Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business Growth

Ademola Isimeme Odewade, MBA, ACA, BSc. (Economics)
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Daily

Diary Of A CFO is a global Top 3% business finance podcast hosted by Ademola Odewade, MBA, ACA. Elite CFOs, founders and business leaders share practical strategies for cash flow, profitability, financial planning, AI-powered finance, leadership and sustainable business growth. Built for founders, CFOs, fractional CFOs, finance leaders and consultants who want to make smarter decisions, scale with confidence and lead with data. Expect real-world insights, proven frameworks and executive lessons for building stronger, more profitable businesses. Follow: @k-demsconsultingltd

  1. 5d ago

    How CFOs Can Turn AI Investment Into ROI | Oluchi Ikechi-D’Amico

    Sponsored by BetterHelp. Start your growth journey with a credentialed therapist and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems How can CFOs and business leaders turn AI investment into measurable financial value? Oluchi Ikechi-D’Amico, Founder and CEO of Fully Bossed, joins Ademola Odewade on Diary Of A CFO to explain why successful AI transformation requires more than purchasing technology. Organisations must change behaviours, strengthen leadership capabilities and connect AI adoption to measurable outcomes such as revenue growth, cost reduction, operational efficiency and return on investment. Oluchi spent nearly two decades advising CEOs, boards and major financial institutions. Her experience includes senior roles at Accenture and EY-Parthenon, more than 30 transformation and M&A programmes and transactions with a combined value exceeding $15 billion. In this episode, you will learn: Why many organisations invest billions in AI without achieving the expected ROIHow CFOs can measure the business value of AI adoptionThe difference between adopting AI and enabling behavioural changeHow AI can reduce costs, improve efficiency and create new revenue opportunitiesWhy transformation programmes fail without effective leadershipHow to define the right KPIs before investing in business transformationWhy human judgement, storytelling and executive presence remain essentialHow Oluchi evaluated the risk of leaving an EY partner role to build Fully BossedWhat major M&A and organisational transformation programmes involveWhy leadership is defined by impact rather than job title Oluchi’s message to finance leaders is clear: AI can generate the report, but it cannot replace your ability to challenge the assumptions, defend the analysis and influence decisions in the boardroom. This conversation is essential listening for CFOs, finance directors, CEOs, founders, investors and transformation leaders seeking to generate measurable returns from AI. Watch the full video episode:https://youtu.be/ob5n15FUbaM Connect with Oluchi Ikechi-D’Amico:https://www.linkedin.com/in/oli-ikechi/ Discover Fully Bossed:https://fullybossed.com/ Explore the tools and resources I use to power my podcasts, business and content at: ⁠https://kingdemspodcast.com/tools Follow Diary Of A CFO for financial strategies, AI insights and practical leadership lessons for smarter business growth. What is the biggest barrier preventing organisations from achieving a return on their AI investments?

  2. Jul 27

    How Busy Professionals Can Use AI to Invest Smarter | Eric Chu, CFA

    Sponsored by BetterHelp. Start your growth journey with a credentialed therapist and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems Eric Chu, CFA, CEO and co-founder of TradeDesk Securities, joins Diary Of A CFO to explain how busy professionals can use AI to research investments more efficiently without outsourcing their judgement. For professionals with investable income but limited time, this conversation offers a practical framework for thinking about AI, financial regulation, risk management and long-term investing. Eric built his career across investment banking, hedge funds and data centre development before co-founding an SEC-registered broker-dealer designed specifically for working professionals in their 30s and 40s. His experience during the 2008 financial crisis, including receiving a job offer from Bear Stearns that disappeared when the firm collapsed, shaped the disciplined approach to risk that now underpins TradeDesk Securities. You will learn in this episode: Why AI’s biggest advantage for investors is time, not information (23:11)What happens inside a data centre when you send an AI prompt (20:38)Why Eric describes the Bear Stearns collapse as his first real lesson in humility (14:27)The regulatory requirements TradeDesk Securities follows as a FINRA and SIPC member (18:17)Why individual investors may have a structural advantage over professional fund managers (28:03)How Eric and his team build trust in a highly regulated financial industry through direct expertise (31:44)Where AI in finance could go next, including sector-specific AI engines (33:58)Eric’s honest and non-committal perspective on cryptocurrency as an asset class (38:07) Guest: Eric Chu, CFA, is CEO and co-founder of TradeDesk Securities, an SEC-registered broker-dealer created to help working professionals invest using AI-powered insights and portfolio tools. He holds an MBA from NYU Stern and has spent almost 20 years working across investment banking, hedge funds and public company finance. His experience includes senior roles developing and financing data centre platforms across Asia. Links Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-chu-cfa-7159567/Guest company: https://www.tradesk.co/ Diary Of A CFO ranks in the Global Top 3% on Listen Notes and reaches audiences across 130+ countries. Explore the tools behind our podcast network: https://kingdemspodcast.com/tools #DiaryOfACFO #AIInvesting #Investing #FinancialStrategy #ArtificialIntelligence #WealthManagement #RiskManagement #FutureOfFinance

