The Growth-Minded CFO

Upflow
The Growth-Minded CFO

Today's financial leader is more than a number cruncher - they're a growth architect and a strategic partner in the organization’s success. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status-quo and explores 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.

  1. 12시간 전

    The CFO Leading Talent, Operations & Corporate Communications (Kate Gulliver, CFO & CAO, Wayfair)

    The path to becoming a CFO today is rarely a straight line. Finance leaders are increasingly coming from diverse backgrounds, bringing a broad range of skills to the role. After all, the best CFOs don’t just manage numbers; they shape strategy, foster talent, and drive innovation across an organization. In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, hosts Lauren and Alex sit down with Kate Gulliver, CFO and CAO of Wayfair. It's an insightful conversation about leadership, adaptability, and impact. Kate shares her journey from investor relations to overseeing finance, legal, talent, and corporate communication—offering a rare look at the evolution of a top executive. She reflects on the challenges of stepping into new roles, the power of an entrepreneurial mindset in a high-growth company, and the lessons learned from integrating finance with people strategy. Kate also opens up about balancing a demanding career with motherhood and the importance of fostering an inclusive, authentic workplace. Tune in for a deep dive into how finance leaders can drive value beyond the numbers and shape thriving organizations. 00:58 Meet Kate Gulliver: Wayfair's Multifaceted Leader 01:53 Journey Through Wayfair: From IPO to CFO 06:55 Transitioning to Talent: A Leap of Faith 10:28 Learning and Leading in Talent Management 16:08 The CFO Perspective: Integrating Talent and Finance 17:11 Navigating the CFO Role: Insights and Reflections 18:50 The Importance of Cross-Departmental Communication 21:30 Wayfair's Latest Launch: Wayfair Verified 24:49 Operationalizing New Ideas at Wayfair 29:59 Balancing Work and Life 33:23 The Importance of Authenticity at Work Connect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-gulliver-3b242762/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Find the full video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tQPhCDNkSUs 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. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    39분
  2. 3월 19일

    Wall Street to SaaS CFO: Lessons from IPOs, Acquisitions & Growth, with Carla Cooper

    What does it take to be a truly great CFO today? It’s not just about balancing the books—it’s about driving strategy, managing risks, and telling the financial story in a way that inspires confidence. In this episode, Carla Cooper, CFO of Contentful, shares her journey from Wall Street equity analyst to CFO, discussing her role in scaling Contentful, navigating IPOs and acquisitions, and offering valuable tips on transitioning into a CFO position. She emphasizes the importance of networking, continual learning, and telling a compelling financial story. Carla also provides practical advice for finance professionals contemplating job changes and reflects on the evolving responsibilities of a CFO. 00:41 Meet Carla Cooper, CFO of Contentful 01:27 Carla's Career Journey and Transition to CFO 03:09 Insights on Transitioning from Wall Street to Operations 08:28 The Importance of Networking and Informational Interviews 11:00 Navigating Acquisitions and IPOs 11:49 The Role of Finance in Scaling and Transformation 13:41 Adapting to New Financial Systems and Processes 15:57 Learning Opportunities in Acquisitions 19:03 The Growth-Minded CFO: Embracing Change and Learning 22:23 Preparing for the CFO Role: Principles and Strategies 25:58 Building a Thesis and Understanding Stakeholders 33:01 The CFO's Role in Vision and Strategy 38:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Carla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-newmeyer-cooper-843a591/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Find the full video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pB5UagvsWYg?si=wKAe_RddYe0SzMCJ 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. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    42분
  3. 3월 3일

    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 successHow CFOs can foster collaboration between finance, data, and strategy teamsThe role of AI in automating tasks while enhancing strategic decision-makingHow 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 Preql01:25 Gabi's Journey: From Art to Data02:02 The Birth of Preql05:34 Bridging the Gap: Data and Finance08:05 Multidisciplinary Teams: The Key to Success10:14 The Importance of Reliable Data11:50 Finance and Data Integration Best Practices15:56 The Importance of Strategy in Finance18:58 Diving into AI and Single Source of Truth23:37 Practical Implementation of AI for CFOs29:19 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. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at https://upflow.io/ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    31분
  4. 2월 21일

    The CFO as manager: How to lead beyond the numbers, with Ilana Esterrich

    Great CFOs do more than manage the numbers—they lead, adapt, and shape the future of their organizations. In this episode, Ilana Esterrich, CFO of Planned Parenthood, shares how she steers her team through uncertainty and change while keeping a sharp focus on strategy and leadership. With a background in the military, Ilana brings a unique perspective on building strong teams, fostering a growth mindset, and navigating the shifting financial and regulatory landscape. Tune in for a candid conversation about what it really takes to be a CFO who drives impact, resilience, and innovation in today’s world. Connect with Ilana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanaesterrich/ 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: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. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at ⁠⁠upflow.io Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    40분
  5. 2월 3일

    Top 5 takeaways from season one—and what’s next!

