The Adam Shilton Podcast

Episode 033: Join us as we engage with Dr Liren Edelist, a strategic executive leader with over 20 years of experience in Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) and Customer Performance Management (CPM). We navigate the intriguing realm of EPM and CPM, exploring how these strategies can provide valuable insights to CEOs and management teams. Dr. Edelist shares insightful examples and draws from his experience as a successful startup founder, discussing the critical role of FB and A professionals in his company. This episode offers an exciting exploration of how EPM and CPM can assist businesses in optimizing their processes, creating value, and generating more revenue. Dr. Edelist stresses the importance of aligning technology with the goals of EPM, and provides a nuanced understanding of customer success. Listen in as we discuss the significance of understanding the scope of EPM required for an organization, and how a full EPM transformation can be implemented with a combination of tools. Furthermore, we discuss the role of technology in increasing productivity and its potential to bridge the gap between expectations and reality. We discuss the potential of AI in revolutionizing the way we approach projects and analyze data, particularly in the financial sector. We also touch upon cost structures for software projects, and how a generic costing framework can be created by coupling CMMI and PMB. Lastly, we chat about Dr. Edelist's LinkedIn and publications, emphasizing the importance of connection and open conversations. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Exploring EPM and CPM Approaches (0:03:54) - Enterprise Performance Management and Customer Success (0:15:24) - Tech Transformation and Business Challenges (0:24:57) - Using Technology to Increase Productivity (0:35:26) - Analyzing Cost Structures for Software Projects (0:44:16) - AI's Future Impact on Financial Relationships (0:57:50) - LinkedIn and Publications

Episode 032: Where we learn from Roi Ben Daniel, founder and CEO of Received. Listen in as Roi walks us through his journey from being a platoon commander in the Israeli Defense Forces to becoming the founder of Received, a platform designed to help finance teams tackle complex billing challenges. He explains the need for a fresh wave of CFO solutions and how the landscape of CFO technology is evolving, especially when considering the different processes required for B2B, B2C, and marketplace businesses. He also points out how payments remain an unfulfilled prophecy in B2B and how unlocking value lies in process and spend management. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of financial systems and the complexities involved in choosing the right one. Roi and I debate the tension between point solutions and fully integrated ERPs, stressing the need for CFOs to not only purge unnecessary SaaS systems but also invest in solutions that meet their specific needs. We also discuss the importance of moving beyond entry-level systems like QuickBooks and the psychological aspects involved in system choice. Towards the end of our discussion, we focus on the advantages of having an ERP system and how a company's operations can dictate the choice of system. Roi shares his insights on the importance of value-based pricing and how customer centricity is key. We also touch on the evolving metrics that CFOs are focusing on, the battle between SaaS and usage pricing, and the pressures they face from investors and customers. Don't miss out as we round off with an interesting chat on the role of referrals in tech marketing and the need for businesses to create so much value that they become the only option for like-minded companies. --------- SHOW NOTES --------- *Where to find Roi* - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roibendaniel/ --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - CFO Solutions and Finance Software Evolution (0:12:43) - The Evolving Landscape of CFO Technology (0:25:43) - Choosing Financial Systems for CFOs (0:32:57) - ERP Systems and Business Revenue (0:47:14) - The Importance of Value-Based Pricing (0:52:06) - CFOs in a Down Market (1:02:43) - Consolidation and Referrals in Tech Marketing 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter + More Goodies @ https://linktr.ee/adamshiltontech

