Financial Modeler's Corner

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes David Perla, Vice Chair of Burford Capital and a pioneering voice in the legal finance industry. David discusses how financial modeling plays a central role in evaluating and funding high-stakes litigation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how his team monetizes legal risk with structured financial strategies. From managing long litigation timelines to leveraging Monte Carlo simulations and AI tools, David shares how Burford builds sophisticated models to guide investment decisions and mitigate risk. David Perla has an extraordinary background at the intersection of law, entrepreneurship, and finance. He’s a former president of Bloomberg Law, co-founder of legal outsourcing pioneer Pangea3 (acquired by Thomson Reuters), and was named a top 50 innovator by The American Lawyer. At Burford Capital, David is helping reshape how the legal world accesses and deploys capital.Expect to Learn:What legal finance actually is and how it worksHow Burford structures deals and evaluates legal riskThe modeling techniques used to forecast legal outcomesWhy Monte Carlo simulations are central to their underwriting processHow AI is used (and misused) in legal financeHere are a few quotes from the episode:“Behavior that’s irrational but predictable? We can model that. Idiosyncratic behavior? We avoid it.” - David PerlaModeling helps us decide not only how to price a deal, but how to structure incentives.” - David PerlaEverything we do depends on modeling.” - David PerlaDavid Perla gave us a fascinating look into the world of legal finance and how modeling plays a critical role in managing complex litigation risk. His knowledge revealed how finance principles, AI tools, and human judgment all intersect in this unique investment space. From non-recourse funding to Monte Carlo simulations, this episode showcased the depth of modeling required in high-stakes legal decision-making.Follow Dave:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidperla/Website - https://www.burfordcapital.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.  In today’s episode: [01:12] - Welcome to the episode[03:37] - Defining Legal Finance[04:53] - Typical Legal Finance Timeline[07:56] - Structuring Deals with Non-Recourse Funding[11:17] - Modeling Risk with Monte Carlo Simulations[16:32] - High-Stakes Legal Deal Sizes[21:34] - Predictable vs. Rational Behavior in Modeling[26:02] - Data Transparency in Insurance vs. Legal Finance[32:31] - Tools of the Trade: Excel, Python & More[39:44] - Future of Excel, AI, and Model Confidence[41:32] - Strategic Decision-Making and Wrap-Up

In this special episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Karan Sood, a global pricing expert with over a decade of experience in revenue management and pricing strategies. Karan shares his knowledge on the impact of tariffs on global trade and pricing models. He talks about the complexities of tariffs, offering advice on how businesses can effectively manage the financial implications and adapt their pricing strategies during these uncertain times. Karan discusses the importance of collaboration across departments and creating flexible models that can quickly adjust to changing market conditions.Karan Sood is a global pricing expert and the Director of Sales Operations with a wealth of experience overseeing revenue management for over $6 billion across a wide range of industries. He is passionate about using pricing as a powerful tool to drive profitability and improve business performance. Karan has worked across industries including automotive, digital marketing, consumer goods, and more, developing pricing strategies that create real business value.Expect to Learn:How tariffs impact different industries and pricing strategies.Why a one-size-fits-all approach to tariffs is flawed and the importance of tailored strategies.The role of cross-functional collaboration in managing tariff impacts.How to create flexible pricing models that can quickly adjust to shifting market conditions.The importance of transparency with customers when adjusting prices due to tariffs.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"Every industry is different; you can’t use the same assumptions for all goods under tariffs." - Karan Sood"Stay calm, don’t make decisions too quickly. Information is constantly changing." - Karan Sood"The key to managing tariffs is creating a flexible pricing model that can adapt quickly to new developments." - Karan SoodKaran Sood shared meaningful strategies for managing the complexities of tariffs in today’s global trade environment. His advice to stay calm, work collaboratively, and prioritize flexibility in pricing models is invaluable for finance professionals looking to navigate the challenges posed by tariffs. By emphasizing the importance of cross-departmental communication and transparency with customers, Karan offers actionable steps that can help businesses succeed in a volatile market.Follow Karan:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soodkaran/?originalSubdomain=caWebsite - https://substack.com/@karansoodFollow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.  In today’s episode: [02:08] - Introduction of Episode[03:05] - Karan’s Journey into Pricing[06:45] - The Global Impact of Tariffs[12:05] - Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work[16:00] - Managing the Impact of Tariffs[20:04] - Building Flexible Pricing Models[23:09] - Transparency with Consumers[28:46] - Short-Term vs. Long-Term Strategy[34:34] - Cross-Department Collaboration[39:06] - Book recommended by Karan

