The CFO Show

The CFO Show

With today's increasingly challenging business conditions, finance leaders are taking on more responsibilities and facing more change than ever. Join Vena’s CFO Melissa Howatson for The CFO Show, a weekly podcast featuring interviews with forward-thinking finance and business leaders. Get timely commentary on today’s biggest issues in business, hear from finance leaders on how their work is transforming their organizations and get practical advice for ushering your finance team into the future. The CFO Show isn’t just a podcast; it’s your forecast for the future of finance.

Episodes

May 6, 2025 27 mins

What’s driving finance leaders’ strategic planning in 2025—and its future trajectory? 


In this data-packed episode, we welcome back Craig Schiff, CEO of BPM Partners to unpack the findings from Vena’s 2025 State of Strategic Finance Report. From AI adoption to strategic business partnering, Craig dives into key insights on how finance leaders are navigating change, deploying technology, and building more connected and capab...

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In today's unpredictable real estate market, CFOs are facing complex decisions that could significantly impact their bottom line.  

 

In this episode, Scot Ginsburg, Executive Managing Director at Hughes Marino and author of ‘It's Not All About the Rent’, breaks down the current commercial real estate landscape and what finance leaders need to know to make smart, strategic choices. 


From the office space downturn to...

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As the startup funding landscape evolves, is your financial strategy keeping pace? 


In this changing environment, a well-crafted financial strategy has become increasingly crucial for startups. 


Janelle Gorman, CFO of York IE, York IE, an advisory and investment firm that helps technology companies grow, shares valuable insights on crafting financial strategies that can m...

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Revolutionizing tax functions is no longer a distant dream—it's happening now. This episode delves into the groundbreaking transformation of tax departments from cost centers to strategic powerhouses. Dave Helmer, EY Global Tax and Finance Operate Leader, and Daren R. Campbell, EY Americas Tax Technology and Transformation Leader, share their expertise on how Generative AI or GenAI and other cutting-edge technologies are elevating ...

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March 11, 2025 39 mins

The AI revolution is here, and it’s transforming business as we know it.  

 

In this episode, Hugh Cumming, Chief Technology Officer of Vena Solutions, discusses the new industrial revolution po...

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March 4, 2025 27 mins

The art of corporate debt management has become a critical balancing act for CFOs, who must simultaneously fuel company expansion and preserve financial robustness.   

 

Debt is a critical tool that, when leveraged effectively, can drive operational efficiency and business expansion. By structuring debt strategically, organizations can optimize liquidity, mitigate financial risk, and enhance overall capital efficiency.

...

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Intellectual property (IP) is revolutionizing how companies build value. For many businesses, the key to sustainable growth lies not in their balance sheet, but in the ideas they own. 


Erin-Michael Gill, founder of M&A firm Genaesis, LLC, and Chairman of a Federal Advisory ...

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The CFO-COO partnership is undeniably one of the most powerful alliances that can make or break a company's success. When working in perfect harmony, this duo creates a formidable force that drives strategic decisions, enhances operational efficiency, and propels growth. 

 

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Healthcare costs continue to be the most unpredictable expense for businesses, creating a challenging dilemma for CFOs. While healthcare benefits serve as a powerful tool for recruiting and retaining employees, the escalating costs are forcing many finance leaders to seek innovative ways to reduce expenses without compromising the quality of care or the attractiveness of their benefits packages.


Anisha Sood is the Chief Fin...

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The journey from being a solo finance expert to architecting a robust finance function is complex. Knowing where to begin and how to proceed can shape the future of your department and company.


In this episode, host Melissa Howatson welcomes Amy Ward, CFO of

Blue River PetCare, to discuss the intricacies of building a finance function from the ground up. Amy shares her journey from Senior Accountant to CFO, offering valuable ins...

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December 31, 2024 18 mins

The best leaders are insatiable learners, constantly seeking knowledge to fuel their growth. They forge connections with peers, stay attuned to industry trends, and eagerly embrace fresh perspectives.


In this special episode, host Melissa Howatson shares three of her top book recommendations, complemented by a curated selection of favorite reads from some past CFO Show guests.


Discover what CFOs and business leaders are readi...

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In an era of rapid change and growing complexity, CFOs are turning to Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) to unlock deeper insights, enhance decision-making, and align operations with strategic goals.


John Hagerty is a Distinguished Analyst at Dresner Advisory Services, an industry research firm that specializes in data, analytics, and performance management. He also has more than 40 years experience working at the intersect...

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Compliance and risk management thrive on a robust partnership between finance and legal departments. When CFOs and CLOs collaborate effectively, they cultivate a culture of trust and ethical business practices that enhance corporate governance and drive superior business outcomes.

This episode explores the crucial alliance between finance and legal departments, focusing on the CFO and Chief Legal Officer (CLO) dynamic. Megha Parekh,...
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As the global push for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and sustainability gains momentum, CFOs face the challenge of translating complex mandates into actionable strategies that simultaneously satisfy regulators, investors, and the company's bottom line.


Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, Partner and Head of Sustainability at MHA (an independent member of Baker-Tilly International) guides UK and global business leaders throu...
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As the global push for ESG and sustainability gains momentum, CFOs find themselves translating complex mandates into actionable strategies that satisfy regulators, investors, and the bottom line alike.

Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, Partner and Head of Sustainability at MHA (an independent member of Baker-Tilly International) guides UK and global business leaders through the process of integrating environmental, social and governance consider...
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During times of uncertainty, CFOs must serve as the guiding compass for their organizations, helping business leaders move beyond reactive decisions toward sustainable, long-term strategies. Myles Corson, leader of EY’s Global and Americas Strategy and Markets, Financial Accounting Advisory Services and host of The Better Finance Podcast, has engaged with numerous CFOs about the complexities of navigating turbulent economic landsca...
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A severe talent shortage is threatening the foundation of the finance function: accounting.

The accounting profession is facing a critical talent shortage, threatening the foundation of financial operations across accounting firms and businesses of all sizes. Mark Maurer, reporter for The Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal team, joins host Melissa Howatson to explore this pressing issue. Drawing from his extensive coverage of the sh...
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Financial data alone can’t drive a company’s success; it’s the CFO’s ability to turn that data into a compelling narrative that moves the needle. Whether engaging investors, rallying the board, or inspiring internal teams, the power lies in transforming raw data into stories that align with the company’s vision and steer it through both challenges and opportunities.

In this episode, Stephen Bates, Chief Financial Officer of Canford ...
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Filmed at Vena’s Excelerate Finance 2024 Summit, this episode features insights from FP&A and accounting leaders about the demands and rewards of their work. Join us as we dive into the importance of cross-functional collaboration, the art of balancing strategic vision with daily tasks, and the leadership skills that make a difference. Discover how teamwork and a purpose-driven mindset are shaping the future of finance.

Featured...
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The CEO-CFO partnership is arguably the cornerstone of an organization’s success, shaping not only its financial health but its strategic trajectory. This relationship is a delicate balance of mutual respect, candid dialogue, and aligned vision. A thriving CEO-CFO dynamic goes beyond simple collaboration; it involves a continuous cycle of challenging each other’s perspectives, reinforcing financial discipline, and driving innovativ...
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