CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance
CFO 4.0 explores the evolving role of financial leaders in the era of Technology 4.0. Host Hannah Munro, Managing Director of itas, a Financial Transformation consultancy, discusses how CFOs are shifting from cost controllers to strategic influencers. The podcast features insights from inspirational CFOs and finance leaders on leveraging cutting-edge technologies and cultivating necessary skills. It aims to empower listeners to revolutionize their processes, people, and data, and to lead with confidence in shaping the future of finance.
Episodes
290. CFO Revisited | The Unconventional CFO with Jeremy Foster
In this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro talks with Jeremy Foster, now CFO at Kasasa and formerly CFO of Talroo, to explore why some of the most effective finance leaders don't fit the traditional CFO mould.Jeremy shares his unconventional journey to the CFO seat and explains how stepping beyond conventional finance thinking can help organisations move faster, make better decisions, and sup
289. CFO 4.0 Revisited | Top Tips on Finding and Getting your Perfect FD/CFO Role with Andrew MacAskill
In this episode of CFO 4.0 Revisited, Hannah Munro is joined by Andrew MacAskill, Founder of Executive Career Jump and a finance professional dedicated to helping senior leaders accelerate their careers. Together, they explore what organisations are really looking for in CFOs, how finance professionals can position themselves for new opportunities, and the practical steps finance leaders can take
288. Strategic Investment: How CFOs Can Turn Vision into Results with Evan Campbell
In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Evan Campbell, author of Adapt to Win, about the often-overlooked gap between strategy and execution. From allocating resources effectively to prioritising the right initiatives and measuring success, Evan shares practical insights for finance leaders looking to maximise returns on strategic investments. The discussion explores how CFOs can crea
287. The Fractional CFO Files: The Trusted Advisor with Adrian Message
In this episode of The Fractional CFO Files, Hannah Munro is joined by Adrian Message from The CFO Centre to explore what truly defines a successful fractional CFO. Drawing on years of experience supporting businesses through growth, change and uncertainty, Adrian shares why trust, adaptability and strong relationships often matter more than technical expertise alone.In this episode, you'll learn:
286. The New CFO: What Does It Really Take to Step Up Into the CFO Role? with Nicola Horton
In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined by Nicola Horton, Principal at the CFO Centre, to explore what it really takes to step up into the CFO seat and thrive once you're thereNicola draws on her own journey from financial controller to CFO, including leading a business turnaround in her first CFO role, as well as nine years spent coaching finance leaders through that same transiti
285. CFO 4.0 Revisited: The essential mindsets you need to be successful in your new CFO role with Ash Noah
This week we're revisiting Hannah Munro's conversation with Ash Noah, VP & Managing Director of Learning, Education and Development at AICPA & CIMA, on the mindset shifts CFOs need to close the gap between what finance delivers and what the business actually needs.This episode covers:Why finance is hitting 90% on governance but only 40% on business guidance — and how to close that gapBuild
284. Finding your Rodman: The quiet specialists holding your company together with Jack McCullough
Jack McCullough, President of the CFO Leadership Council, is back on CFO 4.0 to sit with Hannah to talk about the idea that every organisation has quiet specialists - rarely high on the org chart, rarely natural leaders who are so irreplaceable that losing them would do more damage than losing a member of the C-suite.Jack introduces his new book "The Rodman Paradox". Borrowing his title from NBA l
283.The Fractional CFO Files: How CFOs get Sales, Ops & Products on the same page with Roger Castle
Roger Castle is a fractional Finance Director and CFO with The CFO Centre. In this episode, Roger joins Hannah to unpack what it really takes to lead through change, from persuading a fast-growing team to accept its first-ever cost cuts, to helping SME owners turn vague ambitions into concrete, achievable growth plans. Roger shares the practical realities of working as a fractional CFO across mult
282. CFO Revisited: Start-up CFO to COO - Funding, Scaling and Recruiting in a start-up world with Sabrina Castiglione
In this episode of CFO 4.0 Revisited, we're looking back at Hannah Munro's conversation with Sabrina Castiglione at the time, Chief Operating Officer at Pento, and now CFO at Omnea.Sabrina's path into finance leadership is anything but conventional. She studied chemistry at university, spent years in financial services, then made the leap into startups as CFO at Tassie before stepping into the COO
281. CFO Stories | The UK's Youngest CFO on Building Trust, Not Just Teams with Sophia Levell FCCA
In this episode of CFO Stories, Hannah is joined by Sophia Levell FCCA, CFO of Access Fertility and one of the youngest CFOs in the UK. Sophia shares the fast-tracked path that got her there and what she's learned since.In this episode, we cover:Why she dropped out of college to start her ACCA journey earlyThe mentor-shaped transition from finance operator to strategic CFOHiring for complementary
280. CFOs CFO | How to Delegate Like a CFO: Strengths, Ownership & Fractional Support with Sara Daw
