Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Est. Listeners
Based on iTunes & Spotify (publisher stats).
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
1,001 - 10,000 - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
5,001 - 25,000 - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
501 - 5,000
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
Recent episodes
The CFO as Storyteller: Why Numbers Alone Aren’t Enough
Apr 30, 2026
Unknown duration
Why Operational CFOs Win: Strategy, Speed, and Leading Through Change with SmartRecruiters' Tom DiDesidero
Mar 26, 2026
Unknown duration
From Metrics to Meaning: Building a Customer-Centric Finance Org
Feb 26, 2026
Unknown duration
CFO Leadership: Asking Better Questions Instead of Saying No with John Glasgow
Jan 29, 2026
Unknown duration
Reflecting on progressive finance with Sacha Herrmann
Dec 29, 2025
Unknown duration
Social Links & Contact
Official channels & resources
Official Website
Login
RSS Feed
Login
| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/30/26 |  The CFO as Storyteller: Why Numbers Alone Aren’t Enough | How does a CFO help turn startup chaos into scale-up structure, translate numbers into action, and support growth across every part of the business?In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Brad Channer, CFO at UBIO, the automation company helping businesses connect systems that were never designed to work together.Brad shares why the CFO role in a startup or scale-up is far broader than finance alone. At UBIO, that means working across fundraising, sales, legal, HR, operations, board reporting, and exit planning — often all at once. He describes the CFO as the “glue” in a business: the person who connects teams, brings clarity, and helps turn data into decisions.A key theme in the conversation is Brad’s idea of “narrating the numbers.” He explains why finance leaders must do more than report figures — they need to communicate them in ways that founders, boards, and investors can understand and act on. For Brad, strong finance leadership combines technical accuracy with empathy, storytelling, and an understanding of what matters most to each audience.Brad also reflects on his unconventional route into finance. Before becoming a CFO, he trained as an actor, worked in hospitality and street sales, launched startups, and learned fundraising and resilience through experience. That background still shapes how he leads today, particularly in communication, confidence, and understanding motivation.The episode also explores fundraising, founder-CFO relationships, and the future of finance in an AI-driven world. Brad argues that early-stage fundraising is often about belief in the founder as much as the business, and that AI will increasingly automate junior finance work — making judgment, adaptability, and communication even more valuable.Brad’s CFO Playbook principle:Communicate clearly, know your objective, and make sure the numbers tell a story people can act on.Useful Links 🔗UBIO – https://ub.io/Brad Channer – https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradchanner/ About The CFO PlaybookThe CFO Playbook is hosted by David McClelland, exploring how world-class finance leaders use technology, set goals, plan, lead teams, and drive growth. | — | ||||||
| 3/26/26 |  Why Operational CFOs Win: Strategy, Speed, and Leading Through Change with SmartRecruiters' Tom DiDesidero | How does a CFO help a business stand out in a crowded market, execute a bold AI strategy, and lead the company through acquisition without losing focus? In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Tom DiDesidero, CFO at SmartRecruiters, the hiring platform focused on making recruitment easier and more effective for enterprise customers. Tom explains why the most effective CFOs are deeply operational, not just financial stewards. He reflects on joining SmartRecruiters at a pivotal moment, partnering closely with CEO Rebecca Carr, and helping the company sharpen its strategy in an increasingly commoditised HR tech market. That meant narrowing the product focus, moving decisively on AI, and building belief across the organisation that the business could move faster than bigger competitors. Tom shares how SmartRecruiters differentiated itself by simplifying its offering and investing in an AI-powered platform, including its agentic system, Winston. He discusses the importance of making bold decisions early, aligning teams around a clear direction, and turning strategy into execution through disciplined sequencing, milestones, and focus. The conversation also explores what SAP saw in SmartRecruiters, and what it really takes to prepare a company for acquisition. Tom breaks down the finance leader’s role before, during, and after a deal: getting the data right, creating a credible story, managing confidentiality tightly, supporting teams through uncertainty, and adapting from a fast-moving independent company into a much larger, more matrixed organisation. Tom also reflects on his wider career journey across software, e-commerce, payments, IPO environments, and transformation moments, and shares his view on AI in finance: use it to automate lower-value work, free up time, and help teams focus on better decisions and more valuable analysis. Tom’s CFO Playbook principle: move quickly, be decisive, communicate clearly, and keep repeating the why until people understand their role in it. Useful Links 🔗 SmartRecruiters - https://www.smartrecruiters.com Tom Di Desidero - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasdidesidero/ About The CFO Playbook The CFO Playbook is hosted by David McClelland, exploring how world-class finance leaders use technology, set goals, plan, lead teams, and drive growth. Brought to you by Soldo. | — | ||||||
