The Forward Thinking CFO: Recent Episodes
Numeritas
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, host Stephen Aldridge is joined by Daniya Stewart - a former banker turned startup founder and now fractional CFO and advisor to early-stage businesses. Daniya shares her fascinating journey from a 17-year career in renewable energy project finance to launching and scaling Phomo - a Vietnamese meal kit startup born in lockdown. She takes us behind the scenes of her founder experience: the initial idea sparked by missing her favourite lunch, raising over £300,000 in funding, securing retail interest from the likes of Selfridges and Whole Foods, and ultimately winding down the business after a tough fundraising environment in 2023.Now running Valor Advisory, Daniya works with early-stage companies to help them build financially resilient business models - applying hard-earned lessons from her time as a founder and startup operator.In this episode, Daniya and Stephen explore:- What project finance taught her about startups- Why she bootstrapped Phomo before seeking investment- How she navigated capital raises through angel investors and crowdfunding- The hard truths about D2C economics and retail pivots- Her reflections on failure, survivorship bias and the power of sharing the full founder story- The value she brings now as a fractional CFO to other founders on a missionDaniya’s honesty, humour and insight make this a must-listen for anyone navigating the realities of growing an early-stage business.
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we take a deep dive into a crucial question for finance professionals: Can I trust this model?Stephen Aldridge is joined by Christine Donnet, a fellow modeller here at Numeritas, to discuss practical ways to assess the reliability of a financial model. Whether you're inheriting a model, conducting due diligence, or simply trying to validate your own work, this conversation provides valuable insights into identifying potential risks, inefficiencies, and hidden pitfalls.Topics covered in this episode include:- The importance of model quality in financial decision-making- Quick techniques to assess a model’s structure and integrity- Common warning signs of errors and inefficiencies- Best practices for maintaining a well-structured, transparent model- When it might be time to rebuild rather than repairPlus, they share some of the internal tools and techniques we use to evaluate model integrity efficiently.If you're looking for a smarter approach to financial modelling and risk assessment, this episode is for you.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this team discussion episode, so please do get in touch with any feedback you have.
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, Stephen Aldridge is joined by Maria Ghibu, a fractional CFO, entrepreneur, and non-executive director at the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors.Maria offers a fascinating account of her journey from financial auditor to fractional CFO, sharing her insights into post-merger integration, the robotics and biotech sectors, and the importance of good governance.In this episode, Stephen and Maria delve into:●Challenges of funding and scaling in the robotics sector●Lessons in investor relations, scaling, and startup operations●The impact of fractional CFOs on startup scaling and governance●How AI supports but doesn’t replace skilled audit professionalsIf you’re a finance leader or entrepreneur navigating complex growth challenges, this episode is one not to miss.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have.If you want to find out more about Maria - or get in touch with her - check out her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-ghibu/
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, Stephen Aldridge is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, former CFO and founder of Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring.With over 25 years of global C-Suite experience, Jeremy shares his journey from finance to executive coaching, offering invaluable insights on "Coaching with Purpose" and empowering leaders to achieve transformative results. In this packed episode, Andrew and Jeremy explore:- How coaching aligns with organisational goals - Evaluating the ROI of coaching through financial and performance metrics - Why building personal relationships between coach and coachee is crucial for success- Case studies on coaching through mergers, acquisitions, and fundraisingWith a focus on bespoke coaching strategies and MSc-level academic expertise, Jeremy shares his incredible experiences of helping C-Suite executives, new leaders, and aspiring top talent navigate leadership complexities.Whether you're a finance leader or exploring coaching, this episode is a must-listen.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have.If you want to find out more about Jeremy- or get in touch with him - check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyearnshaw/
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, Stephen Aldridge is joined by Andrew Lynch, Head of FP&A at Blue Light Card.With a rich background in finance leadership across diverse industries - from wholesale to tech - Andrew shares invaluable insights on leveraging the finance function to enhance commercial performance.In this packed episode, Andrew and Stephen explore:- The pivotal role of financial planning and analysis in business strategy.- How to distinguish between budgeting and forecasting, and their distinct roles in business planning.- Techniques for optimising marketing spend and managing supply chains more efficiently.- The power of data warehouses and ETL processes in financial analysis.- The evolving impact of AI on data analysis and the potential transformation of finance roles.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have.If you want to find out more about Andrew - or get in touch with him - check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewglynch/
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, Stephen Aldridge is joined by David Forbes, a seasoned corporate treasurer and former financial modeller. David's impressive career includes roles at Serco, Mitie, and Logicor, where he honed his expertise in modelling and treasury management.During his long tenure at Serco, David worked on diverse projects such as public-private partnerships and PFI. His experience spans across a wide variety of sectors from aviation to healthcare and education. His move to Logicor in 2021, a logistics real estate business operating in 19 countries across Europe, meant a need to quickly adapt to the complexities of a treasury function in a very different environment.Their fascinating discussion focuses on the often mis-understood role of the treasury function, as Stephen and David delve into:- The evolving role of corporate treasury and its critical importance in business operations.- Why precise cash forecasting, effective external relationships and a well-managed team are vital.- Strategies for maintaining efficiency and adding value amidst changing interest rates.- Developing a robust data and digital strategy within treasury functions.- Modern Treasury Management Systems to streamline data handling and centralise treasury information.Whether you're a seasoned CFO or an aspiring one, this episode offers valuable insights from a leading expert in the field.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have.If you want to find out more about David, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmforbes
