The Treasury Career Corner

Mike Richards

In this weekly podcast I interview Treasury professionals from across the globe about their treasury careers. I talk to them about their roles, how they built their careers, where they are now and where do they see both themselves and the treasury profession developing. Other areas we talk about include; -Career highlights and lowlights -Where they got their big break -What they see as key to their success -Where do their careers go from here? -What do they see as the future of the Treasury profession As a treasury recruitment company, we also explore treasury talent issues and what they believe is the future for treasury profession?

  1. 12 HRS AGO

    Scaling Treasury From Startup to Multinational: Insights From Zalando to Lufthansa

    How do you lead treasury teams through rapid growth, market volatility, and cross-continental transitions? In this episode, Edwin Koopmans, VP Corporate Treasury at Lufthansa Group returns to the show to share what he's learned from managing treasury at both fast-moving tech platforms and one of the world’s largest aviation groups. In this insightful follow-up episode, Edwin Koopmans reflects on his dynamic career evolution, offering listeners a rare look into the inner workings of treasury leadership across vastly different corporate environments. From his early days in hospitality and banking, to navigating treasury transformation at Sara Lee and scaling up operations at Zalando, Edwin shares the key moments that shaped his strategic mindset. Now at Lufthansa, he unpacks the challenges of managing global FX risk, massive capital investments, and leading highly specialized teams. What We Cover in This Episode: How Edwin transitioned from hospitality and banking into corporate treasuryLessons learned building treasury functions across Europe and North AmericaLeading treasury through corporate transformations and spin-offs at Sara LeeManaging pension plans and financial risk during market downturnsTaking treasury global at EVRAZ and overseeing teams of 30+ peopleWhat it’s like leading treasury at Zalando during hyper-growthThe shift from Zalando to Lufthansa and adapting to a much larger scaleHow treasury at Lufthansa deals with fuel price volatility, FX, and interest rate riskThe importance of cross-functional leadership and humility in high-expertise teamsHow technology and AI are reshaping treasury - opportunities and risksEdwin’s advice on managing teams with more experience than yourselfWhy senior treasury professionals need to rethink what an FTE means in the age of AI Whether you're a seasoned treasury professional or an aspiring leader, Edwin’s journey offers practical lessons on growth, resilience, and staying future-ready in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. You can connect with Edwin Koopmans on LinkedIn. --- 🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform: CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify Podcasts CLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts 📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers....

    59 min
  2. 2025-12-30

    How to Lead Global Treasury Teams Across Cultures and Borders at Computershare

    Leading treasury teams across borders isn’t just about numbers - it’s about people, adaptability, and strategic vision. In this episode, Mike Larsen,Global Head of Client Treasury at Computershare reveals how he’s built and led treasury teams on three continents, and what it really takes to thrive in today’s complex, global financial environment. Mike Larsen is the Global Head of Client Treasury at Computershare. With a 25 year career that has spanned top financial institutions like PwC, JP Morgan, and HSBC across the US, UK, and Asia, Mike brings deep expertise in building and leading global treasury functions. At Computershare, he has spearheaded a major treasury transformation, helping the company navigate explosive growth and increasing complexity. This episode delivers a masterclass in global treasury leadership. Mike Larsen shares firsthand lessons from building and leading treasury teams across the US, Europe, and Asia - adapting to cultural nuances, managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios, and transforming operations through technology. What We Cover in This Episode: Mike’s global career journey through San Francisco, New York, London, and Hong KongThe critical role of mentorship and networking in treasury career developmentThe evolution of Computershare’s treasury function and managing $80+ billion in client assetsHow to adapt leadership style across cultural contexts and global teamsThe importance of control frameworks, cash forecasting, and risk assessment in modern treasuryLessons learned from crises: treasury’s role in resilience and transformationAdvice for aspiring treasury professionals on taking career risks and building influence Whether you're a rising treasury professional or a seasoned leader, this episode offers practical strategies and mindset shifts to elevate your impact in an increasingly complex financial world. You can connect with Mike Larsen on LinkedIn. --- 🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform: CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify Podcasts CLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts 📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. Tradeweb changes that! 🎓 Save $150 on CTP & FPAC– Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners. 🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team

