DEC 16

How I took a $25M brand through an impossible IPO with Mark Buckley

In this episode of Chat CFO, we sit down with Mark Buckley, former CEO of Perfect Moment, to talk through what it takes to get a business listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Mark shares the full story behind taking a loss-making, private equity backed consumer brand through a US IPO, after exhausting every other funding route. We talk openly about the pressure, the fundraising reality, the time away from family, and the things no one really prepares you for. Beyond the initial public offering, we also get into Mark’s journey from big corporate environments like Marks & Spencer and Burberry, into private equity backed SMEs, and eventually stepping into a CEO role unexpectedly. There are honest reflections on leadership, investments, resilience, career trade-offs, and why slowing down has become a priority in his next chapter. If you’re a CFO, finance leader, founder, or investor curious about IPOs, private equity, or the jump from corporate into smaller businesses, there’s a lot here that will resonate. ----------------------------------------------------------- About our guest Mark is a CEO and CFO with over 25 years of adaptive leadership, driving significant growth and transformation across global luxury and omni-channel retail. His career spans established FTSE corporates like Burberry and Marks & Spencer, as well as successful Private Equity backed and founder-led brands such as Perfect Moment and Rapha. You can connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdbuckley/ ----------------------------------------------------------- About Chat CFO The Chat CFO podcast gives you insights from CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most. Find more episodes and conversations with finance leaders on Chat CFO. https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO

1h 3m

DEC 1

Capital discipline vs growth ambition, the daily fight of a fintech CFO | Benyam Hagos, CFO at Form3

In this episode of Chat CFO, Benyam Hagos, CFO at Form3, explains how a CFO in a FinTech needs to think and act more like a commercial partner than a traditional finance lead. He talks about shaping the story of the business for investors, pushing for new markets, and treating growth conversations with the same energy and intent you would usually see from a sales leader. It is a view developed from years working in audit and a clear understanding of the pressure that comes with venture backed expectations. Benyam covers: How he builds trust and rhythm with a CEO during a period of rapid scale The practical habits that help him stay organised and avoid constant overload What remote leadership looks like inside a global finance team Why he took on a non-executive role and how it changed the way he shows up in boardrooms Benyam also shares the personal experiences that influenced the way he works, from finding mentors who could stretch him in the right ways to recognising the early signs of burnout and building healthier boundaries that allow longevity rather than short bursts of performance. ----------------------------------------------------------- About our Guest Benyam has over 17 years of experience in the finance and payments industry and he is currently the CFO at Form3 as well as the Chairman and NED for Trust Payments. Connect with Benyam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyam-hagos-b2782790/ About Chat CFO The Chat CFO podcast gives you insights from CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most. Find more episodes and conversations with business leaders on Chat CFO. https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO

51 min

NOV 7

From start-up CFO to £100m finance function and a 9-figure exit | Insights from Tom Platford

In this episode of Chat CFO, Tom Platford, fractional CFO to early-stage startups, shares his journey on scaling SuperAwesome from Series A to exit, and what he learned along the way. Tom reflects on the toughest moments of his journey, including managing a nine-figure acquisition deal and why being an expert generalist is no longer optional. Tom covers: •The difference between early and late-stage CFO roles •When and how to bring in a fractional CFO •Why future finance teams will include AI agents •The importance of storytelling, design thinking, and failure in CFO leadership Tom also shares personal reflections on burnout and the habits that keep him grounded through high-pressure moments. ----------------------------------------------------------- About our guest Tom is a CFO with over 12 years of experience in startups and knows the challenges founders face when navigating a business to an exit. He now helps founders build shareholder value and achieve a successful exit. Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasplatford/ About Chat CFO The Chat CFO podcast gives you insights from CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most. Find more episodes and conversations with finance leaders on Chat CFO. https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO

53 min

SEP 9

The untold truth about hiring in the age of AI | Jenny Collins, Head of Talent at Faraday Partners

