FP&A Today Cycling in tariff territory – FP&A at top e-bike brand
May 8, 2025
Derek Paulson, the Director of Finance at Rad Power Bikes, shares his journey in navigating the complex world of finance at a leading e-bike brand. He emphasizes the challenges of uncertainty in supply chains and the balance of efficiency and flexibility. Derek discusses the finance transformation as Rad shifts to an e-commerce model, highlighting the importance of rigorous modeling. He also delves into career insights, touching on the value of mentorship and exploring how AI and data privacy intersect with finance and business strategies.
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Early Interest in Inflation and Arbitrage
- Derek Paulson was fascinated by the concept of inflation and arbitrage from a young age.
- His early interest shaped his decision to pursue finance as a business field with broad opportunities.
CFO as COO Mindset
- Honeywell taught Derek the importance of finance professionals being business partners, not just accountants.
- CFOs are seen as COOs who must deeply understand the business beyond the numbers.
Brand and Distribution Lessons
- Brand power and distribution are key competitive advantages Derek learned at PepsiCo.
- Meeting customers where they are drives market share and visibility for products.