The Growth-Minded CFO

AI is no longer just an experiment. For many companies, it is quickly becoming an expectation.But rolling it out across a business is a very different challenge from giving a few people access to a few tools.So what does AI adoption actually look like when it is done at scale?In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, Alex Louisy and Lauren Pearl sit down with Ryan Roccon, CFO at Zapier, to unpack how one of the world’s leading automation companies is approaching AI across the organisation.Ryan shares why Zapier has taken a broad-access approach to AI tools, how they balance speed with control, and why CFOs need to avoid getting stuck in a purely cost-focused mindset.Because according to Ryan, the risk of getting left behind is far greater than the risk of a few expensive experiments.The conversation also gets into how Zapier measures AI usage, why telemetry matters, how to build guardrails without killing momentum, and why finance can be one of the best places to prove what AI can really do inside a company.They also discuss Ryan’s own journey from controller to CFO, the importance of curiosity in finance leadership, and why the modern CFO has to play a much more active role in shaping company culture.If you are a CFO, finance leader, founder, or operator thinking about how to move from AI experimentation to real adoption, this episode is a great place to start.Check out this episode on YouTube.Connect with Ryan Roccon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanroccon/Learn more about Zapier: https://zapier.com/Subscribe for more conversations with growth-minded finance leaders shaping the future of the CFO role.The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl, Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU, and Alex Louisy, FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate, speak with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organisations.For the full episode summary and key takeaways, visit: https://growthmindedcfo.com/podcast/ryan-rocconGot a question or want to get in touch? Reach us at hello@growthmindedcfo.com

Hosts Alex Louisy (CEO, Upflow) and Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO) unpack the sharpest insights from Season 2 of The Growth-Minded CFO - from AI (without the hype) and executional finance to storytelling, EQ, and when to hire fractional vs. full-time. It’s your highlight reel to operate smarter, lead better, and move faster.What you’ll learn1. Clean data before clever AI — hygiene first; tools and agents second2. Storytelling that moves decisions — narratives that align teams and unlock action3. The rise of the executional CFO — architect systems, not just measure them4. Stage-fit team building — when to hire full-time vs. bring in fractional expertiseEpisodes mentionedJeffrey Fidelman — The Modern CFO: Fundraising, AI, and Starting Smart in 2025: https://upflow.io/growthmindedcfo/modern-cfo-fundraising-ai-2025Jon Gross (RepeatMD) — From Banker to Builder: Hands-On CFO Lessons for SaaS: https://upflow.io/growthmindedcfo/banker-to-builder-cfo-lessons-for-saas-jon-grossNicolas Kopp (Rillet) — Rewiring Finance: AI, ERP, and the Rise of the Executional CFO: https://upflow.io/growthmindedcfo/rewiring-finance-ai-erp-rise-of-the-executional-cfoErik Nakamura — From Spreadsheets to Storytelling: Communication & EQ Tips for CFOs: https://upflow.io/growthmindedcfo/spreadsheets-to-storytelling-communication-tips-for-cfosAnne Samak de la Cerda (FLG Partners) — Rise of the Fractional CFO – Your Next Career Move? (& When and Why to Hire One): https://upflow.io/growthmindedcfo/rise-of-the-fractional-cfoDav Masaon (Zanda) — What Makes a Great CFO in 2025? Insights from the Frontlines of CFO Hiring: https://upflow.io/growthmindedcfo/cfo-hiring-dav-masaonNicolas Boucher — AI in Finance: From Buzz to Business Value: https://upflow.io/growthmindedcfo/ai-myths-finance-2025-nicolas-boucherKate Gulliver (Wayfair CFO & CAO) — The CFO Leading Talent, Operations & Corporate Communication Too: https://upflow.io/growthmindedcfo/talent-to-finance-wayfair-kate-gulliverCarla Cooper (Contentful CFO) — Wall Street to SaaS CFO: Lessons from IPOs, Acquisitions & Growth: https://upflow.io/growthmindedcfo/ipos-acquisitions-growth-carla-cooperGabi Steele (Preql) — Clean data, clear insights: AI for finance & building the right foundation: https://upflow.io/growthmindedcfo/building-a-structured-foundation-for-ai-with-gabi-steeleIlana Esterrich (Planned Parenthood CFO) — The CFO as Leader: Mastering Management: https://upflow.io/growthmindedcfo/cfo-as-leader-mastering-management-ilana-esterrichTry Upflow FRM (Financial Relationship Management) – get paid faster and keep customers happy: https://upflow.ioLike this episode if it helped you level-up your finance game.Follow/Subscribe for more real-talk with modern finance leaders.Share it with a CFO or operator who needs to hear this.The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time founder, Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO, Y Combinator graduate) talk with inspiring finance and business leaders who share playbooks for building high-performing organizations.This podcast is powered by Upflow — a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships, and efficient growth.Questions or guest ideas? Email our producer: joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

Get the lowdown on what our new podcast is about in this introductory episode. Forget the dusty stereotype of the CFO sitting in the corner, chained to a spreadsheet. Today's financial leader is a growth architect and a strategic partner in the organization’s success. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and smash the ‘back-office shackles’. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high performing organizations. Want to get in touch? Read out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io