CFO Weekly

In this episode of CFO Weekly, William Washington, Global CFO of Baker McKenzie, joins Megan Weis to share his experiences regarding financial leadership, process improvement, operational efficiency, and many more. William also dives into the Six Sigma methodologies in financial operations and preparing finance teams for the AI revolution.As a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with an MBA and Master's in Law Firm Management, William combines deep financial understanding with operational excellence principles to drive organizational success. His career spans prominent roles at global organizations, including Accenture and Fannie Mae, before finding his true calling in legal finance leadership.In this episode, we discuss:How the Six Sigma methodologies transform financial operations and process improvementThe unique challenges of financial leadership in law firmsThe importance of authentic leadership and creating a culture where "trying is not a failure"What impact does AI have on financial operationsLearn more about William:William Washington on LinkedInBaker McKenzie WebsiteCollege of Law Practice Management 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.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, Alex Jimenez, Lead Principal Consultant at Backbase, joins Megan Weis to break down why traditional digital transformation approaches need rethinking, what digital transformation really means for banks, and why we should drop the word "digital" altogether.Alex brings over 36 years of financial services expertise to the intersection of banking and technology transformation. As a respected thought leader in digital banking innovation, he has held strategic positions across major institutions including Bank of America and Zions Bank Corporation, and served as Chief Strategy Officer at both Extractable and Finalytics AI.Alex's distinguished career spans roles in strategic planning, digital banking, operations, and customer experience, complemented by his influential work as chairman of the Consumer Bankers Association's Digital Channel Committee and founding member of the American Bankers Association's fintech committee.In this episode, we discuss:Why digital transformation should be viewed as a business model transformation rather than just a technology upgradeHow C-suite alignment and CEO commitment are essential for meaningful organizational changeWhat is progressive modernizationThe impact of AI and machine learning on banking's futureLearn more about Alex:Alex Jimenez on LinkedInBackbase WebsiteFinovate 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.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, Jim Benson, Chief Financial Officer at Dynatrace, joins Megan Weis to share insights about modernizing the finance function, developing succession strategies, and what CFOs should focus on as we enter 2025.Jim brings over three decades of leadership experience in market-leading technology companies. Before joining Dynatrace, he served as Executive Vice President and CFO at Akamai Technologies and spent over 20 years in various leadership roles at Hewlett Packard.In this episode, we discuss:The evolution of the CFO role from traditional financial steward to strategic business partnerWhat are the critical components of modernizing finance functionsHow CFOs can leverage data analytics and storytelling to drive better decision-makingCFO's expanding role in driving company-wide alignment and growthLearn more about Jim:Jim Benson on LinkedInDynatrace 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.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, Luigi Testa, Chief Financial Officer at LinkSquares, joins Megan Weis to dive into the intricacies of growth stage software, the challenges of raising capital, and operating these types of businesses. Luigi also shares insights on the importance of storytelling in finance and how AI is revolutionizing legal tech.With a robust background in venture capital and private equity-backed tech companies, Luigi has sharpened his expertise in scaling businesses and navigating the complexities of financial management. His leadership was recognized when he was named one of Boston Business Journal's 2023 CFO of the Year honorees. Before LinkSquares, he held significant roles at companies such as Building Engines, Rapid7, Nanigans, Rapid7, and Acquia.In this episode, we discuss:Luigi's journey in the tech and finance sectorsHow understanding the narrative behind the numbers is crucial for effective communication within a companyInsights on transitioning from a variable revenue model to a SaaS modelFundraising strategies for growth-stage companiesLearn more about Luigi:Luigi Testa on LinkedInLinkSquares WebsiteThe F Suite 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.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

Keith Causey, SVP of Cloud ERP Transformation at Oracle, shares his expertise in cloud technologies and digital transformation. He reveals how AI is reshaping finance, driving touchless operations, and improving strategic decision-making. Keith discusses balancing AI integration with human oversight and overcoming cultural resistance to cloud adoption. He emphasizes the evolving role of CFOs as change agents and the need for them to lead cultural shifts while enhancing employee engagement. Dive into the exciting future of finance and the trends driven by AI!

