From Fear to Framework: Safe AI Implementation for Businesses
In this episode, host Melissa Howatson welcomes Steve Browning, VP of Data Privacy and Corporate Security at Vena, and Kaz Takemura, Managing Director of FP&A Technologies at Modelcom, to explore how finance teams can adopt AI safely and strategically. Steve and Kaz share practical, cross-functional strategies for embedding AI into business operations, from building the right teams to creating scalable governance frameworks. They also unpack the emotional and organizational barriers to AI adoption and offer tips to drive both innovation and risk management. Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to optimize existing implementations, learn how to move from fear to forward momentum, without compromising security or trust. Discussed in This Episode: Why AI is now a non-negotiable technology The importance of cross-functional teams in AI governance How fear and job insecurity are major blockers to adoption The risks of shadow AI usage and how to spot it Guardrails that enable safe experimentation, not restriction Why employee education is the secret weapon of successful AI programs
17/6/2025
38:20
Unlocking the Finance Maturity Model: From Reaction to Innovation
Is your finance team truly driving strategic value, or are you stuck in reactive mode? Host Melissa Howatson, welcomes Peter Emerling, Director in the Digital Transformation Practice at Citrin Cooperman, to explore the finance maturity model, the four stages of finance maturity and what it takes to move from reaction to transformation. With over 18 years of experience advising businesses across industries and lifecycle stages, Peter breaks down the key components of a modern maturity model—from people and processes to data and governance—and shares practical ways finance leaders can assess where they stand and how to level up. If you're struggling with siloed systems, manual workarounds, or transformation fatigue, this episode offers a roadmap toward building a smarter, more agile finance function. Learn how you can assess your current maturity level and take concrete steps towards finance transformation that drives real business impact. Discussed in This Episode: The 4 finance maturity levels: Sustaining, Reactionary, Transforming, Innovating - Understanding where your team stands Five assessment pillars: People, Process, Technology, Data, and Governance Red flags that indicate your team may be stuck at level two How to evolve without ripping out your tech stack Real-world client examples and what drives true business impact Actionable strategies to progress through maturity stagesFor CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
03/6/2025
44:26
Resilience by Design: Supply Chain Strategies for Volatile Times
The era of reactive supply chain management is over. Are you ready for predictive resilience? Nick McKeehan, Managing Director at Protiviti, shares CFO-focused insights on modern supply chain disruptions, from cybersecurity to geopolitical tensions. With 25 years in finance transformation, Nick guides the shift from reactive to predictive, tech-enabled decision-making. Learn how visionary leaders collaborate across the C-suite, invest in digital twins and AI, and redefine supply chain resilience as a competitive edge. This discussion equips finance leaders to navigate volatility, boost agility, mitigate risks, and drive change in today's complex business landscape. Discussed in This Episode: How today’s biggest threats—from tariffs to climate events—are reshaping modern supply chains What resilience means in a high-stakes global economy The CFO's crucial role in cross-functional supply chain leadership with COOs and CIOs How leading organizations use technology like AI and digital twins for smarter planning Finance’s expanding influence in risk management and strategic decisions For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
20/5/2025
36:49
The State of Strategic Finance 2025: AI Adoption, Collaboration and Technology Gaps
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 capable teams. Drawing from the report’s insights, Craig reveals the critical direction finance teams must take to remain competitive and efficient. Together with host Melissa Howatson, Craig explores major themes from this year's survey, including a surprising optimism among finance leaders, a rise in cross-functional collaboration, and the evolving role of AI within finance operations. If you're a finance leader seeking clarity on where the industry is headed, this is your roadmap. Discussed in This Episode: Why finance leaders are feeling optimistic in 2025 The expanding strategic role of finance in business How teams are managing talent shortages while still growing What's driving widespread adoption of planning technology The real state of AI in finance and what's working Common traits of mature finance organizationsFor CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
06/5/2025
27:11
Inside Commercial Real Estate: Trends, Tactics and Tenant Strategy
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 industrial overbuilds, Scot explains why now the time is to rethink lease renewals, restructures, and how to negotiate with landlords. With almost three decades of experience exclusively representing tenants across various industries, he offers invaluable insights on avoiding costly lease mistakes and reveals why the mantra "it's not all about the rent" is crucial in today's market. Discover why traditional approaches to leasing may be costing your company more than you realize and learn the strategies that could save you money in the long run.Discussed in This Episode Why the real estate landscape is shifting and how companies should respond Lease renewals vs. restructures: Understanding the differences and optimal timing for each Uncovering and avoiding hidden financial traps in commercial lease agreements How to negotiate with landlords in a down market What to look for in a commercial real estate broker: Ensuring the best representation The importance of following a process, even if you “know what you want” For CFO insights, episode show notes, and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.
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 biweekly 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.
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