The FP&A Guy Network

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Carolina Lago explore their experiences with financial modeling and the Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) certification. They discuss the value of these certifications, the challenges of studying for them, and how these programs can improve financial modeling skills. They also provide helpful tips and insights into preparing for the Chartered Financial Modeler (CFM) certification.

Carolina is a financial modeling and FP&A specialist with over 20 years of experience. She holds the Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) certification from the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI) and is working toward the Elite Certified Financial Modeler (CFM) credential. Carolina is passionate about teaching financial modeling and helping professionals use financial models to make better strategic decisions. Her workshops focus on best practices, scenario analysis, and providing businesses with the tools needed to navigate financial challenges.

Expect to Learn

• The definition of a financial model and how to differentiate it from other types of business models.
• Tips for studying for the AFM and CFM certifications, including managing time effectively and balancing models as you work.
• Carolina’s experience preparing for the AFM and how to build financial models quickly under pressure.
• The importance of practice in financial modeling and how to improve speed and efficiency.
• The differences between the AFM and CFM certifications and why both are valuable for financial modelers.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Even if I don’t pass the first time, I will have already succeeded by learning new techniques and improving my skills." - Carolina Lago
• "You need to be resourceful and think quickly when preparing for the CFM. It’s about adapting to complexity in multiple areas." - Carolina Lago
• "A financial model is anything that has inputs, calculations, and outputs, but at the same time answers a business question." - Carolina Lago

Follow Carolina:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-carolinalago?originalSubdomain=ch
• Website - carolinalago.com
• Course Tactic On-Demand: https://tacticfinancial.com/financial-model-for-you/
• newsletter:  https://pages.tacticfinancial.com/thetacticalroom

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: 

[08:03] - What is a Financial Model?

[12:52] - Fun Use of Excel in Personal Life

[17:06] - Learning About FMI

[24:41] - Toughest Area in AFM Preparation

[28:19] - Advice for AFM Exam

[38:07] - CFM Difficulty and Value

[42:36] - Broken Spreadsheet Joke

[44:56] - Wrapping Up the Episode

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Rohit Divate, to discuss the intersection of finance, operations, and the high-growth startup world. They explore how finance leaders can partner with teams to drive growth while maintaining sustainability, the role of AI in finance, and the importance of communication and trust in leadership. The conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities faced by finance professionals in high-growth environments and provides actionable insights for those navigating this fast-paced industry.

Rohit is a seasoned finance leader with expertise in high-growth SaaS companies. Having raised over $500 million and driven revenue growth from $20 million to over $500 million, Rohit has a deep passion for improving finance team effectiveness and is especially active in the AI space. He currently serves as the head of operations and finance at Sprig, an all-in-one product experience platform.

Expect to Learn:

• How finance can act as a strategic partner to drive company growth, especially in the early stages.
• The importance of balancing growth with sustainability in high-growth SaaS companies.
• Key metrics and strategies for scaling operations and go-to-market efforts in early-stage startups.
• Insights into how AI is changing the landscape of finance and operations.
• Tips on building trust and accountability within teams to ensure collaborative success.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "You need to build trust with your teams before you can build accountability. It’s not about numbers, it’s about relationships." - Rohit Divate
• "AI is going to be a game changer. Right now, we’re still figuring out how to use it in finance, but I’m excited for the day it makes me 10x more productive." - Rohit Divate
• "In early-stage companies, you don’t really know what your metrics are yet, but you can always measure improvement." - Rohit Divate

Rohit shares valuable insights, real stories, and practical advice for anyone in finance, particularly those working in high-growth startups. If you’re looking to understand the dynamics of scaling a business, driving sustainable growth, and partnering effectively with teams, this episode is for you. Rohit talks about what’s worked for him, the challenges he’s faced, and the key lessons he’s learned throughout his career, offering actionable takeaways for aspiring finance leaders.

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. Enroll by July 1st and get 40% of this new Certification.

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 Rohit:

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

Twitter - https://x.com/rohitdv8 

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

[03:41] - What’s Great FP&A?

[06:13] - Growth Challenges

[14:26] - Product-Market Fit at Pre-seed

[17:37] - Go-to-Market Strategy for Growth

[27:54] - Building Trust Through Action

[32:02] - Why Rohit Loves Equals

[35:17] - CFO’s Guide to AI Scaling

[46:49] - Biggest Opportunity for FP&A

[50:18] - Fun Questions

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Natalia Toronyi, a finance executive with nearly 20 years of experience in financial transformation. The conversation delves into Natalia’s impressive journey from navigating life during the collapse of the Soviet Union in Ukraine to leading financial transformations in major global companies. The episode explores how AI is reshaping finance, particularly in the areas of internal audits, treasury, and talent management. Natalia shares insights on the real-world applications of AI in finance, discussing both its potential and challenges.

