The FP&A Guy Network

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Snyder explore what really makes a budgeting process succeed, or fall apart. Drawing from decades of experience in finance and corporate strategy, Paul and Glenn share lessons learned from real budgeting cycles, including where things went wrong and how they were fixed. They cover everything from headcount planning mistakes and unrealistic timelines to aligning business partners and creating buy-in at the executive level. Whether you're in the middle of budget season or preparing for one, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can take straight to your team.

Glenn Snyder is a strategic finance leader with deep experience across public, private equity, private equity-owned, and family-owned companies. He currently serves as Head of FP&A at Riveron and brings expertise in financial analysis, corporate strategy, modeling, and budgeting. Glenn has worked across several industries including SaaS (healthcare and telecom), eCommerce, data centers, and FinTech. He is also a Fractional CFO, mentor, and educator, with a long-standing connection to UCLA where he supports students and emerging finance professionals

Expect to Learn:

• Why automation should be baked into FP&A from day one
• What accountability-based forecasting looks like in practice
• How to shift FP&A from a cost center to an operational partner
• Practical methods for protecting your most valuable asset: time
• Why “humble curiosity” is essential to understanding the business

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Fully burdened compensation isn’t just salary plus bonus, there’s a lot more under the hood." - Glenn Snyder
• "Budgeting is a chance to learn the business, not just fill in a template." - Glenn Snyder
• "Finance exists to help the business make better, faster decisions." - Paul Barnhurst

Glenn Snyder emphasized that budgeting is most effective when it's collaborative, strategic, and grounded in real business understanding. He reminded us that finance’s role is to support decision-making, not just manage numbers. With clear communication and thoughtful planning, budgeting can become a tool for alignment and impact.

Easy Strategic FP&A:

Introducing BEZ (BE EASY), with Agentic AI capabilities to maximize FP&A’s strategic impact. Automate complex FP&A processes and have a conversation with your data. Modern FP&A can Be Easy.

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3H0Dqpp

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Glenn:

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

Website - onemomentintimenovel.com

Follow Paul:

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

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

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[04:37] - Why Stay in FP&A?

[07:40] - Glenn Outside of Work

[13:59] - A Tough Business Transformation

[21:31] - Comp, Vacancies & Budget Math

[25:32] - Top 5 Budgeting Tips

[37:48] - Top 5 Budgeting Pitfalls

[50:22] - Planning Over Perfection

[59:54] - Closing Thoughts & Budgeting Humor

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst sit down with Nicolas Kopp, the founder and CEO of Rillet, to discuss how AI is transforming finance operations. The episode dives deep into the practical applications of AI-native ERPs, with Nicolas explaining how his platform redefines general ledger management. The discussion explores the future of finance workflows, from the zero-day close to AI-driven automation in accounting tasks. It's a compelling conversation about integrating advanced technology into finance without needing deep technical expertise.

Nicolas Kopp is the founder and CEO of Rillet, the AI-native ERP designed to automate accounting and close books faster. Backed by Sequoia, Rillet empowers accountants by integrating AI seamlessly into financial workflows. Previously, Nicolas served as the US CEO of N26, a fintech bank valued at $9 billion, where he played a key role in leading its expansion into the US market. Prior to N26, he spent five years in investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Nicolas holds a BA from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland and an MSc in Accounting from the London School of Economics.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How AI-native ERP systems like Rillet are revolutionizing general ledger operations.
• The process of automating complex accounting workflows with AI agents.
• Why finance leaders need to embrace AI and the practical steps to do so.
• The challenges and benefits of shifting from legacy systems to AI-driven platforms.
• How CFOs can leverage AI today, even without a dedicated tech team.

Nicolas shared his journey from investment banking to leading Rillet, offering an inspiring look at how AI-native ERPs are transforming finance operations. His insights on automating workflows, achieving zero-day closes, and embracing AI-driven innovation provide essential guidance for finance leaders looking to stay ahead in the evolving landscape. This episode is a must-listen for professionals eager to drive change, innovate, and lead with purpose in the AI-powered future of finance.

Follow Nicolas:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-kopp/

Website - https://www.rillet.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:

[02:57] - What is an AI Native ERP?

