GrowCFO Show

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 #258 From Controller to CFO: The Playbook Behind CSAA’s Transformation, Andrea Hecht, Chief Financial Officer, CSAA Insurance Group In this episode, host Kevin Appleby speaks with Andrea Hecht, Chief Financial Officer at CSAA Insurance Group, to explore the… Podcast #257 The Three Hidden Traps That Stall New CFOs, Michael O’Reilly, GrowCFO Executive Coach In this insightful episode, Kevin Appleby sits down with Michael O’Reilly, a seasoned executive coach and former CFO with a… Podcast #256 The CFO Guide to AI Hype: What To Do First, Hannah Munro, Managing Director, ITAS Solutions Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate finance discussions, but for many CFOs, the real challenge isn’t understanding the technology—it’s knowing where… Podcast #255 From CFO to CEO: Lessons on Leadership, Dave Osh, Mentor In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the transition from CFO to CEO is a journey that demands more than technical… Podcast #254 Why “Fractional CFO” Isn’t What You Should Be Selling James Donovan, Founder, Nine Two Media In today’s competitive financial services landscape, simply offering “fractional CFO” services is no longer enough to stand out or win… Podcast #253 Hard Work Beats Talent: Resilience Lessons for Modern CFOs Ademola Odewade, CEO, K-Dems Consulting Limited In the ever-changing world of finance, resilience and determination have become indispensable qualities for modern CFOs. In this episode of… 1 2 3 … 44 »

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 #258 From Controller to CFO: The Playbook Behind CSAA’s Transformation, Andrea Hecht, Chief Financial Officer, CSAA Insurance Group In this episode, host Kevin Appleby speaks with Andrea Hecht, Chief Financial Officer at CSAA Insurance Group, to explore the… Podcast #257 The Three Hidden Traps That Stall New CFOs, Michael O’Reilly, GrowCFO Executive Coach In this insightful episode, Kevin Appleby sits down with Michael O’Reilly, a seasoned executive coach and former CFO with a… Podcast #256 The CFO Guide to AI Hype: What To Do First, Hannah Munro, Managing Director, ITAS Solutions Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate finance discussions, but for many CFOs, the real challenge isn’t understanding the technology—it’s knowing where… Podcast #255 From CFO to CEO: Lessons on Leadership, Dave Osh, Mentor In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the transition from CFO to CEO is a journey that demands more than technical… Podcast #254 Why “Fractional CFO” Isn’t What You Should Be Selling James Donovan, Founder, Nine Two Media In today’s competitive financial services landscape, simply offering “fractional CFO” services is no longer enough to stand out or win… Podcast #253 Hard Work Beats Talent: Resilience Lessons for Modern CFOs Ademola Odewade, CEO, K-Dems Consulting Limited In the ever-changing world of finance, resilience and determination have become indispensable qualities for modern CFOs. In this episode of… 1 2 3 … 44 »

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 #258 From Controller to CFO: The Playbook Behind CSAA’s Transformation, Andrea Hecht, Chief Financial Officer, CSAA Insurance Group In this episode, host Kevin Appleby speaks with Andrea Hecht, Chief Financial Officer at CSAA Insurance Group, to explore the… Podcast #257 The Three Hidden Traps That Stall New CFOs, Michael O’Reilly, GrowCFO Executive Coach In this insightful episode, Kevin Appleby sits down with Michael O’Reilly, a seasoned executive coach and former CFO with a… Podcast #256 The CFO Guide to AI Hype: What To Do First, Hannah Munro, Managing Director, ITAS Solutions Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate finance discussions, but for many CFOs, the real challenge isn’t understanding the technology—it’s knowing where… Podcast #255 From CFO to CEO: Lessons on Leadership, Dave Osh, Mentor In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the transition from CFO to CEO is a journey that demands more than technical… Podcast #254 Why “Fractional CFO” Isn’t What You Should Be Selling James Donovan, Founder, Nine Two Media In today’s competitive financial services landscape, simply offering “fractional CFO” services is no longer enough to stand out or win… Podcast #253 Hard Work Beats Talent: Resilience Lessons for Modern CFOs Ademola Odewade, CEO, K-Dems Consulting Limited In the ever-changing world of finance, resilience and determination have become indispensable qualities for modern CFOs. In this episode of… 1 2 3 … 44 »

