GrowCFO Show

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWB_AMZQZ4M https://open.spotify.com/episode/0P8V9z07yLiLffCgKowZxM In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the integration of technology talent into finance teams is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This episode explores how leveraging technical expertise can drive operational efficiency, foster innovation, and future-proof financial operations. Jay Majeske, Founder of Stalliant, brings a wealth of experience to the discussion, sharing insights on how full-stack developers and data-driven approaches are transforming the traditional finance function. Majeske highlights the inefficiencies of conventional CFO models and introduces a forward-thinking strategy that combines technical and financial acumen. By training developers in accounting principles and embedding them within finance teams, organizations can unlock new levels of automation, data modeling, and process optimization. The conversation underscores the importance of cultural change, continuous learning, and the adoption of best practices to ensure finance teams remain agile and competitive in the face of technological disruption. Key topics covered: The evolving role of CFOs and the need for technical skills in finance How full-stack developers trained in accounting can drive efficiency The impact of automation and data models on financial operations The importance of cultural change and continuous learning in finance teams Predictions for the future of FinTech and process-oriented software Bespoke solutions for lower middle-market clients to address unique challenges Links Tinashe Chigede on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:02:57 Introduction of Jay Majeske and his background in fractional CFO work 0:05:07 The game-changing impact of hiring full-stack developers for finance 0:09:37 Embedding tech talent in FP&A and governance roles 0:16:51 The enduring relevance of Excel and Power BI in modern finance 0:22:34 The critical role of culture in successful tech adoption 0:29:40 FinTech trends: process-oriented software and democratization of technology 0:33:23 The future of finance jobs: shifting from production to critical thinking and research Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #246 The Nonprofit CFO Playbook: Strategy, Stewardship, and Scale Tinashe Chigede, Director of Finance and Administration, SOS Children’s Villages USA https://youtu.be/ofti6Vpcyko Your browser does not support the audio element. In this compelling episode of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby explores the unique challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit CFOs through an insightful conversation with Tinashe Chigede, Director of Finance and Administration at SOS Children’s Villages USA. The discussion delves into the critical role of financial leadership in nonprofit organizations, where CFOs must balance fiscal responsibility with mission-driven outcomes while navigating complex funding landscapes and donor relationships. Chigede shares his remarkable personal journey from attending an SOS Children’s Villages primary school in Zimbabwe to becoming a senior finance leader at the same organization that shaped her early life. The conversation reveals how nonprofit CFOs must evolve beyond traditional operational roles to become strategic partners who align financial decisions with long-term mission outcomes, diversify funding streams, and build sustainable financial models that support vulnerable children and families across 130 countries. The episode provides valuable insights into the nonprofit sector’s financial complexities, including the management of restricted versus unrestricted funds, the importance of fundraising ROI, and the critical need for transparency and accountability in donor stewardship. Chigede’s expertise demonstrates how effective financial leadership in nonprofits requires a unique blend of strategic thinking, mission alignment, and stakeholder relationship management. Key topics covered: Strategic Evolution: Transformation from operational finance roles to strategic financial leadership that aligns budgets with mission outcomes and guides organizational risk management Funding Diversification: Critical importance of developing multiple revenue streams including government funding, individual donors, and foundation grants to ensure organizational sustainability Donor Stewardship: Building trust through transparency, accountability, and demonstrating tangible results to maintain long-term donor relationships and secure recurring funding Mission-Financial Integration: Balancing restricted and unrestricted funding while tracking both financial KPIs and mission-driven metrics to measure organizational effectiveness Personal Impact Leadership: Leveraging personal connection to the organization’s mission to drive authentic leadership and overcome imposter syndrome in senior finance roles AI and Innovation: Embracing technology and artificial intelligence as powerful tools for financial analysis and strategic communication in the nonprofit sector Links Tinashe Chigede on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:02:47 Introduction to SOS Children’s Villages USA mission and global impact serving 2.5 million children annually 0:05:21 Tinashe’s educational background and 15+ years in nonprofit finance, plus personal connection to SOS schools 0:28:39 Overcoming imposter syndrome and personal growth from beneficiary to organizational leader 0:06:43 Role evolution from operational focus to strategic financial leadership and board communication 0:15:00 Funding diversification strategies including government funding and donor relationship management 0:25:30 Key performance indicators balancing fundraising