GrowCFO Show

#199 How Do You Become CFO Ready? with Andrew Waters https://open.spotify.com/episode/1VgwKOgwM8Nf6gh90BXo6z In this insightful episode, Kevin Appleby sits down with Andrew Waters, the esteemed co-founder of Zanda, to delve into the dynamic evolution of the Chief Financial Officer's role over the past four years. As businesses navigate a post-lockdown world, the conversation reveals how CFOs have transitioned from a focus on transformation to leading the charge in sustainable growth and efficient cash flow management. Andrew and Kevin discuss the critical importance of soft skills in today's financial landscape, such as resilience, agility, and storytelling, which are essential for CFOs to excel. The dialogue underscores the necessity for CFOs to blend entrepreneurial spirit with pragmatic decision-making, fostering an environment where finance leaders can thrive and drive substantial organizational impact. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the regional nuances between New York and London CFO roles, with Andrew highlighting how New York's financial leaders are often more strategically inclined and investment-ready. The episode also introduces the Future CFO program, a developmental initiative designed to equip finance leaders with the essential skills for future success in the CFO role. Furthermore, Andrew provides a preview of the upcoming Future CFO Strategy, Growth, and Impact Summit, where he will be speaking and offering a glimpse into sessions that promise to enhance leadership capabilities, optimize the finance function, and harness cutting-edge technology. You can register to join the summit here: https://future-cfo-global-summit.heysummit.com/talks/landing-your-dream-cfo-role/! This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals eager to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Key topics covered include: Catching up with Andrew Waters and the upcoming Future CFO Summit Evolution of CFO roles over the past 4 years Current and future skills required for CFOs Differences in CFO requirements between London and New York The importance of soft skills for CFOs The interview process for CFO roles Scaling the finance function Challenges faced by new CFOs Upcoming Future CFO Summit sessions https://youtu.be/GhSPdeG2H3M Links Andrew Waters on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:0:00 - Introduction to the GrowCFO Show and guest Andrew Waters 0:1:14 - Discussion about the Future CFO Summit and its significance 0:2:23 - Evolution of the CFO role over the past four years 0:7:41 - Broad skill set required for modern CFOs 0:8:27 - Becoming CFO-ready: challenges and necessary skills 0:13:37 - Overview of the Future CFO program and its benefits 0:17:28 - Differences in CFO roles and expectations between the UK and US 0:20:30 - Importance of the first 100 days in a new CFO role 0:21:53 - Upcoming Future CFO Summit sessions and topics 0:24:41 - Structuring the finance function and the importance of the right team 0:26:37 - Challenges A players face in new CFO roles and dealing with imposter syndrome 0:27:09 - Key issues in early CFO roles and overcoming them 0:30:46 - Identifying A players through storytelling and communication skills 0:33:21 - Conclusion and anticipation for the Future CFO Summit 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.

#198 How to Communicate with Confidence with Susana Serrano-Davey https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cr1nXHLEdnbZ08i4oExuQ Kevin Appleby and Susana Serrano-Davey, GrowCFO Mentor, dive deep into the topic of communicating with confidence in this insightful episode. Susana, who is writing a book on confidence, shares her own experiences of overcoming nervousness in public speaking. She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, whether it's joining a public speaking club like Toastmasters or taking on a daunting challenge like a stand-up comedy course. The two discuss a range of techniques to enhance communication skills, from reducing the use of filler words to structuring presentations for maximum impact. Susana stresses the need to identify and challenge limiting beliefs about one's communication abilities, a journey that Kevin himself has undertaken, moving from avoiding presentations to becoming a confident speaker. The conversation also explores the significance of adapting communication styles to different audiences and personalities, as well as the role of ambition and continuous practice in building confidence. Susana and Kevin share valuable insights and personal anecdotes, providing listeners with a roadmap to improve their communication prowess and unlock their full potential as confident, impactful communicators. Key topics covered include: Importance of confidence in communication Susana's upcoming book on confidence Recommendation to join public speaking clubs like Toastmasters Susana's experience overcoming nervousness in her first Toastmasters meeting Susana's experience taking a stand-up comedy course Importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone Techniques for effective communication Identifying and reducing the use of filler words Importance of slowing down and being clear in speech Effective presentation structure: introduction, main course, and conclusion Techniques for structuring presentations Importance of understanding the audience's needs and preferences Adapting communication style to different personality types Importance of having ambitious goals to build confidence Identifying and challenging limiting beliefs about communication Importance of continuous practice and exposure to build communication skills Susana's experience with Toastmasters and the impact on her confidence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSqBXYv3U1k Links Susana Serrano-Davey on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:10 - Introduction and welcome 0:00:35 - Susana's work on communicating with confidence 0:01:11 - Susana's experience with Toastmasters 0:02:24 - Overcoming nervousness in public speaking 0:05:29 - Stepping out of your comfort zone 0:07:29 - Techniques for effective communication 0:09:04 - Reducing the use of filler words 0:11:05 - Kevin's journey from avoiding presentations to becoming a confident speaker 0:12:29 - Structuring presentations for maximum impact 0:15:50 - Using visual aids effectively 0:17:41 - Adapting communication to different audiences 0:20:28 - Identifying and challenging limiting beliefs 0:23:24 - Importance of practice and building confidence 0:26:14 - Cultivating ambition and setting goals 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.

