The Treasury Career Corner

What if you could save your treasury team 37 hours a week - without investing in expensive new software or overhauling your tech stack? In this episode, James Kelly, Co-Founder of Your Treasury reveals how thoughtful automation and strategic AI adoption can transform your treasury operations with the tools you already have.Joining us on the podcast is James Kelly, Co-Founder of Your Treasury and former SVP of Treasury, Risk Management and Insurance at Pearson. James has led treasury functions at global giants like Rentokil, Associated British Ports, and Sky. Today, he helps treasury teams unlock powerful efficiencies through practical applications of AI, automation, and process design. With a unique blend of hands-on experience and a sharp eye for innovation, James shares how even the smallest changes can lead to massive results.What We Cover in This Episode:The simple process redesign that slashed 37 hours of treasury workload to just 3.Why full tech overhauls are not necessary to drive automation.How treasurers can use AI tools like Python and LLMs to solve repetitive pain points.The biggest obstacles to AI adoption in treasury teams and how to overcome them.The tipping point: why now is the time for treasury teams to embrace AI.The cultural differences in AI adoption across global finance teams.Common misconceptions about treasury automation and how to get started without overwhelm.You can connect with James Kelly on LinkedIn. ---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform:CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify PodcastsCLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. ICD changes that!🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 – Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team at Gazing Leadership🧩 What if your whole team had one clear view of your group structure - Fuseable makes it happen🔐 Managing signatory lists manually? Cygnetise gives treasury teams a smarter, safer way👉 FIND OUT MORE HERE https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/Connect to Mike Richards, CEO, The Treasury Recruitment Co via LinkedIn

What truly accelerates your treasury career? It’s not just what you know - it’s who knows you.In this episode, we uncover how relationship-building, mentorship, and showing up authentically can propel you from entry-level analyst to treasury leader.Sherri Nicole Speaks is the Vice President, Treasury at JBT Marel Corporation, a leading global provider of technology solutions to the food and beverage industry, headquartered in Chicago.On this episode Sherri shares her extraordinary career journey. From being laid off during the 2007 subprime mortgage crisis to leading treasury operations for a global food technology company, Sherri offers invaluable insights into personal growth, professional development, and the power of saying “yes.”A lifelong Chicagoan, Sherri holds a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois and both an MBA and a Master’s in Accounting from Keller Graduate School of Management. She has been an active contributor to the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) for over 15 years and was elected to the AFP Board of Directors in 2024.Main topics discussed:How Sherri transitioned from subprime mortgage underwriting to treasury by starting over as an assistant.The moment she realized treasury could be a fulfilling, long-term career.Why building internal and external networks was critical to her career advancement.The pivotal role of mentors and allies - especially her experiences with supportive leaders at ITW and JBT.Her rise from senior analyst to treasurer and the strategic growth of her department.Involvement with AFP and how saying “yes” to opportunities opened new doors.Navigating personal and professional challenges, including imposter syndrome and anxiety.Building a personal brand as an “unapologetically authentic” leader.The importance of investing in junior talent and preparing the next generation.Her perspective on technology, AI, and the evolving treasury landscape.You can connect with Sherri Nicole Speaks on LinkedIn. ---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform:CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify PodcastsCLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. ICD changes that!🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 – Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team at Gazing Leadership🧩 What if your whole team had one clear view of your group structure - Fuseable makes it happen🔐 Managing signatory lists manually? Cygnetise gives treasury teams a smarter, safer way👉 FIND OUT MORE HERE https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