| 2/26/26 |  From Metrics to Meaning: Building a Customer-Centric Finance Org | How do you keep finance customer-centric—especially when you’re scaling fast, operating across regulated markets, and navigating crisis moments?In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Mohamed “Mo” Omaizat, CFO and Managing Director at Taxfix, the Berlin-based, AI-first tax platform helping customers file taxes more easily across multiple European markets. Mo shares why customer-centricity isn’t a slogan - it’s a leadership system: calendar time with frontline teams, regular rituals, and tying financial models directly to customer behaviour (retention, frequency, cohort dynamics). He also explains how he approaches resource allocation across product, segment, and geographic growth using a customer-weighted ROI lens - and why regulation, at its core, is about trust.Mo reflects on lessons from investment banking and private equity through to scaling playbooks at Rocket Internet, and the leadership demands of guiding teams through crisis - staying authentic, telling the truth, setting direction, and rebuilding step by step. He closes with a sharp view on AI’s opportunity in finance: automate low-value work (data ingestion, reconciliation), so teams can move up the stack into insight, scenario thinking, and better decisions.Mo’s CFO Playbook principle: “If you touch it, stick with it—choose wisely, commit fully, and make the trade-offs explicit.”Useful Links 🔗Mohamed Omaizat - https://de.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-omaizat-3b951a11Company - https://taxfix.comAbout The CFO PlaybookThe CFO Playbook is hosted by David McClelland, exploring how world-class finance leaders use technology, set goals, plan, lead teams, and drive growth.Brought to you by Soldo. | — | ||||||
| 1/29/26 |  CFO Leadership: Asking Better Questions Instead of Saying No with John Glasgow | How do you raise $100m fast and still keep finance discipline as you scale?In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by John Glasgow, CFO and CEO at Campfire (a Silicon Valley scale-up building a modern ERP for growing companies). John shares what it really looks like to run both the vision and the purse strings, including how Campfire raised $100m across Series A and B in rapid succession, why investors sometimes want you to spend more, and how finance leaders can enable speed without becoming the “office of no.”Listeners will hear John unpack how fundraising becomes easy when the business is genuinely great, what investors looked for at an inflection point, and how a steepening growth curve changes the CFO mindset from protecting cash to deploying it with disciplined intent. He also explains Campfire’s bet on AI for accounting, including building a specialised “large accounting model,” and why many companies cannot unlock AI value without rebuilding their core data foundation.We also explore the realities of migrating off legacy ERP systems, how implementation can be redesigned to move faster, and what changes when a founder hires themselves out of role after role. John closes with a practical CFO playbook principle: start every tough finance conversation by aligning on the same goal, because you are on the same side of the table. John’s CFO Playbook principle: “We want the same thing. If you hit your plan, I hit mine. Let’s solve this together.”Useful Links 🔗Guest website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnglasgow/Company (Campfire): https://campfire.ai/About The CFO PlaybookThe CFO Playbook is hosted by David McClelland, exploring how world-class finance leaders use technology, set goals, plan, lead teams, and drive growth.Brought to you by www.soldo.com | — | ||||||