#197 Data Challenges Facing The Finance Function with Adam Rakich https://open.spotify.com/episode/0MX8X2ihqTsMURRfQPBBiS Adam Rakich, the esteemed author of "The Business User’s Guide to Data Integration," joins us for a deep dive into the pressing issues surrounding data integration in the finance sector. Adam is Senior Director, Strategic Alliances at DataBlend, a finance-focused integration platform as a service.  Most of his career has been in technology companies serving the office of finance, in budgeting and forecasting, financial consolidation and reporting. His experiences with the data challenges facing the finance function led him to write The Business User’s Guide to Data Integration (available on Amazon Kindle), a guide designed to help non-technical people understand their options for data integration, questions to ask, things to think about – and ultimately feel confident that they can solve their data problems. In this episode, Adam brings his extensive expertise to the table, discussing the common challenges finance professionals face when it comes to integrating data across various platforms and tools. He sheds light on the necessity of a comprehensive approach to data integration, emphasizing how crucial it is for businesses to employ effective integration tools and platforms to streamline their operations. Adam and Kevin also explore the transformative benefits of automating manual data processing in accounting. They discuss how automation can lead to significant time savings and improved efficiency, allowing finance professionals to focus on more strategic tasks. Additionally, the conversation covers the critical aspects of understanding the costs and potential risks associated with custom integration solutions, alongside the imperative need for accuracy and transparency in integration flows. Key topics covered include: Data integration challenges in finance, particularly for accounting and reporting Automating manual accounting tasks to save time and reduce errors Automating data integration for timely reporting Custom vs. built-in integrations for software systems Integration flow best practices for data accuracy and synchronization Data integration challenges and strategies for business users Recommendation of Adam Rakich's book "The Business User's Guide to Data Integration" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqoi9NhVdZM Links Adam Rakich on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00 - 0:35 Introduction and background of Adam Rakich 0:35 - 1:30 Data integration challenges in finance 1:30 - 3:15 Automating manual accounting tasks 3:15 - 6:30 Automating data integration for timely reporting 6:30 - 11:00 Custom vs. built-in integrations 11:00 - 15:00 Integration flow best practices 15:00 - 20:00 Data integration challenges and strategies for business users 20:00 - 21:00 Recommendation of Adam Rakich's book "The Business User's Guide to Data Integration" 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

#196 The CFO Creating Culture in the Finance Function with Sam Divine https://open.spotify.com/episode/1PaK9XqCIqhS2zBH8bpuMq Sam Divine, Founder of GrowthXel, joins Kevin Appleby, to delve into the pivotal role of the CFO in shaping culture within the finance function. The conversation underscored the importance of treating everyone fairly and respectfully, a principle deeply ingrained in Divine’s philosophy due to his upbringing during the Liberian Civil War. Both Appleby and Divine shared personal experiences that highlighted the necessity of adapting to circumstances beyond one's control, emphasizing family, resilience, and adaptability as cornerstones of personal and professional development. Their discussion further explored how these formative experiences influence career choices and the significance of being in the right place at the right time. Divine and Appleby stressed the value of luck and the importance of connecting with employees to understand and improve organizational culture. They highlighted how creating a culture that encourages innovation and equality within finance departments can drive success, showcasing the CFO’s unique position to foster an environment that not only supports financial goals but also nurtures a fair and dynamic workplace. Key topics covered include: Sam discusses his early life in Monrovia, Liberia, and his experiences during the 1989 civil war. Highlights from Sam's book, "Battlegrounds to Boardroom," including key lessons on fairness and the non-reliance on material wealth. Sam's educational journey to the United States and his career at prestigious firms like Grant Thornton and EY. Overview of GrowthXel's consulting services, focusing on optimizing organizations and providing critical interim services for CFOs. Emphasis on the importance of culture within finance departments and how GrowthXel fosters strong connections and trust with clients. Strategies for CFOs to enhance team culture, stressing continuous process improvement and valuing every team member's contribution. Discussion on the evolving role of the CFO, comparing it to a Secretary of State, necessitating a broader skill set beyond traditional finance functions. The critical role of curiosity for CFOs, enabling them to ask insightful questions and drive business improvements. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIY0cb1toCY Links Sam Divine on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:0:11 - Introduction to GrowCFO and the host, Kevin Appleby. 0:1:00 - Introduction of guest Sam Divine, founder of GrowthXel. 0:1:13 - Sam Divine's backstory, growing up in Monrovia, Liberia, and experiencing the civil war. 0:3:09 - Discussion of Sam's book "Battlegrounds to Boardroom" and the life lessons learned during the civil war. 0:7:41 - Sam's transition to the United States for college and his early career. 0:12:53 - Sam's career choice to join Grant Thornton and his experiences there. 0:14:46 - Sam's move to Atlanta and his decision to join EY over Anderson. 0:16:28 - Overview of GrowthXel's consulting services for CFOs, including optimization and interim services. 0:24:40 - Discussion on the importance of culture in the finance department and how CFOs can foster a positive culture. 0:28:33 - Exploration of the evolving role of the new CFO and the importance of curiosity in the role. 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 To...

