Shows
Planning AcesEp 50: Discipline at the Heart of InnovationIn this episode of Planning Aces, we spotlight FP&A insights from three CFOs leading innovation with discipline: Chris Sands (InvoiceCloud), Steve Sutter (Celigo), and Niels Boon (Cint). Each shares how finance is shaping AI, go-to-market models, and data-driven transformation without losing rigor. From building an "AI Ops" function and embedding finance in sales strategy, to piloting AI tools in small, staged experiments, these leaders treat innovation as a managed process. Our resident thought leader joins to connect the dots, emphasizing structure, clear metrics, and portfolio thinking as the new essentials of FP&A. We're excited to welc...
2025-11-1734 minPlanning AcesEp 49: AI's Early ReturnsIn this episode of Planning Aces, host Jack Sweeney and resident thought leader Brett Knowles explore how finance leaders are approaching AI's early returns—balancing efficiency, experimentation, and human judgment. CFO Craig Foster of Pax8 discusses how AI enablement is driving measurable productivity gains. CFO David Obstler of Datadog reflects on finding ROI amid rapid innovation and market demand. And CFO Ben Gammell of Brex shares why forecasting still requires human intuition despite data-driven progress. Together, their insights reveal a spectrum of FP&A strategies defining the modern CFO's mindset toward AI adoption and business transformation. Brett Kno...
2025-10-1035 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADERAI's Early Returns - A Planning Aces EpisodeIn this episode of Planning Aces, host Jack Sweeney and resident thought leader Brett Knowles explore how finance leaders are approaching AI’s early returns—balancing efficiency, experimentation, and human judgment. CFO Craig Foster of Pax8 discusses how AI enablement is driving measurable productivity gains. CFO David Obstler of Datadog reflects on finding ROI amid rapid innovation and market demand. And CFO Ben Gammell of Brex shares why forecasting still requires human intuition despite data-driven progress. Together, their insights reveal a spectrum of FP&A strategies defining the modern CFO’s mindset toward AI adoption and business transformation.Bre...
2025-10-1033 min
Planning AcesEp 48: Finance Leaders Decode AI's PromiseIn this Planning Aces special, three finance leaders map how AI is moving FP&A from dashboards to decisions. Andrew Casey (Amplitude) shows agents automating analytics, experiments, and order-to-cash checks to democratize insight and speed action. Eric Brown (Cohesity) contrasts AI's capital intensity with the cloud era and spotlights an "epic data battle" where privileged datasets drive advantage. Chris Miorin (APEX Analytix) links on-prem investment and clean data to faster product velocity. Co-host Brett Knowles ties it together: avoid AI-washing; structure data; target reconciliations and cycle-time compression; and lead with outcomes. Viewpoints, AI's value depends on governance, access, and...
2025-08-3136 min
Planning AcesEp 47: The Prove-It Mentality: Rethinking ROI in the Age of AIIn Episode 47 of Planning Aces, Jack Sweeney and resident thought leader Brett Knowles explore the evolving role of FP&A through the lens of three forward-looking CFOs. Dan Zhang (ClickUp), John Rettig (Bill), and Josh Schauer (insightsoftware) share how they're driving enterprise agility, leveraging AI to eliminate inefficiencies, and rethinking capital allocation. From Zhang's battle against "SaaS overload" to Rettig's "prove-it mentality" and Schauer's daily forecasting, each CFO reveals a distinct approach to enabling smarter, faster decision-making. Their insights offer a compelling look at how modern FP&A leaders are transforming strategy execution in real time.
2025-08-0744 minCFO THOUGHT LEADERThe Prove-It Mentality: Rethinking ROI in the Age of AI - A Planning Aces EpisodeIn Episode 47 of Planning Aces, Jack Sweeney and resident thought leader Brett Knowles explore the evolving role of FP&A through the lens of three forward-looking CFOs. Dan Zhang (ClickUp), John Rettig (Bill), and Josh Schauer (insightsoftware) share how they’re driving enterprise agility, leveraging AI to eliminate inefficiencies, and rethinking capital allocation. From Zhang’s battle against “SaaS overload” to Rettig’s “prove-it mentality” and Schauer’s daily forecasting, each CFO reveals a distinct approach to enabling smarter, faster decision-making. Their insights offer a compelling look at how modern FP&A leaders are transforming strategy execution in real time.
2025-08-0744 min
2025-06-2739 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADERFrom Flailing to AI Forward Motion - A Planning Aces EpisodeIn this Planning Aces episode, Jack Sweeney and co-host Brett Knowles spotlight three CFOs who are advancing their organizations' FP&A capabilities through thoughtful AI adoption. Andrea Hecht of CSAA Insurance discusses aligning generative AI with enterprise strategy and efficiency. Matthias Steinberg of MindBridge explores combining machine learning and LLMs in finance workflows. Brian Hogeland of Packer Fastener highlights how AI training and grassroots adoption can foster a tech-forward culture. Together, these leaders offer a cross-industry view of how CFOs are balancing risk, innovation, and ROI while helping their organizations navigate today’s fast-evolving planning landscape.Brett Kn...