In this episode of CFO Weekly, CJ Gustafson, Chief Financial Officer at PartsTech, joins Megan Weis to discuss the annual planning process and the metrics that go into building a good budget. CJ also discusses the importance of storytelling in finance, how to foster a people-centric approach to budgeting, and the role of AI and analytics in transforming budgeting in the years ahead.CJ is a seasoned CFO with vast experience in the tech industry, particularly in scaling software companies through strategic financial management. With a background that includes consulting at PwC and working in private equity, CJ has developed a keen understanding of business models and the complexities of revenue growth. He has played key roles in hyper-growth environments, focusing on financial planning and analysis, sales operations, and overall corporate strategy.In this episode, we discuss:The role of storytelling in financeKey financial metrics to prioritize during the budgeting processCommon pitfalls companies face during budgeting and how to overcome themThe integration of data analytics and AI into budgetingLearn more about CJ:CJ Gustafson on LinkedInPartsTech 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.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

Aaron Levine, Chief Financial Officer at Prophix, brings extensive experience from high-growth tech companies to the discussion. He sheds light on the evolving role of CFOs, emphasizing the importance of data stewardship in a tech-driven landscape. Tune in as he highlights how advanced tools, like Prophix, transform financial management and enhance collaboration across departments. Aaron also shares insights on the necessary skills for future finance leaders, focusing on analytical thinking and the integration of emerging technologies like AI.

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Carlos Vega, Co-Founder and CEO of Tesorio, joins Megan Weis to explore how AI is transforming the invoicing and payment collection process, the importance of real-time data in cash flow management, and the emerging role of financial operations in organizations.With a strong background in finance, including roles at Lazard and Elemento Factoring, Carlos has dedicated nearly a decade to developing Tesorio's AI-powered platform. His expertise in financial operations and machine learning positions him as a thought leader in the evolving landscape of AI in finance. Under his leadership, Tesorio has helped clients like Slack and UiPath achieve remarkable efficiency and growth.In this episode, we discuss:The transformative role of AI in the invoicing and payment collection processHow "connected financial operations" integrate various financial processes to provide a real-time view of cash flowThe role of real-time data in improving cash flow managementWhat the future of invoicing and payment collection will look likeLearn more about Carlos:Carlos Vega on LinkedInTesorio 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.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, Sam Wehbe, Chief Financial Officer at Medical Teams International, joins Megan Weis to dive into the vital balance between financial health and social impact in the nonprofit sector. Sam shares insights on navigating financial challenges, the importance of sound fiscal management, and innovative revenue strategies that support humanitarian efforts.Sam is an experienced financial management and compliance executive with 20 years of experience in international development and the non-profit sector. Over their career, Sam has successfully managed over $2 billion in donor funds and held key financial roles both in the US and internationally at organizations like Social Impact, Nexant, and Creative Associates International.In this episode, we discuss:The unique financial landscape of nonprofitsHow sound financial management drives positive changeAdapting financial structures to navigate funding shortfallsTransparency and accountability in managing donor fundsEmerging trends in nonprofit financial managementLearn more about Sam:Sam Wehbe on LinkedInMedical Teams International 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.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, Karl Maier, founder of Abunden, joins Megan Weis to share insights on building value through financial analysis. Karl discusses his extensive experience helping businesses protect cash flow, secure funding, and boost profits, particularly in challenging economic conditions. As an experienced fractional CFO and business advisor, Karl has played a key role in doubling sales at five companies in just two years by expanding credit lines, leading acquisitions, and enhancing profitability.Karl brings over three decades of experience in financial leadership and consulting. He founded Abunden to help private companies enhance their financial strategies through innovative pricing, systems implementation, and cash flow management. Before founding Abunden, Karl worked in corporate finance and helped grow his family's business 5x in three years.In this episode, we discuss:How to effectively communicate financial concepts to non-financial stakeholdersThe importance of cash flow management in growing businessesStrategies for developing effective pricing modelsManaging financial transitions including M&A and turnaroundsBuilding Resilient Finance TeamsLearn more about Karl:Karl Maier on LinkedInAbunden WebsiteAbunden on LinkedInIf 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.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