| 12/29/25 |  Reflecting on progressive finance with Sacha Herrmann | How do finance leaders move from reporting the past to shaping the future — and what will truly matter for CFOs in the year ahead?In this special end-of-year episode of The CFO Playbook, host David McClelland is joined once again by Sacha Herman, Chief Financial Officer at Soldo, to reflect on the most powerful themes and insights shared by finance leaders throughout 2025. Drawing on conversations from across the season, David and Sacha revisit how the role of finance is evolving — from strategic partnership and collaboration, to technology adoption, talent, diversity, and innovation — and look ahead to what 2026 may hold.Listeners will hear highlights from guests across industries who redefine what progressive finance really means today. From being a true co-pilot to the CEO, to breaking down silos across the organisation, the episode explores how finance teams are moving out of the rear-view mirror and into the driver’s seat of decision-making. Sacha reflects on the cultural conditions required for this shift and why collaboration — not just with the CEO, but across every function — is now central to finance leadership.The conversation also dives deep into technology as a catalyst for change. Building on insights from leaders at Nestlé, IBM, and Accel, David and Sacha unpack how AI and data analytics are moving beyond hype into practical, embedded tools that enhance forecasting, accelerate close, and free finance teams from low-value work. Rather than shrinking teams, the focus is on improving data quality, insight, and impact, making finance a more attractive, strategic career for the next generation. We also explore people and purpose: how diversity strengthens finance teams, why representation matters for building better products, and how finance can help organisations become more sustainable, innovative, and resilient. As the episode concludes, Sacha shares his predictions for the year ahead, not bold promises, but grounded expectations about how CFOs will begin to see real learning and value from AI-enabled finance tools in 2026.This episode is both a look back at the defining conversations of 2025 and a forward-looking guide for finance leaders preparing for what comes next. | — | ||||||
| 11/27/25 |  How to Scale Without Slowing Down: Lessons from Motorway CFO Liz Kistruck | How do you build a finance organization that fuels rapid scale without losing agility and clarity of purpose?In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Liz Kistruck, Chief Financial Officer at Motorway, the UK’s largest consumer to dealer used car marketplace and one of the country’s fastest-growing unicorns. Liz shares how Motorway has transformed a fragmented offline industry into a digital platform that creates value for both sellers and dealers, and how the company is preparing for its next chapter as it approaches profitability.Listeners will hear Liz break down the CFO remit inside a high-growth scale up, from saying yes faster with confidence to knowing when to pump the brakes. She explains the discipline required to avoid the trap of doing too much, why organizations should only pursue slam dunk initiatives and how finance can be a force for clarity, conviction and forward momentum rather than the office of no.We also explore the evolution of hybrid work, scaling communication muscles as companies grow, the realities of navigating regulation as a disruptive business model and the mindset needed to push through uncertainty. Liz reflects on her path from engineering jet engines to building finance functions at Expedia, fashion marketplaces and now Motorway, sharing insights on problem solving, leading change and staying curious across an entire business.Liz’s contribution to the CFO Playbook centers on the power of confident decision making. Her guiding principle If it has to be now, it has to be no helps finance leaders resist pressure, create space for better choices and lead with calm clarity. | — | ||||||
| 10/30/25 |  From Fighter Jets to Forecasts: Planning the Future with Anaplan CFO Hemant Kapadia | Download our checklist, The future belongs to adaptable finance leaders.How do you build a finance function that can plan and pivot at the speed of change?In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Hemant Kapadia, Chief Financial Officer at Anaplan, the connected planning platform used by enterprises across finance, sales, supply chain and workforce planning. Hemant shares how Anaplan’s AI-driven calculation engine and new purpose-built applications help leaders model scenarios, understand ripple effects across the business and make confident decisions faster.Listeners will hear how Hemant runs finance with a daily close mindset, translating shifts in pipeline into real-time visibility on bookings, billings, EBITDA and cash flow. He explains his dual role as an internal operator and external advisor to customer CFOs, and why connecting teams to both operational metrics and long-term impact is central to his remit. We also unpack the current state of AI in the enterprise, from the hype to the practical point solutions that are starting to deliver value, plus the data orchestration and governance needed to avoid noisy outcomes and protect trust.Hemant’s career story moves from engineering microelectronics for the F-35 to GE’s audit staff and through low-margin manufacturing, product, services, FP&A and more. He reflects on building range by leaving your comfort zone, the power of mentors, making decisions with imperfect information and why finance teams should be in the boat rowing with the business, not watching from the pier. | — | ||||||
