Shows
The Diary of a CFOMistakes founders make during fundraising (from a cfo who has done 50+ M&A and Exit deals)Most founders make the same fundraising mistakes and do not realize it until the cash is gone.In this episode, I sit down with Julianne Averill, a healthcare AI CFO, board director, and fractional CFO with over 20 years of experience helping life science and digital health companies scale through fundraising, M&A, and IPOs. She has been through over 50 transactions on both the buy and sell side and currently serves as a fractional CFO working with multiple founders at once.We break down how startup funding actually works from Seed all the way to IPO...
2026-03-2638 min
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthHow CFOs Scale Profitability in the Intelligence Age with Steve BrownBuild your stunning presentations and web pages with Gamma App: https://kingdemspod-hbxmg4de.manus.space/toolsIn the transition to an AI first organization, the CFO’s role shifts from historical reporting to strategic futurism. Steve Brown joins Diary of a CFO to discuss how financial leaders can evaluate the ROI of AI and move beyond linear growth constraints.Summary: The balance sheet of the future is not written in currency alone but in the proprietary data and machine partnerships an organization commands. Steve Brown hands financial lead...
2026-03-201h 05
The Diary of a CFOinsightsoftware President Jennifer Warawa on How AI is Changing the Office of the CFOIn this episode of The Diary of a CFO Podcast, host Wassia Kamon sits down with Jennifer Warawa, President of insightsoftware and a seven-time honoree as one of the top 25 most powerful women in accounting, to explore what CFOs must fix before implementing AI.Drawing on over 25 years of experience at the intersection of finance, technology, and leadership, Jennifer shares :Why systems and talent have not kept pace with the evolution of the CFO role,How AI amplifies what already exists rather than fixing broken foundations, What a successful AI implementation looks like and how to...
2026-03-1838 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthThe Data Mandate: Why Your AI Strategy is Failing Without a Data StrategyBuild your stunning presentations and web pages with Gamma App: https://kingdemspodcast.com/tools Stop asking what you can do with AI and start asking what business challenges you are actually solving. In this episode of Diary of a CFO, Ademola Odewade sits down with Ron Shevlin, Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors and one of the world’s leading fintech influencers, to strip away the marketing hype and reveal the cold math of digital transformation.We are moving past the era of "digital-first" into a "fintech-first" reality where traditional banking models are being structurally dism...
2026-03-131h 07Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthFinancial Intelligence Strategies to Scale a $7B Global Enterprise with Dr. Vivek ErankiBuild your stunning presentations and web pages with Gamma App: https://kingdemspodcast.com/toolsFinancial intelligence for founders is the difference between a lifestyle business and a $7B legacy. Dr. Vivek Eranki shares CFO strategy and wealth growth mindset shifts to scale global assets.Summary:Precision is the currency of the elite. Move beyond the balance sheet and into the minds of those who treat capital as a tool for global disruption and generational impact.Key Insights:How financial intelligence for founders converts raw clinical skill in...
2026-03-0945 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthHow to Architect Financial Resilience and Master Risk Advisory with Nadine NibaBuild your stunning presentations and web pages with Gamma App: https://kingdemspodcast.com/toolsFinancial leadership is no longer just about the balance sheet. Nadine Niba breaks down how to leverage risk advisory and relationship capital to protect margins and scale global operations.Summary:In an era where AI is automating the technicalities of accounting, the true value of a CFO lies in their ability to navigate uncertainty. Nadine Niba, a powerhouse who has shaped risk strategies at EY, PWC, and KPMG, joins us to reveal the blueprint for strategic...
2026-03-071h 03Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthHow CFO Systems Can Centralize the UGC Economy & Scale Creator Marketplaces with PrincewillBuild your next presentation with Gamma: 👉 https://kingdemspodcast.com/toolsThe creator economy is booming, but most marketplaces operate with fragmented financial systems, weak contract management, and inefficient payment structures.Summary:In this episode of Diary of a CFO, we explore how founders can build financial infrastructure that centralizes the UGC lifecycle, improves trust through escrow systems, and creates scalable operational frameworks for global creator marketplaces.If you want to understand the finance and operations behind modern creator platforms, this conversation provides the CFO-level blueprint.The creator economy is...
2026-03-0730 min
The Diary of a CFOFormer Caterpillar Group CFO on The Leadership Skills Finance Professionals Must Master to Reach the TopIn this episode of The Diary of a CFO Podcast, host Wassia Kamon sits down with Dave DeFreitas, retired group CFO of Caterpillar Inc., to explore the unconventional career path that took him from staff accountant to the C-suite.Drawing on over 30 years of experience leading finance teams at one of the world's largest manufacturing companies, Dave shares why he had seven different jobs in his first six years before getting his first promotion, and how those lateral moves built the foundation for executive-level thinking. The conversation also explores:The situational leadership framework that...
2026-02-2652 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthMastering Sales Psychology and Scaling Creatrhub | Olubukola Sogbolu (Part 1)Mastering Sales Psychology and Scaling Creatrhub | Olubukola Sogbolu (Part 1)This episode includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and begin your growth journey at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 percent off.Summary:In this powerful Diary Of A CFO conversation, Olubukola Sogbolu breaks down the financial psychology behind conversion, positioning and sustainable growth.Founders do not struggle because their product is weak. They struggle because their financial narrative is unclear. Revenue is a reflection of empathy translated into numbers.From the...
2026-02-2645 min
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthHow AI in Business Drives Financial Performance Through Human ConnectionOn this episode of Diary Of A CFO, Ademola Odewade sits down with Vlad Panchenko to explore the financial architecture behind human-AI partnership.EPISODE SUMMARY:This is not a conversation about automation hype. It is a strategic discussion about capital allocation, decision quality, leadership psychology and how AI can scale revenue without eroding culture.For CFOs, founders and finance leaders, the question is no longer whether to adopt AI. It is how to deploy it in a way that compounds judgment, protects downside risk and strengthens long-term enterprise value.Step into...
2026-02-2538 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthScale or Stagnate? Diary of a CFO Profit Strategies w/ Scale Architect Scott RitzheimerProfit strategies meet strategy insights as smart CFO Ademola Odewade hosts architect Scott Ritzheimer - unlocking money management revenue scale growth strategy data-driven decisions startup performance.Ready to rise from “busy founder” to decisive leader? Scott unpacks the 7-stage Founders Evolution, reveals why liquidity beats vanity metrics, and shares practical frameworks that helped 20 000+ startups smash growth ceilings. Tune in, level up and help us vault from Global Top 10 % to Top 1 % on ListenNotes before 2025 – hit ★Follow and share this episode with one driven friend today.🔥 Unlock Your Growth Stack – Click & Win:✅ Create stunning decks with Gamma → https://try.gamma...
