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In this fourth instalment of the Mastering M&A series, host Hannah Munro is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO, to explore the journey from CFO to Non-Executive Director (NED). Whether you're considering your first NED role or want to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with it, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How the role differs from an executive position and the mindset shift required
• The reality of NED roles vs. advertised time commitments
• How to assess opportunities and avoid roles that aren't the right fit
• Common pitfalls, governance struggles, and difficult board dynamics
• The key to being an effective NED
• Tips for aspiring NEDs, including building experience and crafting the right CV

Links mentioned:

• Jeremy's Linkedin
• Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of Financial Transformation Live Hannah Munro explores how finance leaders can step up and take a more strategic role in driving change and process improvement across their organisations.

With AI and automation set to reshape finance, CFOs and finance teams must shift their focus beyond transactional tasks and become catalysts for business transformation. Hannah dives into the opportunities for finance to lead cross-departmental change, break down silos, and enhance operational efficiency.

Key Topics Covered:

• The evolving role of finance in a world of AI & automation
• Why finance is uniquely positioned to drive change across the business
• How to identify inefficiencies and streamline finance processes
• The importance of cross-departmental collaboration in transformation projects
• Strategies for overcoming resistance to change and building consensus
• The role of finance in breaking down data silos and improving decision-making

Links mentioned:

• February FTL: Financial Transformation Live: The Finance-Driven Approach to Smarter Business Processes
• Revisit previous Financial Transformation Live sessions
• CFO 4.0 Monthly Briefing
• Financial Transformation Live Feedback survey

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro sits down with Phil Moses, CFO at Octavius, to discuss his fascinating career journey from working in PLCs to Private Equity-backed businesses. With experience spanning insurance, telecoms, infrastructure, and construction, Phil shares his lessons on managing investors, driving financial strategy, and adapting to different ownership models.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• How Phil approached investor engagement and messaging in the PLC world, including handling difficult conversations.
• Key differences in reporting, decision-making speed, and working with multiple investors.
• Challenges of goal alignment, board dynamics, and the role of a strong chairperson in creating consensus.
• The importance of transparency, relationship-building, and setting realistic yet ambitious targets.
• How PE expectations differ from the public market approach.

Links mentioned:

• Phil's Linkedin
• Learn more about Octavius

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro welcomes back Private Equity expert Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners, for the next episode of The Private Equity CFO.
Together, they break down the key considerations for businesses looking to secure Private Equity investment, the challenges of the process, and how CFOs can prepare to maximize returns.

Key topics covered include:

• Is Private Equity the right option for your business?
• What makes a business ‘mature’ enough for Private Equity?
• Red flags that Private Equity investors watch out for
• Finding the right private equity house and corporate finance advisor:
• The Private Equity investment process: What to expect
• The CFO’s role in Private Equity investment

Links mentioned:

• Richard's Linkedin
• Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Stuart Mellis, CFO of Optalysis, about his journey to CFO, the challenges of scaling deep tech startups, and navigating fundraising, investor relations, and financial planning in an emerging market.

Key topics covered:

• Private equity vs venture capital – key differences in expectations and investment approaches
• Managing investor relationships – balancing trust, communication, and transparency
• Fundraising in deep tech – navigating challenges and pitching to the right investors
• Financial planning & budgeting – setting realistic growth targets in an emerging market
• Advice for new CFOs – the importance of coaching, board management, and asking the right questions

Links mentioned:

• Stuart's Linkedin
• Learn more about Optalysis

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this third instalment of the Mastering M&A series, Hannah Munro is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO, to delve into the complexities of business disposals.

Key topics discussed:

• The difference between being sought out by a buyer vs proactively seeking a sale.
• Essential preparations for making your business attractive to potential acquirers
• The critical role of the CFO in managing the disposal process and overseeing data flow.
• The importance of establishing good buyer relationships
• Deal structures: earn-outs, share exchanges, and the implications for sellers.
• Warranties, indemnities, and legal considerations
• The cultural and operational implications of a sale for the management team and employees.

Links mentioned:

• Jeremy's Linkedin
• Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Alwyn Jones, Group CFO at Luno and returning guest on the podcast. Alwyn shares his journey of broadening his perspective by stepping into a Non-Executive Director (NED) role and reflects on how it has shaped his leadership approach. This engaging conversation covers a range of topics, including:

• The evolving responsibilities of CFOs
• Key insights into the dynamics of a Non-Exec role,
• The challenges and surprises of stepping into a Non-Exec role
• Advice for aspiring NEDs, including tips on networking.
• Reflections on how the NED role has enriched his perspective and improved his effectiveness as a CFO.

Links mentioned in this podcast:

• Connect with Alwyn Jones on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Luno

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners, for the second instalment in our The Private Equity CFO series. Together, they delve into the complexities of private equity and its implications for CFOs.

Key topics covered include:

• Exploring the balance between capability and comfort zone, and what CFOs can do to prove their value.
• How private equity-backed businesses differ in their expectations for timely, actionable financial data.
• Insights into cash flow management, covenant models, and other critical reporting differences.
• From diagnosing the state of the business to building trust with private equity partners, strategies for success in the first 100 days.
• Building trust, communicating effectively, and staying aligned with the investment strategy.
• Tactics for transparency, preparedness, and maintaining credibility under pressure.

Links mentioned:

• Richard's Linkedin
• Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!