The Adam Shilton Podcast

Episode 23: Where we unlock the secrets of staying relevant in the ever-changing landscape of technology and finance with our guest Tariq Munir (Head of Finance - PepsiCo), a finance thought leader who's passionate about simplification and easier solutions. In this captivating conversation, we dive into how technology has redefined finance and discuss Tarek's experience with upskilling, particularly in data science. Discover how Tarek's mastery of machine learning algorithms has allowed him to evaluate technology based on its merits, rather than just the hype surrounding it. Join us as we explore the importance of having a future-focused vision for metrics and data in digital transformation and the dangers of jumping into digital transformation too quickly. Learn how continuous upskilling can give you a competitive edge and why it's crucial to invest in yourself to stay ahead of the curve. We also discuss the role of culture and upskilling in the success of digital transformation initiatives, as well as how to avoid the pitfalls of the 'shiny tool syndrome.’ In the final segment of our conversation, Tarek shares valuable insights on implementing digital transformation projects holistically, emphasizing the need for shared responsibility and adaptability. Learn how to approach upskilling and technology with a tailored approach that ensures successful outcomes, and how to be tool agnostic while committing to a plan to upskill. Don't miss this episode filled with expert advice and strategies for finance professionals navigating the world of technology and digital transformation. Show Notes Where to find Tariq Tariq on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariq-munir/ Tariq's ML Project - https://towardsdatascience.com/exploring-greater-sydney-suburbs-f2bf1562988e Tech Mentioned - IBM - Tariq mentioned completing a data science certification from IBM. [https://www.ibm.com/] - Python - Programming language used by Tariq in his data science projects. [https://www.python.org/] - Power BI - Data visualization tool discussed in the podcast. [https://powerbi.microsoft.com/] - QlikSense - Data visualization tool mentioned in the podcast. [https://www.qlik.com/us/products/qlik-sense] - Notion - Productivity app mentioned by Tariq as his most-used app. [https://www.notion.so/] Other Mentions - Institute of Chartered Accountants in Pakistan - Tariq obtained his ACA from this organization. [https://www.icap.org.pk/] - Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand - Tariq is a chartered accountant with this organization. [https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/] - Code Camp - Tariq mentioned using Code Camp as a resource for learning. [https://www.freecodecamp.org/] Books Mentioned - Leading Digital by George Westerman, Didier Bonnet, and Andrew McAfee [https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Digital-Technology-Business-Transformation/dp/1625272472] Chapters (0:00:00) - Upskilling for Finance Professionals (0:07:24) - Upskilling in Technology for Finance (0:22:35) - Upskilling & Data Visualization (0:29:51) - Holistic View in Digital Transformation (0:35:41) - Agility and Strategy in Digital Transformation (0:43:31) - Digital Transformation and Shared Responsibility (0:54:31) - Approaching Upskilling and Technology 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter here 📺: Subscribe on YouTube here

Episode 022: Where we sit down with Craig Humphrey, VP of Finance and Operations at Arctic Shores, to discuss the challenges of transitioning from purely finance-focused roles to broader roles encompassing operations and other back-office functions. We also examine the advantages of using Slack and other remote collaboration tools to replicate the camaraderie of an in-person team. We discuss how technology tools like Otter AI are impacting remote work culture and the pros and cons of the hybrid model. Plus, we dive into the potential of AI tools to automate tedious tasks, how to approach AI implementation strategically, and how candidates are using AI to cheat the system. Finally, we touch on the implications of abandoning traditional recruitment methods and the potential of Arctic Shores' approach of hiring for potential. We discuss how employers can leverage technology to find the right talent for their roles and explore the idea of hiring for future roles that have yet to be created. Don't miss this insightful episode with Craig Humphrey, as we explore the intersection of finance, technology, and talent in today's ever-evolving business landscape. Show Notes Where to find Craig - Craig on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-humphrey/ - Arctic Shores - https://www.arcticshores.com/ Tools Mentioned - Slack - https://slack.com/ - Microsoft Teams - https://www.microsoft.com/en/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software - Otter AI - https://otter.ai/ - Chat GPT - https://chat.openai.com/chat - Snowflake - https://www.snowflake.com/ - Hi Bob (HR system) - https://www.hibob.com/ - G Suite - https://workspace.google.com/ - ChargeBee - https://www.chargebee.com/ - Zapier - https://zapier.com/ - Genius Sheets - https://www.geniussheets.com/ - Chat2Stats - https://2stats.chat/ Other mentions - Pretoria Ventures - https://www.pretoria.vc/ - Uber - https://www.uber.com/ Chapters (0:00:00) - Finance in Tech Business (0:09:31) - Remote Collaboration Tools and Productivity (0:15:36) - AI in Business (0:23:26) - Data in Business (0:30:46) - AI and HR Assessment Tools (0:35:12) - Rethinking Traditional Hiring Methods (0:46:58) - Adapting to Remote Work and Technology (0:52:30) - Efficient Tech Solutions for Small Businesses (1:06:39) - SaaS Businesses and Tools for Productivity 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter: https://www.techforfinance.com 🎙️: Download the Podcast: https://linktr.ee/adamshiltontech