ROI with mission-driven outcomes Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net   Podcast: Play in new window | Download Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Related Articles Podcast #247 Why Tech Talent Can Supercharge Your Finance Team Jay Majeske, Founder, Stalliant In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the integration of technology talent into finance teams is no longer a luxury but… Podcast #246 The Nonprofit CFO Playbook: Strategy, Stewardship, and Scale Tinashe Chigede, Director of Finance and Administration, SOS Children’s Villages USA Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #246 The Nonprofit CFO Playbook: Strategy, Stewardship, and Scale Tinashe Chigede, Director of Finance and… Podcast #245 Practical uses of AI in Finance Gilles Bonelli, Founder, CEO, SEE THE NEXT MOVE In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby engages with Gilles Bonelli, Founder and CEO of SEE THE NEXT… Podcast #244 The Strategic CFO in the Nonprofit World Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House In episode 244 of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby interviews Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House, about the strategic… Podcast #243 How To Get Your Team Finance Fit: Why Finance Must Evolve Now with Melanie Coeshott, GrowCFO Facilitator In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby welcomes Melanie Coeshott, a GrowCFO Facilitator, to discuss the… Podcast #242 What Makes a Great CFO Mentor with Jen Burton, Mentor, GrowCFO In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby interviews Jen Burton, a new mentor at GrowCFO and… 1 2 3 … 42 »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=las4ugear3s https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wOUdF52mYu7TzzdsmlING In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby engages with Gilles Bonelli, Founder and CEO of SEE THE NEXT MOVE, to explore the practical applications of AI in finance beyond the hype. Gilles, with his extensive background in management consulting and digital transformation, established his startup to help finance leaders implement meaningful AI solutions. The conversation delves into how finance professionals can leverage AI effectively across various roles and processes, with Gilles introducing his company’s 30 role-specific AI finance playbooks designed to guide implementation with the support of AI-trained subject matter experts. The discussion examines three primary families of AI use cases in finance: personal and team productivity enhancements, entirely new capabilities enabled by AI, and process optimization. Gilles emphasizes the importance of clean data for successful AI implementation, particularly in areas like forecasting, and advocates for a structured approach that considers both process and technology. The episode also addresses persistent challenges in finance transformation that have remained largely unchanged for 25 years, questioning whether AI truly offers solutions to longstanding issues like faster month-end closing and improved forecasting. Key topics covered: Gilles Bonelli’s startup SEE THE NEXT MOVE cuts through AI hype by leveraging a 700-strong network of professionals to identify genuine use cases for finance functions AI applications in finance fall into three categories: productivity enhancement, enabling new capabilities, and process optimization Clean data is essential for successful AI implementation, particularly for advanced applications like forecasting AI is transforming traditional finance roles, creating opportunities for more strategic business partnering and sustainability focus Despite technological advances, many finance teams still struggle with the same challenges from 25 years ago, including month-end closing and forecasting Links Gilles Bonelli on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:09:48 Gilles introduces his startup SEE THE NEXT MOVE and its mission to cut through AI hype in finance 0:11:17 Explanation of how the company leverages its professional network to identify real AI use cases 0:38:26 Discussion on whether AI can solve longstanding finance challenges like faster month-end closing Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #244 The Strategic CFO in the Nonprofit World Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House https://youtu.be/kn0jJKKF6Co Your browser does not support the audio element. In episode 244 of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby interviews Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House, about the strategic role of CFOs in nonprofit organizations. Olaide shares her extensive experience as the head of finance at Jesus House and its sister charity, Festival of Life, providing valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities facing finance leaders in the nonprofit sector. Throughout the conversation, Olaide emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven leadership in nonprofit finance, highlighting how transparency, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement are crucial for success. She discusses the evolution of her role from operational tasks to strategic leadership, and how finance professionals in nonprofits must balance traditional financial management with impact measurement and mission fulfillment. Olaide also shares her personal journey, including the establishment of her own foundation, Precious Seeds Foundation, which supports underprivileged children in Africa. Key topics covered: Nonprofit finance leaders must be driven by purpose beyond financial metrics, as the sector requires a commitment to mission that transcends traditional compensation incentives Transparency and integrity are fundamental to building trust with donors and