The Modern CFO

Relativity Space’s CFO, Mo Shahzad, has been instrumental in shaping aerospace innovation, most significantly in helping build and launch Terran 1, the world’s first 3D-printed rocket. Mo's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space exploration underscores his pivotal role in steering Relativity Space to the forefront of the industry.In this episode, Mo joins host Andrew Seski to share his unique journey from growing up in Pakistan to joining a cutting-edge company. He provides insights into how competition fuels progress and emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency as core company values. Mo also discusses how Relativity Space fosters a culture of curiosity and eagerness for learning, enabling the company to quickly iterate on its ambitious mission to make life interplanetary.Tune in to hear from an incredible leader advancing aerospace ingenuity, as Mo navigates the industry’s complexities with an unwavering focus on progress. This episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of space exploration and highlights how modern finance plays a crucial role in shaping it.‍Show LinksConnect with Mo Shahzad on LinkedInConnect with Andrew Seski on LinkedInDiscover more about Relativity Space today!‍

In the complex world of academia, corporate finance, and venture capital, few names resonate as powerfully as Ilya Strebulaev’s. As a Professor of Finance at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Ilya has cemented his reputation as a leading authority in corporate finance, financial decision-making, and private company valuation.Ilya’s academic journey is marked by countless accolades and published works in top-tier academic journals. In his latest book, The Venture Mindset, Ilya’s research provides profound insights into venture capital markets, offering a deeper understanding of financial strategies employed by firms today. Known for his rigorous analysis and clear articulation of complex financial concepts, Ilya’s work is a cornerstone for both scholars and practitioners alike.In this episode, Ilya joins host Andrew Seski to discuss his extensive research and its implications for modern CFOs. He delves into the nuances of venture capital, the history that led him to his success, and some of the core principles that allow VCs to pursue success despite the odds.Listeners will gain invaluable perspectives on how to navigate the intricate financial terrain from one of the foremost experts in the field. Whether you're a seasoned CFO or aspiring to enhance your financial acumen, this episode promises to enrich your understanding of corporate finance and venture capital, guided by Ilya’s expertise and experience.Show LinksConnect with Ilya Strebulaev on LinkedInConnect with Andrew Seski on LinkedInOrder your copy of his book The Venture Mindset today

CFO Glenn Schiffman of Fanatics shares insights on the company's rapid growth, acquisition strategy, and expansion into NFTs and online sports betting. He discusses the importance of excellence in organizational culture, transitioning from investor to operator, successful C-Suite relationships, and talent acquisition for business growth.

Join Dallas Clement, President and Chief Financial Officer of legendary Cox Enterprises, as he shares invaluable insights into his career journey, financial leadership, and how Cox's foundational values have been a beacon of success for 125+ years.With over three decades of experience, Dallas emphasizes the importance of balancing culture, learning, and growth in any financial professional’s career trajectory. He also delves into Cox's ethos of embracing risk and innovation, even if it means competing with themselves, to stay ahead of technology and trends.We were thrilled to have host Andrew Seski on-site at the wonderful Cox campus in Atlanta to record this episode, and we are grateful for Dallas’ contribution to the CFO conversation.Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership, strategic vision, and the enduring legacy of Cox Enterprises.Show LinksConnect with Dallas Clement on LinkedInConnect with Andrew Seski on LinkedInLearn more about Cox Enterprises

Lauren StClair, CFO of NerdWallet, shares her career journey from startups to big corporations like PayPal, eBay, and StubHub. She discusses the value of resourcefulness, scalability, leadership development, embracing change, and the importance of automation and AI in future-proofing businesses.

"Am I continuing to learn? Am I continuing to create value?”These questions act as pillars for Eric Muhlheim, propelling his expansive career from studying mathematics to leading finance teams at one of the most dynamic tech organizations today.In our first episode of 2024, Eric and host of The Modern CFO, Andrew Seski, explore Eric's formative experiences at Morgan Stanley, his impactful tenure at Disney, and his transition into the world of tech leading him to his current role at Mozilla. Eric shares insights into Mozilla's unique corporate structure, its mission-driven approach, and the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI revolution.Listen in as Eric and Andrew discuss the importance of strategic implementation, the critical role of maintaining a strong, mission-aligned balance sheet, and Eric's personal approaches to leadership and relationship-building in the corporate world.Show LinksConnect with Eric on LinkedInConnect with Andrew on LinkedInCheck out the 2023 State of Mozilla

From investor to public company CFO, BLADE's Will Heyburn shares his path to the selective role of leading a finance team from the private markets through an IPO and beyond.In this episode of The Modern CFO, Will unpacks BLADE's unique evolution from passenger transportation to a leading medical organ transport provider and why they continue to focus on direct communication, data-driven decision-making, and building a customer-centric culture.Will and host Andrew Seski discuss the intricate balance between risk management, client satisfaction, and staying adaptable, especially as a technology platform within the aviation industry.Listen in for more secrets to BLADE's success and valuable lessons for aspiring CFOs navigating the future of technology within their own companies.Want to give BLADLE a try? Listeners can use Will's promo code* available towards the end of the episode! *Terms and conditions may applyShow LinksConnect with Will Heyburn on LinkedInConnect with Andrew Seski on LinkedInLearn more about BLADE on their website

In today's fast-paced marketplace, distinguishing what is important and impactful is a challenging task, and when a crisis unfolds rapidly, the stakes reach unprecedented heights. Steven Kelly, Associate Director of Research at the Yale Program on Financial Stability, joins us to discuss how navigating the choppy financial waters requires CFOs to possess a keen sense of judgment, as well as a sharp appetite for risk.Our conversation delves deep into financial stability, its critical tools for navigating fast-moving crises, its relationship with technology, and recent dynamics among banks, governments, and international markets.Listen in as we uncover valuable insights on how CFOs can better understand, mitigate, and effectively manage risk, offering a lifeline for those seeking to fortify their financial strategies and bridge the gaps in tomorrow's balance sheets. Show LinksConnect with Steven Kelly on LinkedIn and on Twitter/XConnect with Andrew Seski on LinkedInLearn more about Yale’s program on Financial StabilityDiscover more with the program’s knowledge base

Former CFO of iconic automotive brands McLaren and Aston Martin, Mark Wilson, shares his strategies for enduring success in a changing industry. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, transparency, and partnerships. We also delve into his experiences at Aston Martin and his transition to Verge, an electric motorbike company. He discusses the plans for scaling Verge, improving the digital riding experience, and managing global risks as a CFO.

Listen as Mohit Daswani, CFO at ThoughtSpot, discusses building a fact-driven culture, learning from industry luminaries, the strategic role of a CFO in leveraging data, and the importance of genuine human connection in a technology-driven world.