Natalia Toronyi is a finance executive with nearly two decades of experience leading financial transformations across various sectors, particularly in Fortune 500 global industrial manufacturing companies. Known for her problem-solving mindset and focus on data-driven decision-making, Natalia has led numerous automation and digital transformation projects. Her passion for people-first leadership, integrity, and innovation has made her a trusted leader in the finance space.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI is reshaping traditional finance roles, especially in audits and treasury.
• Why standardized operating procedures (SOPs) are crucial for successful AI implementation.
• How to evaluate AI tools effectively, focusing on scalability, ROI, and integration with existing systems.
• The evolving skillsets finance leaders should prioritize in the era of AI.

Natalia brings clarity, depth, and a grounded perspective to the conversation around AI in finance. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the speed of technological change or unsure where to begin with AI integration, this episode offers a refreshing take. Her insights are both practical and empowering, showing that transformation starts with well-defined processes and a people-first mindset.

Follow Natalia:

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

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:

[00:59] - Natalia’s Journey

[05:41] - Generative AI Shift

[07:08] - Treasury Insights

[09:57] - Audits with AI

[12:39] - Documenting SOPs

[14:15] - Evaluating Tech

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Jon Acampora to discuss the ever-evolving world of financial modeling, focusing on Excel. Jon shares about the importance of creating user-friendly models and the impact of Excel Esports on financial modeling skills. The conversation covers best practices for building efficient models, lessons from Excel competitions, and how new technologies like Power Query and AI are shaping the future of modeling.

Jon is the founder of Excel Campus, a Microsoft MVP, and an expert in helping Excel users simplify and automate their workflows. With over 600,000 YouTube subscribers, Jon is passionate about making Excel both fun and efficient. He’s also a regular commentator for Excel Esports competitions, where Excel professionals compete to solve complex modeling challenges in real time. Jon’s mission is to help people leverage Excel to boost productivity and creativity, making financial modeling more accessible and enjoyable.

Expect to Learn

• The importance of building financial models that are easy for others to understand and use.
• Jon's take on the role of Excel Esports in advancing modeling skills and fostering creativity.
• How Power Query can save you hours of data processing time in Excel.
• Why financial modelers should focus on simplicity and automation rather than over-complicating their models.
• Insights into the future of financial modeling with the integration of Python and AI tools.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “AI is great at generating code, but it’s the human creativity that still leads the way.” - Jon Acampora
• “As an Excel professional, it's important to make models that others can easily work with, even if they don't have the same technical skills you do.” - Jon Acampora
• “If you want to be great at Excel, you have to understand that learning never stops. There’s always something new to discover.” - Jon Acampora

Follow Jon:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonacampora/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/ExcelCampus
• Website - https://www.excelcampus.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: 

[03:45] - Horror Story

[08:50] - Defining Financial Models

[11:55] - From Accounting to Excel Business

[18:42] - Competing in Excel Esports

[21:27] - What Jon Enjoys About Announcing

[27:36] - Advice for Aspiring Excel Competitors

[37:43] - Memorable Teaching Moment

[42:43] - Favourite Excel Shortcut

[45:12] - Rapid Fire Section

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with John Sanchez, an expert in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) with over 20 years of experience. John, now the managing director of FP&A Group, discusses his journey from accounting to FP&A, the importance of effective communication in finance, and why understanding the business is crucial to delivering great financial analysis. The episode delves into how FP&A professionals can elevate their work beyond spreadsheets by getting involved with business partners and focusing on the bigger picture.

John Sanchez brings over 20 years of experience in FP&A and corporate finance. He has worked with world-class organizations such as Royal Caribbean Cruises and AutoNation, and now trains finance professionals through his consulting firm, FP&A Group. With a background in accounting and M&A, John brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to FP&A, including the importance of business acumen and communication skills for financial professionals.

Expect to Learn:

• How great FP&A professionals go beyond Excel to understand the business.
• The importance of business acumen in making impactful financial decisions.
• Why communication, especially listening, is crucial in FP&A.
• Insights on John’s career journey from accounting to FP&A.
• Practical tips for improving communication and networking in finance.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Great FP&A is about getting out of your chair, away from Excel, and interacting with your business partners to understand how the business really works." - John Sanchez
• "Communication is everything in FP&A. If you’re not a good listener, you’re going to miss a lot." - John Sanchez
• "If you’re just good at Excel, you’ll always be an Excel monkey. You need to understand the business to truly add value." - John Sanchez

John shares valuable insights, real stories, and practical advice for anyone in FP&A. If you want to level up in finance or just learn from someone who’s been there, this episode is for you. He shares what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the key lessons he’s learned along the way.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-FP&A guy/?utm_source=FP&A guy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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

Follow John:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fpajohn/

Website: https://thefpagroup.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FPAFastTrack 

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

 [04:00] - What is Great FP&A?

