How do you build a FinOps practice that balances cloud cost optimization, sustainability, and deep cross-functional engagement?
In this episode of FinOps in Action, I am joined by TJ Johnson, Lead Architect for Platform Economics at MGM Resorts International. With over 25 years in IT and 15 years focused on public cloud and optimization, TJ shares a refreshing look at what really drives impact in FinOps—from relationship-building and soft skills to sustainability reporting and unit economics.
TJ breaks down how to move from KPI-driven thinking to momentum-based KMI frameworks, why partnership language changes FinOps collaboration, and how to engage engineers in meaningful ways—without relying on one-off gamification tactics.
Here’s what we talked about:
- Why soft skills and trust-building are critical to FinOps success
- How to incentivize engineering teams without creating bad incentives
- The difference between KPIs and KMIs—and why it matters
- Sustainability modeling in cloud and how to build your own
- What "cost to serve" really tells you about engineering maturity
If you're trying to scale a FinOps practice, engage engineering teams, and reduce cloud waste—this conversation is packed with insights you can use right now.
🎧 Subscribe for more FinOps leadership conversations → https://finopsinaction.substack.com/
Quote of the Show:
- " If you find a measurement is no longer giving you what you're looking for, it's no longer effective. If it shifts from a decision making measurement to an awareness measurement, you need to find another one, because all of your measurements should require an action. Otherwise, why are you measuring it?" - TJ Johnson
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f25a9d18-c12f-4ee4-93f5-2aa96e509b55
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finops-in-action/id1790497808
- iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/268443483/
- Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/finops-in-action-5958339
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3IpjMc3qxDXZAjic5Zq21t
- Substack: https://finopsinaction.substack.com/
- Transistor: finopsinaction.com
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PointFiveCloudCostEfficiency
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.