GrowCFO Show

Kevin Appleby
  • 5.0 (9)
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GrowCFO Show

Where Finance Leaders Grow Together

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    #214 How to Launch a Successful Fractional CFO Practice with Kat Wellum-Kent, Founder/CEO, Fractional Finance

    #214 How to Launch a Successful Fractional CFO Practice with Kat Wellum-Kent https://open.spotify.com/show/7yTcgGvYdcXPxz2HbvgB2H Fractional CFO services are becoming increasingly valuable as businesses seek strategic financial guidance to support their growth. In this episode of the Grow CFO Show, host Kevin Appleby sits down with Kat Wellum-Kent, the founder and CEO of Fractional Finance, to discuss her journey in establishing a successful fractional CFO practice. Kat Wellum-Kent shares her background as an accountant, her transition from a larger firm to a smaller practice, and her realization of the gap in the market for strategic financial advice. She describes her decision to start Fractional Finance, the challenges she faced in securing her first clients, and the rapid growth of her business over the past two years. Kat's story provides valuable insights for finance professionals considering the transition to a fractional CFO role. Key topics covered: * Kat's background in accounting, including her time at Deloitte and her move to a smaller practice * Her discovery of the fractional CFO concept and the decision to start her own business * The importance of using the CFO competency framework to assess her skills and identify areas for improvement * The process of securing her first clients, including the power of LinkedIn for lead generation * The growth of Fractional Finance, from two clients in January 2023 to 17 clients by October 2024 * The value of Kat's corporate finance experience and how it benefits her clients * The role of a mentor in guiding Kat through the challenges of entrepreneurship * Advice for aspiring fractional CFOs, including the importance of protecting time and backing oneself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f9qbchI9l4 Links * Kat Wellum-Kent on LinkedIn * Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn * GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps * 0:04:15 Kat's background and transition to a smaller accounting practice * 0:09:28 Kat's decision to start Fractional Finance and the business planning process * 0:13:00 Securing the first clients and the power of LinkedIn * 0:15:28 The growth of Fractional Finance and the team expansion * 0:19:46 Kat's ambition for the business and the market potential * 0:22:11 The relevance of Kat's corporate finance experience * 0:25:40 The value of having a mentor for guidance and support * 0:27:20 Kat's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and dealing with imposter syndrome Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your fa...

    29 min

  2. 10 DEC

    #213 C-Suite as a Service: Redefining Leadership in the Digital Age with Sara Daw, CEO, The CFO Centre Group

    #213 C-Suite as a Service: Redefining Leadership in the Digital Age with Sara Daw https://open.spotify.com/episode/30bHNDcIm7hfbOG1PFJr8m The fractional C-suite model is transforming the way organizations access and leverage top-level talent. As businesses navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, the need for agile, specialized leadership has become increasingly crucial. Sarah Daw, the CEO of The CFO Centre Group, shares her insights on this innovative approach to C-suite talent management. In this insightful discussion, Sarah Daw delves into her own journey, from a chartered accountant to the leader of an international organization that provides fractional CFO services. She explores the growing demand for flexible, on-demand access to C-suite expertise and the benefits it offers to both businesses and professionals. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the evolution of the gig economy, the importance of psychological ownership in the access economy, and the challenges of building a cohesive culture in a fractional workforce. Key topics covered: * The importance of mentoring and skill development for professionals in the fractional model * Sarah's background and transition from corporate finance to the fractional CFO model * The growth and expansion of The CFO Centre Group, from a local to an international business * The advantages of the fractional CFO model, including flexibility, specialization, and cost-effectiveness * Expanding the fractional model beyond the CFO role to other C-suite functions * The role of fractional CFOs in supporting group-level finance leaders * The future of work and the shift towards a more agile, portfolio-based workforce * Strategies for building a strong organizational culture in a fractional work environment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dfjG5M3XUU Links * Sara Daw on LinkedIn * Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn * GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps * 0:00:11 - Introduction to the Grow CFO Show and Sarah Daw * 0:00:36 - Sarah Daw's background and journey to the CFO Centre * 0:03:18 - The growth and expansion of the FD Centre/CFO Centre * 0:07:11 - The role of fractional CFOs in supporting group-level finance leaders * 0:11:53 - Sarah Daw's book, "Strategy and Leadership as a Service" * 0:19:57 - Building culture in a fractional workforce * 0:25:59 - Mentoring and skill development in the fractional model * 0:31:07 - The future of work and generational shifts in the fractional model Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast,

    35 min

  3. 3 DEC

    #212 Proactive Planning for CFOs: The CFO’s Role in Disaster Recovery with Wade Miller, Founder, OneRallyPoint

