Name: Soldo webinar: Rise of AI - How are Businesses Spending in 15 minutes
Start: 2025-08-20T14:14:00Z
End: 2025-08-20T14:14:11.000Z
Location: BrightTALK

The proactive spend management solution that frees progressive businesses to accomplish more.  

How do you build a finance function that can plan and pivot at the speed of change? 

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Hemant Kapadia, Chief Financial Officer at Anaplan, the connected planning platform used by enterprises across finance, sales, supply chain and workforce planning. Hemant shares how Anaplan’s AI-driven calculation engine and new purpose-built applications help leaders model scenarios, understand ripple effects across the business and make confident decisions faster. 

Listeners will hear how Hemant runs finance with a daily close mindset, translating shifts in pipeline into real-time visibility on bookings, billings, EBITDA and cash flow. He explains his dual role as an internal operator and external advisor to customer CFOs, and why connecting teams to both operational metrics and long-term impact is central to his remit. We also unpack the current state of AI in the enterprise, from the hype to the practical point solutions that are starting to deliver value, plus the data orchestration and governance needed to avoid noisy outcomes and protect trust. 

Hemant’s career story moves from engineering microelectronics for the F-35 to GE’s audit staff and through low-margin manufacturing, product, services, FP&A and more. He reflects on building range by leaving your comfort zone, the power of mentors, making decisions with imperfect information and why finance teams should be in the boat rowing with the business, not watching from the pier.

From Fighter Jets to Forecasts: Planning the Future with Anaplan CFO Hemant Kapadia

What does it take to keep a finance function firmly on track in one of the UK’s most asset-heavy industries? 

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Funto Agbeniga, Head of Finance at GB Railfreight, to explore her intentional career journey and the leadership lessons she’s picked up along the way. From her early days at KPMG, to roles at Unilever and the charitable sector, Funto has made purposeful stops along the way — each one shaping how she drives transformation and keeps momentum in her career. 

Listeners will gain a firsthand look at how finance powers GB Railfreight’s operations — from keeping contracts on the right track and managing the life cycle of heavy-duty assets, to balancing short-term reporting with the long-haul view of strategy. Funto shares how she’s helped her team move from number-crunching to true business partnering, ensuring finance always has a seat at the table when critical decisions are made. 

Our conversation also dives into transformation and innovation: from the role of AI and tools like ChatGPT, to investing in the Class 99 dual-mode locomotive — a major step in building a more sustainable railway. Funto reflects on the importance of leadership visibility, nurturing future talent, and why finance leaders need to understand their stakeholders beyond the numbers. 

It’s not only understanding others that Funto highlights, but it is also about ensuring you are staying true to yourself. Funto advice: don’t settle — be the driver of your own locomotive.

Full Steam Ahead: Driving Change in Finance with Funto Agbeniga

Le ricevute generate con I’AI sono una minaccia per la tua azienda? In questo webinar, l’evangelista della digital transformation Rory Choudhuri spiega cosa c’è in gioco per le aziende e I loro team Finance.

Soldo webinar: Frode delle ricevute AI in 15 miniti

Fake receipts aren't new. But the speed at which receipts can be generated, with even free AI tools, is the latest cause of concern. Join this 15-minute session where Soldo's financial transformation evangelist, Rory Choudhuri and Senior Copywriter, Alanna Alexander, break down how finance teams are facing fraud, why traditional spend management systems lack resilience, and what a smarter alternative looks like.

Soldo webinar: Protect your business from AI receipt fraud in under 15 minutes

Stai pianificando il budget per il prossimo anno, rivedendo le previsioni o analizzando la tua strategia di spesa?  Questa analisi on-demand di 35 minuti sulla spesa aziendale ti aiuterà a confrontare le tue spese con quelle dei responsabili finanziari di altre aziende, così da prendere decisioni più informate per la tua azienda.

Basandosi su dati reali di transazioni provenienti da oltre 25.000 aziende, Soldo rivela in quali aree le imprese stanno investendo e dove, invece, stanno riducendo la spesa.

Soldo webinar: Come spendono quelli come noi nel 2025 in 35 minuti

Planning next year’s budgets, reforecasting, or reviewing your spend strategy? 

This 35-minute on-demand analysis of business spending will help you benchmark your spending against your peers so that you are better equipped to make decisions for your business. 

Based on real transaction data from over 25,000 businesses, watch the webinar to discover where businesses are investing and where they are reducing spend.