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Carl Olson, a seasoned finance leader with over two decades of experience in FP&A, consulting, and startup finance. Carl discusses the nuances of financial modeling in both startups and large companies, sharing war stories, practical frameworks, and the lessons learned from building models that drive real business decisions. Whether it's simplifying startup forecasts or navigating layers of corporate planning, Carl emphasizes the importance of context, communication, and staying aligned with business partners.Carl Olson is a finance consultant and strategic advisor with more than 20 years of experience in FP&A, startup modeling, and enterprise finance. His background includes roles at Jamba Juice, Yelp, Unity, and several startups. Carl specializes in building operating and strategic models, guiding fundraising efforts, and helping businesses link financial modeling to real-world execution.Expect to Learn:How financial models differ for startups vs. large companiesWhy listening to business partners is essential for model effectivenessHow to test assumptions when historical data is limitedThe danger of over-automation in modelingWhat makes a model usable vs. impressiveHere are a few quotes from the episode:“If your sales model shows unrealistic rep productivity, that’s a red flag.” - Carl Olson“Meet your business partners where they are, not where you want them to be.” - Carl Olson“Use industry benchmarks, but know your secret sauce.” - Carl OlsonCarl Olson shared honest and practical insights from years of building financial models across startups and large companies. He reminded us that the real value of a model comes from how well it supports decision-making and helps the team move forward. His approach to keeping things simple, clear, and business-focused is something every finance professional can learn from.Follow Carl:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/olsoncarl/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.  In today’s episode: [01:12] - Introduction of Episode[02:02] - Carl’s Worst Modeling Experience[06:43] - Rebuilding a Model from Scratch[10:36] - Startup vs. Corporate Modeling[12:57] - Big Data to Startup Forecasting[15:09] - When Mistakes Go Unnoticed[22:42] - Finding Gaps Through Modeling[29:41] - Using Excel for Personal Life[30:47] - Carl’s Favorite Excel Shortcuts[33:32] - Rapid Fire: Tools, Preferences, and Advice[36:24] - Avoiding the VBA Trap and Growing in Your Career[40:38] - Carl’s Closing Advice for Financial Modelers

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Dave Hallwood, a finance director and certified financial modeler, for a practical and candid conversation about real-world modeling in the retail industry. From managing day-to-day operations in a fast-growing fashion retail group to navigating insolvency and restructuring, Dave shares the hard-earned lessons that have shaped his approach to modeling, decision-making, and leadership. Dave Hallwood is the Finance Director of a group of independent fashion retailers in the UK. After spending years in retail and hospitality management, Dave transitioned into finance in his 30s, becoming a fellow of ACCA and earning his Certified Financial Modeler (CFM) designation from the Financial Modeling Institute. With a passion for practical financial modeling, Dave has built and managed models for nearly every scenario a small retailer can face, from budgeting and forecasting to store openings, closings, and insolvency planning. Expect to Learn:How to model retail cash flow when weather drives salesThe importance of simplicity and storytelling in financial modelsWhat it’s like to manage an insolvency and restructure a businessWhy Dave believes gut instinct still plays a big role in decision-makingHow Dave uses modeling to support store openings, closures, and growthPractical advice for switching into a finance career later in lifeHere are a few quotes from the episode:"Financial models help guide the business, but people and relationships still make it work.""The best decision is often a balance between what the model says and what feels right.""No matter how great the numbers look, if your gut says no, listen."Dave Hallwood shares what it’s really like to model for a retail business. From managing cash flow swings to making tough calls during insolvency, he brings a grounded, real-world perspective. Dave reminds us that models should support decisions, not replace them. It’s a must-listen for anyone juggling numbers and navigating uncertainty.Follow Dave:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hallwood-fcca-cfm-87270449/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.  In today’s episode: [01:31] - Welcome to the episode[03:45] - Inheriting a messy Excel model[06:17] - Why Dave switched careers in his 30s[10:13] - Life as a finance lead in retail[14:16] - Forecasting cash flow in a seasonal business[18:54] - How to model each store differently[26:58] - Lessons from an insolvency and business rescue[32:59] - Why Dave supports the FMI community[40:01] - Horizontal or Vertical Modeling Preferences[42:23] - Gut vs. model: what really drives decisions[44:36] - Closing Reflections with Dave

