CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance

Epizodes

• 272. CFO 4.0 Revisited: From Start-up to Scaleup, a CFO's Guide to Navigating Growth with Sylvia Ionita 02.06.2026 39min

  Send us your thoughtsOriginally released as episode 144 of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, this episode is part of our CFO 4.0 Revisited series — bringing back some of our most valuable conversations for a new listen.Hannah Munro is joined by Sylvia Ionita, Finance Executive at LFG Solutions LLC, who at the time of recording was CFO at waterdrop. With hands-on experience scaling start-ups, Sylvia brings sharp, practical wisdom on what it really takes to grow a business from the ground up — the highs, the hard lessons, and everything in between.In this episode, we cover:How presenting real numbers and financial data at all levels drives awareness and accountability across the teamSylvia's approach to leadership meetings, mentoring, and building genuine personal connectionsImplementation measures to enhance profitability and maintain control during periods of rapid growthHow to discern which problems demand immediate action and which call for a longer-term strategic responseThe importance of internal mentorship and fostering a culture of personal developmentSylvia's top tips for finance professionals stepping into the start-up world for the first timeLinks mentioned:Sylvia’s LinkedInExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 271. CFO 4.0 Revisited: The Future of Finance: Cultivating Skills & Adapting to Change with Oliver Deacon 26.05.2026 51min

  Send us your thoughtsFor this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Oliver Deacon, Executive Coach and Founder of Oliver Deacon Coaching, to explore what the future of finance leadership really looks like over the next five years.As finance teams continue to face rapid technological change, increasing pressure to deliver insight, and evolving expectations from the wider business, technical expertise alone is no longer enough. Oliver shares why the most successful finance leaders of the future will be those who combine commercial thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strong leadership skills alongside technical capability.What’s covered in this episode?• Why soft skills are becoming one of the most valuable assets in finance leadership • The growing importance of leadership and communication across finance teams • How process engineering and operational thinking will shape future finance functions • Practical ways finance professionals can build resilience and adapt to constant change • Creating a culture of continuous learning within finance teams • How emerging technologies can help finance leaders drive greater business impactLinks mentioned in this episodeOliver's LinkedInOliver Deacon Coaching Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodesExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 270. CFO 4.0 Revisited: The Balancing Act: Risks, Ethics, and the Lessons Learnt from Failing with Shaun Hayes 19.05.2026 47min

  Send us your thoughtsFor this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Shaun Hayes, author of The Gray Choice, to explore the realities of leadership, resilience, and decision-making in high-pressure environments. What’s covered in this episode Why taking calculated risks is essential for long-term success  Lessons learned from major setbacks and how to recover stronger  The importance of building a trusted circle of advisors and mentors  Why happiness and fulfilment do not always come from constant growth  The role discipline and standards play in financial leadership  Insights from Shaun’s book The Gray Choice and his leadership philosophyLinks referenced in this episode:Shaun Hayes LinkedInVisit Shaun’s WebsiteShaun’s YouTube Channel Shaun’s Book: The Gray ChoiceExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 269. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Accelerating your impact as a CFO with coaching with Catherine Clark 28.04.2026 42min

  Send us your thoughtsFor this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Catherine Clark, Lead CFO Mentor at GrowCFO and Director of Cristallum Limited, for a grounded and practical conversation on the power of mentoring in modern finance leadership.As the role of the CFO continues to evolve beyond technical expertise, the need for strong communication, self-awareness, and leadership capability has never been greater. Catherine draws on her extensive experience to explore how mentoring provides finance leaders with something often missing in their day-to-day roles, a trusted space to step back, reflect, and grow.What is covered in this episodeThe difference between mentoring and coaching, and when each is most valuableThe soft skills finance leaders need when stepping into more senior rolesHow to build clear, effective communication within your finance teamWhy finance leaders must understand their wider impact across the organisationExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 268. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Integration, automation and finding your niche with Cécile Parker 21.04.2026 47min

  Send us your thoughtsFor this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Cécile Parker, Group CFO at Vital Energi Utilities, to explore how finance leaders can play a far more integrated and influential role across the business.Cécile shares her journey to CFO and offers a clear view on how the function must evolve. This is not about finance sitting on the sidelines. It is about stepping forward, embedding into operations, and driving meaningful change across people, processes and sustainability. What’s covered in this episode Why finance leaders must stop underestimating the impact of automation How to find and define your niche as a CFO The importance of embedding finance across the wider business Building the skills and capabilities within a modern finance team Understanding and influencing finance’s role in sustainability and carbon impact  Links mentioned in this episode:Cécile’s LinkedInLearn more about Vital EnergiVital Energi on LinkedInExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 267. CFO 4.0 Revisited: How to make your next digital transformation project a success with Mark Lockton-Goddard 14.04.2026 44min

