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 monthly 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 monthly 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
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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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Integrating Finance and IT: Insights From the CIO of Brookfield Residential
Oct 700:31:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Brookfield Residential CIO Brandon Sharp joins host Melissa Howatson to share his unique career journey and to reveal why tighter alignment between finance and IT drives true transformation. Brandon reflects on lessons learned while leading major initiatives in homebuilding and real estate, from navigating shadow IT to building cross-functional trust. He offers practical insights on transparency, influence, and project management—and explains why finance leaders who are “data curious” often become the critical bridge to IT. This discussion highlights practical strategies to strengthen IT–finance partnerships, accelerate transformation, and foster alignment that delivers business-wide impact. Discussed in This Episode: How to transform IT–finance collaboration into a growth engine The “Tell Them” Triad for influence Balancing time, cost and quality in transformation projects Identifying and empowering data-curious champions within finance For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
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From Series C to G: Carta’s CFO on Adapting to Change
Sep 2300:29:44Tap to summarizeHow do you scale finance operations to keep pace with a business that’s doubling in size every few months? In this episode of The CFO Show, Carta CFO Charly Kevers shares how he has navigated constant change while helping the company grow from Series C to Series G and reach a $7.4B valuation. Charly opens up about the tactical lessons he has learned leading finance in a high-growth environment, from building a team of engineers dedicated to finance systems, to embedding innovation into everyday workflows, to experimenting with AI use cases that free teams from repetitive tasks. He also reflects on the cultural side of scaling, explaining why curiosity, adaptability and surfacing issues early are non-negotiable traits for his team. The audience will walk away with practical ideas for leveraging technology, strengthening cross-functional partnerships, and making space for innovation, even when the pace feels overwhelming. In This Episode: Why adaptability and curiosity are essential traits for modern finance talent How Carta scaled operations without continuously increasing headcount The value of a dedicated finance engineering team Partnering with IT, HR and go-to-market teams to drive systems alignment How to embed innovation into day-to-day finance work and create space for it Using hackathons and AI pilots to unlock new efficiencies For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
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Transforming Tax: From Cost Center to Strategic Business Partner
Mar 25, 202500:37:46Tap to summarizeRevolutionizing tax functions is no longer a distant dream—it's happening now. This episode delves into the groundbreaking transformation of tax departments from cost centers to strategic powerhouses. Dave Helmer, EY Global Tax and Finance Operate Leader, and Daren R. Campbell, EY Americas Tax Technology and Transformation Leader, share their expertise on how Generative AI or GenAI and other cutting-edge technologies are elevating tax departments from mere cost centers to strategic business partners. The discussion explores how innovative tax strategies are influencing everything from supply chain management to corporate transactions, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of a modernized tax function. This episode examines the challenges and opportunities facing today's tax professionals. From talent acquisition to technological integration, it provides insights for finance leaders aiming to unlock the full potential of their tax departments and drive business value in an AI-driven world. Learn how forward-thinking companies are leveraging their tax functions to navigate complex regulatory environments, drive efficiency, and inform critical business decisions. Discussed in This Episode The role tax plays in partnership with finance and business decision-making How Generative AI is helping CFOs transform tax operations Challenges in tax data management and integration within finance operations AI use cases in tax How tax functions integrate seamlessly into finance Initial steps for AI adoption Change management in AI adoption
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How AI is Reshaping Work
Mar 11, 202500:39:06Tap to summarizeThe AI revolution is here, and it’s transforming business as we know it. In this episode, Hugh Cumming, Chief Technology Officer of Vena, discusses the new industrial revolution powered by artificial intelligence. With over 20 years of experience as a product and technology leader, Hugh offers insights into how AI is reshaping the modern business landscape. The conversation delves into AI’s impact on finance and productivity, offering a glimpse into the future of work. Hugh outlines the emerging skill sets required to thrive in this new era and provides valuable advice on how professionals and organizations can stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Hugh explores the myriad ways AI is revolutionizing work by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making processes, and fostering creative problem-solving. From maximizing operational efficiency to nurturing creativity, Hugh offers practical examples and actionable insights for strategically integrating AI into business operations as a workforce partner. Learn how AI is shaping the future of business and how you can position yourself and your organization at the forefront of this exciting new frontier. Discussed in This Episode The AI-Driven industrial revolution: How to avoid getting left behind The changing skill sets required for the future AI-driven landscape How businesses are integrating AI into their workflow Embracing AI as a workforce partner, not your replacement Suggestions on how to integrate AI without disruption Importance of change management in AI adoption For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
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Optimizing Debt for Business Growth
Mar 4, 202500:27:23Tap to summarizeThe art of corporate debt management has become a critical balancing act for CFOs, who must simultaneously fuel company expansion and preserve financial robustness. Debt is a critical tool that, when leveraged effectively, can drive operational efficiency and business expansion. By structuring debt strategically, organizations can optimize liquidity, mitigate financial risk, and enhance overall capital efficiency. Tom Panther, Chief Financial Officer of Corpay, a leading S&P 500 corporate payments company joins our host Melissa Howatson to discuss the complexities of debt management. Drawing on his 30+ years of experience in finance, Tom explains how CFOs can navigate debt management amid fluctuating market conditions and leverage these changes to benefit their organizations. Discover Tom’s strategies for effective spend management, proactive cash flow monitoring, and successfully adapting to today’s new business landscape. Discussed in This Episode: The macroeconomic impacts resulting from the Federal Reserve rate cuts and broader market volatility. Strategies CFOs are employing to adapt their financial approaches in response to economic shifts. Advice on how to maximize debt structure. How businesses can hedge against volatility. Positioning your organization for future growth in an evolving climate.
