processes like reporting and cash flow management, ultimately boosting business performance. For modern businesses, this dual understanding is pivotal, especially in fast changing economic conditions, integrating financial insights with broader operational strategies can be a catalyst for growth and transformation.

From her experience of working in construction and manufacturing, Charlie explains that despite some initial resistance, traditional sectors are now embracing transformation through the adoption of technology. Integrating tools such as automated reporting and cloud accounting software are significantly enhancing efficiency. 

Hear about the evolving nature of software, the imperative for finance teams to stay current with technological advancements, and the critical traits of curiosity and adaptability for today's finance leaders. 

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In the latest episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Ben Dooley, CFO at Accel to explore nuances of the CFO role within lean, agile organisations with vast geographical footprints.

Highlighting venture capital's vibrant evolution, Ben shares the ripple effect of successful startups and Accel’s strategic focus on early-stage tech investments across Europe, Israel, and India. Hear how Accel's vision complements Silicon Valley's tech dominance and the necessity for European firms to establish their US presence while preserving their European roots.

Highlighting the role of a CFO in guiding companies through growth stages, including pre-IPO rounds, in a rapidly evolving VC landscape, Ben explains the significance of nurturing relationships with portfolio companies and investors alike.

Drawing clear distinctions from other industries, Ben highlights the nuances of being a CFO in a VC firm, explaining the predictability of revenue streams and cost structures that set venture capital apart. With universal importance of clear communication and strategic foresight when engaging with stakeholders remaining paramount, particularly in the fast-paced world of venture capital.

Reflecting on his own approach as a CFO, Ben emphasises the use of storytelling in boardrooms and the longstanding power of the elevator pitch, especially in an era of AI and cybersecurity challenges.

From emerging trends to best practices, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring and current finance leaders navigating complex business environments.

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Beyond the balance sheet, what strategies do CFOs in the fast-moving consumer goods industry deploy to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market? 

In this episode, Claire Caulliez, CFO at Nestle Italy & Malta, gives David McClelland a behind the scenes insight into the unique challenges finance leaders face in an industry driven by high volume and fierce brand loyalty. 

Claire’s strategies for smart sourcing, hedging, and agile pricing are not just tactics but essential tools for sustaining consumer attention and ensuring product availability. Highlighting how agility in financial planning is paramount amidst whirlwind changes in buying tastes and commodity prices, Claire explains that much like managing personal finances, it's about distinguishing between essentials and expendables.

Discussing the broader role of a CFO in fuelling growth, Claire advocates collaboration across departments including sales, supply chain, and HR, as being critical for transparency and risk management, while having the courage to be a change-maker within the organisation.   

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Following the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, David McClelland is joined by an expert panel to explore how the Statement, alongside the wider economic landscape, will influence CFOs ability to plan, invest and drive confidence.

Baroness Ayesha Hazarika MBE, Oli Lawson, CFO at Sigma Sports, and Helen Ashton, former CFO of ASOS, discuss the economic context of Rachel Reeves' Statement and Labour's vision for economic growth. Hear their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities for enhancing the UK's business climate and attracting international investment, and strategies for building confidence in decision-making, drawing parallels to Ireland's success with corporation tax rates.

As we navigate the post-Brexit and post-Covid business landscape, the discussion highlights how businesses can manage current challenges and seize growth opportunities. Underscoring the critical role of CFOs and finance professionals in steering through market volatility with advanced planning tools and AI, our panel examines how government collaboration and investment in digital technologies, R&D, and workforce training, particularly in the construction sector, can create a resilient and thriving economy.

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Organisations are making bold bets on AI for the long-term, with 89% planning to increase or maintain their AI investments in 2025*. Moving beyond experimentation, organisations are now zeroing in on the bottom line - and it’s CFOs who are responsible for making sure these investments deliver real business impact.

In this episode, Monica Proothi, IBM Consulting’s Global Finance Transformation Leader joins David McClelland to discuss finance transformation and the role of AI in enhancing financial operations. They explore the changing landscape of finance, the importance of integrating technology, and the challenges organisations face in adopting AI.

With over 20 years of experience in finance transformation, partnering with CFOs at some of the world’s largest companies to drive growth and productivity, Monica shares insights on the need for clear strategy and collaboration across departments, the importance of bridging the skills gap and understanding barriers to change.

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Monica is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture, serving as a champion for women in senior finance roles. The episode also explores the cultural and technical barriers faced by different industries and the significance of continuous improvement in finance practices.

*IBM ROI of AI Report December 2024

Find all episodes of The CFO Playbook here.