The CFO Playbook

Soldo
The CFO Playbook

Being a finance leader is no longer just about controlling costs. 2025’s CFOs are trusted business leaders and innovators that drive growth throughout the organisation. Hosted by technology reporter, presenter and consumer champion, David McClelland, The CFO Playbook features interviews with world-class CFOs, finance leaders and founders from some of the fastest growing companies. The CFO Playbook is brought to you by Soldo.

  1. HACE 5 DÍAS

    How CFOs are Leveraging AI for Enhanced Decision Making with IBM’s Monica Proothi

    Organisations are making bold bets on AI for the long-term, with 89% planning to increase or maintain their AI investments in 2025*. Moving beyond experimentation, organisations are now zeroing in on the bottom line - and it’s CFOs who are responsible for making sure these investments deliver real business impact. In this episode, Monica Proothi, IBM Consulting’s Global Finance Transformation Leader joins David McClelland to discuss finance transformation and the role of AI in enhancing financial operations. They explore the changing landscape of finance, the importance of integrating technology, and the challenges organisations face in adopting AI. With over 20 years of experience in finance transformation, partnering with CFOs at some of the world’s largest companies to drive growth and productivity, Monica shares insights on the need for clear strategy and collaboration across departments, the importance of bridging the skills gap and understanding barriers to change. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Monica is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture, serving as a champion for women in senior finance roles. The episode also explores the cultural and technical barriers faced by different industries and the significance of continuous improvement in finance practices. *IBM ROI of AI Report December 2024 Find all episodes of The CFO Playbook here.

    44 min
  2. 27 FEB

    Better Data, Smarter Decisions: Adapting to a New Era of Finance with Jitesh Sodha, Global CFO 100 winner

    In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Jitesh Sodha, outgoing CFO of Spire Healthcare and a winner of the HotTopics Global CFO 100. A seasoned, but initially accidental CFO with over 25 years experience including FTSE 250 NED (PZ Cussons) and PLC board experience, Jitesh candidly reflects on the influences of luck and timing in his career advancement, observing that many CFO positions arise from the necessity to address specific challenges within a business. Rather than focusing narrowly on statistics or technical tasks alone, proactive decision-making has been front and centre over his quarter of a century as a CFO. Going beyond analysing the numbers, a broader approach of solving problems and building cooperative and collaborative relationships, has led to him leaving every organisation in a better place than when he joined it. Throughout his tenure, Jitesh has witnessed first-hand how data has revolutionised decision-making. Reflecting on past practices, he recalls how businesses once relied on monthly data cycles, leading to delayed decisions and limited agility. Today, thanks to advances in technology, daily and real-time data empowers CFOs to make hundreds of decisions, accelerating progress even if some decisions don't always land perfectly. Highlighting the impact of emerging technologies on finance leadership, he passionately advocates for the cautious deployment of responsible AI in enhancing operational efficiency to maximise benefits while managing risks. As he prepares for the next chapter of his career in a range of non-exec roles, Jitesh is committed to mentoring future finance leaders, and is proud to have been honoured as a Global CFO 100 winner in his final year as CFO at Spire Healthcare.  Find all the episodes of The CFO Playbook here.

    41 min
  3. 16 ENE

    6 Essential Lessons for Modern CFOs with Sacha Herrmann from Soldo

    Strategic leader, collaborator, innovator, and communicator – the role of a modern CFO encompasses all of these and more. CFOs today are tasked with balancing financial expertise with creativity, guiding businesses through uncertainty, and building trust across their organisations. But what does all of that look like in practice? For this special episode of The CFO Playbook, we're joined by CFO of Soldo, Sacha Herrmann to discuss 6 lessons we have learned from world-class CFOs, finance leaders, and founders from some of the fastest-growing companies. Hear highlights of interviews with - Baron Anyngwe, Finance Director at We Are Fulfillmeant, shares his experience balancing risk and reward. Giles Andrews OBE, co-founder of the world's first peer-to-peer lending business, Zopa, who invested heavily in machine learning. Richard Dana, CEO of Tembo Money, shares the story of his first business venture in the volatile travel industry. The experience was harsh but valuable. Huiming Chen, CFO at American biotechnology company Illumina, describes the ideal CFO as someone who operates seamlessly between strategy and operations, acting as a co-pilot to the CEO. Helen Ashton, Former CFO of ASOS and now Founder of Shape Beyond, has a refreshing take on decision-making. Mehjabeen Patrick, Finance Director at Arts University Bournemouth, emphasises the importance of being a transparent and inspiring communicator. About Soldo: Soldo is the proactive spend management solution that frees up businesses to accomplish more. We champion the notion of Progressive Finance, because we believe in a decentralised approach to financial decision-making and greater spending autonomy for everyone. Over 25,000 organisations across 31 countries use Soldo to bring order, efficiency and agility to their decentralised spending, and empower the whole company to spend safely and responsibly. By combining pre-programmed cards, a user-friendly app and a powerful spend management platform, Soldo enables decentralised spend decisions and frees everyone from tedious admin, while ensuring compliance. Everyone gains back time to focus on the things that matter. For Finance teams, that means more time for the rewarding parts of your role, such as in-depth data analysis, defining overall business strategy, and implementing process improvements that empower everyone to achieving business goals. Liberate Finance. Accomplish More.