[15:13] - From Accounting to M&A

[22:00] - The Power of Communication

[28:14] - Life Keeps Going

[37:57] - Communication in FP&A

[45:57] - Top Technical Skill

[52:38] - Get to know You

[54:32] - Superpower Question

[56:09] - Closing Remarks

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Natalia Toronyi, a finance executive with nearly 20 years of experience in financial transformation. The conversation delves into Natalia’s impressive journey from navigating life during the collapse of the Soviet Union in Ukraine to leading financial transformations in major global companies. The episode explores how AI is reshaping finance, particularly in the areas of internal audits, treasury, and talent management. Natalia shares insights on the real-world applications of AI in finance, discussing both its potential and challenges.

Natalia Toronyi is a finance executive with nearly two decades of experience leading financial transformations across various sectors, particularly in Fortune 500 global industrial manufacturing companies. Known for her problem-solving mindset and focus on data-driven decision-making, Natalia has led numerous automation and digital transformation projects. Her passion for people-first leadership, integrity, and innovation has made her a trusted leader in the finance space.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How AI is transforming the finance function, from internal audits to treasury management.
• The importance of creating well-defined processes and SOPs as AI continues to integrate into business functions.
• How automation and AI tools can optimize working capital, cash flow forecasting, and financial risk management.
• The evolving role of talent in the finance industry and how leaders should focus on developing strategic and critical thinking skills.
• Key considerations when evaluating AI tools for finance teams, including scalability, security, and ROI.

Natalia’s expertise makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in AI and finance. Her insights on AI in audits, treasury, and talent management offer valuable takeaways for both finance professionals and tech enthusiasts, inspiring new ways to approach decision-making and business processes.

Follow Natalia:

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

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:

[03:27] - Natalia’s Background

[10:09] - Treasury & AI

[13:08] - AI in Audits

[17:07] - Evaluating AI Tools

[24:39] - Talent Development & AI

[28:10] - Future of Finance

[32:41] - Advice to Younger Self

[33:23] - Leadership Across Cultures

[35:02] - Episode Wrap-Up

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Drew Blazsik to dive into the evolving world of financial modeling in academia. Drew brings a fresh perspective on how students can better grasp complex concepts using structured, interactive learning. The conversation touches on practical teaching methods, the common pitfalls students face, and why blending creativity with structure is key to mastering the three-statement model.

Drew Blazsik is an assistant professor at Adrian College, where he teaches finance and economics. With over a decade of teaching experience at institutions like the University of Toledo and Lourdes University, Drew has a passion for connecting academic finance theory with real-world applications. He is also the creator of the Structured Immediate Method (SIM), an innovative teaching tool designed to help students master financial modeling skills in a dynamic and engaging way. Drew hosts the Faith and Finance Podcast and runs the Logos and Markets YouTube channel, where he explores financial modeling, economic theory, and more.

Expect to Learn

• Common mistakes students make in financial modeling and how to avoid them.
• How Drew’s Structured Immediate Method (SIM) enhances student learning.
• Why learning Python is crucial for modern financial modelers.
• The impact of gamification and interactive learning on mastering financial concepts.
• Drew's take on the future of financial modeling in the age of AI.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Once you understand how to create a financial model, it all clicks and makes finance come together.” - Drew Blazsik
• “AI is awesome for creativity, but it starts with you, the human, being creative.” - Drew Blazsik
• “The SIM method helps students get instant feedback, which improves their learning and engagement.” -Drew Blazsik

Follow Drew:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewblazsik/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/drewblazsik

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: 

[04:15] - Student Modeling Mistakes

[09:07] - Defining Financial Models

[12:08] - Teaching Finance vs. Economics

[18:21] - Course Feedback

[36:27] - Unique Excel Model

[39:04] - Excel Shortcuts

[42:44] - Financial Models in Decision Making

[45:40] - Importance of Python

[50:39] - Last Question

In this episode, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Clarke Carter and Landon Cortenbach, two finance professionals who’ve taken different paths into the world of FP&A and both turned to Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) to level up their skills. They discuss why Excel still dominates the finance world, what separates good FP&A from great, and how to pick the right certification to match your career goals. How Clarke used CFI’s FP&A specialization to move from accounting into planning and analysis, and how Landon, a seasoned CFO, turned to CFI’s FMVA program to sharpen his modeling and Excel chops after years in senior roles.