Join us as we sit down with Julio Martinez, co-founder and CEO of Abacum, to discuss his journey from banking to tech entrepreneurship, and how he built strategic finance teams in tech. Julio offers fascinating insights into his move to the US with his family to co-found Abacum, a company providing FD&A tools for better revenue forecasting and cost control. His inspiring story serves as a great example of making big moves and understanding local markets while attracting talent. Listen in as we continue the discussion with Julio on the role of group dynamics in business tech stack understanding and accountability. He stresses the importance of verbally committing to tasks and the pivotal role this plays in ensuring follow-through. The conversation also takes us through the role of finance teams in organizations, the limitations of spreadsheets, and how the FT&A category can help mid-market organizations transition from spreadsheets without lengthy implementation periods. Finally, we explore the significant role of automation and AI in finance. Julio emphasizes the need to understand the tech maturity of a business before making major changes and paints a vision of future finance teams that can access and analyze data at the click of a button. He also shares his insights into the security aspects when working with sensitive data, the advantages of Abacum's multi-dimensional modelling engine, and even his personal experiences with sleep improvement. Don't miss this enlightening episode! --------- SHOW NOTES --------- *Where to find Julio* - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejuliomartinez/ *Tools Mentioned* - Abacum (https://www.abacum.io/) - NetSuite (https://www.netsuite.com/) - QuickBooks (https://quickbooks.intuit.com/) - Xero (https://www.xero.com/) - Salesforce (https://www.salesforce.com/) - Looker (https://www.google.com/analytics/data-studio/) - Tableau (https://www.tableau.com/) - Redshift (https://aws.amazon.com/redshift/) - Snowflake (https://www.snowflake.com/) - Slack (https://slack.com/) - Notion (https://www.notion.so/) - Spotify (https://www.spotify.com/) - Upwork (https://www.upwork.com/) - Power BI (https://powerbi.microsoft.com/) - Riverside (https://riverside.fm/) - Podium (https://www.podium.page/) - Perplexity (https://www.perplexity.ai/) - OpenAI (https://openai.com/) - Anthropic (https://www.anthropic.com/) - Notion AI (https://www.notion.ai/) --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Build Strategic Finance Teams in Tech (0:16:02) - Group Dynamics (0:21:12) - Finance Teams' Expanded Role in Organization (0:34:45) - The Importance of Automation in Finance (0:47:25) - AI in Financial Analysis and Data (0:55:53) - Multi-Dimensional Modelling Engine and Sleep Improvement 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter + More Goodies @ https://linktr.ee/adamshiltontech

Originally released on the 'Beanies in a Pod' Podcast - Subscribe here - https://beaniesinapod.buzzsprout.com/ Join us on a thrilling exploration of AI's role in the future, with special guest, financial powerhouse Adam Shilton. Together, we tackle the complexities of AI anxiety, the innovative uses of GPT, and the fast-paced development of AI applications. With Adam’s insights, we examine how AI applications are not quite at the level of general intelligence yet, but they still hold vast potential to revolutionize the world. Be prepared for a lively discussion on chat GPT, how it has been hacked, and how companies like PodiumPage are utilizing pre-programmed AI models. As we navigate through the exciting world of AI, we discuss the challenges and implications of using AI Chatbots, the importance of data policies, and the concerns over security, privacy, and confidentiality. Listen in as we analyze the impact of AI on presentations and communication, the potential for bias, and the current limitations of AI applications. Adam shares his unique experience of using AI to produce a presentation and the implications it has on the workplace. Wrapping up our journey, we leave you with practical tips for automation in accounting, and the benefits of using tools like spreadsheets and chat GPTs. Don’t miss out on our thrilling trivia game against AI and find out how bookkeepers and accountants can leverage AI to become more productive and efficient. Stay tuned till the end as we share a light-hearted discussion on the potential risks and rewards of late-night snacking. Join us for this captivating episode where we transform your understanding of AI. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - AI Anxiety and Use of GPT (0:14:58) - Exploring the Future of AI Engagement (0:22:31) - Challenges and Considerations for AI Chatbots (0:27:06) - AI's Impact and Presentation Limitations (0:39:04) - AI in Communication (0:51:59) - Practical Tips for Automation in Accounting (1:00:00) - LinkedIn, ChatGPT, and Trivia Game Discussion (1:15:59) - Snack Attack Podcast Wrap-Up