[06:41] - AI Agents and Workflow

[09:15] - The Future of AI Agents with Autonomy

[11:47] - The Story Behind the General Ledger

[16:15] - The ERP Implementation Process

[23:43] - CFO Hesitations in Competitive Deals

[27:34] - Preparing Finance Leaders for AI Integration

[31:43] - Zero-Day Close as a Sport

[34:26] - Wrapping Up with Nicholas Kopp

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Sarah Schlott, founder of The Schlott Company. Sarah shares her perspective on why financial models often fail, not because of bad math, but because they don’t reflect how real businesses work. She talks about what it takes to earn trust as a finance partner, how to clean up messy data without losing momentum, and the importance of getting the right people involved in the process. Sarah and Paul also dive into how finance teams can shift from reactive number-crunchers to proactive business partners that bring clarity and confidence to decision-making.

Sarah Schlott is a strategic finance leader with over 18 years of experience guiding companies through growth, M&A, and operational change. She’s worked across corporate finance, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting infrastructure. Sarah is the founder of The Schlott Company, where she helps founders bring order to financial chaos. Her approach blends classic FP&A with modern tools and a deep understanding of real-world business dynamics. She believes finance should bring clarity, not confusion.

Expect to Learn

• Why overly complex models usually create more confusion than insight
• What it means to be “battle-tested” as a finance leader
• How to build models that reflect business reality, not just spreadsheets
• What to do when the data is unreliable or inconsistent
• Why involving department heads early leads to better models and better outcomes

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "When you’re constantly fighting about the numbers, you’re not ready to present the model." - Sarah Schlott
• "If the people who own the numbers don’t see themselves in the model, you should probably just chuck it." - Sarah Schlott
• "Stop being the cop. Be the radio tower that keeps everything aligned."  Sarah Schlott

Follow Sarah:

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

Website - http://www.sarahgschlott.com/

Company - https://theschlottco.com/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com  

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

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:  

LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. 

In today’s episode:

[01:53] - Introduction to Sarah Schlott

[03:14] - Worst Model Horror Story

[07:48] - Founding The Schlott Company

[10:19] - Experience Needed to Go Fractional

[14:53] - Building Finance That Brings Calm, Not Confusion

[17:28] - How to Work with Messy Data

[20:58] - Pressure Testing Financial Models

[28:04] - Finance as a Radio Tower, Not a Traffic Cop

[39:39] - Rapid-Fire: Excel Tools and Modeling Styles

[43:37] - Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Brian McGrath, Co-Founder and COO of FutureView Systems, to explore how FP&A teams can scale smarter, automate faster, and operate as strategic business partners. With over 20 years of experience leading finance transformations in high-growth companies, Brian dives into why finance must be more than a cost center, it should be a driver of operational success and storytelling. From automation frameworks to AI and the power of curiosity, Brian shares lessons that can help FP&A professionals become essential, not just operational.

Brian McGrath is the Co-Founder and COO of FutureView Systems, a firm dedicated to delivering scalable, technology-enabled FP&A solutions for growing companies. A graduate of the University of Florida and UNC Chapel Hill, Brian has helped organizations streamline processes, eliminate manual workflows, and build finance functions that influence real-time decisions. His hands-on experience, systems thinking, and deep commitment to automation and business alignment make his insights invaluable for any finance professional ready to modernize their approach.

Expect to Learn:

• Why automation should be baked into FP&A from day one
• What accountability-based forecasting looks like in practice
• How to shift FP&A from a cost center to an operational partner
• Practical methods for protecting your most valuable asset: time
• Why “humble curiosity” is essential to understanding the business

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The best way to elevate your career? Focus more on your customer’s success than your own.” - Brian McGrath
• “FP&A should be embedded in operations, helping deploy capital in ways that truly move the business.” - Brian McGrath
• “Accountability-based forecasting means budget owners own their numbers, finance is there to support, not control.” - Brian McGrath

Brian McGrath delivered a compelling vision for the future of FP&A, one where automation, process thinking, and operational alignment are non-negotiable. He emphasized that great FP&A professionals are not just technically skilled, but also curious, empathetic, and strategically embedded within the business. From designing scalable systems to navigating AI and storytelling, Brian’s insights offer actionable guidance for finance leaders looking to evolve from number crunchers to decision enablers.

Easy Strategic FP&A:

Introducing BEZ (BE EASY), with Agentic AI capabilities to maximize FP&A’s strategic impact. Automate complex FP&A processes and have a conversation with your data. Modern FP&A can Be Easy.

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3H0Dqpp

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Brian:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/financial-planning-and-analysis/.