stakeholders, requiring finance teams to develop systems that clearly track and report on restricted and unrestricted funds The role of finance in nonprofits has evolved from purely operational to strategic, with CFOs now actively involved in grant applications, project planning, and measuring impact beyond traditional financial KPIs Effective cash flow management is critical in nonprofits, requiring tight week-to-week planning, contingency strategies, and rolling annual planning cycles to respond to changing needs Nonprofit CFOs must “THRIVE” by embracing Transparency, Horizontal thinking, Resilience, Integrity, Values, and Engagement to lead their organizations through uncertainty with courage, clarity, and compassion Links Olaide Olunloyo on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 10:55 Olaide shares her journey into nonprofit finance and how purpose drives her work despite the different pay scales compared to the corporate sector 19:36 Discussion of the complex financial systems required to manage restricted and unrestricted funds in nonprofit organizations 30:15 Explanation of how finance teams collaborate with community and fundraising teams on grant applications and project implementation 35:40 Insights into measuring project impact beyond traditional financial metrics using pre- and post-project surveys 49:09 Olaide discusses balancing her full-time role with running her personal foundation through strategic delegation and focus 50:52 Introduction of the “THRIVE” framework for nonprofit finance leaders, emphasizing transparency, horizontal thinking, resilience, integrity, values, and engagement Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net   Podcast: Play in new window | Download Related Articles Podcast #247 Why Tech Talent Can Supercharge Your Finance Team Jay Majeske, Founder, Stalliant In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the integration of technology talent into finance teams is no longer a luxury but… Podcast #246 The Nonprofit CFO Playbook: Strategy, Stewardship, and Scale Tinashe Chigede, Director of Finance and Administration, SOS Children’s Villages USA Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #246 The Nonprofit CFO Playbook: Strategy, Stewardship, and Scale Tinashe Chigede, Director of Finance and… Podcast #245 Practical uses of AI in Finance Gilles Bonelli, Founder, CEO, SEE THE NEXT MOVE In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby engages with Gilles Bonelli, Founder and CEO of SEE THE NEXT… Podcast #244 The Strategic CFO in the Nonprofit World Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #244 The Strategic CFO in the Nonprofit World Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House… Podcast #243 How To Get Your Team Finance Fit: Why Finance Must Evolve Now with Melanie Coeshott, GrowCFO Facilitator In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby welcomes Melanie Coeshott, a GrowCFO Facilitator, to discuss the… Podcast #242 What Makes a Great CFO Mentor with Jen Burton, Mentor, GrowCFO In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby interviews Jen Burton, a new mentor at GrowCFO and… 1 2 3 … 42 »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #243 How To Get Your Team Finance Fit: Why Finance Must Evolve Now with Melanie Coeshott, GrowCFO Facilitator https://youtu.be/kST0q4krSxs Your browser does not support the audio element. In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby welcomes Melanie Coeshott, a GrowCFO Facilitator, to discuss the concept of “Finance Fit” – a framework designed to help finance teams prepare for their next evolutionary chapter. Melanie introduces her innovative F-I-T mnemonic, which stands for Future-oriented, Innovative, and Thriving, providing a structured approach for finance professionals to adapt to changing business landscapes. The conversation explores how finance teams can shift from their traditional backward-looking roles to become more proactive, creative partners in business decision-making. Kevin and Melanie discuss the challenges finance professionals face in making this transition, including mindset barriers, change fatigue, and the need for leadership support. They emphasize that becoming “Finance Fit” requires not only technical skill development but also personal growth, relationship building, and finding fulfillment in one’s work. Key topics covered: The “Finance Fit” concept represents a significant mindset shift for finance professionals, requiring them to balance their traditional reporting responsibilities with forward-looking strategic contributions Innovation in finance doesn’t necessarily mean radical changes but can involve small, incremental improvements that collectively drive significant value for the business Finance professionals often struggle with “change fatigue” and need permission from leadership to experiment, fail, and learn from their experiences Building strong relationships across the organization is crucial for finance teams to effectively contribute to business transformation Personal development and job satisfaction are essential components of the “Thriving” element, with tools like StrengthsFinder helping finance professionals identify and leverage their natural talents   Links Melanie Coeshott on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:04:45 Introduction to the “Finance Fit” concept and explanation of the F-I-T mnemonic 0:12:30 Discussion of the challenges finance professionals face in becoming more future-oriented 0:18:15 Exploration of innovation in finance and overcoming resistance to change 0:27:45 The importance of thriving as finance professionals through resilience and relationship building 0:35:20 Strategies for improving job satisfaction and playing to strengths in finance roles 0:42:32 Next steps