In this age of rapid technological advancement, data-driven practices have taken centre stage in the realm of finance and across business. It's not just about number-crunching anymore. It's about leveraging the potential of data for informed decision-making, employing cutting-edge technologies to revolutionise conventional processes, and maintaining flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing business landscape. From the executive suite to data analysis, we're about to delve into how these tra ...
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GENCFO Podcasts

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GENCFO Impact Announcement Special - Postcards from an AI enabled future by Nina Schick
1:00:35
1:00:35
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1:00:35As an end of series treat, we look back at a session from our 2023 Academy - 'Postcards from the AI enabled future' by Nina Schick...along with a special announcement from Chris! 2023 is remembered as the year AI masters language and OpenAI launched it on the world. With large language models (LLMs) mastering human languages and programming languag…
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100 Episodes And Counting! Leadership, Jackets & The Truth About Imposter Syndrome
43:48
43:48
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43:48Chris and Mike celebrate 100 episodes and the start of series 3 with CFOs Dominique Highfield and Brad Channer to explore leadership beyond the numbers. From adaptability and authenticity to battling imposter syndrome and building peer communities, it’s an unfiltered look at what it really takes to lead in today’s finance world. Hosted on Acast. Se…
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A Post-Series Special: AI Unfiltered with Ludmila Rufitskaya
40:35
40:35
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40:35This week, we bring you a special treat - one of our highest-attended sessions from the 2025 GENCFO Summit: AI Unfiltered - Driving Through the Hype to Drive Real Finance Transformation. As AI shifts from hype to a must-have in finance, this candid fireside chat with seasoned finance leader, Ludmila Rufitskaya, cuts through the noise to uncover its…
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Throwing it Back - De-Stressing Success: Alice Phillips & Rob Anderson’s Formula for Thriving Workplaces
38:30
38:30
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38:30This week, we're throwing it back to a fan favourite, when Chris and Mike dove into the secrets of stress-free success with Alice Phillips and Rob Anderson of The Stillness Partners. They reveal how workplace stress impacts performance, expose leadership behaviours that fuel it, and explore bold, systemic solutions for a calmer, more productive env…
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Digital Nomads, Data Fails & Doing Just Enough: Mike Rose Unplugged
35:11
35:11
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35:11In a role reversal, Chris interviews co-host Mike Rose on what it really takes to work remotely, stay productive, and define success on your own terms. From Ethiopia to Malta, this episode is full of honesty, humour, and a few unexpected data fails. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Sharon Critchlow: High Heels, Human Connection & the Work Mask We All Wear
42:51
42:51
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42:51Chris and Mike chat with author and wellbeing advocate Sharon Critchlow about EQ, burnout, and bringing your whole self to work. From boardroom dress codes to community culture, it’s a thoughtful and energising conversation about leading (and living) with intention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Hackathons, Hip Replacements & Holding It Together: A Chat with Matt Scarth
35:52
35:52
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35:52Chris and Mike are joined by delivery lead Matt Scarth to talk hackathons, AI in planning, and whether swearing at work is ever okay. A thoughtful, funny look at what it takes to lead teams, solve problems, and stay authentic — even under pressure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Fractional, Not Fictional: Michael Spyrou on Strategy, Startups & Saying No
41:07
41:07
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41:07Michael Spyrou joins Chris and Mike to talk about building Axcelera, the power of values, and why growing businesses need finance functions that scale with them. From zebra startups to automation myths, this is fractional finance with a full-stack mindset. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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The (Very Late) Morning After the Night Before: A Look Back at the GENCFO Awards
28:56
28:56
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28:56Chris and Mike take you behind the scenes of the GENCFO Awards at Ministry of Sound — why it exists, who it celebrates, and how it became one of the most energising nights in the finance calendar. Less stiff suits, more sticky floors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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From Close to Change: Hugh O’Neill on Trust, Tech & Transformation
46:19
46:19
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46:19Hugh O’Neill joins Chris and Mike to talk trust, tech, and the truth about transformation. From post-close chaos to AI resistance, they explore why real change starts with people — and why leaders need to let go to move forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Data, Risk & Rebuilding Trust: Alex Wrottesley on Open Innovation in a Messy World
44:43
44:43
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44:43Chris and Mike chat with Idox Divisional Director Alex Wrottesley about AI hype, messy data, and why open innovation beats building in secret. From rights of way to startup thinking, this episode gets real about the systems—and mindsets—shaping the future of leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Look Back: ESG, Passion Projects & Invisible People – A Leadership Debrief
26:44
26:44
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26:44It's time for another look back! Chris and Mike reflect on recent episodes—from ESG realism and invisible spreadsheet heroes to the power of writing a book. Expect insight, honesty, and a little bit of F1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Skills CFOs Need Now: From AI to Sustainability with Jamie Lyon (live from the GENCFO Summit 2025!)