| 9/25/25 |  Skating on Thin Ice: Finance, Pharma and AI with Riccardo Calliano | Download our checklist, The CFO’s AI checklist: six practical stepsFor your chance to win the ultimate CFO library, enter the competition today: www.soldo.com/competitionWhat 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.” | — | ||||||
| 8/28/25 |  Full Steam Ahead: Driving Change in Finance with Funto Agbeniga | Download our checklist, 6 practices of a fulfilling Finance career Enter the competition today: www.soldo.com/competitionWhat 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. | — | ||||||
| 7/31/25 |  From Finance to Focus: Building a Product-Led Culture at Yoto with CFO Ben Averis | Download our checklist, The 8 CFO Stategies for Smart ScalingEnter the competition today: www.soldo.com/competition 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. | — | ||||||
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 6/26/25 |  FinOps and Beyond: The Hybrid Role of a CFO-COO with Charlie Hunt | 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. Download your free CFO-COO alignment checklist here.Find all episodes of The CFO Playbook here | — | ||||||
| 5/29/25 |  Europe's Role in the Global Tech Arena, a CFO’s View with Accel’s Ben Dooley | 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. | — | ||||||
| 4/24/25 |  Adapting to Market Fluctuations: A CFO's Guide to Consumer Behaviour with Claire Caulliez | 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. Find all episodes of The CFO Playbook here | — | ||||||
| 4/16/25 |  Navigating the Spring Statement: What Next for UK Business? | 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.Find all episodes of The CFO Playbook here | — | ||||||
| 3/27/25 |  How CFOs are Leveraging AI for Enhanced Decision Making with IBM’s Monica Proothi | 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 2024Find all episodes of The CFO Playbook here. | — | ||||||
| 2/27/25 |  Better Data, Smarter Decisions: Adapting to a New Era of Finance with Jitesh Sodha, Global CFO 100 winner | 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. | — | ||||||
| 1/30/25 |  CFO as Co-Pilot: Leadership & Navigating Change with Thomas Schindler of AllianzGI | 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. | — | ||||||
| 1/16/25 |  6 Essential Lessons for Modern CFOs with Sacha Herrmann from Soldo | Strategic leader, collaborator, innovator, and communicator – the role of a modern CFO encompasses all of these and more.CFOs today are tasked with balancing financial expertise with creativity, guiding businesses through uncertainty, and building trust across their organisations.But what does all of that look like in practice? For this special episode of The CFO Playbook, we're joined by CFO of Soldo, Sacha Herrmann to discuss 6 lessons we have learned from world-class CFOs, finance leaders, and founders from some of the fastest-growing companies.Hear highlights of interviews with - Baron Anyngwe, Finance Director at We Are Fulfillmeant, shares his experience balancing risk and reward.Giles Andrews OBE, co-founder of the world's first peer-to-peer lending business, Zopa, who invested heavily in machine learning.Richard Dana, CEO of Tembo Money, shares the story of his first business venture in the volatile travel industry. The experience was harsh but valuable.Huiming Chen, CFO at American biotechnology company Illumina, describes the ideal CFO as someone who operates seamlessly between strategy and operations, acting as a co-pilot to the CEO.Helen Ashton, Former CFO of ASOS and now Founder of Shape Beyond, has a refreshing take on decision-making. Mehjabeen Patrick, Finance Director at Arts University Bournemouth, emphasises the importance of being a transparent and inspiring communicator.About Soldo:Soldo is the proactive spend management solution that frees up businesses to accomplish more.We champion the notion of Progressive Finance, because we believe in a decentralised approach to financial decision-making and greater spending autonomy for everyone. Over 25,000 organisations across 31 countries use Soldo to bring order, efficiency and agility to their decentralised spending, and empower the whole company to spend safely and responsibly.By combining pre-programmed cards, a user-friendly app and a powerful spend management platform, Soldo enables decentralised spend decisions and frees everyone from tedious admin, while ensuring compliance. Everyone gains back time to focus on the things that matter. For Finance teams, that means more time for the rewarding parts of your role, such as in-depth data analysis, defining overall business strategy, and implementing process improvements that empower everyone to achieving business goals.Liberate Finance. Accomplish More. | — | ||||||
