FinOps in Action

PointFive

Welcome to FinOps in Action! Join host, Taylor Houck, Each week, as he sits down with FinOps experts to explore the toughest challenges between FinOps and Engineering. This show is brought to you by PointFive - empowering teams to optimize cloud costs with deep detection and remediation tools that drive action.

  1. Why FinOps Fails Without People: Power of Centers of Excellence ft. Trig Ghosh, Accenture | Ep #56

    23H AGO

    Why FinOps Fails Without People: Power of Centers of Excellence ft. Trig Ghosh, Accenture | Ep #56

    Why does FinOps work better when teams own outcomes instead of being told what to do? In this episode of FinOps in Action, I sit down with Trig Ghosh, FinOps SME at Accenture Federal Services, certified FinOps instructor, and founding contributor to the Cloud Efficiency Hub, to unpack what actually drives lasting FinOps success. Trig shares hard-earned lessons from building a FinOps Center of Excellence, aligning finance and engineering teams, and leading FinOps initiatives without a formal full-time team. From incentive alignment to leadership mindset, this episode goes deep on what it really takes to operationalize FinOps inside complex organizations.   Here’s what we talked about: What a FinOps Center of Excellence is, and how it differs from a traditional FinOps teamHow to align finance, engineering, security, and leadership around shared incentivesWhy over-provisioning happens, and how to work with engineers instead of against themHow recognition and ownership drive better FinOps outcomes than mandatesTrig’s practical definition of what FinOps actually isHow FinOps is evolving in a world of AI-driven cloud spend 🎧 Subscribe for more FinOps leadership conversations → https://www.finopsinaction.com/  Quote of the Show: “ To lead a FinOps team, you have to understand the incentives of all of these different personas. You have to be able to step into their shoes.” - Trig GhoshLinks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trig-ghosh/ Website: https://www.accenture.com/us-en Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f25a9d18-c12f-4ee4-93f5-2aa96e509b55 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finops-in-action/id1790497808 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/268443483/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/finops-in-action-5958339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IpjMc3qxDXZAjic5Zq21t Substack: https://finopsinaction.substack.com/ Transistor: finopsinaction.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PointFiveCloudCostEfficiency

    32 min
  2. How To Drive Value Without Relying on Cost Savings Alone ft. Rohit Mishra, Avaloq | Ep #55

    FEB 5

    How To Drive Value Without Relying on Cost Savings Alone ft. Rohit Mishra, Avaloq | Ep #55

    Why can’t FinOps teams rely on cost savings alone? In this episode of FinOps in Action, I sit down with Rohit Mishra, Head of Cloud FinOps at Avaloq, to challenge the idea that FinOps is only about cost optimization. Drawing from over a decade of experience in cloud infrastructure and capacity management, Rohit explains why cost savings are just the starting point, and how mature FinOps teams drive long-term value by shifting left into architecture, design, and decision-making. Rohit shares lessons from his early FinOps journey, including what he got wrong when trying to optimize everything alone, and why collaboration across infrastructure, application, finance, and architecture teams is critical to success. He breaks down how speaking the right “language” to each team builds trust, unlocks execution, and accelerates impact. He also explores how FinOps teams justify their value when cost savings plateau, covering topics like cost allocation, tagging governance, forecasting, and capacity planning. Finally, Rohit offers practical advice for FinOps practitioners at every stage, including why early wins matter, how to earn executive buy-in, and where FinOps as a discipline is still underdeveloped. Here’s what we talked about: Why cost optimization is only one piece of Cloud FinOpsWhat “shifting left” really means and how it prevents cloud wasteHow FinOps teams collaborate with architects, engineers, and financeHow to justify FinOps value beyond direct cost savingsWhy early wins and low-hanging fruit are critical for management buy-inWhere FinOps is heading as cloud environments grow more complex 🎧 Subscribe for more FinOps leadership conversations → https://www.finopsinaction.com/  Quote of the Show: “ Shifting left is going to be a very important turning point in how FinOps is perceived amongst different teams and how FinOps is actually done.” - Rohit MishraLinks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-mishra-6aa1bb14b/ Website: https://www.avaloq.com/ Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f25a9d18-c12f-4ee4-93f5-2aa96e509b55 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finops-in-action/id1790497808 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/268443483/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/finops-in-action-5958339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IpjMc3qxDXZAjic5Zq21t Substack: https://finopsinaction.substack.com/ Transistor: finopsinaction.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PointFiveCloudCostEfficiency

