Financial Modeler's Corner

Paul Barnhurst AKA The FP&A Guy

Financial Modeler's Corner is a podcast where we talk all about the art and science of financial modeling with distinguished Financial Modeler's from around the globe. Financial Modeler's Corner is hosted by Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, a global thought leader in the field of finance.  The Financial Modeler's Corner podcast is brought to you by Financial Modeling Institute. FMI offers the most respected accreditations in financial modeling. 

  1. The Truth About Project Finance for Modelers to Avoid Complexity & Build Impact with Patrick Daguet

    HACE 3 DÍAS

    The Truth About Project Finance for Modelers to Avoid Complexity & Build Impact with Patrick Daguet

    In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Patrick Daguet, a seasoned finance professional, educator, and structured finance expert for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about the real-world side of financial modeling. With over four decades in the industry, Patrick shares what he's learned from years of building models, working on massive infrastructure deals, and teaching the next generation of finance professionals. From navigating the challenges of project finance to celebrating those satisfying “balance sheet balances” moments in the classroom, Patrick offers a grounded, practical perspective on how modeling works beyond the spreadsheet. Patrick is the President of Sharklets, a training company specializing in CFA, FRM, and CAIA prep, and a Senior Professor at IÉSEG School of Management. With a background in structured finance, infrastructure projects, and model design, he bridges academic rigor with practical experience. He has helped train thousands of finance professionals across the globe and continues to lead CFM study groups. Patrick’s love for teaching is matched by his real-world expertise, having worked on major infrastructure deals, including France’s national stadium. Expect to Learn Why financial models should be treated as decision-making tools, not just math.What makes project finance models more complex than corporate ones.The real-world impact of financial models, from runways to stadiums.How teaching has shaped Patrick’s understanding of modeling.Why lifelong curiosity is the key to staying relevant in finance. Here are a few quotes from the episode: “A financial model is a decision tool that incorporates all the information necessary to form your own judgment." - Patrick Daguet"I fell into teaching when people told me I had a talent for explaining the complex clearly." - Patrick Daguet"You are sentenced to lifelong learning when you choose a career in finance." - Patrick Daguet Follow Patrick: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdaguet/Email - p.daguet@ieseg.fr Follow Paul:  Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy Follow Financial Modeler's Corner   LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit a href="https://bit.ly/497oAqW"...

    48 min
  2. How Financial Modelers Rely on Memorability, Not Accuracy, to Get Ahead in Excel with Finance Bro

    22 JUL

    How Financial Modelers Rely on Memorability, Not Accuracy, to Get Ahead in Excel with Finance Bro

    In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst invites "Your Average Finance Bro," for a light-hearted and humorous conversation about financial modeling. The episode takes a comedic spin on the often serious world of finance, diving into the importance of Excel, the art of building memorable models, and even how Excel proficiency can play a role in dating. Expect a mix of fun and insight, with Finance Bro offering his unconventional wisdom about financial modeling, presenting with confidence, and making your work stand out in the finance world. Your Average Finance Bro, is a renowned figure in the financial modeling world. He has built a reputation not just for his financial modeling skills but also for his humorous take on the profession. He's a self-proclaimed founder of Goldman Sachs, inventor of the discounted cash flow model, and someone who has been involved in some of the most memorable (and fictional) moments in finance history. Finance Bro brings a fun and unconventional approach to the world of finance, often blending humor with expert insights. Expect to Learn The importance of memorability in financial modeling and how it can impact your career.Why Excel continues to dominate financial modeling and how Finance Bro contributed to its popularity.The lighter side of financial modeling, including hilarious pranks and Excel jokes.How to present financial models with confidence, even if the numbers are questionable.The essential skills and mindset needed for financial modelers to stand out, especially in high-pressure situations. Here are a few quotes from the episode: "Memorability is extremely important in financial modeling. If you screw up, people will remember that forever." - Your Average Finance Bro"The ability to present a model is more important than the model itself." - Your Average Finance Bro"If you can't teach someone how to build a model, you’re not teaching them anything at all." - Your Average Finance Bro Follow Finance Bro : LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/your-average-finance-bro/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/youraveragefinancebro/?hl=enWebsite - linktr.ee/financebroYouTube - youtube.com/@youraveragefinancebro Follow Paul:  Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy Follow Financial Modeler's Corner   LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-a href="https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    32 min
  3. How Students Master Financial Modeling and Bridge the CFA Practical Skills Gap with Stephen Horan