2026-02-1857 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies and Tax Mastery with Morgan Anderson and Ademola Odewade | Diary of a CFOProfit strategies meet smart finance as fractional cfo Morgan Anderson and Ademola Odewade share startup money management, accounting hacks, AI insights, cash flow plays and data wins boosting growth.Ready to slash tax headaches, lift profit and power sustainable business growth? In this Diary of a CFO episode, tax expert Morgan Q. Anderson EA unpacks proactive compliance, credit pre-qualification, scam avoidance and data-driven decisions that keep revenue rising. Host Ademola Odewade adds fractional CFO perspective so founders, CEOs and accountants can turn finance insights into action fast.🎯 Help us climb from Global Top 10 % to Top 1 % on...
2026-02-1808 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies & Data-Driven Growth with Fractional CFO Monica Roca-QuesadaProfit strategies, money management & startup finance headline this Diary of a CFO episode, where financial strategist Ademola Odewade sits down with smart fractional CFO Monica Roca-Quesada to share accounting-driven tactics that boost profit, accelerate business growth and safeguard income. Get ready for actionable financial strategies and finance insights every entrepreneur can use today.16-Point Profit Driver Blueprint – Monica unpacks her “Business Machine” framework, showing founders, CEOs and accountants how to turn revenue into sustainable profit while cutting unnecessary expenses and savings leaks.Data-Driven Decisions with QuickBooks, AI & Smart HR – See real dashboards and tech tools that tra...
2026-02-181h 12
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthExit-Ready: Profit Strategies & Valuation Growth with Darryl Bates-BrownswordIs your business growth strategy truly exit-ready? Discover profit strategies, financial insights, and valuation growth secrets with CFO expert Darryl Bates-Brownsword.Summary:Selling a business is not just about profit—it’s about valuation growth, smart strategies, and making your company irresistible to buyers. In this Diary of a CFO episode, Ademola Odewade sits down with Darryl Bates-Brownsword to reveal profit strategies, financial planning, and valuation-boosting moves every entrepreneur should know.Key Takeaways:Build an Exit-Ready Business: Why only 10–20% of businesses sell successfully—and how to beat the oddsValuation over Profit...
2026-02-181h 15
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies, AI & Blockchain in Real Estate Finance w/ Chris BC | Diary of a CFOIs AI in business the missing link to smarter profit strategies and financial growth? Chris BC, CEO of Construct Koin, reveals how blockchain and real estate finance are reshaping income, cash flow, and business growth.In this episode of Diary of a CFO, host Ademola Odewade (ACA, MBA) sits down with Chris Baldrey-Chourio — also known as Chris BC — CEO of Construct Koin, an onchain real estate finance company. Together they explore how AI, blockchain, and strategic finance are powering smarter profit strategies, sustainable business growth, and new opportunities for entrepreneurs, CFOs, and startup founders. Ranked in the Glob...
2026-02-1842 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthBoring Investor Secrets: Profit Strategies & Smart CFO Insights w/ Paul MooreIs boring the real secret to financial freedom? Discover profit strategies, money management, CFO insights, and smart financial planning as Paul Moore joins Ademola Odewade on Diary of a CFO. Ranked Global Top 5% on ListenNotes, this episode unpacks how “boring” investing creates sustainable business growth.🔑 Key Takeaways:Paul Moore — ex-Ford executive, real estate mogul, and author — shares his journey from millionaire to $2.5M debt and back, revealing recession-resistant strategies every business leader, entrepreneur, and founder needs to hear.Why boring investors often outperform speculatorsTop 3 mistakes high-income professionals make in real estate investingCommer...
2026-02-1841 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthHow CFOs Mitigate the $25M Deepfake Risk | Human Firewall Protocols for 2026 with Michele NovackThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 percent off.Financial leaders are facing a new era of risk where executive identity is the most vulnerable unpatched API in the organization. This episode provides a framework for building a human firewall to combat AI driven deepfake attacks and agentic scams that target high value transactions. Learn why traditional "verify with a call" methods are now a liability and how verify to trust protocols protect the balance sheet...
2026-02-1731 min
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthHow Groas AI Autonomous Agents Protect Margins and Replace Marketing Agencies with David PourqueryThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 percent off.Stop bleeding cash on ineffective marketing agencies. David Pourquery reveals how Groas AI in business execution drives capital efficiency and strengthens financial leadership for modern founders.Summary:Step into the future of capital allocation where human error is deleted and autonomous intelligence rules the balance sheet. This is the definitive roadmap for leaders who value margin over vanity.
2026-02-1436 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthThe Mental Models Behind Coding, AI and Scalable EducationThis episode includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 percent off.Scaling inclusive coding education does not start with perfect internet or elite institutions. It starts with mindset, systems and access.In this episode of Diary Of A CFO, Chinmay Lal breaks down how offline-first strategies, structured thinking and commercial discipline are reshaping how the next generation learns to build with technology and AI.This is a conversation about leadership, not just code.
2026-02-0938 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthHow CFOs Scale Profits Without Burning Cash | Harvard MBA, ex-McKinsey: Nick JainCFO-led growth protects cash by prioritising margin discipline, financial intelligence and structured decision making over revenue chasing.This content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 percent off.Authority Summary:Most founders believe growth solves problems. Professional investors know unmanaged growth exposes them.In this episode, Harvard MBA, ex-McKinsey and ex-Bain Capital operator Nick Jain explains how elite finance leaders think. Drawing from private equity, consulting and $100M+ turnarounds...
2026-02-0126 min
King Dems Podcast | Growth Mindset, Leadership, AI and Business InsightsHow Founders Scale Profits Without Burning Cash | Harvard MBA, ex-McKinsey: Nick JainFounders scale profitably by mastering cash flow, financial intelligence and decision systems; not by chasing revenue or relying on instinct.This content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 percent off.AUTHORITY SUMMARY:Most founders believe growth solves problems. Professional investors know unmanaged growth exposes them.In this episode, Harvard MBA, ex-McKinsey and ex-Bain Capital operator Nick Jain (Co-Founder of Eagle Rock CFO) explains how elite finance leaders think...
2026-02-0126 min
The Diary of a CFOThe First‑Time CFO Playbook: The First 90 Days, Imposter Syndrome and Leading the BusinessStepping into your first CFO role can feel overwhelming. In this episode, former divisional CFO and GrowCFO Mentor Kevin Appleby shares what really changes when you move from finance leader to CFO.Drawing on years of experience working with finance leaders across industries, Kevin shares why many CFOs feel unprepared when they step into the role and how the real work begins after the reporting is done. The conversation examines how CFOs add value through judgment, questioning, and forward-looking insight, especially when the path forward is unclear.This episode is for CFOs, aspiring CFOs, and...
2026-01-3051 min
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthTrain Your Brain for Financial Growth: CFO Focus & Memory Mastery with Dave FarrowThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 percent off.If your financial growth, money management and strategic decision-making feel mentally exhausting, your brain systems may be the real bottleneck. In this episode of Diary of a CFO, host Ademola Odewade, MBA, ACA speaks with Dave Farrow, two-time Guinness World Record holder for memory and creator of the neuroscience-validated FIRO method. You will learn how CFO-level focus, cognitive discipline and mental systems drive better profit strategy, sharper...