    39 min
  3. The Hidden Role of Fear in FinOps ft. Marit Hughes, Deloitte | Ep #54

    JAN 29

    The Hidden Role of Fear in FinOps ft. Marit Hughes, Deloitte | Ep #54

    How do FinOps leaders make better cloud decisions when every organization is different? In this episode of FinOps in Action, I sit down with Marit Hughes, one of the most experienced FinOps practitioners in the industry, to explore what actually drives good (and bad) cloud cost decisions. With over a decade of hands-on experience managing cloud spend, from early AWS billing days to today’s multi-cloud, AI-driven environments, Marit shares why business alignment, communication, and fear play a far bigger role in FinOps outcomes than dashboards alone. We also covered how FinOps changes across industries, why benchmarking often misleads teams, and how fear quietly drives overprovisioning, missed optimization opportunities, and decision paralysis. Here’s what we talked about: Why FinOps practices don’t translate cleanly between organizationsHow fear influences cloud architecture, optimization, and commitment decisions What FinOps practitioners get wrong about benchmarking and “best practices”Why communication breakdowns often matter more than cost overruns How FinOps is shifting left into planning, architecture, and strategy What the future of forecasting looks like in a world of AI, SaaS, and variable usage 🎧 Subscribe for more FinOps leadership conversations → https://www.finopsinaction.com/  Quote of the Show: “ If security is job zero, FinOps should be job 0.5.” - Marit HughesLinks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marit-hughes/ Website: https://www.deloitte.com/us/en.html Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f25a9d18-c12f-4ee4-93f5-2aa96e509b55 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finops-in-action/id1790497808 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/268443483/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/finops-in-action-5958339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IpjMc3qxDXZAjic5Zq21t Substack: https://finopsinaction.substack.com/ Transistor: finopsinaction.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PointFiveCloudCostEfficiency

    44 min
  4. Why Cloud Efficiency Is More Than Just Right-Sizing ft. Rick Triana, IHG Hotels | Ep #53

    JAN 22

    Why Cloud Efficiency Is More Than Just Right-Sizing ft. Rick Triana, IHG Hotels | Ep #53

    Can developing soft skills like communication and conflict resolution accelerate FinOps maturity faster than tooling? In this episode of FinOps in Action, I sit down with Cloud FinOps Manager at IHG Hotels & Resorts, Rick Triana, to explore why cost savings are actually the smallest part of FinOps, and why focusing on “spend reduction” can stunt your FinOps maturity. Rick shares how he evolved from treating FinOps as a cost-cutting function to building a value-driven program rooted in leadership, communication, and accountability. He explains why most right-sizing recommendations fail, how to avoid losing trust with engineering, and what FinOps “nirvana” really looks like. We also break down Rick’s value–effort–risk prioritization framework, how to influence without authority, and why soft skills matter more than technical expertise in this field.   Here’s what we talked about: Why focusing only on savings misses the true purpose of FinOps: maximizing business valueHow communication and soft skills matter more than technical tools in driving adoptionRick’s value × effort × risk scoring model for prioritizing optimization workWhy dashboards drive awareness but chargeback drives accountabilityHow FinOps teams mature through the crawl–walk–run lifecycle — and how practitioners mature personally, tooWhat separates seasoned FinOps leaders from those who only know right-sizing and savings plans 🎧 Subscribe for more FinOps leadership conversations → https://www.finopsinaction.com/  Quote of the Show: “If that’s your focus is just saving money, I think you missed the big picture.” - Rick Triana Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardotriana/ Website: https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/reservation Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f25a9d18-c12f-4ee4-93f5-2aa96e509b55 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finops-in-action/id1790497808 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/268443483/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/finops-in-action-5958339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IpjMc3qxDXZAjic5Zq21t Substack: https://finopsinaction.substack.com/ Transistor: finopsinaction.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PointFiveCloudCostEfficiency