2025-06-2741 min
Planning AcesEp 45: Redefining Efficiency: The Three Dimensions of AI ROIIn this episode of Planning Aces, co-hosts Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles spotlight the FP&A strategies and AI adoption journeys of three CFOs—Jillian Munson (Vimeo), Dan Fletcher (Planful), and Chad Gold (FullStory). Each finance leader discusses how AI is reshaping their planning processes, from accelerating automation and revenue generation to transforming cross-functional collaboration. Brett introduces a framework for evaluating AI ROI across three dimensions: operating cost reduction, risk mitigation, and revenue generation. The episode reveals how FP&A teams are becoming catalysts for AI-driven change, extending their influence and helping to architect new organizational efficiencies and data-driven de...
2025-06-0642 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADERRedefining Efficiency: The Three Dimensions of AI ROI - A Planning Aces EpisodeIn this episode of Planning Aces, co-hosts Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles spotlight the FP&A strategies and AI adoption journeys of three CFOs—Gillian Munson (Vimeo), Dan Fletcher (Planful), and Chad Gold (FullStory). Each finance leader discusses how AI is reshaping their planning processes, from accelerating automation and revenue generation to transforming cross-functional collaboration. Brett introduces a framework for evaluating AI ROI across three dimensions: operating cost reduction, risk mitigation, and revenue generation. The episode reveals how FP&A teams are becoming catalysts for AI-driven change, extending their influence and helping to architect new organizational efficiencies and data-driven de...
2025-06-0644 min
Planning AcesEp 44: Built for Turbulence: Finance Planning in MotionThis Planning Aces episode explores how finance leaders navigate volatility without drifting into political cross‑currents like tariffs. Prologis CFO Tim Arndt explains why e‑commerce triples warehouse demand and how real‑estate strategies must adapt. Genworth CFO Jerome Upton shows how disciplined leverage and balanced product exposure turn rate uncertainty into opportunity while guarding against inflationary claim spikes. Flexport CFO Stuart Leung reveals the weekly two‑hour operating cadence and scenario drills that keep freight flows nimble amid strikes, conflicts, and policy swings. Co‑host Brett Knowles connects the dots, urging planners to pair AI "agents" with dynamic rhythms that detect...
2025-05-0940 min
Planning AcesEp 43: The ROI Equation for AI Starts HereIn this episode of Planning Aces, three forward-looking finance leaders share how they're transforming planning and forecasting inside their organizations. CFO Kevin Rhodes of Extreme Networks discusses the dual lens through which he evaluates AI—external monetization and internal productivity. Brendon Sullivan, CFO of 2X, reveals how a post-PE investment reality check led him to pioneer a weekly reporting cadence to drive faster decision-making. Meanwhile, Gabi Gantus of Mytra AI draws on her Tesla FP&A roots to illustrate how finance can lead long-term operational planning. Brett Knowles joins Jack Sweeney to unpack key insights and the broader implications fo...
2025-03-2843 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADERThe ROI Equation for AI Starts Here - A Planning Aces EpisodeIn this episode of Planning Aces, three forward-looking finance leaders share how they’re transforming planning and forecasting inside their organizations. CFO Kevin Rhodes of Extreme Networks discusses the dual lens through which he evaluates AI—external monetization and internal productivity. Brendon Sullivan, CFO of 2X, reveals how a post-PE investment reality check led him to pioneer a weekly reporting cadence to drive faster decision-making. Meanwhile, Gabi Gantus of Mytra AI draws on her Tesla FP&A roots to illustrate how finance can lead long-term operational planning. Brett Knowles joins Jack Sweeney to unpack key insights and the broader impl...
2025-03-2845 min
Planning AcesEp 42: From Misaligned Commissions to Unified GoalsIn our latest Planning Aces episode of CFO Thought Leader, Jack Sweeney teams with FP&A veteran Brett Knowles to spotlight three finance leaders tackling one of business's most critical challenges: aligning sales, operations, and finance around a common goal. First, Orion Innovation CFO Cyrus Lam recalls how transparent metrics and well-crafted incentives helped double profit margins by bridging the gap between sales and delivery teams. Then, Jellyfish CFO Joanne Cheng reveals the power of being a "connector"—a finance leader who unifies fast-scaling startups by integrating hires, systems, and processes from day one. Finally, Cribl CFO Za...
2025-01-0236 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADERFrom Misaligned Commissions to Unified Goals - A Planning Aces EpisodeIn our latest Planning Aces episode of CFO Thought Leader, Jack Sweeney teams with FP&A veteran Brett Knowles to spotlight three finance leaders tackling one of business’s most critical challenges: aligning sales, operations, and finance around a common goal.First, Orion Innovation CFO Cyrus Lam recalls how transparent metrics and well-crafted incentives helped double profit margins by bridging the gap between sales and delivery teams. Then, Jellyfish CFO Joanne Cheng reveals the power of being a “connector”—a finance leader who unifies fast-scaling startups by integrating hires, systems, and processes from day one. Finally, Cribl CFO Zach...