  Send us your thoughtsIn this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Mark Lockton‑Goddard, now Founder & CEO at embracent, to explore what successful digital transformation really looks like for finance teams.With over 25 years’ experience across global organisations, Mark shares practical insight into how CFOs can approach transformation decisions, gain buy‑in from their teams, and avoid common pitfalls when introducing new technology and processes.Relaunched ahead of the new financial year, this episode is a timely listen for finance leaders reviewing how prepared their finance function is for what lies ahead.In this episode, we cover:How CFOs should approach decision‑making for finance transformationGaining employee buy‑in for new systems and processesCommon mistakes that cause digital transformation projects to failKey focus areas when modernising finance departmentsHow finance teams are adapting to meet today’s business demandsLinks mentioned in this episode:Mark's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newslettersExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 266. CFO 4.0 Revisited: How technology can enable hybrid working for finance teams with Paul Lee 07.04.2026 46min

  Send us your thoughtsFor this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Paul Lee, Partner at Deloitte UK, to explore one of the most debated shifts in modern working life – the move to hybrid.Drawing on his experience at Deloitte, Paul challenges the idea that there is a single “right” answer. Instead, he highlights the importance of asking better questions – around productivity, collaboration, employee expectations, and long-term business impact.What’s covered in this episodeWorking from home, hybrid, and returning to the office – how to assess the right approachKey questions finance leaders should be asking about hybrid working modelsThe role of technology in enabling the future of workHow developments like 5G and WiFi 6 could reshape how and where we workLinks referenced in this episodePaul's LinkedInRaise your game with Sage IntacctFirst 90 Days as a CFO: Ultimate Blueprint (FREE download)Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newslettersExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 265. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Navigating Financial Planning in a Dynamic Business Environment with James Owen 31.03.2026 46min

  Send us your thoughts For this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by James Owen, Global CFO of the Profiles Division at Kantar, to explore how modern finance leaders are reshaping planning, forecasting, and decision-making in an increasingly data-driven world. What’s covered in this episodeWhy market data is essential for meaningful performance benchmarkingHow to improve communication and understanding of financial insights across the businessThe role of Integrated Business Planning in driving better forecasts and decisionsWhy data science is becoming a core capability within finance teamsHow to assess finance talent beyond technical skillsThe importance of scenario planning across ambition, realism, and prudenceLinks mentioned in this episode:James’ LinkedInLearn more about KantarChief Financial Officer UK Flagship SummitExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 264. CFO 4.0 Revisited: A CFOs Guide to Writing Annual Reports That Your Investors Actually want to Read with Claire Bodanis 24.03.2026 50min

  Send us your thoughtsFor this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Claire Bodanis, Founder and Director of Falcon Windsor and one of the UK’s leading authorities on corporate reporting. Claire shares a practical and honest view of what it really takes to produce an annual report that cuts through the noise. What’s covered in this episode• The biggest challenges organisations face when producing the annual report today • How to create a report that is engaging, clear and valuable to investors • Balancing regulatory requirements with meaningful communication • How to handle and communicate difficult or negative news • Common mistakes businesses make in their annual reporting • What is changing in the world of corporate reporting and what it means for finance teamsLinks referenced in this episode:Claire's LinkedInFalcon WindsorMonthly Reporting WebinarsBook: Trust Me, I'm ListedSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newslettersExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 263. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Connecting the dots between data and insights through storytelling in finance with Brent Dykes 17.03.2026 50min

  Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0 Revisited, Hannah Munro reconnects with Brent Dykes, Founder and Chief Data Storyteller at AnalyticsHero, to explore one of the most important skills modern finance leaders must master – turning data into meaningful stories that drive action.In this episode, we exploreWhat a Chief Data Storyteller actually doesBrent’s journey into analytics and the creation of AnalyticsHeroWhy data storytelling is becoming essential for finance leadersPractical frameworks for communicating insight across finance teamsHow to turn financial data into compelling, decision-driving storiesBrent’s top tips for getting started with data storytelling in financeLinks mentioned in episodeBrent's LinkedInBrent's Forbes articlesExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 262. CFO 4.0 Revisited: How Funding is Like Ice Cream with Martin Spiller 10.03.2026 47min

  Send us your thoughtsIn this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by experienced finance leader Martin Spiller to explore what funders are really looking for in a CFO.From common funding mistakes to the differences between start-up and scale-up investment, Martin shares practical insight on securing funding, choosing the right partners and positioning your business for sustainable growth.What funders look for in a CFOCommon mistakes when applying for fundingStart-up vs scale-up funding expectationsSeed, Series A and Series B funding explainedHow to find the right funding partnerTips for improving your chances of securing investmentLinks mentioned in this episode:Martin's LinkedInExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 261. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Making the shift from CFO to Board with Fiona Hathorn, CEO of Women on Boards UK 03.03.2026 45min

