Name: A Masterclass in Cross-Sector Success & Financial Innovation with Helen Ashton
Start: 2025-04-08T14:46:00Z
End: 2025-04-08T14:46:47.000Z
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

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

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

In this episode, Christopher Striano, Chief Operating Officer of Global Finance at Blackstone, joins David McClelland to discuss the impact of corporate culture on business success from the perspective of the world’s largest alternative asset manager. 

With over $1 trillion in assets under management, Blackstone invests in businesses across industries and geographies, including private equity, real estate, credit, and hedge funds. In this revealing discussion, we hear how global entities must balance culture and strategy to attract and retain great talent.

Chris shares highlights from his 25 years at Blackstone, including how the company has evolved from a small entity to a global powerhouse while maintaining a cohesive and inclusive culture and how it stayed true to its core values by embracing regional influences in its 26 offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Highlighting the trinity of healthy competition, teamwork, and philanthropy in creating an engaged and unified Finance team, Chris attributes his long-term career growth and job satisfaction to nurturing relationships and great communication. 

We also explore how integrating technologies and AI might change strategy for Finance teams through strategic alignment, it doesn’t have to change the culture. 


Chapters:

(0:05:33) - Global Culture, Connectivity, and Consistency
(0:11:46) - Building a Strong Corporate Culture
(0:25:00) - Cultural Diversity Benefits Global Operations
(0:28:56) - Transformation and Culture Alignment in Finance
(0:41:00) - Balancing Talent and Relationships in Leadership

How Company Culture Became One of Blackstone's Growth Drivers with CFO Christopher Striano

Organisations are making bold bets on AI for the long-term, with 89% planning to increase or maintain their AI investments in 2025*. Moving beyond experimentation, organisations are now zeroing in on the bottom line - and it’s CFOs who are responsible for making sure these investments deliver real business impact. 

In this episode, Monica Proothi, IBM Consulting’s Global Finance Transformation Leader joins David McClelland to discuss finance transformation and the role of AI in enhancing financial operations. They explore the changing landscape of finance, the importance of integrating technology, and the challenges organisations face in adopting AI.

With over 20 years of experience in finance transformation, partnering with CFOs at some of the world’s largest companies to drive growth and productivity, Monica shares insights on the need for clear strategy and collaboration across departments, the importance of bridging the skills gap and understanding barriers to change.

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Monica is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture, serving as a champion for women in senior finance roles. The episode also explores the cultural and technical barriers faced by different industries and the significance of continuous improvement in finance practices.

*IBM ROI of AI Report December 2024 - https://ibm.co/4cpJ13O

How CFOs are Leveraging AI for Enhanced Decision Making with IBM’s Monica Proothi

In this episode, tech journalist and podcast host David McClelland is joined by Thomas Schindler, CFO at  @AllianzGIGlobal , to explore the evolving role of finance leaders in today's dynamic business landscape.
 
A lawyer by training who previously served as the company’s General Counsel, Thomas discusses his journey to CFO, revealing how his legal expertise enriches his approach to leadership and decision-making in Finance.
 
He advocates for a collaborative culture within finance teams, where open communication and cross-functional partnerships lead to better decision-making and strategic growth. Hear how Thomas’ approach to making himself replaceable has allowed him to empower teams who innovate in their roles, ensuring that they add value to their organisation beyond traditional financial metrics.
 
The episode also explores highlights from Soldo’s 2025 Productivity at Work report, with Thomas reinforcing the necessity of continuous process improvement to avoid bureaucratic bottlenecks, ultimately positioning finance as a key enabler of business success.

Download the full report here: https://bit.ly/40AFpXv

CFO As Co-Pilot: Leadership & Navigating Change with Thomas Schindler of AllianzGI

Strategic leader, collaborator, innovator, and communicator – the role of a modern CFO encompasses all of these and more.

CFOs today are tasked with balancing financial expertise with creativity, guiding businesses through uncertainty, and building trust across their organisations.

But what does all of that look like in practice?

For this special episode of The CFO Playbook, we're joined by CFO of Soldo, Sacha Herrmann to discuss 6 lessons we have learnt from world-class CFOs, finance leaders, and founders from some of the fastest-growing companies.