2025-01-0237 min
Planning AcesEp 41: The FP&A Spectrum: Technology, Culture, and Long-Term ValueIn this episode of Planning Aces, co-hosts Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles explore insights from CFOs Sandra Wallach (Amprius Technologies), David Morris (Guardian Pharmacy Services), and David Eckstein (Vanta). The discussion highlights themes around technology adoption and data-driven decision-making. Sandra Wallach emphasizes the importance of hands-on involvement, leveraging weekly meetings and direct collaboration to stay aligned with supply chain and customer needs. David Morris reflects on Guardian's long-term journey to IPO, underscoring rigorous planning processes, investment in data infrastructure, and a methodical approach to decision-making. David Eckstein examines AI's transformative potential, advocating for measured experimentation while noting its current...
2024-11-2945 minCFO THOUGHT LEADERThe FP&A Spectrum: Technology, Culture, and Long-Term Value - A Planning Aces EpisodeIn this episode of Planning Aces, co-hosts Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles explore insights from CFOs Sandra Wallach (Amprius Technologies), David Morris (Guardian Pharmacy Services), and David Eckstein (Vanta). The discussion highlights themes around technology adoption and data-driven decision-making. Sandra Wallach emphasizes the importance of hands-on involvement, leveraging weekly meetings and direct collaboration to stay aligned with supply chain and customer needs. David Morris reflects on Guardian's long-term journey to IPO, underscoring rigorous planning processes, investment in data infrastructure, and a methodical approach to decision-making. David Eckstein examines AI’s transformative potential, advocating for measured experimentation while noting its cu...
2024-11-2947 min
Planning AcesEp 40: From Constraints to CollaborationIn the latest Planning Aces episode, hosts Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles discuss how finance leaders are elevating FP&A as strategic partners within organizations. Featuring insights from CFOs Regi Vengalil, Matt Steinfort, and Isabelle Winkles, the episode highlights themes like the importance of reliable data, setting constraints to enhance strategic planning, leveraging AI in finance, real-time collaboration, and educating business units. The CFOs emphasize Finance's role in guiding better decision-making and aligning organizational goals.
2024-11-0143 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADERFrom Constraints to Collaboration: How Finance Leaders Are Shaping Strategic Planning - a Planning Aces EpisodeIn the latest Planning Aces episode, hosts Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles discuss how finance leaders are elevating FP&A as strategic partners within organizations. Featuring insights from CFOs Reggie Vengalil, Matt Steinfort, and Isabelle Winkles, the episode highlights themes like the importance of reliable data, setting constraints to enhance strategic planning, leveraging AI in finance, real-time collaboration, and educating business units. The CFOs emphasize Finance's role in guiding better decision-making and aligning organizational goals.
2024-11-0143 min
Planning AcesEp 39: Simplifying the Complicated and the Complex: FP&A Strategies Across IndustriesIn this episode of Planning Episodes hosted by Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles, three CFOs—Don McGuire of ADP, Scott Blackley of Oscar Health, and Patrick Fleury of TeraWulf—share their insights on financial planning and analysis (FP&A), with a focus on navigating complex business environments. Through their stories, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how these finance leaders simplify intricate financial models, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and align strategic decisions with business growth. The episode explores how each CFO approaches financial clarity amidst volatility, balancing short-term challenges and long-term opportunities, offering actionable insights for managing complexity in to...
2024-09-2743 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADERBeneath the Surface: How to Manage Complexity and Achieve Greater Clarity - a Planning Aces EpisodeIn this episode of Planning Episodes hosted by Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles, three CFOs—Don McGuire of ADP, Scott Blackley of Oscar Health, and Patrick Fleury of TeraWulf—share their insights on financial planning and analysis (FP&A), with a focus on navigating complex business environments. Through their stories, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how these finance leaders simplify intricate financial models, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and align strategic decisions with business growth.
2024-09-2745 min
Planning AcesEp 38: Strategic Relationship Building in FP&AIn this episode of Planning Aces, Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles discuss the evolving role of FP&A professionals, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and strategic collaboration within organizations. As summer ends and fall approaches, Brett predicts a surge in business activity, particularly as companies rush to meet year-end objectives. The conversation highlights the decline in travel post-COVID, with more business being conducted via web meetings, though these are often less effective than in-person interactions. Brett underscores the need for FP&A teams to prepare thoroughly for meetings and to foster diverse thinking to achieve better outcomes. The episode...
2024-08-3042 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADERStrategic Relationship Building in FP&A- A Planning Aces EpisodeIn this episode of Planning Aces, Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles discuss the evolving role of FP&A professionals, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and strategic collaboration within organizations. As summer ends and fall approaches, Brett predicts a surge in business activity, particularly as companies rush to meet year-end objectives. The conversation highlights the decline in travel post-COVID, with more business being conducted via web meetings, though these are often less effective than in-person interactions. Brett underscores the need for FP&A teams to prepare thoroughly for meetings and to foster diverse thinking to achieve better outcomes. The episode...