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, Stephen Aldridge was joined by Lawrence Edwards-Smajda, CFO of Haier UK & Ireland, the mastermind behind a number of well-known big brands like Hoover and Candy. Lawrence's journey to Haier is a fascinating one, beginning with what was essentially a 12-month interview that paved the way for a captivating story you won't want to miss.An experienced finance professional and commercial leader who has performed and succeeded in many varied and pressurised positions and situations, Lawrence brings an incredible wealth of experience to this episode.During their fascinating discussion, Stephen and Lawrence delve into:- Implementing SAP and navigating digital transformationStandardising data and processes for success- Managing a business amidst a pension scheme deficit- Reorganising UK operations and finance functions effectively- Developing a commercial finance strategy in alignment with business objectivesWhether you're an established CFO or aspiring to be one, in this fascinating conversation, you’ll gain plenty of valuable insights from a true leader in the field.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have.If you want to find out more about Lawrence, check out her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-edwards-smajda-46211912/ If you want to learn more about Haier Group, have a look at their website at – https://corporate.haier-europe.com/
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we go a little off-piste as Cameron Miller, the Hydrogen Development Manager at Carlton Power, joins us to discuss the current state and future of hydrogen in the UK. As the shift from fossil-based to renewable energy sources gains momentum, Cameron's expertise sheds light on the pivotal role of hydrogen in this transition.Carlton Power is an independent UK energy development company that develops and finances renewable energy and renewable-associated infrastructure projects, so it is at the forefront of the energy transition.Cameron brings an innate passion for the ongoing changes in the global energy transition. During their discussion, Stephen and Cameron explore:- Why hydrogen is crucial for the energy transition- The UK government's support mechanism for hydrogen production- The UK's hydrogen strategy and its potential to replace natural gasWhether you're passionate about sustainable energy or considering investments in renewable energy projects, this conversation offers a valuable insider view.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have.If you want to find out more about Cameron, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmmiller17/ If you want to learn more about Carlton Power, take a look at their website – www.carltonpower.co.uk
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we were joined by the hugely knowledgeable Paul Lines, Corporate Finance Advisor and Consultant at Garwood Solutions, a firm that advises Professional Services and IT firms, as well as their investors. Paul specialises in helping firms to grow and develop through mergers and acquisitions, and having been in the business for over 20 years, he’s practically a lifelong M&A practitioner, with a wealth of deals under his belt. In this episode Paul talks about his career to date, the many reasons why firms consider mergers and acquisitions, and the key steps involved in the process.During their discussion, Stephen and Paul explore a number of topics, including:- The compelling reasons for firms to consider M&A as a growth driver, even in challenging times.- Why sellers must be prepared for negotiations - with their financial house fully in order.- The current upswing in the M&A market, fuelled by pent-up demand and private equity activity.- Common pitfalls to navigate, especially when contemplating international acquisitions.- The need for buyers to be crystal-clear on their strategic objectives to identify their ideal acquisition targets.Paul also offers valuable advice to those who may be interested in specialising in M&A. So whether you’re a business leader, just starting out in your career, or an established CFO with an interest in M&A, this fascinating conversation will give you plenty of real, actionable advice to prepare you for the road ahead.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch below with any feedback you have.If you want to find out more about Paul, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-lines/?originalSubdomain=uk If you want to learn more about Garwood Solutions, take a look at their website – http://www.garwoodsolutions.com
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we were joined by the hugely knowledgeable Aneal Vallurupalli, CFO at Airbase, a spend management software company.Aneal brings a unique perspective to the table, as he not only holds the CFO position at Airbase but also works directly with CFOs and finance departments to streamline their processes, so gets to experience both sides of the coin.Aneal’s career began in technology investment banking at Union Square Advisors, His background includes early to late-stage corporate finance, corporate development, operations, and tech M&A.With over 12 years of experience in financial operations, Aneal has seen firsthand the challenges of manual processes and the need for automation. Aneal has been instrumental in building Airbase, so brings a wealth of insights to this episode. During their discussion, Stephen and Aneal explore:- The evolving role of CFOs in rapidly growing companies- The importance of modernising procurement and payment processes- Accounts payable automation, fraud monitoring, and building customer trust- Overcoming challenges in acquisition and post-merger integration strategies- Successfully managing a remote-only company- Navigating economic downturns and preparing for future growthWhether you’re an established CFO or an aspiring one, this captivating conversation will give you plenty of food for thought.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch below with any feedback you have.If you want to find out more about Aneal, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneal-vallurupalli-4b573a38/ If you want to learn more about Airbase, take a look at their website – www.airbase.com
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we were joined by the inspirational Soufyan Hamid, founder and financial storytelling trainer at SouFBP.With a background in auditing and consulting at top firms like PwC and Deloitte, Soufyan discovered the power of storytelling during his time as a finance business partner in the telecommunications industry. Soufyan's journey taught him the importance of winning over internal stakeholders, and now he's on a mission to revolutionise finance presentations by transforming them into captivating business stories told by finance professionals.During their discussion, Stephen and Soufyan delve into: - Identifying and addressing the five common issues with finance presentations - Structuring financial presentations to resonate with different audiences - Harnessing the power of visuals, value delivery, and brevity - Understanding why body language, engagement, and practice are crucialWhether you’re an established CFO or an aspiring one, this fascinating conversation will give you plenty of real, actionable advice to bring your financial stories to life.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch below with any feedback you have.If you want to find out more about Soufyan, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/soufyanhamid/ If you want to learn more about SouFBP, have a look at his website – www.soufbp.com