Hear highlights of interviews with - 

Baron Anyngwe, Finance Director at We Are Fulfillment, shares his experience balancing risk and reward.

Giles Andrews OBE, co-founder of the world's first peer-to-peer lending business Zopa, who invested heavily in machine learning.

Richard Dana, CEO of Tembo Money, shares the story of his first business venture in the volatile travel industry. 

Huiming Chen, CFO at American biotechnology company Illumina, describes the ideal CFO as someone who operates seamlessly between strategy and operations, acting as a co-pilot to the CEO.

Helen Ashton, Former CFO of ASOS and Founder of Shape Beyond, has a refreshing take on decision-making.

Mehjabeen Patrick, Finance Director at Arts University Bournemouth, emphasises the importance of being a transparent and inspiring communicator.

6 Essential Lessons for Modern CFOs with Sacha Herrmann from Soldo

In this episode, David McClelland is joined by Myles Corson, EY Global and Americas Strategy and Markets Leader, Financial Accounting Advisory Services and host of the Better Finance Podcast, to discuss the evolving landscape for finance leaders amidst uncertainty and instability, termed the 'polycrisis'.

As we navigate a complex global landscape, marked by geopolitical tensions, inflation uncertainties, environmental changes leading to pressure on supply chains, and technological uncertainties, Myles explains how finance leaders can evolve from their traditional roles to become indispensable strategic partners within their organisations.

Amidst a world of rapid change and the relentless news cycles that shape our perceptions, we examine the role of technology in both contributing to and alleviating uncertainty. The rise of AI and digital transformation presents not just challenges but also unprecedented opportunities to redefine the role of finance. Hear how CFOs can balance short-term performance with long-term strategic investments, embracing innovation while managing risk.

As finance leaders become the compasses guiding their organisations, the importance of setting a clear direction and empowering teams with data-driven insights takes centre stage. Myles underscores the need for agile mindsets and strategic alignment to navigate this complex landscape, ultimately adding unparalleled value to organisations.

For more information about the challenges facing CFO’s, read Myles’ DNA of the CFO report.

Financial Turbulence: How Global “Polycrisis” is Transforming the CFO with Myles Corson from EY

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Marie Joyce, CFO and COO of NTR, the trailblazing renewable energy specialist. They discuss NTR's mission to advance sustainable infrastructure and their strategy of investing in wind, solar, and energy storage assets across Europe.

What exactly does it take to transform from toll roads to renewable energy? Marie reveals the incredible evolution of NTR, offering a rare glimpse into the strategic milestones that have defined the company, from its early investments in wind energy with Airtricity in 1999 to its current focus on wind, solar, and energy storage projects across Europe. We hear how NTR's diversification across various markets and technologies has cemented its leadership in the renewable energy sector.

Marie also shines a light on the pivotal decisions that set NTR apart, such as the shift from a US-centric approach to capitalising on the stable European market. She recounts the company’s transition to co-investing with institutional capital, a move that has significantly mitigated risk while expanding investment capabilities. Hear how advancements in technology have made renewable projects financially viable without government subsidies, and how strategic partnerships, such as with Legal & General Investment Management, have been instrumental in the company's growth.

Beyond the financial strategy, Marie lifts the lid on the human element that drives NTR’s success including initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion in the traditionally male-dominated sectors of engineering and finance. From flexible working arrangements to fertility leave, NTR's culture not only supports its workforce but also aligns with its ambitious climate goals.

Financing Sustainable Infrastructure: How Private Investment is Powering Wind, Solar, and Energy Storage

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Mark Freedman to explore the changing landscape of finance leadership, from crash to AI and beyond.

Mark started his career at Deutsche Bank before moving onto London Stock Exchange Group. Over three decades in the finance sector, he’s proved himself to be a transformational force ready to face down the challenges of a digital finance age.

Now in post as CFO of global money brand Travelex, Mark has been instrumental in making strategic decisions, providing steadfast resilience through a challenging era, following a much publicised cyber incident at the start of 2020.

Despite the negative headlines, Mark's tenure has embraced opportunities for growth. Empathising the strength of Travelex's brand and its extensive physical distribution network as key assets, Mark has faced questions about the relevance of “travel money” head on. 