2024-08-3043 min
Planning AcesEp 37: Navigating Communication ChallengesBrett & Jack discuss the commentary and insights of three accomplished CFOs (Sandeep Aujla from Intuit, Shelagh Glaser from Synopsys, and Seth Wunder from Acorns), while highlighting their distinct approaches to strategic finance, organizational structure, communication, and business growth. While all three Planning Aces highlight the importance of strategic finance and organizational efficiency, their reflections differ in focus. Aujla emphasizes the integration of finance with business strategy, Glaser focuses on aligning investments with strategic goals and improving communication with investors, and Wunder highlights the importance of team collaboration and simplifying communication across different domains. Each CFO offers unique i...
2024-07-2645 min
Planning Aces1,015: Aligning Investor Narratives with Operational Strategy | Mark Khavkin, CFO, MinIO
2024-07-1041 min
Planning AcesEp 36: Standardize, Streamline & ScaleOn the latest episode of Planning Aces three dynamic CFOs—Robert Cornella (RNDC), Karen Williams (American Express Global Business Travel), and Tony Querciagrossa (Pinstripes)—share a menu of FP&A insights and experiences. Robert Cornella emphasized the importance of understanding value chain economics and achieving operational harmony within complex mergers. His experience at Coca-Cola highlighted the necessity of predictable revenue streams and balanced incentives for long-term investment. Karen Williams brought a fresh perspective on utilizing data. She stressed the need for a proactive approach in gathering and analyzing diverse data sources, alongside encouraging self-sufficiency within teams using diff...
2024-07-0336 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADERSpecial Episode: The 20 Leading CFOs of AICFO Thought Leader host Jack Sweeney and performance management guru Brett Knowles explore and highlight the takeaways from The 20 Leading CFOs of AI report, recently published by CFO Thought Leader. The conversation underscores the ethical challenges posed by AI and the critical role CFOs play in ensuring responsible governance. Notable examples like Krishna Rao of Anthropic and Colette Kress of Nvidia. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, CFOs are tasked with balancing innovation and ethical stewardship.
2024-06-2138 min
2024-05-3142 minPlanning AcesEp 34: From Rearview to Road Ahead Leadership in FP&A: All three CFOs emphasize the role of finance in leading and driving business performance through strategic foresight, detailed operational insights, and proactive engagement. Technology and Innovation: There is a strong inclination towards integrating new technologies like AI to enhance the capabilities of finance teams and improve business processes. Collaboration and Influence: The CFOs highlight the importance of collaboration within organizations, where finance must work closely with other departments to influence and drive business outcomes effectively.
2024-05-0334 min
Planning AcesEp 33: Driving Value Beyond the Balance Sheet This episode our Planning Aces emphasize the importance of leveraging one's breadth of experience, stepping beyond traditional FP&A roles, and focusing on execution to bring significant value to organizations. They also emphasize the evolving nature of finance professional interactions and the idea that strategic insights can serve as catalysts for organizational change, prompting shifts in product development, market strategy, and operational execution. This episode features the FP&A insights and commentary of CFO Jeff Woolard or Velocity Global, CFO Aaron Alt of Cardinal Health and CFO Bob Houghton of Pivot Bio.
2024-04-0542 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADEROperating ON and IN The Business - A Planning Aces EpisodePlanning Aces co-hosts Brett Knowles and Jack Sweeney discuss the strategic efforts of two CFOs leading organizational turnarounds, and a third CFO, who offers key organizational insights from an earlier career chapter. Emphasizing simplification, strategic focus, and leveraging both human insight and technology, Marc Suidan of Beachbody, Emma Brown of Medius and David Freeman of Starburst share their experiences in cutting costs, enhancing digital experiences, and repositioning product offerings as key strategies for revival and expansion. They underscore the importance of a deep understanding of business operations and the potential of AI in supporting decision-making processes. Their narratives reflect...
2024-02-2447 min
Planning AcesEp 32: Operating ON and IN The BusinessPlanning Aces co-hosts Brett Knowles and Jack Sweeney discuss the strategic efforts of two CFOs leading organizational turnarounds, and a third CFO, who offers key organizational insights from an earlier career chapter. Emphasizing simplification, strategic focus, and leveraging both human insight and technology, Marc Suidan of Beachbody, Emma Brown of Medius and David Freeman of Starburst share their experiences in cutting costs, enhancing digital experiences, and repositioning product offerings as key strategies for revival and expansion. They underscore the importance of a deep understanding of business operations and the potential of AI in supporting decision-making processes. Their narratives reflect...