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, Stephen Aldridge was joined by Marco Torrente, Global Chief Financial Officer at WebBeds, a global online marketplace for the travel trade.Marco heads up the finance team of about 220 people spread across the globe. As a global finance leader and director who has provided strategic counsel to many blue chip companies, Marco has helped implement operational efficiencies that target growth for businesses listed on the FTSE100, NASDAQ, and ASX. Marco brings a wealth of experience to the episode.During their fascinating discussion, Stephen and Marco delve into: - Managing a global online marketplace during the pandemic - Using AI and machine learning in finance - AI adoption in finance and the CFO role evolutionWhether you're an established CFO or aspiring to be one, this thought-provoking conversation will keep you updated about the latest industry changes and the evolving role of CFOs.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have.If you want to find out more about Marco, check out her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-torrente/ If you want to learn more about WebBeds, check out their website at – http://www.webbeds.com/
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we were joined by the inspirational Magdalena Markiewicz, CFO of Eel Power, providers of battery storage for the UK’s renewable energy supply.Magdalena shares her fascinating, slightly non-traditional path to becoming a CFO with us on this episode. Magdalena's journey took her from New York to Barcelona and back to London where she joined Rothschild. Her ultimate goal was to become a CFO for a company making a difference, and she achieved it at Eel Power. Her journey has been truly remarkable. Her incredible expertise, straightforward attitude and passion for low-carbon energy transition and renewable power infrastructure make for a captivating episode. During their discussion, Stephen and Magdalena delve into: - Transitioning from consulting to the finance industry - The emerging battery industry and it’s role in managing grid volatility - How battery storage works and how it is evolving - Quality and cost prioritisation for battery storage in the futureWhether you’re an established CFO or an aspiring one, this compelling conversation will give you plenty of food for thought.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch below with any feedback you have.If you want to find out more about Magdalena, check out her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdalena-markiewicz-34345b3/ If you want to learn more about Eel Power, have a look at their website at – https://eelpower.co.uk/
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO we spoke to Guy Ellis, Partner at Rockpool Investments, a private equity business specialising in £5-15m investments into lower-mid market companies.
Returning to the subject of sources of finance for business in this episode, Guy is the perfect guest to share his incredible knowledge of the world of private equity. With over a decade of experience in the sector, having previously worked at Goldman Sachs and Alcuin Capital, Guy shares practical insights and tips to make private company investing accessible and transparent.
In this insightful episode, Guy and Stephen delve into: - How Rockpool Investments differs from a traditional private equity firm - How investors choose where to put their money - What drives companies to look for investments - The role of the CFO in private equity investments
If you’re an entrepreneur or CFO looking at funding options, this episode is packed full of tried-and-tested advice and tips.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch below with any feedback you have.
If you want to find out more about Guy, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-ellis-6b7a6216/
If you want to learn more about Rockpool Investments, have a look at their website at – https://www.rockpool.uk.com/
In the latest episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we catch up with Daniel Quint, Chief Financial Officer at Staffline Group PLC.Staffline Group PLC specialise in developing and deploying highly flexible, robust and skilled workforces to organisations. They are the UK’s leading provider of flexible blue-collar workers, supplying approximately 40,000 staff per day on average.Daniel joined the company when it was in a distressed state in 2019 and has executed an award-winning turnaround, moving from a material risk to a going concern, to a stable, profitable business. Daniel applied all his experience from previous roles as Finance Director at the ICAEW and at Robert Walters PLC to restructure the company.With decades of expertise behind him, Daniel is well-placed to provide some fantastic financial advice you won’t want to miss.In this insightful episode, you’ll discover the following:· How to turn an organisation around when share prices begin to drop· The key elements you need to think about to integrate a new acquisition successfully· Why a three-pronged approach can serve you well when embarking on a cultural transformationIf you’re a CFO or entrepreneur looking to restructure your finances, this episode will provide you with the knowledge and advice to help you do so.We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode, so be sure to get in touch with any feedback you may have.If you would like to learn more about Daniel’s work, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielquint/?originalSubdomain=ukAnd if you want to find out more about Staffline Group PLC, you can view their website – https://www.stafflinegroupplc.co.uk/
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we’ve got a special edition for you. Taking a different approach, we've gathered some of the Numeritas team's leading experts for a roundtable discussion on the impact external environmental factors have had on the sector in recent times.The last few years have certainly been turbulent, from Brexit and the pandemic to the war in Ukraine and everything in between, but what can we learn from it?In this episode Stephen Aldridge is joined by colleagues Denver McCann and Tushar Naik to share their experiences from supporting clients through these challenging times and to explore:- Tools and resources that are invaluable during turbulent periods- The importance of being able to agilely re-forecast- How to effectively utilise the abundance of data now available- How attitudes towards forecasting and frequency of forecasting are changingIf you’re an entrepreneur or CFO looking to future-proof your organisation, this episode is packed full of practical advice.We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this team discussion episode, so please do get in touch with any feedback you have.