40:08
40:08
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40:08Jamie Lyon joins Chris and Mike live at the GENCFO Summit to talk future skills, AI myths, sustainability truths, and what ACCA’s Global Talent Trends survey says about the changing world of finance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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From CFO to Mango Farmer: Reinventing Success with Susana Serrano-Davey
42:39
42:39
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42:39Susana Serrano-Davey joins Chris and Mike to share her remarkable journey from CFO to career mentor (and part-time mango farmer). They talk confidence myths, calling out hippos, and why clarity—not bravado—is the real key to career transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Behind the Scenes at GENCFO: Events, Community & Disruption with Sophie Goad & Kira Cluer
35:20
35:20
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35:20Chris and Mike are joined by GENCFO’s own Sophie Goad and Kira Cluer to go behind the scenes of the GENCFO Summit. From event strategy to community-building, they unpack what it means to “direct the disruption” — and why connection, content, and culture still matter more than ever in a virtual-first world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for…
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The Future of Excel: Giles Male on Skills, Strategy & Self-Belief
42:34
42:34
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42:34Giles Male joins Chris and Mike to talk about all things Excel, transformation, and eSports — with a side of social media, strategy, and alter egos. It's an honest, entertaining dive into how finance can level up by going back to basics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Chris and Mike sit down with Susan Walsh, the Classification Guru, to talk about the surprisingly messy world of data and why fixing “dirty data” is more important than most leaders realize. From writing books to cleaning spreadsheets, Susan shares her no-nonsense take on how better data leads to better decisions — and why leaders need to care long…
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From Corporate to Classroom: Steve Rosvold’s CFO Journey
45:09
45:09
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45:09Chris and Mike catch up with Steve Rosvold, founder of CFO University, to talk about why being a great CFO is about way more than just crunching numbers. From career pivots to tech trends and lifelong learning, they dig into what it really takes to lead — and stay ahead — in today’s fast-moving world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…
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Melanie Coeshott: Coaching, Cringe Moments & Calling BS on Bad Culture
40:55
40:55
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40:55Chris, Mike and career coach Melanie Coeshott get candid in this episode—swapping weekly updates for real talk on dodgy leadership, public speaking jitters, and the introvert/extrovert tug-of-war. They unpack coaching vs mentoring, call out the lack of inclusivity in the workplace, and spotlight the power of women’s networks in finance. Plus, a che…
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Accents, Assumptions, and a Bit of Chaos: Chris & Mike Reflect
28:24
28:24
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28:24Chris and Mike revisit past episodes to spark a fresh round of reflection and debate—from the subtle power of accents and cultural bias to whether we should fix weaknesses or double down on strengths. They question tradition in leadership, wrestle with Gen Z dynamics, and explore what really drives progress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f…
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Planet Vs Profit? David Wray Unpacks the ESG Revolution in Finance!