2024-02-2346 min
Planning AcesEp 31: Projecting The Voice of ReasonThis episode of Planning Aces sheds light on the critical role financial leadership and strategic planning plays in guiding companies through turbulent times and the importance of balancing short-term opportunities with long-term strategic planning. Each of the featured finance chiefs faced unique challenges related to the pandemic's impact on their businesses, and their responses offer valuable insights into effective financial leadership during times of crisis and change. In each case, the CFOs demonstrated strategic foresight and adaptability in their planning, ensuring their companies could navigate through and beyond the pandemic's challenges. Resident thought leader Brett...
2024-01-2642 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADERSeeding Organizational Ownership - A Planning Aces EpisodePlanning Aces Hosts Brett Knowles and Jack Sweeney discuss how AI's integration into FP&A is still in early stages, with many teams 'dabbling' in AI rather than regularly employing it. However, its use has been significant, inspiring creativity and improving team performance.This episode's conversation emphasizes how FP&A is not just about financial numbers but involves drawing in non-FP&A players into the process. This approach fosters a more comprehensive and collaborative financial planning culture within organizations. They underscored that every member of an organization should consider themselves a 'capital allicator', responsible for contributing to...
2024-01-0137 min
Planning AcesEp 30: Seeding Organizational OwnershipPlanning Aces Hosts Brett Knowles and Jack Sweeney discuss how AI's integration into FP&A is still in early stages, with many teams 'dabbling' in AI rather than regularly employing it. However, its use has been significant, inspiring creativity and improving team performance. This episode's conversation emphasizes how FP&A is not just about financial numbers but involves drawing in non-FP&A players into the process. This approach fosters a more comprehensive and collaborative financial planning culture within organizations. They underscored that every member of an organization should consider themselves a 'capital allocator', responsible for contributing to...
2023-12-3137 min
Planning AcesEp 29: FP&A: The Silo BusterThis episode of Planning Aces Brett and Jack discuss FP&A's role when it comes to breaking down silos within departments, and how A.I. is quickly emerging as FP&A's ultimate silo busting partner. Their discussion highlights the importance of connecting business performance metrics with financial outcomes and the role of AI will play in complex analysis. CFO Lauren StClair talks about leveraging AI for faster analysis, transparency in reporting, and the challenge of maintaining clean, adaptable data. CFO Doug Lindroth emphasizes the shift from closed data structures to open-book management, enabling deeper discussions on profitability and...
2023-12-0148 min
Planning AcesEp 28: How Planning Aces Are MadeThis episode features insights and commentary from three finance leaders: CFO Michael Linford of Affirm, CFO Ana Chadwick of Pitney Bowse, and CFO Jason Leet of Zylo. Imagine if these three finance leaders were to meet and have a discussion about their past roles. Each of them has a unique story to tell. Michael Linford, for example, was previously part of HP's M&A integration group and later became the first CFO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise after the split-off. Anna Chadwick played a key role in GE Capital's divestiture chapter, overseeing more than 50 divestitures globally. Jason Leet...
2023-10-2740 min
Planning AcesEp 27: How Finance Leaders Are Adapting Their TeamsBrett and Jack draw parallels between the challenges faced by our three featured Planning Aces as they seek to optimize the talent resources and processes in their different organizations. The pressure to align strategy and execution is increasing, and all three CFOs share their responses to these external pressures. Brett also touches on the adoption of AI in finance. With AI, the depth of analysis and speed of feedback are significantly enhanced, leading to faster decision-making and more innovative ideas as revealed by CFO Steven Cirulis of Potbelly The episode features planning insights and commentary...
2023-09-2937 min
Planning AcesEp 26: The Quest for the Golden KRThis episode our cohost Brett Knowles suggests that every professional within an organization should have their own "golden KR" or key result that they are held accountable for. As he explains, this would create alignment and clarity throughout the organization. The Rule of 40 and Gross Margin: TreviPay CFO Joel Campbell discusses two intriguing metrics – the rule of 40 and gross margin. The rule of 40, a blend of top-line revenue growth and EBITDA margin, is a key indicator of a company's balance between growth and profitability. Gross margin, on the other hand, measures the efficiency and productivity of a bu...
2023-08-3140 minPlanning AcesEp 25: Impact of Organization Design on FP&AThis episode of Planning Aces features the FP&A insights and commentary of CFO Dev Ahuja of Novelis, CFO Alex Triplett of Appfire and CFO Rick Rosenthal of Clara Analytics. One of the key topics co host Brett Knowles drills down on is the difference between complicated and complex problems. Brett uses the examples of manufacturing a car, which is complicated, and raising a child, which is complex. The distinction is crucial in understanding how to approach problem-solving in an organization. While complicated problems can be solved with the right formulas or spreadsheets, complex problems r...
2023-07-2935 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADERStaying Small While Growing Big - A Planning Aces EpisodeThis episode our cohosts Brett Knowles and Jack Sweeney explore the insights and commentary from three finance leaders: CFO Michael Bannon of Typeform, CFO Chuck Fisher of Turo, and CFO Jeff Noto of Zayo. The episode discusses the importance of identifying unique and key metrics for businesses, moving beyond common knowledge. Meanwhile, the cohosts discuss some of the fast moving developments when it comes A.I technologies and the planning process. Planning Ace Michael Bannon emphasized the need for sharing information across the organization, ensuring alignment and effective decision-making. Planning Ace Chuck F...
