Podcast
The CFO Show
Hosted by Vena · EN
With today's increasingly challenging business conditions, finance leaders are taking on more responsibilities and facing more change than ever.
Join Vena’s CFO Melissa Howatson for The CFO Show, a biweekly podcast featuring interviews with forward-thinking finance and business leaders.
Get timely commentary on today’s biggest issues in business, hear from finance leaders on how their work is transforming their organizations and get practical advice for ushering your finance team into the future.
The CFO Show isn’t just a podcast; it’s your forecast for the future of finance.
thecfoshowpodcast.com
Join Vena’s CFO Melissa Howatson for The CFO Show, a biweekly podcast featuring interviews with forward-thinking finance and business leaders.
Get timely commentary on today’s biggest issues in business, hear from finance leaders on how their work is transforming their organizations and get practical advice for ushering your finance team into the future.
The CFO Show isn’t just a podcast; it’s your forecast for the future of finance.
thecfoshowpodcast.com
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How CFOs Build Resilient Careers: Lessons from Banking, M&A and GoFundMe
1w ago00:41:54Tap to summarizeThe path to becoming a CFO is rarely linear. In today’s environment of constant change, finance leaders are expected to move between strategy, operations, and capital markets while developing the judgment needed to navigate uncertainty and drive growth.In this episode of The CFO Show, Melissa Howatson speaks with Greg Mrva, Chief Financial Officer of GoFundMe, about how varied career experiences shape stronger finance leaders. Drawing on decades of experience across investment banking, public company leadership, and high-growth technology businesses, Greg shares how moving between roles builds pattern recognition, resilience, and better decision-making. His journey from investment banking to CFO offers a practical lens on how finance leaders can expand their capabilities over time.Together, they explore:Why non-linear career paths create stronger CFOsHow experience in banking and operating roles builds strategic insightLessons from integrating acquisitions and building unified teamsHow GoFundMe is scaling a platform at the intersection of money, trust and technologyThe role of AI in accelerating finance workflows and decision-makingHow to develop “range of motion” across strategy, operations and analyticsThe critical skills CFOs need to lead in environments defined by ambiguity and changeWhether building a finance career, leading transformation, or preparing for the next generation of CFO leadership, this conversation offers practical insights on adaptability, growth, and long-term success.
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Business Agility in Finance: How CFOs Can Thrive in Volatility and Uncertainty
Apr 700:27:01Tap to summarizeBusiness agility has become a defining capability for organizations operating in today’s environment of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). But while many companies focus on operational flexibility or technology investments, fewer understand the critical role finance plays in enabling true agility across the business.In this episode of The CFO Show, Melissa Howatson speaks with Mitch Max, founder of BetterVu and Executive in Residence for the Association of Financial Professionals, about what separates organizations that survive from those that thrive during disruption. Drawing on research and decades of experience in enterprise performance management, Mitch shares how agility is less about tools and more about culture, decision-making, and embedded finance leadership.Together, they explore:The difference between finance agility and true business agilityWhy only a small percentage of companies outperform during volatilityThe “sense, decide, act” model for faster, more effective decision-makingHow finance teams act as early warning systems and strategic partnersThe role of EPM systems in enabling real-time planning and collaborationHow to manage data overload and focus on actionable insightsWhere AI is delivering value today, from automation to advanced analyticsWhether navigating economic uncertainty, implementing new planning systems, or redefining the role of finance, this conversation offers practical guidance for CFOs and finance leaders looking to build more agile, resilient organizations.
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ERP Transformation Strategy: How CFOs Avoid Failure, Hidden Costs and Legacy Risk
Mar 500:31:18Tap to summarizeOne of the most consequential decisions a CFO will make is selecting and implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. Yet beyond vendor comparisons and licensing costs lie hidden risks—customization overruns, stalled implementations, legacy system constraints, and organizational change fatigue.In this episode of The CFO Show, Melissa Howatson speaks with Harpal Mattu, FCMA, Managing Director at Agilyx Group, about what truly determines ERP success or failure. Drawing on decades of experience guiding global ERP transformations, Harpal shares practical lessons from both high-performing implementations and recovery projects where things went wrong.Together, they discuss:The true total cost of ERP ownership beyond implementation feesWhy excessive customization creates “Frankenstack” environmentsWhen to adapt your processes versus customizing the systemHow to structure ERP programs to reduce risk and avoid burnoutPhasing vs. “big bang” go-lives—and what CFOs must protectWhy change management must begin before system selectionThe evolution of ERP from system of record to system of reasoningWhether you’re modernizing a legacy ERP, evaluating new platforms, or leading a finance transformation initiative, this conversation offers a strategic lens for navigating ERP decisions with confidence and discipline.