Highlighting the evergreen resilience of cash and the growth potential of digital cards, his current role has pivoted Mark from scorekeeper to decision-maker, with a deep understanding of business - using effective communication, and staying up-to-date with technology.

From Scorekeeper to Strategic Decision-Maker: The Changing Role of a CFO with Mark Freedman

In this episode we look beyond the UK with guest Huiming Chen discussing the challenges and opportunities of leading finance teams across diverse geographies and cultures with host David McClelland.

In her current role as Europe Commercial CFO at Illumina, Huming shares her expertise on acknowledging and bridging cultural differences, fostering open communication, and balancing structural preferences to enhance team performance. Hear her secret to effectively navigating cultural nuances and improve collaboration within a global finance team.
Gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of feedback and communication styles in multicultural environments through Huiming’s personal journey from China to the US. We also explore the stark contrasts between Eastern and Western feedback approaches and the critical importance of timely, constructive feedback. Hear how small talk, such as the British habit of discussing the weather, plays a significant role in building professional relationships and how to adapt communication styles to fit different cultural contexts.
Huiming also provides insight on the future of finance and the evolving role of CFOs in the face of technological advancements. Emphasising the essential traits of successful CFOs and the importance of creating environments where diversity and innovation thrive, Huiming shares strategies to empower finance teams for innovation, balance operational and strategic responsibilities, and leverage AI technology for informed decision-making, ensuring effective global leadership and cultural adaptation in the workplace.

Connecting the World: Building Global Finance Teams with Huiming Chen

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland talks to Mehjabeen Patrick, Director of Finance at Arts University Bournemouth, about the challenges and opportunities of finance leaders in the creative sector.

As former Chief Finance and Investment Officer at Creative UK, Mehjabeen is all too aware of the financial challenges faced by creative businesses. From her early days working in the banking sector, Mehjabeen is a passionate advocate of finding creative approaches in all aspects of finance. From distributing government grants to providing business mentoring, she highlights the need for finance leaders to actively listen to and learn from creatives, to drive both artistic and economic growth.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience in the sector, Mehjabeen shares the importance of thinking outside the box. Hear how she thinks finance leaders should embrace creative approaches while managing budgets, by bringing design thinking into their day to day work. This episode also explores the impact of technology and digital innovation to engage diverse audiences by telling finance stories in new ways.

Chapters:

(0:02:56) - Finance Leadership in the Creative Sector
(0:16:20) - Finance and Creativity in the Arts
(0:24:11) - The Impact of Technology on Creativity
(0:36:14) - Thinking Outside the Box in Finance

Financial Strategies to Empower Creative Minds with Mehjabeen Patrick

In the latest episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Giles Andrews OBE, co-founder of Zopa, the world’s first P2P lending business launched in 2004, to discuss two decades working in FinTech and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the financial services of the future.

Finding himself as an accidental CFO in the early days of Zopa thanks to an accountancy qualification, Giles progressed to CEO and Chairman and is still an active Board Member, responsible for in excess of £4bn in loans in the UK, and revolutionising the way we look at banking.
Reflecting on the economic storms faced globally over the past few years, Giles offers an insider's perspective on the 2008 financial crisis, revealing how it inadvertently fuelled Zopa's growth by transforming the lending landscape. Now managing a diverse portfolio, from the intricacies of Zopa's operations to Chair of online automotive marketplace CarWow, Giles is all too familiar with the challenges faced against a backdrop of evolving consumer behaviour and digital upheaval.
In a world now captivated by artificial intelligence, he shares his thoughts on the positives in work efficiency and improved user experience in customer service, but expresses concerns about ethics and governance, especially in financial services. Balancing innovation and regulation, Giles highlights the importance of ethical leadership and community spirit to ensure a prosperous ecosystem for businesses of all sizes, whilst embracing advancements in technology.