How people like you are spending in 2025 revealed in 35 minutes

Quando i team finanziari passano da un ruolo reattivo di controllo a un approccio proattivo di abilitazione, tutta l’azienda ne trae beneficio. È più veloce, più intelligente e rafforza la fiducia tra i team. In meno di 30 minuti scopri come: Recuperare fino a 6 giorni al mese grazie all’automazione dei processi finanziari, cogliere più rapidamente le opportunità di business senza compromettere la governance e migliorare l’accuratezza delle previsioni in tutti i team e in ogni area geografica.

Soldo webinar: Inside Soldo: Ecco come il nostro Finance è passato dal caos al controllo assoluto in 30 minuti

When finance teams shift from reactive gatekeeping to proactive enablement, the whole business benefits. It’s faster, it’s smarter, and it builds trust across teams.
In under 30 minutes discover how to:
Reclaim up to 6 days a month with finance automation
Capture business opportunities faster without breaking governance
Improve forecast accuracy across every team and region

Soldo webinar: Inside Soldo: How Our Own Finance Team  is Cutting Through Admin Chaos in under 30 minutes

What does it mean to build a finance function that is truly aligned with product, operations and customers? 

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Ben Averis, CFO of Yoto, the screen-free audio platform helping children explore stories, music and learning on their own terms. Ben shares his strategic journey of steering Yoto through its ambitious expansion across five countries, including the US, which stands as its largest market. Listeners will gain a firsthand account of balancing operational growth with financial discipline in a seasonal business, as well as insights into the distinct challenges of raising capital and making sound decisions in a fast-paced startup environment. 

Our conversation takes a deep dive into Ben's transition across industries, from navigating the turbulent waters of the travel sector during the pandemic to embracing the vibrant startup landscape at Yoto. His reflections on cash flow management during crises offer valuable lessons and underscore the critical nature of agility and foresight in financial leadership. We also explore the broader scope of Ben’s role, which encompasses finance, operations, and supply chain management, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and collaboration for informed decision-making. 

Ever wondered how AI and outsourcing can revolutionize productivity? Ben unveils the innovative ways Yoto is leveraging these tools to enhance efficiency and maintain flexibility, especially in a seasonal market. Through strategic playdates and community-driven content creation, Yoto fosters a vibrant ecosystem that stands resilient against competition. Ben shares his vision for progressive finance, where clarity and simplicity reign supreme, and invites listeners to transform insights into action with a unique high-value resource crafted to guide finance leaders on their journey.

From Finance to Focus: Building a Product-Led Culture at Yoto with CFO Ben Averis

What if you could transform your finance operations by integrating technology and automation into every aspect of your business strategy?  

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by fractional CFO-COO Charlie Hunt to explore how FinOps are reshaping the landscape of finance by shifting from isolated departments to integrated roles, with finance leaders becoming strategic partners to CEOs. 
 
Starting out in retail banking during the 2008 financial crash to now working with a portfolio of companies as a fractional CFO-COO, Charlie is an advocate for the hybridisation of the roles, emphasising trust and collaboration with CEOs as a paramount feature.  

FinOps, as a philosophy, merges financial and operational efficiencies, streamlining processes like reporting and cash flow management, ultimately boosting business performance. For modern businesses, this dual understanding is pivotal, especially in fast changing economic conditions, integrating financial insights with broader operational strategies can be a catalyst for growth and transformation. 

From her experience of working in construction and manufacturing, Charlie explains that despite some initial resistance, traditional sectors are now embracing transformation through the adoption of technology. Integrating tools such as automated reporting and cloud accounting software are significantly enhancing efficiency.  

Hear about the evolving nature of software, the imperative for finance teams to stay current with technological advancements, and the critical traits of curiosity and adaptability for today's finance leaders.  

Chapters: 
00:22 - Introduction to Finance Operations and the Hybrid CFO Role 
03:15 - The Evolving Role of CFOs in Modern Business 
17:47 - Navigating Change Management in Fractional CFO Roles 
18:40 - The Rise of FinOps: Bridging Finance and Operations 
32:43 - The Evolution of Finance: Embracing Technology and Agility 
40:01 - The Emergence of Progressive Finance

FinOps and Beyond: The Hybrid Role of a CFO-COO with Charlie Hunt

In the latest episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Ben Dooley, CFO at Accel to explore nuances of the CFO role within lean, agile organisations with vast geographical footprints.  
 
Highlighting venture capital's vibrant evolution, Ben shares the ripple effect of successful startups and Accel’s strategic focus on early-stage tech investments across Europe, Israel, and India. Hear how Accel's vision complements Silicon Valley's tech dominance and the necessity for European firms to establish their US presence while preserving their European roots. 

 
Highlighting the role of a CFO in guiding companies through growth stages, including pre-IPO rounds, in a rapidly evolving VC landscape, Ben explains the significance of nurturing relationships with portfolio companies and investors alike.  
 