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Managing Costs, Complexity, and Change in Healthcare Finance
Jan 1300:21:29Tap to summarizeHealthcare finance leaders are operating under unprecedented pressure. Rising costs, staffing shortages, payer complexity, and constant uncertainty. Matthew Ennen, Senior Vice President of Finance and Business Development at Ensemble Health Partners, shares how finance leaders can navigate volatility while staying anchored to their mission, their people and long-term resilience. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience across healthcare and consumer industries, Matthew explains why finance skills are highly transferable, how analytics and scenario planning enable proactive decision-making, and why transparency, empathy and communication are now essential leadership requirements. From balancing cost containment with innovation to keeping teams motivated through periods of transformation, Matthew offers practical insights for finance leaders in any industry facing rapid change. Discussed in This Episode: Leading finance teams through uncertainty and transformation Why finance skills transfer across industries Balancing cost control with innovation in mission-driven organizations Using analytics to move from reactive to proactive decision-making The role of transparency, empathy and communication in leadershipFor CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
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The Hallmarks of a Modern, Mature Finance Team
Dec 3000:14:28Tap to summarizeWhat separates good finance teams from great ones? In this special episode, host Melissa Howatson brings together insights from more than 20 finance leaders to answer one deceptively simple question: What is the hallmark of a mature finance team? Across industries and company sizes, their perspectives reveal a shared truth: modern finance teams don’t just report on the business; they help shape where it’s going. From strategic storytelling to cross-functional partnership, from data clarity to embracing AI as an amplifier for decision-making, this episode uncovers the practices that define today’s most effective finance organizations. Discussed in This Episode: Why mature finance teams guide rather than control the business How partnership and communication earn finance a seat at the table The importance of ownership, consistency and predictable processes Why data culture matters more than “perfect” data How AI frees teams to spend more time on storytelling and strategy Why transformation is never one big moment, but an ongoing mindset Guests in Order of Appearance: John Hagerty, Distinguished Analyst, Dresner Advisory Services Sandra Clarke, Former EVP & COO, Blue Shield of California Tom Panther, CFO, National Christian Foundation (Formerly of Corpay) Amy Ward, CFO, Blue River PetCare Hugh Cumming, Chief Technology Officer, Vena Kaz Takemura, Managing Director, FP&A Technology Services, ModelCom Inc. Aaqil Kassamali, Procurement Director, Vena Rajat Bahri, CFO, Icertis Scott Engler, CEO, Sync Executive Partners Anisha Sood, Chief Financial & Strategy Officer, First Choice Health Darren R. Campbell, EY Americas Tax Technology and Transformation Leader Matthew Ennen, SVP, Finance and Business Development, Ensemble Health Partners Tom Seegmiller, CFO, Texada Software Janelle Gorman, CFO, York IE Troy Anderson, CFO, Kelly Dave Helmer, EY Global Tax and Finance Operate Leader Craig Schiff, CEO, BPM Partners Igor Stelea, Former Director, CFGI Brandon Sharp, Chief Information Officer, Brookfield Residential Nick McKeehan, Managing Director, CFO Solutions, Protiviti Charlie X.W. Liu, Chief Happiness Officer, MCC Peter Emerling, Director, Digital Transformation Practice, Citrin CoopermanFor CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com<...