2023-06-3042 minPlanning AcesEp 24: Staying Small While Growing BigThis episode our cohosts Brett Knowles and Jack Sweeney explore the insights and commentary from three finance leaders: CFO Michael Bannon of Typeform, CFO Chuck Fisher of Turo, and CFO Jeff Noto of Zayo. The episode discusses the importance of identifying unique and key metrics for businesses, moving beyond common knowledge. Meanwhile, the cohosts discuss some of the fast moving developments when it comes A.I technologies and the planning process. Planning Ace Michael Bannon emphasized the need for sharing information across the organization, ensuring alignment and effective decision-making. Planning Ace Chuck Fisher highlighted the metrics related to...
2023-06-3033 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADERLeading Cross-Functional Teams - A Planning Aces EpisodeAre you tired of sitting through unproductive monthly meetings that turn into show-and-tell sessions? Do you want to shift your focus to key metrics that matter and move away from storytelling to a more data-driven approach? In this episode of the Planning Aces podcast, Cohosts Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles feature the commentary and insights of three finance leaders who don’t mind displacing the status quo as they seek to optimize their business metrics and drive performance. Episode #23 kicks off with the hosts featuring recent commentary from Dayton Kellenberger, CFO of Vendavo, who shares hi...
2023-06-0239 min
Planning AcesEp 23: Leading Cross- Functional TeamsAre you tired of sitting through unproductive monthly meetings that turn into show-and-tell sessions? Do you want to shift your focus to key metrics that matter and move away from storytelling to a more data-driven approach? In this episode of the Planning Aces podcast, Cohosts Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles feature the commentary and insights of three finance leaders who don't mind displacing the status quo as they seek to optimize their business metrics and drive performance. Episode #23 kicks off with the hosts featuring recent commentary from Dayton Kellenberger, CFO of Vendavo, who shares his...
2023-06-0138 min
Planning AcesEp 22: The Power of GPT in PlanningPlanning Ace's guest host Brett Knowles suggests that GPT can be used as an extra member at the planning table, providing a catalyst for exploring ideas and expanding horizons. By generating scenarios and validating strategies against them, planners can identify environmental and situational factors that need to be true for a strategy to work. But the true power of GPT lies in its ability to test a plan through the eyes of different stakeholders, such as investors, regulators, competitors, and employees, before presenting it to the executive committee. This allows planners to pretest their plan against a...
2023-04-2146 min
Planning AcesEp 21: When Sales is at The TableIn this Planning Aces episode, host Jack Sweeney and guest host Ben Murray discuss the collaborative organizational effort behind generating business intelligence (BI) and the different places BI resources may reside within a business, with reference to an episode featuring Gary Zyla, CFO of AssetMark. The hosts also discuss the role of finance in enabling sales, the challenges faced by sales teams, and the importance of financial discipline and visibility in a company's financials, regardless of market conditions. The episode features insights from other finance leaders, including Teodora Gouneva, CFO of Next Insurance, and Wailun Chan, CFO of Grafana...
2023-03-3129 min
Planning AcesEp 20: Planning's New Math: PLG + Product UsageFeaturing Special Guest Co Host Ben Murray As more businesses track customer product usage ever more closely, finance leaders are busy fine tuning the collaborative approaches that allow their organizations to identify and pursue expansion opportunities. Ben and Jack discuss the collaborative organizational teams that are putting their companies on the path to greater net dollar retention as they seek to glean more customer insights and better expose customer intent. This episode features the FP&A insights and commentary of CFO Jonathan Carr of Armis, CFO Kevin Rubin of Alteryx, and CFO Patrick McClymont of Hager...
2023-02-2435 min
Planning AcesEp 19: Why FP&A Designs the Questions It's no secret, professionals from various departments must work together to correctly calculate Customer Lifetime Value (CLV), Customer acquisition cost (CAC) or Lead-to-customer ratios. This episode we explore how collaboration and communication is always essential to ensure these calculations and others take into account all relevant factors. This episode features the FP&A insights and commentary of CFO Thomas Fennimore of Luminar Technologies, CFO Jared Poff of Designer Brands, and CFO John McCauley of Calendly. "The way I think about it is that FP&A really needs to design the questions we'r...
2023-01-2731 min
Planning AcesEp 18: Dragon Slayer of the Budgeting World - A Tribute to Steve PlayerWhen consultant Steve Player died last month at the age of 64, the business function that he had tormented, ridiculed, and war-hammered for more than two decades stood quivering in the shadows. Still breathing, the beast of a business process known as budgetary control had withstood its most notorious assailant's heaviest blows—in itself a resounding tribute to those industry high priests who had given the process life in the first half of the 20th century. However, many agree that it's only a matter of time before budgetary control succumbs to its many injuries and a pr...
