The FP&A Guy Network

Paul Barnhurst

Welcome to the FP&A Guy Podcast Network – your one-stop destination for insightful conversations and expert perspectives at the forefront of finance, hosted by Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy. This network brings together three unique shows designed to inform, inspire, and equip finance professionals across the globe: • FP&A Tomorrow: Shaping the future of FP&A by exploring today’s trends and interviewing top global talent in the field. • Financial Modeler’s Corner: Master the art and science of financial modeling with insights from distinguished experts, in partnership with the Financial Modeling Institute. • Future Finance: Discover how technology and AI are transforming corporate finance in this forward-thinking podcast co-hosted with Glenn Hopper. No matter where you are in your finance journey, these podcasts deliver practical advice, thought leadership, and cutting-edge innovation to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of finance.

  1. 3h ago

    Trust and Leadership Lessons for FP&A From 100+ Top Leaders with CFO Jon Laudie

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Jon Laudie to discuss how FP&A can become a critical business function, why finance and operations need to work together, and how FP&A can prepare professionals for senior leadership. Jon also shares what he has learned from serving as both President and CFO of Zerorez and how that experience has changed his approach to leadership. Jon Laudie is the President and CFO of Zerorez. He began his career in M&A and valuation before moving into corporate and operational FP&A roles at technology and consumer companies. His experience also includes investor relations, M&A integration, and building FP&A capabilities. Jon is also the co-author of Roots, Relationships and Results. Expect to Learn: How to build an FP&A function that the business values and trusts.Why change management is critical to FP&A transformation.How FP&A can prepare professionals for operational leadership.Why trust and relationships are essential to effective leadership.Which technical and soft skills can help FP&A professionals become CFOs. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “If you're not bringing the people along with you, the change management is nearly impossible and FP&A is not going to be successful.” - Jon Laudie“You have to be a strategic partner at the executive table.” - Jon Laudie Jon explains that successful FP&A transformation starts by meeting the business where it is rather than immediately pushing best practices. Building trust through better data, visibility, and useful insights creates a foundation for more advanced planning and forecasting. Follow Jon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonlaudie/Website: rootsrelationshipsresults.com Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Explore Lineos Reporting Intelligence:Ready to transform financial reporting? See how Lineos Reporting Intelligence helps finance teams connect ERP data directly to Excel, access current data, and spend less time assembling reports.Watch the Reporting Intelligence demo: https://www.insightsoftware.com/lineos/resources/Reporting-intelligence-demo/?utm_source=thefpaguy&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=lineos-influencer-oct&utm_content=newsletter1 Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today's Episode:[00:00] - Finance Meets Operations [01:32] - Jon’s Career Journey [05:41] - Building FP&A at Zerorez [10:19] - Change Management [16:26] - President & CFO [24:13] - Finance & Operations [31:52] - Writing the Book [34:32] - Leadership Lessons [42:48] - Trust & Relationships [51:18] - The “As Soon As” Trap [56:46] - Skills for Future CFOs [59:33] - Rapid Fire & Closing Thoughts

    Trust and Leadership Lessons for FP&A From 100+ Top Leaders with CFO Jon Laudie
  2. 1d ago

    Stop Chasing Every AI Model and Build Better Finance Processes with Glenn Hopper

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss why finance professionals should stop chasing every new AI model and focus instead on building strong processes, durable skills, and better workflows. They also explore the race toward AGI, AI guardrails, and how quickly the technology landscape is changing. Paul and Glenn explain that the real advantage is not knowing every new model or benchmark. It is knowing how to use AI effectively, understand processes, and build systems that can adapt as the tools continue to evolve. In this episode, you will discover: Why keeping up with every new AI model is becoming impossible.Why process design matters more than chasing the latest tool.How AI is changing the way finance professionals work.Which AI skills are likely to remain valuable over time.Why governance and guardrails matter as automation increases. Paul and Glenn explain that finance professionals do not need to master every new AI release. Instead, they should choose useful tools, learn the fundamentals, and focus on building repeatable processes that can work across platforms. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today's Episode: [00:58] - The Race for AGI [04:31] - AGI Risks, Regulation & Uncertainty [07:12] - AI Is Moving Too Fast [10:32] - Astra vs. Claude [15:09] - Secret CFO’s Take on AI Updates [21:38] - Wrap-Up