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

Follow Paul:

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

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

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[02:04] - Brian’s Background

[07:42] - Scaling Finance Teams

[09:52] - Accountability Forecasting

[14:00] - FP&A as Ops Partner

[20:23] - FP&A Get Involved in Ops

[24:59] - Developing Curiosity in Finance

[29:16] - Guarding Your Time in FP&A

[43:21] - How AI is Reshaping FP&A

[48:47] - #1 Technical Skill for FP&A Pros

[56:14] - Final Advice for FP&A Success

In this episode, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss the latest updates in AI and how these advancements are impacting the finance sector. They explore the practical challenges that come with integrating AI into existing finance workflows and the real-world limitations of AI tools. The conversation covers new tools like Claude for financial services and the recent developments from OpenAI, while also delving into how AI can be used in financial modeling and analysis. The hosts also share their personal experiences, frustrations, and optimism about the future of AI, offering a balanced view of the excitement and challenges that come with these technologies.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How Claude for Financial Services is changing AI in finance.
• Insights on OpenAI’s agent rollout and its impact on the industry.
• The challenges of integrating AI into financial workflows, especially Excel.
• The practical limitations of AI in real-world finance applications.
• The future potential of AI tools and their role in financial decision-making.

Paul and Glenn highlighted the potential of AI tools like Claude and OpenAI’s agents in finance, stressing the importance of understanding their limitations. While these technologies offer exciting opportunities, integrating them effectively into existing workflows is key to realizing their value. The journey to fully harness AI in finance continues, and practical, cautious adoption will be crucial.

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:

[00:43] - Welcome to the Episode

[01:09] - Claude for Financial Services

[04:59] - OpenAI’s $10 Million Model

[06:41] - Integrating AI into Excel Workflows

[11:56] - Maintaining Data Integrity in AI Models

[13:37] - AI Integration via Spreadsheet Sidebars

[16:10] - Testing Data Formats: CSV vs JSON for LLMs

[21:59] - SNL Skit with Debbie Downer

[24:54] - Closing Remarks

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Nico Christie, co-founder of Fundamental Research Labs and creator of Shortcut, the superhuman Excel agent. Nico shares insights into his fascinating journey, from being a professional athlete to leading groundbreaking AI projects. Together, they explain how AI is revolutionizing financial modeling and making Excel smarter than ever before. Nico also discusses his work at Fundamental Research Labs, where they aim to build digital humans using AI, and the development of Shortcut, which aims to streamline the way we use Excel for financial modeling tasks.

Nico Christie is the co-founder of Fundamental Research Labs and the CEO of Shortcut, a cutting-edge AI tool designed to supercharge Excel. Nico’s diverse background spans professional athletics, corporate finance, and AI research. His work at Fundamental Research Labs focuses on building AI that mimics human-like qualities, such as emotional experiences and consciousness. Nico has a passion for both technology and the real-world applications of AI in tools like Excel, making complex tasks faster and more intuitive.

Expect to Learn

• How Shortcut is revolutionizing Excel for financial modeling with AI.
• The process behind building digital humans at Fundamental Research Labs.
• Nico’s journey from professional dunker to AI innovator.
• How AI tools like Shortcut are transforming the financial modeling landscape.
• Insights on the future of AI in Excel and the response from companies like Microsoft.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "I just think Excel is the most beautiful design software ever created by humans." - Nico Christie
• "The goal of the company is to build digital humans, giving AI all of the fundamental human qualities, not just intelligence." - Nico Christie
• "People who were initially afraid of AI are no longer afraid once they see how it can be used in software engineering." - Nico Christie

Follow Nico:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicochristie/
• Twitter - https://x.com/nicochristie

Follow Paul:

• Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com  
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:  

• LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  
• Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. 

In today’s episode:

[02:15] - Introduction to Nico Christie

[02:38] - Worst Model Horror Story

[06:32] - Upcoming Projects and Exciting Roadblocks

[09:14] - The Journey to Dunking

[17:21] - The Power of Excel's Top Buttons

[20:17] - Reviewing vs. Starting from Scratch

[21:38] - Struggles with Formatting in Model Reviews

[32:35] - The Impact of AI Tools on the Profession

[37:26] - Favorite Excel Shortcut

[39:54] - Financial Models as Decision-Making Tools

[42:34] - Wrapping Up

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Jesse Mishler to explore what it takes to build a thriving FP&A function grounded in purpose, people development, and strategic problem-solving. From military discipline to corporate finance leadership, Jesse offers a rare blend of operational rigor and emotional intelligence. His reflections on transforming real estate spaces, empowering teams, and navigating financial complexity will resonate with finance professionals and leaders alike. This episode dives into the evolving role of finance in shaping organizational culture, driving performance, and making workspaces more human-centered and impactful.