  3. Jul 21

    How a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Builds Lasting Impact | Lameen Abdul-Malik | Diary Of A CFO

    Sponsored by BetterHelp. Start your growth journey with a credentialed therapist and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems What separates leaders who achieve success from those who create lasting impact? In this episode of Diary Of A CFO, host Ademola Odewade sits down with Lameen Abdul-Malik, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, transformation advisor, lawyer and former International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) leader, to explore how leaders build systems, develop future leaders and create impact that lasts for generations. From Nobel Peace Prize-winning work to Africa's development, healthcare transformation and leadership, this conversation is packed with practical lessons every executive can apply. Drawing on more than 25 years of international leadership, Lameen shares lessons from helping establish Zambia's first cancer hospital, contributing to the Nobel Peace Prize-winning work of the IAEA and advising governments, CEOs and institutions across Africa. He explains why great leadership is measured not by titles or recognition, but by the lives transformed and the systems left behind. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why impact matters more than outputs and activity• How world-class leaders build systems instead of chasing recognition• The leadership lessons behind the Nobel Peace Prize journey• Why succession planning determines whether leadership truly succeeds• How to measure qualitative impact alongside quantitative metrics• Why mindset always comes before skillset and toolset• Lessons from building Zambia's first cancer hospital• The biggest opportunities for Africa's future development• How to define success on your own terms instead of society's expectations• Why humility, service and courage are competitive advantages for modern leaders Guest Links: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lameen-abdul-malik/📖 Book: IMPACT Framework Power Your Growth With The Same Tools We Use: We run the Diary Of A CFO and The King Dems Podcast ecosystem using best-in-class AI, business, finance, productivity and media tools trusted by founders and executives. Explore our complete tool stack:https://kingdemspodcast.com/tools Smarter tools. Better growth. Bigger wins. Hosted by Ademola Odewade, MBA, ACA, BSc (Economics) If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Diary Of A CFO on Spotify and leave a rating. Your support helps us educate, inspire and empower more leaders across the world. #DiaryOfACFO #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #ExecutiveLeadership #NobelPeacePrize #Transformation #Impact #Africa #Innovation #CFO #SystemsThinking #BusinessGrowth #Economics #Legacy

  4. Jul 13

    Why Great Strategies Fail: The Hidden Culture Behind Financial Performance | Dr. Suzy Burke