Drawing clear distinctions from other industries, Ben highlights the nuances of being a CFO in a VC firm, explaining the predictability of revenue streams and cost structures that set venture capital apart. With universal importance of clear communication and strategic foresight when engaging with stakeholders remaining paramount, particularly in the fast-paced world of venture capital. 
 
Reflecting on his own approach as a CFO, Ben emphasises the use of storytelling in boardrooms and the longstanding power of the elevator pitch, especially in an era of AI and cybersecurity challenges.  
 
From emerging trends to best practices, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring and current finance leaders navigating complex business environments. 

 

 

Chapters: 

05:18 - The Evolution of Technology Investment 
12:05 - The Evolution of Europe's Tech Landscape 
15:27 - Navigating Relationships in Small Operations 
22:59 - Effective Communication and CFO Best Practices 
24:52 - Emerging Trends in AI and Venture Capital

Europe's Role in the Global Tech Arena, a CFO’s View with Accel’s Ben Dooley

Staying ahead of ESG isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes, it’s about preparing your business to thrive in a climate-conscious economy. But with reporting frameworks evolving fast and scrutiny rising, where should finance focus?

In this exclusive 55-minute masterclass, created in partnership with HotTopics, you’ll hear from ESG and finance leaders tackling the challenges head-on — and turning compliance into competitive advantage.

Soldo & HotTopics webinar: Demystifying ESG and CO2 Reporting for Finance

New CSRD and SECR regulations demand transparent CO₂e reporting—yet many finance teams still rely on slow, manual processes that sap time and introduce risk. What if you could automate emissions tracking, streamline compliance and boost your bottom line?

In this on-demand webinar, you’ll discover how to overcome ESG reporting hurdles, integrate real-time carbon insights into your spend management software and business spend management platform and simplify sustainability compliance ahead of the 2025 CSRD & SECR deadlines with built-in policy controls.

Soldo webinar: A Greener Bottom Line - Simplify ESG Reporting and Drive Sustainability with Lune

76% of senior leaders say missed growth opportunities stem from budget bottlenecks. In Soldo’s 2025 Productivity at Work report, we reveal the five productivity challenges holding finance teams back—and how to overcome them.

In this on-demand session, you’ll learn how to:

1. Remove approval bottlenecks with real-time spend controls, smart prepaid cards and virtual prepaid credit cards

2. Automate expense management and leverage consolidated spend analytics for data-led decisions

3. Select the right spend management software and company spend management solutions to streamline workflows

4. Integrate prepaid expense cards and expense reporting tools seamlessly into your finance stack

5. Reclaim finance bandwidth so your team drives growth instead of firefighting

Watch the webinar today to turn restrictive processes into growth-fueling engines.

Soldo webinar: 5 Productivity Challenges Finance Leaders Must Overcome to Drive Growth in 20 minutes

In un contesto in cui ogni decisione di spesa deve sostenere crescita e resilienza, la produttività finanziaria diventa un vantaggio competitivo. Ma senza accesso tempestivo ai dati e ai budget, anche le aziende più ambiziose rischiano di perdere terreno. In questo webinar, analizziamo 5 ostacoli che limitano la produttività dei team finance e il loro impatto sul business. Scopri come superare i colli di bottiglia decisionali, allineare i processi agli obiettivi strategici e riportare efficienza dove conta di più.

Produttività: 5 sfide per i leader finanziari che puntano alla crescita

What if strengthening your organisation’s security could be simple for finance teams and even protect your bottom line?

This educational webinar, in partnership with Mastercard, explores how finance teams can protect business integrity, prevent losses, and strengthen resilience through simple steps.

In this webinar you’ll discover how to:

Identify the biggest cybersecurity risks facing SMEs and finance teams
Implement simple, cost-effective security measures to prevent attacks
Equip your wider team with free resources to improve cybersecurity awareness

Soldo & Mastercard webinar: Cybersecurity for SMEs - The Finance Teams’ Role in Protecting Business Integrity

Beyond the balance sheet, what strategies do CFOs in the fast-moving consumer goods industry deploy to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market?  

 

In this episode, Claire Caulliez, CFO at Nestle Italy & Malta, gives David McClelland a behind-the-scenes insight into the unique challenges finance leaders face in an industry driven by high volume and fierce brand loyalty.  

 

Claire’s strategies for smart sourcing, hedging, and agile pricing are not just tactics but essential tools for sustaining consumer attention and ensuring product availability. Highlighting how agility in financial planning is paramount amidst whirlwind changes in buying tastes and commodity prices, Claire explains that much like managing personal finances, it's about distinguishing between essentials and non-essentials. 