    Stop Chasing Every AI Model and Build Better Finance Processes with Glenn Hopper
  3. 2d ago

    Stop Letting AI Do All Your Thinking in Financial Modeling with Danielle Stein-Fairhurst

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Danielle Stein Fairhurst to discuss how AI is reshaping financial modeling, what modelers need to do to stay relevant, and why strategic thinking matters more than ever. Danielle also shares practical lessons from training financial modelers, working with real-world client models, and preparing for the Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) exam. Danielle Stein Fairhurst is the Principal Financial Modeling Specialist at Plum Solutions, a Microsoft Excel MVP, Master Financial Modeler with the Financial Modeling Institute, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and internationally recognized financial modeling trainer and speaker. She is also the author of Financial Modeling in Excel For Dummies and Using Excel for Business and Financial Modeling. Expect to Learn: How AI is changing financial modeling.Why modelers need to keep learning and experimenting.How to use AI without outsourcing your thinking.Why real-world models differ from training examples.How to prepare effectively for the AFM exam. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “AI is already building financial models, and that is quite terrifying to me.” - Danielle Stein Fairhurst“I think it's important that we just sit down and think strategically about what we want rather than outsourcing all of your creativity and all of your thinking to AI.” - Danielle Stein Fairhurst Danielle explains that AI can save time and help modelers go deeper with analysis, but it shouldn't replace independent thinking. She also shares why simplicity matters in real-world models and why practice and speed are essential when preparing for the AFM exam. Follow Danielle: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellesteinfairhurst Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/ Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW In Today's Episode:[00:48] - Danielle's Background [01:41] - Modeling Journey [02:59] - Careers & AI [05:58] - AI & Financial Modeling [11:34] - AI in Everyday Work [13:31] - Real-World Models [17:20] - AFM Preparation [19:09] - Closing Thoughts

    Stop Letting AI Do All Your Thinking in Financial Modeling with Danielle Stein-Fairhurst
  4. Oct 8

    Will AI Replace Enterprise Performance Management? | David den Boer

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with David Den Boer to debate the future of enterprise performance management, Excel, and AI. They explore whether traditional EPM platforms are being disrupted, how AI could reshape forecasting and finance workflows, and why governance, transparency, and accountability still matter. David Den Boer is the CEO and Founder of Column5 Consulting and Darwin Analytics. He began his career as an EPM administrator at a Fortune 500 company and later worked with OutlookSoft, which was acquired by SAP and became part of SAP BPC. With more than 20 years of experience in EPM, David works with large enterprises on performance management and develops practical solutions designed to help organizations get more value from their EPM environments. Expect to Learn: Why Excel and EPM platforms may be harder to replace than expected.How AI is changing the build-versus-buy decision for finance technology.Where AI can support forecasting without removing human accountability.Why reproducibility, auditability, and governance still matter.How finance teams should balance AI innovation with existing EPM systems. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “There’s really no benefit to avoiding Excel.” - David Den Boer“Everyone has to have an AI strategy as far out as they can see, which might be six months.” - David Den Boer David explains that AI can significantly reduce the cost of building and extending finance solutions, but large organizations still need deterministic calculations, multi-user workflows, auditability, and clear accountability. Follow David: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddenboer/Website: https://column5.com/ Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Explore Lineos Reporting Intelligence:Ready to transform financial reporting? See how Lineos Reporting Intelligence helps finance teams connect ERP data directly to Excel, access current data, and spend less time assembling reports.Watch the Reporting Intelligence demo:https://www.insightsoftware.com/lineos/resources/Reporting-intelligence-demo/?utm_source=thefpaguy&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=lineos-influencer-oct&utm_content=newsletter1 Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today's Episode:[00:00] - Trailer [03:46] - What Great FP&A Looks Like [04:08] - Is Excel Dead? [06:50] - Is EPM Dead? [14:18] - Build vs. Buy [18:40] - AI-Led Forecasting [26:22] - Reproducibility & Auditability [31:33] - The Cost of Change [39:06] - AI & EPM Together [45:24] - Skills & Closing Thoughts