| 11/28/24 |  How Company Culture Became One of Blackstone's Growth Drivers with CFO Christopher Striano | In this episode, Christopher Striano, Chief Operating Officer of Global Finance at Blackstone, joins David McClelland to discuss the impact of corporate culture on business success, from the perspective of the world’s largest alternative asset manager.With over $1 trillion in assets under management, Blackstone invests in businesses across industries and geographies, including private equity, real estate, credit, and hedge funds. In this revealing discussion, we hear how global entities need to balance culture and strategy to attract and retain great talent.Chris shares highlights from his 25-years at Blackstone; how the company has evolved from a small entity to a global powerhouse, while maintaining a cohesive and inclusive culture; and how it stayed true to its core values by embracing regional influences in its 26 offices across the Americas, Europe and Asia.Highlighting a trinity of healthy competition, teamwork, and philanthropy in creating an engaged and unified Finance team, Chris puts his long-term career growth and job satisfaction down to nurturing relationships and great communication.We also explore how integrating technologies and AI might be changing strategy for Finance teams, through strategic alignment, it doesn’t have to change culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | — | ||||||
| 10/31/24 |  Financial Turbulence: How Global “Polycrisis” is Transforming the CFO with Myles Corson from EY | In this episode, David McClelland is joined by Myles Corson, EY Global and Americas Strategy and Markets Leader, Financial Accounting Advisory Services and host of the Better Finance Podcast, to discuss the evolving landscape for finance leaders amidst uncertainty and instability, termed the 'polycrisis'.As we navigate a complex global landscape, marked by geopolitical tensions, inflation uncertainties, environmental changes leading to pressure on supply chains, and technological uncertainties, Myles explains how finance leaders can evolve from their traditional roles to become indispensable strategic partners within their organisations.Amidst a world of rapid change and the relentless news cycles that shape our perceptions, we examine the role of technology in both contributing to and alleviating uncertainty. The rise of AI and digital transformation presents not just challenges but also unprecedented opportunities to redefine the role of finance. Hear how CFOs can balance short-term performance with long-term strategic investments, embracing innovation while managing risk.As finance leaders become the compasses guiding their organisations, the importance of setting a clear direction and empowering teams with data-driven insights takes centre stage. Myles underscores the need for agile mindsets and strategic alignment to navigate this complex landscape, ultimately adding unparalleled value to organisations.For more information about the challenges facing CFOs, read Myles' DNA of the CFO report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | — | ||||||
| 9/26/24 |  Financing Sustainable Infrastructure: How Private Investment is Powering Wind, Solar, and Energy Storage with Marie Joyce | In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Marie Joyce, CFO and COO of NTR, the trailblazing renewable energy specialist to discuss their mission to advance sustainable infrastructure by investing in wind, solar, and energy storage assets across Europe.What exactly does it take to transform from toll roads to renewable energy? Marie reveals the incredible evolution of NTR, offering a rare glimpse into the strategic milestones that have defined the company, from its early investments in wind energy with Airtricity in 1999 to its current focus on wind, solar, and energy storage projects across Europe. We hear how NTR's diversification across various markets and technologies has cemented its leadership in the renewable energy sector.Marie also shines a light on the pivotal decisions that set NTR apart, such as the shift from a US-centric approach to capitalising on the stable European market. She recounts the company’s transition to co-investing with institutional capital, a move that has significantly mitigated risk while expanding investment capabilities. Hear how advancements in technology have made renewable projects financially viable without government subsidies, and how strategic partnerships, such as with Legal & General Investment Management, have been instrumental in the company's growth.Beyond the financial strategy, Marie lifts the lid on the human element that drives NTR’s success including initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion in the traditionally male-dominated sectors of engineering and finance. From flexible working arrangements to fertility leave, NTR's culture not only supports its workforce but also aligns with its ambitious climate goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | — | ||||||