Episode - 029: Where we learn from Em Daigle about the transformative power of automation in finance, how she moved away from just running the numbers to building strategic partnerships, the telltale signs that your business might need to consider automation more seriously, and the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on traditional tools like Excel. Em and Adam delve into the complexities of revenue recognition, the importance of data visibility, and the exciting possibilities of AI in the finance sector. They also explore the challenges and opportunities that come with evolving business models and the increasing volume of data. Importantly, they discuss the shift in finance's role from "just running the numbers" to becoming strategic business partners, leveraging data and technology to drive key business decisions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of finance, the role of technology in driving efficiency, and the strategic decisions that can propel a business forward. Tune in to uncover how you can leverage these insights in your own journey and elevate the role of finance in your organization. SHOW NOTES *Where to find Em: - Find her on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emdaigle/ *Tools mentioned: - Zuora Revenue: Audit proof revenue recognition for any business model - https://www.zuora.com/products/revenue/ - NetSuite: Modular ERP system: https://www.netsuite.com/ - NetSuite ARM (Advanced Revenue Management): A module of NetSuite that automates revenue forecasting - https://www.netsuite.co.uk/portal/uk/products/erp/financial-management/revenue-management.shtml - Alexa: Amazon's virtual assistant AI technology - https://www.amazon.com/alexa/ - Xembly: An AU tool that integrates with Slack and helps with task management - https://xembly.com/ - Slack: A channel-based messaging platform - https://slack.com/ - Causal: A tool that helps you build models effortlessly - https://www.causal.app/ *People mentioned: - Taimur Abdaal: CEO at Causal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taimurabdaal/ - Glenn Hopper: CFO, Author & AI expert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii/ 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter + More Goodies @ https://linktr.ee/adamshiltontech

Episode 028: Where we learn from Christian Wattig, why PowerPoint isn't always the right choice, his insights on financial planning and analysis, his passion for teaching, his transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship and his thoughts on how to speed up month-end close. Christian's unique approach to teaching FP&A skills to finance and accounting professionals, his innovative course design, and his commitment to making learning an engaging experience have made him a sought-after figure in the industry. His story is a testament to the power of taking risks and following your passion. Join us as we explore Christian's journey, his insights on the importance of forward-looking financial planning, and his views on the role of technology in finance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to level up their finance skills or considering a leap into entrepreneurship. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field! 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter + More Goodies @ https://linktr.ee/adamshiltontech *SHOW NOTES* Where to find Christian: - Find him on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-wattig - Sign up for his Tuesday Newsletter here - https://www.fpaprep.com/ Tools mentioned 1. PowerPoint - Mentioned as a tool often used for presentations, but which Christian and Jeff Bezos believe can lead to less thoughtful communication. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/powerpoint 2. Microsoft Teams - Mentioned as a tool that can be used for scheduling reminders. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software 3. Slack - Mentioned as a potential alternative to Microsoft Teams. https://slack.com/ 4. Chat GPT - Mentioned in relation to AI-generated emails. https://chat.openai.com/chat 5. Notion - A productivity tool that Christian uses. https://www.notion.so People Mentioned 1. Jeff Bezos - Founder of Amazon, mentioned in relation to his belief in the power of one-pagers over PowerPoint presentations. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Bezos Companies Mentioned 1. Procter and Gamble - A Fortune 500 company where Christian started his career. https://www.pg.com/ 2. Unilever - Another Fortune 500 company where Christian worked. https://www.unilever.com/ 3. Squarespace - A company where Christian worked before starting his own education company. https://www.squarespace.com/ 4. Amazon - Mentioned in relation to its one-pager culture. https://www.amazon.com/ 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter + More Goodies @ https://linktr.ee/adamshiltontech