  Send us your thoughtsTo mark the return of CFO 4.0 Revisited and celebrate International Women’s Week, we’re bringing back a powerful conversation that is just as relevant today as when it first aired. In Episode 77, Hannah Munro sits down with Fiona Hathorn, CEO of Women on Boards UK, to explore what it truly takes to step into the boardroom and succeed.Board roles are often discussed but rarely explained in practical terms. Fiona cuts through the noise, sharing clear guidance on balancing cultural fit with constructive challenge, assessing whether a board opportunity is right for you, and positioning yourself as a credible candidate in a competitive market. At a time when representation and leadership are firmly in focus, this conversation is about progression, not just celebration.In this episode, you’ll hear:What skills and experience boards are really looking forHow to build board-ready credentials before you applyWhere to find opportunities and how to assess them properlyWhat a typical board recruitment process involvesPractical tips to stand out and interview with confidenceHow to balance fitting in with constructively challenging the status quoExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 260. Financial Transformation Live: New Years Resolutions for Finance 03.02.2026 20min

  Send us your thoughtsIn this special Financial Transformation Live episode, Hannah Munro sets out a clear, practical agenda for finance leaders who want 2026 to be the year transformation actually happens.This session deliberately moves away from technology hype and focuses on the fundamentals that enable progress. Hannah makes the case that 2026 must be a people and process year, not a rushed race to automate. As the pace of change accelerates and AI becomes part of everyday working life, finance teams need the capacity, skills and foundations to respond, rather than react.In this episode, Hannah coversWhy 2026 must be a people and process year, not a rushed race to automateHow to create real capacity in finance teams to drive change, not just survive month endThe risk of automating broken processes and why simplicity is the foundation of speedMoving finance from hindsight to foresight through faster closes and in-month reportingUsing the right technology for the problem, and why AI is not always the answerBuilding resilient, well-rounded finance teams that can adapt as the pace of change acceleratesExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 259.CFO 4.0 Revisited: Soft Skills and the importance they have in Finance Teams with Howard Tunnicliffe 27.01.2026 30min

  Send us your thoughtsIn this third episode of the CFO 4.0 Revisited series, Hannah Munro is joined by Howard Tunnicliffe, now FP&A Director at Busuu, to revisit a conversation that remains highly relevant for modern finance leaders.Originally recorded when Howard was Head of Finance Subscriptions at The Economist, this episode tackles a topic that still separates good finance teams from great ones: soft skills. As finance continues to move beyond pure technical delivery, Howard shares practical insight into why behaviours, communication and judgement matter just as much as numbers.In this episode, you’ll hear:Howard’s career journey and lessons learned across global, matrixed organisationsWhy soft skills are critical for finance professionals looking to progress into leadershipHow to assess the strengths and gaps within your finance teamThe risks of ignoring soft skills in high-performing finance functionsWhich soft skills matter most in FP&A and senior finance rolesPractical ways to develop these skills across your finance teamExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 258. Pricing Without Guesswork: Using Behavioural Economics to Drive Better Decisions with Etinosa Agbonlahor 20.01.2026 45min

  Send us your thoughts In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Etinosa Agbonlahor, CEO of Decision Alpha, to break down why pricing causes so much anxiety and how finance leaders can take control of it in a structured, evidence-based way.Together, they explore how behavioural economics, customer insight, and disciplined iteration can turn pricing from a reactive afterthought into a strategic advantage.In this episode, they coverWhy pricing is the keystone of the business and what goes wrong when it is ignoredThe warning signs that your pricing strategy is misaligned with valueCommon pricing mistakes, including over-reliance on competitorsHow to research willingness to pay using both qualitative and quantitative methodsApplying behavioural economics to frame prices, guide choices, and improve conversionWhy pricing should be reviewed and refined regularly, not set and forgottenLinks mentioned:Etinosa's Linkedin Learn more about Decision Alpha Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 257. The Readiness Challenge: What Project Readiness really looks like with Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun 13.01.2026 43min