2022-12-3029 min
Planning AcesEp 17: Legibility & LeversTo grow efficiently businesses must have legibility across the organization, explains Airtable CFO Ambereen Toubassy, who tells us legibility can only be achieved by having everyone throughout the business using the same metrics. Along the way, Toubassy says finance leaders must ensure their organization's data capture is being conducted correctly and consistently. It may sound easy, but as this episode's three Planning Aces reveal achieving legibility is a growing business presents daily challenges to those residing inside the FP&A realm. With Guest Host Glenn Hopper This episode features the FP&A insights and commentary of CFO An...
2022-12-0240 min
2022-11-0443 min
Planning AcesEp 15: Let the Data Tell the StorySteve and Jack discuss the data tsunami that many organizations are now facing and what steps finance executives can take to replace their historical, backward-looking, "batch mode" thinking with more proactive approaches that will allow finance teams to achieve more predictive outcomes. This episode's distinguished Planning Aces reveal the leadership mindsets and approaches now driving the shift away from batch mode. Featuring FP&A insights and commentary from CFO Claire Bramley of Teradata, CFO Sandra Rowland of Xylem, CFO Anna King of Mesh Payments and CFO Pat Dillon of Flock Freight.
2022-09-3040 min
Planning AcesEp 14: Let RPA Lead Rather Than ReplaceSteve and Jack discuss how FP&A is becoming a world beyond finance - where data expertise and insights are becoming as widely sought after as traditional accounting skills. Meanwhile, Steve urges finance professionals to take an enlightened view of robotic process automation (RPA). Rather than replace the work of humans, the adoption of RPA offers finance professionals the opportunity to pursue new roles and opportunities ideal for developing future leaders, explains Steve. Featuring commentary and FP&A insights from Planning Aces: CFO Glenn Hopper of Sandline Global, CFO Adam Swiecicki of Brex, CFO Peter Walker of Sterling and CF...
2022-08-2648 min
Planning AcesEp 13: From Euphoria to 'Uh-oh!Steve and Jack discuss how pricing strategy has increasingly become top of mind for finance leaders as businesses become more responsive to customer behaviors, and Steve reflects on the virtues of time travel and how by asking finance leaders to reflect on their past experiences we enjoy a front row seat to view those experiences as they happen. Featuring commentary and FP&A insights from Planning Aces: CFO Mike Milotich of Marqeta, CFO Jeff Shepherd of Advance Auto Parts and CFO Mark George of Norfolk Southern.
2022-07-2041 min
Planning AcesEp 12: Achieving a More Agile Finance Function | A Planning Aces EpisodeSteve and Jack discuss how growing concerns about a possible economic recession are helping fuel CFO aspirations for creating a more agile finance function, and Steve reflects on how different career experiences and backgrounds influence how CFOs lead and make business decisions. Featuring commentary and FP&A insights from Planning Aces: CFO David Barnes of Trimble, CFO , CFO Komal Misra of Starry, Inc. and CFO Jason Keen of Mills Nebraska.
2022-06-1747 min
Planning AcesEp 11: Getting a Read on the World's New RealitiesSteve and Jack talk about the volatile business environment and what it means for business planning professionals. Featuring commentary and FP&A insights from Planning Aces: CFO Will Johnson of Iterable, CFO Adam Ante of Paycor, CFO Ryan Van Hatten of Prophix and CFO Steve Vintz of Tenable.
2022-05-2058 min
Planning AcesEp 10: Getting in DeeperSteve and Jack discuss how successful financial planning teams are always looking to get in deeper and bring new insights to the surface. Featuring commentary and FP&A insights from Planning Aces: CFO Adriana Carpenter of Emburse, CFO Kent Kelley of Unanet and CFO Brandon Maultasch of Moloco.
2022-04-2938 minPlanning AcesEp 9: Expecting the UnexpectedSteve and Jack discuss how finance professionals must give more thought to how they communicate "the news" inside their organizations in order to avoid being cast by other functional teams as "the bearer of bad news." Featuring commentary and FP&A insights from Planning Aces: CFO Russ Porter, CFO, IMA, CFO Nipun Soni of BillionToOne and CFO Gina Mastanuono of ServiceNow.
2022-03-2541 minPlanning AcesEp 8: The Move to BetterSteve and Jack discuss how the goal of planning teams and organizations should always be moving beyond the accepted practices or tools to something better. Featuring commentary and FP&A insights from Planning Aces: CFO Bill Zerella of ACV Auctions , CFO Scott Walker of Clarity Software & CFO Michael High of Deep Water Gulf of Mexico, Shell
2022-02-1848 minPlanning AcesEp7: Increasing the Velocity of Your FlywheelSteve and Jack are joined by friend of Planning Aces Bryan Lapidus, who is today director of FP&A for the Association for Financial Professionals. Bryan discusses 2022 planning priorities, while offering guidance to FP&A teams tasked with helping their organization advance into the new year's uncertain environment. This episode features commentary and FP&A insights from Planning Aces: CFO Jason Child of Splunk and CFO Cassandra Hudson, of EngageSmart.