Episode - 027: Where we learn from Abhijeet Sarkar, the CEO of Types Sift, about the transformative power of data in the world of business. In this insightful conversation, Abhijeet shares his journey from breaking into the industry with Arc'teryx Equipment to creating Types Sift, a tool that revolutionizes how businesses interact with data. Abhijeet delves into the evolution of data storage and access, highlighting the shift from pre-aggregated cubes to the more dynamic, bottom-up aggregations enabled by cheaper RAM. He also shares compelling examples of how digital transformation can lead to exponential ROI, with businesses scaling their customer base and improving reporting cadence by moving off spreadsheets. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in data analytics, digital transformation, and the future of business intelligence. Tune in to discover how to distinguish useful data from noise and make your data actionable. Don't miss out on these valuable insights from a leader in the field! *SHOW NOTES* Where to find Abhijeet - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhijeet-sarkar-cfa/ - Typesift - https://www.typesift.com/ Tools Mentioned - Notion - https://www.notion.so/ - 8020 Curve - https://www.8020curve.com/ Chapters - [00:00:00] Introduction and background of Abhijeet Sarkar, CEO at Types Sift, and the genesis of Types Sift - [00:12:51] Discussion on the evolution of data storage and access, from cubes to data flattening - [00:37:26] Explanation of the concept of digital transformation and its irreversible nature - [00:54:53] Talk on identifying low-value activities and automating or streamlining them - [01:07:38] Closing remarks and where to find more about Abhijeet and Types Sift 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter + More Goodies @ https://linktr.ee/adamshiltontech

Episode - 026: Where we learn from Tejas Parikh, a seasoned finance consultant and transformation specialist, about the art of finance transformation and the power of effective planning. Tejas, with his unique approach akin to a doctor, identifies the pain points in finance operations with a view to stop teams from killing time on non-value adding tasks. Drawing from his experiences at companies like GE Healthcare, Vodafone, Vanquis, Currys, Unilever, and Yo Sushi, he shares insights on the importance of preparation in forecasting cycles, the role of tools like Power BI in his work, and the need to minimize disruption to operations for finance requirements. In this engaging conversation, Tejas introduces us to the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework, a powerful tool for storytelling in the finance world. He uses this framework to explain how he transformed complex budgeting processes into smooth, efficient operations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in finance transformation, business intelligence, and the intersection of finance and technology. Tune in to learn from Tejas's experiences and gain valuable insights into the world of finance transformation. ## Show Notes Where to find Tejas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasparikh/ Resources Mentioned 1. Power BI: A business analytics tool by Microsoft that provides interactive visualizations and business intelligence capabilities. URL: **[www.powerbi.microsoft.com](http://www.powerbi.microsoft.com/)** 2. Anaplan: A cloud-based planning software for finance, sales, and supply chain operations. URL: **[www.anaplan.com](http://www.anaplan.com/)** 3. Access Database: A database management system from Microsoft that combines the relational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a graphical user interface and software-development tools. URL: **[www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/access](http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/access)** 4. Pivot Tables: A data summarization tool used in spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel. URL: [support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-pivottable-to-analyze-worksheet-data-a9a84538-bfe9-40a9-a8e9-f99134456576](http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-pivottable-to-analyze-worksheet-data-a9a84538-bfe9-40a9-a8e9-f99134456576) 5. WhatsApp: A popular messaging app used for personal and professional communication. URL: **[www.whatsapp.com](http://www.whatsapp.com/)** 6. Gartner Peer Community: A platform for like-minded professionals to connect, share ideas, and learn from industry leaders. URL: **[www.gartner.com/en/peer-insights](http://www.gartner.com/en/peer-insights)** 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter + More Goodies @ https://linktr.ee/adamshiltontech