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Myles Arnott, co-founder of Full Stack Modeller and founder of Clarity Consultancy Services. Myles shares his 25+ year journey in Excel, his philosophy of keeping things simple, and how structured design and tools like Power Query have transformed his approach to modeling. He also opens up about taking the FMI Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) exam and co-building a global modeling community.Myles Arnott is a CMA-qualified accountant, Excel trainer, and fractional finance director. He leads Clarity Consultancy Services and co-founded Full Stack Modeller, a platform built to provide finance professionals with a full toolkit of modern Excel and modeling skills. Myles blends operational finance experience with teaching, making complex modeling concepts accessible through real-world insights and practice.Expect to Learn:The power of simplicity in model designHow to effectively prepare for the AFM examBest practices for managing data flow in ExcelWhy Power Query is one of Excel’s most powerful toolsHow Full Stack Modeler is helping professionals level up in financeThe value of designing with clarity and reviewing with confidenceMyles’s journey from complex automation to clean, intuitive spreadsheetsHere are a few quotes from the episode:Spreadsheet risk skyrockets when models are messy and undocumented.”- Myles Arnott“If your data flows are poor, your insights will be too.”- Myles Arnott“Power Query changed everything for how we manage data in Excel.”- Myles ArnottIn this episode, Myles Arnott shares how clarity, consistency, and structure create better financial models. He emphasizes the importance of design thinking, simplifying complexity, and continuously developing your skills. Whether you're preparing for the AFM or just want to clean up your modeling, Myles’s advice will guide you toward modeling excellence.Follow Myles:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mylesarnott/Website - https://www.fullstackmodeller.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.  In today’s episode: [01:39] - Episode Introduction[02:49] - Worst Financial Model Mistakes [07:55] - Leadership and AFM[13:26] - Balancing Under Exam Pressure[19:17] - Full Stack Origins[23:01] - MVP Antics and Office Fun[27:04] - Simplifying Systems and Processes[31:13] - Power Query Tips[36:37] - Career Lessons Learned[46:09] - Advice to Aspiring Modelers

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Emma Chieppor, founder of Excel Dictionary, a social media-driven Excel education platform with over 9 million followers. Emma shares her journey from being an actuary to becoming one of the most influential Excel educators online. She discusses the power of Excel, the challenges of running a business, and how short-form content transformed Excel learning for millions.Emma Chieppor started her career as an actuary before launching Excel Dictionary, a platform dedicated to providing quick and practical Excel tips. Through social media, Emma has built a massive following by sharing 30-second Excel tutorials. Her expertise has helped professionals worldwide enhance their Excel skills efficiently.Expect to Learn:How Emma transitioned from actuary to Excel influencerThe challenges of learning Excel while starting a corporate job during COVIDWhy pivot tables in financial models can be a nightmareHow Emma grew her social media following to over 9 million in less than a yearThe most underrated Excel shortcuts that can save hours of workHere are a few quotes from the episode:“I had never really used Excel before my first job, so I had to teach myself from scratch.”There’s no secret formula for social media. Just post good content and stay consistent.”“If you’re learning Excel, repetition and practice are key.”In this episode, Emma Chieppor shared her journey from actuary to Excel influencer, emphasizing consistency, hands on learning, and creativity in Excel. She highlighted the power of shortcuts, automation, and social media in making Excel more accessible. Excel is more than a tool; it is a platform for innovation and efficiency. Keep learning, stay curious, and master the skills that set you apart!Follow Emma Chieppor :LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-chieppor-excel-dictionary-261444235/Website - https://excel-dictionary.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.  In today’s episode: [01:30] - Introduction to the episode[03:09] - Worst Financial Model Mistakes – Avoiding Pivot Tables[06:43] - Emma’s Background from an Actuary to an Excel Star[09:03] - How COVID Led to the Creation of Excel Dictionary[13:04] - Emma’s Journey to One Million Plus Followers[17:49] - The Importance of Consistency in Content Creation[28:23] - Rapid-Fire Excel Questions on Excel Features

Sean Mooney, a senior financial consultant and founder of SJ Finance, dives into the intricate world of revenue forecasting for law firms. With his expertise in Excel automation, he reveals the challenges firms face, particularly with long cash cycles and the need for precise Work In Progress (WIP) reporting. Sean shares insights on the importance of scenario planning in financial models and the significant role of Power Query in streamlining data management. He emphasizes that accuracy is crucial, as stagnant WIP can lead to financial pitfalls, offering a fresh perspective on overcoming these hurdles.