In the latest episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we catch up with Janene Liston, a highly trusted Pricing Consultant & Business Coach.Janene’s company The Pricing Lady specialises in supporting businesses with their pricing, and offers workshops, mentoring and strategies to help SMEs and large-scale businesses improve their relationship with profits.This is something Janene has been doing since her early days in corporate management. After starting out her career as an engineer, she worked her way through various marketing jobs to become a Pricing Manager at Siemens and Syngenta AG.In 2016, Janene decided to take the plunge and co-found her own business, Gouta. This eventually evolved into The Pricing Lady – an all-encompassing service that teaches leaders to manage their pricing with confidence.With a huge breadth of knowledge and experience in pricing models, Janene is well-placed to give some valuable insights and advice that can help your company thrive.In this compelling episode, you’ll learn:- The key components of a pricing strategy, and why these should align with your brand, communications, values and overarching business goals- How to make the most out of a value-based pricing model- Implementing strategically different approaches for B2B and B2C organisations- The three key things you should be considering when re-evaluating your pricing modelWhether you’re a CFO or entrepreneur wanting to refresh your pricing and offerings, this is the episode for you.As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please get in touch with any feedback you have.If you want to find out more about Janene, you can view her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepricinglady/And if you’re eager to learn more about Janene’s business, you can take a look at The Pricing Lady website – https://thepricinglady.com/
In the latest episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we speak with Chris Roling, Chief Financial Officer at Coinme.
Thanks to careful pivots in the business model, Coinme continues to go from strength to strength. Offering safe and accessible methods to buy and sell cryptocurrency, Chris has steered Coinme forward to become the world's largest, fully licensed, cryptocurrency cash network.
It’s been a natural step for Chris, who has represented some of the biggest brands in the world during his career. He’s previously worked as a CFO for Pepsico and Getty Images, as well as Kellogg’s and EMI Music.
With a hugely impressive portfolio behind him, Chris offers some exceptional insider insights and advice that you won’t want to miss.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why CFOs should prioritise soft skills to become more externally focussed
- How to effectively balance operational due diligence with strategic planning
- How a CFO can influence and impact a company through careful relationship-building with board members
Whether you’re an established CFO or an aspiring one, this fascinating conversation will give you plenty of direction on bringing clarity and integrity to your role.
We’re eager to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch with any feedback you have. We always enjoy hearing from you.
If you would like to learn more about Chris’ work, you can check out his LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisroling/
And if you want to find out more about Coinme, you can do so by visiting their website - https://coinme.com/
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we speak with Mark Gilham, Director and Evangelist at Enable.
This unusual title has given Mark an opportunity to act both as an ambassador and a consultant for Enable simultaneously. At Enable, Mark helps businesses use rebates as a strategy to drive growth and trust between trading partners. By promoting their innovative software, he helps manufacturers, distributors, and retailers optimise the commercial value of their rebate programs.
Mark started out his career at major financial institutions Barclays Bank and Royal Bank of Canada where he qualified as a chartered accountant. From there he progressed to senior finance roles in the construction industry, most recently being at Grafton Group PLC for nearly a decade where he witnessed first-hand the strategic value of rebates. This has been a natural step for Mark, who has built his finance career from the ground up. After starting out in commercially orientated accountancy, he then moved into builders merchanting and private equity before focusing on rebate management.
With decades of experience under his belt, Mark is brimming with some expert advice that you definitely won’t want to miss.
In this compelling episode, you’ll discover:
The ins and outs of rebates, and how they affect different parts of the supply chain. The benefits of modern financial software that is designed to manage contractual arrangements. How to navigate financial trends in the current business climate to ensure growth and sustainability.
If you’re a CFO or entrepreneur wanting to take control of your rebate program, this episode will give you the insights and insider knowledge to maximise your potential.
If you would like to learn more about Mark’s work, take a look at his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-gilham-87617276/
And if you want to find out more about Enable, a collaborative rebate management platform, you can view their website here – https://enable.com/
You can also apply to join Enable's Rebate Community here - https://community.rebatestrategists.com/registrations/groups/65255
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk with any feedback you have.