    15 JUL

    How Students Master Financial Modeling and Bridge the CFA Practical Skills Gap with Stephen Horan

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Dr. Stephen Horan to discuss the fundamentals of financial modeling, the challenges and rewards of teaching finance, and how curiosity and simplicity are central to both education and professional modeling. Dr. Horan draws on his extensive experience as a finance professor and former Managing Director at CFA Institute, offering unique insights into the intersection of academia, practical modeling, and credentialing. Dr. Stephen is a finance professor at UNC Wilmington and former Managing Director at the CFA Institute. He has over 30 years of experience in academia and industry, has authored award-winning research, and co-wrote Strategic Value Investing, featured on Warren Buffett’s reading list. His work bridges theory and practice in finance education. Dr. Horan is also a sought-after speaker and serves on editorial boards for leading finance journals. Expect to Learn What makes a model readable and useful and why fundamentals matter.How to teach financial modeling in a way that’s active and practical.The difference between book knowledge and real-world application in finance.Insights into CFA Institute’s evolution toward practical skills and global relevance.The mindset and skills students need to transition from learning to doing. Here are a few quotes from the episode: "Curiosity is the skill I had to learn and it’s the one that’s helped me most in my career." - Stephen Horan"Give someone the experience of building a model and solving problems. That’s the real education." - Stephen Horan"The ability to explain how you built a model is more powerful in an interview than listing courses on a résumé."  Stephen Horan Follow Stephen: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhoranphd/Twitter - http://twitter.com/StephenHoranCFA Follow Paul:  Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy Follow Financial Modeler's Corner   LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.  In today’s episode: [02:07] - Guest Introduction [04:19] - Modeling Horror Story [10:41] - Bridging Theory and...

    49 min
  4. Building a Practical Financial Modeling Course for students focused on sustainability with Michael & Janice

    8 JUL

    Building a Practical Financial Modeling Course for students focused on sustainability with Michael & Janice

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst speaks with Janice Shade and Michael Tapia about the intersection of sustainability, financial modeling, and education. They share the behind-the-scenes creation of a unique MBA course focused on sustainable finance and modeling at Bard College. The episode dives into horror stories from the modeling trenches, highlights the challenges of teaching complex topics in an accessible way, and explores the future of financial education and tools. Janice is a systems entrepreneur and finance educator with over 30 years of experience. She has worked with both for-profit and nonprofit ventures, focusing on democratic access to capital and economic justice. Janice is also the author of Moving Mountains and teaches finance at Bard’s MBA in Sustainability program. Michael transitioned from the fitness industry into sustainable finance. With an MBA in Impact Finance from Bard, he co-developed and co-taught a financial modeling course that incorporates ESG data and sustainability into traditional financial analysis. Michael is passionate about inclusive, community-driven investment strategies and financial education. Expect to Learn What makes a financial model “fit for purpose”, and why complexity isn’t always better.How financial modeling can support sustainability and social impact.Tips for teaching finance to non-finance students and building curriculum from the ground up.The importance of scenario and sensitivity analysis in forecasting.Practical insights on bridging theory and hands-on financial modeling in academia. Here are a few quotes from the episode: "Finance shouldn't feel mystical or exclusive, our goal is to make it approachable and relevant." - Janice Shade"As a former trainer, I saw how performance metrics drove change. Now I see capital can do the same, if used with purpose." - Michael Tapia"Forecasting is hard, and no forecast is ever right. We're just trying to make it less wrong." - Janice Shade Follow Janice: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janice-shade/Website - https://innovatecapital.org/team Follow Michael: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-tapia- Follow Paul:  Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy Follow Financial Modeler's Corner   LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 Sign up for the Advanced Financial...