    Will AI Replace Enterprise Performance Management? | David den Boer
  5. Oct 7

    AI Is Accelerating Faster Than Humans Can Keep Up: What Should Finance Pros Do

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss the accelerating pace of AI development and why trying to keep up with every new model is becoming a losing battle. They explore what finance professionals should focus on instead, including AI workflows, process design, data, governance, and automation. Paul and Glenn also discuss how AI is changing the way finance teams work. As tools become more capable, they believe the lasting advantage will come from knowing how to structure processes, give clear instructions, manage AI-powered workflows, and apply human judgment where it matters most. In this episode, you will discover: Why finance professionals should stop chasing every new AI model.Which AI skills are likely to remain valuable as tools continue to change.Why process thinking, data, and orchestration are becoming more important.What risks finance teams should consider when using vibe coding and automation.Why governance and human oversight still matter in AI-powered workflows. Paul and Glenn explain that finance professionals do not need to constantly switch tools to gain value from AI. Instead, they should focus on building strong processes that can work across different platforms as the technology continues to evolve. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today's Episode: [00:00] - Welcome [02:21] - The Race for AGI [08:28] - AI Is Moving Fast [17:38] - Stop Chasing Models [19:43] - Durable AI Skills [25:03] - Data & Orchestration [28:08] - Vibe Coding Risks [32:18] - AI Governance [34:42] - The Cost of AI [42:07] - What to Focus On [44:35] - Closing Thoughts

    AI Is Accelerating Faster Than Humans Can Keep Up: What Should Finance Pros Do
  6. Oct 6

    AI, Excel and the Changing Role of Financial Modelers with Danielle Stein Fairhurst

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Danielle Stein Fairhurst to discuss how AI is changing financial modeling, why modelers need to keep learning, and how dynamic arrays are shaping the future of Excel. Danielle also shares her thoughts on model design, AFM exam preparation, and why strategic thinking still matters in an AI-driven world. Danielle Stein Fairhurst is the Principal Financial Modeling Specialist at Plum Solutions, a Microsoft Excel MVP, Master Financial Modeler with the Financial Modeling Institute, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and internationally recognized financial modeling trainer and speaker. She is also the author of Financial Modeling in Excel For Dummies and Using Excel for Business and Financial Modelling. Expect to Learn: How AI is changing financial modeling.Why modelers should not outsource all their thinking to AI.How dynamic arrays are changing Excel modeling.What it takes to prepare for the AFM exam.Why simplicity and strong model design still matter. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “AI is already building financial models, and that is quite terrifying to me.” - Danielle Stein Fairhurst“I think it’s important that we just sit down and think strategically about what we want, rather than outsourcing all of your creativity and all of your thinking to AI.” - Danielle Stein Fairhurst Danielle explains that AI can now handle many technical tasks that once required significant modeling expertise. She believes modelers should embrace these tools while still relying on their own judgment, creativity, and strategic thinking. Follow Danielle: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellesteinfairhurst Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/ Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration that has undergone human editorial review. In Today's Episode:[00:00] - Trailer [05:19] - AI and the Future of Financial Modeling [08:30] - Financial Modeling Pet Peeves [10:21] - Updating Courses with AI [15:34] - Lessons From Danielle’s Pilgrimage [18:26] - AI Building Financial Models [27:30] - Training vs. Real-World Modeling [31:01] - Preparing for the AFM Exam [35:35] - Dynamic Arrays in Financial Modeling [40:24] - Lessons From Past Models [44:47] - Rapid Fire: Excel & Modeling [48:41] - Closing Thoughts

    AI, Excel and the Changing Role of Financial Modelers with Danielle Stein Fairhurst
  7. Oct 1

    When AI Does the Analysis, What Makes an FP&A Professional Valuable with Valerie Martin