for developing and implementing the Finance Fit framework   Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net   Podcast: Play in new window | Download Related Articles Podcast #247 Why Tech Talent Can Supercharge Your Finance Team Jay Majeske, Founder, Stalliant In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the integration of technology talent into finance teams is no longer a luxury but… Podcast #246 The Nonprofit CFO Playbook: Strategy, Stewardship, and Scale Tinashe Chigede, Director of Finance and Administration, SOS Children’s Villages USA Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #246 The Nonprofit CFO Playbook: Strategy, Stewardship, and Scale Tinashe Chigede, Director of Finance and… Podcast #245 Practical uses of AI in Finance Gilles Bonelli, Founder, CEO, SEE THE NEXT MOVE In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby engages with Gilles Bonelli, Founder and CEO of SEE THE NEXT… Podcast #244 The Strategic CFO in the Nonprofit World Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #244 The Strategic CFO in the Nonprofit World Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House… Podcast #243 How To Get Your Team Finance Fit: Why Finance Must Evolve Now with Melanie Coeshott, GrowCFO Facilitator Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #243 How To Get Your Team Finance Fit: Why Finance Must Evolve Now with Melanie… Podcast #242 What Makes a Great CFO Mentor with Jen Burton, Mentor, GrowCFO In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby interviews Jen Burton, a new mentor at GrowCFO and… 1 2 3 … 42 »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #242 What Makes a Great CFO Mentor with Jen Burton, Mentor, GrowCFO https://youtu.be/xMVa9RiS_pI Your browser does not support the audio element. In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby interviews Jen Burton, a new mentor at GrowCFO and current Chief Financial Officer at RJE Business Interiors based in Indianapolis. Throughout their conversation, Jen shares her extensive experience spanning multiple industries including her significant 14-year tenure at Rolls Royce, where she implemented global finance shared services strategies and led successful system integrations. The discussion explores Jen’s journey from public accounting to various CFO roles, highlighting her operational and strategic expertise. Particularly valuable is Jen’s perspective on mentorship, as she discusses how her diverse experiences – from implementing ERP systems to managing finance transformations – have shaped her approach to guiding other finance professionals. Her unique background, including her skydiving experience, provides powerful metaphors for the trust and teamwork required in effective financial leadership. The conversation explores how finance teams can shift from their traditional backward-looking roles to become more proactive, creative partners in business decision-making. Kevin and Melanie discuss the challenges finance professionals face in making this transition, including mindset barriers, change fatigue, and the need for leadership support. They emphasize that becoming “Finance Fit” requires not only technical skill development but also personal growth, relationship building, and finding fulfillment in one’s work. Key topics covered: Jen identifies primarily as an operational CFO with strong process-driven and team-oriented skills, though she has significant experience in strategic roles and as a trusted advisor Drawing from her experience implementing global finance shared services at Rolls Royce, Jen emphasizes the importance of change management and having the right people in the right roles Jen shares personal insights about overcoming imposter syndrome, offering practical advice for new CFOs on building confidence through breaking tasks into manageable steps The discussion explores how Jen’s skydiving experience taught valuable lessons about trust and teamwork that directly apply to financial leadership Kevin highlights the distinction between mentoring and coaching, explaining that mentors bring valuable “war stories” and practical experience rather than just guiding mentees to find their own answers Links Jen Burton on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:11:03 Introduction to Jen Burton as a new GrowCFO mentor and CFO at RJE Business Interiors 0:20:00 Discussion of different CFO types and Jen’s identification as primarily an operational CFO 0:25:15 Jen shares her skydiving experience and the parallels to teamwork in finance 0:30:45 Exploration of Jen’s experience implementing global finance shared services at Rolls Royce 0:38:20 Discussion about imposter syndrome and building confidence as a CFO 0:46:42 Kevin explains the value of mentorship and the importance of chemistry between mentor and mentee Find out more about GrowCFO Podcast: Play in new window | Download GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net   Podcast: Play in new window | Download Related Articles Podcast #247 Why Tech Talent Can Supercharge Your Finance Team Jay Majeske, Founder, Stalliant In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the integration of technology talent into finance teams is no longer a luxury but… Podcast #246 The Nonprofit CFO Playbook: Strategy, Stewardship, and Scale Tinashe Chigede, Director of Finance and Administration, SOS Children’s Villages USA Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #246 The Nonprofit CFO Playbook: Strategy, Stewardship, and Scale Tinashe Chigede, Director of Finance and… Podcast #245 Practical uses of AI in Finance Gilles Bonelli, Founder, CEO, SEE THE NEXT MOVE In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby engages with Gilles Bonelli, Founder and CEO of SEE THE NEXT… Podcast #244 The Strategic CFO in the Nonprofit World Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #244 The Strategic CFO in the Nonprofit World Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House… Podcast #243 How To Get Your Team Finance Fit: Why Finance Must Evolve Now with Melanie Coeshott, GrowCFO Facilitator Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #243 How To Get Your Team Finance Fit: Why Finance Must Evolve Now with Melanie… Podcast #242 What Makes a Great CFO Mentor with Jen Burton, Mentor, GrowCFO Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #242 What Makes a Great CFO Mentor with Jen Burton, Mentor, GrowCFO Your browser does… 1 2 3 … 42 »