43:39
43:39
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43:39This episode kicks off with Chris and Mike welcoming finance and ESG guru David Wray. After a quick catch-up, things get real: is ESG just a buzzword, or the future of business? David argues it’s make-or-break for long-term success—and CFOs are the ones who need to lead the charge. Forget siloed thinking—finance leaders must juggle profit, planet a…
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Chris & Mike Look Back: Unsung Heroes and Passion-Driven Paths
26:46
26:46
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26:46In this episode of It's Not All About the Numbers, Chris and Mike revisit listener highlights and key takeaways—from steady performers who quietly keep organisations running, to bold career shifts fuelled by passion. With insights from guests Rob Jackson and Olga Rudakova, they explore why not every high performer fits the same mould—and why that’s…
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Swallowing the Data Pill with Joel Johansen
48:31
48:31
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48:31This week, Chris and Mike ae joined by Joel Johansen, Pharmacovigilance Leader and Mental Health Advocate. They dive into the highs and headaches of drug safety, from data dilemmas to red tape in pharma, Joel shares insider insights and why putting people first matters. They wrap with laughs, fitness stats, and a cheeky take on “good” vs “bad” data…
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Data or Disaster? Jarad Backlund on the Numbers That Lie!
47:52
47:52
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47:52This week, Chris and Mike chat with Jarad Backlund, VP of FP&A at JFrog, on the realities of finance in tech. He contrasts life at Apple, Google, and Facebook with the fast pace of a high-growth firm. They dive into uncertainty in business, workplace values, and whether Gen Z is changing work—or just making others adapt. Plus, a heated debate on go…
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The AI Revolution in Finance with Marie Speakman
41:36
41:36
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41:36This week, Chris and Mike sit down with Marie Speakman, founder of Finance Innovation Now, to explore how AI is reshaping finance, career paths, and the future of work. They dive into the pros and cons of remote working, the evolving role of finance professionals, and the latest industry buzz. Is AI an opportunity or a threat? Hosted on Acast. See …
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Adapting to AI, Gen Z, and Workplace Shifts with Alastair Gill
43:55
43:55
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43:55Is time management dead? In this episode of It’s Not All About the Numbers, Chris, Mike, and Alistair Gill, founder of Alchemy Labs, challenge work norms—arguing energy and attention drive productivity, not time. They dive into AI, Gen Z’s impact, and why leaders must rethink workplace culture. Alistair shares bold insights on innovation, clarity, …
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In the Corporate Jungle with Rob Jackson: Taming Data Chaos
45:06
45:06
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45:06This week, Chris and Mike join finance expert and part-time zookeeper Rob Jackson to tackle data licensing chaos, work-life struggles, and the world of fake banks. With sharp takes on leadership in times of crisis and Elon Musk’s critique of government inefficiency, this episode delivers bold, unfiltered insights that challenge the norm. Hosted on …
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Planning, Data & Dashboards: Stefan Webb Unpacks the Madness
43:37
43:37
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43:37Chris and Mike are joined by special guest Stefan Webb to cut through the madness of planning, data, and government red tape! From the race to build 1.5 million homes to the endless demand for dashboards, they dive into the system’s biggest headaches—and whether transparency can fix them. With leadership insights, data drama, and plenty of laughs, …
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Lights, Camera, Accounting: Brad Channer’s Evolution from Actor to CFO
42:56
42:56
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42:56This week, Chris and Mike sit down with Bradley Channer, UBIO’s award-winning CFO, to explore his unexpected leap from Aussie actor to finance leader. They challenge the future of accountancy, debate whether AI is replacing traditional roles, and uncover the surprising skills that make great leaders. Plus, Brad shares his entrepreneurial missteps a…
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The Good, the Bad & the Ugly of Data: Olga Rudakova's visualisation secrets!
