In this episode of Financial Modelers Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Paul Medici, founder and CEO of Medici Financial Modeling. They dive into the art and science of financial modeling, sharing horror stories, insights, and practical tips on how to avoid common pitfalls. The discussion revolves around the importance of simplicity and structure, and how mastering the fundamentals can save time and deliver better results.

Today’s guest is Paul Medici, the Founder and CEO of Medici Financial Modeling. With over a decade of experience, Paul specializes in building bespoke financial models and custom data automation tools for corporate clients across the US, Canada, and Europe. His expertise spans a wide range of industries, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, real estate, retail, technology, and even charitable organizations. He holds an MBA from the University of Toronto and a Master’s in Geological Science and Engineering from Queen’s University.

Key takeaways from this week's episode include:

• The most common mistakes in bad financial models and how to avoid them.
• How a background in geology led Paul Medici to a career in financial modeling.
• The importance of understanding revenue and cost build-ups in different industries.
• Why practicing financial modeling on personal projects can enhance your skills.
• Key shortcuts and techniques to speed up your Excel modeling process.

Here are a few quotes from Paul Medici:

• "All bad models have one thing in common: they're not user-friendly, difficult to update, and time-consuming." - Paul Medici
• "Most corporate models start simple but turn into 'Frankenstein' models over time as people add complexity." - Paul Medici
• "If you're thinking about financial modeling, practice by building models for everyday tasks like personal budgets." - Paul Medici
• "The key to mastering financial modeling is understanding how the financial statements and supporting schedules link together." - Paul Medici

From his early career in geology to teaching advanced Excel at top investment banks, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. He emphasizes the importance of building user-friendly models, practicing regularly, and finding the right balance between complexity and functionality.

Follow Paul Medici:

• Website - https://medicifinancialmodeling.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmedici/

Follow Paul: 

• Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  

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In today’s episode:

[01:27] - Introduction to the episode and guest 

[03:15] - The worst financial model story and lessons learned.

[07:17] - Career transition from Geology to Finance

[12:40] - Challenges in modeling different industries

[19:22] - Favorite industries and financial models

[22:17] - Bespoke data automation tools

[25:47] - Teaching Excel and financial modeling courses

[34:29] - Advice for FMI Certification

[39:03] - Rapid fire: financial modeling preferences

[44:13] - Final advice and contact information