    43 min
  3. 2025-12-23

    How Two Treasury Leaders Partnered with Their Businesses and Earned Treasury a Seat at the Table

    In this feature episode, recorded live at our inaugural Amsterdam Treasury Career Corner LIVE event, two senior treasury leaders share how they transitioned from banking to corporate finance - and reshaped treasury into a strategic force within their organizations. You’ll hear how they built credibility, influenced business decisions, and led globally dispersed teams while driving treasury beyond its traditional operational boundaries. Our guests this week bring a rare blend of technical mastery and real-world leadership experience, offering practical strategies for anyone looking to elevate treasury’s impact in their business. It’s a powerful conversation about influence, transformation, and the future of treasury leadership. Meet the Guests: Engin Dorttepe, Director of Global Cash Management at SABIC Ayca Arisoy-Kilic, Treasurer & Global Head at Bunge Tune in to hear honest stories, leadership insights, and actionable advice straight from the frontlines of global treasury. What We Cover in This Episode: Transitioning from banking into corporate treasury - and why each guest made the leapHow to get treasury invited to the decision-making tableLeading global treasury teams across cultures and time zonesSelling the value of treasury to the wider businessLessons in managing liquidity, transformation, and internal buy-inThe role of data, technology, and macroeconomic awareness in modern treasuryBuilding influence through soft skills: empathy, communication, and cultural awarenessReal-life challenges and wins - from cash repatriation to systems implementationWhy soft skills and strategic thinking are just as critical as technical knowledge ---- 🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform: CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify Podcasts CLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts 📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. Tradeweb changes that! 🎓 Save $150 on CTP & FPAC– Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners. 🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team at Gazing Leadership 🧩 What if your whole team had one clear view of your group structure - Fuseable makes it happen 🔐 Managing signatory lists manually? Cygnetise gives treasury teams a smarter, safer way 👉 FIND OUT MORE HERE a href="https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    58 min
  4. 2025-12-16

    How Three Treasury Leaders Navigated Career Pivots and Global Moves

    In this LIVE episode recorded from our most recent London event, three top treasury leaders share how they made bold career pivots, took on international roles, and built world-class treasury teams from scratch. Whether you’re early in your treasury journey or eyeing the next big move, this episode is packed with unfiltered advice, leadership insights, and real-world lessons you won’t find in textbooks. Meet the Guests: Brendan Boucher, Group Treasurer at Compass Group PLC Catherine Porter, Head of Treasury at ArupAdam Richford, Group Treasurer at Smith+Nephew These three senior treasury leaders reveal candid insights into their career journeys - from accidental beginnings in the profession to leading treasury functions at globally recognised companies. They open up about the highs and lows of relocating internationally, rebuilding teams from the ground up, and steering organisations through mergers, crises, and major transformation. Their stories offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed and stay relevant in the ever-evolving world of corporate treasury. What We Cover in This Episode: How each guest entered the treasury profession - some by accident, others by designNavigating international moves: Brendan’s roles in Vienna and Dubai, Catherine’s return to the UK, Adam’s transition from turnaround finance to global treasuryBuilding and rebuilding treasury teams from the ground upThe importance of adaptability, grit, and learning through challengeLessons from leading treasury functions during the COVID-19 crisisWhy automation isn’t a magic fix - and what treasury leaders should do firstCareer advice for aspiring treasury professionals: education, curiosity, and staying strategicReal talk on leadership: empowering teams, letting go of control, and managing upThe impact of strong processes, cross-functional collaboration, and thoughtful use of tech ---- 🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform: CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify Podcasts CLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts 📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. Tradeweb changes that! 🎓 Save $150 on CTP & FPAC– Exclusive discounts for treasury...