2026-01-231h 02Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthGrowth Mindset for Financial Growth: CFO Strategies That Scale Profits and ClarityThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 percent off.Financial growth, money management and profit strategy are not optional for serious founders. They are infrastructure. This episode of Diary Of A CFO delivers CFO insights, financial planning frameworks and business finance strategies designed for entrepreneurs who want real income growth and long term control.Hosted by Ademola Odewade MBA ACA BSc, this conversation unpacks how founders can build stronger cash flow, smarter margins and...
2026-01-1936 min
The Diary of a CFOWassia Kamon’s 15-Year Journey from Staff Accountant to CFOIn this solo episode, Wassia Kamon shares how she went from staff accountant to CFO in 15 years, including the moments that didn’t look like progress at all.She talks about:Moments in her career that didn’t look like “progress” from the outside.Rethinking the value of credentials like the CPA, CMA, and MBA.Learning to lead under pressure and make decisions with incomplete information.What it was really like to grow her career while raising young kids.Promotions that looked impressive from the outside but were emotionally hard, including times when she had to support...
2026-01-1626 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthLeadership, Growth Mindset and AI Strategy: Building Systems That Scale Real Business GrowthThis episode includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and begin your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 percent off.Business growth does not start with software. It starts with mindset, leadership discipline and systems that compound.In this episode of Diary Of A CFO, we explore how growth mindset, resilient leadership and AI in business shape long term financial outcomes, decision quality and scalable strategy.Two education system builders reveal why founders fail when culture is misaligned, why tools without clarity create noise...
2026-01-151h 19Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthAI Investing Strategies CFOs Use to Beat the Market with Justin KuyperThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 percent off.Financial growth demands better decisions. Justin Kuyper breaks down AI in business, CFO strategy, profit mindset, financial planning and smart investing frameworks that help founders scale without burning capital.Most founders chase revenue. Elite CFOs engineer outcomes.Actionable CFO Takeaways:Justin Kuyper reveals how AI-powered finance, disciplined decision making and access-driven strategy separate scalable businesses from stalled ones.AI investing...
2026-01-0947 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthThe CFO View on AI vs Human Leadership ft. Landi JacThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 percent off.Fuel your wealth with growth mindset strategies as Landi Jac reveals how AI in business, leadership resilience, therapy insights and human centered systems drive global business growth.From London boardrooms to Bali strategy sanctuaries, Landi Jac has spent decades decoding what makes leaders endure.This episode exposes the intersection of AI, conscious leadership and human mastery where legacy is engineered, not inherited.
2026-01-031h 05
Becker's CFO + Revenue Cycle PodcastShelly Schorer, FHFMA, MBA, California CFO at CommonSpirit HealthIn this episode, Shelly Schorer, FHFMA, MBA, California CFO at CommonSpirit Health, joins the podcast to discuss the close connection between high-quality care and strong financial performance. She shares how health systems are navigating economic pressures, shifting more care to the ambulatory setting, modernizing the revenue cycle, and adopting new technologies—while continuing to expand patient access and support sustainable growth.
2025-12-3115 min
The Diary of a CFOBeyond the Numbers: Leadership Lessons from Three-Time Nonprofit CFO, Teri KozubIn this episode of The Diary of a CFO Podcast, host Wassia Kamon sits down with Teri Kozub, a three-time CFO with more than 33 years of experience in nonprofit finance and current CFO at Community Legal Services of Mid Florida.Teri shares how her non-linear career shaped her leadership style, why nonprofit finance is far more complex than many assume, and how CFOs can lead effectively through uncertainty, risk, and mission-driven pressure.Expect to LearnWhy the CFO role extends far beyond numbers and reportingHow nonprofit CFOs navigate uncertainty and funding volatilityWhat trust and...
2025-12-3128 min
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthCFO Growth Through Authority: Profit Strategy via PR ft. Anna TranGet mental health support with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/kingdemsFTC Disclosure: This episode contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.Financial growth. Profit strategy. CFO mindset.In this episode of Diary Of A CFO | Strategies for Business Financial Growth, host Ademola Odewade, MBA, ACA, BSc sits down with PR strategist Anna Tran to reveal how founders and CFOs can use authority, storytelling and AI in business to drive profit strategy, financial growth and long-term valuation.Anna Tran is the founder of Level Up With Anna...
2025-12-281h 07
Digital Business Podcast - CFO Show by Matthias Walter ESER#197 - Kim Feigl Ex-CFO Everdrop im Interview mit Matthias Walter EserWir übernehmen Deine Finanzführung auf CFO-Niveau – Cash, KPIs, Forecasting, Banken/Finanzierung, Reporting, Struktur & Governance. Liquidität sichernPlanbarkeit erhöhenWachstum finanzierbar machen Exit-ready werden.🔗 https://eser.capital/erstgespraech/-----------------------------------------------------------Matthias Walter Eser ist M&A-Berater, externer CFO und offizielles Mitglied im Forbes Finance Council. Als Gründer von ESER CAPITAL begleitet er E-Commerce- und Wachstumsunternehmen bei komplexen Transaktionen und der finanziellen Strukturierung. Er kennt beide Seiten des Tisches: Als Unternehmer, der Firmen aufgebaut hat, und als Berater, der Deals verhan...
2025-12-231h 25Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthFaith Driven Leadership and Profit Strategy for Modern CFOs ft. Dr. Yvette RiceThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 percent off.Faith driven leadership meets profit strategy in this Diary of a CFO episode. Discover CFO insights on financial planning, money management and building resilient financial growth in uncertain markets.In this episode of Diary of a CFO, Ademola Odewade explores with Dr. Yvette Rice how faith driven leadership, financial planning and profit strategy shape resilient businesses. Learn how CFOs and founders align money management with...
2025-12-1549 min
The Diary of a CFOReal Fraud Stories and Legal Protection for Your Fractional CFO Firm with Attorney Natalia GreeneAttorney and risk-management expert Natalia Greene reveals the real stories behind major fraud cases, including those featured on American Greed that she personally worked on.She also shares exactly how accountants, fractional CFOs, and boutique finance firms accidentally expose themselves to lawsuits, even when they’ve done nothing wrong.We cover: The wildest embezzlement schemes she’s seen in 20+ years of litigation Why accountants often get blamed first when fraud is uncovered The engagement letter mistakes that put firms at massive risk How scope creep silently increases your legal exposure The insurance policy every frac...
