Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast

In this episode of the EY Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast, host Myles Corson speaks with Simon Brown, EY Global Learning and Development Leader and co-author of The Curious Advantage. Drawing on years of research into learning, leadership and behavioral science, Simon explains how embedding curiosity into everyday practices can help finance teams evolve beyond traditional ways of working. The conversation explores how a mindset of curiosity can help CFOs lead through uncertainty and respond to emerging challenges. Through real-world examples, Simon illustrates how asking better questions, creating space for exploration and staying open to different perspectives can uncover opportunities that might otherwise be missed. The conversation reframes curiosity as a leadership behavior that fosters stronger connections across the business and supports a culture of continuous learning. Key takeaways: Explore how curiosity can help CFOs strengthen decision-making, build collaboration and foster trust. Understand how asking better questions can guide teams through complexity with greater clarity and confidence. Learn how psychological safety and a culture of experimentation can strengthen resilience and spark innovation in finance. Discover ways to embed curiosity into everyday leadership behaviors and continuous learning practices. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited ________________________________________________ Tap the FOLLOW button now to ensure you never miss the latest episode of the EY Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast! For more conversations with global CFOs and finance leaders: ey.com/betterfinance.

In this episode of the Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast, host Myles Corson speaks with Alex Curran, CEO of Aptitude Software, about what it takes to lead finance transformation in today's data-rich, technology-enabled landscape. Drawing on findings from the 2025 Global Autonomous Finance Benchmark, they explore how finance teams are making progress through scalable initiatives, cross-functional collaboration and a focus on real-time insights. Alex stresses that successful transformation starts at the leadership level. She discusses how CFOs, CTOs and CIOs are aligning on priorities, breaking down silos and rethinking how technology, talent and data can come together to support strategic outcomes. She also shares how leading organizations are modernizing finance by automating manual processes, building business cases for AI adoption and shifting from a compliance mindset toward strategic partnership. As new skill sets emerge, including data science and business analytics, finance is being redefined from the ground up. Key takeaways: Learn how CFOs, CTOs and CIOs are aligning to lead transformation with shared priorities and accountability. Explore why high-performing finance teams start small, prove value early and then scale successful initiatives. Understand how clean, real-time data can help finance leaders shift from control to strategic partnership. Discover emerging skill sets that are shaping the future of finance, from data science to cross-functional collaboration. Recognize the importance of leadership alignment in driving successful finance transformation. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of the Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast, host Myles Corson speaks with Stacey Ryan-Cornelius, who served as the CFO of Ogilvy at the time of recording and now holds the role of Global CFO at Burson. In this episode, Stacey shares how the role of CFO is evolving from financial stewardship to a more human-centered leadership approach, where influence, empathy and communication are just as important as technical expertise. She discusses how finance leaders are navigating complexity by fostering psychological safety, strengthening relationships across the business and turning data into compelling stories that drive alignment and action. Stacey also explores how technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), is helping enhance decision-making and enabling more innovative ways of working. Stacey highlights the importance of cultivating presence and leading with purpose, encouraging finance professionals to create a lasting impact that extends beyond the numbers. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode, Brian Tomlinson, Managing Director, ESG, Financial Accounting Advisory Services, Ernst & Young LLP, speaks with Aniket Shah, Managing Director and Global Head of the Sustainability and Transition Strategy team at Jefferies. They discuss how finance leaders can navigate the growing complexity of environmental, social and governance (ESG) as it becomes increasingly integrated into strategic decision-making. Aniket explains how ESG has evolved beyond just disclosure to encompass investor expectations, business resilience and regulatory pressures. He highlights the importance of materiality, urging CFOs to focus on ESG factors that align closely with their sector, strategy and value drivers. The conversation delves into how public policy developments are influencing ESG implementation in real time, requiring finance leaders to balance long-term vision with short-term catalysts. They also explore the role of CFOs in integrating ESG into capital allocation, regulatory alignment and strategic planning, as well as how evolving stakeholder expectations are influencing decision-making. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of the EY Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast, host Myles Corson speaks with Isaac Heller, CEO of Trullion, an AI-powered accounting software company. They explore the transformative role of CFOs amidst rapid technological advancements. As organizations grapple with the complexities introduced by AI in finance, Isaac shares insightful strategies for CFOs to navigate these challenges and create value. Isaac emphasizes the importance of technology and innovation in refining financial processes and enhancing decision-making capabilities. He elaborates on how CFOs can leverage data and AI to develop insights that facilitate informed decision-making and optimize operations, while also highlighting the need for high-quality data. Throughout the discussion, Isaac draws from his extensive experience in finance and accounting, offering actionable advice for both aspiring and current CFOs. He highlights the necessity for CFOs to act as the CEO's closest business partner, trusted to assist in making critical organizational decisions. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK and expert in behavioral economics, shares insights on bridging finance and marketing. He discusses the importance of a probabilistic approach in finance, encouraging leaders to embrace uncertainty for innovation. Rory highlights the role of AI in enhancing decision-making and creativity, while cautioning against the dangers of prioritizing efficiency over customer value. The conversation encourages finance professionals to understand customer behavior, fostering collaboration and strategic thinking for better outcomes.

In this episode of the EY Better Finance podcast, Myles Corson interviews Wassia Kamon, CFO of Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE). Wassia discusses how finance leaders in mission-driven organizations can create value for entrepreneurs through open communication and strategic financial planning. Wassia emphasizes that value creation for entrepreneurs should be measured not just in financial terms but also in creating long-term sustainable growth. She also elaborates on the importance of finance leaders helping entrepreneurs carry out their vision while aligning on the balance sheet. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of the Better Finance podcast, Myles Corson interviews Michael Coombs, Executive in Residence, EY Strategy and Consulting Co., Ltd., based in Japan, to explore the evolving role of CFOs and the importance of a data-first approach in driving value creation. Leveraging his extensive global professional background, Michael emphasizes the necessity for CFOs to focus on maintaining global competitiveness and supporting sustainable business models within their organizations. Michael shares that in his view, the most effective CFOs are those who are discontented and seek to innovate, seeing their roles as opportunities to elevate the organization and embrace transformation. However, to truly drive change, CFOs should also possess strong communication skills and an ability to simplify complex data-driven insights into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

In this episode of the EY Better Finance podcast, Myles Corson speaks with Julia Gudish Krieger, Managing Partner at Pari Passu Venture Partners. Julia shares her innovative approach to empowering early-stage companies through a dynamic network of founders and investors. Drawing on her extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, Julia emphasizes the importance of community in driving success. She discusses how Pari Passu operates on a deal-by-deal basis, allowing smaller investments from a curated group of accredited investors, fostering collaboration and value beyond just capital. Julia highlights the role of technology in facilitating these interactions, including a mobile app designed to streamline communication within the community. She also shares insights into current investment themes, such as B2B SaaS, consumer tech, and wellness technology, while addressing the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited

Aaron Levine, CFO of Prophix, discusses how trust and technology are reshaping the CFO role. He dives into the challenges CFOs face amidst digital disruption and the importance of leveraging AI for better financial insights. Aaron emphasizes effective communication and building trust in leadership, illustrating how CFOs can create a culture of collaboration. He also explores the art of storytelling in finance, transforming data into compelling narratives. Finally, he shares personal insights on continuous learning and maintaining balance in a dynamic industry.