What happens when someone who scaled technical hiring at Google starts rethinking what good leadership looks like in private equity? In this episode of Chat CFO, Jenny Collins, Head of Talent at Faraday Partners and former Google and PE Chief Talent Officer, shares her take on what great hiring really looks like. She talks about her years in global tech and what she learned about culture from watching it either thrive or disappear depending on who was paying attention. We get into: 🧭 Why cognitive diversity at the top table is more than a tick box 💬 What Google taught her about building teams that last 🔍 Why AI isn't replacing recruitment but making the human parts more important 💡 How private equity can borrow from venture and vice versa 🤝 The real value of referencing, psychometrics, and behavioural data in hiring If you're shaping teams in high-growth or high-pressure environments, or you're just curious how someone blends empathy, rigour and data into HR at the sharpest end of business, this one’s for you. #ExecutiveHiring #TechLeadership #PrivateEquity #ChatCFO Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 06:08 - The evolution of AI 08:53 - AI's impact on employment and talent acquisition 12:03 - Navigating executive hiring 14:58 - Cultural differences in leadership 17:59 - Diversity and inclusion in the workplace 23:33 - Strategic hiring for company growth 25:04 - Differences between VC and Private Equity 32:10 - The role of references in hiring 34:05 - Balancing skills and Cultural Fit in Hiring 41:00 - Optimising the interview process and hiring experience 48:01 - The role of AI in recruitment 55:06 - Future trends in talent acquisition

1h 4m

JUL 14

The secrets of surviving leadership chaos with Shonagh Primrose, COO at Wylde Market

What happens when a bold COO questions how conscious consumerism really works? In this episode, Shonagh Primrose, Chief Operating Officer at Wylde Market, rips apart the rules of growth and reveals how to build a purpose-led platform without bowing to the noisy short-term pressures of venture investors. We get into: 🌱 Why slow commerce might be the most radical growth strategy yet ⚡ The tough trade-offs every COO faces in the fight between mission and margin 🧩 How to build brand trust in a world wired for instant gratification 💥 The surprising power of friction in a customer experience If you’re wrestling with how to scale a values-led business or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at the hard choices no one talks about, this conversation is honest, human, and worth every minute. 🎧 Tune in and tell us: Would you choose slower, sustainable growth if it meant protecting your values? Discover more in this episode: 00:00 - Introduction & background 03:08 - Insights from Shonagh's experience 06:02 - The role of coaching and mentorship 09:04 - Understanding coaching vs mentorship vs therapy 11:47 - Creating safe spaces for difficult conversations 14:59 - The importance of different perspectives 17:55 - Balancing vulnerability and tough decisions in leadership 30:50 - Hiring for diversity fit 37:33 - Navigating different organisational sizes 43:35 - Career strategies for new graduates 50:58 - The importance of networking 55:50 - Career planning and flexibility

1h 1m

JUN 10

Redefining the Route to CFO with Katie Brewis

What does it really take to lead finance in one of the world’s most fast-paced and complex tech companies without following the traditional path? In this episode, Katie Brewis, Strategy & Commercial Finance Director at Google, shares her journey from economist to strategy consultant, and now to leading finance across Google’s EMEA marketing organisation. We get into: 🐬 The leadership mindset that helps navigate both big-picture strategy and day-to-day detail 🧠 How AI is reshaping finance work and why core skills still matter 📊 What effective collaboration between finance and marketing actually looks like ♻️ How Katie brought her interest in sustainability into her day job Whether you are stepping into leadership, thinking about your next move, or simply curious about how finance operates at scale, this episode is full of practical insight and straight-talking advice. 🎧 Listen now and tell us: What part of the CFO skillset do you think is changing fastest? Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 03:04 - Navigating the Fast-Paced World of Google 06:04 - The Importance of Sustainability in Business 08:57 - Understanding the Role of a CFO in 2025 12:09 - Leadership Lessons and Collaborative Styles 14:58 - The Impact of AI on Finance and Marketing 24:36 - Navigating Skills in an AI-Driven World 27:26 - AI's Role in Sustainability and Climate Change 28:14 - The Future of Energy Solutions 30:04 - Challenges of Remote Team Management 35:40 - Leadership Lessons from Mentors 40:24 - The Intersection of Marketing and Finance 45:31 - Advice for Aspiring CFOs