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Beyond the Close: How Financial Consolidation Creates Strategic Advantage
Dec 1600:27:59Tap to summarizeFinancial consolidation has long been treated as a “back-office necessity,” but in today’s complex, data-dense businesses, it’s becoming a strategic engine. Craig Schiff, Founder and CEO of BPM Partners joins Melissa to unpack the evolution of consolidation, why it’s resurging in importance, and how AI is reshaping both FP&A and controllership. Craig shares what companies are getting wrong, why consolidation and planning belong together and the trends he’s seeing as organizations move from legacy systems, Excel-heavy processes and fragmented tools toward unified performance management. He also explains the critical connection between actuals, planning accuracy and strategic speed, and why more CFOs now lead with consolidation at the center of their data strategy. Discussed in This Episode: Critical features of modern financial close and consolidation software Building a unified finance tech stack AI in performance management: What CFOs need to know The future of close and consolidationFor CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
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The FP&A Trifecta: How Finance, Data and Systems Drive Strategic Growth
Dec 200:34:53Tap to summarizeFinance doesn’t need to chase a mythical “best-in-class” model; success comes from mastering the fundamentals. In this episode of The CFO Show, Charlie X.W. Liu, Founder and Chief Happiness Officer of MCC, joins Melissa Howatson to unpack the FP&A Trifecta: finance, data and systems and how getting these right transforms finance teams from spreadsheet operators into strategic partners. Charlie shares lessons from 15+ years advising startups and Fortune 500s on optimizing EPM systems, improving data quality and building finance functions that scale with the business. He also explores how AI is changing finance roles, helping professionals shift from cost controllers to storytellers who drive business growth. Discussed in This Episode: The three pillars of modern FP&A: finance, data and systems Why clean data isn’t the goal, useful data is How to avoid common EPM implementation pitfalls Why finance leaders must become “story sellers,” not just storytellers How AI is reshaping skills and structure in the finance teamFor CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
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What 35 Years in Finance Taught Kelly’s CFO About Change
Nov 1800:31:49Tap to summarizeCareer growth isn’t always a straight line, and sometimes the biggest leaps come from taking a step sideways. Troy Anderson, Chief Financial Officer at Kelly, shares the defining moments, pivotal decisions, and leadership lessons from his 35-year career spanning industries from telecom to education to talent solutions. He reflects on leading major turnarounds and public company transformations, navigating mergers and acquisitions, and building finance teams that act as trusted business partners. Troy also discusses how to communicate through change, the importance of listening before leading, and how AI is reshaping the role of today’s CFO. Discussed in This Episode: The career pivots that shaped Troy’s path to CFO How to lead transformation with conviction and clear communication The power of listening and empathy in leadership Balancing strategy with detail in a modern finance role Preparing finance teams for AI and the next era of transformationFor CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
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How AI Is Reinventing Enterprise Finance
Nov 400:23:49Tap to summarizeAI promises efficiency, automation, and smarter decision-making, but for large enterprises, the journey is far more complex than simply adopting the latest tool. In this episode of The CFO Show, Rajat Bahri, CFO of Icertis, joins host Melissa Howatson to explore how enterprise finance teams can harness AI to drive transformation. With experience leading finance at global organizations, Rajat shares insights on how CFOs can balance innovation with governance, turn AI into actionable insights and lead change across complex data and system landscapes. He also delves into how trust, data accuracy and integration are shaping the next chapter of enterprise finance, and why CFOs must lead from the top to unlock AI’s full potential. Discussed in This Episode: How enterprise finance can leverage AI for smarter, faster decision-making The difference between AI adoption in startups and large organizations Overcoming legacy systems and data fragmentation challenges Building trust, accuracy and responsible AI practices How CFOs can upskill teams and set the tone from the topFor CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
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The Hidden Power of Procurement
Oct 2100:22:42Tap to summarizeProcurement is no longer just about cutting costs. It’s about creating value, building partnerships and helping finance teams make smarter, faster decisions. On this episode of The CFO Show, Aaqil Kassamali, Procurement Director at Vena Solutions, joins Melissa Howatson to discuss how procurement has evolved into a strategic function that drives innovation and alignment across the business. Aaqil shares lessons from building procurement teams from the ground up, using technology to gain visibility and insight, and balancing short-term savings with long-term value. He also explains why trust, business acumen and collaboration are now the true measures of success in modern procurement. Discussed in This Episode: Shifting procurement from tactical to strategic The impact of visibility and data on smarter decision-making Building trust and partnership across business functions Balancing short-term wins with long-term value creation Exploring the future of procurement in an AI-driven worldFor CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
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