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #241 Why Risk Management Is Getting Harder with Chris Wright, Managing Director, Protiviti https://youtu.be/LqF4t5IT0n8 Your browser does not support the audio element. In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby speaks with Chris Wright, Managing Director at Protiviti and leader of their global finance transformation solution. The conversation explores Protiviti’s comprehensive risk survey, highlighting the key risks companies are facing in the current economic climate. Chris provides valuable insights into how CFOs and finance leaders should approach risk acknowledgment, evaluation, and mitigation in the coming year. The discussion covers several critical risk areas, including economic conditions and inflation pressures, labor and talent shortages, cybersecurity concerns, and emerging risks associated with AI implementation. Chris emphasizes the importance of CFOs developing “muscle memory” for frequent re-forecasting due to economic uncertainties, while also highlighting how AI can help address labor shortages by automating mundane tasks and enriching the work experience of finance professionals. Key topics covered: Economic conditions, including inflation pressures, represent the top risk concern for companies, requiring CFOs to develop stronger forecasting capabilities Labor shortages in finance are driving increased costs and creating challenges in hiring and retention AI offers significant benefits for finance functions, including cost savings and improved efficiency in areas like cash application and payables Cybersecurity remains a persistent concern despite improvements in system security Emerging risks from AI implementation include data quality issues, over-reliance, and potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities Links Chris Wright on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:11:15 Chris Wright introduces himself and his role at Protiviti 0:25:19 Analysis of economic conditions and inflation as top risks 0:34:47 Exploration of labor and talent shortages in finance 0:42:13 Examination of AI benefits and implementation in finance functions 0:50:39 Discussion of cybersecurity risks and cloud computing challenges 0:56:51 Conversation about emerging risks associated with AI implementation Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net   Podcast: Play in new window | Download Related Articles Podcast #247 Why Tech Talent Can Supercharge Your Finance Team Jay Majeske, Founder, Stalliant In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the integration of technology talent into finance teams is no longer a luxury but… Podcast #246 The Nonprofit CFO Playbook: Strategy, Stewardship, and Scale Tinashe Chigede, Director of Finance and Administration, SOS Children’s Villages USA Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #246 The Nonprofit CFO Playbook: Strategy, Stewardship, and Scale Tinashe Chigede, Director of Finance and… Podcast #245 Practical uses of AI in Finance Gilles Bonelli, Founder, CEO, SEE THE NEXT MOVE In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby engages with Gilles Bonelli, Founder and CEO of SEE THE NEXT… Podcast #244 The Strategic CFO in the Nonprofit World Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #244 The Strategic CFO in the Nonprofit World Olaide Olunloyo, Head of Finance, Jesus House… Podcast #243 How To Get Your Team Finance Fit: Why Finance Must Evolve Now with Melanie Coeshott, GrowCFO Facilitator Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #243 How To Get Your Team Finance Fit: Why Finance Must Evolve Now with Melanie… Podcast #242 What Makes a Great CFO Mentor with Jen Burton, Mentor, GrowCFO Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email #242 What Makes a Great CFO Mentor with Jen Burton, Mentor, GrowCFO Your browser does… 1 2 3 … 42 »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dsa5QZtXo50 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2axThM3x9wuvBPGhK9wmza In this compelling episode of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby interviews Melissa Hurrington, CFO and VP of Operations at Premier Claims. The conversation explores the critical challenges and valuable lessons learned during Melissa’s seven-year journey scaling Premier Claims from a four-person startup to an organization with over 80 employees and a 44,000 square foot corporate headquarters. The episode delves into Melissa’s authentic leadership approach and how she has built a strong personal brand separate from her corporate identity. Melissa shares candid insights about overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and how she has navigated the complexities of rapid organizational growth while maintaining her authentic self. Her experiences provide valuable guidance for finance leaders managing similar growth trajectories and those looking to develop their personal brand alongside their professional role. Key topics covered: Melissa’s journey from being employee number four at Premier Claims to leading the company through exponential growth and the acquisition of a large corporate headquarters