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 40th Anniversary of Excel: Unlocking the fascinating History, Easter Eggs, Excel humor, and more

    HÁ 6 DIAS

    The 40th Anniversary of Excel: Unlocking the fascinating History, Easter Eggs, Excel humor, and more

    In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst celebrates the 40th anniversary of Microsoft Excel, a tool that has revolutionized the financial modeling industry and many others. Paul explores Excel’s fascinating history, its evolution over four decades, and shares interesting facts, hidden Easter eggs, and fun surprises that Excel enthusiasts will appreciate. From the first graphical interface to modern-day features like dynamic arrays, this episode showcases how Excel has shaped the way we work and how it continues to be an essential tool for financial modelers. Expect to Learn The fascinating origin story of Excel and its early days on the Mac.Fun facts about Excel’s features, including its secret limitations and quirky surprises.Excel's functionality has evolved over the years to include over 500 functions.Hidden Easter eggs and games that were embedded in older versions of Excel.Creative and unique Excel projects, including games and pixel art, showcase the limitless possibilities within Excel. Here are a few quotes from the episode: "The first version of Excel only had 150 functions, and now we’re up to 516! That’s quite a leap over 40 years." - Paul Barnhurst"Sometimes, the most creative projects come from using Excel in ways you never thought possible, like pixel art or creating a full video game." - Paul Barnhurst"The tool of choice for modelers is Excel, and it has a lot more to offer than meets the eye." - Paul Barnhurst Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy YouTube - 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: [02:17] - 16 Fun Facts About Excel [08:11] - Excel's Evolution [14:58] - Excel Easter Eggs [16:55] - Excel Jokes to Lighten the Mood [19:13] - Epic Excel Creations: Stunning Art [23:11] - Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

    25min
  2. Three-Statement Modelling for FP&A Pros to Avoid Complex Builds & Forecast Errors with Chris Reilly

    19 DE AGO.

    Three-Statement Modelling for FP&A Pros to Avoid Complex Builds & Forecast Errors with Chris Reilly

    In this republished episode of the Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst revisits the intricate world of financial modeling with returning guest Christopher Reilly. The conversation centers around what is necessary to build robust financial models, highlighting the importance of three-statement models and cash flow forecasting. The episode is filled with practical insights, advanced techniques, and professional experiences that underscore the significance of simplicity, accuracy, and best practices in financial modeling. Christopher Reilly is a seasoned financial modeler with extensive experience in consulting, private equity, and financial modeling education. Starting his career during the financial crisis, Chris worked on high-profile bankruptcies such as Lehman Brothers and Rescap. His journey took him from a senior analyst role at Hilton Worldwide to a middle-market private equity firm, and eventually led to founding his own financial modeling education business. Today, he focuses on teaching and building financial models, with his work being featured by Wharton Online, Wall Street Prep, and LinkedIn Learning, among others. Expect to Learn: The importance of simplicity in financial models and how over-complicating can hinder their effectiveness.Practical steps and considerations for building robust three-statement financial models.Tips for auditing models to ensure accuracy and integrity.How to use advanced Excel functions and shortcuts to enhance modeling efficiency.Insights into the role of AI in financial modeling and how it may shape the future of the profession. Here are a few quotes from the episode: “All models are wrong, some are useful, and if it’s too complicated, it’s not useful.” - Chris Reilly“AI won’t replace modelers, but it will complement us by improving assumption accuracy and reducing bias.” - Chris Reilly“Use the BASE structure: Beginning, Addition, Subtraction, Ending, it’s the easiest way to audit support schedules.” - Chris Reilly Follow Christopher: Website - https://www.financialmodelingeducation.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-reilly-mission-capital/  Follow Paul:  Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - 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...

    52min
  3. How FP&A Teams Turn Confusing Budgets into Strategic Tools That Drive Alignment with Sarah Schlott

    12 DE AGO.

    How FP&A Teams Turn Confusing Budgets into Strategic Tools That Drive Alignment with Sarah Schlott

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Sarah Schlott, founder of The Schlott Company. Sarah shares her perspective on why financial models often fail, not because of bad math, but because they don’t reflect how real businesses work. She talks about what it takes to earn trust as a finance partner, how to clean up messy data without losing momentum, and the importance of getting the right people involved in the process. Sarah and Paul also dive into how finance teams can shift from reactive number-crunchers to proactive business partners that bring clarity and confidence to decision-making. Sarah Schlott is a strategic finance leader with over 18 years of experience guiding companies through growth, M&A, and operational change. She’s worked across corporate finance, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting infrastructure. Sarah is the founder of The Schlott Company, where she helps founders bring order to financial chaos. Her approach blends classic FP&A with modern tools and a deep understanding of real-world business dynamics. She believes finance should bring clarity, not confusion. Expect to Learn Why overly complex models usually create more confusion than insightWhat it means to be “battle-tested” as a finance leaderHow to build models that reflect business reality, not just spreadsheetsWhat to do when the data is unreliable or inconsistentWhy involving department heads early leads to better models and better outcomes Here are a few quotes from the episode: "When you’re constantly fighting about the numbers, you’re not ready to present the model." - Sarah Schlott"If the people who own the numbers don’t see themselves in the model, you should probably just chuck it." - Sarah Schlott"Stop being the cop. Be the radio tower that keeps everything aligned."  Sarah Schlott Follow Sarah: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahschlott/ Website - http://www.sarahgschlott.com/ Company - https://theschlottco.com/ Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy YouTube - 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" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    46min
  4. An AI Excel Tool for Finance Teams to Speed Up DCFs and Scenario Modelling with Nico Christie

    5 DE AGO.

    An AI Excel Tool for Finance Teams to Speed Up DCFs and Scenario Modelling with Nico Christie

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Nico Christie, co-founder of Fundamental Research Labs and creator of Shortcut, the superhuman Excel agent. Nico shares insights into his fascinating journey, from being a professional athlete to leading groundbreaking AI projects. Together, they explain how AI is revolutionizing financial modeling and making Excel smarter than ever before. Nico also discusses his work at Fundamental Research Labs, where they aim to build digital humans using AI, and the development of Shortcut, which aims to streamline the way we use Excel for financial modeling tasks. Nico Christie is the co-founder of Fundamental Research Labs and the CEO of Shortcut, a cutting-edge AI tool designed to supercharge Excel. Nico’s diverse background spans professional athletics, corporate finance, and AI research. His work at Fundamental Research Labs focuses on building AI that mimics human-like qualities, such as emotional experiences and consciousness. Nico has a passion for both technology and the real-world applications of AI in tools like Excel, making complex tasks faster and more intuitive. Expect to Learn How Shortcut is revolutionizing Excel for financial modeling with AI.The process behind building digital humans at Fundamental Research Labs.Nico’s journey from professional dunker to AI innovator.How AI tools like Shortcut are transforming the financial modeling landscape.Insights on the future of AI in Excel and the response from companies like Microsoft. Here are a few quotes from the episode: "I just think Excel is the most beautiful design software ever created by humans." - Nico Christie"The goal of the company is to build digital humans, giving AI all of the fundamental human qualities, not just intelligence." - Nico Christie"People who were initially afraid of AI are no longer afraid once they see how it can be used in software engineering." - Nico Christie Follow Nico: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicochristie/Twitter - https://x.com/nicochristie 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...

    43min
  5. The Truth About Project Finance for Modelers to Avoid Complexity & Build Impact with Patrick Daguet

    29 DE JUL.

    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"...

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

    22 DE 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"...

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

    15 DE 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...

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

    8 DE 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...

    57min
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Sobre

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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