In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by returning guest Sara Daw, CEO of The CFO Centre Group, to explore how CFOs can build the right team around them from smart delegation to bringing in a fractional "CFO's CFO" for M&A, systems work, or steady-ship support.In this episode:Why delegation should focus on outcomes, not tasksHow to build a team that plays to indiv
279. How AI, Demographics and Change Are Reshaping Finance Careers with Clive Webb
In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Clive Webb, Head of Business Management at ACCA, to discuss ACCA's report Career Paths Reimagined exploring how careers in finance are being reshaped by AI, demographics, and shifting expectations of work, and what CFOs need to do now to prepare their teams for the future.In this episode, they cover:The eight key drivers reshaping careers in ac
278. CFO 4.0 Revisited | Driving Change in Finance: Unleashing the Power of Transformational Leadership with Ilana Esterrich
In this episode of CFO 4.0 Revisited, we're looking back at episode 134, where Hannah Munro was joined by Ilana Esterrich, then CFO at Planned Parenthood, now CFO & Strategic Advisor for a rich conversation on sustainable transformational leadership.Ilana shares her wealth of knowledge and experience in driving successful organisational transformations, highlighting the critical role change ma
277. First 100 Days as a CFO: The Career Strategies Every New CFO Needs to Know with John Lees
In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Monro sits down with John Lees career strategist, coach, and author to unpack the real work behind a successful CFO transition.John shares why your first 100 days actually begin long before day one, how to balance appearing confident with genuine curiosity, and the art of "checking in" with peers, stakeholders, and even the person on the security desk. He also di
276. The Hidden Tax: How Emotion Shapes Your Financial Decisions with Lesley Thomas
Financial decisions are rarely as rational as we think. In this episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Lesley Thomas, Founder of the Money Confidence Academy, to explore the hidden psychology driving the choices CFOs and finance leaders make every day.In this episode, we cover:Why financial decisions are driven more by emotion than data The role your childhood relationship with money plays in your lea
275. Why culture beats technology in transformation with Tomas Hollingsworth
CFO 4.0 is back! In this unmissable relaunch episode, Hannah Munro sits down with Tomas Hollington, Director of Technology at BW Workplace Experts, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to lead change in a fast-growing, technology-driven business — and trust us, it's not what you'd expect.What’s covered in this episode Why culture and trust are the real foundations of successful ch
274. CFO 4.0 Revisited | CFO Stories: How to become a data-driven CFO with Glenn Hopper
When we first released this conversation, it was our 100th episode, a milestone that felt worth marking with something special. Now, 174 episodes later, it's clear why this one deserved a revisit.Host Hannah Munro is joined by Glenn Hopper, Author of Deep Finance and now Managing Director at VAi Consulting for a discussion that's only grown more relevant with time. With over 15 years of experience
273. CFO 4.0 Revisited | CFO Stories: A CFO's Guide to Navigating Risk with Isaac Strulowitz
This week on the CFO 4.0 Revisited series, host Hannah Munro is joined by Isaac Strulowitz, Alternative Investments CFO, who offers his unique perspective on risk management, providing valuable insights into how CFOs can protect their firms against unforeseen challenges, a conversation that remains as timely and essential as ever.In this episode, we cover:Isaac's first-hand account of navigating t
272. CFO 4.0 Revisited: From Start-up to Scaleup, a CFO's Guide to Navigating Growth with Sylvia Ionita
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 shar
271. CFO 4.0 Revisited: The Future of Finance: Cultivating Skills & Adapting to Change with Oliver Deacon
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, te
270. CFO 4.0 Revisited: The Balancing Act: Risks, Ethics, and the Lessons Learnt from Failing with Shaun Hayes
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
269. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Accelerating your impact as a CFO with coaching with Catherine Clark
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 cap
268. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Integration, automation and finding your niche with Cécile Parker
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
267. CFO 4.0 Revisited: How to make your next digital transformation project a success with Mark Lockton-Goddard
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, a
266. CFO 4.0 Revisited: How technology can enable hybrid working for finance teams with Paul Lee
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, collab
265. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Navigating Financial Planning in a Dynamic Business Environment with James Owen
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 communicati
264. CFO 4.0 Revisited: A CFOs Guide to Writing Annual Reports That Your Investors Actually want to Read with Claire Bodanis
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 w
263. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Connecting the dots between data and insights through storytelling in finance with Brent Dykes
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 c
262. CFO 4.0 Revisited: How Funding is Like Ice Cream with Martin Spiller
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 gro
261. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Making the shift from CFO to Board with Fiona Hathorn, CEO of Women on Boards UK
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