Episode 025: Where we learn from Taimur Abdaal, CEO and co-founder of Causal, a modeling platform that automates everything from financial models to headcount planning. Listen in as Taimur shares his journey from being a data scientist to co-founding Causal in 2019, and how his experiences with spreadsheet challenges inspired him to create a better modeling tool. Discover how finance teams can leverage technology to save time and make better decisions. Taimur shares his insights on when it's best to consider moving away from spreadsheets and towards a dedicated tool. We also discuss the current generation of AI models and their potential to look at wider business contexts when it comes to forecasting. Learn about the importance of decision-making in the tech world, and how Taimur's mental model for decision-making ties into forecasting and decisions. Don't miss our conversation on maximizing time and productivity with modeling tools. We explore how teams can free up time and evaluate ROI from these tools, with time-saving being the most tangible ROI. Additionally, we discuss how staff satisfaction can contribute to employee retention and how the younger generation of employees expects to work on more exciting tasks instead of manual Excel work. Tune in to learn how to make the most of your time and achieve high-impact results in both your personal and professional lives. ------- SHOW NOTES -------- Where to find Taimur LinkedIn Twitter Blog Tools mentioned Causal Photoshop Noteable Simple ML for Sheets Tensorflow Jupyter notebook SQL (Structured Query Language) Other Mentions Accel Coatue Passion Capital Naval Ravikant -------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Modeling Tools and Data Storytelling (0:13:46) - AI and Machine Learning in Forecasting (0:25:35) - Twitter, Decision Making, and Personal Blogging (0:30:56) - Frequency in Decision Making and Development (0:35:42) - Investing Time for High-Impact Results (0:40:28) - Maximizing Time and Productivity With Tools 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter here 📺: Subscribe on YouTube here

Episode 024: In this engaging conversation, we speak with Wouter Bourn, a thought leader in the finance transformation software industry. We discussed a range of topics related to CFO tech, CFO empowerment through technology, and the emergence of AI technology. Wouter shared his insights on the automation and workflow capabilities of technology, the increase in data volumes, and how AI can be applied to create meaningful insights. He also talked about the use of AI for predictions and forecasting and for human-style communication. Listen in as we explore how AI and automation are changing the way businesses approach financial operations, and how adopting tools like Glean AI can help businesses save money on their vendor payments. We also discuss the criteria for investing in data-driven tools, operational solutions, and FP&A solutions, as well as the importance of quick time-to-value and the need for strategic value. Bourne explains the potential of AI and automation in financial operations, touching on the concept of FP&A systems and how they can provide a forward-looking view of an organization. We also delve into the human side of financial operations, discussing the potential of scenario modeling with data and how a CFO tech tool can go beyond the office of the CFO. We examine the challenges of benchmarking due to different businesses and accounting roles, and how the market is maturing to provide more transparency and optimization. Finally, we touch on the importance of tech tools for parents, such as Google Time and Google Family Link, and how they can help regulate children's use of technology. Don't miss this fascinating conversation with Wouter Born! Show Notes Where to find Wouter: - Wouter on Linkedin (URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wouterborn/) - Born Capital (URL: https://www.borncapital.vc/) Tools Mentioned: 1. Glean AI - A finance software that offers invoice recognition and cost-saving recommendations. (URL: https://www.glean.ai/) 2. Google Family Link - A parental control app that helps parents manage their child's device usage. (URL: https://families.google.com/familylink/) 3. ChatGPT - Generative AI technology that helps with tasks such as language processing, communication, and predictions. (URL: https://openai.com/chatgpt) 4. Zapier - A tool that connects and automates tasks between different apps. (URL: https://zapier.com/) 5. Microsoft Dynamics - A line of business management solutions including CRM and ERP software. (URL: https://dynamics.microsoft.com/) 6. Notion - An all-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, wikis, and databases. (URL: https://www.notion.so/) 7. Onplan - An FP&A solution that allows modeling within Google Sheets. (URL: https://onplan.co/) 8. Bedrock AI - A company that uses large language models to scan financial filings and identify red flags. (URL: https://www.bedrock-ai.com/) 9. Noteable - A data visualisation and statistical analsysis tool that can be integrated with ChatGPT. (URL: https://noteable.io/) Chapters (0:00:00) - AI in Finance Transformation (0:09:34) - Adopting AI Tools in Business (0:20:06) - Strategic Investing in Impactful Solutions (0:34:33) - Future Financial Reporting and FNA Systems (0:40:42) - Human Skills in Decision Making (0:55:16) - Google Family Link and Android Time 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter here 📺: Subscribe on YouTube here