#195 How to Navigate Leadership with Catherine Clark, GrowCFO Mentor https://open.spotify.com/episode/08NTBddAgyn0WWqkJgKSy8 Catherine Clark, a seasoned GrowCFO mentor, joins Kevin Appleby to delve into the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership. They explore how self-awareness is the foundation upon which successful leaders build their careers. By understanding their own emotions and triggers, leaders can better manage their responses and interactions with others. Catherine and Kevin emphasize that adaptability in communication styles is essential for fostering an inclusive and productive work environment, enabling leaders to connect more effectively with their teams and stakeholders. The conversation also highlights the resilience required for leaders to navigate the inevitable challenges and setbacks they encounter. Catherine shares her experiences and strategies for maintaining composure and focus during turbulent times, underscoring the importance of aligning personal values and beliefs with the responsibilities of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). By staying true to their core principles, finance leaders can make decisions that are not only strategic but also ethical, thereby earning the trust and respect of their colleagues and subordinates. Key takeaways from this episode include the vital importance of self-awareness in leadership, the power of having a clear vision, and the impact of empowering others to achieve collective success. Catherine argues that effective CFOs and finance professionals should continuously develop these attributes to lead with confidence and authenticity. By doing so, they can inspire their teams, drive organizational growth, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. Key topics covered include: The difference between managers and leaders, and how finance professionals can develop leadership skills beyond just managing a team. The importance of self-awareness, understanding your values and beliefs, and choosing the right environment to thrive as a leader. Navigating organizational culture and the challenges of trying to change it as a leader. Developing leadership qualities like personal power, effective communication, and overcoming task overwhelm. The role of emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-care in leadership. Change management and adapting communication styles to different stakeholders. The value of making time for personal recovery and growth as a leader. https://youtu.be/G7_QdVCvyrc Links Catherine Clark on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:11 - Introduction and discussion of the difference between managers and leaders 0:01:24 - Importance of self-awareness and choosing the right environment to lead 0:02:27 - Navigating organizational culture and the challenges of changing it 0:03:52 - Developing leadership qualities like personal power and communication 0:07:09 - The role of emotional intelligence and resilience in leadership 0:13:32 - Overcoming task overwhelm and delegating as a leader 0:16:41 - Additional characteristics of great leaders 0:24:36 - The importance of resilience and personal recovery for leaders 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

#194 How Mozilla turns a profit and protects privacy with Eric Muhlheim https://open.spotify.com/episode/49z24QIGonruC0zt4g1lhC In this podcast episode, Eric Muhlheim, CFO, Mozilla, joins Kevin Appleby to provide a wealth of insights about the significance of being a thought partner to leadership, a role that transcends traditional financial oversight to actively shape strategic decisions. Their conversation shed light on navigating the journey to the CFO role, highlighting the crucial interplay between finance and accounting. They underscored the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between profitability and sustainability, particularly in multi-product companies where diverse revenue streams must be managed cohesively. A focal point of their discussion was the value of storytelling in the CFO role. Appleby and Muhlheim emphasized how effective communication and a holistic perspective are key to articulating financial strategies and fostering alignment within the organization. They explored how a CFO must not only crunch numbers but also weave compelling narratives that resonate with various stakeholders, ensuring that financial goals support the broader mission and values of the company. This approach helps in building trust and driving informed decision-making across all levels of the business. Furthermore, the conversation highlighted Mozilla's unique business model, with a specific emphasis on open source AI and the transparency required in AI development. Muhlheim discussed how Mozilla's commitment to openness and ethical practices in technology sets it apart in the industry. He emphasized the importance of transparency, not just as a corporate value, but as a fundamental principle in developing trustworthy AI solutions. By advocating for open source AI, Mozilla aims to foster