    59 min
  5. 2025-12-09

    Automating FX Hedging And Applying AI In Treasury At Breitling

    What does it take to transform treasury into a strategic driver inside a global luxury brand? In this episode, Olivier Smekens, Global Head of Treasury at Breitling, shares how he’s leveraging fintech, automation, and agile thinking to future-proof treasury operations - and what you can learn from his approach. With a career spanning consulting, automotive manufacturing, and high-growth private equity environments, Olivier brings a wealth of cross-industry experience. At Breitling, he’s leading the digital transformation of treasury - automating FX hedging, preparing for IPO-readiness, and exploring the frontiers of AI in financial systems. Whether you're building a treasury function from the ground up or optimizing an established one, you'll walk away with practical insights on: Implementing automation to manage FX riskEvaluating next-gen treasury techSupporting rapid growth in a private equity setting This conversation is a must-listen for treasury professionals ready to elevate their role as strategic enablers of growth. What We Cover in This Episode: Olivier’s career path: from KPMG auditor to global treasury leaderTransitioning into treasury without prior experience - and thrivingKey treasury challenges in the automotive industry (FX risk, liquidity, decentralization)What it’s like to lead treasury in a private equity-backed companyHow treasury supports high-growth initiatives at Breitling, including acquisitions and expansionImplementing FX hedge automation using KantoxPreparing for a TMS rollout: evaluating AI capabilities and tech providersThe role of NFTs and blockchain in Breitling’s digital innovationEmbracing a tech-forward mindset to drive treasury efficiencyHow cross-cultural experience has shaped Olivier’s leadership styleWhy soft skills and simplification are vital for board-level impact You can connect with Olivier Smekens on LinkedIn. --- 🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform: CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify Podcasts CLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts 📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. Tradeweb changes that! 🎓 Save $150 on CTP & FPAC– Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners. 🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team at Gazing Leadership 🧩 What if your whole team had one clear view of your group structure - Fuseable makes it happen 🔐 Managing signatory lists manually? Cygnetise gives treasury teams a smarter, safer way 👉 FIND OUT MORE HERE https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

    33 min
  6. 2025-12-02

    Everything Treasury Professionals Need to Know to Succeed in 2026

    Wondering how to stand out in a competitive treasury job market, optimise your CV, boost your LinkedIn visibility, navigate AI’s impact, and position yourself for success in 2026? In this special solo episode, host Mike Richards shares unfiltered insights gathered from thousands of conversations with treasury professionals around the globe. This is your career strategy download for the year ahead. Mike Richards is the CEO and Founder of The Treasury Recruitment Company and host of the Treasury Career Corner podcast. With decades of experience in global treasury recruitment and a front-row seat to market trends, Mike shares invaluable advice to help professionals stay competitive, visible, and strategic in their career journeys. Whether you’re considering your next move, trying to stand out in a crowded market, or simply want to stay sharp as the industry evolves, this episode offers a practical roadmap. It’s packed with real-world advice and actionable insights to help you thrive in 2026 and beyond. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why most treasury CVs fail - and how to fix yours to get resultsHow to make your LinkedIn profile visible to recruiters and CFOsThe current state of the treasury job market (and why roles are harder to land)Smart salary benchmarking and how to ask for a raise the right wayCareer timing: when to stay, when to move, and how to tell the differenceThe real impact of AI and what skills treasury professionals actually needWhat’s coming in 2026: trends, events, and how to stay ahead People and resources mentioned in this episode: Deirdre Martin for keeping Mike accountable on the weekly newsletterKevin Michael, podcast coachSumma SimmonsSandra Ramos AlvesMeredith Vance Useful links: Global Treasury Salary Survey Benchmark your role and see how your compensation compares with peers worldwide - http://www.treasurysalary.com Treasury career advice and support For confidential career conversations, CV advice, or support with your next move - https://treasuryrecruitment.com  2026 Treasury Career Corner LIVE events Check out the full lineup of 2026 events and save your seat - https://treasuryrecruitment.com/2026-ttrc-roadshow/ --- 🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform: a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/641KUrhdoQPynLc1q2Guqn" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    22 min
  7. 2025-11-25

