In this episode of CFO Weekly, Kumar Parakala, a distinguished CEO, founder, investor, and board director, joins Megan Weis to explore how modern CFOs are evolving from traditional financial guardians to strategic architects of organizational transformation in an AI-centric world. Kumar brings 25+ years of experience including 15 years with KPMG where he co-founded the $3 billion technology advisory practice, and recently exited GHD Digital, a global business he founded that grew to 700 professionals across nine countries and was valued at over $400 million.
With his deep background in digital transformation and C-suite advisory, Kumar shares how finance leaders can leverage AI for real-time financial intelligence, dynamic forecasting, and strategic decision-making. Currently incubating 100 startups globally through his company Tribeco and bestselling author of "Lead to Disrupt: Seven Keys to Success," Kumar provides insights on how CFOs can transition from reactive financial reporting to proactive future-proofing of their organizations.
What You'll Learn:
- Why CFOs must evolve to become "Chief Future Officers" and business model architects
- How AI enables real-time financial intelligence and continuous budget management
- The critical difference between traditional ROI metrics and AI investment evaluation
- Strategies for CFOs to balance automation with human judgment and leadership
- How to transform from mechanical financial operations to strategic organizational catalysts
- The future skills CFOs need: digital intelligence, systems thinking, and design thinking
Learn more about Kumar:
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Previous guests include:
Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified,
Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata,
Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples,
Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE,
Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest &
William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie
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