Clean data, clear insights: AI for finance and how to build the right foundation, with Gabi Steele

Finance teams are drowning in data—but turning it into clear, strategic insights is the real challenge.

In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, hosts Lauren and Alex sit down with Gabi Steele, CEO and Co-founder of Preql (and formerly Head of Data Visualization Engineering at WeWork), to explore how CFOs can build a rock-solid data foundation, harness AI effectively, and lead with confidence in an AI-powered world.

Gabi shares why AI is only as good as the data behind it, how multidisciplinary teams are shaping the future of finance, and why storytelling is the key to turning numbers into action. Whether you’re just starting your AI journey or looking to refine your approach, this conversation is packed with insights to help you stay ahead.

Key takeaways:

• Why clean, structured data is the foundation of AI success
• How CFOs can foster collaboration between finance, data, and strategy teams
• The role of AI in automating tasks while enhancing strategic decision-making
• How storytelling can make finance teams more impactful

AI isn’t replacing finance professionals—it’s redefining their roles. Tune in to learn how CFOs can embrace AI and data-driven leadership to drive long-term success.

• 00:42 Meet Gabi Steele: CEO and Co-founder of Preql
• 01:25 Gabi's Journey: From Art to Data
• 02:02 The Birth of Preql
• 05:34 Bridging the Gap: Data and Finance
• 08:05 Multidisciplinary Teams: The Key to Success
• 10:14 The Importance of Reliable Data
• 11:50 Finance and Data Integration Best Practices
• 15:56 The Importance of Strategy in Finance
• 18:58 Diving into AI and Single Source of Truth
• 23:37 Practical Implementation of AI for CFOs
• 29:19 Concluding Thoughts and Future Insights

Connect with Gabi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellasteele/

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/

Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/

Find the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PGOmS2MW_-c?si=hpIJFd0aWBMpPxL6

The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations.

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Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io