The Growth-Minded CFO

Upflow
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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.

  1. 23 ИЮЛ.

    Fundraising, AI, and Starting Smart in 2025, with Jeffrey Fidelman

    In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, we sit down with Jeff Fidelman—Founder and Managing Partner at Fidelman & Co.—to talk about how startup fundraising has shifted, what VCs actually want to hear, and why today’s CFOs need more than spreadsheets to lead. Chapters: 02:00 - Why Fidelman & Co. Was Born from a Market Gap 06:00 - Broken Incentives in Startup Fundraising 09:00 - How the Fundraising Game Changed Since 2021 13:00 - Why Founders Must Talk Like Operators 16:00 - The Role of Financial Models (and How to Build Them Right) 21:00 - Why Top-Down Models Alone Don’t Cut It 25:00 - AI: Useful Tool, Not Magic Bullet 29:00 - AI Use Case: Building an Internal CRM for $300 34:30 - Fundraising Tips for Finance Leaders 37:00 - CFOs as Process Owners During a Raise 38:00 - The Two Types of CFOs (and Why It Matters) 41:00 - Final Reflections on Strategic Thinking and Belief📌 Key takeaways: Fundraising now takes 6–9 months—build relationships earlyVCs invest in operators, not just visionsThe best financial models are built with founders, not for themAI is best used to get hands-on, not to replace human thinkingStrategic CFOs do more than books—they pitch, plan, and believe. Connect with Jeff ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyfidelman/ Connect with Alex ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q-J8Ot3ecjQ?si=Pmfbug0McFB4AEmV Subscribe for more episodes with founders, CFOs, and finance leaders. 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

    45 мин.

  2. 24 ИЮН.

    From Banker to Builder: Hands-On CFO Lessons for SaaS, with Jon Gross

    Startups don’t need spreadsheet CFOs—they need operators who can think like owners. That’s the core message in this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO as hosts Alex Louisy (CEO, Upflow) and Lauren Pearl sit down with Jon Gross, CFO of RepeatMD. In this conversation you’ll learn: 👉 “Three-level CFO” playbook – how Jon shifts from board-level strategy to ground-floor execution without missing a beat. 👉 Why empathy for sales, product & customers is a super-power for finance leaders. 👉 The art of balancing professionalising a business without killing the scrappy magic that made it special. 👉 How your cap-table incentives should shape growth targets and risk tolerance. 👉 Jon’s method for carving out time to write, share and build in public—and why more CFOs should do it 👉 Practical tips for turning finance into an enablement function (not the department of “no”) About our guest: Jon Gross is CFO at RepeatMD, a Houston-based SaaS platform helping aesthetics, med-spa and wellness clinics drive repeat business through rewards and financing tools. A former investment banker, PE operator and chief-of-staff, Jon brings rare range—from capital markets to zero-to-one execution. Connect with Jon ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-gross10/ Connect with Alex ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/ Connect with Lauren ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/ 00:00 Intro & the “operator” mindset03:10 What a “three-level CFO” really does09:15 From spreadsheets to real-world execution14:40 Wearing multiple hats without losing focus23:30 Risk-taking in a CFO seat (NetSuite, AI & more)28:05 Partnering with founders: enabling, not blocking32:15 Why CFOs should write and share publicly36:40 Rapid-fire: habits, inspiration & growth hacks38:30 Wrap-up & how to subscribe Watch the full video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bmHXjDPnQe0?si=bODFdQU02rsQnTbz 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

    40 мин.

  3. 10 ИЮН.

    Rewiring Finance: AI, ERP, and the Rise of the Executional CFO, with Nicolas Kopp (Rillet)

    Finance is evolving—and so is the CFO. In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, Rillet CEO Nicolas Kopp joins hosts Alex Louisy and Lauren Pearl to talk about what’s next for finance leaders. Fresh off a $25M Series A, Nicolas shares why Rillet is rebuilding the general ledger from the ground up with AI at the core. 00:19 Meet Nicolas Kopp: CEO of Rillet01:23 The Vision Behind Rillet03:19 Challenges and Opportunities in ERP03:48 Building a Better General Ledger05:01 Understanding ERP and Its Scope08:43 Growth-Minded CFOs and New Tech15:29 The Role of AI in Modern Finance22:05 Exploring the Concept of Headless ERP25:39 The Future of Finance Teams and Automation33:24 The Role of AI in Finance37:14 Fundraising Success and Future Plans Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes of The Growth-Minded CFO. Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/jmD1uUvum1E?si=Lh9MvOm0fjHeQDDI Connect with Nicolas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-kopp/ 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. 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/ Feedback or praise for the podcast? Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    42 мин.