Jesse Mishler serves as Senior Vice President of FP&A at Carr Properties, where he oversees corporate forecasting, executive reporting, and strategic financial planning. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over two decades of experience, Jesse brings a mission-driven mindset to FP&A leadership. He is known for building high-performing, people-first finance teams, championing cross-functional collaboration, and implementing innovative planning tools like JEDOX to drive operational efficiency. With a master’s in real estate from Georgetown University and a passion for continuous learning, Jesse’s leadership reflects both financial precision and personal authenticity.

Expect to Learn:

• How military principles like integrity and resilience translate to corporate leadership.
• What makes FP&A a strategic hub, not just a back-office function.
• Why developing people is one of the most fulfilling aspects of leadership.
• Key operational metrics in commercial real estate and how they guide decision-making.
• The power of curiosity in becoming a better business partner.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "FP&A should be the hub of the company, connecting insights, strategy, and communication across the business." - Jesse Mishler
• "The most rewarding part of my job is seeing others grow and surpass even their own expectations."- Jesse Mishler
• "Sometimes the most impactful help you can offer takes less than five minutes, it starts with listening." - Jesse Mishler

Jesse shared powerful insights into how leadership, resilience, and curiosity can shape a successful FP&A career. He highlighted the importance of problem-solving over perfection, the value of building trust through authentic actions, and the transformational impact of investing in people. From leveraging real estate finance to fostering team growth, Jesse’s advice offers practical, inspiring takeaways for finance professionals aiming to elevate their strategic influence and lead with integrity and empathy.

Corporate Finance Institute:

You know the numbers. Now it’s time to own the story.

The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data.

Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Jesse:

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

Company - https://www.carrprop.com/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[03:58] - What Makes Great FP&A

[06:05] - Lessons from the Marines

[09:01] - FP&A as a Problem Solver

[12:36] - Why Real Estate Finance

[15:23] - Key Metrics in Real Estate

[18:41] - Choosing & Using JEDOX

[22:54] - Developing People in FP&A

[30:41] - Leadership & Trust

[36:26] - No.1 Technical FP&A Skills

[41:02] - Favorite Hobby

[47:08] - Closing Advice: Be Curious

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome digital transformation expert Tariq Munir to explore how AI and data are reshaping finance leadership. The conversation centers on the core message of Tariq’s upcoming book, Reimagine Finance: A Guide to Leading in the Age of Data, AI and Digital, and how finance professionals can drive transformation without needing deep technical expertise. The episode emphasizes mindset shifts, the human role in AI adoption, and the practical use of digital twins and reasoning models in finance.

Tariq Munir is a keynote speaker, writer, and digital transformation consultant with over two decades of experience working with Fortune 500 companies. Formerly with PepsiCo, Tariq recently transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship. His work focuses on empowering CFOs and finance teams to lead enterprise-wide digital transformations. He’s also the author of the forthcoming book Reimagine Finance, scheduled for global release with Wiley.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why mindset, not technical expertise, is the key to digital transformation in finance.
• How AI is changing leadership expectations and essential skillsets.
• What digital twins are and how they can optimize finance processes.
• The challenges of applying reasoning models in financial AI use cases.
• Why critical thinking and human judgment remain vital in an AI-driven world.

Tariq shared his inspiring transition from corporate executive to digital transformation leader, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone aiming for future-proof finance in the AI era. His reflections on leadership, his vision for human-centered AI adoption, and practical strategies like digital twins offer essential insights for finance professionals seeking to embrace innovation, drive change, and lead with purpose in an increasingly data-driven world.

Follow Tariq:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariq-munir

Website - https://www.tariqmunir.me/

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:

[02:23] - Writing "REIMAGINE FINANCE"

[03:45] - Key Takeaways For Finance Leaders

[06:02] - Career Shift And Current Update

[09:56] - AI And The New Breed Of Leaders

[14:57] - Balancing AI And Human-Centricity

[20:21] - Jobs And Technological Change

[28:42] - Challenges With AI Reasoning Models

[36:00] - Fun Questions & Episode Wrap-Up

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Patrick Daguet, a seasoned finance professional, educator, and structured finance expert for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about the real-world side of financial modeling. With over four decades in the industry, Patrick shares what he's learned from years of building models, working on massive infrastructure deals, and teaching the next generation of finance professionals. From navigating the challenges of project finance to celebrating those satisfying “balance sheet balances” moments in the classroom, Patrick offers a grounded, practical perspective on how modeling works beyond the spreadsheet.