    Lessons From Building an In-House Bank and Winning an Adam Smith Award

    In this episode, discover how Peter Schadelbauer built a centralized treasury from the ground up within a rapidly expanding global company - and how that vision led to winning an Adam Smith Award for Best Process Re-engineering Solution. Peter Schadelbauer is the Senior VP & Treasurer at NielsenIQ, the world’s leading consumer intelligence company. With a background in both banking and corporate treasury, Peter has led transformation initiatives in companies of all sizes - from family-run firms to multinational organizations - bringing modern systems, centralization, and strategy to the treasury function. Whether you're building treasury operations from the ground up, leading digital transformation, or managing change in a traditional corporate culture, this episode is packed with insights. Peter’s story proves that with vision, collaboration, and persistence, even smaller organizations can achieve world-class treasury excellence. What We Cover in This Episode:       Peter’s career journey from banking apprentice to global treasurerWhy he left banking to pursue a more strategic role in industryThe reality check of moving from theory in banking to hands-on treasury in production companiesTransitioning into treasury at Lindner Group and the evolution of a "banking department" into a full-fledged treasury functionStep-by-step creation of an in-house bank to support global operationsWinning the Adam Smith Award for Best Process Re-engineering SolutionHow to lead change and build buy-in within long-established company culturesLessons from integrating treasury systems during major corporate mergersThe role of technology in treasury - when to innovate and when to simplifyPeter’s insights on artificial intelligence in treasury and why he’s cautious but optimistic You can connect with Peter Schädelbauer on LinkedIn. --- 🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform: CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify Podcasts CLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts 📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. Tradeweb changes that! 🎓 Save $150 on CTP & FPAC– Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners. 🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team at Gazing Leadership 🧩 What if your whole team had one clear view of your group structure - Fuseable makes it happen 🔐 Managing signatory lists manually? Cygnetise gives treasury teams a smarter, safer way 👉 FIND OUT MORE HERE https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

    39 min
  8. 2025-11-18

    How to Build and Strengthen Your Treasury Brand’s Visibility for Lasting Impact Outside the Room

    What does it really take to be remembered in the room - and more importantly - when you're no longer in it? In this energizing and insightful live session from AFP 2025, a panel of seasoned treasury leaders share exactly how they built influential personal brands, elevated their visibility, and opened doors to career-defining opportunities by being intentional about how they show up. Your technical skills may get you in the room - but it’s your personal brand that keeps you top of mind after you leave. This episode is a masterclass in owning your brand, told through the real-life experiences of three powerhouse treasury professionals. Together with host Mike Richards, they unpack how authenticity, visibility, and proactive relationship-building can turn quiet professionals into influential leaders. Featured Guests: Meredith Vance, Senior Vice President, Global Treasurer at NTT DATA, IncSandra Ramos-Alves, Senior Vice President and Treasurer at Bristol Myers SquibbSumma Simmons, Associate Vice President, Treasury at Victoria’s Secret & Co. This isn’t about self-promotion - it’s about alignment, integrity, and strategic networking that actually moves your career forward. Whether you're just starting out or already leading a global team, the lessons in this episode will show you how to actively manage your professional reputation and make it work for you. What We Cover in This Episode: Defining your personal brand and validating it with real feedbackHow visibility impacts your career trajectory - at every levelBuilding credibility through consistent, intentional actionTips for early-career treasury professionals to stand outHow to approach networking as a strategic, long-term investmentNavigating imposter syndrome and building brand through courageWhy every interaction - lunch table, hallway chat, or meeting - is part of your brand Leveraging internal networks and building strategic external partnerships ---- 🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform: CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify Podcasts CLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts 📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. Tradeweb changes that! 🎓 Save $150 on CTP &...

    1h 4m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

In this weekly podcast I interview Treasury professionals from across the globe about their treasury careers. I talk to them about their roles, how they built their careers, where they are now and where do they see both themselves and the treasury profession developing. Other areas we talk about include; -Career highlights and lowlights -Where they got their big break -What they see as key to their success -Where do their careers go from here? -What do they see as the future of the Treasury profession As a treasury recruitment company, we also explore treasury talent issues and what they believe is the future for treasury profession?

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