CFO Weekly

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Kumar Parakala, a distinguished CEO, founder, investor, and board director, joins Megan Weis to explore how modern CFOs are evolving from traditional financial guardians to strategic architects of organizational transformation in an AI-centric world. Kumar brings 25+ years of experience including 15 years with KPMG where he co-founded the $3 billion technology advisory practice, and recently exited GHD Digital, a global business he founded that grew to 700 professionals across nine countries and was valued at over $400 million.With his deep background in digital transformation and C-suite advisory, Kumar shares how finance leaders can leverage AI for real-time financial intelligence, dynamic forecasting, and strategic decision-making. Currently incubating 100 startups globally through his company Tribeco and bestselling author of "Lead to Disrupt: Seven Keys to Success," Kumar provides insights on how CFOs can transition from reactive financial reporting to proactive future-proofing of their organizations.What You'll Learn:Why CFOs must evolve to become "Chief Future Officers" and business model architectsHow AI enables real-time financial intelligence and continuous budget managementThe critical difference between traditional ROI metrics and AI investment evaluationStrategies for CFOs to balance automation with human judgment and leadershipHow to transform from mechanical financial operations to strategic organizational catalystsThe future skills CFOs need: digital intelligence, systems thinking, and design thinkingLearn more about Kumar:Kumar Parakala on LinkedInTabhi Website"Lead to Disrupt" Book Episode resources:Personiv's WebsitePersoniv on LinkedInPersoniv on FacebookPersoniv on TwitterIf you enjoyed this episode, then please either:Follow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow on SpotifyInstructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzieCheck out some of our most recent episodes:Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermottWhy CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire BramleyWhy Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris MilesNGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilvaWhat Lights You Up? with Jordan GrumetBecome a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William WashingtonIf you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guestCFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Sara Wyman, CEO & Founder at Stackpack, joins Megan Weis to explore how modern CFOs are revolutionizing vendor management through AI-powered automation and strategic oversight. Sara brings extensive experience as a former VP of Strategic Partnerships at Affirm Inc. and VP of Enterprise Sales, where she witnessed firsthand the chaos of managing hundreds of vendors without proper systems at high-growth companies.With her deep background in fintech and vendor relationship management, Sara shares how finance teams can leverage AI to automate contract term extraction, implement proactive risk alerts, and build comprehensive vendor management systems. Currently serving as CEO of Stackpack, Sara oversees the development of AI-native solutions that help companies transition from manual spreadsheet-based vendor tracking to automated, scalable systems starting at just $199 per month.What You'll Learn:Why CFOs must take a proactive role in vendor management beyond traditional cost oversightHow AI can automate contract term extraction with 100% accuracy in minutes versus weeksThe critical metrics CFOs should track for effective vendor performance evaluationStrategies for implementing real-time risk alerts and renewal notificationsHow robust vendor management systems impact investor confidence and operational efficiencyThe future of AI in vendor discovery, evaluation, and strategic alignmentLearn more about Sara:Sara Wyman on LinkedInStackpack WebsiteEpisode resources:Personiv's WebsitePersoniv on LinkedInPersoniv on FacebookPersoniv on TwitterIf you enjoyed this episode, then please either:Follow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow on SpotifyInstructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzieCheck out some of our most recent episodes:Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermottWhy CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire BramleyWhy Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris MilesNGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilvaWhat Lights You Up? with Jordan GrumetBecome a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William WashingtonIf you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guestCFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Apurv Bansal, CEO & Co-founder at Zenskar, joins Megan Weis to explore how modern CFOs are transforming their finance operations by moving from manual spreadsheet-based processes to AI-powered billing and revenue recognition systems. Apurv brings unique insights as a second-time entrepreneur, IIT Delhi and Harvard Business School alumni, who previously co-founded Wishpicker (acquired by Snapdeal) and held leadership roles at Google and Elevation Capital.With his extensive background in fintech and firsthand experience with complex billing challenges at Google, Apurv shares how finance teams can leverage technology to automate manual processes, implement dynamic pricing models, and build investor-ready financial systems. Currently serving as CEO of Zenskar, Apurv oversees the development of AI-native billing solutions that help companies transition from cost-plus to usage-based pricing models.What You'll Learn:Why dynamic pricing models are crucial for competitive advantage in today's marketHow to align pricing with customer value perception for sustainable growthThe role of AI in automating billing and revenue recognition processesKey metrics CFOs should track to evaluate billing system performanceStrategies for transitioning from homegrown billing systems to scalable solutionsHow robust financial systems impact investor confidence and fundraising successLearn more about Apurv:Apurv Bansal on LinkedInZenskar WebsiteEpisode resources:Personiv's WebsitePersoniv on LinkedInPersoniv on FacebookPersoniv on TwitterIf you enjoyed this episode, then please either:Follow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow on SpotifyInstructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzieCheck out some of our most recent episodes:Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermottWhy CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire BramleyWhy Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris MilesNGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilvaWhat Lights You Up? with Jordan GrumetBecome a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William WashingtonIf you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guestCFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Paul