2025-12-1046 min
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthButtermilk to AI Profit Strategies with GMS Kumar | Diary of a CFOThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.Explore profit strategies, money management, CFO insights and financial planning as GMS Kumar reveals how resilience built his rise from selling buttermilk at 13 to leading AI in construction tech and shaping global business growth.Some stories remind you that profit is not a number. Profit is a destiny. GMS Kumar embodies this truth. From the streets of Chennai selling buttermilk at age 13 to building AI powered construction tech...
2025-12-102h 21
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthSelf Mastery for Financial LeadersSelf mastery shapes performance. In this Diary of a CFO clip Yuan Yufeng explains why honesty is the foundation of disciplined leadership financial clarity and long term growth. He shares a raw story from his UCLA fraternity that forced him to confront his habits reflect with precision and build a truthful mindset that now drives his personal and professional evolution.Ademola connects the lesson with Yoruba wisdom from Nigeria to show why truth always rises and why leaders who ignore it face financial emotional and operational consequences.This clip equips founders executives and CFOs with the mindset...
2025-11-3004 min
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthAI Growth Tools Every Small Business Must UseIn this conversation Ademola Isimeme and GMS Kumar explore how AI is transforming jobs small business growth and everyday work. They explain why AI improves efficiency not replaces people how technology has always created new opportunities and why learning new tools is essential for survival. They also highlight how freelancers and AI systems help small businesses grow faster and stay relevant.🎧 TAKEAWAYS:• AI assists not replaces• Technology evolves and so must we• Learning new tools is a survival skill• Freelancers give flexibility to small businesses• AI boosts eff...
2025-11-2705 min
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthStrategies That Transform Growth Mindset for Leaders ft Yuan YufengThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.Profit strategies for founders start with mindset. This CFO conversation with Yuan Yufeng unpacks money management, financial planning, and business growth through the lens of identity and high performance.Summary:This episode reveals the mindset behind smart finance. Yuan Yufeng breaks down the inner patterns that shape profit, cash flow, decision making, and leadership clarity. This is the...
2025-11-252h 33
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthBreakthrough Profit Strategies with Ted Santos | CFO Mindset for Personal and Business GrowthThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.This episode is a breakthrough masterclass. Personal evolution meets business transformation as Ted Santos reveals the profit strategies and mindset frameworks that help CEOs unlock new levels of financial growth leadership and identity.This is not just financial planning. It is a psychological reset. It is a journey into the beliefs that build or block profit. It is a cinematic deep dive into the chaos the courage...
2025-11-202h 39
The Diary of a CFOWhat CEOs Want from Today’s CFO, with Executive Recruiter, Mark JohnsonIn this episode of The Diary of a CFO, executive recruiter Mark Johnson shares insider perspectives on what CEOs are really looking for in today's CFOs. Discover how the expectations of finance leadership are evolving, what separates top candidates in interviews, and the essential qualities that define success in the modern C-suite. Whether you’re an aspiring finance leader or a seasoned executive, you’ll gain actionable advice to stand out and thrive at the top.Expect to LearnBeyond the Resume: Why today’s CFOs must stand out with emotional intelligence, resili...
2025-11-2042 min
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthFrom Fear to Financial Freedom: Profit Strategies & Mindset Mastery w/ Kevin BarnicleThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 % off.Kevin Barnicle turned fear into freedom. A self-made entrepreneur who built Control, sold it twice, and rewrote the playbook for modern founders. In this episode, we uncover how he scaled through recurring revenue, mastered financial literacy, built emotional resilience through therapy, and created wealth through discipline and belief.💼 Key Takeaways:Turning fear into fuel for financial growthHow to shift from project rev...
2025-11-111h 27Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthTurning Chaos into Profit: Disruptive CFO Mindset w/ Ted SantosThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 % off.Profit strategies meet paradigm shifts.In this powerful Diary of a CFO conversation, Ted Santos reveals how chaos, disruption, and mindset mastery fuel business growth, financial planning, and money management. Discover how to engineer breakthroughs, build resilient teams, and lead with conviction in uncertain markets.💡 Key Takeaways:Profit strategies that thrive in chaosCFO insights on turning breakdowns into breakthroughsMon...
2025-11-062h 16Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthCFO Leadership Psychology & Tech Strategy: Communication Intelligence w/ Aleksandra LemańskaThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 % off.Profit strategies, CFO insights, and money management tools meet modern leadership psychology.Host Ademola Odewade (MBA, ACA) and co-host Noella Rook sit with Polish leadership expert Aleksandra Lemańska, founder of Leman Skills and creator of the CQ Leadership Method, to decode how self-awareness, measurable communication, and emotional intelligence drive business growth and financial planning for tech-driven teams.💡 Key Takeaways:How to apply lead...
2025-11-021h 33
The Diary of a CFOBuilding a Finance Function That Drives Growth: Lessons from Liberty Bank’s CFO, Paul YoungWhat does it take to turn a traditional finance team into a true strategic business partner?In this episode, Paul Young, CFO of Liberty Bank, shares how he connected strategy, budgeting, and talent development to create a finance function built for impact.Paul brings over 25 years of experience leading finance, strategy, business transformation, and digital innovation across major institutions such as Citizens Bank, TD Bank, CIT, and Siemens Financial Services.If you’ve ever felt stuck between strategy and execution, this one’s for you.We talked about:How starting stra...
2025-10-3049 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies & AI Leadership Insights w/ Yeelen Knegtering (CEO of Klippa)This content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.Discover powerful profit strategies, CFO insights, and money-management lessons from Yeelen Knegtering, CEO of Klippa — a Dutch SaaS leader transforming global automation with AI. Hosted by Ademola Odewade, MBA, ACA, BSc (Econ), with co-host Noella Rook, this episode dives into AI-driven finance, leadership, innovation, and mindset for business growth.💡 Key Takeaways:• Frustration can fuel innovation and leadership growth• Start selling early — don’t wait to “...
2025-10-291h 23Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthAI, Ethics & Profit Strategy: The CFO’s Guide to Smart Innovation w/ Dr. Ilya SmirnovThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a licensed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.AI is transforming industries — but how do CFOs harness it responsibly? Learn powerful profit strategies, money management insights, and financial planning principles that merge innovation with ethics.In this powerful conversation, Dr. Ilya Smirnov, Head of AI & ML at UseTech, joins Ademola Odewade (MBA, ACA) on Diary of a CFO to unpack the intersection of AI, nuclear energy, finance, and human ethics.💡 Key Takea...
2025-10-2448 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthThe Neuroscience of Smart Finance: Mindset, Decision-Making & Profit Growth w/ Dr Ben ReinThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.Fuel your business growth with neuroscience-driven profit strategies: Dr Benjamin Rein joins Diary of a CFO to decode how the brain influences money management, financial planning, and leadership resilience.Stanford neuroscientist and Chief Science Officer at Mind Science Foundation, Dr Rein explains how cognitive bias, emotion, and stress affect cash-flow decisions, investor confidence, and long-term profitability.🔥 Key TakeawaysHow min...