The importance of separating personal brand from corporate identity and building a legacy beyond professional titles How vulnerability and authenticity on LinkedIn helped Melissa connect with a broader audience and inspire others in the finance community Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and gaining confidence as a leader in high-growth environments The value of peer networks and learning from other CFOs when navigating the challenges of scaling a business Links Melissa Hurrington on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:11:43 Melissa introduces herself and Premier Claims, describing the company’s growth from a startup with four employees to purchasing a 44,000 square foot corporate headquarters 0:31:49 Melissa discusses the importance of building her personal brand separate from her corporate identity and not being defined by her title 0:35:20 Discussion about using LinkedIn as a platform for authentic leadership and how vulnerability in posts has resonated with others 0:42:15 Melissa shares her experience with imposter syndrome and how she overcame it by connecting with other finance leaders 0:48:30 The importance of peer networks for CFOs and how they help combat isolation in leadership positions 0:54:13 Melissa reveals her future plans, including writing a book and continuing to grow Premier Claims while developing her leadership team Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp4amxAIoUM https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Qwxrp77mQV0CvmHThso7C In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby explores the critical topic of funding fast-growing B2B SaaS startups with Janelle Gorman, CFO at York IE. Securing appropriate funding remains one of the most significant challenges for SaaS founders, particularly in today’s fluctuating investment landscape. Understanding the criteria investors use and developing effective fundraising strategies can make the difference between startup success and failure. Janelle Gorman brings her extensive experience as a CFO with high-growth subscription model companies and her current role at York IE, an early-stage investment firm that has deployed $60 million across approximately 60 companies. The conversation provides valuable insights into investment criteria, fundraising strategies, and the importance of product-market fit. Janelle also discusses York IE’s unique approach to supporting founders through both investment and services designed to help companies scale effectively. Key topics covered: York IE’s dual business model as both an investment firm and service provider for early-stage companies Critical investment criteria including the importance of the founding team and demonstrating product-market fit Effective fundraising strategies and the challenges of raising capital in the current market The Tech Women Invest initiative aimed at increasing female participation in investing Pragmatic approaches to growth and resource management for SaaS startups Links Janelle Gorman on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:04:24 Introduction to Janelle Gorman and her role as CFO at York IE 0:13:15 Explanation of York IE’s business model and investment approach 0:18:30 Discussion of investment criteria and the importance of the founding team 0:22:45 Insights on fundraising strategies and market conditions for 2025 0:27:38 The importance of speed in implementing solutions and demonstrating value 0:33:49 Future outlook for York IE and the investment landscape Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

https://youtu.be/wIPL5EncKVg https://open.spotify.com/episode/0pwzX0ujbANt79RKKxEDMD In this insightful episode of the GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby sits down with Richard Nero, a Microsoft Excel MVP and GrowCFO Facilitator who specializes in finance systems consultancy. The conversation explores the critical importance of Excel proficiency and automation for modern finance leaders. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decision making, CFOs who fail to embrace these technological tools risk falling behind their more tech-savvy counterparts. Richard Nero brings his extensive experience in Excel, Power BI, and automation to the discussion, sharing how these tools can transform finance operations and create significant efficiencies. The episode provides valuable insights for finance professionals looking to enhance their technical capabilities and leverage automation to focus on more strategic aspects of their roles, rather than getting bogged down in manual processes that consume valuable time and resources. Key topics covered: Richard’s journey from early Excel exposure to becoming a Microsoft Excel MVP and finance systems consultant The critical importance of Power Query as a game-changing tool for finance professionals How automation can free finance teams from manual data entry to focus on analysis and strategic decision-making The competitive advantage gained by CFOs who embrace technological tools versus those who resist change The value of continuous learning and staying current with evolving finance technologies Links Richard Nero on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 00:23:12 Introduction of Richard Nero, Microsoft Excel MVP and finance systems consultant 00:25:30 Richard discusses his early exposure to Excel and career progression in finance 00:32:15 Exploration of the “Mastering Excel for Finance” course and its key components 00:38:40 Discussion of Power Query’s transformative impact on financial reporting 00:42:20 How automation is changing the role of finance professionals 00:48:15 The importance of continuous learning in the rapidly evolving finance technology landscape Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net