37:11
37:11
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37:11In this episode of It’s Not All About the Numbers, Chris, Mike, and data expert, Olga Rudakova chat about turning complex numbers into clear, compelling stories. Olga shares how she went from finance to data visualisation and why good design makes all the difference. A listener question sparks a fun debate on whether it’s a natural talent or a lear…
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Debunking the Myths of Modern CFOs with Jack Sweeney
49:11
49:11
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49:11In this episode of "It's Not All About the Numbers," hosts Chris and Mike chat with Jack Sweeney from the "CFO Thought Leader Podcast" about how modern CFOs are breaking the mold by embracing AI, emotional intelligence, and big picture leadership. Together, they bust the myth of the number-crunching finance leader, showing why today's CFOs are way …
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Keeping It Real: Brad Burton’s Candid Leadership Tips
37:44
37:44
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37:44In this episode of It’s Not All About The Numbers, Chris and Mike chat with the dynamic Brad Burton, who brings a bold take on leadership. Ditching corporate clichés, Brad champions authenticity, human connection, and unplugging from our digital overload. He shares practical tips to energise teams, boost morale, and simplify business in a chaotic w…
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2025 Survival Guide: Leadership Beyond Numbers!
33:15
33:15
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33:15Chris and Mike are back with sharp insights on leadership in 2025. After a quick holiday recap, they dive into the big issues: Why outdated strategies could sink your business. From combating change fatigue to leveraging generative AI effectively, they argue it’s time for leaders to ditch surface-level fixes and think strategically. Hosted on Acast…
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In this episode of It's Not All About The Numbers, Chris and Mike ditch personal resolutions but set bold goals for their podcast. Chris vows to up his prep game, while Mike doubles down on bringing fascinating guests to the table. With plans for new gear, quirky bingo cards, and themed merch, they’re aiming big. They also tease a powerhouse guest …
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New Year, Fresh Goals: A Look Back and Ahead
5:57
5:57
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5:57In this special New Year's episode of It's Not All About the Numbers, Chris and Mike reflect on a transformative year. They share their hopes for the year ahead and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. With a promise of fresh episodes ahead, they urge listeners to stay tuned and join the journey. Warm wishes for a smashing New Year round off …
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Giuseppe Sollazzo: Stories, Success, and Data Done Right
43:16
43:16
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43:16In this episode of It's Not All About the Numbers, Chris and Mike welcome back Giuseppe Sollazzo, Deputy Director of Data Enablement at DWP, for a lively chat on data quality, teamwork, and the future of work. Giuseppe shares lessons from his speaking gigs, along with fresh takes on financial success, online habits, and communicating data effective…
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Chris and Mike’s heartfelt reflections and Christmas cheer
4:35
4:35
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4:35Chris and Mike share a heartfelt Christmas message, reflecting on a year full of highlights—Mike’s unforgettable U.S. family trip and Chris’s pride in hosting the GENCFO awards. They wrap up with festive cheer and a sneak peek at next week’s New Year’s message. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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A Christmas Special: Tinsel, Tech, and Year-End Laughs
41:01
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41:01In this festive episode of "It's Not All About the Numbers," Chris, Mike, and special co-host "Christmas" dive into the season's magic. They share heartwarming family stories, Mike’s ambitious project to shake up digital planning in housing, and Chris’s take on building thriving communities. Plus, they chat about holiday cash habits and Spotify’s a…
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Inspiring Change: Katrina Williams on Careers and AI
41:19
41:19
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41:19Chris and Mike are joined by Katrina Williams, Head of Career Framework at the Government Finance Function, for a lively year-end chat packed with holiday cheer and fresh insights. From swapping sledding stories and festive plans to reflecting on a whirlwind year, the conversation dives into Kat’s fascinating leap from the private sector to civil s…
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De-Stressing Success: Alice Phillips & Rob Anderson’s Formula for Thriving Workplaces
38:30
38:30
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38:30Chris and Mike dive into the secrets of stress-free success with Alice Phillips and Rob Anderson of The Stillness Partners. They reveal how workplace stress impacts performance, expose leadership behaviours that fuel it, and explore bold, systemic solutions for a calmer, more productive environment. The episode also tackles BlueSky’s challenge to T…
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Leadership That Lasts: Lessons in Change with Sarah Partridge
39:18
39:18
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39:18This week, Chris and Mike are joined by Sarah Partridge, founder of The Change Academy, for a compelling dive into leadership. From mastering delegation to building psychological safety, they explore what makes leaders thrive. Sarah shares her journey from the music industry to coaching, revealing how workplaces transform and why lasting change is …
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Navigating Cross-Border Accounting: Insights from Katrina Nacci
38:14
38:14
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38:14Chris and Mike sit down with cross-border accounting expert and GENCFO Pro Member Katrina to explore her work guiding European companies through U.S. standards, the nuances of cultural differences in business, and the challenges of managing work across time zones. The episode wraps up with their “good data, bad data” segment, featuring a surprising…
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Academy Special: Unleash the Power of Data!