2025-10-221h 31
The Diary of a CFOWhy Every CFO Feels Stretched and What to Do About It, with Tom HoodCFOs are expected to drive transformation, lead strategy, and still deliver flawless numbers every month. In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, I sit down with Tom Hood, one of the most influential voices in finance leadership, to unpack what’s really behind the growing pressure on today’s CFOs.We talk about:✅ How the CFO role has evolved from finance expert to strategic co-pilot✅ Why upskilling and reskilling are the new competitive edge✅ How to balance performance with transformation✅ The real impact of AI and automation on finance t...
2025-10-1641 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthAI, Fintech & CFO Innovation: The Smart Profit Strategies of the Future w/ Zach Anderson PettetThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling.Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.Fuel your business growth with CFO-level insights from Zach Anderson Pettet, VP of Global Fintech Strategy at Money20/20 and host of Fintech Family Hour. This episode unpacks the powerful connection between AI, fintech, and profit strategies — revealing how the next wave of innovation is transforming the CFO playbook.💡 Key TakeawaysLearn why the smartest companies are adopting AI faster than ever, what fintech partn...
2025-10-122h 25Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthSmart Profit Strategies CFOs Need Now | Kevin Appleby on 100-Day Growth & Mindset MasteryThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling.Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at 👉 https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10 % off.Fuel your profit strategy with CFO insights: Kevin Appleby reveals the 100-Day framework for money management, financial planning, and sustainable business growth.💼 Episode SummaryGlobal Top 5 % podcaster Ademola Isimeme (AI) welcomes Kevin Appleby — Head of Partnerships at Grow CFO and PwC alumnus — for a deep-dive on smart profit strategies, mindset mastery, and CFO leadership in the AI age.📈 Key Takeaways...
2025-10-1058 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthNeuroscience behind Business Strategies & Human Performance w/ Dr. Anjani Chakrala | Diary of a CFOThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.Discover the neuroscience behind profit strategies, CFO decision-making, money management, and business growth as Dr. Anjani Chakrala shares insights on human performance and financial planning.In this episode of Diary of a CFO | Smart Strategies for Business Financial Growth, Ademola Odewade (MBA, ACA, BSc) interviews Dr. Anjani Chakrala — neuroscientist, biotech strategist, and innovation advisor.They explore how neuroscience reshapes financial strategies, decision-making, and human pe...
2025-10-041h 08
The Diary of a CFOLeading Through Market Cycles, with Real Estate and Construction CFO, Bona AllenBrought to you by insightsoftware. Register for our upcoming webinar:https://insightsoftware.com/resources/get-out-of-the-reporting-rut-how-finance-leaders-drive-strategic-impact/What does it take to lead finance through real estate booms, construction slowdowns, and global crises?In this episode of The Diary of a CFO Podcast, I sit down with Bona Allen, a CFO with three decades of experience across real estate development, construction, and investment. Bona has led finance at both public and private companies, navigated the savings and loan crisis, the 2008 crash, and COVID, and built strategies that kept projects and people moving through uncertainty.
2025-10-0136 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies, Trade Policy & CFO Insights: Babak Hafezi on Global GrowthThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.Fuel your financial growth with proven profit strategies. In this episode of Diary of a CFO, Babak Hafezi shares CFO insights on globalization, trade policy, money management, and business growth.🎯 Key Takeaways:Babak Hafezi — CEO of Hafezi Capital and adjunct professor at American University — has advised Fortune 500 CEOs, governments, and entrepreneurs on international market entry, risk management, and financial strategy. He breaks down how globalization, AI, and tra...
2025-09-301h 02Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies & CFO Insights: AI, Money Management & Influence w/ Dr. Tatiana TeppoevaThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.Profit strategies, CFO insights, money management and financial planning drive real business growth. In this episode of Diary of a CFO, Dr. Tatiana Teppoeva — PhD economist, AI strategist and former Microsoft & Boeing leader — shares game-changing strategies on nonverbal intelligence, executive presence and AI-powered sales influence.🔑 Key Takeaways:Learn how to blend financial strategies with trust and leadership to close high-ticket deals, master...
2025-09-281h 28
CFO FOCUS LIVE!CFO Focus Live! How's Your LinkedIn?How’s your LinkedIn?Most CFOs, GCs and other C-Suite execs don’t think much about their LinkedIn. But having a good headshot, compelling profile and regular communication from your LinkedIn profile helps your team see you as a leader, builds your business’ category leadership and builds your personal brand — and maybe even land you your next role.Hear from the experts…* CNBC alum and Wharton MBA instructor Aditi Roy leads the discussion with LinkedIn/ executive comms expert Jess Jensen who has guided CSuite execs at Nestle, Adidas, Microsoft and Qualcomm* Gary Lu, CFO...
2025-09-2535 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies & Global Trade Insights w/ Shanker Singham | Diary of a CFOThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.Fuel your wealth with growth mindset strategies: Shanker Singham, one of the world’s top trade and competition experts, unpacks AI in business, leadership resilience, financial literacy, and self improvement for unstoppable business growth.Shanker — Chairman of the Growth Commission and CEO of Competeer — has advised governments globally, authored A General Theory of Trade and Competition, and shaped economic prosperity polici...
2025-09-2533 min
The Diary of a CFONon-Traditional Pathways to the CFO Seat, with Axile TaloutNot every CFO starts as a controller or FP&A lead. Axel Talout shares how banking and private equity shaped his journey, why your “different” background can be your edge, and how to intentionally build a team that fills your blind spots.Brought to you by insightsoftware. Register for our upcoming webinar:https://insightsoftware.com/resources/get-out-of-the-reporting-rut-how-finance-leaders-drive-strategic-impact/If becoming a CFO is part of your goals, get your CFO readiness score here: https://thecfo.scoreapp.com/
2025-09-2544 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies & AI Growth: CFO Insights w/ Volodymyr PanchenkoThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.Profit strategies, CFO insights, money management, and financial planning for business growth. In this episode of Diary of a CFO | Smart Strategies for Business Financial Growth, Ademola Odewade sits with Volodymyr Panchenko — tech entrepreneur, gaming visionary, and CEO of Portal AI. From profit-first finance strategies to the emotional resilience needed for leadership, this episode blends smart financial planning with entrepreneurial mindset mastery....
2025-09-241h 06Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies & Time Management for Business Growth w/ Alan Lazaros | CFO InsightsProfit strategies, CFO insights, money management and financial planning drive business growth. Alan Lazaros shares smart strategies every entrepreneur and fractional CFO must master.This content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.In this Diary of a CFO episode, host Ademola Odewade (BSc, ACA, MBA) welcomes Alan Lazaros, co-founder of Next Level University and global top 100 podcaster, to unpack the link between time management, mental health and profit strategies.💡 Key Takeaways:CFO insight...