50 min

APR 29

From Piano Lessons to CFO: Vineta's No-BS Route to the Top Job - Lessons from Vineta Bajaj

Vineta Bajaj didn’t follow a traditional path to the top – and she’s not shy about saying so. Now Group CFO at Rohlik Group, Vineta shares the unfiltered story behind her rise, from teaching piano and side-trading during uni, to leading billion-euro businesses and rewriting what it means to lead in finance. This episode is packed with bold moves, real career talk, and the kind of lessons you don’t get in textbooks. We cover: 🎹 How Vineta turned “random” side skills into career-defining moments 📣 What happens when you challenge your FD and go straight to the CFO 🤖 Why AI is changing the size and shape of finance teams 🍕💻🚋 And how obsessing over pizzas, laptops and trams is actually leadership For anyone aiming higher, moving faster, or building something big – this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for. #CFOJourney #FutureOfFinance #LeadershipMindset #AIandFinance #STOIX Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 03:03 - Career Path: From Aspirations to Realities 05:51 - Education and Early Experiences 09:00 - Navigating the Corporate Landscape 15:09 - Strategic Career Moves 18:01 - The Transition to CFO 20:56 - Leadership and Decision Making 23:47 - Reflections on Achievements 38:43 - Exploring Capacity and Personal Growth 41:16 - The Importance of Mentorship and Support 45:06 - Leveraging AI in Finance 56:25 - The Evolving Role of CFOs in a Tech-Driven World 01:00:18 - Navigating Challenges and Building Relationships

1h 15m

APR 11

Leadership, exit strategy & building high-impact teams - Lessons from Stephan Burow

What does it really take to lead a private equity-backed business through growth, exit, and transformation while staying true to your leadership style? In this episode, Stephan Burow, CFO at Lintbells, shares his journey from Unilever to high-growth scaleups like Gousto, and now to leading finance, tech, and people at a purpose-driven pet wellness company. We dive into: 🧠 The mindset shift required to thrive as a PE-backed CFO ⏱ Why pace, 80/20 thinking, and intentional time management are make-or-break 🤝 How Stephan builds high-performance, people-first cultures 🧩 Secrets to handling exits and investor pressure 🐾 Why purpose matters Whether you’re an aspiring CFO, in the middle of a scaleup journey, or leading through a private equity transaction, this episode is packed with insights and best of all - refreshing honesty. 🎧 Listen now and tell us: What’s the hardest part of leading in a PE-backed environment? Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Background 02:00 – From Unilever to Scaleups 06:00 – Why Pace & Impact Matter 10:00 – Gusto, Growth & the 80/20 Rule 14:00 – Transitioning to CFO in PE 20:00 – Managing Investors & Exit Process 26:00 – AI, Finance & the Future 30:00 – Leadership, Mentorship & Culture 38:00 – Broadening the CFO Role 45:00 – Risks, Cybersecurity & What Keeps Him Up 48:30 – Legacy, Purpose & Final Advice

50 min

Chat CFO

Episodes

How I took a $25M brand through an impossible IPO with Mark Buckley

Capital discipline vs growth ambition, the daily fight of a fintech CFO | Benyam Hagos, CFO at Form3

From start-up CFO to £100m finance function and a 9-figure exit | Insights from Tom Platford

The untold truth about hiring in the age of AI | Jenny Collins, Head of Talent at Faraday Partners

The secrets of surviving leadership chaos with Shonagh Primrose, COO at Wylde Market

Redefining the Route to CFO with Katie Brewis

From Piano Lessons to CFO: Vineta's No-BS Route to the Top Job - Lessons from Vineta Bajaj

Leadership, exit strategy & building high-impact teams - Lessons from Stephan Burow

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