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst (aka the FP&A Guy) sits down with Frank David, an expert at the intersection of corporate strategy, clinical medicine, and biotech research. They discuss the unique challenges of financial modeling in the biopharma industry, the importance of understanding patient populations, and how drug development strategy influences financial decision-making.Frank David is the Founder and Managing Director of Pharmagellan, a consulting firm specializing in biotech financial modeling and valuation. With a background as a physician scientist, Frank has extensive experience advising biopharma teams and investors. He also teaches at Tufts University and is the lead author of The Pharmagellan Guide to Biotech Forecasting and Valuation and The Pharmagellan Guide to Analyzing Biotech Clinical Trials.Expect to Learn:The unique challenges of financial modeling in biotech and pharma.Why "small percent of a big market" is a flawed valuation approach.How patient segmentation impacts drug development strategy.The importance of risk-adjusted modeling and scenario planning.How financial modeling supports strategic decision-making in biotech investments.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"Most early-stage biotech entrepreneurs don’t realize they need to think about who their patients actually are and what alternative treatments exist.""In drug development, forecasting is about managing uncertainty, not predicting exact numbers.""The clinical strategy and commercial strategy in biotech are so intertwined that modeling them separately can be misleading."This episode explored the complexities of biotech financial modeling. Frank shared why traditional financial modeling approaches don’t always work in the biotech industry and how strategic decision-making relies heavily on understanding patient needs, regulatory pathways, and risk assessment.Follow Frank:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-s-david/Company - https://www.pharmagellan.com/Email - frank@pharmagellan.comBook - https://a.co/d/gf8SwzIFollow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.  In today’s episode: [01:14] - Introduction to the Episode[02:02] - Meet Frank David [04:17] - Financial Modeling Horror Story [09:38] - Understanding Biotech Financial Models[13:57] - Biotech Forecasting and Valuation[18:15] - Where to Start When Analyzing a Drug Project [24:52] - Risk-Adjusted Modeling in Biotech [32:01] - Advice for Modelers in Biotech [40:56] - Fun & Rapid-Fire Questions[49:32] - How to Connect with Frank David

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Babatope Agbeyo, a corporate trainer with extensive experience in financial modeling, Excel, and valuation. Babatope shares about his "SIMPLE" modeling framework, experiences in financial advisory at Deloitte, and lessons from training over 3,000 professionals globally. He also discusses his passion for keeping financial models structured, logical, and error-free.Babatope Agbeyo is a financial modeling expert and corporate trainer who has worked across multiple industries, including telecom, manufacturing, oil & gas, and tech. With experience at Deloitte and D Brown Consulting, he has reviewed and audited countless financial models, refining his approach through his "SIMPLE" modeling framework. Babatope is a certified AFM and FMVA and is passionate about making financial modeling more structured and effective.Expect to Learn:The importance of keeping financial models simple and structuredBabatope’s SIMPLE modeling framework and how it improves modeling efficiencyCommon financial modeling mistakes and how to avoid themHow to effectively audit financial models using the PAINS approachThe best industries for financial modeling and which ones are the most challengingHere are a few quotes from the episode:"A great financial model should be modular, meaning each calculation block is distinct and easy to read.""Most errors I find in financial models come from poor calculations and linking mistakes.""A well-structured financial model should be easy to read, navigate, and troubleshoot."Financial modeling isn't just about crunching numbers, it's about telling a story with data, making informed decisions, and ensuring accuracy at every step. Babatope’s SIMPLE framework and PAINS approach remind us that clarity and structure are just as important as technical skill. If you’ve ever struggled with a model that just wouldn’t balance, or spent hours troubleshooting an error, this episode is a must-listen. Follow Babatope:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/babatopesamuelagbeyo/Email - babatopesamuelagbeyo@gmail.comFollow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.  In today’s episode: [01:18] Introduction to the Episode[03:39] Financial Modeling Horror Story[05:28] Lessons from Working with David Brown [07:15] What It’s Like Working at Deloitte [09:48] The SIMPLE Framework [14:06] The Art of Teaching Financial Modeling[16:16] Preparing for the AFM Exam [21:16] The PAINS Approach to Auditing Models [24:20] Excel Shortcuts & Unique Modeling Use Cases [26:08] Biggest Career Lesson [28:58] Rapid-Fire Questions [33:38] Final Advice [34:46] Where to Connect with Babatope

In this engaging conversation, Andres Klaric, co-founder and co-CEO of Fuse, shares insights from his transition from investment banking to launching a fintech startup. He delves into the common mistakes in financial modeling, emphasizing the danger of overcomplicating forecasts. Klaric also reveals what venture capitalists truly look for in startup projections, and he recounts his strategies for navigating the fundraising process while balancing work and personal life. Expect valuable lessons on simplifying complexity in financial models and preparing for investor pitches.