Can you radically modernize a treasury function without expanding your team? Ashley Serrao of Tradeweb Markets reveals exactly how he leveraged technology to do just that – driving strategic impact and boosting returns while keeping his team lean.In this episode, host Mike Richards is joined by Ashley Serrao, Managing Director, Head of Treasury, FP&A, and Investor Relations at Tradeweb Markets, a global leader in electronic fixed income trading. Ashley sits on Tradeweb’s Executive Committee and oversees budgeting, capital management, ESG, and investor communications - while also chairing the firm’s ESG Steering Committee and co-chairing its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.With a unique pivot from equity research into treasury, Ashley shares how he transformed Tradeweb’s treasury into a lean, tech-powered function that delivers strategic impact - without needing headcount expansion. From leading the 2019 IPO to optimizing treasury operations with data and technology, his story is packed with real-world lessons. What We Cover in This Episode:Ashley’s career pivot from equity research at Credit Suisse to treasury leadership at TradewebHow he led the implementation of a TMS with a two-person teamRewriting Tradeweb’s outdated Investment Policy Statement for a more modern approachUsing technology and tools like money market funds and ICD to boost liquidity efficiencyThe strategic impact of thinking like a portfolio manager in treasury operationsBuilding credibility with the CFO and earning a seat at the tableTradeweb’s tech-first mindset and how it’s transforming treasury workflowsBalancing operational excellence with long-term strategic valueChoosing treasury tech: what matters most in your decision-making processThe future of treasury: analytics, democratization, and exploring AIYou can connect with Ashley Serrao on LinkedIn. ---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform:CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify PodcastsCLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. ICD changes that!🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 – Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team at Gazing Leadership🧩 What if your whole team had one clear view of your group structure - Fuseable makes it happen🔐 Managing signatory lists manually? Cygnetise gives treasury teams a smarter, safer way👉 FIND OUT MORE HERE https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

In a world where visibility means opportunity, your personal brand is no longer optional - it’s essential. In this episode, discover why treasury professionals can no longer afford to stay silent online, and how building a strategic LinkedIn presence can future-proof your career, attract opportunities, and showcase the value you bring - even if you're not actively looking for a new role.This special episode features Mike Richards, CEO and Joe Grabowski, Executive Consultant for US Treasury from The Treasury Recruitment Company,Together, they dive deep into the often-overlooked power of personal branding within the treasury profession, sharing real-life examples, practical tips, and hard-won lessons from their decades of recruitment experience.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why personal branding matters more than ever for treasury professionalsThe evolution from offline networking to the LinkedIn eraMisconceptions about being active on LinkedIn (and why it doesn’t mean you are job hunting)Practical steps to start building your personal brand todayHow to post about your achievements without sounding boastfulManaging internal perceptions and maintaining authenticity onlineTips for updating your LinkedIn profile and avoiding common mistakesThe power of consistent networking and making meaningful connectionsHow to handle professional conflict while maintaining your brandWhy “visibility” is your new career currencyCheck out the FULL Video via our YouTube: https://youtu.be/bJtLXO7pShQ----🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform:CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify PodcastsCLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. ICD changes that!🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 – Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team at Gazing Leadership🧩 What if your whole team had one clear view of your group structure - Fuseable makes it happen🔐 Managing signatory lists manually? Cygnetise gives treasury teams a smarter, safer way👉 FIND OUT MORE HERE https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

In this insightful episode, Tom Hendry, SVP and Treasurer at New York Life Insurance Company, shares how embracing diverse roles and challenges throughout his career helped him become a strategic finance leader. Discover how saying “yes” to opportunity, embracing turbulence, and building business acumen turned treasury from a cost center into a driver of value.Tom Hendry is the Senior Vice President and Treasurer at New York Life Insurance Company, one of the largest and most respected mutual life insurers in the U.S. With a career spanning over 30 years, Tom brings a wealth of experience across investment banking, consulting, asset liability management, and treasury leadership.Main topics discussed:Tom’s career journey to date and current role leading treasury at New York Life.Lessons learned from economic downturns and working on commercial mortgage workouts.Navigating two careers at Prudential Financial, including leading pension risk transfer deals.Transitioning into mainstream treasury and evolving the function into a profit center.Managing relationships with banks, regulators, and rating agencies through trust and transparency.The transformation of treasury from back-office support to strategic partner.Embracing AI and technology as tools to enhance small treasury teams.Communicating effectively with stakeholders: boards, C-suite, and internal teams.Skills tomorrow’s treasurers need: business acumen, adaptability, and partnership orientation.Career advice: own your path, stay curious, be solutions-oriented, and embrace every opportunity.You can connect with Tom Hendry on LinkedIn. ---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform:CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify PodcastsCLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. ICD changes that!🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 – Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team at Gazing Leadership🧩 What if your whole team had one clear view of your group structure - Fuseable makes it happen🔐 Managing signatory lists manually? Cygnetise gives treasury teams a smarter, safer way👉 FIND OUT MORE HERE https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

