FEI Podcasts

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Channel • 2 Shows

Careers

Careers

Updated Weekly
Careers

Careers

Updated Biweekly

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.

6d ago

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32 min
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.

Feb 9

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29 min
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.

Feb 2

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33 min
10/09/2025

The State of B2B Payments: How Finance Leaders Are Driving Digital Transformation

Nearly half of all companies say their B2B payment processes need major improvement. Over 70% still rely on manual AP workflows, and nearly 60% of suppliers cite high acceptance costs as a top concern. In this episode, based on a recent webinar hosted by Boost Payment Solutions and Financial Executives International (FEI), we explore the current state of B2B payments and the strategic shift toward automation and digitization. Hear directly from Boost executives as they share data-backed insights, lessons learned, and proven strategies to help finance leaders modernize their payment processes. Topics Covered: Common inefficiencies in AP and AR workflows Using automation to enhance operations and relationships Leveraging commercial cards for strategic advantage Advancing payment maturity in a digital-first economy Speakers Seth Goodman, Chief Revenue Officer, Boost Payment Solutions Zach Held, Chief Product Officer, Boost Payment Solutions Special Guests: Seth Goodman and Zach Held.

10/09/2025

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53 min
02/10/2025

AI and tech to drive 2025 agenda with Forvis Mazars

After a four-year hiatus, this report returns to offer a comprehensive overview of the evolving priorities, challenges, and strategies shaping the global and U.S. finance and accounting landscape for 2025.. This year’s survey data offers a rare opportunity for comparative analysis, linking the last pandemic-era survey conducted at the beginning of 2021 with the realities of today’s post-inflationary and geopolitically complex environment. This comparison sheds light on the significant trends and challenges that financial leaders now face. Get this year's survey Special Guests: Anthony Reggiannini, Chris Brown, and Julie Girard.

02/10/2025

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59 min
06/30/2025

From Forecasts to Finance Bots: EY’s Sam Peterson on the AI-Powered Future of Accounting

In this episode of the FEI Podcast, Sam Peterson, EY’s Global Innovation Leader for Financial Accounting Advisory Services, explores the transformative impact of generative AI on the finance function. From the evolution of AI since its breakout moment to real-world use cases in FP&A, treasury, and financial reporting, Sam shares insights on how finance leaders can harness AI to drive efficiency, accuracy, and strategic value. The conversation also dives into emerging trends like agentic AI and reasoning models, and how professionals can prepare their teams for the future of work. Special Guest: Sam Peterson.

06/30/2025

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28 min
09/30/2024

Private credit and jumping into a dark debt market with Harvard’s Jared Ellias

Over the past year the private credit market has gained a strong foothold in borrowing, muscling banks out of the syndicated and traditional C&I loan market and even spiriting corporates out of issuing bonds. Borrower benefits for these fund-driven debt deals are numerous, including faster execution and tailored terms. But while private debt deals aren’t new, their rapid takeover of corporate borrowing brings up a host of risk and long-tail issues for debtors and regulators. In this episode of the FEI Weekly podcast we speak with Jared Ellias, of Harvard Law school, who discusses his research into private credit and what it means for corporate debt issues now and in the future. Learn about becoming and FEI member. Special Guest: Jared Ellias.

09/30/2024

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30 min
12/08/2021

Finance & Accounting Consultant Liesl Nebel

Welcome FEI Engage subscribers! My name is Olivia Berkman and this episode is a conversation with Finance and Accounting consultant Liesl Nebel. Liesl has worked at a wide range of companies, including Nike, Intel, and Schoolhouse electric. Most recently, she’s been consulting, which really works for her and her family. We talk about navigating career transitions, the perks of consulting, and feeling comfortable being uncomfortable. Please enjoy the conversation. Special Guest: Liesl Nebel.

12/08/2021

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1h 4m
08/16/2022

Defining Your Leadership Style

Special Guest: Dr. Stefanie Mockler.

08/16/2022

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37 min
06/21/2023

How One Mentor Changed Thalia Smith's Career Forever

Deloitte's Thalia Smith shares the story of a sponsor's commitment to challenging and empowering her on her career journey. Special Guest: Thalia Smith.

06/21/2023

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34 min

Conversations with leaders and influential thinkers in finance and accounting.