    43 min
  5. Disrupting Cloud Chaos ft. Jarred Clore, Cisco | Ep #52

    JAN 15

    Disrupting Cloud Chaos ft. Jarred Clore, Cisco | Ep #52

    What does FinOps look like at massive enterprise scale? In this episode of FinOps in Action, I sit down with Jarred Clore, Cloud FinOps Delivery Leader at Cisco and the first AWS hire focused on cloud cost optimization.  Jarred shares candid stories from his early days helping Fortune 500 companies navigate cloud cost shock (including getting yelled at by customers) and the hard lessons he learned about culture, executive sponsorship, and the limits of “hoping for the best.” He breaks down why rate optimization often beats engineering optimizations in terms of impact, how to balance usage vs. commitment decisions, and why starting vendor negotiations early can save more money than most technical tuning efforts. Jarred also explains Cisco’s unique hybrid model for FinOps and why centralized governance paired with distributed ownership drives the best results. We also covered how culture—not tooling—is often the biggest barrier to FinOps success, and why executive sponsorship is essential for driving change inside large organizations.   Here’s what we talked about: Why executive sponsorship is the make-or-break factor in FinOpsThe difference between “FinOps in action” and “FinOps in action”Why rate optimization is often the biggest untapped savings opportunityCisco’s hybrid model: centralized governance with distributed ownershipHow to automate safely without breaking critical workloadsHow to balance usage optimization with commitment–based discounts  🎧 Subscribe for more FinOps leadership conversations → https://www.finopsinaction.com/  Quote of the Show: “Optimization is supposed to be a concurrent task with innovation. It’s not supposed to be an afterthought.” - Jarred Clore Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarred-clore/ Website: https://www.cisco.com/ Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f25a9d18-c12f-4ee4-93f5-2aa96e509b55 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finops-in-action/id1790497808 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/268443483/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/finops-in-action-5958339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IpjMc3qxDXZAjic5Zq21t Substack: https://finopsinaction.substack.com/ Transistor: finopsinaction.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PointFiveCloudCostEfficiency

    40 min
  6. Why Automation Without Governance Breaks FinOps (And How to Fix It) ft. Zak Ali, Invesco | Ep #51

    JAN 8

    Why Automation Without Governance Breaks FinOps (And How to Fix It) ft. Zak Ali, Invesco | Ep #51

    Can FinOps really be automated? Or do humans still need to stay in the loop? In this episode of FinOps in Action, I sit down with Zak Ali, Global Lead for Cloud FinOps and Cloud Modernization at Invesco. Zak unpacked the real-world risks of over-automation, why “humans in the loop” still matter, and how to drive FinOps adoption without mandates or chargeback. With over 20 years of experience in technology and cloud transformation, Zak shares hard-earned lessons from automation gone wrong, plus the unconventional strategies he’s used to get engineers and executives to actually take action. We also covered how FinOps maturity evolves beyond dashboards and tooling, and why communication, marketing, and business context become just as critical as technical optimization. Zak explains how shifting from micro-level cost discussions to macro business impact changes behavior across the organization.   Here’s what we talked about: The biggest mistake FinOps teams make when they over-automate without governanceWhy “humans in the loop” are still essential for cloud optimization and AI-driven FinOpsHow automation can quietly increase risk when there are no circuit breakersCreative ways to drive engineer engagement through gamification, recognition, and simplicityWhy engineers do take action once they understand the real financial impactHow a “cloud utility bill” reframed cloud spend for executives and sparked actionWhat actually creates accountability in a showback model (without chargeback or mandates) 🎧 Subscribe for more FinOps leadership conversations → https://www.finopsinaction.com/  Quote of the Show: “Simplify the language. No techie speak, talk in dollars.” - Zak Ali Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakirhali/ Website: https://www.invesco.com/corporate/en/home.html  Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f25a9d18-c12f-4ee4-93f5-2aa96e509b55 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finops-in-action/id1790497808 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/268443483/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/finops-in-action-5958339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IpjMc3qxDXZAjic5Zq21t Substack: https://finopsinaction.substack.com/ Transistor: finopsinaction.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PointFiveCloudCostEfficiency