What does it really take to build a successful career in treasury? In this candid and insightful episode recorded live at TEXPO, three accomplished treasury leaders share the surprising, unconventional journeys that led them to the top of their field. From early jobs in fast food and consulting to navigating corporate restructures and capital markets, their stories reveal how curiosity, adaptability, and mentorship shaped their careers. You’ll hear real-world insights on raising treasury’s profile, building effective teams, embracing new technology, and why communication is now as critical as cash flow. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to lead at a higher level, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration from those who’ve walked the path.Meet the Guests:Jeremy Reedus - VP, Global Treasurer at Varel Energy SolutionsJeremy leads global treasury at Varel, with past roles at Air Liquide and Saudi Aramco. Known for building scalable global structures, he champions treasury as a strategic business partner. A former President of the Houston Treasury Management Association, Jeremy champions treasury as a strategic partner within organizations.Danecia Stewart -  Director of Treasury at NextDecade LNGDanecia brings a rare 360° view of treasury - from practitioner to consultant to vendor. She’s a go-to expert on treasury tech, digital transformation, and global cash strategy.Martijn van Steenpaal - Senior Vice-President & Treasurer at Darling Ingredients Martijn runs global treasury at Darling, with deep experience in cash management, complex financing, and M&A. He’s a seasoned leader known for delivering results across continents.Main topics discussed:How each panellist "fell into" treasury from vastly different backgroundsThe moment they realized treasury was their long-term pathKey treasury skills learned through unconventional rolesThe shift from reactive cash management to strategic value creationThe increasing importance of communication and stakeholder managementChallenges in attracting new talent to the treasury professionThe role of education, certifications, and self-learning in career advancementWhy mentorship and team-building are essential in treasury leadershipHow treasury’s visibility and brand are evolving - inside and outside the companyThe future of treasury: AI, automation, and growing strategic influence---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform:CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify PodcastsCLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. ICD changes that!🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 – Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team at Gazing Leadership🧩 What if your whole team had one clear view of your group structure - Fuseable makes it happen🔐 Managing signatory lists manually? Cygnetise gives treasury teams a smarter, safer way👉 FIND OUT MORE HERE https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

What does it take to transform from a market trader to a strategic corporate treasurer? Erik Hultman the Group Treasurer at Elcowire shares his journey and hard-earned insights on building treasury functions from scratch, influencing corporate strategy, and mastering financial risk in the commodities sector.Erik is the Group Treasurer at Elcowire, a leading European manufacturer of copper and aluminum wire products. With a background in trading and banking, Erik has built and led treasury operations in both financial institutions and industrial corporates. His career spans roles at major Nordic banks and at Sparbanken, where he established a treasury function from the ground up before moving to Elcowire.Main topics discussed:Erik’s career beginnings in trading and how he transitioned into treasury.Building a treasury function from scratch at Sparbanken SydThe shift from banking to a corporate treasury role at Elcowire.Challenges and rewards of managing treasury in a heavy industrial setting.Integrating treasury into strategic business planning.The importance of scenario planning and risk frameworks.How treasury can add value by partnering with other business functions.The role of storytelling and influence in treasury leadership.The impact of commodity risk and hedging in a manufacturing environment.Leveraging technology and data integrity in treasury operations. You can connect with Erik Hultman on LinkedIn. ---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform:CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify PodcastsCLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. ICD changes that!🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 – Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team at Gazing Leadership🧩 What if your whole team had one clear view of your group structure - Fuseable makes it happen🔐 Managing signatory lists manually? Cygnetise gives treasury teams a smarter, safer way👉 FIND OUT MORE HERE https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

