Financial Modeler's Corner

In this episode of Financial Modelers Corner, Paul Barnhurst talks with John Yeldham, founder of Lodeum, about building trust in Excel models, standardizing modeling language, and creating modular, scalable models. John shares his experience leading financial modelers and using advanced Excel features like Lambda functions and dynamic arrays. Expect to Learn:Standardize language to improve clarity and collaborationUse modular blocks to make models understandable and trustedLeverage advanced Excel functions carefully for scalable, auditable modelsOnline training through Lodeum allows flexible global learningHere are a few quotes from the episode:"If standards could be introduced for language, it allows financial modeling knowledge to be shared and scaled beyond individual experts." - John Yeldham"The role of a modeler is evolving from just churning out numbers to creating reusable, understandable modules." - John YeldhamJohn provides actionable strategies for financial modelers to improve clarity, scalability, and trust in their work while leveraging advanced Excel techniques and modular design principles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their modeling skills and build reusable frameworks for complex financial analyses. Follow John:Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lodeum/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnyeldham/Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqWIn Today’s Episode:[02:14] – Worst Model Horror Story[04:09] – Communication & Language Challenges[11:55] – Standardizing Language & AI Integration[14:43] – Online Training & Lodeum Platform[24:25] – Lambda Functions & Dynamic Arrays[39:42] – Rapid Fire Opinions[16:32] – Advice for Becoming a Better Modeler[18:07] – How to Connect

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes back Chris Reilly for a deep and practical conversation on financial modeling fundamentals in the age of AI. Chris shares why mastering the basics still matters more than ever, how AI is changing modeling workflows in reality (not hype), and where automation genuinely adds value versus where human judgment is still essential.Chris Reilly is a former private equity professional and financial modeling expert with experience spanning restructuring, FP&A, treasury, and middle market private equity. He began his career at FTI Consulting during the financial crisis, working on major bankruptcies, including Lehman Brothers, before moving to Hilton Worldwide and later into private equity. Chris is the founder of Financial Modeling Education, where he has trained more than 90,000 professionals worldwide, teaching real-life models used to acquire and manage private equity-backed businesses.Expect to LearnWhy financial modeling fundamentals matter more than ever in an AI-driven worldHow Chris actually uses AI in real client models versus online hypeWhy simple, well-built models outperform overly complex onesHow to balance technical modeling skills with business decision-makingHere are a few quotes from the episode:“AI is a great accelerator if you already understand the fundamentals. If you don’t, it just magnifies the problem.” - Chris Reilly“There’s a missing middle right now where people are skipping the fundamentals and jumping straight to the results.” - Chris ReillyChris emphasizes that while AI and automation can improve efficiency, they do not replace the need for strong accounting knowledge, modeling fundamentals, and business understanding. He explains that the best modelers focus less on tools and functions and more on clarity, reliability, and helping decision makers understand what to do next.Follow Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-reilly-mission-capital/Homepage: https://www.financialmodelingeducation.com/Email list: https://financialmodelingeducator.com/Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign 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: [02:35] - Fundamentals Before AI[05:55] - From PE to Teaching[09:17] - Dynamic Arrays in Practice[13:25] - Limits of Dynamic Models[18:09] - Modeling vs Technical Debate[21:04] - AI Hype vs Reality[26:45] - Avoiding Bad Models[33:00] - Advice for Modelers[35:38] - Future of AI in Excel[38:02] - Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Karishma Ramnawaj, a financial modeler based in Mauritius, to talk about her journey in financial modelling, building and reviewing models, and the lessons she’s learned from both success and failure. Karishma shares her experience of learning on the job, why understanding the end user is critical, and how she balances practical standards with flexibility.Karishma is a Certified Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) and FMVA® professional, currently working as a Financial Modeler Associate at Hawkins Eberdal Ltd in Mauritius. With a strong foundation in both project and corporate finance, Karishma specializes in building decision-ready financial models that support capital raising, risk evaluation, and business growth.Expect to LearnWhy using someone else’s model as a template can be riskyThe importance of understanding and communicating key assumptionsHow to tailor models for investors and third-party usersWhat it’s like to fail, and then pass, the AFM examThe value of applying both corporate and project finance in modellingHere are a few quotes from the episode:“If you're going to use someone else's model, make sure you understand everything inside it.” – Karishma“It's not just about Excel. It's about who's using the model and what story you're telling with it.” – KarishmaKarishma's story is a great example of growth through practice, persistence, and passion for financial modeling. Her focus on clarity, flexibility, and end-user needs brings valuable perspective to the modelling process. From overcoming early challenges to passing the AFM exam, she shows the importance of continuous improvement.Follow Karishma:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karishma-ramnawaj/Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign 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:[01:56] - Guest Intro[04:51] - Journey into Modelling[06:00] - Why She Loves Modelling[08:37] - Storytelling with Numbers[10:56] - Key Assumptions & End Users[13:00] - Project vs. Corporate Finance[14:26] - Renewable Energy Focus[15:44] - Modelling Standards & Reviews[22:16] - AFM Exam: Fail to Pass[29:18] - Tools, Tips & Final Advice

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Carolina Lago, a seasoned FP&A professional, to discuss how financial modelers can transform data into actionable insights while avoiding common modeling pitfalls. Together, they explore best practices in financial modeling, the dangers of hard-coded models, and why structure, flexibility, and clear purpose are essential for effective decision-making. Carolina also shares lessons from her international career, including her experience supporting a major IPO and leading global software implementations.Carolina Lago is an FP&A professional with over 15 years of international experience across multiple industries. She has played key roles in high-impact projects, including IPO preparation and enterprise-wide financial system implementations. Carolina is also the creator of the TACTIC framework, which helps financial professionals build models that are structured, insightful, and decision-focused.Expect to LearnWhy hard-coded models are a major risk to accuracy and flexibilityHow to turn raw data into insights that drive real business decisionsThe importance of starting every model with a clear question or goalHow the TACTIC framework improves structure and clarity in modelingWhy strong modeling skills matter at every career stageHere are a few quotes from the episode:“I inherited one, and I had to try to change it. I spent probably a couple of weeks trying to make it better, and I couldn't. It was just too full of hardcoded numbers and no design at all.” – Carolina Lago“Data is only useful if it can be transformed into actionable insights.” – Carolina LagoFollow Carolina:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-carolinalago/Website – https://www.tacticfinancial.comIn today’s episode:[00:00] - Trailer[00:50] - Guest Introduction[01:00] - Horrifying Financial Models[02:00] - Early Career Modeling Mistakes[03:10] - Carolina’s Global Career Journey[05:00] - Turning Data into Actionable Insights[07:30] - Introduction to the TACTIC Framework[09:50] - Learning Resources & Community Engagement[20:00] - Certifications and Continuing Education[22:40] - Rapid-Fire Round[24:50] - Advice for Aspiring Financial Modelers[26:00] - How to Connect and Learn More