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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.”

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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.

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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.

Find all episodes of The CFO Playbook here. 

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

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In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Jitesh Sodha, outgoing CFO of Spire Healthcare and a winner of the HotTopics Global CFO 100.

A seasoned, but initially accidental CFO with over 25 years experience including FTSE 250 NED (PZ Cussons) and PLC board experience, Jitesh candidly reflects on the influences of luck and timing in his career advancement, observing that many CFO positions arise from the necessity to address specific challenges within a business.

Rather than focusing narrowly on statistics or technical tasks alone, proactive decision-making has been front and centre over his quarter of a century as a CFO. Going beyond analysing the numbers, a broader approach of solving problems and building cooperative and collaborative relationships, has led to him leaving every organisation in a better place than when he joined it.

Throughout his tenure, Jitesh has witnessed first-hand how data has revolutionised decision-making. Reflecting on past practices, he recalls how businesses once relied on monthly data cycles, leading to delayed decisions and limited agility. Today, thanks to advances in technology, daily and real-time data empowers CFOs to make hundreds of decisions, accelerating progress even if some decisions don't always land perfectly.

Highlighting the impact of emerging technologies on finance leadership, he passionately advocates for the cautious deployment of responsible AI in enhancing operational efficiency to maximise benefits while managing risks.

As he prepares for the next chapter of his career in a range of non-exec roles, Jitesh is committed to mentoring future finance leaders, and is proud to have been honoured as a Global CFO 100 winner in his final year as CFO at Spire Healthcare. 

Find all the episodes of The CFO Playbook here. 

In this episode, David McClelland is joined by Thomas Schindler, CFO at Allianz Global Investors to explore the evolving role of finance leaders in today's dynamic business landscape. 

As Thomas shares in today’s episode, Asset Managers have a unique, if under-recognised, impact on the world around us – one that touches each of our lives.

A lawyer by training who previously served as the company’s General Counsel, Thomas discusses his journey to CFO, revealing how his legal expertise enriches his approach to leadership and decision-making in Finance.

He advocates for a collaborative culture within finance teams, where open communication and cross-functional partnerships lead to better decision-making and strategic growth. Hear how Thomas’ approach to making himself replaceable has allowed him to empower teams who innovate in their roles, ensuring that they add value to their organisation beyond traditional financial metrics. 

The episode also explores highlights from Soldo’s 2025 Productivity at Work report, with Thomas reinforcing the necessity of continuous improvement in processes to avoid bureaucratic bottlenecks, ultimately positioning finance as a key enabler of business success.

Click here to download the report.