    #212 Proactive Planning for CFOs: The CFO's Role in Disaster Recovery with Wade Miller https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ZB7kSmsx3bxgecNwlea03 The CFO's role in Disaster Recovery is a critical aspect of risk management for organizations of all sizes. As the financial steward of the company, the CFO is responsible for ensuring the organization's financial resilience in the face of unexpected events that can disrupt operations and threaten the bottom line. This podcast episode explores the complexities of disaster recovery and the strategies CFOs can employ to mitigate the impact of such events. Wade Miller, the Founder of OneRallyPoint, shares his extensive experience in the disaster recovery industry, providing valuable insights and practical advice for CFOs.Wade started OneRallyPoint to bring more efficiency to the overall disaster recovery process and improve the time, money and effort needed by all parties. Wade has over 30 years of experience and demonstrated success working with large companies nationally and internationally. He utilized his background in the insurance, financial services and institutional banking industries to form a disaster recovery company in 2002. Spotting a critical need in the industry, Wade transitioned the firm from a disaster recovery contractor to what OneRallyPoint is today — an owner’s representative firm providing Recovery Oversight & Management with a national scale and international reach. Wade is an effective collaborator and communicator who brings solutions to complex issues in otherwise stressful circumstances. He has the keen ability to identify the causes of persistent issues — and then design, strategize and create tactical plans to solve them. Wade’s vision, broad background and high-level understanding of how clients need to run their businesses in disaster situations enable him to break down high-stress problems into manageable pieces through the comprehensive services of OneRallyPoint.  Throughout the discussion, Wade emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, effective communication, and a holistic approach to managing the recovery process. Key topics covered: * The diverse types of disasters that organizations may face, ranging from natural disasters to localized incidents like sprinkler floods and sewer backups * The need to tailor disaster recovery plans to the specific needs and risks of different industries, considering factors such as physical assets, IT infrastructure, and workforce displacement * The importance of aligning the recovery efforts with the organization's objectives, ensuring that all stakeholders, including contractors, adjusters, and the client, are on the same page * The role of expert input, such as industrial hygienists and engineers, in addressing complex issues like contamination and health effects * The potential conflicts between insurance recovery and the need to restore business operations quickly, and strategies to balance these competing priorities * The significance of pre-disaster preparation, including the selection of suitable contractors, the establishment of communication protocols, and the engagement of dedicated insurance adjusters

    25 min

  4. 26 NOV

    #211 Power Moves: CFO Strategies for the Modern World with Justin Smith, CFO, FinQuery

    #211 Power Moves: CFO Strategies for the Modern World with Justin Smith https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pWwzUs6hkgmIypL7iATHQ The role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has evolved significantly in recent years, moving beyond the traditional focus on balance sheets and financial reporting. In this podcast episode, Justin Smith, the CFO of FinQuery, shares his insights on the evolving responsibilities and skills required for modern CFOs to drive strategic and operational value within their organizations. Justin spent almost a decade working at Goldman Sachs in the investment banking division where he focused primarily on strategic finance, giving him the ability to approach every decision as a CFO with a unique perspective.  Justin is passionate about promoting cross-functional efficiency as he’s spent a lot of time working across departments because his job is to manage all financial resources for the firm, which touches just about every corner of the company. In his POV, finance should be like Switzerland. They are neutral but need to manage efficiency and resources across the whole organization. They also need to take into account proper cost cutting while simultaneously allocating towards growth, which not every CFO is able to accomplish. Justin’s career journey from an investment banking background to the CFO seat at FinQuery provides a unique perspective on the changing landscape of the finance function. He discusses the challenges of transitioning into the CFO role, the importance of communication and data-driven decision-making, and the strategies employed by FinQuery to navigate the uncertain economic environment. Key topics covered:  * Justin's career path from investment banking to CFO at FinQuery * The evolving role of the CFO, moving beyond traditional accounting and finance * The importance of communication, analytical skills, and strategic thinking for modern CFOs * FinQuery's approach to balancing growth and profitability in uncertain times * The role of data analytics and AI in finance and operations * Strategies for effective communication and integration in a remote work environment * Advice for finance leaders navigating transformation and change https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc2Zk4YdFxo Links * Justin Smith on LinkedIn * Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn * GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps * 0:04:32 Challenges faced by Justin in transitioning to the CFO role * 0:06:25 Key skills required for a modern CFO * 0:14:38 Top challenges faced by FinQuery in the current economic environment * 0:20:06 FinQuery's approach to data analytics and AI * 0:28:35 Challenges of communication and integration in a remote work model