Shaping Ethical Finance in the Age of AI with Giles Andrews OBE

In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland explores how financial management should be embedded into company culture with Richard Dana, co-founder and CEO at Tembo Money.  
With a background in corporate finance, Richard shares how he leveraged his interest in travel to co-found the budget-boutique hotel booking platform Doris and Dickie, and the lessons learned from being thrifty in balancing the books from day one with a small team, managing by cost. 
Reflecting on his role as CFO at Founders Factory, a unique platform matching leading corporate brands with industry expertise with innovative start-ups to solve specific pain points within their sector. Richard affirms his mantra that founders should focus on being thrifty and making every pound work hard, whilst having a path to profitability and a clear understanding of the financials. 
Now on a mission to address the housing affordability crisis, Richard co-founded family lending platform Tembo Money, with the aim of closing the generational wealth gap by broadening access to homeownership. With no CFO currently in place, the focus since its launch in 2020 has been on becoming profitable with a lean team and outsourced accountancy. Richard highlights that despite the crossovers between the CFO and CEO roles, there is a much greater focus on "selling the business" as a CEO, whilst keeping an eye on the money during the early days of growing a new business. 
 
Finally, against the backdrop of the current economic landscape, Richard gives his view on starting a business in a recession; although it's challenging, partnering with established companies and focusing on a product with a real customer need can help mitigate risks. Extending cash runway is crucial for startups, and involves monitoring cash flow, cutting costs, and exploring non-investment funding options.

Navigating Financial Innovation in Economic Downturn with Richard Dana

Welcome to a new series of The CFO Playbook, brought to you by Soldo.

In this episode, our new host, technology reporter, presenter and consumer champion, David McClelland talks to Baron Anyangwe, a finance leader, about his journey and insights into leadership.

They discuss the importance of flexibility and passion in career choices, the impact of volunteering, and Baron’s own holistic leadership framework. The framework includes principles such as widening perspectives, finding meaningful work, focusing on strengths, and setting milestones for progress.

Baron emphasises the importance of markers and milestones in guiding progress and decision-making, including the 6 Ps of success: Purpose, Principles, Priorities, Progress, Play, and People Skills. The episode also explores the value of playfulness in fostering creativity and innovation, whilst retaining the need for experimentation and adaptability in finance leadership.

This episode also delves into the rise of B Corp businesses and the challenges and opportunities they present for sustainability, reflecting on the concept of liberating finance and the role of finance leaders in driving positive change.

Chapters - 

(0:00:01) - Leadership Framework
(0:11:12) - Protect the Magic, Ditch the Rest
(0:18:29) - Play, People Skills in Finance
(0:27:31) - Balancing Long-Term Sustainability in Business
(0:39:13) - Evolving Finance for Sustainable Business

Creating a Legacy of Impactful Finance Leadership with Baron Anyangwe

The CFO Playbook Podcast

What do a retail powerhouse, a manufacturing giant, and a financial services titan have in common? According to our guest Helen Ashton, it’s the universal value of cross-sector experience. In conversation with David McClelland, Helen shares her fascinating journey through multiple industries, emphasising how diverse roles have armed her with unique insights and essential relationship-building skills.

A finance leader with over 30 years of dynamic experience, Helen's expertise is a masterclass on leveraging core finance skills to adapt and thrive in new environments. She shares the common challenges finance leaders encounter and the strategic importance of honing influencing skills to drive business success. From spearheading technological innovations to nurturing a young, diverse team, Helen’s time as CFO at online fashion giant ASOS is a testament to truly visionary leadership.

This episode also explores how innovative hiring practices and open-minded recruitment can enhance finance teams, fostering a rich pool of future talent ready to take on CFO roles in the future. Candidly reflecting on the slow progress made in diversity and inclusion in senior finance roles and her own vision for the future of finance - transformed by data automation and strategic involvement - paint a compelling picture of a field ripe for rebranding. This episode is brimming with insights on the evolving landscape of finance leadership, championed by a true industry veteran.

Helen founded Shape Beyond after 25 years of transforming complex, high-growth organisations. She’s worked at Executive Board level and led private equity portfolio businesses to successful exit. Shape Beyond’s deep knowledge of the retail industry is fuelled by Helen’s time as the CFO of ASOS and board member of JD Sports. We embrace digital transformation and agile, diverse cultures.

A Masterclass in Cross-Sector Success & Financial Innovation with Helen Ashton

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A Masterclass in Cross-Sector Success & Financial Innovation with Helen Ashton

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