Episode 021: A special episode where we learn from three previous podcast guests about the impact of AI on the finance industry, the future of work, why you shouldn't panic (yet), how you can get started, and the importance of AI governance and ethics. Daniel Lawrence is the CEO at Bots for That and an expert in Robotic Process Automation. Simon Devine is the Owner of Hopton Analytics and an expert in Business Intelligence. And Chris Bell is the Co-Founder at Luka and an expert in ChatGPT. Together, they share their insights on the rapid pace of technological innovation, the growing importance of data, and how finance teams can maximize the benefits of AI and automation. They also discuss the role of AI in decision-making, the implications of AI for the younger generation, and the challenges and ethical considerations associated with AI governance. Show Notes Where to find the guests on LinkedIn: - Daniel Lawrence - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbotsforthat/ - Simon Devine - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simondevine/ - Chris Bell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbellprofile/ Check out their websites at: - www.botsforthat.com - www.hoptonanalytics.com - www.lukahq.com Contents (0:00:00) - Navigating Finance Tech & AI Change (0:09:25) - Large Language Models in Business AI (0:20:18) - Implementing AI With Governance Framework (0:24:43) - Starting Small With AI in Finance (0:31:39) - Limitations of AI and Problem-Solving Approaches (0:42:55) - Future of Work and Learning With AI (0:49:05) - AI in Decision Making Role (0:57:17) - Trusting AI (1:07:32) - AI Language Model Governance Challenges (1:12:46) - AI Governance Ethics & Challenges (1:24:49) - AI Awareness Impact on Adoption 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter: https://www.techforfinance.com 🎙️: Download the Podcast: https://linktr.ee/adamshiltontech

Episode - 020: - Where we learn from John Ladaga about building a remote business, organizing with tools like Slack, Trello, and Loom, fostering a positive work culture, AI's impact on creative arts like music, connecting financial and non-financial data to make decisions with CFOChat, the evolving role of AI in knowledge work, and the security of AI technologies. John is an experienced entrepreneur and the Co-founder of Sturppy, a company dedicated to helping users build financial models fast using proven templates. With a background as a digital strategy consultant at Accenture, John, along with his co-founder Filippo, established Sturppy in 2021. In his free time, John embraces the great outdoors of Colorado, enjoying activities such as skiing, hiking, and playing Pickleball. Show Notes Where to find out more about John & Sturppy - John on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnladaga/ - Sturppy - https://www.sturppy.com/ - Sturppy Plus + CFOChat - https://www.sturppy.com/plus?ref=openlink.ai Websites Mentioned - IndyHackers - https://www.indyhackers.org/ - There's an AI for that - https://theresanaiforthat.com/ Tech Mentioned - Slack - https://slack.com/ - Trello - https://trello.com/ - Loom - https://www.loom.com/ - Licecap - https://www.cockos.com/licecap/ Books Mentioned - Ideas That Stick (book) - https://www.amazon.com/Made-Stick-Ideas-Survive-Others/dp/1400064287 Other Mentions - GrowCFO - https://www.growcfo.com/ Chapters (0:00:00) - Building a Business Remotely (0:14:09) - Organize With Slack, Trello, Loom (0:18:50) - Building Human Connections (0:22:40) - AI's Impact on Music (0:36:07) - Connecting Financial Data (0:45:54) - AI and Knowledge Work (0:52:55) - The Benefits of AI Self-Reflection (1:00:02) - Building Live Systems With AI (1:03:43) - The Security of AI Technologies (1:12:18) - Optimistically Leveraging Technology for Success 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter here 📺: Subscribe on YouTube here