Peterson, Managing Partner at Wiss and Company LLP, joins Megan Weis to explore how Gen Z represents the solution to the CPA shortage rather than being part of the problem. Paul Peterson brings over 30 years of experience in public accounting and has been leading Wiss and Company's strategic evolution for more than a decade.With his extensive background in developing talent and fostering innovation in accounting firms, Paul shares insights on how the profession can adapt to attract and retain the next generation of CPAs. Currently serving as Managing Partner at Wiss and Company, Paul oversees the firm's long-term strategy and has successfully implemented programs that embrace Gen Z's strengths while addressing industry challenges.What You'll Learn:Why Gen Z's characteristics make them ideal for the modern accounting professionHow to adapt training and development models for the next generationThe role of technology integration in attracting Gen Z talentStrategies for creating meaningful work experiences that resonate with younger professionalsHow to leverage Gen Z's adaptability to drive innovation in accounting firmsLearn more about Paul:Paul Peterson on LinkedInWiss and Company LLP WebsiteEpisode resources:Personiv's WebsitePersoniv on LinkedInPersoniv on FacebookPersoniv on TwitterIf you enjoyed this episode, then please either:Follow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow on SpotifyInstructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzieCheck out some of our most recent episodes:Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermottWhy CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire BramleyWhy Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris MilesNGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilvaWhat Lights You Up? with Jordan GrumetBecome a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William WashingtonIf you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guestCFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Jessica McClain, Chief Financial Officer at Girl Scouts Nation's Capital, joins Megan Weis to explore the critical importance of continuous learning in financial leadership. Jessica McClain brings exceptional expertise in nonprofit financial management, having successfully transitioned from over a decade in public accounting to strategic leadership in mission-driven organizations.With extensive experience across public accounting and nonprofit sectors, Jessica oversees financial strategy, the iconic Girl Scout cookie program, retail operations, and camp property management for the largest Girl Scout council in the country. Her passion for professional development and mentorship has earned her recognition as a 2024 Rising Star by the CFO Leadership Council, 2023 Nonprofit CFO of the Year, and multiple honors from prestigious accounting organizations.What You'll Learn:Why emotional intelligence is becoming the defining skill for modern CFOsHow to foster a culture of continuous learning within finance teamsThe evolution from technical accounting to strategic storytellingPractical strategies for staying ahead of technological disruptionBuilding communication skills that translate complex financial data into actionable insightsLearn more about Jessica:Jessica McClain on LinkedInGirl Scouts Nation's Capital WebsiteEpisode resources:Personiv's WebsitePersoniv on LinkedInPersoniv on FacebookPersoniv on TwitterIf you enjoyed this episode, then please either:Follow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow on SpotifyInstructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzieCheck out some of our most recent episodes:Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermottWhy CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire BramleyWhy Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris MilesNGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilvaWhat Lights You Up? with Jordan GrumetBecome a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William WashingtonIf you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guestCFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Steve Mastin, Chief Financial Officer at 4M Building Solutions, joins Megan Weis to explore how centralization of financial and operational functions drives growth in private equity-backed environments. Steve Mastin is recognized for his strategic financial leadership and ability to optimize business performance through systematic integration and standardization.With nearly two decades of experience across various senior leadership roles in finance, accounting, and executive positions, Steve brings deep expertise in financial transformation and M&A integration. Currently serving as CFO at 4M Building Solutions, where he oversees financial operations, IT, human resources, risk management, and M&A activities, Steve Mastin has successfully navigated complex integrations and driven growth across diverse business sectors in the fast-paced private equity environment.What You'll Learn:The critical importance of standardizing the chart of accounts across business unitsHow centralization creates operational efficiency and cost savingsThe evolution of the CFO role from financial reporting to strategic leadershipWhen to implement centralization in a company's growth trajectoryManaging cultural integration during acquisitions and mergersLearn more about Steve:Steve Mastin on LinkedIn4M Building Solutions WebsiteEpisode resources:Personiv's WebsitePersoniv on LinkedInPersoniv on FacebookPersoniv on TwitterIf you enjoyed this episode, then please either:Follow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow on SpotifyInstructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzieCheck out some of our most recent episodes:Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermottWhy CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire BramleyWhy Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris MilesNGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilvaWhat Lights You Up? with Jordan GrumetBecome a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William WashingtonIf you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guestCFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Dennis DuBois, Virtual CFO at Creative Planning, joins Megan Weis to explore how interim and fractional CFOs serve as strategic resources for both buyers and sellers in private equity transactions. Dennis DuBois is known for optimizing business potential through top and bottom line growth while establishing quality relationships with internal and external stakeholders.With experience across multiple industries, private equity companies, and organizations of all sizes, Dennis brings a systemic viewpoint to growth strategy development and financial infrastructure building. Currently serving as Virtual CFO at Creative Planning, an independent wealth advisory firm managing over $300 billion in