Patrick is the President of Sharklets, a training company specializing in CFA, FRM, and CAIA prep, and a Senior Professor at IÉSEG School of Management. With a background in structured finance, infrastructure projects, and model design, he bridges academic rigor with practical experience. He has helped train thousands of finance professionals across the globe and continues to lead CFM study groups. Patrick’s love for teaching is matched by his real-world expertise, having worked on major infrastructure deals, including France’s national stadium.

Expect to Learn

• Why financial models should be treated as decision-making tools, not just math.
• What makes project finance models more complex than corporate ones.
• The real-world impact of financial models, from runways to stadiums.
• How teaching has shaped Patrick’s understanding of modeling.
• Why lifelong curiosity is the key to staying relevant in finance.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “A financial model is a decision tool that incorporates all the information necessary to form your own judgment." - Patrick Daguet
• "I fell into teaching when people told me I had a talent for explaining the complex clearly." - Patrick Daguet
• "You are sentenced to lifelong learning when you choose a career in finance." - Patrick Daguet

Follow Patrick:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdaguet/
• Email - [email protected]

Follow Paul: 

• Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  

• LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  
• Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. 

In today’s episode:

[01:59] - Guest Intro: Patrick’s Background

[03:34] - Modeling Horror Story

[07:28] - Defining a Financial Model

[08:46] - Lifelong Learning & Certifications

[11:58] - Passion for Project Finance

[14:39] - Favorite Project: Stade de France

[17:58] - Challenges in Project Finance Models

[24:59] - Transition to Teaching

[31:30] - CFM Study Groups & Community

[37:20] - Excel Tools & Rapid Fire Round

[45:12] - Closing Advice & Takeaways

In this episode of FP&A Today, host Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, welcomes Christopher Ortega for a candid conversation about the evolution of finance and building a business from the ground up. From basketball analogies to real-world advice, this episode blends personal experience with professional insight. Chris opens up about what it takes to grow a consulting business, how to handle setbacks, and why financial professionals need to think beyond spreadsheets and become true business partners.

Christopher Ortega is the CEO and founder of Fresh FP&A, a financial strategy firm that supports small and mid-sized businesses with fractional CFO services. With more than 20 years in accounting, FP&A, and finance leadership, Chris has built a career around driving growth, navigating acquisitions, and helping organizations build financial clarity. He’s worked with global companies, led finance teams through complex M&A deals, and now channels that experience into helping others succeed

Expect to Learn:

• Why FP&A needs to evolve from reporting to a real business partnership
• How Chris shifted his mindset from CFO to CEO
• The importance of focusing on the right industries instead of trying to serve everyone
• Why failing early became one of his greatest learning tools
• What to do before you land your first paid client

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "You either win or you learn. You only lose if you don’t learn." - Christopher Ortega
• "To scale, I had to stop thinking like a CFO and start thinking like a CEO." - Christopher Ortega
• "Sales and marketing taught me more about business than any finance book." - Christopher Ortega

Christopher shared valuable insights on evolving from a technical finance role to a strategic business partner, the mindset shift required to grow from CFO to CEO, and the power of narrowing your focus in business. His advice on embracing failure, building with purpose, and putting impact before income offers meaningful takeaways for anyone looking to lead with confidence in the finance world.

Corporate Finance Institute:

You know the numbers. Now it’s time to own the story.

The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight, not just report the data.

Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Chris:

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

Website - https://freshfpa.com/our-team/john-kobs-ceo/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com

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

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[03:14] - What Does Great FP&A Look Like?

[07:21] - Starting the Entrepreneurial Journey

[11:21] - Reflecting on College Memories

[16:36] - Embracing Failure in Finance

[22:11] - Starting Without a Paid Client

[20:23] - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

[26:08] - Revenue Before Quitting

[37:44] - Dream Boxing Matches

[27:35] - The Hardest Part of Entrepreneurship

[34:18] - Essential Technical Skill for Professionals

[44:30] - Roles in Business: The Football Analogy