2022-01-2158 minPlanning AcesEp 6: The Speed of TrustSteve and Jack discuss how building trust may be an FP&A professional's greatest skillset. Featuring commentary and FP&A insights from Planning Aces: CFO Puneet Pamnani of KORE Wireless, CFO Robert Alvarez of BigCommerce & CFO Dave Bernhardt of SentinelOne.
2021-12-2940 min
Planning AcesEp 5: Planning's Longest YardSteve and Jack discuss FP&A's 100-year march. Featuring commentary and FP&A insights from Planning Aces: CFO Kurt Shintaffer of Apptio CFO Jim Morgan of CallRail & CFO Daniel O'Shaughnessy of FormLabs.
2021-11-2739 minPlanning AcesEp 4: When FP&A Becomes a Business FunctionSteve & Jack discuss planning's crunch time in the 4th quarter and the operationalization of FP&A inside different business functions. Featuring FP&A Insights & Commentary from Planning Aces: Sameer Ralhan, CFO, The Chemours Company, Chris Kuehn, CFO, Trane Technologies, Laurence Capone, CFO, Pipedrive. Akash Palkhiwala, CFO Qualcomm.
2021-10-2934 minPlanning AcesEp 3: Making Your Next FP&A HireSteve & Jack talk FP&A hiring and the challenges related to managing people spread across an organization. Featuring FP&A Insights & Commentary from Planning Aces: Ian Charles, CFO, Flexe, Beth Clymer, CFO, Job Case, Mark Shifke, CFO, Billtrust, Mike Rasic, CFO, Synapse.
2021-09-1739 min
Planning AcesEp 2: Evolving Your Metrics, A Wall Street Point of View Steve and Jack discuss how FP&A functions vary in size and mission, private vs public metrics, "decomposing" your metrics. Featuring FP&A Insights & Commentary from Planning Aces Ross Tennenbaum, CFO, Avalara, Waifa Chau, CFO, Nylas Brad Kinnish, CFO, Aryaka. This Episode Features FP&A Insights & Commentary from: Ross Tennenbaum, CFO Avalara Waifa Chau, CFO, Nylas Brad Kinnish, CFO, Aryaka
2021-08-1343 min
Planning AcesEp 1: A Cut Above FP&A - Introducing Planning Aces This Episode Features FP&A Insights & Commentary from: Chad Gold, CFO, SalesLoft Maria Manrique, CFO, O'Reilly Media Harmit Singh, CFO, Levi Strauss & Co. Andrew Kenny, CFO, Scoular
2021-07-1546 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADER426: Part II: The Age of Real Time Strategy Dashboards | CFO David Morris, Guardian Pharmacy & Brett KnowlesNOW SUBSCRIBE: The Quarterly Digest of CFO Strategic Insight http://bit.ly/2Wfv291 (50 CFO Profiles Every Issue). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jacksweeney.substack.com
2018-09-1724 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADER398: Gaining a Sustainability Edge | Dan Fogel, Wake Forest University, Brett Knowles, PM2 ConsultingNOW SUBSCRIBE: The Quarterly Digest of CFO Strategic Insight http://bit.ly/2Wfv291 (50 CFO Profiles Every Issue). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jacksweeney.substack.com
2018-06-0633 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADER391: The Future of Compensation | Featuring Chris Cabrera, CEO Xactly & Brett KnowlesNOW SUBSCRIBE: The Quarterly Digest of CFO Strategic Insight http://bit.ly/2Wfv291 (50 CFO Profiles Every Issue). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jacksweeney.substack.com
2018-05-1327 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADER349: The Age of Strategic Transparency | CFO Dave Pomeroy, Brett KnowlesThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jacksweeney.substack.com
2017-12-1133 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADER317: Data Automation & The Future of Finance | Steve Love, CFO, Dialpad & Brett Knowles, Thought LeaderJoin us when Steve Love, CFO, Dialpad and performance thought leader Brett Knowles, reveal how RPA is reshaping corporate functions while making finance’s analytical rigor more accessible across the organization. Growing numbers of CFOs are already marching in step with the robots as they evaluate and automate the processes that will allow their team to refocus on becoming exceptional analysts and strategic advisors, rather than yesterday’s bean counters. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jacksweeney.substack.com
2017-07-2737 min
CFO THOUGHT LEADER273: A.I. and the Future of Finance | Brett Knowles, Performance Management, Thought LeaderThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jacksweeney.substack.com
2017-01-0638 min
Middle Market Thought Leader | Priorities for Growth117: Inside Coast to Coast | Our Featured Workplace ChampionJack Sweeney & Brett Knowles Spotlight Strategies From Talent-Minded Business Leaders
2016-12-0926 min