Storytelling Skills for FP&A Professionals to Elevate Business Partnering with Greg Adams

In this insightful episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst, "The FP&A Guy," explores the dynamic world of financial planning and analysis with guest Greg Adams, a seasoned CFO and author. They discuss how finance professionals can drive value through storytelling, critical thinking, and strategic insights. The conversation also delves into Greg's journey from leading finance teams to writing an international crime thriller with an accountant hero, redefining the image of finance professionals.

Greg Adams is the SVP and CFO of the American Management Association (AMA), with over 25 years of leadership experience in public and private finance. He is a CPA and a published author whose debut novel, Green Shades: Accountants Aren't Supposed to Die This Way, combines financial intrigue with a thrilling narrative. Greg's leadership mission is centered on fostering corporate excellence and empowering finance professionals to embrace their strategic potential.

Expect to Learn:

• The evolving role of FP&A as a strategic partner in business.
• Why storytelling is a critical skill for finance professionals.
• How to leverage external data and AI for more robust financial planning.
• Insights into the value of "power skills" like communication and leadership.
• Greg’s journey writing a crime thriller that challenges stereotypes about accountants.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "If you control information, you control the world. FP&A professionals need to look beyond internal data and consider external benchmarks." - Greg Adams
• "AI and machine learning allow us to move beyond just historical data to anticipate what’s coming." - Greg Adams
• "Step away from your desk and talk to people. The best insights often come from conversations." - Greg Adams

Greg Adams offered a fresh and inspiring perspective on the role of finance professionals. From emphasizing the art of storytelling in FP&A to advocating for the integration of external data and AI, Greg highlighted how finance can be a driver of change and innovation.

Plan Smarter with Workday:

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Follow Greg:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregdadams/

Website - https://www.cpa-author.com/

Email - mailto:greg@cpa-author.com

Special Offer for Listeners

The first three listeners to contact Greg at greg@cpa-author.com can access a free AMA course (valued at $2,000-$3,000). Mention FP&A Tomorrow in your email!

Follow Paul: 

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: 

Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[01:39] - Meet Greg Adams

[04:01] - What is Great FP&A?

[06:17] - External Data and AI in Finance

[10:46] - The Art of Storytelling in Finance

[11:59] - Greg’s Role at AMA

[19:38] - Writing Green Shades

[27:58] - Lessons from a CFO's Career

[38:31] - Evolution of CFO Role

[43:23] - Tips for FP&A Professionals

[51:53] - Final Thoughts and Takeaways