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Leveraging Intellectual Property for Growth, Investment and Competitive Advantage
Feb 25, 202500:43:57Tap to summarizeIntellectual property (IP) is revolutionizing how companies build value. For many businesses, the key to sustainable growth lies not in their balance sheet, but in the ideas they own. Erin-Michael Gill, founder of M&A firm Genaesis, LLC, and Chairman of a Federal Advisory Committee on Intellectual Property and Trade, shares his expertise in this episode. With over $1.2 billion in M&A and capital formation investments under his advisory, Gill is consistently recognized as one of the world's leading IP strategists. Erin-Michael delves into the intersection of IP strategy, innovation, and deal-making. He discusses how CFOs can unlock the full potential of their IP portfolios to fuel growth, attract investors, and drive success in M&A transactions. Discover why IP should be at the forefront of your business strategy and learn practical approaches to developing and managing IP assets. Discussed in This Episode: The pivotal role of IP and intangible assets in driving company valuation and growth, with a focus on M&A contexts. Why many businesses overlook their potential to monetize IP and other intangible assets. How a well-crafted IP portfolio can become a cornerstone of a company's growth strategy, attracting investors and securing competitive advantages. The various ways patents add value to a business, from legal protections to social proof. Strategies for assessing, valuing, and positioning intangible assets to optimize outcomes in deal-making scenarios.
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Forging a Powerful CFO-COO Partnership to Drive Organizational Success
Feb 11, 202500:31:36Tap to summarizeThe CFO-COO partnership is undeniably one of the most powerful alliances that can make or break a company's success. When working in perfect harmony, this duo creates a formidable force that drives strategic decisions, enhances operational efficiency, and propels growth. In this installment of our finance business partnering series, host Melissa Howatson welcomes Sandra Clarke, Former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Blue Shield of California. Sandra, who spent the majority of her career in finance, progressed from analyst to CFO before taking on the COO role. She discusses the unique perspective of having been on both sides of the CFO-COO relationship, addressing the benefits of close collaboration as well as the challenges that may arise from competing priorities. Discover what it takes to build a successful CFO-COO business collaboration that benefits the entire organization and learn how this dynamic partnership directly impacts a company's bottom line. Discussed in This Episode: The role of the COO, its variability across companies, and where it intersects with the CFO role in facilitating company strategy and boosting growth. How finance leaders can bring the most value to the operations team by understanding the business, identifying patterns in numbers that may indicate potential issues, and recommending optimal resource allocation. Key elements of a strong CFO-COO partnership, including humility, mutual trust in each other's expertise, and an unwavering focus on what's best for the business. Navigating tensions between CFO and COO roles when financial data doesn't support perceived operational needs, and strategies for collaboration in these challenging situations.
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Crafting a Cost-Effective Employee Healthcare Strategy
Jan 28, 202500:50:03Tap to summarizeHealthcare costs continue to be the most unpredictable expense for businesses, creating a challenging dilemma for CFOs. While healthcare benefits serve as a powerful tool for recruiting and retaining employees, the escalating costs are forcing many finance leaders to seek innovative ways to reduce expenses without compromising the quality of care or the attractiveness of their benefits packages.Anisha Sood is the Chief Financial and Strategy Officer at First Choice Health, with more than 20 years of experience across the healthcare industry. Since joining First Choice Health in 2019, she has overseen finance and strategy, focusing on offering more cost-effective solutions to employers. In this episode, Anisha talks to host Melissa Howatson about why healthcare costs are rising and how providers like First Choice Health are bringing them down without sacrificing quality care.Discover how CFOs can adopt innovative approaches to manage both healthcare costs and employee benefits expenditures effectively during challenging economic times.Discussed in This Episode:Recent trends and changes in healthcare benefits, and factors contributing to rising costsHow First Choice Health is disrupting the traditional healthcare benefits model through expanded partnerships and reduced administrative costsStrategies to mitigate healthcare costs, including how insurers can tailor benefits to an employer’s unique needs, considering factors such as geography and remote workforceBalancing the CFO’s need to control costs with the CHRO’s goal of recruiting and retaining employeesThe growing importance of mental and behavioral health benefits in comprehensive healthcare packages
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Building a Finance Function From the Ground Up
Jan 14, 202500:29:55Tap to summarizeThe journey from being a solo finance expert to architecting a robust finance function is complex. Knowing where to begin and how to proceed can shape the future of your department and company.In this episode, host Melissa Howatson welcomes Amy Ward, CFO of Blue River PetCare, to discuss the intricacies of building a finance function from the ground up. Amy shares her journey from Senior Accountant to CFO, offering valuable insights into the strategic approach required to align finance with organizational goals and drive sustainable growth. Amy joined Blue River PetCare's team in 2014 as a Senior Accountant and, since then, has played a critical role in the development and management of their Accounting and Payroll teams.Discover how finance leaders should navigate hiring, technology investments, and cross-departmental collaboration as they build and nurture a finance team to drive long-term success.Discussed in This Episode:The most important considerations for finance leaders before making their first hireWhy Amy invested first in her accounts payable team, and how she now views this function as a breeding ground for talentHow to assess the technologies a business truly needs at various stages of its growthNavigating the challenges of transitioning from a small to a larger, more complex finance functionWhy culture fit is often overlooked in finance, but is just as important as in any other part of the businessWhy cultural fit is often overlooked in finance, but is just as important as in any other part of the business
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