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we speak with Ryan Whitworth, Regional Sales Director at Leumi ABL. Leumi ABL is a specialised, award-winning asset-based lending company that helps both small and large businesses achieve their goals. The company adopts a flexible and personal approach to structuring effective asset-based lending solutions that supports refinancing, restructuring, growth, and acquisition. Whilst Ryan hasn’t come from a banking background, he’s utilised his time in retail to learn more about how behaviours and activities can impact financial performance. He joined the senior management team at Leumi ABL after moving out of retail and succeeding at Santander and ABN AMRO. With a wealth of experience and knowledge behind him, Ryan provides fantastic insider tips and insights that you won’t want to miss. You’ll discover: - What sets Leumi ABL apart from bank overdraft facilities - Why flexible asset-based lending can serve as a viable option for your business - How this process works, and what you will need to do to prepare for your partnership with an asset-based lender If you’re a CFO or entrepreneur looking to raise capital for your business, this episode will provide you with expert advice on asset-based lending facilities and invoice discounting. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch with any feedback you have.
If you would like to learn more about Ryan’s work, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitworth-ryan/
And if you want to find out more about Leumi ABL, you can view their website – https://www.leumiabl.co.uk/
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO we speak to Pardip Khroud, CEO & Founder of Voyager Capital Partners.
Pardip draws on her experience from accounting, banking, and private equity to provide cost-effective help to small and medium-sized businesses to support them in driving growth and securing investment.
With a career spanning three decades, Pardip has substantial expertise in both the investment and business world. She has generated gains in excess of £500m in public equity and private equity transactions during her career so brings some incredible insights to this episode.
Having worked with a range of companies, from start-ups to PLCs, Pardip has developed an insightful perspective of what makes businesses thrive. She is truly passionate about building strong relationships with management teams and supporting them to build great businesses.
Listen to discover:
- The difference between venture capital and private equity
- Top things companies need to get right to secure investment
- Available schemes to support small start-up businesses
- The latest investor trends
If you’re an entrepreneur or CFO of a business looking for growth capital, this episode is packed full of practical advice.
If you want to find out more about Pardip, check out her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pardip-khroud-a9166262
If you want to learn more about Voyager Capital Partners, have a look at their website at – https://voyagercp.com/
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk with any feedback you have.
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we speak to Jonathan Keeling, VP at Crowdcube.
Crowdcube specialises in democratising access for both businesses and investors to buy shares in start-ups, and with their 1000+ portfolio having raised in excess of £7bn worldwide, they are one of the leading voices in crowdfunding.
A two-time TED talker, early on in his career Jonathan left what many would see as a dream job for a graduate at Centrica to join the founding team at the start-up Pavegen instead. He wanted to be somewhere where he could make as much impact as possible.
It’s certainly paid off, and with so much experience in growing businesses from the ground up, Jonathan was full of great insights and insider knowledge.
Listen to discover:
Why, in a choice between working for a corporate or a start-up early in your career, you should always go with the start-up. The power of inviting your customers to invest in your business. The importance of understanding the risks involved in investing in small companies.
If you’re an entrepreneur or CFO interested in crowdfunding, this episode will give you a fascinating insight into what investors are looking for, and how the process works from start to finish.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk with any feedback you have.
If you want to find out more about Jonathan, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankeeling/
If you want to learn more about Crowdcube, have a look at their website at – https://www.crowdcube.com
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we speak to Alistair Brew, an Investor at the Business Growth Fund.
Growing businesses will always need funding, which means that Alistair’s role as one of the key figures at BGF is to help CFOs at burgeoning organisations get their hands on all-important cash. At the last count, the fund had made over 400 investments since its launch in 2011.
Before joining the BGF, Alistair worked with Close Brothers and Octopus Ventures, building a seasoned career in small company investment. With so much experience in helping to fund businesses at important stages of their growth, Chris gave some priceless insights.
Listen below to discover:
- What sets BGF aside as a ‘different kind of investor’ to banks or PE houses
- The importance of long-term relationships between businesses and their investors.
- How Investor Committees work, and what they look for in companies.
If you’re an entrepreneur or CFO of a business looking for growth capital, this episode will give you a fascinating insight into what investors are ultimately looking for in a growing organisation.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk with any feedback you have.
If you want to find out more about Alistair, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistair-brew-316b3/
If you want to learn more about the Business Growth Fund, have a look at their website at – https://www.bgf.co.uk/
In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO we’re doing something a little different.
With the end of 2021 on the horizon, we’re revisiting some of our favourite moments from across the series to highlight the brilliant insight and advice our guests have given, all focused on what it takes to build a successful career as a CFO.
You’ll hear from some of the most experienced and skilled CFOs and industry experts out there, including:
• James Davis, advisor to investment firm BGF • Sahil Rishi, CFO at Sedgwick International UK • Richard Evans, Finance Director at Excalibur Communications • Mark Stevenson, Director of VTG AG • Sean Watherston, CFO at UENI • Chris Milne, CFO at Orbital Marin Power • Rob Haxton, a veteran of Board level Group Finance Director roles • Brian Jones, Head of Product at Excel
Our guests discuss how they made it to the top of their profession, including who helped them along the way, what challenges they had to overcome and how others can follow in their footsteps - not to mention what the future holds for CFOs.
This is a small snapshot of their wise words, but take a listen back through the episodes to make sure you get the benefit of all their knowhow and expertise.
So, take a seat, minimise your spreadsheet and enjoy the show. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk.
In the latest episode we speak to Chris Milne, the CFO at Orbital Marine Power.