 

Discussing the broader role of a CFO in fueling growth, Claire advocates collaboration across departments including sales, supply chain, and HR, as being critical for transparency and risk management, while having the courage to be a change-maker within the organisation.    

 

Chapters: 
 

00:23 - Life as a CFO in Fast Moving Consumer Goods 
02:47 - Navigating the FMCG Landscape: Insights from a CFO 
08:25 - The Evolving Role of CFOs in FMCG 
20:55 - Balancing Passion and Responsibility in Leadership 
24:45 - Integrating Sustainability and Technology in Finance

Adapting to Market Fluctuations: A CFO’s Guide to Consumer Behaviour with Claire Caulliez

Turn spending insights into your strategic advantage with Soldo’s Spend Index Webinar. Gain access to exclusive insights from analysis of Q2 2023 and Q2 2024 spending data from 18,000+ companies using Soldo.

In this webinar we explore: 
Why advertising spend is down in the UK but up by 30% in Italy 
How decreasing utility spend paves the way for sustainability
Which AI tools are quickly gaining market share and what has contributed to an 835% increase for one specific tool

Soldo webinar:  September Spend Index 2024 - Business priorities and trends in 20 minutes

The traditional model of centralised financial control is no longer fit for today’s fast-moving business landscape. In this webinar, we introduce Progressive Finance — a new approach that empowers CFOs to decentralise spending without sacrificing governance. Discover five principles to help you build financial systems rooted in trust and visibility, streamline processes without increasing risk, and unlock agility across your organisation. This is finance that fuels growth — not friction.

Soldo webinar: Progressive Finance: Moving to decentralised, trust-based financial management in 15 minutes

Finance teams could reclaim up to 80% of the time spent on monthly reporting—but only if they overhaul slow, fragmented processes. According to Forrester, organisations that streamline governance, payment and review can unlock huge efficiency gains.

In this on-demand session, learn how to spot the warning signs and act fast:

Governance gaps – inconsistent policy controls and spotty approvals? A unified spend management solution enforces rules in real time.

Payment pain – too much petty cash, duplicated corporate cards or unmanaged prepaid expense cards? Switch to an automated expense management system.

Review roadblocks – scattered receipts, delayed expense reporting tools and siloed spend data? Consolidate under one spend management software.

Insight shortage – lacking consolidated spend analytics and company spending management dashboards? Gain full visibility to make data-led decisions.

Compliance cracks – audit prep a nightmare? Built-in policy controls and detailed audit trails keep you always ready.

Bandwidth drain – finance buried in manual tasks instead of strategic work? Free your team to focus on growth initiatives.

Watch on demand to discover the six red flags you can’t afford to ignore—and see how a business spend management software transforms mess into momentum.

Soldo webinar: 6 Indicators You Need a Spend Management Solution in 13 minutes

End-of-quarter budget pressure can lead to rushed, low-value spending — or worse, missed opportunities to drive strategic impact. This webinar explores how CFOs can turn unspent budget into a competitive advantage. Discover practical strategies to reallocate resources with precision, avoid wasteful end-of-period activity, and boost financial confidence across the business. Because every pound not spent wisely is a missed chance to accelerate growth.

Soldo webinar: Optimising Underspend Across the Organisation in 11 minutes

Decentralised spending is a reality for modern businesses — but without proper controls, it becomes a source of risk, inefficiency, and lost visibility. In this webinar, we explore how CFOs can turn complexity into clarity: gaining real-time oversight, enforcing policy without slowing teams down, and improving compliance at scale. Discover how to bring structure to uncontrolled spend and transform finance from gatekeeper to enabler.

Soldo webinar: Spend Management Maturity Framework: Where does your business stand? in 15 minutes

Decentralised spending often gets a bad reputation. Too risky, too messy, too hard to control. But the truth is, with the right systems, it can become a lever for agility and smarter decision-making. In this webinar, we break down the misconceptions and show how finance leaders can gain control without creating bottlenecks. Learn how to enable real-time visibility, reduce risk, and empower teams to spend responsibly, without compromising governance.

Soldo webinar: Decentralised Spend Debunked: Working toward a ‘no surprises’ environment in 15 minutes

Soldo - Liberate finance. Accomplish more

AI budgets are up 449%—but are they delivering?

Watch this session with Brandon Till, Head of Transformation at Soldo, and Bryan Glick, Editor in Chief at ComputerWeekly, to learn how finance teams are turning AI investments into real results. Get insights on top AI use cases, industry trends, and how to track ROI across automation, spend control, and productivity.

Watch now to make AI spend work smarter.

Soldo webinar: Rise of AI - How are Businesses Spending in 15 minutes

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Soldo webinar: Rise of AI - How are Businesses Spending in 15 minutes

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