  4. 27 МАЯ

    Spreadsheets to Storytelling: Communication & EQ Tips for CFOs, with Erik Nakamura

    Being great with numbers may open the door—but it’s your emotional intelligence that keeps you in the room. In this episode, Erik Nakamura—CFO of Journal Technologies—joins hosts Lauren Pearl and Alex Louisy to explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) is transforming the modern CFO role from number cruncher to strategic business partner. With 25+ years of experience across startups, public companies, IPOs, and CFO consulting, Erik shares real-world insights on how today’s finance leaders can lead with empathy, drive culture, and communicate with clarity. In this episode, you’ll learn: Erik’s three pillars for choosing the right company as a CFO.Why EQ matters more than IQ in building high-performing teams.How CFOs can become trusted communicators, not just financial enforcers.Why Erik says CFO should also mean Chief Feelings Officer.How coaching his kids in sports shaped his leadership style.The value of mentorship, humility, and curiosity in finance. “You want to treat people how they want to be treated. That takes emotional intelligence. That’s how you build trust—and trust is everything.” — Erik Nakamura Whether you're hiring your first CFO, leading a finance team, or just exploring how to grow your leadership skills, this episode is packed with tactical advice and human-first leadership insights. Chapters: 00:53 Meet Erik Nakamura: A Journey Through Finance01:21 Erik's Career Highlights and Lessons Learned03:27 The Three Pillars of Choosing the Right Company07:43 Assessing Company Culture and Leadership12:07 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ)16:28 The Evolving Role of the CFO18:52 The Importance of Storytelling in Finance19:30 Adapting Communication for Different Audiences20:23 Coaching and Mentorship in Leadership22:34 The Role of EQ in a CFO's Daily Practice24:15 Building Relationships and Culture in Finance26:37 The Journey to Confidence and EQ Mastery31:19 The Impact of Coaching on Professional Growth Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/lYktfwG2w44?si=Sz3CdbO-anAITqTr Connect with Erik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriknakamura/ 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. 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/ Feedback or praise for the podcast? Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    38 мин.

  5. 14 МАЯ

    Rise of the Fractional CFO - Your Next Career Move? (& When and Why to Hire One)

    In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, we’re joined by Anne Samak de la Cerda, Partner at FLG Partners, for a deep dive into the rise of fractional CFOs. With two seasoned fractional CFOs on the mic (our co-host Lauren Pearl included) we explore how the role has evolved, when it makes sense to hire one, and what early vs late-stage companies actually need from finance leadership. You’ll learn: Why not every company needs a full-time CFOHow fractional CFOs deliver fast, strategic impactThe difference between early vs late-stage finance needsWhen to bring in a fractional vs full-time hireWhy demand for fractional CFOs is growing globallyHow fractional CFOs are adapting to AI, tech, and leaner budgets 01:03 Meet Anne and Lauren 01:54 Anne's Journey to Becoming a Fractional CFO 05:42 Lauren's Path to Fractional CFO 09:00 Early Stage vs. Late Stage CFO Roles 15:29 Navigating Crises and Transformations 24:11 Transitioning Out of Business: When and How 24:47 Challenges of Ending Client Relationships 25:20 Evaluating Team Readiness and Setting Expectations 27:39 Lauren's Perspective on Client Transitions 30:34 Balancing Multiple Clients and Diversifying Revenue 37:34 The Importance of Networking for Fractional CFOs 40:04 The Evolving Role of Fractional CFOs 44:49 Global Perspectives and Future Trends Whether you're a founder, finance leader, or considering going fractional yourself—this episode is packed with insights from the trenches. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with today’s most strategic finance leaders. Connect with Anne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samakdelacerda/ 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/kYrQay8k92g?si=PtsrI2KXXEgdC2Fm 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/ Feedback or praise for the podcast? Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    48 мин.

  6. 29 АПР.