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 #258 From Controller to CFO: The Playbook Behind CSAA’s Transformation, Andrea Hecht, Chief Financial Officer, CSAA Insurance Group In this episode, host Kevin Appleby speaks with Andrea Hecht, Chief Financial Officer at CSAA Insurance Group, to explore the… Podcast #257 The Three Hidden Traps That Stall New CFOs, Michael O’Reilly, GrowCFO Executive Coach In this insightful episode, Kevin Appleby sits down with Michael O’Reilly, a seasoned executive coach and former CFO with a… Podcast #256 The CFO Guide to AI Hype: What To Do First, Hannah Munro, Managing Director, ITAS Solutions Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate finance discussions, but for many CFOs, the real challenge isn’t understanding the technology—it’s knowing where… Podcast #255 From CFO to CEO: Lessons on Leadership, Dave Osh, Mentor In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the transition from CFO to CEO is a journey that demands more than technical… Podcast #254 Why “Fractional CFO” Isn’t What You Should Be Selling James Donovan, Founder, Nine Two Media In today’s competitive financial services landscape, simply offering “fractional CFO” services is no longer enough to stand out or win… Podcast #253 Hard Work Beats Talent: Resilience Lessons for Modern CFOs Ademola Odewade, CEO, K-Dems Consulting Limited In the ever-changing world of finance, resilience and determination have become indispensable qualities for modern CFOs. In this episode of… 1 2 3 … 44 »

