FEI Podcast

Financial Executives International presents the FEI Podcast: an audio digest focusing on the ideas and strategies in finance and accounting.

  1. 6D AGO

    From Street Vendor to CFO: The Resilience Playbook Every Financial Leader Needs

    What does it take to become an Icon in finance? In this compelling episode, Heather Cole, Executive Coach and Business Analytics Advisor at Lodestar Solutions, interviews Judy Wright, CFO of BTM Global Consulting, LLC, FEI Board Member, and incoming 2026 President of FEI Twin Cities. Judy’s journey is anything but conventional. Early in her career, she quit her job to test her resilience—borrowing inventory from her father and becoming a street vendor in China. Carrying merchandise by bus, negotiating for market space, and building a wholesale network from scratch, she proved to herself that she could survive—and thrive—under pressure. Today, she brings that same entrepreneurial instinct and composure to the CFO role at a global IT consulting firm. In this episode, Judy shares: Why being an “Icon” means paying it forward and mentoring the next generation of financial leaders The real ROI of networking—and why waiting until you need a job is too late Why finance professionals must develop emotional intelligence to lead effectively How to stay calm when everyone else is panicking (“If finance loses its cool, everyone does.”) The foundational skills future finance professionals must build in an AI-driven world The power of slowing down, finding purpose, and leading with intention Judy speaks openly about mentorship, faith, service, and the importance of personal development beyond the day job. Her message is clear: careers are built not just on technical skill, but on resilience, relationships, and the courage to lead with heart. This conversation is a must-listen for financial leaders who want to elevate their impact—professionally and personally. Special Guest: Judy Wright.

    32 min
  2. FEB 9

    Episode 175: Don’t Ask, Don’t Get: Patti Humble on Career Courage, Strategy, and Rewiring What’s Next

    This episode is the second in a special FEI Podcast series spotlighting past speakers from Financial Executives International’s ICONS: Leaders in Finance event – designed to build momentum toward ICONS 2026. Heather Cole, Executive Coach and Business Analytics Advisor at Lodestar Solutions, Inc., interviews Patti Humble, former Chief Accounting Officer at UPS, Institute of Management Accountants board member, and Golden Seeds investor. Patti reframes careers as “jungle gyms, not ladders,” sharing the pivotal moment when she walked into her leader’s office and asked for a promotion—only to learn she wasn’t even being considered. That courageous ask set off a chain reaction that ultimately led her to the C-suite. Together, Heather and Patti explore: Why “don’t ask, don’t get” is a leadership strategy, not a slogan How finance leaders earn influence by shifting from black-and-white answers to business-shaping questions What real transformation leadership requires: hearts, minds, and momentum—not just project plans The power of building an external network to accelerate decisions and reduce friction Patti’s next chapter as a board-ready leader and angel investor supporting women-led startups through Golden Seeds If you’ve ever assumed that hard work alone would get you noticed, this conversation offers a better playbook—because excellence is impressive, but advocacy is what changes your zip code. Learn more about FEI's 2026 ICONS: Leaders in Finance at: https://www.financialexecutives.org/icons2026 Special Guest: Patti Humble.

    29 min
  3. FEB 2

    From Center Stage to the Front Lines: CFO Leadership on a Life-Saving Mission

    Nobody becomes an icon by staying comfortable. In this special ICONS: Leaders in Finance edition of the FEI Podcast, Heather Cole – Executive Coach and Business Analytics Advisor at Lodestar Solutions – interviews Amber Kinney, Chief Financial Officer of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Amber’s career path is anything but traditional. From a background in the performing arts to executive leadership in nonprofit organizations with life-saving missions — including Mothers Against Drunk Driving — Amber shares how conscious career choices, grit, and faith shaped her leadership journey. In this conversation, Amber and Heather dive into: Taking bold career leaps even when you feel “in over your head” Reframing imposter syndrome as a growth signal The power of networking, mentoring, and asking for help Leading with purpose in nonprofit and healthcare organizations Silencing negative voices and protecting your confidence The importance of balance, self-care, and resilience in high-impact roles This episode kicks off a series spotlighting past speakers from Financial Executives International’s ICONS: Leaders in Finance event, designed to inspire finance leaders and build momentum toward ICONS 2026, taking place on March 25, 2026 at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, CA and virtually on April 22, 2026. Learn more at www.financialexecutives.org/icons2026. Special Guest: Amber Kinney.

    33 min
  4. 09/03/2025

    Unlocking Strategic Advantage: The Transformative Power of Outsourcing Finance Functions

    In this episode of the FEI Podcast, we explore key insights from a recent webinar hosted by the Financial Education & Research Foundation (FERF) and CohnReznick, focused on Financial and Accounting Outsourcing in the Age of AI. Based on new research, this conversation highlights how finance leaders are using outsourcing to overcome resource constraints, drive strategic priorities, and adapt to a rapidly changing business environment. We’ll examine how outsourcing practices are evolving, what finance professionals expect for the future, and how technology, especially AI, is reshaping best-in-class approaches to working with providers. Whether you're a CFO, finance executive, or strategic decision-maker, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to evaluate and evolve your outsourcing strategy for maximum impact. Key Takeaways: Strategic Value & Talent Resourcing: How CFOs are refocusing internal teams on high-value initiatives and accessing specialized expertise. Technology & Innovation: The role of AI and machine learning in improving data processing, accuracy, and decision-making. Risk Management & Compliance: How outsourcing enhances regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. Market Trends & Insights: Fresh data on outsourcing adoption, emerging technologies, and future expectations. Speakers: Michelle Voyer, MBA – Director, Client Advisory Services, CohnReznick Advisory LLC Kane Polakoff – Partner, Practice Leader, Client Advisory Services (CAS), CohnReznick Advisory LLC Special Guests: Kane Polakoff and Michelle Voyer.

    54 min

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4.9
out of 5
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Financial Executives International presents the FEI Podcast: an audio digest focusing on the ideas and strategies in finance and accounting.

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