Unlocking the CFO’s Strategic Power in the AI Era with Kumar Parakala, CEO of Tabhi

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Aug 12, 2025

Kumar Parakala, CEO of Tabhi, is a seasoned leader with 25 years of experience in tech and consulting. In the discussion, he emphasizes the transformation of CFOs into strategic leaders in an AI-driven world. Kumar explores how AI can enhance financial intelligence and improve dynamic forecasting. He also discusses the necessity for CFOs to evolve beyond traditional ROI metrics, focusing on innovative strategies. Additionally, he highlights the importance of balancing automation with human insight as finance leaders navigate rapid changes.

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INSIGHT

From Guardians To Future-Shapers

CFOs must shift from historical reporting to shaping the organization's future through transformation.
AI frees mechanical tasks so CFOs can provide real-time qualitative and quantitative financial intelligence.

ADVICE

Actively Future-Proof Your Finance Team

Upskill your finance team and balance automation with human judgment to future-proof the business.
Act as a partner to the CEO and board and advocate strongly for growth and future value creation.

ADVICE

Replace Static Forecasts With Dynamic Models

Move to AI-enabled dynamic forecasting, real-time cost management, and continuous budgeting to replace static cycles.
Use machine learning models and external variables to boost forecast accuracy and enable continuous budget adjustments.

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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:

Kumar Parakala on LinkedIn
Tabhi Website
"Lead to Disrupt" Book

Episode resources:

Personiv's Website
Personiv on LinkedIn
Personiv on Facebook
Personiv on Twitter

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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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