260. Financial Transformation Live: New Years Resolutions for Finance
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 rac
259.CFO 4.0 Revisited: Soft Skills and the importance they have in Finance Teams with Howard Tunnicliffe
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
258. Pricing Without Guesswork: Using Behavioural Economics to Drive Better Decisions with Etinosa Agbonlahor
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 st
257. The Readiness Challenge: What Project Readiness really looks like with Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun
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 experien
256. 2025 Highlights: Transforming Finance Conversations with Today's Finance Leaders
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 ris
255. PE Backed: How to survive and succeed as a CFO in Private Equity with Omar Choucair
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 cr
254. First 100 Days as a CFO: From Diagnosis to Direction with Nicolas Raynaud FCCA
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 day
253. Data first, People first: The making of a modern finance function with Matthew Robinson
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 thinkin
252. Financial Transformation Live: Transformation Trouble-shooters November Special
Send us your thoughtsIn this Transformation Troubleshooter episode, Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle two real scenarios sent in by finance and operational leaders wrestling with change. They cut through the noise and give practical, experience-led guidance on managing competing priorities, handling resistance and keeping transformation efforts on track.What the episode covers Why misaligned
251. CFO 4.0 Revisited: What are Boards looking for in a CFO? with Patrick Dunne
Send us your thoughtsIn the second instalment of our CFO 4.0 Revisited series, we return to a conversation that first aired as the twentieth episode of the podcast. Hannah Munro sits down with Patrick Dunne, now an experienced chair and influential voice across business and social enterprise, to explore what boards truly expect from a modern CFO.This episode offers a clear, direct view of boardroo
250. Beyond the Buzz: Agility, AI and the Future of Finance Tech with ACCA
Send us your thoughtsIn this special live episode, recorded at the ACCA Finance Futures Conference, Hannah Munro joins Alex Falcon Huerta (ACCA) to cut through the hype and explore what it really takes to choose and implement the right finance technology.From agility in software selection to preparing for the rise of AI, they share stories, frameworks, and practical advice to help finance leaders
249. Financial Transformation Live: Stop Shopping, Start Transforming
Send us your thoughtsIn this insightful Financial Transformation Live session, Hannah Munro, Managing Director of itas Solutions, challenges the traditional approach to purchasing new technology solutions. Rather than focusing solely on procurement checklists and feature comparisons, Hannah encourages finance leaders to rethink how they approach technology selection — shifting from “shopping” to “
248. Automation in Motion: How Finance Keeps Getting Faster and Smarter with Daniel Healey
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro talks with Daniel Healey, Group FD at Direct Heating Group, about building a finance function that never stands still.Also covered in this episode:From manual processes to a fully automated, scalable finance teamHow to prioritise automation projects and prove ROI to stakeholdersOvercoming resistance and redefining finance’s value beyond
247. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Delivering a Successful Digital Transformation Programme with Phil Raynor
Send us your thoughtsWe’re rewinding to where it all began. In the very first episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, Hannah Munro sat down with digital transformation expert Phil Raynor (now Lead Delivery Manager at the UK Home Office) to unpack what makes or breaks a transformation programme — and how finance leaders can navigate change with confidence.In this CFO 4.0 Revisited edition, we revisit the t
246. Close Faster, Decide Better: Process, People, and the Right Tech with Grow CFO's Kevin Appleby
Send us your thoughtsHost Hannah Munro sits down with Kevin Appleby, host of the Grow CFO Show, to share hard-won lessons from finance transformation projects. From failed demos to faster closes, they explore how CFOs can avoid common pitfalls and deliver real value.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to approach system selection with scenarios and use cases, not just feature lists.Why keeping solut
245. Financial Transformation Live: Transformation Trouble-shooters September Special
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle real-world transformation challenges submitted by finance leaders. Together, they share practical advice, frameworks, and lessons learned from years of hands-on transformation and consulting experience.💡 Topics covered in this session include:Rethinking requirements gathering – moving awa
244. CFO Stories: Acquisitions, Due Diligence & Building Trust with Charlotte Crowley
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro sits down with Charlotte Crowley, CFO at Altano, to explore her journey through finance leadership, acquisitions, and the challenges of integrating companies without losing their culture.Charlotte shares her unique career path — from starting in advertising and PR to working in boutique firms, McKinsey, and private equi
243. The 90-Day Finance Transformation Playbook with Hannah Munro