| 8/29/24 |  From Scorekeeper to Strategic Decision-Maker: The Changing Role of a CFO with Mark Freedman | In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Mark Freedman to explore the changing landscape of finance leadership, from crash to AI and beyond.Mark started his career at Deutsche Bank before moving onto London Stock Exchange Group. Over three decades in the finance sector, he’s proved himself to be a transformational force ready to face down the challenges of a digital finance age.Now in post as CFO of global money brand Travelex, Mark has been instrumental in making strategic decisions, providing steadfast resilience through a challenging era, following a much publicised cyber incident at the start of 2020.Despite the negative headlines, Mark's tenure has embraced opportunities for growth. Empathising the strength of Travelex's brand and its extensive physical distribution network as key assets, Mark has faced questions about the relevance of “travel money” head on. Highlighting the evergreen resilience of cash and the growth potential of digital cards, his current role has pivoted Mark from scorekeeper to decision-maker, with a deep understanding of business - using effective communication, and staying up-to-date with technology.About Soldo:Soldo provides company cards connected to a powerful management platform. Employees use Soldo cards to buy what they need for work without being out of pocket or going over budget. Finance teams use Soldo to distribute money instantly, while staying in control of who spends, how much, where, and on what.Thousands of businesses, from small to large corporations including Mercedes-Benz, Sony, and Get Your Guide use Soldo to make their business spending simple and efficient.To find out more or to book a demo, visit Soldo.Chapters:0:05:07 - Career Transition Reflections and Growth0:09:03 - Career Progression in Banking Industry0:15:04 - Era of Financial Innovation0:18:25 - Finance Transformation Opportunity0:22:52 - Business Journey Through Turbulent Times0:34:25 - Future of Travel Money Changes0:42:24 - Evolution of the CFO Role Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | — | ||||||
| 7/25/24 |  Connecting the World: Building Global Finance Teams with Huiming Chen | In this episode we look beyond the UK with guest Huiming Chen discussing the challenges and opportunities of leading finance teams across diverse geographies and cultures with host David McClelland.In her current role as Europe Commercial CFO at Illumina, Huiming shares her expertise on acknowledging and bridging cultural differences, fostering open communication, and balancing structural preferences to enhance team performance. Hear her secret to effectively navigating cultural nuances and improve collaboration within a global finance team.Gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of feedback and communication styles in multicultural environments through Huiming’s personal journey from China to the US. We also explore the stark contrasts between Eastern and Western feedback approaches and the critical importance of timely, constructive feedback. Hear how small talk, such as the British habit of discussing the weather, plays a significant role in building professional relationships and how to adapt communication styles to fit different cultural contexts.Huiming also provides insight on the future of finance and the evolving role of CFOs in the face of technological advancements. Emphasising the essential traits of successful CFOs and the importance of creating environments where diversity and innovation thrive, Huiming shares strategies to empower finance teams for innovation, balance operational and strategic responsibilities, and leverage AI technology for informed decision-making, ensuring effective global leadership and cultural adaptation in the workplaceHuiming will be judging the Global CFO 100 Awards 2024 by Soldo in partnership with HotTopics. This new award honours CFO’s who are driving transformative financial strategies and innovative business practices, shaping the future of finance. Entries close on 31st August 2024, for more information visit https://hottopics.ht/global-cfo-100-awards-nominations. Chapters:(0:00:00) - Global Cultural Challenges in Finance Leadership(0:10:42) - Cultural Feedback and Relationship Building(0:14:41) - Embracing Diversity in Leadership Roles(0:22:38) - Future Traits of Successful CFOs(0:33:53) - Empowering Future Finance Through TechnologyAbout Soldo:Soldo provides company cards connected to a powerful management platform. Employees use Soldo cards to buy what they need for work without being out of pocket or going over budget. Finance teams use Soldo to distribute money instantly, while staying in control of who spends, how much, where, and on what.Thousands of businesses, from small to large corporations including Mercedes-Benz, Sony, and Get Your Guide use Soldo to make their business spending simple and efficient.To find out more or to book a demo, visit Soldo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | — | ||||||