    38 min
  7. Re-Air: Data Visibility, Collaboration & Optimizing Spend ft. Dann Berg, Squarespace | Ep # 50

    12/30/2025

    Re-Air: Data Visibility, Collaboration & Optimizing Spend ft. Dann Berg, Squarespace | Ep # 50

    What does it really take to drive action in FinOps…. without chasing engineers? In this re-air episode of FinOps in Action, I sit down with Dann Berg, Cloud FinOps Lead at Squarespace, to revisit one of our most practical and mindset-shifting conversations. Dann shares how the most effective FinOps teams create accountability without micromanagement, shorten feedback loops for engineers, and build trust across engineering, finance, and leadership. Whether you’re building a FinOps practice from scratch or trying to move beyond reactive cost optimization, this conversation offers a timeless blueprint for driving real behavior change.   Here’s what we talked about: Why trying to “get engineers to take action” is the wrong mental modelHow shortening the cost feedback loop changes engineering behaviorWhy FinOps works best when it creates accountability, not controlHow visibility, trust, and executive sponsorship unlock real impactWhy FinOps is as much about culture and communication as it is about cost  🎧 Subscribe for more FinOps leadership conversations → https://www.finopsinaction.com/  Quote of the Show: “ One of the ways that people can be strong FinOps practitioners is to go into it seeking knowledge.” - Dann BergLinks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannberg/   BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/dann.fun  Company website: https://www.squarespace.com/  Personal Website: https://dannb.org/  Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f25a9d18-c12f-4ee4-93f5-2aa96e509b55 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finops-in-action/id1790497808 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/268443483/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/finops-in-action-5958339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IpjMc3qxDXZAjic5Zq21t Substack: https://finopsinaction.substack.com/ Transistor: finopsinaction.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PointFiveCloudCostEfficiency

    39 min
  8. Top 4 Insights Every FinOps Leader Needs Going into 2026 ft. Alon Arvatz | Ep #49

    12/23/2025

    Top 4 Insights Every FinOps Leader Needs Going into 2026 ft. Alon Arvatz | Ep #49

    What did the world’s top FinOps practitioners learn in 2025? What should you change in your practice heading into 2026? In this episode of FinOps in Action, I sit down to talk through key takeaways from 2025. I look back on dozens of interviews with FinOps leaders across industries to surface the four most repeated and most impactful insights from this year. Whether you’re scaling a new FinOps practice or leveling up a mature one, these insights will help you drive deeper engineering alignment, stronger executive support, and more business value in 2026.   Here’s what we talked about: Why you should stop telling engineers what to do and empower them insteadWhy FinOps must be a top-down initiativeHow FinOps practitioners must think like salespeopleWhy FinOps is more than just cost savings… It’s about business value 🎧 Subscribe for more FinOps leadership conversations → https://www.finopsinaction.com/  Quote of the Show: “Focus on business value. It's really important. It makes the conversation a lot easier, a lot more mature, but don't forget to optimize cost.” - Alon Arvatz Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alon-arvatz/ Website: https://www.pointfive.co/  Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f25a9d18-c12f-4ee4-93f5-2aa96e509b55 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finops-in-action/id1790497808 iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/268443483/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/finops-in-action-5958339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IpjMc3qxDXZAjic5Zq21t Substack: https://finopsinaction.substack.com/ Transistor: finopsinaction.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PointFiveCloudCostEfficiency

    10 min
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About

Welcome to FinOps in Action! Join host, Taylor Houck, Each week, as he sits down with FinOps experts to explore the toughest challenges between FinOps and Engineering. This show is brought to you by PointFive - empowering teams to optimize cloud costs with deep detection and remediation tools that drive action.

Information

  • Creator
    PointFive
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © PointFive