    Sponsored by BetterHelp. Start your growth journey with a credentialed therapist and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems Why do brilliant business strategies fail despite strong financial plans, ambitious targets and carefully designed performance measures? Dr. Suzy Burke argues that strategy may live in a slide deck, but culture lives in what happens on Tuesday morning. Dr. Suzy Burke is an organisational psychologist, four-time founder, former Fortune 20 executive, co-founder of Accountability Inc. and lead author of Headamentals: How Leaders Can Crack Negative Self-Talk. In this practical conversation with Ademola Odewade, she explains why CFOs and business leaders must look beyond financial performance to understand the culture, accountability and human behaviour driving the numbers. In this episode, you will learn: Why brilliant strategies fail faster and more expensively inside broken culturesHow CFOs can identify cultural problems before they become financially expensiveWhy accountability should be a daily operating habit, not a disciplinary toolThe three areas to examine when inheriting a struggling organisationHow clarity, visible scorecards, named owners and weekly check-ins improve executionWhy metrics only create value when people take ownership of the outcomesHow healthy cultures surface bad news before it damages performanceWhy senior executives receive less honest feedback as they riseHow psychological safety strengthens decision-making, innovation and executionWhy measurement bridges the gap between vision and financial performanceHow leaders can balance short-term pressures with long-term sustainabilityWhich human capabilities AI cannot replaceHow AI can reduce administrative work and preserve time for judgement, relationships and trustWhy a leader’s negative self-talk can influence the performance of an entire team Dr. Burke also shares lessons from Xerox, her approach to sustainable culture change and the systems leaders can use to turn strategy into measurable execution. This conversation is a powerful reminder that financial results do not exist independently of people. Culture shapes behaviour, behaviour shapes execution and execution ultimately shapes the numbers. Connect with Dr. Suzy Burke: Website: https://www.suzyburke.phd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzy-burke-phd-ab77071a Headamentals: https://headamentals.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Headamentals-Leaders-Defeat-Negative-Self-Talk/dp/1774585898 Discover Diary Of A CFO: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiaryOfACFO Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JswbC0rNzS14f8dnj4sj0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/diary-of-a-cfo-financial-strategies-for-smart/id1820947348 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/3e37b332-e747-4fda-9295-fa9d5e922463/diary-of-a-cfo-financial-strategies-for-smart-business-growth Newsletter: https://newsletter.kingdemspodcast.com/ Tools and resources: https://kingdemspodcast.com/tools Hosted by Ademola Odewade, MBA, ACA, BSc (Economics), Chartered Accountant, former Big Four professional and founder and CEO of K-Dems Consulting Ltd. Subscribe, share this episode with a CFO or business leader in your network and tell us: What is the clearest sign that an organisation’s culture is beginning to damage its financial performance? #CFO #FinancialLeadership #OrganizationalCulture #StrategyExecution #ArtificialIntelligence

  5. Jul 10

    How Strategic CFOs Build Trust, Influence Strategy and Lead with AI | Wassia Kamon

    Sponsored by BetterHelp. Start your growth journey with a credentialed therapist and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems What does it take to become a strategic CFO in the AI era? Wassia Kamon explains how finance leaders earn boardroom trust, influence business strategy, build visible authority and maintain human accountability as technology accelerates financial work. Wassia is a CFO, finance educator and 2025 Atlanta Business Chronicle CFO of the Year. In this candid conversation with Ademola Odewade on Diary Of A CFO, she moves beyond technical finance to reveal the judgement, relationships, resilience and intentional visibility that shape trusted financial leadership. In this episode, you will learn: • Why the modern CFO must understand marketing, HR, technology and the wider business model, not only accounting and reporting. • How CFOs earn trust by listening first, understanding why existing processes exist and connecting finance with business priorities. • Why visible expertise can shorten the time required to build credibility before an interview, board meeting or strategic conversation. • How joining a nonprofit or professional board can reduce boardroom fear and strengthen executive judgement. • Why founders should treat debt as a strategic financial tool while understanding its cost, risk and purpose. • Which finance activities AI can automate and why accountability, controls, explanation and final judgement must remain human. • Why finance professionals who ignore AI may face the same disadvantage as graduates who never learned Excel. • How executive presence can be developed through observation, listening, composure and disciplined focus. • Why mentorship, continuous learning and intentional personal branding can accelerate a finance career. • How ambitious leaders can pursue professional impact without allowing achievement to consume their health, family or identity. About Wassia Kamon Wassia Kamon, CPA, CMA, MBA, is Chief Financial Officer at Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs. She was named the 2025 Atlanta Business Chronicle CFO of the Year in the community service category and is a two-time CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 honoree. She also serves as Guest Faculty for the Wharton Online FP&A Certificate Program and hosts The Diary of a CFO. Connect with Wassia Website: https://www.wassiakamon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wassiakamon The Diary of a CFO: https://thediaryofacfo.com Explore Diary Of A CFO YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiaryOfACFO Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JswbC0rNzS14f8dnj4sj0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/diary-of-a-cfo-financial-strategies-for-smart/id1820947348 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/3e37b332-e747-4fda-9295-fa9d5e922463/diary-of-a-cfo-financial-strategies-for-smart-business-growth Podcast hub: https://kingdemspodcast.com Newsletter: https://newsletter.kingdemspodcast.com LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/19417009/ Tools behind the network: https://kingdemspodcast.com/tools Diary Of A CFO ranks in the Global Top 3% on Listen Notes and reaches audiences across 120+ countries as part of The King Dems Podcast Network. Help us move towards the Global Top 1% by following, rating and reviewing the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Affiliate disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. We may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Sponsorship does not determine our editorial conclusions.