2025-09-2024 min
The Diary of a CFOThe CFO Playbook for Handling Crises and Building FP&A Functions, with Mike HighMike High (CFO, NAIT; ex-Shell Deep Water CFO) shares leadership lessons from the Army to corporate finance: why the “platinum rule” beats one-size-fits-all leadership, what truly changes when you move from FP&A to the CFO seat, and how to carry a portfolio of crises without burning out.We discussed:practical playbooks to lead through a portfolio of crisis,how to keep long-term work moving during emergencies,what most companies get wrong about FP&A,how to make digital transformation succeed.Get your CFO readiness score here: https://thecfo.scoreapp.com/Whether becoming a CF...
2025-09-1740 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies Begin with Peace | CFO Insights on Growth Mindset w/ Moira AboagyeThis content includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp Online Counseling. Get matched with a credentialed therapist and start your growth journey today at https://betterhelp.com/kingdems for 10% off.Smart money management isn’t just numbers — it starts with mindset. Moira Aboagye reveals why accepting the apology you never got builds resilience, emotional clarity, and leadership strength that fuel profit strategies and sustainable business growth.What you’ll learn:Why personal peace is a hidden profit strategy for entrepreneursHow resilience improves CFO decision-making and risk m...
2025-09-1636 min
The Diary of a CFOMoving From Big 4 Auditor to Controller to CFO, with Andrea HechtAndrea Hecht, EVP & CFO at CSAA Insurance Group, walks through the real shifts at each step of her career — from auditor at Big 4 accounting firm, EY, to Controller, and ultimately CFO. She explains how the focus moves from technical detail to culture, strategy, and leadership. We cover:Why the first move from public accounting to industry didn’t work, and why the second one did.How interviews and expectations change as you move up.What makes the Controller → CFO leap so challenging.How to get Accounting and FP&A working as one team.The habits that keep her sharp...
2025-09-1140 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthThe Future of Learning: Business Insights via PodcastsExploring the Future of Learning: Business and Finance Insights through Podcasts. Are Podcasts the future of learning and mindset growth? Deborah Adebola shares how The King Dems Podcast inspired her journey in finance, AI and leadership after winning the Economic Impact Challenge.🚀 About this video: Deborah Adebola, winner of The King Dems Economic Impact Challenge, shares how she discovered the power of podcasts for growth mindset, financial literacy, AI insights and personal development.🎧 Why watch/listen to The King Dems Podcast?• Simple and relatable conversations that fuel continuous learning• Insights on business, AI, finance and personal g...
2025-09-0501 min
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthBrain Power & Profit Strategies: CFO Insights on Stress, Growth & Smart Decision MakingIs your brain’s CEO running your business wisely? Discover how the prefrontal cortex — the brain’s executive center — connects with profit strategies, money management, finance insights, and smart CFO decision making. Hosted by Ademola Odewade, this Global Top 5% podcast unpacks how neuroscience links directly to financial planning, business growth, entrepreneurship, and strategy insights.🧠 How stress impacts brain performance and financial decision making💼 Why the prefrontal cortex is like a fractional CFO guiding smart strategies📊 The link between financial management, cash flow, and sustainable business growth📈 Insights on profit planning, income growth, and strategi...
2025-09-0507 min
The Diary of a CFOAccounting vs FP&A: Which Path Gets You to CFO Faster?Controller vs FP&A : which path gives you a better shot at the CFO seat? Wassia Kamon has done both. In this solo episode, she reveals why neither route guarantees success on its own and what truly sets future CFOs apart. Drawing on her first year as a CFO, Wassia introduces her Executive Readiness Framework and explains how to develop the executive substance, influence, and presence boards and CEOs look for. Whether you're in the weeds of the close or building forecasts, this is the episode that will change how you think about your next move.
2025-09-0421 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies & Tax Secrets: Dave Foster on 1031 Exchanges for Smart Business GrowthSmart profit strategies, financial planning and money management secrets every entrepreneur, CFO and business owner must know. Discover how Dave Foster, seasoned accountant, investor and CEO of The 1031 Investor, mastered tax-deferred real estate growth, financial strategies and long-term business wealth building.🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:We are proudly ranked in the Global Top 5% on ListenNotes — support our mission to reach the Top 1% by 2025!1031 Exchanges explained — how to defer taxes and scale real estate wealth legallyProfit strategies for startups and business owners that protect income and maximize growthFina...
2025-08-2244 min
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthFrom Boardrooms to Breakthroughs: Profit Strategies & Global Health Leadership w/ Jennifer Cain-BirkmoseCan global profit strategies and smart leadership transform healthcare and startups? Discover how finance insights, business growth strategies, and financial planning fuel impact from boardrooms to communities.What happens when a seasoned boardroom leader, fractional CFO advocate, and global health innovator sits down with Ademola Odewade to unpack profit strategies, business growth, and sustainable impact?In this episode of Diary of a CFO, Global Top 10% on ListenNotes, Jennifer Cain-Birkmose shares two decades of leadership experience from WHO, World Bank, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Gates Foundation and co-founding an innovative health tech startup.Key Takeaways:...
2025-08-191h 05Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthSmart Profit Strategies: Service-Led CFO Insights w/ Johann DiazCan profit strategies and money management drive business growth without service at the core? Discover smart CFO insights, financial strategies, and business growth lessons from Johann Diaz, the customer service revolutionizer.Hosted by Ademola Odewade, ACA MBA, this Diary of a CFO | Smart Strategies for Business Financial Growth episode explores service-led profit strategies, financial planning, and customer-first growth.🔑 Key Takeaways:How service-led businesses fuel financial growth and repeat profitCFO strategies for aligning customer journey mapping with financeLessons from consulting with BP, Vodafone, Diageo, UnileverThe tru...
2025-08-171h 09Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthFrom Car Crash to $100K Months: Alan Lazaros on Profit Strategies & Business GrowthWhat does it take to transform adversity into financial success and global influence?In this Global Top 10% ListenNotes ranked episode of Diary of a CFO | Smart Strategies for Business Financial Growth, Ademola Odewade (MBA, ACA, BSc) sits down with Alan Lazaros, engineer turned entrepreneur and co-founder of Next Level University, to uncover the data-driven strategies, mindset frameworks, and execution habits that have built his $100K/month business and 2,100+ episode podcast legacy.💡 Key Insights You’ll Gain:Profit strategies for boosting revenue, cash flow, and long-term financial healthTurning potential into credentials and b...
2025-08-1237 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthFrom Startup Hustle to 12,000+ Customers: Sean Tepper’s Smart Profit StrategiesReady to master profit strategies, money management, and financial growth like a seasoned CFO? Sean Tepper reveals smart finance insights, startup lessons, and business growth strategies that work.What if you could go from startup struggle to 12,000+ global customers in just a few years? In this Diary of a CFO Global Top 10% ListenNotes episode, host Ademola Odewade sits down with Sean Tepper, founder and CEO of TYKR, to unpack profit strategies, money management, and the exact financial strategies fueling his SaaS success.Sean shares insider finance insights, the power of fractional CFO thinking, and how...