    57 min
  5. CFM Certification Tips for Financial Modelers to Pass Without 100 Hours with Carolina Lago

    1 JUL

    CFM Certification Tips for Financial Modelers to Pass Without 100 Hours with Carolina Lago

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Carolina Lago explore their experiences with financial modeling and the Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) certification. They discuss the value of these certifications, the challenges of studying for them, and how these programs can improve financial modeling skills. They also provide helpful tips and insights into preparing for the Chartered Financial Modeler (CFM) certification. Carolina is a financial modeling and FP&A specialist with over 20 years of experience. She holds the Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) certification from the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI) and is working toward the Elite Certified Financial Modeler (CFM) credential. Carolina is passionate about teaching financial modeling and helping professionals use financial models to make better strategic decisions. Her workshops focus on best practices, scenario analysis, and providing businesses with the tools needed to navigate financial challenges. Expect to Learn The definition of a financial model and how to differentiate it from other types of business models.Tips for studying for the AFM and CFM certifications, including managing time effectively and balancing models as you work.Carolina’s experience preparing for the AFM and how to build financial models quickly under pressure.The importance of practice in financial modeling and how to improve speed and efficiency.The differences between the AFM and CFM certifications and why both are valuable for financial modelers. Here are a few quotes from the episode: "Even if I don’t pass the first time, I will have already succeeded by learning new techniques and improving my skills." - Carolina Lago"You need to be resourceful and think quickly when preparing for the CFM. It’s about adapting to complexity in multiple areas." - Carolina Lago"A financial model is anything that has inputs, calculations, and outputs, but at the same time answers a business question." - Carolina Lago Follow Carolina: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-carolinalago?originalSubdomain=chWebsite - carolinalago.comCourse Tactic On-Demand: https://tacticfinancial.com/financial-model-for-you/newsletter:  https://pages.tacticfinancial.com/thetacticalroom Follow Paul:  Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy Follow Financial Modeler's Corner   LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-a href="https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    46 min
  6. How Finance Professionals Can Grow with Excel, Avoid Automation Traps, and Build a Brand with Jon Acampora

    24 JUN

    How Finance Professionals Can Grow with Excel, Avoid Automation Traps, and Build a Brand with Jon Acampora

    In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Jon Acampora to discuss the ever-evolving world of financial modeling, focusing on Excel. Jon shares about the importance of creating user-friendly models and the impact of Excel Esports on financial modeling skills. The conversation covers best practices for building efficient models, lessons from Excel competitions, and how new technologies like Power Query and AI are shaping the future of modeling. Jon is the founder of Excel Campus, a Microsoft MVP, and an expert in helping Excel users simplify and automate their workflows. With over 600,000 YouTube subscribers, Jon is passionate about making Excel both fun and efficient. He’s also a regular commentator for Excel Esports competitions, where Excel professionals compete to solve complex modeling challenges in real time. Jon’s mission is to help people leverage Excel to boost productivity and creativity, making financial modeling more accessible and enjoyable. Expect to Learn The importance of building financial models that are easy for others to understand and use.Jon's take on the role of Excel Esports in advancing modeling skills and fostering creativity.How Power Query can save you hours of data processing time in Excel.Why financial modelers should focus on simplicity and automation rather than over-complicating their models.Insights into the future of financial modeling with the integration of Python and AI tools. Here are a few quotes from the episode: “AI is great at generating code, but it’s the human creativity that still leads the way.” - Jon Acampora“As an Excel professional, it's important to make models that others can easily work with, even if they don't have the same technical skills you do.” - Jon Acampora“If you want to be great at Excel, you have to understand that learning never stops. There’s always something new to discover.” - Jon Acampora Follow Jon: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonacampora/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/ExcelCampusWebsite - https://www.excelcampus.com/ Follow Paul:  Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy Follow Financial Modeler's Corner   LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visita...

