
The Adam Shilton Podcast
Hello, my name’s Adam Shilton, I’m a Founder, Technologist & TEDx Speaker and I’m obsessed with answering the question “How can we become irreplaceable in the Age of AI?”. Join me as we support you on your journey to becoming more prosperous, more purposeful, and more profitable. Please like and subscribe.
Extra Goodies?
- Sign up for 'Programmed for Profit' for free at https://newsletter.adamshilton.com/subscribe
- Find out more at https://www.adamshilton.com
Latest episodes

May 17, 2024 • 1h 4min
Global Finance Summit Keynote - AI & Machine Learning in Finance: Transformative Applications
Watch the video of this presentation here.In this special episode, I present my keynote from the Grow CFO Global Finance Summit, exploring the now and future of AI and machine learning in finance. I the importance of pattern recognition, the role of generative AI, and practical use cases like spend and revenue analysis and outlier detection. Learn how tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are reshaping financial management. Tune in for expert predictions, tips on improving your AI skills, and insights into deploying AI for enhanced financial operations and decision-making.
------ SHOW NOTES ------
- Check out GrowCFO here.- Download the presentation transcript and slides here- See the Google Colab code I used to run the models and predictions here.- Check out LABS.GENERATIVEAI here.
------ CHAPTERS ------
(00:00:00) - Introduction.(00:01:18) - Welcome and Summit Overview.(00:02:12) - AI Predictions and Partners.(00:03:32) - AI and Machine Learning in Finance.(00:04:41) - Poll and AI Impact.(00:07:07) - Session Overview.(00:07:32) - AI Tools and Techniques.(00:08:26) - Personal AI Journey.(00:10:33) - AI vs. Automation.(00:14:28) - Machine Learning in Finance.(00:17:11) - Training Data and Bias.(00:19:12) - Outlier Detection.(00:22:10) - Predictive Analytics.(00:23:09) - Experimentation with AI Models.(00:26:16) - Spend Forecast Case Study.(00:29:30) - Revenue Forecast Case Study.(00:34:38) - Generative AI.(00:39:49) - Building Bots with AI.(00:45:06) - AI Labs in Excel.(00:53:20) - General AI Tools.(00:56:27) - Future Predictions.(01:00:05) - Conclusion and Contact.(01:01:12) - Q&A Session.
For more goodies, check out www.techforfinance.com

May 1, 2024 • 1h 21min
Power Automate: Turn Manual to Magnificent and Create Massive Value - Damien Bird | Ep.072
In this insightful episode, Adam welcomes Damien Bird, the Microsoft Cloud Architect and Power Automate Guru with over 10,000 YouTube followers. They dive deep into the world of Power Platform, demystifying the terminology and exploring the vast possibilities of Power Automate. From personal productivity hacks to enterprise-level automation, Damien shares his expertise on leveraging this powerful tool. He also provides valuable insights into the integration of AI and generative models like Copilot Studio. Get ready to unlock new levels of efficiency and streamline your workflows!
------ SHOW NOTES ------
Watch Damien’s YouTube Videos – https://www.youtube.com/c/DamoBird365
Connect with Damien - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damobird365/
Check out Tech for Finance – www.techforfinance.com
------ CHAPTERS ------
(00:00:00) - Intro and welcome to Tech for Finance podcast (00:00:34) - Introducing guest Damien Bird, Microsoft Cloud Architect (00:02:09) - Explaining Microsoft Power Platform terminology (00:05:12) - Getting started with Power Automate for personal productivity (00:10:48) - Discussion on Microsoft Copilot Studio and generative AI (00:19:18) - Examples of automating processes with Power Automate (00:25:58) - Suggestions for low-hanging fruit and quick wins with Power Automate (00:34:21) - Exploring Power Automate Desktop for personal productivity (00:38:06) - How to get started with Power Automate (00:44:13) - Using Process Advisor for process mining and automation opportunities (00:52:01) - Changing data formats and generating documents with Power Automate (01:00:26) - Keeping up with updates and changes in Power Platform (01:08:24) - Damien's favorite app: YouTube Studio (01:12:07) - Exploring AI apps and tools like Poe and Metaculus (01:20:22) - Closing comments and where to find Damien online

Apr 23, 2024 • 1h 3min
AI Overwhelm: How to Keep Up in the Age of Furious Change - Dave Hartley | Ep.071
Listen to Dave Hartley, a technologist turned CPA, discuss navigating the AI revolution and the challenges of change management. He explores the generational gap in technology adoption, the impact of AI on the workforce, and the importance of governance. Find out how to balance innovation with security and accuracy in the age of rapid technological change.

Apr 16, 2024 • 1h 15min
Accounting Meets Art: How to Use Visuals as the Ultimate Productivity Tool - Mike Manalac | Ep.070
Mike Manalac, an illustrator and accounting manager at Google, shares his unique approach to integrating visuals into the finance world. He discusses how drawing can enhance collaboration and problem-solving, transforming traditional practices. The conversation dives into the future of work amidst hybrid environments, highlighting the power of technology and creativity. Mike also offers valuable insights from his book "No Flux Given" and advice for aspiring accountants, showcasing the evolving role of creativity in a tech-driven industry.