Orbital Marine Power are pioneering tidal energy at a time when climate change is nearing the top of the government’s agenda. And with the right backing, it could conceivably become a case of being in exactly the right place at the right time – one of the many reasons why we were so excited to catch up with Chris for our podcast.
Before joining Orbital, Chris worked with SSE Generation and Scottish Renewables, so very much built his career in the Energy sector. With so much experience in the sector, raising funds and building businesses that are both economically sound and commercially rewarding, Chris gave some great insights, including:
•The importance of finding early stage market support when building your business, so you can look for bigger investment as soon as you’re ready to scale.
•The benefits of crowdfunding, how it reduces the risk for potential investors and increases market visibility, especially if you are creating that market yourself.
•And how the key to becoming a great CFO is to work hard and genuinely enjoy what you’re doing.
We really enjoyed speaking to Chris – it’s such an exciting time to be working in the Energy sector, and he is so passionate about what he does.
Whether you’re looking to break into the Energy sector, or you’re a seasoned CFO yourself, today’s episode will give you a fascinating insight into a truly rewarding career in finance.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk with any feedback you have.
If you want to find out more about Chris, check out his LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-milne-7827b947/
If you want to learn more about Orbital Marine Power, have a look at their website at - https://orbitalmarine.com/
In today’s episode we speak to Rob Haxton, a Board level Group Finance Director, currently working at Blast.TV.
Rob’s career is about as varied as they come. He’s always kept an eye on his CV with his career moves – making sure he builds on his experience and becomes as well-rounded as possible. As he points out, being a great CFO means understanding the whole business, not just your own area of expertise.
With such a successful career in so many areas of the entertainment and publishing sector, Rob has amassed a wealth of expert knowledge.
In today’s episode, we discuss: • How it pays to be prudent when working on a budget – figuring that one awkward meeting at the beginning of the year, followed by 11 good ones where you’ve over-delivered is preferable to the other way around.
• How working for smaller companies is often more rewarding than working at larger ones, because you can see first-hand the impact of your decisions on the business.
• And how becoming a great CFO requires you to be an expert communicator with all departments across the business.
It was so great speaking to Rob and finding out more about his experiences and the challenges he’s faced along the way.
Whether you’re just at the start of your finance career or a CFO yourself, today’s episode will give you a lingering snapshot of what a varied and successful career in finance can look like.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk
If you want to find out more about Rob, check out his LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-haxton-324a847/
If you want to learn more about Blast.TV, have a look at their website at - https://www.blast.tv/
Welcome back, for the second part of our conversation with Microsoft Excel’s Head of Product, Brian Jones.
In today’s episode, we delve deeper into the evolution of Excel and the innovations that are keeping it ahead of the competition.
We discuss what the future holds for Excel and the various opportunities for its customers, including:
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How it’s catering to a range of different users and making more complex tools more accessible for different customer groups.
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The increasing ability to build automated processes in Excel without the need for coding skills.
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And the drive to bring Excel’s full capabilities to all platforms, including its web application.
This episode will give you a rare opportunity to look at the inner workings of a product so many of us rely on.
If you’re a CFO, you’re going to want to listen all the way to the end as this interview will give you a great understanding of the advances that are coming to your screen soon.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk
If you want to find out more about Brian, check out his LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brijones/
And to learn more about Excel, head to the Microsoft website - https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-365/excel
Today’s guest is the first non-CFO to feature on the podcast, but it’s fair to say he has a profound impact on almost every Finance professional’s working life.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Microsoft’s Head of Product for Excel, Brian Jones and we had so much to talk about that we’ve decided to split this episode into a two-part special for you.
Having started his career at Microsoft more than 20 years ago, Brian now leads all Excel development and is responsible for keeping Excel at the cutting edge of what’s possible.
In today’s part one, we talk everything Excel, including:
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How Microsoft’s commitment to nurturing creativity and collaboration are key to the success of Excel and the entire Office suite.
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How customers are constantly pushing Excel’s boundaries to create their own ingenious solutions and applications.
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And the increasing value of artificial intelligence in helping users get the most from Excel.
It was fascinating to hear about Brian’s journey at Microsoft and get a behind-the-scenes peek into Excel’s development.
This episode will give you a much deeper understanding of Excel’s growing capabilities and what it takes to keep a product like this at the top of its game for so many years.
This is just part one, and if you enjoy this, you’ll definitely want to make a note to come back for part two next week.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk
If you want to find out more about Brian, check out his LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brijones/
And to learn more about Excel, head to the Microsoft website - https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-365/excel
In today’s episode we speak to Duncan Hayward, CFO at Pacific Life Re.
Duncan’s impressive career is testament to the importance of spotting opportunities when they arise. As he points out in this episode, he has only had five job interviews in his entire life, and while in almost every case he’s been offered a role, it’s not always been the one he initially went in for.
With such a successful career, Duncan has many great insights for anyone aiming to become a CFO. In this episode we discuss a whole range of them, including:
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How he overcame a turbulent start at Pacific Life Re and how that shaped the next 12 years of his career.
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The significant changes he’s seen in insurance over the past 12 months and how he sees the market changing as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.