  6. Jul 7

    How Great CFOs Build High Performance Cultures and Better Leaders | Arthur Carmazzi

    Sponsored by BetterHelp. Start your growth journey with a credentialed therapist and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems Company culture is not just an HR responsibility. It is a financial performance driver. Arthur Carmazzi explains why CFOs and executive leaders who understand organizational psychology make better decisions, build stronger teams and create more resilient businesses. In this episode of Diary Of A CFO, Ademola Odewade sits down with Arthur Carmazzi, globally recognised as one of the world's leading experts on organisational culture and creator of Directive Communication Psychology. Together they explore how finance leaders can move beyond spreadsheets to build organisations where communication, trust and accountability become measurable competitive advantages. You'll learn:• Why culture directly impacts profitability and business performance • How CFOs influence organisational culture beyond finance • The hidden financial cost of poor leadership communication • Why psychological safety improves execution and innovation • How neurodiversity can become an executive advantage • Practical leadership frameworks for finance executives • Why AI should enhance executive judgment rather than replace it • How communication psychology improves decision making Whether you're a CFO, finance director, founder, CEO, board member or aspiring executive, this conversation provides practical leadership insights that extend far beyond finance. The strongest businesses are not built by numbers alone. They are built by leaders who understand people. Diary Of A CFO reaches business leaders across 120+ countries and is ranked among the Global Top 3% of podcasts on Listen Notes. ⭐ Help us reach the Global Top 1% by following the show and leaving a rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Power your business with the same tools we use: https://kingdemspodcast.com/tools Connect with Arthur CarmazziLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurcarmazzi/ Website: https://www.carmazzi.net Connect with Ademola OdewadeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ademola-isimeme-ai-odewade-b883a0382/ Subscribe to The AI-Powered Executive: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7420737045377105920 Join our LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/19417009/