| 6/27/24 |  A Masterclass in Cross-Sector Success & Financial Innovation with Helen Ashton | What do a retail powerhouse, a manufacturing giant, and a financial services titan have in common? According to our guest Helen Ashton, it’s the universal value of cross-sector experience. In conversation with David McClelland, Helen shares her fascinating journey through multiple industries, emphasising how diverse roles have armed her with unique insights and essential relationship-building skills.A finance leader with over 30 years of dynamic experience, Helen's expertise is a masterclass on leveraging core finance skills to adapt and thrive in new environments. She shares the common challenges finance leaders encounter and the strategic importance of honing influencing skills to drive business success. From spearheading technological innovations to nurturing a young, diverse team, Helen’s time as CFO at online fashion giant ASOS is a testament to truly visionary leadership. This episode also explores how innovative hiring practices and open-minded recruitment can enhance finance teams, fostering a rich pool of future talent ready to take on CFO roles in the future. Candidly reflecting on the slow progress made in diversity and inclusion in senior finance roles and her own vision for the future of finance - transformed by data automation and strategic involvement - paint a compelling picture of a field ripe for rebranding. This episode is brimming with insights on the evolving landscape of finance leadership, championed by a true industry veteran.Helen will be judging the Global CFO 100 Awards 2024 by Soldo in partnership with HotTopics. This new award honours CFO’s who are driving transformative financial strategies and innovative business practices, shaping the future of finance. Entries close on 31st August 2024, for more information visit https://hottopics.ht/global-cfo-100-awards-nominations. Helen founded Shape Beyond after 25 years of transforming complex, high-growth organisations. She’s worked at Executive Board level and led private equity portfolio businesses to successful exit. Shape Beyond’s deep knowledge of the retail industry is fuelled by Helen’s time as the CFO of ASOS and board member of JD Sports. We embrace digital transformation and agile, diverse cultures.Chapters:0:03:23 - Career Growth Through Industry Diversity 0:12:04 - Finance Leader0:18:50 - Innovation in Fashion Retail CFO Role 0:22:48 - Leveraging Data for Customer Service Improvement 0:27:03 - Fast-Paced, Customer-Centric Executive Dynamics 0:30:52 - Youthful Talent Surprises in Finance 0:33:17 - ASOS Brand Mission for 20-Somethings 0:37:22 - Diversity, Inclusion, and Authenticity in Leadership 0:43:43 - Criteria for Selecting Future CFOsAbout Soldo:Soldo provides company cards connected to a powerful management platform. Employees use Soldo cards to buy what they need for work without being out of pocket or going over budget. Finance teams use Soldo to distribute money instantly, while staying in control of who spends, how much, where, and on what.Thousands of businesses, from small to large corporations including Mercedes-Benz, Sony, and Get Your Guide use Soldo to make their business spending simple and efficient.To find out more or to book a demo, visit Soldo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | — | ||||||
| 5/30/24 |  Financial Strategies to Empower Creative Minds with Mehjabeen Patrick | In May’s episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland talks to Mehjabeen Patrick, Director of Finance at Arts University Bournemouth, about the challenges and opportunities of finance leadership in the creative sector.As former Chief Finance and Investment Officer at Creative UK, Mehjabeen is all too aware of the financial challenges faced by creative businesses. From her early days working in the banking sector, Mehjabeen is a passionate advocate of finding creative approaches in all aspects of finance. From distributing government grants to providing business mentoring, she highlights the need for finance leaders to actively listen to and learn from creatives, to drive both artistic and economic growth.Drawing from over 20 years of experience in the sector, Mehjabeen shares the importance of thinking outside the box. Hear how she thinks finance leaders should embrace creative approaches while managing budgets, by bringing design thinking into their day to day work. This episode also explores the impact of technology and digital innovation to engage diverse audiences by telling finance stories in new ways.Chapters:(0:02:56) - Finance Leadership in the Creative Sector(0:16:20) - Finance and Creativity in the Arts(0:24:11) - The Impact of Technology on Creativity(0:36:14) - Thinking Outside the Box in FinanceEntries for the Global CFO 100 Awards in partnership with HotTopics are now open - https://hottopics.ht/global-cfo-100-awards-nominations. Entries close 31st August 2024.About Soldo:Soldo provides company cards connected to a powerful management platform. Employees use Soldo cards to buy what they need for work without being out of pocket or going over budget. Finance teams use Soldo to distribute money instantly, while staying in control of who spends, how much, where, and on what.Thousands of businesses, from small to large corporations including Mercedes-Benz, Sony, and Get Your Guide use Soldo to make their business spending simple and efficient.To find out more or to book a demo, visit Soldo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | — | ||||||
Showing 25 of 104
Sponsor Intelligence
Sign in to see which brands sponsor this podcast, their ad offers, and promo codes.
Chart Positions
10 placements across 10 markets.
Chart Positions
10 placements across 10 markets.