assets, and as Board Member at publicly traded Entrepreneur Resorts Limited, Dennis DuBois has successfully navigated complex transactions, COVID-19 disruptions, and the transition from traditional CFO roles to fractional finance leadership.What You'll Learn:The key differences between interim and fractional CFO roles and when each is most valuableHow fractional CFOs can prevent transaction failures by identifying risks earlyCommon financial reporting gaps that derail M&A dealsWhy most sellers overvalue their businesses and how to set realistic expectationsThe critical role of financial preparation in successful exitsLearn more about Dennis DuBois:Dennis DuBois on LinkedInCreative Planner WebsiteEpisode resources:Personiv's WebsitePersoniv on LinkedInPersoniv on FacebookPersoniv on TwitterIf you enjoyed this episode, then please either:Follow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow on SpotifyInstructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzieCheck out some of our most recent episodes:Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermottWhy CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire BramleyWhy Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris MilesNGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilvaWhat Lights You Up? with Jordan GrumetBecome a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William WashingtonIf you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guestCFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Nikhil Patel, Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for the City of Detroit, joins Megan Weis to navigate the critical challenges of process friction in both government and private sectors, as well as ways to reduce it by optimizing and streamlining operations.With vast experience across management consulting at Boston Consulting Group, startup leadership, and public sector finance, Nikhil brings a unique perspective to operational efficiency and process optimization. His background includes a BS in Chemical Engineering and an MS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan, along with an MBA from Harvard Business School.What You’ll Learn:How to define process friction through key metricsThe "Black Box" approach to breaking down complex organizational processesWhy understanding legacy systems and regulatory constraints is crucial for implementing change in government organizationsHow to balance thorough analysis with agile decision-making in large-scale projectsThe strategic framework for implementing automation and AI in traditional financial operationsLearn more about Nikhil:Nikhil Patel on LinkedInCity of Detroit WebsiteEpisode resources:Personiv's WebsitePersoniv on LinkedInPersoniv on FacebookPersoniv on TwitterIf you enjoyed this episode, then please either:Follow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow on SpotifyInstructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzieCheck out some of our most recent episodes:Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermottWhy CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire BramleyWhy Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris MilesNGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilvaWhat Lights You Up? with Jordan GrumetBecome a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William WashingtonIf you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guestCFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

With unprecedented tariffs looming, how can businesses adapt their financial strategies? In this episode of CFO Weekly, Michael Perica, CFO at Rimini Street, and Sameer Katiyar, CFO at Cleo, join Megan Weis to discuss the far-reaching impacts of tariffs on global business operations. They share invaluable insights on navigating supply chain disruptions, managing financial risk, and maintaining operational efficiency in uncertain times.Michael Perica is the Chief Financial Officer at Rimini Street. With vast experience in shareholder relations, SEC reporting, financial planning and analysis, capital raising, and M&A, Michael is known for his excellent problem-solving abilities and multifunctional team leadership skills. His expertise in managing financial operations during periods of significant change, particularly regarding tariffs and global trade dynamics, provides valuable insights for finance leaders navigating complex market conditions.Sameer Katiyar serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Cleo, bringing extensive expertise in the technology sector with a focus on FP&A, accounting, cost management, and business transformation. His background in both public company and private equity environments, combined with his strategic approach to financial leadership, offers unique perspectives on managing tariff-related challenges and supply chain optimization.What You’ll Learn:How to balance core financial governance with agile forecasting in uncertain timesWhy investing in people remains the critical foundation for navigating trade disruptionsThe strategic framework for managing tariff-induced costs without defaulting to price increasesHow to develop effective communication strategies with investors regarding tariff-related risksWhy supply chain diversification and operational efficiency are crucial alternatives to price increasesHow to leverage technology and tools to maintain visibility across global operationsLearn more about Michael and Sameer:Michael Perica on LinkedInSameer Katiyar on LinkedInRimini Street WebsiteCleo WebsiteEpisode resources:Personiv's WebsitePersoniv on LinkedInPersoniv on FacebookPersoniv on TwitterIf you enjoyed this episode, then please either:Follow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow on SpotifyInstructions on following, rating, and reviewing CFO Weekly are here.Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzieCheck out some of our most recent episodes:Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermottWhy CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire BramleyWhy Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris MilesNGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilvaWhat Lights You Up? with Jordan GrumetBecome a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William WashingtonIf you are interested in joining CFO Weekly as a guest, please complete this form: fame.so/cfo-guestCFO Weekly is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Rick Smith, a five-time CFO and founder of Bonfire Advisory, shares his expertise on scaling businesses from $20M to $300M. He discusses why early-stage CFO roles are tougher than those in larger firms and the importance of building scalable financial systems. Rick highlights the differences between theoretical MBA skills and practical CFO experience. He also covers common pitfalls in M&A deals, complex revenue recognition challenges across industries, and essential skills aspiring CFOs need in the startup landscape.