Episode - 019: In this episode, we welcome Chris Reilly, founder of Mission Capital Consulting and Financial Modeling Education, as he shares insights on self-employment, marketing, financial modeling, and the impact of AI on the finance industry. We discuss strategies for transitioning to self-employment and the importance of marketing and sales skills for finance professionals. Chris also highlights the pros and cons of low-code tools versus Excel, the role of junior finance professionals in mergers and acquisitions, and valuable resources for learning more about finance. We explore the limitations of AI in surfacing context and the skills needed for building financial models, the issue of trust in AI, and its potential impact on education. Additionally, we examine the future of AI, its integration into various industries, and the challenges of policing and securing the technology. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation with Chris Riley, packed with valuable insights, advice, and resources for finance professionals and those considering a transition to self-employment. Show Notes: Where to find Chris -Chris on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-reilly-mission-capital/ -Chris' Linktree - https://linktr.ee/chrisreillymissioncapital People Mentioned -Oana Labes - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oanalabes/ -Justin Welsh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinwelsh/ -Glenn Hopper - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii/ Technology Mentioned -Motion - https://www.usemotion.co/ -ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com/chat Chapters: (0:00:00) - Navigating the Transition to Self-Employment (0:09:18) - Marketing & Sales for Business Success (0:16:39) - Mastering P&L and EBITDA (0:26:33) - AI Assistance Risks & Benefits (0:37:53) - Human Perspective in AI Age (0:47:48) - Leveraging AI for Time Management (0:55:13) - Business Modeling 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter here 📺: Subscribe on YouTube here

Episode -18: In this episode, Christian Martinez, Finance Automation Manager at the Kraft Heinz Company, shares his insights on embracing AI in the world of finance. We explore the use of generative AI like ChatGPT alongside traditional automation tools like Alteryx, Tableau, and Snowflake, and discuss how Python programming is becoming increasingly accessible for finance professionals. Christian also sheds light on the decision-making processes behind choosing AI tools and how focusing on fundamentals can lead to better results. From machine learning algorithms for forecasting to web scraping for pricing strategy, and automating tasks in Excel and PowerPoint, we delve into the myriad of applications Python has to offer. We also discuss the potential growth of single-use applications, the importance of soft skills like storytelling and stakeholder management, and much more. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation with Christian Martinez! Show Notes Where to find Christian: Medium - https://christianmartinezfinancialfox.medium.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianmartinezthefinancialfox/ Tech Mentioned - Alteryx: https://www.alteryx.com/ - Tableau: https://www.tableau.com/ - Snowflake: https://www.snowflake.com/ - ChatGPT: https://www.openai.com/chatgpt/ - Python: https://www.python.org/ - Google Colab: https://colab.research.google.com/ - Jupyter Notebooks: https://jupyter.org/ - Cody: https://getcody.io/ - Dedupely: https://dedupe.ly/ - Blinkist: https://www.blinkist.com/ People - Glenn Hopper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii/ Other Resources - Zane's Superhuman Newsletter: https://superhuman.beehiiv.com/ - "There's an AI for That" List: https://theresanaiforthat.com/ 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter here 📺: Subscribe on YouTube here Contents -[0:02:55] Automation and Generative AI for Global Teams -[0:04:59] Benefits of Chatbots and Automation for Business Process Improvement -[0:07:12] Use of Python in Finance -[0:14:04] Machine Learning Tools for Python Script -[0:15:51] Discussion on Low-Code Tools for Business Knowledge Management -[0:20:10] AI and Automation in the Finance Industry -[0:25:58] The Role of Hard and Soft Skills in the Age of Automation -[0:30:23] Exploring the Benefits of Entrepreneurial Thinking and Data Democracy -[0:32:16] Exploring Disposable Apps and Tableau -[0:36:21] Conversation Summary: Exploring the Benefits of Chatbot Summarization