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Snyder sit down with Valerie Martin to discuss how AI is changing FP&A, leadership, and business partnering. They explore why greater efficiency does not automatically create greater value and how finance teams can use AI without losing judgment, context, or trust with the business. Valerie Martin is a Finance Executive specializing in FP&A and strategic finance, with experience across GTM, SaaS, AI, and value creation. A former Autodesk finance leader and San Francisco FP&A Board Ambassador, Valerie brings extensive experience in business partnering, finance transformation, and helping organizations make better strategic decisions. Expect to Learn: Why AI efficiency does not always create more value.How AI is changing the skills FP&A teams need.Why judgment and business context still matter.How leaders should rethink training and development.Why communication and trust remain critical in FP&A. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “AI could help us get the answer faster, but you can't outsource accountability.” - Valerie Martin“The measurement is about the value, not the production.” - Glenn Snyder Valerie explains that AI can automate variance analysis, reporting, data cleanup, and other repetitive work, but faster production is only useful if teams turn that saved time into greater business value. As AI takes on more technical work, FP&A professionals need to strengthen their judgment, curiosity, business acumen, and communication skills. Follow Valerie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-martin-342878/Email: valsoniamartin@gmail.com Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Explore Lineos Reporting Intelligence:Ready to transform financial reporting? See how Lineos Reporting Intelligence helps finance teams connect ERP data directly to Excel, access current data, and spend less time assembling reports.Watch the Reporting Intelligence demo: https://www.insightsoftware.com/lineos/resources/Reporting-intelligence-demo/?utm_source=thefpaguy&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=lineos-influencer-oct&utm_content=newsletter1 Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today’s Episode:[00:00] -Trailer [01:17] - Hard-Coded Opinion [04:54] - How AI Is Changing FP&A Skills [06:16] - Where AI Adds the Most Value [13:51] - When AI Efficiency Doesn't Create Value [15:03] - Judgment, Context & Accountability [19:46] - Redesigning FP&A Work for AI [20:51] - Why Communication Still Matters [27:35] - Turning Saved Time Into Greater Value [34:20] - What Differentiates Finance in the AI Era [41:22] - How FP&A Professionals Stay Valuable [46:27] - Closing & CPE Information

    When AI Does the Analysis, What Makes an FP&A Professional Valuable with Valerie Martin
  8. Sep 30

    AI Can Give You the Right Answer to the Wrong Question with Matija Nakić

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst sit down with Matija Nakic, CEO and Co-founder of Farseer, to discuss how AI is changing financial planning, enterprise software, and decision-making. Matija shares why asking the right questions matters, how AI can accelerate planning workflows, and why strong data foundations remain essential. Matija Nakic is the CEO and Co-founder of Farseer, an AI-native SaaS platform for business modeling, planning, and analysis. With a background in computer engineering, an MBA, and experience across B2B enterprise software, she progressed from developer to product director before co-founding Farseer. In this episode, you will discover: Why asking the right questions matters with AI.How finance can move toward a decision culture.Why clean data and context still matter.How AI can speed up modeling and planning.When Excel still makes sense for finance teams. Matija also pushes back on the idea that Excel is obsolete. She argues that spreadsheets remain excellent for rapid modeling and individual analysis, but become harder to manage when collaboration, large datasets, version control, and auditability enter the picture Follow Matija: LinkedIn: https://hr.linkedin.com/in/matija-nakic Company: https://www.farseer.com/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [02:18] - Why Farseer Was Built [04:12] - Solving Complex Enterprise Planning [05:11] - AI, Vibe Coding & Enterprise Software [06:57] - Building Farseer’s AI Modeler [10:05] - How AI Accelerates Development [11:33] - Building for Technical Finance Users [12:41] - Why Asking the Right Questions Matters [15:37] - AI Context, Guardrails & Governance [17:30] - Why Strong Data Foundations Still Matter [18:23] - Closing Thoughts

    AI Can Give You the Right Answer to the Wrong Question with Matija Nakić

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the FP&A Guy Podcast Network – your one-stop destination for insightful conversations and expert perspectives at the forefront of finance, hosted by Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy. This network brings together three unique shows designed to inform, inspire, and equip finance professionals across the globe: • FP&A Tomorrow: Shaping the future of FP&A by exploring today’s trends and interviewing top global talent in the field. • Financial Modeler’s Corner: Master the art and science of financial modeling with insights from distinguished experts, in partnership with the Financial Modeling Institute. • Future Finance: Discover how technology and AI are transforming corporate finance in this forward-thinking podcast co-hosted with Glenn Hopper. No matter where you are in your finance journey, these podcasts deliver practical advice, thought leadership, and cutting-edge innovation to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of finance.

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