32:52
32:52
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32:52In this Academy special, hosts Chris Argent and Mike Rose argue that data isn’t just numbers—it’s a powerhouse waiting to be unleashed. They challenge finance professionals to move beyond the gatekeeper role and become true change-makers, taking charge of data governance and literacy in today’s AI-driven world. Discover how this shift could transfo…
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Numbers Don’t Lie—Or Do They? Louisa Matheson on the Ethics of AI
39:07
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39:07In the latest episode of INAATN Chris and Mike are joined by Louisa Matheson, Digital Program Manager at First Intuition where they dig into AI ethics, the ups and downs of AI in finance, and Louisa’s path from forensic accounting to digital training. They keep it real with insights on peer learning, growth mindset, and the latest buzz—from SpaceX’…
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Keynotes & Chaos: Glenn Hoppers AI and Finance adventure
46:54
46:54
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46:54Chris and Mike kick off the new season of the INAATN Podcast with Glenn Hopper, Head of AI R&D! Glenn shares a crazy story about being called to give a last-minute keynote in Dallas, sparking a deep dive into the explosive impact of generative AI on finance. Packed with career insights, AI strategies, and a heated "Good Data, Bad Data" debate, this…
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Get Engaged! Communication insights with Gemma Gathercole
40:26
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40:26Chris and Mike dive into effective communication with Gemma Gathercole, Strategic Engagement Lead at ACCA. They share fun stories from recent conferences and discuss the balance between in-person and digital interactions. Gemma highlights ACCA’s global initiatives and the importance of authentic communication in change management. Have you ever bee…
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Behind The Seams: Emmy Maxwell on Fashion, Finance, and a Bit of Fun
44:50
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44:50Emmy Maxwell, CFO and COO of The Fold, spills the tea on steering a fashion brand while juggling the numbers, from budget wrangling to AI shaking up the business world. With a dash of humour and a nod to female-led finance communities, this one's a proper treat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Stirring the Pot: Dan Misra-Jones on Food Industry Insights and Leadership Lessons!
42:56
42:56
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42:56Dan Misra-Jones, CFO of Long Bottom Drinks, dives into handling sensitive data leaks, his career journey to CFO, and the role of personal strengths in leadership. The conversation also explores managing change fatigue, embedding change into company culture, and the impact of market concentration in the UK food industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c…
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Miranda Sharp: Unlocking the Power of Data and Navigating its Risks
40:21
40:21
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40:21Miranda Sharp discusses the importance of data in leadership, AI, and government, emphasising its role as a national asset and sharing insights from her career shaped by Ikigai. She also touches on the dangers of bad data, inviting listeners to connect and continue the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Small Biz Real Talk: Shaun Fenwick brings the banter and reveals Tech’s Dirty Secrets
42:52
42:52
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42:52Chris and Mike dive straight into banter with Brixton Brewery's Sean Fenwick, revealing the raw truth of running a small business. They wrap it up debating corporate vs. SME culture, dynamic pricing, and data privacy in tech. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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