  Send us your thoughtsAs a follow-up to their Financial Transformation Live discussions, Hannah Munro is joined by Neil Lynchehaun, Transformation and Delivery Manager at itas, to launch The Readiness Challenge series.In part one, they take an honest look at what project readiness really means and why so many finance transformations struggle before they even begin. Drawing on real delivery experience, this episode focuses on the most common and underestimated blocker to success team capacity and capability. This episode covers: What project readiness really means before starting a finance transformationWhy team capacity is the number one cause of delays and failed projectsHow to assess whether your finance team genuinely has the availability to deliver changePractical ways to create capacity without defaulting to hiring more peopleThe importance of having the right mix of skills influence and experience in project teamsHow to reduce delivery risk through backfilling strategy retention planning and phased deliveryLinks mentioned:Connect with Hannah MunroConnect with Neil LynchehaunExplore more Finance Transformation Live sessionsCustomer Success StoriesBook a discovery call Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 256. 2025 Highlights: Transforming Finance Conversations with Today's Finance Leaders 06.01.2026 23min

  Send us your thoughtsIn this special highlights episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro reflects on the most impactful conversations of 2025, bringing together lessons from CFOs, transformation leaders, and futurists. Drawing on insights from across the year, this episode explores what finance leaders have really learned as the role continues to evolve under pressure from growth, technology, and rising expectations.In this episode, we reflect onWhy finance transformation fails when it is treated as a separate role rather than a day-to-day mindsetHow CFOs are learning to make faster, better decisions without waiting for perfect dataWhat the explosive adoption of AI, including ChatGPT, signals for finance teams and leadership expectationsThe practical warning signs that data integrity and control environments are no longer fit for growthHow CFOs can professionalise fast-growing businesses without killing the agility that made them successfulThe realities of growth versus profit in private equity-backed organisations and what investors actually expectThis episode features highlights and perspectives from 240. AI in Finance: Complex Workflows to Scalable AI Solutions with Tariq Munir218. AI in Finance | From Generative AI to Reinforcement Learning with Peter Morgan234. The CFO as a Storyteller: Making KPIs Count with Matt Topham227. AI in Finance: Preparing for the AI Revolution: Abundance or Catastrophe? with David Wood235. First 100 Days as a CFO: Mastering the 60–90 Day Window as a CFO with Jeremy Earnshaw244. CFO Stories: Acquisitions, Due Diligence & Building Trust with Charlotte Crowley243. The 90-Day Finance Transformation Playbook with Hannah Munro232. The Private Equity CFO: Myths, Mistakes & Misconceptions with Richard Sandersand offers a clear-eyed view of where finance leadership is heading next.Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 255. PE Backed: How to survive and succeed as a CFO in Private Equity with Omar Choucair 16.12.2025 43min

  Send us your thoughtsIn this episode, Hannah Munro sits down with Omar Choucair, CFO at Trintech, for a forthright look at life inside private equity. Omar offers a clear view of what the role truly demands and why it isn’t for the faint hearted. He discusses the expanded remit of today’s CFO, the operational intensity of PE-backed firms and the importance of pace, people and process when value creation is the end goal.The conversation covers The sharp contrasts between public company and private equity expectationsWhat a PE-ready finance team looks like and why curiosity, stamina and tight-knit business partnerships matter more than ever  How to build trust across the business and move finance from scorekeeper to genuine strategic partner The realities of scaling fast the role of technology, automation and a modern ERP in enabling profitable growth  What new and aspiring PE CFOs need to know from managing the CEO relationship to anticipating board demandsLinks mentionedOmar's LinkedinLearn more about TrintechExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 254. First 100 Days as a CFO: From Diagnosis to Direction with Nicolas Raynaud FCCA 09.12.2025 50min

  Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, recorded in partnership with ACCA, Hannah Munro is joined by Nicolas Raynaud FCCA, CFO at the Science Museum Group. Nicolas shares a frank and practical view of what it really takes to settle into a new CFO role and why those early months demand clarity, curiosity and steady judgement.In this episode, Nicolas covers Why the first 100 days start with understanding the organisation you’re joining, not diving into delivery How to diagnose whether you’re entering a growth phase, a turnaround or a realignment The importance of preparing before day one and validating the brief you were given How to balance early stakeholder engagement with the pressure to act What to do when your findings don’t match expectations, and how to handle difficult course correction Why staying open minded, curious and willing to learn will set the tone for long term successLinks mentionedNicolas' Linkedin Learn more about the Science Museum GroupExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!
• 253. Data first, People first: The making of a modern finance function with Matthew Robinson 02.12.2025 44min

  Send us your thoughtsIn this in-person conversation, Hannah Munro sits down with Matthew Robinson, Financial Controller at Zebra Pens, to explore the realities of running and transforming finance inside a small but ambitious business. This episode coversWhy small-business finance needs pragmatism, balance and the courage to let go of total control How Matt rebuilt finance around risk-based thinking, strong foundations and the ability to switch off at the end of the day The hard lessons of a difficult first implementation How Zebra Pens is moving towards 21st-century operations with integrated systemsLinks mentionedMatthew's LinkedinLearn more about Zebra PensZebra Pens Customer Story Coming Soon!Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!