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paid3zTnC6U&t=22s https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ywfZ18iMIe7TSHdpaVsYU In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby is joined by Paula Kensington, a seasoned finance professional from Australia with over 30 years of experience. Paula shares her journey from traditional accounting roles to becoming a passionate advocate for sustainability in business. With her unique perspective as both a former corporate CFO and now a fractional CFO, Paula offers valuable insights on how finance leaders can drive meaningful sustainability initiatives beyond mere compliance. The conversation explores the evolving role of CFOs in sustainability leadership, highlighting the critical need for finance professionals to develop an ESG mindset. Paula emphasizes that while many businesses have been engaged with sustainability for years, finance leaders are often “10 years late to the sustainability party,” only becoming involved when reporting becomes mandatory. She makes a compelling case for CFOs to leverage their ethical foundation and financial expertise to lead businesses toward practices that benefit all stakeholders, not just shareholders. Key topics covered: The unique position of CFOs to lead sustainability initiatives due to their ethical training and financial expertise The importance of moving beyond compliance to integrate sustainability into business strategy and culture The challenges of measuring and valuing non-financial impacts in traditional financial reporting The tension between investor expectations and sustainable business practices The need for finance professionals to develop new skills and mindsets to effectively lead in sustainability The upcoming wave of sustainability standards and how finance teams should prepare for them Links Paula Kensington on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:05:53 Paula shares her background and journey from traditional accounting to becoming a sustainability-focused CFO 0:08:15 Discussion on the CFO’s ethical foundation and responsibility to consider impacts beyond shareholders 0:09:56 Introduction to Paula’s work developing ESG mindset courses for finance professionals 0:12:30 Exploration of whether sustainability standards drive meaningful change or just compliance 0:18:45 Conversation about measuring and valuing sustainability impacts in financial terms 0:25:10 Discussion on the influence of different investor types on sustainability initiatives 0:32:20 Overview of skills finance professionals need to develop for sustainability leadership 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/97Y65cAzzBs https://open.spotify.com/episode/52560DpsRV0fr9XStbziYw In this thought-provoking episode of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby engages with Patrick Dunne, an experienced Chair and Board Member in both business and social enterprise sectors, to explore the evolving landscape of risk management at the board level. The conversation examines how traditional approaches to risk governance may no longer be sufficient in today’s complex business environment, where non-financial risks increasingly dominate the risk landscape. Patrick Dunne, recently awarded an OBE for his services to philanthropy in Africa and the UK, shares insights from his viral LinkedIn article suggesting that the conventional audit and risk committee structure requires fundamental rethinking. The discussion challenges finance leaders to consider whether their current risk management frameworks are adequately equipped to address emerging threats, particularly those stemming from geopolitical instability, technological disruption, and social change. Dunne advocates for more diverse risk committees that incorporate varied perspectives across generations, backgrounds, and expertise. Key topics covered: Traditional audit and risk committees are often dominated by financially-oriented individuals from similar backgrounds, limiting their ability to identify and address non-financial risks Organizations should consider establishing separate risk committees with diverse membership to bring fresh perspectives to risk identification and management Effective risk management requires focusing on consequences rather than events, preparing for the impact of risks rather than the risks themselves The concept of “combinatorial risk” – where multiple events occur simultaneously – presents particular challenges that boards must learn to navigate Diversity in risk governance is not just about demographics but also about including different thinking styles, experiences, and generational perspectives Links Patrick Dunne on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:12:24 Patrick explains why the prevailing model of audit and risk committees needs rethinking in light of today’s dominant non-financial risks 0:18:35 Discussion of how focusing on consequences rather than events leads to more effective risk management, illustrated by examples from the COVID-19 pandemic 0:25:10 Patrick emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between “worrying” and “thinking” in risk management 0:32:18 Exploration of how diversity and inclusion in risk committees leads to better risk identification and mitigation strategies 0:41:05 Discussion of data security and cyber risk as critical areas requiring specialized expertise on risk committees 0:48:22 Patrick shares practical advice for boards looking to modernize their approach to risk governance 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=nb12TtUmSJ0 https://open.spotify.com/episode/0mxBSzi1Gzvigoo9manusQ In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing accounts receivable processes with guests Jeff Martini, CFO at Bishop Lifting, and Ben Winter, Co-Founder at Stuut. The conversation delves into the practical applications of AI in finance departments, particularly focusing on accounts receivable automation and the tangible benefits organizations are experiencing through implementation  The discussion highlights how AI is moving beyond simple chatbot functionality to transform entire AR processes, with Jeff sharing his company’s experience implementing AI-driven solutions that handle routine collection tasks while allowing human collectors to focus on more complex dispute resolutions. Ben provides valuable insights on the importance of focusing on business outcomes rather than technology features, emphasizing that accounts receivable is ultimately a revenue function that impacts customer experience. Both guests stress the importance of understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations to ensure successful implementation and meaningful results.  Key topics covered: AI implementation in accounts receivable is most successful when focused on specific business outcomes rather than implementing technology for its own sake Modern AI solutions can effectively handle three common collection scenarios: confirming payment, securing promises to pay, and sending requested documentation Human collectors remain essential for handling disputes and complex scenarios, with AI serving as a tool to enhance their capabilities rather than replace them Successful AI implementation requires coordination across departments including sales, account management, and fulfillment teams The rapid advancement of AI technology presents challenges for CFOs trying to stay current with capabilities, requiring trusted partnerships with technology providers Links Ben Winter on LinkedIn Jeff Martini on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:11 Kevin Appleby introduces the episode topic on how CFOs are adopting AI in finance functions 0:13:47 Ben Winter discusses how AI adoption has evolved from technology-focused to outcome-focused implementations 0:18:29 Kevin raises the challenge of CFOs keeping up with rapidly advancing AI capabilities 0:26:29 Discussion on how AI provides additional insights by analyzing customer communications to identify reasons for late payments 0:43:31 Exploration of how AI is transforming accounts receivable beyond manual processes to provide actionable insights 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