Run the Numbers

Naeem Ishaq, a three-time CFO renowned for his work in SaaS and consumption-based models, shares his insights on revenue forecasting and managing business volatility. He emphasizes key strategies for a new CFO's first 100 days, including engaging with the board and establishing early metrics. Naeem also explores the innovative use of AI in financial modeling, detailing how deterministic and probabilistic forecasts can enhance accuracy. Drawing from his experiences during the crypto winter and the Covid pandemic, he offers advice on fostering resilience in uncertain times.

Dive into the intricacies of budgeting for hypergrowth companies. Explore essential strategies for building sales capacity and optimizing team performance. Learn about the critical interdepartmental collaboration vital for effective annual planning. Discover tips for managing expenses, setting quotas, and ensuring sufficient support for sales teams. Uncover key budgeting tactics that adapt to rapid growth and market changes. It's a treasure trove of advice for navigating the complexities of financial planning in dynamic environments!

Michael Linford, CFO of Affirm, shares his expertise on the Buy Now, Pay Later model, emphasizing its rise and the importance of transparency in financial products. He discusses how Affirm avoids predatory practices and the significance of short loan durations. Linford delves into metrics like customer acquisition and lifetime value, advocating a consumer-first approach. He also touches on managing economic fluctuations and offers career advice on balancing patience and ambition, stressing the value of an engineering mindset in decision-making.

Jon Cochrane, VP of Strategy at Maxio, shares expert insights from the company's latest SaaS benchmarking report. He dives into trends in pricing strategies, comparing usage-based to subscription models. The conversation highlights the influence of consumer sentiment on B2B performance, particularly in uncertain times. Jon also introduces the 'founder mode' concept and discusses innovative mergers of hardware and software in subscriptions. With personal anecdotes, he and CJ reflect on their career paths, emphasizing lessons for finance professionals.

Stephen Grist, a seasoned seven-time CFO, shares invaluable insights from his extensive career. He reveals essential tasks for CFOs during their first 100 days, such as assessing teams and understanding cash flow. The importance of a robust FP&A team is highlighted for company forecasting and preparing for exits. Stephen discusses the intricacies of managing global teams with cultural sensitivity and building critical relationships. He also offers practical advice on balancing internal projects with customer-funded initiatives and navigating technical debt. Tune in for expert tips and engaging stories!

Anthony “Tony” Boor is the Executive Vice President and CFO of Blackbaud, with a fascinating trajectory from a motorcycle shop employee to a corporate leader. He delves into the shifting role of CFOs, balancing financial oversight with general management tasks. Tony shares insights on efficiency metrics and Blackbaud's revenue strategies, including their impressive $100 billion in processed payments. He emphasizes the importance of simplifying processes through automation and recounts valuable lessons learned from his career journey, wrapped up with a thrilling embezzlement story.

Daniel Kang, VP of finance at Mercury, explores the art of annual planning. He argues that if planning feels like a finance task, it’s bound to fail. Kang emphasizes collaboration across all departments and offers strategies to streamline the process. He highlights the pitfalls of over-planning and false productivity, suggesting that companies often waste time chasing big ideas instead of addressing core issues. He also discusses how planning should evolve as companies grow, ensuring goals remain actionable and aligned with organizational priorities.

Dr. Julie Gurner, an author and expert on ambition and self-talk, joins the conversation to share insights into how top performers channel their drive. She introduces the concept of 'haunting agitation,' a hunger that fuels success and offers strategies for overcoming negative self-talk. Dr. Gurner emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, explaining how saying no can enhance focus and personal freedom. The discussion also highlights the critical difference between being motivated and going 'all in' for exponential growth, reshaping the way we think about ambition.

Joseph Floyd, a representative from Emergence Capital with expertise in venture capital trends, joins the conversation to reveal insights from a recent benchmarking report. He discusses the slowdown in fundraising and the struggles of companies in the 'messy middle.' Floyd highlights the challenges of integrating AI versus generating revenue from it and examines the significance of efficiency metrics like net dollar retention. Tune in for a witty analysis of evolving funding dynamics and the need for startups to rethink their reliance on venture capital.

Philip Brenckle, CFO of West Shore Home, shares his insights on transforming the $500 billion home remodeling industry. He discusses innovative strategies for simplifying remodeling processes and enhancing customer experience through technology. Philip highlights the importance of financing, revealing that a significant portion of projects is funded through credit. He also outlines the benefits of employing W-2 workers for quality control and customer satisfaction. Lastly, he delves into the landscape of mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing the need for strong adviser relationships.