2025-08-1155 min
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthModern Slavery Economics: Matt Friedman on Profit Strategies, AI Scams and Sustainable GrowthProfit strategies fuse with strategy insights as CFO host Ademola Odewade unpacks financial growth, smart HR, AI money management and sustainable business scale with anti-slavery leader Matt Friedman.Episode snapshot:Discover how profit strategies, money management and smart finance insights intersect with Matt Friedman’s 37-year crusade against modern slavery. We reveal why ethical business isn’t just moral, it’s a core CFO strategy for business growth .Guest insights:50 million people remain in forced labour or marriage worldwide, yet only 0.2 % receive help Modern slavery wipes £2 billion from a brand overnight (Boohoo...
2025-07-291h 17
Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies & Rapid Growth Secrets with Dr Joey Drolshagen & Ademola OdewadeProfit strategies ignite money management mastery as fractional CFO Ademola Odewade merges expert finance insights with AI driven strategy insights to scale income business growth and HR performance.Ready to break revenue limits and lock in profit? In this explosive Diary of a CFO episode, rapid growth specialist Dr Joey Drolshagen reveals how subconscious mindset training (SMT) fuels data-driven decisions, profit planning and sustainable business scale. Ademola drills into fractional CFO tactics that turn cash flow into long-term equity while slashing expenses with smart HR and tech.🌍 We are already in the Global Top 10 % on Lis...
2025-07-2542 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies and Cybersecurity Growth with Michele Novak | Diary of a CFOProfit strategies, money management, startup savvy! Ademola Odewade, CFO, fuels growth strategy with strategy insights, AI tech, cash flow, strategic finance, UK business, entrepreneur tips.Join cybersecurity leader Michele Novak for a masterclass in:Profit planning that shields income and scales revenueData-driven decisions that turn expenses into equity winsSmart HR and AI tools that lock down cash flowReal founder stories balancing accounting and CFO strategy in fast-growth startups🚀 We are in the Global Top 10 % on ListenNotes. Smash follow, rate 5 stars and share so we hit...
2025-07-2434 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies & Networking Mastery w/ Michael A. Forman | Diary of a CFOProfit strategies, money management, startup growth—Ademola Odewade & CFO Michael A. Forman share finance insights, strategic networking, AI-driven business growth, and CFO strategies for sustainable success.Profit strategies, money management, startup growth—this Diary of a CFO episode delivers expert advice to fuel your business growth. Host Ademola I. Odewade sits down with award-winning communications strategist and USAF veteran Michael A. Forman to explore financial strategies, strategic networking, active listening, and how founders can use data-driven decisions for profitability.Inside this episode:🚀 How CFO strategies boost business growth in any economy💼 Networking...
2025-07-1743 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies Unleashed: Startup Money Management & Fractional CFO Insights w/ Suzanna MartinezProfit strategies, money management & AI-fueled insights collide as smart CFO Ademola Odewade teams with fractional CFO Suzanna Martinez to drop finance hacks that rocket revenue, scale & savings.Trail-blaze through Diary of a CFO as we dissect smart HR, PEO vs EOR, data-driven decisions and strategic finance that keeps founders, CEOs and fractional CFOs ahead of rising costs, taxes and compliance land-mines. Ranked in the Global Top 10 % on ListenNotes, we’re gunning for the Top 1 % before 2025—smash ★ Subscribe ★, share the episode and leave a review to power the climb!⚡️ Quick-Action Growth Stack – try the exact tools we trust✅...
2025-07-1143 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies & Smart CFO Tactics: Ademola Odewade x Jeremy Shapiro on Data-Driven Business GrowthProfit strategies, money management, smart CFO finance insights and business growth collide with strategy insights, tech, AI, HR, data-driven decisions, growth strategy, sustainable business and entrepreneur tips.Episode summaryJoin Ademola Odewade—host of Diary of a CFO and global top 10 % podcaster on ListenNotes—as he grills Silicon Valley author Jeremy Shapiro on turning startups into profit machines. Discover why revenue is vanity but profit, cash flow and customer lifetime value are sanity boosters . Learn how 1 % gains across customers, average sale and frequency multiply into 33 % growth , why raising prices (done right) lifts margins , and how frameworks convert entrepreneurial hust...
2025-07-021h 01Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies & AI-Smart Finance with Elaine Rasmussen on Inclusive Wealth | Diary of a CFOProfit strategies, money management, startup growth and CFO insights collide as Ademola Odewade shares financial hacks for business growth while strategy insights, AI, tech, smart HR decisions scale spur entrepreneurship.Ready to turn income into lasting equity? Join Ademola and inclusive wealth architect Elaine Rasmussen as they decode fractional CFO power, sustainable business management and data-driven decisions that move money differently. Hear how pattern recognition, marketing mastery and brave conversations with investors fuel smart finance moves any founder can copy today.🏆 We are now in the Global Top 10 % on ListenNotes. Help us sprint to the Top...
2025-06-281h 07Diary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthSmart Profit Strategies with CFO Ayobami Ishola: AI Finance Insights for Global Business GrowthRevenue is vanity. Profit is sanity. Cash is king. Profit strategies meet AI strategy insights as smart CFO Ademola Odewade sparks financial growth, money management, data-driven decisions, sustainable business scale, cash flow mastery, expert advice.Ready to grow faster than your cash burn? Join Diary of a CFO | Smart Strategies for Business Financial Growth, now in the global top 10 percent on ListenNotes, as Ademola and finance expert Ayobami Ishola reveal how fractional CFO thinking turns revenue into real profit. Hit play then hit the links below to upgrade your toolkit and push us to the top 1 percent...
2025-06-2648 min
The Diary of a CFOThe Art of Becoming a Strategic CFO, with Dr. Tamer AlsayedIn this episode of The Diary of a CFO, Wassia Kamon speaks with Dr. Tamer Alsayed, CFO at the Future Investment Initiative and author of The Art of Becoming a Strategic CFO. With over two decades of experience across industries and regions, Dr. Tamer offers a clear-eyed view of what today’s finance leaders need to succeed.The discussion covers:How the CFO role has evolved beyond reporting and complianceWhat it means to think and lead strategically in financeLessons from working on IPOs, M&A deals, and international startupsWhy transparency matters more than polish in investor re...
2025-06-2635 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthProfit Strategies & Strategic Finance with Stan Sikinian | Diary of a CFO on Smart Business GrowthProfit strategies, money management, finance insights, business growth fuse as CFO Stan Sikinian drops expert advice, strategic finance, data-led decisions, AI and startup secrets founders crave fast!Level up with this power-packed Diary of a CFO conversation where Ademola Odewade digs into Stan’s journey from Moscow banking to guiding US founders past $450 m in deals. Learn why debt kills more companies than downturns, how to build an infallible business, and the AI workflows that slash reconciliation time. Get the resilience mindset that turned a pandemic wipe-out into a thriving fractional CFO practice.We just hi...