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And how becoming a CFO can often mean you’re spending less time looking at finances, and more at how the back office is functioning in a business.
It was an absolute pleasure speaking to Duncan and finding out more about the challenges he’s faced throughout his career.
Whether you’re just at the start of your finance career or you’re a fellow CFO navigating Covid-19, today’s episode will give you a great insight into the changing landscape of finance in the insurance market.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk
If you want to find out more about Duncan, check out his LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-hayward-6a105616/
If you want to learn more about Pacific Life Re, have a look at their website at - https://www.pacificlifere.com/
In episode 6 of the Forward Thinking CFO, we speak to Darrell Cox, Chief Financial Officer at our technology partner, Vena Solutions.
Vena is a leading cloud technology platform in the corporate performance management arena and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
Darrell joined Vena in 2014 as CFO at the very early stages of its growth journey and was the first non-founding member of the management team. He has since overseen the scaling up and rapid growth of the business. This experience and his early adventures in finance, and even door to door sales, have shaped him into the down to earth and authentic CFO we speak with today.
Darrell's journey and insights provide many topics to explore, including:
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The importance of a robust management operating process across multiple dimensions of a CFOs playbook
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How the role of the CFO is one of storytelling, building trust, and motivating and aligning individuals and teams
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And we also talked about the dynamic and impactful role of the CFO in balancing growth, cash, and the timing, frequency, and size of fundraising activities in a high growth environment.
Darrell shared with us the importance he places on authenticity as a finance professional, and how essential that is in the DNA of today's forward thinking CFO.
We had a great time recording this conversation with Darrell and personally took away some great gems of insight, which we believe you will benefit from.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk
If you want to find out more about Darrell, check out his LinkedIn profile - www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-cox-547a461
If you want to learn more about Vena Solutions, have a look at their website at - www.venasolutions.com
In today’s episode we speak to Richard Evans, Finance Director at IT specialists, Excalibur Communications. Richard joined the team in 2017 to help make their latest management buyout a success, within just 18 months.
Successfully managing a disposal, acquisition and management buyout is a career-defining moment for many finance professionals. Richard has ticked all three off his list already, gaining a wealth of expertise along the way.
With such a range of experiences, there were plenty of topics for us to dive into and Richard had some brilliant insights for fellow Finance executives, including:
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How you can overcome the challenges of buying and building businesses overseas from understanding different laws and tax return requirements to operating effectively across time zones.
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Why investing time in creating an effective financial model is critical when it comes to convincing banks to back your management buyout.
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And how to make reliable financial forecasts, when there is very little relevant data to base them on, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was so interesting talking to Richard. Not only does he provide revealing details about the key moments in his career - he shows what it takes to become a top CFO, from mastering the small details to providing real value to the CEO and board.
Whatever point you’re at in your finance career, listening to Richard will give you a clear idea of how to take your next step and seize opportunities that come your way.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk
If you want to find out more about Richard, check out his LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-evans-91032898/
If you want to learn more about Excalibur Communications, have a look at their website at - www.excaliburcomms.co.uk
We speak to Finance professionals on a daily basis and almost all of us got into the industry because we were good with numbers. But as today’s guest will tell you - to successfully progress to the top and become one of the very best CFOs, there’s many more skills you’ll need to master.
In today’s episode, we speak to James Davis, Advisor at BGF, one of the UK’s most active investment companies, providing venture capital for high growth small and medium-sized businesses.
After spending 8 years at one of the UK’s leading accounting firms, James took the bold step to join, what was back then, the small spread betting start up, Sporting Index. He played an instrumental role in growing Sporting Index and later on uSwitch, ultimately helping both businesses successfully sell in multi-million-pound deals.
With nearly two decades of hands-on CFO experience, including four successful exits, James now lends his years of knowledge to the SME businesses in BGF’s growing portfolio.
With James’s wealth of experience, we had a lot to unpack in this episode and there’s so much valuable detail for anyone looking to scale a company, including:
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His insights on choosing exit routes and identifying potential buyers for companies who have undergone a period of rapid growth
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The four key drivers for valuing your business, and why you should always be prepared to walk away from a deal that isn’t right
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And James’s advice for CFOs on avoiding the uncertainty of the coming 12 months and why embracing automation will help you succeed in the long term.
We really enjoyed this conversation with James, and it was fascinating to learn more about his own CFO experience and his advice for businesses now that he’s moved over to the advisory side.
So, whether you’re currently working towards becoming a CFO, or you’re already at the helm and looking at ways to scale your business or prepare for a sale, we know you’re going to get so much value from this episode.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk
If you want to find out more about James, check out his LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesecdavis/
If you want to learn more about BGF, have a look at their website at - https://www.bgf.co.uk/
If you’ve enjoyed the podcast series so far, please pass it on to colleagues and friends who might be interested and why not subscribe using for favourite podcast app so you don’t miss future episodes of the Forward Thinking CFO.
In today’s episode, we speak to Sahil Rishi, CFO at Sedgwick International UK, the leading provider of insurance and company benefits solutions to businesses all over the world.