  7. Jul 2

    David Aaker: Brand Equity, Trust and Business Growth in the AI Era

    Sponsored by BetterHelp. Start your growth journey with a therapist and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems What makes a brand trusted, remembered and chosen in the AI era? David Aaker explains brand equity, branding strategy, purpose-driven branding and how leaders build emotional connection in crowded markets. David Aaker is widely recognized as one of the most influential thinkers in modern branding. In this powerful conversation with Ademola Odewade on Diary Of A CFO, he explains why branding is not just a logo, campaign or slogan. It is a strategic business asset that shapes loyalty, trust, differentiation and long-term business growth. This episode explores why many companies lose brand power through short-term thinking, why AI can either strengthen or weaken brand strategy, why purpose-driven brands outperform transactional brands and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools in leadership, finance and business growth. David also breaks down the Aaker Brand Vision Model, brand equity, memory anchors, emotional connection, category creation and how entrepreneurs can build powerful brands without massive advertising budgets. Whether you are a CFO, CEO, founder, finance leader, consultant or entrepreneur, this episode will help you think beyond quarterly performance and build an organisation that compounds value through trust. Key insights from this episode: Why brand equity is one of the most valuable business assets an organisation can buildHow brand loyalty transforms branding from a marketing activity into a leadership responsibilityWhy AI in marketing can unintentionally encourage dangerous short-term thinkingHow purpose-driven branding creates long-term value, customer trust and competitive advantageWhy storytelling is more persuasive and memorable than data aloneHow emotional connection strengthens customer loyalty and sustainable business growthHow AI can help entrepreneurs develop stronger brand positioning and messagingWhy category creation is more powerful than competing on priceThe leadership principles behind building authentic, trusted brands Guest: David Aaker Host: Ademola Odewade Podcast: Diary Of A CFO Connect with David Aaker LinkedIn: Search "David Aaker" YouTube: Search "David Aaker branding" Subscribe to The AI-Powered Executive Want more executive insights on AI, finance, leadership and business growth? Subscribe to The AI-Powered Executive, Ademola Odewade's LinkedIn newsletter, where every week we distil world-class conversations and practical frameworks into actionable insights for leaders. Subscribe here:https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7420737045377105920 Build Your Authority With the Podcast Authority Engine™Want to become the trusted voice in your industry? The Podcast Authority Engine™ helps founders, executives and professional services firms build authority, generate high-value opportunities and become the obvious choice through strategic podcasting, SEO, AI search optimisation, PR and thought leadership. Learn more:https://kingdemspodcast.com/services The King Dems Podcast ecosystem ranks in the Global Top 2% on ListenNotes, reaching audiences in 120+ countries. Help us reach the Global Top 1% by following the podcast and leaving a rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Power Your Growth With The Exact Tools We Use We run our podcast and business ecosystem using best-in-class AI, productivity, finance and media tools trusted by founders and executives around the world. Explore our recommended tools:https://kingdemspodcast.com/tools Smarter tools. Better growth. Bigger wins.

  8. Jun 29

    David Murrin: Is World War 3 Already Here? What Every CFO Must Know About China, AI and Markets

    Sponsored by BetterHelp. Start your growth journey with a therapist and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems How should CFOs and business leaders prepare for a world of rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and rapid technological change? In this episode of Diary Of A CFO, Ademola Odewade speaks with globally respected forecaster, investor, strategist and author David Murrin about the macroeconomic forces that could reshape financial leadership over the next decade. Drawing on decades of research into history, geopolitics and financial markets, David explains why understanding long-term cycles may be one of the greatest competitive advantages for today's finance leaders. Together, they explore how the changing balance of power between China and the West, artificial intelligence, global debt, market psychology and geopolitical risk could influence business strategy, capital allocation and organisational resilience. In this episode, you'll learn: Why geopolitical risk should be on every CFO's agendaHow the rise of China could reshape the global business landscapeWhy history often repeats itself in financial markets and world affairsHow market psychology influences investment decisions and economic cyclesWhat AI means for finance, productivity and competitive advantageHow leaders can build resilience during periods of uncertaintyWhy strategic thinking matters more than ever in a rapidly changing worldPractical insights for founders, CFOs, investors and senior executives navigating global disruption Guest Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-murrin-06406820/ Website: https://www.davidmurrin.co.uk/ About Diary Of A CFO Diary Of A CFO is ranked in the Global Top 3% on Listen Notes and features world-class conversations on finance, leadership, strategy, AI and business growth. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, leave a rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and share it with a colleague. Your support helps us continue bringing insights from some of the world's leading business minds. Power Your Growth Discover the AI, finance and productivity tools we use to build our global podcast ecosystem: https://kingdemspodcast.com/tools Explore more episodes: https://kingdemspodcast.com

See All (86)

Trailer

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Diary Of A CFO is a global Top 3% business finance podcast hosted by Ademola Odewade, MBA, ACA. Elite CFOs, founders and business leaders share practical strategies for cash flow, profitability, financial planning, AI-powered finance, leadership and sustainable business growth. Built for founders, CFOs, fractional CFOs, finance leaders and consultants who want to make smarter decisions, scale with confidence and lead with data. Expect real-world insights, proven frameworks and executive lessons for building stronger, more profitable businesses. Follow: @k-demsconsultingltd

Information

You Might Also Like