7 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 13min
Automating Excel: Demystifying VBA, Office Script, Power Query & Python - Mark Proctor | Ep.069
Join Microsoft MVP Mark Proctor as he discusses the resurgence of VBA with AI, Unix philosophy for scalable automation, and the power of Power Query in data transformation. Gain valuable insights to streamline processes in finance and technology.

5 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 42min
Projection vs Reality: Avoid These Financial Modelling Mistakes - Danielle Stein Fairhurst | Ep.068
Renowned Microsoft MVP, Danielle Stein Fairhurst, shares insights on financial modeling, emphasizing the distinction between models and reality. Topics include common modeling mistakes, dangers of AI reliance, importance of visuals, and managing model data effectively.

Mar 15, 2024 • 14min
How to Select an AI Chat Tool - Is ChatGPT Still the Best? [6-Step Framework] | Ep.067
In the ever-evolving world of AI chat tools, finding the right solution can be a daunting task. Fear not, as we present a comprehensive 6-step framework to help you navigate the sea of options. From budget constraints to security protocols, internet access needs, file management capabilities, data analysis requirements, and bot-building aspirations, we've got you covered.
We dive deep into the offerings of industry giants like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, and Mistral, dissecting their free and paid AI chat tools. But the burning question remains: Is ChatGPT still the best? Join us as we explore the pros and cons of each tool, providing expert insights and pro tips to guide your decision-making process. Stay ahead of the curve and make an informed choice that aligns with your specific needs.
- (00:01:32) - Step 1: Budget considerations for AI chat tools
- (00:02:17) - Step 2: Security protocols and data protection
- (00:03:36) - Step 3: Internet access capabilities of AI chat tools
- (00:05:38) - Step 4: File management and multi-modal capabilities
- (00:06:50) - Step 5: Data analysis and visualization capabilities
- (00:07:52) - Step 6: Bot-building and customization options
- (00:09:13) - Example use case: CFO reviewing contracts
- (00:10:06) - Example use case: Controller analyzing spend
- (00:10:27) - Example use case: Finance business partner meetings
- (00:11:22) - Bonus free AI chat tool recommendations
- (00:13:24) - Determining if ChatGPT is still the best option
For more goodies, head over to www.techforfinance.com

Mar 13, 2024 • 38min
How to Fix a Broken Spend Culture: The Future of AP Automation - Howard Katzenberg | EP.066
Howard Katzenberg, Founder and CEO of Glean AI, shares insights on building financial visibility, empowering employees to make better spending decisions, and understanding unit economics. Topics include marketing to different buyer personas, negotiating with vendors, generative AI, automating accounts payable, benchmarking supplier pricing, onboarding customers, and leveraging AI technology for finance.

Mar 6, 2024 • 51min
Beyond Benchmarks: Will Whizzy Tech Make You a Better Finance Team? - It's Not All About the Numbers | Ep.065
In this episode of "It's Not About the Numbers," hosts Chris and Mike, along with special co-host Adam Shilton, a trailblazer in AI finance, dive deep into the role of technology in enhancing finance team efficiency, regardless of their size or budget. The discussion spans the value of benchmarking tech use in finance, the impact of automation and advanced tools, and personal anecdotes from the hosts' lives, reflecting on changes and the pace of technological adoption. The episode uniquely blends professional insights with personal stories, emphasizing the importance of technology in finance without losing sight of the human elements.
------SHOW NOTES------
Subscribe to 'It's not all about the numbers' - https://open.spotify.com/show/4znaA5D1A3eXXxXd5PTaV1
------CHAPTERS------
(00:01:48) - Sharing what's happening in AI news
(00:03:09) - Adam detailing his background
(00:07:26) - Recapping busy weeks and AI developments
(00:08:41) - Comparing AI models Gemini and ChatGPT
(00:12:28) - Explaining Microsoft's Copilot AI offering
(00:17:15) - Adam explaining his fear of advanced AI
(00:21:38) - Tracing Adam's early interest in technology
(00:25:41) - Visualizing Adam's work as an AI producer
(00:28:03) - Asking how Adam developed communication skills
(00:31:46) - Recalling a pivotal public speaking experience
(00:34:37) - Answering a question on benchmarking tech maturity
(00:42:32) - Sharing good and bad data
(00:49:55) - Providing links to connect with Adam
P.S - Don’t forget to head over to www.techforfinance.com and sign up to Framework Friday for 1 actionable tech framework you can use to stay ahead of the game.

Mar 4, 2024 • 11min
A Framework for Deploying Python in Finance 3 Steps | Ep.064
Exploring a 3-step framework for deploying Python in finance, focusing on libraries, applications, and workflows. Pro tips include using AI prompts for library suggestions and online platforms like Jupyter notebooks. Discussion on practical applications beyond algorithmic trading and the power of integrating Python with tools like Zapier.