    What Makes a Great CFO in 2025? Insights from the Frontlines of CFO Hiring, with Dav Masaon

    Bringing on a CFO is one of the most critical decisions a startup can make—but how do you know when it’s the right time? And more importantly, how do you find someone with the right skills to drive growth, manage complexity, and scale alongside your company? In this episode of The Growth Minded CFO, hosts Alex and Lauren sit down with Dav Masaon, Co-Founder of executive search firm Zanda, to explore what it really takes to hire the right CFO in today’s fast-changing startup landscape. Together, they dive into: When and why to bring on your first CFOThe biggest hiring mistakes founders makeHow the role of the CFO is evolving in the age of AI and automationWhy financial discipline is more important than everWhat differentiates a great startup CFO from a corporate one Dav shares expert insights into the traits to look for in finance leaders—from scrappiness and stage-fit to international hiring nuances—offering practical tips for founders, investors, and finance leaders alike. Whether you’re scaling a startup or refining your leadership team, this episode is packed with must-know advice for building a high-performing finance function in 2025. 01:06 Meet Our Guest: Dav Masaon, Co-Founder of Zanda 02:23 When to Hire a CFO: Key Considerations 08:49 The Evolving Role of the CFO 12:24 Challenges and Pressures Faced by CFOs 17:27 Financial Relationship Management: A New Era 19:14 Recruiting Trends and CFO Backgrounds 20:21 Challenges of Transitioning from Corporate to Startup CFO 20:57 Key Traits for a Successful Startup CFO 21:24 The Role of AI and Automation in Finance 22:32 Importance of Background and Experience for CFOs 24:58 Hiring the Right CFO at the Right Stage 27:48 Evaluating Candidates' Understanding of Startups 31:06 Pitching to Candidates Like Investors 31:20 Comparing US and UK Markets for CFOs Subscribe for more insights on startup finance, leadership, and growth. Connect with Dav on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davmasaon/ 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/JwItKrlAZjk?si=_5rvedB8vWv63iSA 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/. Feedback or praise for the podcast? Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    38 мин.

  7. 15 АПР.

    AI in Finance: From Buzz to Business Value, with Nicolas Boucher

    In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, co-hosts Lauren Pearl and Alex Louisy sit down with Nicolas Boucher, finance professional turned AI educator, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of corporate finance. When ChatGPT first launched, most attention went to marketing and content creation. But Nicolas saw something different. He became one of the earliest voices in applying AI to finance—eventually building a following of 1M+ on LinkedIn and publishing guides that have shaped how finance teams use AI today. Topics covered in this episode: How Nicolas transitioned from early adopter to global finance AI expert.The moment AI evolved from writing to real quantitative analysis.How misusing AI can damage your credibility—and how to avoid it.The importance of workflow context and your business environment: Why Microsoft Copilot could work when ChatGPT might not.Why CFOs must “manage” AI tools like they would a team member. “AI won’t replace you, but misusing it might.” — Nicolas Boucher 00:59 Meet Nicholas Boucher: AI and Finance Expert 01:42 Nicolas' Journey into AI and Finance 03:53 The Impact of AI on Finance 08:00 Real Use Cases of AI in Finance 11:57 Hype vs. Reality in AI Tools 16:37 Focused AI Solutions for Finance 19:13 Data Challenges in AI Implementation 21:45 Corporate Licenses and AI Adoption 25:23 Common Mistakes in Using AI for Finance 30:05 The Role of the CFO in AI Integration 32:39 Practical Steps for CFOs to Leverage AI 35:12 Managing AI as a Team Member Don’t miss this one if you want to future-proof your finance team. Subscribe for more conversations with forward-thinking CFOs and finance leaders. Connect with Nicolas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bouchernicolas/ 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/UhEavWaZEbQ 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/. And find out about our own AI functionality in Upflow at https://upflow.io/features/upflow-ai. Feedback or praise for the podcast? Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io

    41 мин.

  8. 2 АПР.

    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

    39 мин.
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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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  • Автор
    Upflow
  • Годы выхода
    2024 - 2025
  • Выпуски
    20
  • Ограничения
    Без ненормативной лексики
  • Авторские права
    © Upflow
  • Сайт подкаста
    The Growth-Minded CFO

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