What does it take to thrive as a treasury leader in today’s complex business environment? In this engaging panel discussion recorded LIVE at our recent event in Houston, we bring together three powerhouse treasury professionals - Brook Ballard, Jordan Timberlake, and Fred Schacknies - who pull back the curtain on their careers, leadership philosophies, and the real-world challenges they’ve faced. In this episode you’ll hear how they transitioned from banking and early finance roles into strategic treasury leadership, how they drive performance in hybrid teams, and why visibility, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose are key to long-term success. Whether you're building your career or managing a treasury function, this candid conversation delivers invaluable insights and practical takeaways straight from the top of the profession.Meet the Guests:   Brook Ballard – Most recently the Treasurer of Oceaneering InternationalA veteran treasury leader with experience spanning Anadarko, Live Nation, AIG, Cheniere, and Oceaneering. Brook shares insights from building treasury functions across diverse industries.Jordan Timberlake – Vice President, Treasurer and Investment Operations at Memorial Hermann Health SystemFormer banker turned treasury executive, Jordan discusses her career growth, managing investments and debt, and fostering team development in a major U.S. health system.Fred Schacknies – Vice President & Treasurer at TechnipFMC With a global background in FX, operations, and systems, Fred explores how treasury leadership has shifted from numbers to people and process.Main topics discussed:     Career journeys from banking and other industries into treasury leadershipBuilding, scaling, and motivating treasury teamsThe impact of hybrid work and how it shapes collaboration in treasuryThe importance of cross-functional relationships and “Treasury 101” educationStrategies to increase the visibility and impact of the treasury functionInternships and talent pipeline development in treasuryThe importance of identifying your “why” in your careerAdvice for junior professionals on preparing for leadership rolesCreating metrics-driven environments and aligning treasury with corporate goals---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Hit subscribe on your favourite platform:🍏Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/treasury-career-corner/id1436647162🎧Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/641KUrhdoQPynLc1q2Guqn🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 - Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure - Practical tools and coaching that actually work – from the team at Gazing Leadership.🤝 Support for Your Treasury Career - From education to events, tech to training – meet the partners helping treasury professionals like you grow and succeed.👉 Explore your support network here - https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

What does it take to transform a treasury-focused organization into a global powerhouse for finance professionals? In this episode, Pat Culkin, the incoming CEO of the Association for Finance Professionals (AFP), shares his fascinating career journey and insights on the evolving role of treasury in today's business landscape.Pat Culkin is the Executive Vice President and incoming President and CEO of the Association for Finance Professionals (AFP). With over two decades of experience at the organization, Pat has overseen global strategy, partner development, and organizational growth. As he steps into the CEO role, he shares his vision for AFP and the future of treasury and finance professionals worldwide.Main topics discussed:      Pat’s unexpected entry into AFP from an external recruiting roleHow AFP evolved from a treasury-only body to a global finance professional hubThe changing landscape of treasury: from back-office to strategic leadershipUpskilling and the new baseline for professional growthThe impact of technology and AI on treasury functionsPat’s personal “why” and mission as AFP’s new CEOAFP’s approach to community building and global expansionThe importance of branding and networking for treasury professionalsHow early career engagement is shaping the future of the professionPractical advice for professionals looking to engage with AFPYou can connect with Pat Culkin on LinkedIn. ---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Hit subscribe on your favourite platform:🍏Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/treasury-career-corner/id1436647162🎧Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/641KUrhdoQPynLc1q2Guqn🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 - Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure - Practical tools and coaching that actually work – from the team at Gazing Leadership.🤝 Support for Your Treasury Career - From education to events, tech to training – meet the partners helping treasury professionals like you grow and succeed.👉 Explore your support network here - https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

Frank Melaccio, Vice President, Finance & Treasurer at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, reveals how this mindset propelled his career from banking to executive leadership - and why it could do the same for you.Frank Melaccio is Vice President of Finance and Treasurer at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, one of the United States’ largest and oldest health insurers. With a career spanning banking, Big Four consulting, and health insurance, Frank brings a wealth of insight into strategic treasury, risk management, and the future of finance. He’s also an adjunct professor at Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business and a passionate advocate for continual learning and professional development.Frank holds an MBA in finance from Hofstra University and a BS in both finance and economics from Fordham University. He’s also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and a Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM).Main topics discussed:Franks career journey: from commuting into Manhattan and dreaming of Wall Street to rising through regional banks and transitioning to health insurance.Frank's move from consulting at PwC during the financial crisis to leading treasury at a health insurer.Building ORSA models and becoming Chief Risk Officer in response to regulatory changes.Franks thoughts on CTP, CFA, CPA, and FRM - how to choose the right one for your path.The importance of team building and how leadership evolves with responsibility.Leveraging AI, coding, RPA, and treasury management systems to modernize and streamline processes.How teaching derivatives and healthcare finance keeps Frank sharp and benefits his corporate leadership.The power of adaptability, planning your path, and the dangers of chasing money over opportunity.You can connect with Frank Melaccio on LinkedIn. ---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Hit subscribe on your favourite platform:🍏Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/treasury-career-corner/id1436647162🎧Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/641KUrhdoQPynLc1q2Guqn🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 - Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure - Practical tools and coaching that actually work – from the team at Gazing Leadership.🤝 Support for Your Treasury Career - From education to events, tech to training – meet the partners helping treasury professionals like you grow and succeed.👉 Explore your support network here - https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/