    34 min

  5. 19 NOV

    #210 Gen Z in Finance: Why Onboarding and Development Programs Must Evolve to Retain Top Talent with Marlo Lyons, C-Suite Coach and HR Business Partner

    #210 Gen Z in Finance: Why Onboarding and Development Programs Must Evolve to Retain Top Talent with Marlo Lyons https://open.spotify.com/episode/55t2MygtVV9SBM2StJ2bTe As the workforce continues to evolve, the emergence of Generation Z (Gen Z) has brought about a significant shift in the expectations and priorities of young professionals. In the finance industry, where the need for skilled and engaged talent is paramount, understanding and adapting to the unique characteristics of Gen Z has become a critical imperative for organizations. This podcast episode with Marlo Lyons, a C-Suite Coach and HR Business Partner, delves into the nuances of managing and retaining Gen Z employees, highlighting the importance of revamping onboarding and development programs to meet their evolving needs.The discussion underscores the importance of recognizing the distinct values and preferences of Gen Z, who place a strong emphasis on work-life balance, corporate social responsibility, and continuous learning and growth. As finance leaders grapple with the challenge of attracting and retaining top talent, this episode provides valuable insights into the strategies and approaches that can help organizations stay ahead of the curve and foster a thriving, engaged workforce. Key topics covered:  * Understanding the characteristics of Gen Z and their focus on work-life balance, corporate responsibility, and continuous learning * Challenges faced by older generations in managing and communicating effectively with Gen Z employees * The need to shift the interview process from competency-based to needs-based to better understand and accommodate Gen Z's aspirations * The role of technology and Gen Z's tech-savvy nature in driving innovation and transformation within finance organizations * The importance of aligning corporate mission, values, and sustainability efforts with the expectations of Gen Z * The significance of transparent communication, even when discussing confidential information, to build trust and engagement * The impact of remote work and flexible arrangements on fostering creativity and work-life balance for Gen Z https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eWNzZ0B8TU Links * Marlo Lyons on LinkedIn * Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn * GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps * 0:01:04 - Marlo Lyons discusses the characteristics of Gen Z and their focus on work-life balance * 0:02:49 - Challenges faced by older generations in managing and communicating with Gen Z employees * 0:06:21 - The need to shift the interview process to better understand and accommodate Gen Z's aspirations * 0:07:10 - The role of technology and Gen Z's tech-savvy nature in driving innovation and transformation * 0:11:44 - The importance of aligning corporate mission, values,

    30 min

  6. 12 NOV

    #209 Upskilling for Tomorrow: The Advisory-Driven Evolution of Accounting with Roger Knecht, President Universal Accounting & Podcast Host “Building the Premier Accounting Firm”

    #209 Upskilling for Tomorrow: The Advisory-Driven Evolution of Accounting with Roger Knecht https://open.spotify.com/episode/2k4TLteEXRIcFInGhqfaJX As the accounting profession navigates the shifting landscape of compliance-driven services and the growing demand for strategic advisory, the need for upskilling has become paramount. Roger Knecht, the President of Universal Accounting and host of the "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" podcast, shares his insights on this critical transformation. In this insightful discussion, Roger and Kevin, explore the evolving role of the modern accounting professional. They delve into the commoditization of traditional services, the rise of CFO and advisory offerings, and the essential skills required to thrive in this new era. Knecht, a seasoned industry veteran with over 25 years of experience, provides a unique perspective on the changing dynamics within the accounting profession. The conversation highlights the importance of formalizing and pricing advisory services effectively, as opposed to offering them as an add-on to compliance-focused work. This shift in mindset and service delivery is crucial in ensuring that accounting professionals can meet the growing demands of their clients and remain competitive in the market. Knecht also emphasizes the need for accounting professionals to develop strong interpersonal skills, a non-judgmental approach, and the ability to ask the right questions to guide clients towards their own solutions, fostering trust and delivering meaningful value. Key topics covered:  * Roger Knecht's background as a podcaster and his journey at Universal Accounting * The distinction between compliance-focused services and the value-added advisory role * The importance of formalizing and pricing advisory services effectively * The client's perspective and the benefits of a one-stop shop for accounting services * The interpersonal skills and mindset shift required for successful advisory engagements * The impact of AI on the accounting profession and the need for accountants to become "prompters" * The future outlook for the accounting industry and the role of human advisors in an AI-driven landscape https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjh74LPhX0w&t=393s Links * Roger Knecht on LinkedIn * Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn * GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps * 00:00:11 - Introduction of Roger Knecht and the Grow CFO Show * 00:00:44 - Roger Knecht's background and interests * 00:01:33 - Roger's journey into podcasting * 00:03:59 - Roger's 25-year tenure at Universal Accounting