Unlike many who know that Finance is the career for them from the time they go to university, Sahil’s journey was rather different. He was set on making it in the world of entertainment before a chance call from a recruiter which led him down a different path.
After training with Moore Stephens, Sahil jumped out into industry with MF Global. Finding himself in the middle of a high-profile chapter 11 bankruptcy and the liquidation of the now defunct fund manager.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, he then moved to The Cambian Group, playing an instrumental role in the IPO and subsequent restructure and formation of the finance function that followed.
Sahil knew that he wanted to climb to the top in finance and following his success at Cambian, went on to become UK Finance Director for Egon Zehnder before landing his first CFO role, at Sedgwick International.
For many Finance professionals, a chapter 11 bankruptcy or an IPO is a career defining event. Something that happens ‘once in a lifetime’. Sahil’s been through both and much more on top of that.
With such an eventful career to date, it was great to have a chance to speak to him for the podcast and dig deep into his career and advice for finance professionals like you, looking to make it to the top. We cover a whole host of topics, including:
• Sahil’s candid insights on major bankruptcy and a large-scale IPO and his advice for you if you’re managing a major financial event for your company, good or bad.
• What challenges he faced when he took on his first CFO role at Sedgwick and how Covid-19 has affected both, his plans for the Finance function and his role throughout 2020.
• And his advice to aspiring CFOs, why you need to be seen as a ‘driver of change’ and the skills you need to focus on as you progress through your Finance career.
We really enjoyed this conversation with Sahil. His first-hand experience working on some notable finance events was truly fascinating and this conversation is packed full of advice to help you.
Whether you’re currently working on an IPO or you’re wanting to know what you need to do to take the next step up in your career, we know you’re going to enjoy this interview.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk
If you want to find out more about Sahil, check out his LinkedIn profile at - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahil-rishi-1922b649/
If you want to learn more about Sedgwick, have a look at their website at - https://www.sedgwick.com/
If you’ve enjoyed the podcast series so far, please pass it on to colleagues and friends who might be interested.
In today’s episode, we speak to Sean Watherston, CFO at UENI – the London based tech company, dedicated to shifting the balance between independent business and larger franchises, by helping small businesses find the services and tools they need to succeed.
Sean started his career at Ernst and Young, before moving into investment banking with Credit Suisse and then Commerzbank.
Following his time at Commerzbank, he became the in-house banker at Avanti Communications, where he was involved in a number of high-profile equity raises for communications satellite launches, including one for Elon Musk’s Space X.
In 2013, Sean landed his first CFO role at online fashion retailer Brand Alley, which he joined following the MBO from News International. From that point onwards, Sean held multiple CFO roles at a range of rapidly growing tech companies before joining the team at UENI earlier this year.
In today’s conversation, Sean shares a wealth of valuable insights from his journey to becoming a CFO, including:
• The benefits of working with early stage and rapid growth companies and how they can help you accelerate your journey to becoming a CFO
• The top priorities for today’s Finance function and why automation and AI will create more opportunities for accountants – even if career coaches tell you otherwise
• And Sean’s four key pearls of wisdom that will help you gain the skills, experience and contacts it takes to become a great CFO.
It was great to learn more about Sean’s rare combination of finance, strategy and investment banking experience, and find out why he chose to work with early stage and rapid growth companies, rather than with the FTSE 100 or 250 firms that many perceive as a more secure career.
Whether you’re already a CFO, on the path towards a CFO position or you’re currently in a different role and want to switch tracks, we know you’ll get a lot of value from today’s episode.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk
If you want to find out more about Sean, check out his LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanwatherston/
In today's episode, which is the very first episode of our brand new series, The Forward Thinking CFO, we had the pleasure of speaking to Mark Stevenson, Director of VTG AG – one of Europe’s leading rail logistics companies.
Mark’s rise through the ranks to CFO is fascinating, especially considering he studied Modern Languages at University – not the most obvious springboard for a future CFO.
Mark started his finance career at Price Waterhouse, before a stint in consulting where he worked as an advisor to AAE, later joining them as CFO in 1994.
In 2006, Mark became AAE’s CEO before the company was acquired by competitor VTG in 2015, a merger that gave VTG the biggest privately owned fleet of rolling stock in Europe, with more than 94,000 railcars on its books.
In today’s conversation, Mark shares a wealth of valuable insights from his journey to becoming a CFO, including:
• The insider’s story on the much talked about JV with Andreas Goer and GATX, and Mark’s key learnings from that roller coaster process.
• His experience of going from a private to a public company, following the acquisition of AAE by VTG, the challenges that Mark faced as part of the acquisition and how he overcame them.
• And Mark’s advice on what it takes to make it to CFO and how the basic building blocks of a great CFO remain the same, no matter the company size, structure, or industry you’re in.
We spoke to Mark a few days after he had closed a debt raise of €2.9bn. It was great to have an industry leader like Mark set the bar for the first episode of The Forward Thinking CFO and we know you’re going to really enjoy this conversation.
Whether you’re currently a CFO, just starting out in your career in finance or you’re on the path towards your first CFO role, we're certain you’ll benefit from Mark’s invaluable advice.
We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk
If you want to find out more about Mark, check out his LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-stevenson-474349134/