Episodes

  • The AI-Powered Future of Cash Flow with Carlos Vega

    The AI-Powered Future of Cash Flow with Carlos Vega
    Jan 7 2025
    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 process How "connected financial operations" integrate various financial processes to provide a real-time view of cash flow The role of real-time data in improving cash flow management What the future of invoicing and payment collection will look like
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    29 mins
  • How AI Is Changing the CFO Playbook with Ashwath Bhat

    How AI Is Changing the CFO Playbook with Ashwath Bhat
    Dec 31 2024
    In the past year, AI has taken center stage, leaving a profound impact on most industries, and finance is no exception. By integrating AI tools, financial institutions have completely transformed their operations, increasing their efficiency and growth… but at what cost? To explore the role and impact of AI in finance, we discussed with Ashwath Bhat. Ashwath Bhat serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Fractal. With over twenty years of experience in global finance across multiple markets, he has a proven track record of collaborating with industry leaders to enhance financial outcomes. His expertise lies in FP&A, strategic planning, M&As, commercial finance, pricing strategies, treasury management, and in-depth financial analysis. Before Fractal, he served in various leadership roles at Nielsen, IBM, and GE. In this episode, we discuss: The role of AI in finance Leveraging AI for efficient decision-making The evolving role of CFOs in the age of AI Data privacy and cybersecurity
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    42 mins
  • Top Skills and Strategies for Standing Out in Finance with Stephen Newland

    Top Skills and Strategies for Standing Out in Finance with Stephen Newland
    Dec 24 2024
    Winning at the finance game requires a specific set of skills. It's not just about financial literacy or accounting; soft skills are equally important. You might wonder what these skills are and how to learn them, but don't worry. Stephen Newland, Director of FP&A at GrowthLab Finance-as-a-Service, got you covered. Stephen has worked in a finance role at various organizations, including startups, early-stage companies, nonprofits, and Fortune 500s. He earned the Certified Management Accountant designation in July 2022 and has an Honors Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Cincinnati. Before GrowthLab, Stephen held finance roles in organizations like Gravy, Qoins, North Point Community Church, Buckhead Church, Delta Air Lines, and GE. In this episode, we discuss: How does GrowthLab help businesses optimize their finances for growth? The importance of learning from mistakes What skills are essential in helping finance professionals stand out and advance more quickly within their organizations? How can finance professionals develop soft skills early on? How can you build relationships and win over the trust of leadership? Creating a plan for personal growth
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    35 mins
  • The Business of Doing Good with Sam Wehbe

    The Business of Doing Good with Sam Wehbe
    Dec 17 2024
    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 nonprofits How sound financial management drives positive change Adapting financial structures to navigate funding shortfalls Transparency and accountability in managing donor funds Emerging trends in nonprofit financial management
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    29 mins
  • Building Value Through Financial Analysis with Karl Maier

    Building Value Through Financial Analysis with Karl Maier
    Dec 10 2024
    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 stakeholders The importance of cash flow management in growing businesses Strategies for developing effective pricing models Managing financial transitions including M&A and turnarounds Building Resilient Finance Teams
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    30 mins
  • CFOs Meet Generative AI with Monica Proothi

    CFOs Meet Generative AI with Monica Proothi
    Dec 3 2024
    In this episode of CFO Weekly, Monica Proothi, Partner and Global Finance Transformation Lead for IBM, joins Megan Weis to explore the latest trends and challenges facing finance leaders, particularly around generative AI. Monica discusses how generative AI is reshaping finance, the need for CFOs to collaborate with CTOs early in IT planning, and the ethical considerations of AI. Monica brings over 20 years of experience in finance transformation across both consulting and industry roles. Known for driving hyper-growth and productivity, she specializes in reshaping finance operating models through people-centered transformations, ERP modernization, intelligent operations, and data-driven technology solutions. Before IBM, Monica held various finance roles at Accenture, Morgan Stanley, and UBS. In this episode, we discuss: How to leverage generative AI for finance transformation Upskilling finance professionals for an AI-driven future The role of DEI in building stronger finance teams Why CFOs must partner with CTOs The ethical landscape of AI in finance
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    27 mins
  • Key Lessons in Financial Leadership with Eric Muhlheim

    Key Lessons in Financial Leadership with Eric Muhlheim
    Nov 26 2024
    In this episode of CFO Weekly, Eric Muhlheim, Chief Financial Officer at Mozilla, joins Megan Weis to share insights on mastering financial leadership in tech and advancing strategies that are shaping the reinvention of the two-decade-old technology pioneer, Mozilla. Eric also discusses how to build high-performing finance teams, the importance of transparency in leadership, and how AI is reshaping finance. Eric is an experienced finance executive who combines a rigorous analytical mindset with operational expertise in developing and leading organizations. In addition to his role at Mozilla, Eric is the Owner of HLH Bizworks and HLH Yeastworks, a Founding Member of Journey CxO, and a Member Of The Board Of Advisors at Deep Knowledge Investing. Before that, he worked for companies such as Morgan Stanley, The Walt Disney Company, Helix Education, OpenX, and BuzzFeed. In this episode, we discuss: How Mozilla balances innovation with sustainability Why transparency is key to thriving through change The profit-by-product framework for better investment decision-making Aligning teams and optimizing costs for growth
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    34 mins
  • The CFO's New Playbook in the Age of Technology with Beatty D'Alessandro

    The CFO's New Playbook in the Age of Technology with Beatty D'Alessandro
    Nov 19 2024
    The past and present of the CFO role look significantly different. Once primarily considered as the steward of a company's financial well-being, the CFO today is instrumental in charting the organization's strategic course and leveraging technological advancements for growth. But what catalyzed this shift? Join us as we delve into the change of the CFO role, tracing its origins in accounting and understanding its present-day nexus with strategy and technology in a conversation with Beatty D'Alessandro. Beatty is currently the Executive In Residence - Graduate Finance Program at Georgia State University. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer for three premier companies up until mid-2018. At Merchants Metals, an Atlanta-based spin-off from Oldcastle and North America's second-largest chain link fence manufacturer, he oversaw finance, accounting, technology, and manufacturing. In 2015, Beatty finished his tenure as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Univar, a global chemical distributor valued at $10 billion. Before this, he held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Graybar, a company worth $5 billion. In this episode, we discuss: The evolution of the CFO from accounting to strategic leadership The strategic path to CFO success How a CFO should evaluate and leverage risks and opportunities The CFO role in a large public organization versus smaller, non-public companies AI and Modern Finance
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    55 mins