    45 min
  4. 31/10/2024

    Financial Turbulence: How Global “Polycrisis” is Transforming the CFO with Myles Corson from EY

    In this episode, David McClelland is joined by Myles Corson, EY Global and Americas Strategy and Markets Leader, Financial Accounting Advisory Services and host of the Better Finance Podcast, to discuss the evolving landscape for finance leaders amidst uncertainty and instability, termed the 'polycrisis'. As we navigate a complex global landscape, marked by geopolitical tensions, inflation uncertainties, environmental changes leading to pressure on supply chains, and technological uncertainties, Myles explains how finance leaders can evolve from their traditional roles to become indispensable strategic partners within their organisations. Amidst a world of rapid change and the relentless news cycles that shape our perceptions, we examine the role of technology in both contributing to and alleviating uncertainty. The rise of AI and digital transformation presents not just challenges but also unprecedented opportunities to redefine the role of finance. Hear how CFOs can balance short-term performance with long-term strategic investments, embracing innovation while managing risk. As finance leaders become the compasses guiding their organisations, the importance of setting a clear direction and empowering teams with data-driven insights takes centre stage. Myles underscores the need for agile mindsets and strategic alignment to navigate this complex landscape, ultimately adding unparalleled value to organisations. For more information about the challenges facing CFOs, read Myles' DNA of the CFO report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  5. 26/09/2024

    Financing Sustainable Infrastructure: How Private Investment is Powering Wind, Solar, and Energy Storage with Marie Joyce

    In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Marie Joyce, CFO and COO of NTR, the trailblazing renewable energy specialist to discuss their mission to advance sustainable infrastructure by investing in wind, solar, and energy storage assets across Europe. What exactly does it take to transform from toll roads to renewable energy? Marie reveals the incredible evolution of NTR, offering a rare glimpse into the strategic milestones that have defined the company, from its early investments in wind energy with Airtricity in 1999 to its current focus on wind, solar, and energy storage projects across Europe. We hear how NTR's diversification across various markets and technologies has cemented its leadership in the renewable energy sector. Marie also shines a light on the pivotal decisions that set NTR apart, such as the shift from a US-centric approach to capitalising on the stable European market. She recounts the company’s transition to co-investing with institutional capital, a move that has significantly mitigated risk while expanding investment capabilities. Hear how advancements in technology have made renewable projects financially viable without government subsidies, and how strategic partnerships, such as with Legal & General Investment Management, have been instrumental in the company's growth. Beyond the financial strategy, Marie lifts the lid on the human element that drives NTR’s success including initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion in the traditionally male-dominated sectors of engineering and finance. From flexible working arrangements to fertility leave, NTR's culture not only supports its workforce but also aligns with its ambitious climate goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min
  6. 29/08/2024

    From Scorekeeper to Strategic Decision-Maker: The Changing Role of a CFO with Mark Freedman

    In this episode of The CFO Playbook, David McClelland is joined by Mark Freedman to explore the changing landscape of finance leadership, from crash to AI and beyond. Mark started his career at Deutsche Bank before moving onto London Stock Exchange Group. Over three decades in the finance sector, he’s proved himself to be a transformational force ready to face down the challenges of a digital finance age. Now in post as CFO of global money brand Travelex, Mark has been instrumental in making strategic decisions, providing steadfast resilience through a challenging era, following a much publicised cyber incident at the start of 2020. Despite the negative headlines, Mark's tenure has embraced opportunities for growth. Empathising the strength of Travelex's brand and its extensive physical distribution network as key assets, Mark has faced questions about the relevance of “travel money” head on. Highlighting the evergreen resilience of cash and the growth potential of digital cards, his current role has pivoted Mark from scorekeeper to decision-maker, with a deep understanding of business - using effective communication, and staying up-to-date with technology. About Soldo: Soldo provides company cards connected to a powerful management platform. Employees use Soldo cards to buy what they need for work without being out of pocket or going over budget. Finance teams use Soldo to distribute money instantly, while staying in control of who spends, how much, where, and on what. Thousands of businesses, from small to large corporations including Mercedes-Benz, Sony, and Get Your Guide use Soldo to make their business spending simple and efficient. To find out more or to book a demo, visit Soldo. Chapters: 0:05:07 - Career Transition Reflections and Growth 0:09:03 - Career Progression in Banking Industry 0:15:04 - Era of Financial Innovation 0:18:25 - Finance Transformation Opportunity 0:22:52 - Business Journey Through Turbulent Times 0:34:25 - Future of Travel Money Changes 0:42:24 - Evolution of the CFO Role Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min
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Being a finance leader is no longer just about controlling costs. 2025’s CFOs are trusted business leaders and innovators that drive growth throughout the organisation. Hosted by technology reporter, presenter and consumer champion, David McClelland, The CFO Playbook features interviews with world-class CFOs, finance leaders and founders from some of the fastest growing companies. The CFO Playbook is brought to you by Soldo.

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