Clarke Carter is a CPA and CMA working as a senior accountant in the healthcare industry. He supports budgeting and planning and has deep experience with Adaptive Insights and Excel modeling. Landon Cortenbach is a veteran CFO and finance executive who has scaled startups and worked with Fortune 50 companies. With a background in accounting, operations, and enterprise tech, Landon’s passion is in financial transformation and continuous learning. He’s a CPA, Six Sigma Green Belt, and a big advocate for real-world financial education.

Expect to Learn:

• Why mastering Excel is still foundational in FP&A
• The difference between theory and real-world finance training
• How Power Query can save you hours every week
• What separates effective FP&A teams from the rest
• How to choose between certifications like CFA, FMVA, or FPAC

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Slow and steady wins. Make time daily to learn, and you’ll be amazed where you end up." - Clarke Carter
• "Power BI and Excel together are unstoppable once you know how to use them." - Clarke Carter
• "The moment I understood how three-statement models fit together, everything clicked." - Landon Cortenbach

Clarke and Landon bring practical advice, personal stories, and a lot of perspective. If you’re looking to level up in FP&A or just want to hear from two people who’ve learned through doing, this one’s for you. They share what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d tell anyone trying to move forward in finance.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-FP&A guy/?utm_source=FP&A guy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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

Follow Landon:

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

Follow Clarke:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarke-carter-cpa-cma-47392180/

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

[02:18] - Guest Introductions

[06:22] - What Is Great FP&A?

[08:57] - Choosing the CFI Program

[14:20] - Program Impact

[17:19] - Top Skills Learned

[23:42] - Study Advice

[28:07] - Modeling & Excel

[32:16] - Advice about the CFO

[39:13] - Soft Skills for FP&A

[47:17] - Book Recommendation

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper take a deep dive into the latest developments in AI, especially how the technology is transforming the business world, from tools that help with forecasting to the ongoing evolution of AI avatars and agents. They also explore the impact of multimodal models, like OpenAI’s multimodal capabilities and Google's recent advancements. From AI-generated images to automated agents, the discussion reveals how AI is quickly becoming a game-changer across industries, including finance, content creation, and customer service.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How multimodal AI models are changing content creation and business operations
• The role of AI-generated avatars in training, presentations, and content production
• The current limitations of AI agents and how businesses are adopting them
• Google’s new video AI tools and their impact on content creation
• How AI memory is enhancing personalized digital assistants and business processes

In this episode, Paul and Glenn explored how AI is transforming content creation, business operations, and personal assistance. While AI advancements are exciting, they also highlight the current limitations of AI agents. Stay tuned for more as they continue to dive into AI’s evolving role in finance and beyond..

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:

[00:41] - Welcome to The Episode

[05:28] - AI-generated images

[08:33] - Google’s video AI

[13:28] - Multi-step vs. Workflow Agents

[17:53] - Persuasion Through Visuals & AI

[20:32] - AI: Progress or Rebranding

[26:40] - Moore’s Law on Steroids

[29:55] - AI Models for Clients

[39:32] - Closing Thought

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Alyona Mysko shares her journey from a PwC auditor to a fintech founder creating FuelFinance, a no-code financial planning tool tailored for startups and small businesses. She discusses common financial modeling challenges faced by first-time founders, the complexities of the manufacturing and fashion industries, and the importance of simplifying financial models for better decision-making. Alyona emphasizes the power of effective communication and scenario planning, helping entrepreneurs and modelers make sense of numbers to drive business success.

Alyona Mysko is the Founder and CEO of FuelFinance, a fintech startup delivering no-code financial planning tools designed specifically for startups and small businesses. With a professional background starting as an auditor at PwC, Alyona transitioned into financial analysis and fractional CFO roles before launching her own company. She brings deep expertise in financial modeling and a passion for simplifying complex financial data to empower founders and entrepreneurs. 

Expect to Learn

• How Alyona’s audit background influenced the creation of a finance platform for startups
• Why first-time founders struggle with financial modeling and how second-time founders differ
• The complexity behind manufacturing and fashion business models and modeling nuances
• The importance of simplified dashboards focusing on key metrics for decision-making
• Why communication and storytelling in financial modeling is essential for impact

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Finance is just like fuel for a business. If you understand your numbers, you can go fast.” - Alyona Mysko
• First-time founders don’t know what they don’t know. Second-time founders know to start with the financial model.” - Alyona Mysko
• “Communication is 50% of your success as a financial modeler.” - Alyona Mysko

Follow Alyona :

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyona-mysko/
• Website - https://fuelfinance.me/

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: 

[02:31] - The Story Behind FuelFinance

[06:00] - Aylona’s Background

[11:03] - Industry-Specific Modeling Challenges

[18:14] - Cross-Functional Realization

[23:57] - Revenue vs. Cash Flow Realities

[28:14] - Balancing Model Simplicity

[35:11] - Key Career Lesson

[39:41] - Rapid Fire Section