2025-06-2250 minDiary of a CFO | Financial Strategies for Smart Business GrowthUnlocking Business Growth with CFO Strategies: For Entrepreneurs w/Mike Straza | Diary Of A CFOExplore essential CFO strategies aimed at unlocking sustainable business growth for entrepreneurs in this enlightening episode of 'Diary Of A CFO' as we explore essential CFO insights and strategies for entrepreneurs aimed at unlocking sustainable business growth. Join Ademola Odewade as he interviews financial expert Mike Straza, who shares his unique perspectives on overcoming cash flow challenges and fostering effective money management. Gain valuable techniques to detect stagnation in your business early and implement practices that ensure long-term success. Discover Mike's transformative journey from IT to becoming a leading CFO, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence in modern financial...
2025-06-1552 min
The Diary of a CFOFrom School Teacher to CFO, with Atlanta Food Bank CFO, Tamica WilliamsTamica Williams went from relying on food pantries as a kid to leading the largest food bank in Georgia as CFO. She shares how she made the jump from teaching to accounting, built her career and why leadership is about showing up 100% no matter where you start.
2025-05-0140 min
The Diary of a CFOMeet The CFO Who Went Viral on TikTok: Professor Bee NanceWhat do you get when a CFO, CPA, and accounting professor starts teaching on TikTok?42,000 followers and a new way to make accounting finally click.In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, I sit down with Professor Bee Nance to talk about her multi-hyphenate career, from leading a multimillion-dollar nonprofit to becoming a viral content creator and author of Sunny Gets Money, a financial literacy book for kids.We cover:What it takes to thrive as a nonprofit CFOWhy even seasoned finance pros struggle with personal moneyHow Bee’s classroom ex...
2025-04-1828 min
The Diary of a CFOIs the Climb to CFO Worth It?In this solo episode, I answer 4 questions from my newsletter subscribers:Is the climb and reach to CFO worth it?Do you enjoy the work and people?Do you have work-life balance?What helped you get there?If you’ve got questions about leadership, your team, or growing in your role, the best way to ask is through my newsletter. Subscribe at thediaryofacfo.com.
2025-04-0432 min
The Diary of a CFOWhat I’ve Realized After Six Months as CFOSix months as a CFO has taught me a lot about leadership, decision-making, and what it really takes to succeed in this role. In this solo episode, I share my biggest takeaways so far: why managing a board is nothing like just presenting to one, how to lead when there’s no playbook, and why staying plugged into the right circles is non-negotiable.
2025-03-0617 min
The Diary of a CFOLeadership Lessons from a CFO-Turned-Coach, Jeremy Earnshaw After 25 years as a CFO, Jeremy Earnshaw transitioned from managing numbers to mentoring leaders. He shares what he wishes he knew earlier, the common leadership mistakes CFOs make, and how coaching can accelerate career growth. We also talk about the shift from technical expertise to strategic influence, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and the mindset changes that separate good CFOs from great ones.
2025-02-2040 min
The Diary of a CFOBalancing Strategy, Risk & Leadership as a CFO, with Scott MeyersIn this episode, I sit down with Scott Meyers, CFO of Plurilock, to talk about what it really takes to lead in today’s fast-changing business world. From navigating financial landmines to handling the unexpected, Scott shares real-world lessons (and some great punchlines) about what it really takes to be a modern CFO.
We dive into the realities of the CFO role, including how to think strategically, communicate effectively with the board, and ensure your team is set up for success. A must-listen for finance leaders looking to balance strategy, risk, and a few good laughs along th...
2025-02-0735 min
The Diary of a CFOLearning and Leading as a Modern CFO, with Basem WaheedIn this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome my first international guest, Basem Waheed, CFO of Golden Chicken Farms Co. in Saudi Arabia. Basem shares his inspiring journey from accounting to modern finance leadership, including how he spearheaded a digital transformation that reduced month-end close to just one day for the large conglomerate.
Tune in to hear his insights on balancing technical expertise with communication, fostering trust across teams, and embracing lifelong learning to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced business world.
2025-01-2338 min
The Diary of a CFOBehind the Scenes of My First 90 Days as CFOBecoming a CFO is an exciting milestone, but those first 90 days can be a whirlwind of learning, decisions, and adjustments. In this episode of Diary of a CFO, I reflect on my journey through my first three months in the role—what I got right, what I wish I had done differently, and the lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The key advice from my mentor and executive coach that set me up for success before day one.
How to build meaningful relationships with your team and...
2024-11-2925 min
The Diary of a CFOStarting Strong as a New CFO, with Matt ZieglerIn this episode of Diary of a CFO, I sit down with Matt Ziegler, CFO of GovExec, to unpack what it really takes to hit the ground running in a new CFO role.
Matt shares his experience moving from FP&A to CFO, managing multiple functions, and finding his footing in a company with complex business models.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How to structure your first 90 days as CFO for maximum impact
The skills to shift from FP&A to a broader CFO role
Effective onboarding techniques and why pre-planning matters
The impo...
2024-11-1446 min
The Diary of a CFOWhat They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO - Part 3 of 3Welcome to the final part of What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO. In this episode, I explore why being able to say no is a critical skill for any CFO and leader. Here's what you'll learn:
Why saying yes too often can damage your focus and leadership credibility
How overcommitting can hurt your personal brand and mental health
The importance of setting boundaries to protect your team
How the CFO sets the tone for risk management across the company
Navigating difficult conversations with CEOs while staying true to your role
Why developing "career insurance" th...
2024-10-1726 min
The Diary of a CFOWhat They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO - Part 2In Part 2 of the "What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO" series, we dive into one of the biggest surprises for new CFOs:
Most of your time will be spent speaking with people outside the finance department.
Learn why understanding their priorities will help you simplify complex financial data into clear, actionable insights.
Plus:
The importance of connecting with people across the organization
How to adapt your communication style for non-finance audiences
Tips for presenting financials to investors, board members, and other external stakeholders
Why building a personal board of...
2024-10-0329 min
Changing Careers with Conrad ChuaThe CFO in high growth startupsStartups focus a lot on product, marketing and growth functions but as they mature, there is an increased focus on the finance function. This is not just to control costs but also to put money where the best growth opportunities are. There is also a need to look at the longer-term in addition to short-term. Akshay Sarma is a CFO at axio, one of India's fast growing startups. He has had extensive experience in finance working for large multinationals and also in the startup world. Akshay will tell us his views on how the finance function adds value to a...
2024-09-2344 min
The Diary of a CFOWhat They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO - Part 1This episode kicks off the series 'What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO.' We explore why CFOs are never hired to maintain the status quo and how to prepare for the challenge. Learn how to quickly build trust, understand the business beyond the numbers, and step into strategic decision-making.
2024-09-1831 min