Episode - 017: - Where we learn from Glenn what puzzle pieces make up finance transformation, what steps finance teams can take to start using AI, the limitations of ChatGPT, Chat GPT-4, the different applications of different Ais, the importance of mindful work, and much much more. Glenn is a CFO, Director & Author, known for his industry renowned book ‘Deep Finance’ that charts the course for modern CFOs in leading digital transformation using AI. His most recent move has seen hhttps://openai.com/ im become Director and CFO for the Eventus Advisory Group, who provide CFO services for SMEs. And, in his spare time, Glenn is a triathlete and marathoner, is in the process of finishing a 200,000 word sci-fi epic novel. Show Notes Where to find out more about Glenn • Glenn on LinkedIn - here • Glenn’s website - here • Glenn’s book - here • Glenn’s GhatGPT FP&A tool project - here Tech Mentioned • ChatGPT-3 & 4: here • DataRobot: here • Google Glass: here (Google Glass is now discontinued) • Meta Portal Glasses: here • Wolfram Alpha: here • GitHub Co-Pilot: here • Notion: here • TensorFlow: here • Keras: here • PyTorch: here • Garmin Watch: here • Apple Watch: here People Mentioned • Chris Bell: LinkedIn here 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter here 📺: Subscribe on YouTube here Contents [00:01:48] Why Glenn got into AI [00:11:37] Glenn’s FP&A tool written by ChatGPT [00:14:02] The puzzle pieces that make up finance transformation [00:23:03] What’s the entry level for finance teams that want to start using AI? [00:28:01] Beware the accuracy of AI [00:32:50] Differences between RPA & AI [00:37:39] Is prompt engineering actually going to be a thing? [00:41:16] Virtual AI assistants, and merging man/woman and machine [00:47:49] GPT is not a math engine, Wolfram Alpha is a better bet [00:50:32] Different Ais for different purposes + ChatGPT-4 [00:57:30] Moving from mindless work to mindful work [00:58:49] The tools Glenn can’t live without

Episode - 016: - Where we learn about Adam’s move from finance into software development, his view on low-code tools, why you don’t need a finance background to be a good business partner, AI autosuggestion, how Adam’s building ChatGPT into his tools, the future of FP&A AI predictions and much much more. Adam is the founder of FlowCog who make SaaS financial projections easy. Adam is a developer himself, and writes about everything SAAS related, modelling metrics, FP&A and more. And in his spare time, he likes to spend time with his wife and 15 month old and has been studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with his wife for the past three to four years. So watch out everyone. Show Notes Where to find out more about Adam • Adam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-tzagournis-cpa/ • FlowCog website - https://flowcog.com/ Tech Mentioned • Notion - Notion - https://affiliate.notion.so/tech-for-finance • Trello – https://www.trello.com • GitHub Copilot - https://github.com/features/copilot • ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com/chat • Nixsheets - https://www.nixsheets.com/ • SaasAnt - https://www.saasant.com/ 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter here 📺: Subscribe on YouTube here Contents [00:02:07] Adam’s move from finance into software development [00:08:46] The evolution of low-code tools [00:17:38] Not needing a finance background to be a good business partner. [00:23:42] Finance + Sales & finding the right customer fit [00:26:07] Why Saas companies? [00:31:57] Auto-suggesting industry specific accounts structures [00:39:11] AI Autosuggestion + future user interfaces [00:45:57] Building ChatGPT into FlowCog [00:53:08] How long before AI can make predictions from external variables. [00:59:02] AI seeing context vs prompt engineering [01:01:25] Failing building ChatGPT into Google Docs [01:07:14] Adam’s favourite tools

Former Audit professional, Chris Bell, discusses creating a junior accountant using AI with Luka, automation workflows, AI integration in finance, tools used in business operations, and the future of AI in mainstream accounting platforms like Xero. Topics also include Notion and Spark Mail productivity tools, transitioning to Notion for task management, exploring Reddit for niche gadgets, and the future of AI moderation and search engines.

Dante Healy, former Accounting Manager at Ford Motor Company, shares insights on finance transformation projects, XP&A vs FP&A, AI implementation, and productivity tools. He emphasizes building a business case, benchmarking, leveraging accurate data for AI, and the importance of clean data. Dante delves into the evolving tech landscape, the concept of technical debt, and recommends productivity tools like Notion and Rize.