    55 min
  7. Excel SIM Method for Finance Students to Master Three Statement Models Fast with Drew Blazsik

    17 JUN

    Excel SIM Method for Finance Students to Master Three Statement Models Fast with Drew Blazsik

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Drew Blazsik to dive into the evolving world of financial modeling in academia. Drew brings a fresh perspective on how students can better grasp complex concepts using structured, interactive learning. The conversation touches on practical teaching methods, the common pitfalls students face, and why blending creativity with structure is key to mastering the three-statement model. Drew Blazsik is an assistant professor at Adrian College, where he teaches finance and economics. With over a decade of teaching experience at institutions like the University of Toledo and Lourdes University, Drew has a passion for connecting academic finance theory with real-world applications. He is also the creator of the Structured Immediate Method (SIM), an innovative teaching tool designed to help students master financial modeling skills in a dynamic and engaging way. Drew hosts the Faith and Finance Podcast and runs the Logos and Markets YouTube channel, where he explores financial modeling, economic theory, and more. Expect to Learn Common mistakes students make in financial modeling and how to avoid them.How Drew’s Structured Immediate Method (SIM) enhances student learning.Why learning Python is crucial for modern financial modelers.The impact of gamification and interactive learning on mastering financial concepts.Drew's take on the future of financial modeling in the age of AI. Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Once you understand how to create a financial model, it all clicks and makes finance come together.” - Drew Blazsik“AI is awesome for creativity, but it starts with you, the human, being creative.” - Drew Blazsik“The SIM method helps students get instant feedback, which improves their learning and engagement.” -Drew Blazsik Follow Drew: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewblazsik/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/drewblazsik Follow Paul:  Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy Follow Financial Modeler's Corner   LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the...

    53 min
  8. The Financial Failures in Startups for Founders to Fix Bad Data and Build Profit with Alyona Mysko

    10 JUN

    The Financial Failures in Startups for Founders to Fix Bad Data and Build Profit with Alyona Mysko

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Alyona Mysko shares her journey from a PwC auditor to a fintech founder creating FuelFinance, a no-code financial planning tool tailored for startups and small businesses. She discusses common financial modeling challenges faced by first-time founders, the complexities of the manufacturing and fashion industries, and the importance of simplifying financial models for better decision-making. Alyona emphasizes the power of effective communication and scenario planning, helping entrepreneurs and modelers make sense of numbers to drive business success. Alyona Mysko is the Founder and CEO of FuelFinance, a fintech startup delivering no-code financial planning tools designed specifically for startups and small businesses. With a professional background starting as an auditor at PwC, Alyona transitioned into financial analysis and fractional CFO roles before launching her own company. She brings deep expertise in financial modeling and a passion for simplifying complex financial data to empower founders and entrepreneurs.  Expect to Learn How Alyona’s audit background influenced the creation of a finance platform for startupsWhy first-time founders struggle with financial modeling and how second-time founders differThe complexity behind manufacturing and fashion business models and modeling nuancesThe importance of simplified dashboards focusing on key metrics for decision-makingWhy communication and storytelling in financial modeling is essential for impact Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Finance is just like fuel for a business. If you understand your numbers, you can go fast.” - Alyona MyskoFirst-time founders don’t know what they don’t know. Second-time founders know to start with the financial model.” - Alyona Mysko“Communication is 50% of your success as a financial modeler.” - Alyona Mysko Follow Alyona : LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyona-mysko/Website - https://fuelfinance.me/ Follow Paul:  Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy Follow Financial Modeler's Corner   LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the...

    48 min
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Financial Modeler's Corner is a podcast where we talk all about the art and science of financial modeling with distinguished Financial Modeler's from around the globe. Financial Modeler's Corner is hosted by Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, a global thought leader in the field of finance.  The Financial Modeler's Corner podcast is brought to you by Financial Modeling Institute. FMI offers the most respected accreditations in financial modeling. 

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