CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro chats with Karla Smith, CFO at Ogilvy UK, about her unique path to CFO and how finance operates at the heart of a creative, people-driven organisation.Key topics covered include:Karla’s career journey from audit trainee to CFOHow to succeed in senior finance roles with flexible hours and build mutual trust with your organisation.The role of finance in creative industriesBuilding financial literacy across teams through internal trainingApproaching talent investment and balancing short-term results with long-term value.Tips for new CFOs on strategic planning, effective delegation, and building strong CEO partnerships.Links mentioned: Karla's LinkedinLearn more about Ogilvy Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Neil Lynchehaun, a finance transformation expert with decades of experience, dives into the Records-to-Report maturity model. He explains how maturity models serve as inspirational tools rather than mere evaluations. The conversation highlights the five levels of finance maturity and the need for a mindset shift towards operational-led planning. Neil discusses real-time accounting to eliminate month-end chaos and emphasizes creating finance functions that actively support business operations, pushing back against traditional compliance-only approaches.

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, we dive into the critical 30 to 60 day phase of a CFO's journey with returning guest Jeremy Earnshaw,  Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO. Building on our previous conversation about the first 30 days, this episode explores how new CFOs can transition from learning to leading.🔍 Key Takeaways:How stakeholder expectations shift after the first monthWhy your first management reporting pack matters Using the interest vs. power matrix to prioritise demands from senior stakeholders.The importance of understanding communication preferencesHow to evaluate finance processes for inefficiencies, single points of failure, and quick wins.Ways to check if you’re truly delivering on your CFO mandateLinks mentioned: Jeremy's LinkedinLearn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with David Wood, Chair of London Futurists, about the accelerating pace of AI and its profound implications for business, society, and the future of work. Together, they explore the near-term possibilities and longer-term consequences of artificial intelligence—from transformation to potential turmoil.In this episode, we cover:Why some companies struggle with AI adoption The rise of neuro-symbolic AI and the combination of logic-based and intuitive systemsBreakthroughs in video generation, self-prompting AI, and the future of AI-generated mediaWhat Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could mean for jobs, skills, and human relevanceHow emotional intelligence and adaptability will be essential skills for leaders in the AI eraLinks mentioned:David’s Linkedin Learn more about London FuturistsLondon Futurists Meetups The Coming Wave: AI, Power and Our Future by  Mustafa SuleymanSupremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the race that changed the world by Parmy Olson Uncontrollable : The Threat of Artificial Superintelligence by Darren McKee Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined once again by Rob Jackson, now Senior Associate Consultant at Protiviti UK. Rob reflects on his journey from leading finance operations at Sage to spearheading transformation projects in private equity-backed businesses. Together, they unpack what it really takes to deliver finance change, lead shared services, and balance organisational complexity.In this episode, we explore:Rob’s experience transitioning from Sage to working in a private equity environment How to successfully drive incremental finance change The importance of defining clear goals and resisting the temptationBuilding and managing an effective Shared Service CentreThe critical role of stakeholder managementRob’s top advice for new shared services leadersLinks mentioned: Rob's LinkedinLearn more about Protiviti Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0 – The PE CFO Series, Hannah Munro is joined once again by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner at Sullivan Street Partners. Together, they dive into “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” of private equity—an honest conversation unpacking what it’s really like behind the boardroom doors of a PE-backed business.With a wealth of experience across corporate, startup and PE environments, Richard shares practical insights on how CFOs can protect their teams, influence direction, and stay focused on long-term value—even in short-term funding cycles.In this episode, they explore:The shift in relationships and leadership behaviours post-PE investmentWhat to retain (and what to adopt) when transitioning into a PE environmentThe evolving role of the CFO and how it differs from a Finance DirectorWhy month-end speed matters—and how it changes company mindsetBalancing investor expectations with long-term business thinkingThe signs of disengagement from your PE house—and how to respondLinks mentioned:Richard's LinkedinLearn more about Sullivan Street Partners Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Neil Lynchehaun, Head of Transformation and Delivery at itas, takes you through a practical, experience-driven guide to understanding and improving the Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) process.You’ll discover:Why we use maturity models and how they can inspire achievable steps forward.How to evaluate the impact of process improvements across:The full scope of the P2P process, including:Master data creation and maintenanceThe 5 maturity levels from basic transaction recording to strategic process leverage.Real-world characteristics and examples of each maturity stage.Insights into practical tools and enablers, including supplier portals, OCR, and dynamic discounting.Strategic tips for driving better supplier relationships, optimising working capital, and protecting your financial operations.Links mentioned:Previous session: Improving the Quote-to-Cash ProcessConnect with Hannah MunroConnect with Neil LynchehaunWhich Sage Product is Right For You Quiz!Book a discovery call  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughtsThis episode kicks off our new CFO 4.0 series exploring the first 100 days in a CFO role. Host Hannah Munro is joined by experienced CFO and coach Jeremy Earnshaw, who shares practical, battle-tested guidance on navigating the critical first 30 days in a new CFO position. Key topics coveredMaking a strong first impression and shifting from finance specialist to strategic leaderWhy liquidity is non-negotiable and how to validate cash flow assumptions earlyHow to uncover hidden issues in the balance sheet and financial controlsEngaging with stakeholders and building credibility across the businessLeading your team with clarity, consistency and high expectationsCommon missteps new CFOs make and how to avoid themLinks mentioned:Jeremy's LinkedinLearn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

Susana Serrano-Davey, a career mentor and leadership trainer known for her book 'Confidence is Overrated,' dives into the essential soft skills for modern CFOs. She highlights the often-misunderstood nature of confidence and the importance of self-compassion in leadership. The conversation covers managing stress during high-pressure situations and the necessity of active listening. Susana also introduces strategies for effective communication, urging leaders to embrace vulnerability and prioritize meaningful conversations.

Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Gemma Doran, CFO at Savea Technology Ltd, about the realities of leading finance in high-growth SMEs. From her unexpected start in journalism to managing multi-million-pound fundraises, Gemma reflects on what it takes to thrive as a CFO in fast-moving environments, how to balance optimism with realism in forecasting, and why adaptability and clarity are vital when raising capital.In this episode, Gemma discussesHer career journey from politics and journalism to finance leadershipThe pros and cons of different funding types, including SAFE and ASAWhy micro-level cashflow management is essential in SMEsThe true cost and complexity of fundraising for growthForecasting with flexibility in uncertain economic climatesThe importance of team development, communication and stakeholder buy-inLinks mentionedGemma's Linkedin  Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!