    In this episode, we reflect on the first season of the podcast. We discuss what we learned from the first 7 episodes featuring top CFOs and finance leaders. As you listen, feel free to pause this episode and jump into the earlier episodes we highlight - our aim here is to give you a good overview of the best bits from the podcast so far! Key highlights include the importance of getting out of the finance office, the value of startup experience, the need for patience in new CFO roles, the cultural challenges in digital transformation, and the blurring lines between data science and finance. We also share our excitement for season two and let you know how you can get in touch to share feedback. 00:00 Welcome to the Growth Minded CFO Podcast 00:46 Reflecting on Season One's Success 01:11 Studio vs. Remote Recording 02:26 Unexpected Engagement and Accolades 04:38 Top Five Insights from Season One 06:34 Insight 1: CFOs Need to Engage Beyond Finance 12:21 Insight 2: Value of Startup Experience for CFOs 19:32 Insight 3: Patience and Cultural Absorption in New Roles 28:15 Insight 4: Digital Transformation is About Culture 33:04 Insight 5: Blurring Lines Between Data Science and Finance 38:12 Looking Forward to Season Two 40:58 How to Get in Touch with Us 42:22 Conclusion 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/5rpzJEvqgG4?si=PzfzUaHhqiNkADFw 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. This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at ⁠⁠upflow.io Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    44분
  6. 1월 20일

    The skills finance teams need now & in the future, with Carl Seidman

    In this episode of the Growth Minded CFO podcast, hosts Lauren Pearl and Alex Louisy speak with Carl Seidman, an industry-leading finance educator and consultant. Carl talks through his professional journey from Big Four consulting to establishing his own successful practice focused on FP& A processes and upskilling teams. The discussion then focuses into the evolving role of finance professionals, emphasizing the importance of technical skills (but not only!), critical and strategic thinking, and effective communication. Carl also highlights the continuous nature of learning and development, and the impact of AI and digital transformation on the finance function. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts 00:39 Welcome to the Growth Minded CFO 00:59 Meet Carl Seidman 02:06 Carl's Career Journey 02:52 Helping Companies Upskill 03:53 Differences in Company Sizes 08:01 Mindset Evolution in Finance 14:20 Training and Development in Finance 40:16 The Role of AI and Digitization 45:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Carl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlseidman/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ 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. Find the video version of this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XPPsfNVwt-M This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at ⁠⁠https://upflow.io/⁠⁠ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    48분
  7. 1월 7일

    Money in, money out: How the best finance teams are running AR & AP in 2025, with Howard Katzenberg

    In this episode of 'The Growth Minded CFO,' hosts Lauren and Alex welcome Howard Katzenberg, CEO of Glean.ai. With our co-host Alex Louisy representing the world of Accounts Receivable, Howard brings the other side of the coin with Accounts Payable, as they both discuss what innovative approaches to these seemingly transactional processes can do for your business. Howard shares his transition from CFO to founder, the importance of changing mindsets in AP processes, and the development of Glean.ai. Alex discusses revolutionizing Accounts Receivable, focusing on customer relationships, and the impact of smart tooling. Together, they explore the evolving role of the CFO and the strategic integration of finance within businesses. 00:00 Mindset Shift in AR and AP 00:33 Introduction to the Growth-Minded CFO Podcast 01:04 Meet Howard Katzenberg, CEO of Glean AI 02:06 Understanding Vendor Expenses with Glean AI 03:08 Revolutionizing Accounts Payable and Receivable 03:51 The Role of Analytics in Finance 06:44 Challenges in Traditional AR Processes 08:36 The Value of Automation and Insights 21:36 Building a Strong Spend Culture 26:20 The Strategic Role of the CFO 30:36 Howard's Journey from CFO to CEO 35:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Howard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardkatzenberg/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ 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. Find the video version of this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YVrL6tjqDkw?si=P7Jnww_8pdSduMCA This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at ⁠⁠https://upflow.io/⁠⁠ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    37분
  8. 2024. 12. 10.

    An alternative path to CFO and leading change at the MLBPA, with Tatia-Mays Russell

    In this episode of The Growth Minded CFO, we dive deep with Tatia Mays-Russell, the visionary CFO of the Major League Baseball Players Association. Discover how Tatia's unique journey from a material science engineer to a strategic finance leader has shaped her approach to business. Learn about her strategies for transforming the finance function into a strategic partner, empowering her team, and leveraging technology to drive innovation. Key Takeaways: The evolving role of the modern CFO The importance of a strong organizational culture The power of empowering your team The impact of technology on finance The need for continuous learning and adaptation Listen now to gain valuable insights and inspiration for your own career. Connect with Tatia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatia-mays-russell-5a86362/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and smash the ‘back-office shackles’. 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. Find the full video version on youtube: https://youtu.be/g5VtzJPuXa4?si=CZA4FtggQYQeGrqT This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business. Join thousands of next-level finance leaders and go from chasing invoices to engaging customers. Find out more at ⁠https://upflow.io/⁠ Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    46분

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Today's financial leader is more than a number cruncher - they're a growth architect and a strategic partner in the organization’s success. The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status-quo and explores 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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