innovation while ensuring accountability, thus contributing to a more equitable and transparent technological future. Key topics covered include: Eric's career path from Disney to Mozilla as CFO, highlighting his entrepreneurial experiences and technology focus. Mozilla's unique business model as a hybrid of a for-profit and nonprofit company, relying on partnerships and search revenue to fund its mission of keeping the internet free and open. Mozilla's strategies for revenue diversification, including privacy-preserving advertising, affiliate marketing, and direct-to-consumer products like VPNs and privacy tools. Eric's approach to budgeting, cost management, and financial decision-making at Mozilla, balancing sustainability and profitability with the company's nonprofit mission. Mozilla's focus on open-source AI development to ensure transparency and accountability, and the potential risks of AI being trusted too much. Eric's personal interests, including home brewing beer, and the parallels between his CFO role and his hobbies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0Apku1v0QQ Links Eric Muhlheim on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:10 - Introduction of Eric Muhlheim, CFO of Mozilla 0:00:40 - Eric Muhlheim's career path from Morgan Stanley to Disney and beyond 0:06:17 - Explanation of Mozilla's business model and revenue sources 0:09:02 - Mozilla's strategies for revenue diversification 0:12:11 - Mozilla's focus on privacy and security features in Firefox 0:14:50 - Eric Muhlheim's approach to budgeting and cost management at Mozilla 0:20:06 - Mozilla's strategies for emerging technologies like AI 0:25:44 - Eric Muhlheim's financial goals and priorities for the next 3-5 years 0:29:09 - Eric Muhlheim's personal hobbies and interests 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,

#193 Navigating My First Fundraise as Group CFO with Vineta Bajaj https://open.spotify.com/episode/11eo7ZWSRIHL77o1p1kWtX In this episode, we are honored to have Vineta Bajaj, the Group CFO of Rohlik Group and former executive at Ocado, as our guest. Vineta opens up about her personal and professional experiences across diverse environments, stressing the importance of owning one's space and maintaining authenticity. Her insights are not only inspiring but also provide practical advice for navigating the complexities of leadership in today's fast-paced business landscape. Kevin enriches the dialogue by addressing the unconscious biases and challenges that female founders often encounter in fundraising and business operations. Kevin underscores the significance of personal development mentors like Michael Hipple, who play a crucial role in helping leaders transform challenges into opportunities. This discussion sheds light on the unique obstacles faced by women in the entrepreneurial world and offers valuable perspectives on overcoming these barriers through self-awareness and strategic thinking. In the latter part of the episode, Vineta and Kevin pivot to the specific challenges associated with sustainable growth in the competitive online grocery market. They explore the demanding responsibilities of a CFO, particularly in formulating effective communication strategies with investors during fundraising efforts. Their combined expertise provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of balancing sustainable growth with the intricate demands of financial leadership. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to gain deeper insights into the multifaceted role of a CFO and the evolving dynamics of the online grocery industry. Key topics covered include: Vineta Bajaj's career journey from KPMG to becoming the Group CFO of Rohlik Group, an online grocery company in Europe The challenges of fundraising for an online grocery business in a difficult market, including Vineta's personal struggles with preparing for the fundraise Tips for identifying and selecting the right investors for a growing business The financial restructuring challenges faced by businesses in the current environment, and the importance of emotional detachment in decision-making Vineta's passion for empowering female founders and overcoming biases in the business world https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyBHBGqNa7s Links Vineta Bajaj on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:10 - Introduction by Kevin Appleby, highlighting GrowCFO as a platform for finance leaders. 0:40 - Vineta Bajaj expresses gratitude for being invited to the podcast. 0:46 - Vineta shares her professional background starting from her accounting degree to her experience at KPMG. 1:14 - Discusses various roles and accomplishments at Kerry Group and subsequent career transitions. 2:12 - Vineta highlights her move to the UK, joining the company Catelogue, and her journey leading to becoming Group CFO at Rohlik Group 3:39 - She elaborates on challenges faced in the current market and how their company has managed growth. 5:38 - Describes personal and professional challenges during the fundraising process. 8:26 - Talks about preparing for meetings with investors, focusing on understanding key business metrics. 10:07 - Discusses balancing precision with the broader financial picture when dealing with investors. 11:22 - Reflects on leveraging her team more effectively during the fundraising process. 13:10 - Shares strategies for identifying and selecting the right investors with the help of external financial advisors. 15:30 - Addresses the current difficult market conditions and consolidation within the industry. 18:09 - Discusses the importance of emotional detachment when making restructuring decisions. 21:03 - Vineta reveals her passion for mentoring ...