    42 min

  7. 5 NOV

    #208 Preventing ERP Project Failures: The Critical Role of Digital Adoption Platforms with Krishna Dunthoori, Founder and CEO, Apty

    #208 Preventing ERP Project Failures: The Critical Role of Digital Adoption Platforms with Krishna Dunthoori https://open.spotify.com/episode/24N3pSvN3DJjXBCCQ3r4aO Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are mission-critical investments for large organizations, yet studies show that over 50% of ERP implementations fail to deliver the expected benefits. This staggering failure rate represents a significant waste of resources and a missed opportunity for companies to streamline operations and gain a competitive edge. In this episode of the Grow CFO Show, Krishna Dunthoori discusses the key factors behind ERP implementation challenges and how digital adoption platforms can be the solution. Krishna Dunthoori is Founder and CEO of Apty. After growing up in India, Krishna completed his undergraduate in computer applications, and finished his master’s in computer science in Germany. He then traveled to New York, Silicon Valley, and eventually Dallas, where he finally decided to build roots. Prior to founding Apty, Krishna worked as a principal architect and consulted for Fortune 500 companies implementing software tech stacks. Apty is a software value realization platform (also often referred to as a digital adoption platform, or DAP) that companies purchase along with major enterprise software packages to ensure better user adoption and ROI from their investments. Most digital transformations fail. As a global entrepreneur and former software implementation consultant for Fortune 500 companies, Krishna knows that a digital initiative doesn’t end after a platform goes live, and there are a lot of pitfalls on the way to rapid and successful adoption, which he discussed in his article titled: “Securing the ROI Horizon - How DAPs Translate ERP Investments Into Gains.” Krishna explains that the primary reasons for ERP failures often stem from human psychology and resistance to change. Employees accustomed to familiar processes can be reluctant to adapt to the complexity of new systems, leading to low user adoption and engagement. Traditional training methods, while well-intentioned, are typically one-time events that fail to provide the ongoing support and personalized guidance users require to effectively leverage the ERP's capabilities. Key topics covered:  * The high failure rate of ERP implementations and the associated costs * The role of human psychology and resistance to change in ERP adoption challenges * Limitations of traditional training methods in driving sustained user engagement * How digital adoption platforms like Apty can provide personalized, in-app guidance and support * The importance of measuring and improving business outcomes, not just implementing technology * Apty's ideal customer profile: large enterprises with over 1,000 employees using complex software https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIkdirtE9Pc Links * Krishna Dunthoori on LinkedIn * Kevin Appleby ona href="https://www.linkedin.

    40 min

  8. 29 OCT

    #207 Authentic Personal Branding: Empowering Finance Professionals to Lead with Confidence with Susana Serrano-Davey, GrowCFO Mentor

    #207 Authentic Personal Branding: Empowering Finance Professionals to Lead with Confidence with Susana Serrano-Davey https://open.spotify.com/episode/3INMaL2iT2ikuMnrnGMXbY Cultivating a strong personal brand is essential for finance leaders seeking to maximize their impact and fulfilment in the workplace. In this insightful discussion, GrowCFO Mentor Susana Serrano-Davey shares her expertise on how finance professionals can unlock greater confidence and career satisfaction by embracing their authentic selves. Susana emphasizes that personal branding is not about creating a facade, but rather about uncovering and communicating one's unique strengths, motivations, and qualities. The key highlights of this session include strategies for self-discovery, effective personal brand communication, and aligning professional choices with one's true passions and superpowers. Key topics covered:  * The importance of self-reflection to understand your superpowers and what truly inspires you, rather than just chasing prestigious job titles. * Strategies for effectively communicating your personal brand, such as providing specific, substance-backed examples rather than broad statements. * The role of appropriate attire in enhancing your confidence and professional presence. * Balancing your strengths and weaknesses, and acknowledging both to build trust and credibility. * The value of preparation and authenticity when presenting yourself, whether in interviews or other professional settings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntKdF6OrDtU Links * Susana Serrano-Davey on LinkedIn * Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn * GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps * 0:02:37 - Susana explains the importance of discovering your authentic self and aligning your personal brand with your true motivations and strengths. * 0:07:04 - Discussion on the value of understanding and leveraging your unique strengths and superpowers. * 0:12:55 - Susana shares her personal experience of feeling trapped in a role that didn't align with her free-spirited nature. * 0:19:07 - Emphasis on effectively communicating your personal brand through specific, evidence-backed examples. * 0:26:49 - The role of appropriate attire in enhancing confidence and professional presence. Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network.

    33 min
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Where Finance Leaders Grow Together

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Appleby
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    216
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 GrowCFO Limited
  • Show Website
    GrowCFO Show

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