#192 Is Confidence Overrated? with Susana Serrano Davey https://open.spotify.com/episode/3AhymCRjlMx44VZFkFNdUu In this latest episode, Kevin Appleby is joined by Susana Serrano-Davey, a renowned speaker and expert in personal development, to delve into the pervasive issue of confidence challenges that many individuals face in both personal and professional settings. This episode is particularly insightful as it addresses the unique hurdles that women often encounter regarding confidence. Susana brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, offering practical strategies to combat symptoms of low confidence, such as self-doubt and negative self-talk. She emphasizes the critical role that body language, voice modulation, and choice of words play in projecting confidence and credibility, especially in virtual communication environments which are becoming increasingly prevalent. Throughout their discussion, Kevin and Susana share actionable tips for improving one's virtual communication skills. They highlight the significance of maintaining eye contact, even through a camera, and using appropriate gestures to reinforce messages. Additionally, they discuss techniques for recomposing emails to ensure they convey confidence and professionalism. Key topics covered include: Confidence challenges, particularly among women in the workplace Susana Serrano-Davey's personal experiences with lacking confidence and overcoming it Strategies for dealing with moments of low confidence, such as addressing negative self-talk and body language Improving confidence in virtual meetings through preparation and self-reflection Building confidence and self-awareness through tools like journaling and strengths-based assessments The importance of self-acceptance and a balanced self-assessment in overcoming confidence challenges https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrfgot--il4&t=15s Links Susana Serrano-Davey on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00 - 0:11: Introduction to GrowCFO 0:11 - 0:41: Welcome and introduction of Susanna Serrano-Davey 0:41 - 2:21: Susanna's personal example about confidence 2:21 - 3:29: Discussion on the perception of confidence 3:29 - 4:57: Confidence challenges in both men and women 4:57 - 7:28: Dealing with lack of confidence and being brave 7:28 - 8:06: Mention of Katherine Clark and "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" 8:06 - 9:07: Symptoms of lack of confidence 9:07 - 11:01: Language and body language as symptoms 11:01 - 12:19: Addressing symptoms through body language and voice 12:19 - 13:26: Online meetings and confidence tips 13:26 - 14:52: Using podcasting to improve speaking confidence 14:52 - 15:56: Preparation and improvisation 15:56 - 17:08: Neuroplasticity and positive thinking 17:08 - 19:00: Personal reflection and balanced confidence 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

#191 Rebuilding value after an administration with Oliver Lee https://open.spotify.com/episode/4kj5iP83OcB12YfnrfDHqh Oliver Lee, the CFO at Flash Pack, sits down with Kevin Appleby to discuss his career journey and the challenges of leading a travel start-up through the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion begins with Oliver's background in public accounting and a previous start-up role that did not unfold as planned. Oliver recounts Flash Pack's impressive growth trajectory prior to the pandemic, scaling from inception to over $20 million in revenue within a few years. However, the onset of COVID-19 necessitated a shift to "survival mode," entailing cost reductions and staff furloughs as bookings plummeted. The company ultimately entered administration in 2020, but the founders managed to repurchase the assets and relaunch the business in late 2021. The conversation highlights the strategies employed by Oliver and his team to rebuild Flash Pack, with an emphasis on maintaining strong supplier relationships through transparency and communication. This approach successfully re-engaged 95% of their suppliers post-administration. Oliver underscores the critical importance of securing funding, noting that an institutional investor's capital injection was essential for the company's relaunch and growth. The management team's proven track record and reputation were pivotal in attracting this investment despite the challenges faced. As the business transitioned from "wartime CFO" to a growth-focused "peacetime" strategy, Oliver discusses overcoming excessive risk aversion and embracing calculated risks to propel the company forward. Looking ahead, the episode explores substantial expansion opportunities, particularly in the US market, while addressing the scaling challenges such as investing in talent and building the necessary organizational structure to support growth. Key topics covered include: Oliver Lee's career progression and challenges in the start-up world, including his experience as CFO at Flash Pack. How Flash Pack, a solo travel company, adapted to market changes and survived the COVID-19 crisis. The strategies used to rebuild the business after going into administration, with a focus on maintaining supplier relationships. The importance of funding, management team reputation, and calculated risk-taking in driving growth for a start-up. The transition from "wartime CFO" to "peacetime CFO" and the mindset shift required to focus on growth strategies. Opportunities for expansion, particularly in the US market, and the scaling challenges faced by the business. The role of people and talent management in driving the company's growth and success. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rZ99mND7fc Links Oliver Lee on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:11 - Introduction of Kevin Appleby and Oliver Lee 0:00:36 - Oliver Lee's background and career history 0:01:32 - Oliver Lee's role at Flash Pack and the impact of COVID-19 0:03:02 - Description of Flash Pack's business model and target market 0:05:12 - Challenges faced by the business during the COVID-19 pandemic 0:09:01 - The process of buying back the assets of the business after administration 0:11:43 - Rebuilding the business and relaunching in November 2021 0:14:10 - Securing funding for the relaunch and growth 0:17:51 - Transitioning from "wartime CFO" to "peacetime CFO" and the mindset shift 0:24:50 - Strategies for growth and expansion, particularly in the US market 0:32:35 - Lessons learned about people and talent management 0:35:38 - Oliver Lee's vision for the future and scaling the business 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.

#190 Developing the next generation of leaders with Dan Silberberg https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ja9iPmnDeQpkhwe4YHNXD?si=GfH_5NNjRSmJFa3cBzQ_4Q Leadership development is crucial in today's rapidly changing business landscape. Guest speaker Dan Silberberg, CEO and Founder of ENTELECHY.Al, a premier provider of customized leadership development programs, joined host Kevin Appleby for the discussion. Silberberg, a highly experienced executive with a proven track record of transforming operations across multiple industries, outlined the evolving demands placed on leadership. They noted the shift from the hierarchical structures prevalent in the 20th century workplace to today's emphasis on adaptability and holistic strategic thinking. They stressed the importance for executives to thoroughly understand their strengths, leadership style, and potential areas for growth through self-reflection. This allows individuals to maximize performance and overcome challenges. Innovative approaches to stimulate organizational development were also presented. They explored how entering new product categories can drive growth in consumer industries. Artificial intelligence was framed as a competitive differentiator when integrated into core functions like decision-making, productivity enhancement, and risk management. Younger, growth-oriented companies were advised by Silberberg to experiment through prudent risk-taking to sustain innovation momentum. With technological change accelerating rapidly, they emphasized the value executives place on questioning assumptions with an open mindset. The role of the CFO in prioritizing AI initiatives and collaborating across organizations for staff training was also a prominent topic. Key topics covered include: Differences between 20th century and 21st century leadership, with a focus on developing adaptability and holistic thinking.  Challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing world, and the importance of relationships over hierarchy.  Personal growth and leadership development through self-awareness and storytelling.  Unleashing personal genius and innovating to drive business growth.  Leveraging AI for competitive advantage, and how CFOs can prioritize AI adoption for decision making, productivity, and risk mitigation.  Thinking differently and embracing failure to stay innovative, especially for faster-growing companies.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0PUYH7z9gA Links Dan Silberberg on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:11 Introduction 0:00:40 Speaker 1 introduces themselves 0:02:39 Discussion on 20th century vs 21st century leadership   0:10:21 Discussion on different leadership styles 0:11:00 Attributes of a next generation leader 0:13:19 Unleashing personal genius and identity 0:17:32 Identifying and using personal genius 0:21:00 Example of innovating in consumer products industry 0:23:52 Leveraging AI for competitive advantage 0:28:05 Adopting AI and challenges of keeping up with innovation 0:32:55 Importance of thinking differently 0:33:30 Summary and closing remarks Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favourite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Google Podcasts, 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 centre and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enrol in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programmes here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net