Send us your thoughtsIn this special solo episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro takes on a personal challenge what she would do with 90 days to transform finance. Drawing on her experience working with finance teams, Hannah breaks the journey into three clear phases: stabilisation, automation and efficiency, and forward looking acceleration.You’ll discover practical, actionable steps y
242. Resilience, Honesty & Communication: Leadership Lessons for Change Management with Susana Serrano-Davey
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined by returning guest Susana Serrano-Davey, seasoned finance leader and leadership mentor, to explore the people side of change. Together, they discuss how leaders can support teams through uncertainty and build a culture of resilience.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why honesty and transparency are critical in times of change
241. Financial Transformation Live: Planning a Successful Project
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of Financial Transformation Live, host Hannah Munro shares what it really takes to deliver a successful finance system implementation. From preparing your team to managing risks and ensuring a smooth go-live, Hannah offers practical insights and lessons learned from real-world projects.You’ll learn:How to prepare your team and build urgency using the change cyc
240. AI in Finance: From Complex Workflows to Scalable AI Solutions with Tariq Munir
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro talks with Tariq Munir, Managing Partner at Finspyr and author of Reimagine Finance, about how CFOs and finance leaders can lead successful transformation in the age of AI. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why transformation should be embedded in everyday finance work, not treated as a separate roleHow to influence change without auth
239. PE Backed: The CFO’s Balancing Act Between Growth and Governance with Ian Pugh
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro continues the Private Equity series with Ian Pugh, CFO at Precise TV. Ian shares his journey into private equity and reveals the realities of leading finance in a fast-paced, investor-backed business.In this episode, you’ll discover:The importance of trust with investors — and how to manage bad news or crises effectivelyLessons fro
238. CFO Stories | Cashflow, Credibility & Creative CFOs: Scaling Startups with Andrew Brummer
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro chats with Andrew Brummer, CFO at Distributed, about the realities of finance leadership in early-stage and high-growth businesses. From managing cashflow crises to building future-ready finance teams, Andrew shares lessons from his unconventional journey and startup experience.Topics covered include:Andrew’s unique path from event mana
237. Finance Transformation Live - Transformation Troubleshooter
Send us your thoughtsIn this Transformation Troubleshooter edition of Financial Transformation Live, hosts Hannah Munro and Neil Lynchehaun tackle real-world finance transformation challenges shared by listeners. From project overload to spreadsheet sprawl, they offer practical strategies to help finance leaders navigate complexity with confidence.In this episode, they cover:How to manage multiple
236. Mastering M&A | M&A Without Mayhem: Structure, Stakeholders & Surprises with Andy Mellor
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Andy Mellor, Fractional CFO at Summit 17 Ltd, about navigating M&A, preparing for financial events, and leading finance teams through high-growth environments.Key topics covered:Andy’s career journey and transition into fractional CFO workStructuring finance teams to support rapid, acquisition-led growthManaging M&a
235. First 100 Days as a CFO: Mastering the 60–90 Day Window as a CFO with Jeremy Earnshaw
Send us your thoughts In this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by experienced CFO and executive coach Jeremy Earnshaw to explore one of the most critical – and often overlooked – phases of the CFO journey: the 60–90 day window. In this episode, we cover:How to assess and ensure data integrity before making strategic decisionsSigns of broken processes, bottlenecks, and we
234. The CFO as a Storyteller: Making KPIs Count with Matt Topham
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Matt Topham, Director of Practical CFO, to explore what makes a modern CFO truly effective—from KPIs to strategic decision-making.Key topics covered:Matt’s unconventional journey to CFOThe realities of working as a fractional CFO and identifying clients ready for changeHow to use KPIs like productivity, overhead rate, and L
233. Finance Transformation Live - Future Proofing your Finance Software Architecture
Send us your thoughtsIn this month's Finance Transformation Live host Hannah Munro explores how finance leaders can design scalable, resilient systems that adapt to change and support long-term growth.Key topics covered:The four pillars of future-proof finance architecture: data, APIs, expandability, and maintenanceWhy multi-dimensional data structures are essential for reporting, AI, and agi
232. The Private Equity CFO | Myths, Mistakes & Misconceptions with Richard Sanders
Send us your thoughtsIn this insightful episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro is joined by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner at Sullivan Street Partners, for a no-holds-barred session of myth-busting in the world of private equity. This episode offers practical wisdom, experienced insights, and a refreshingly candid take on what it really means to lead in a PE-backed busine
231. The Fractional CFO Files | Mastering Financial Models & Fractional Life with Karl Lloyd
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Karl Lloyd, fractional CFO and founder of Lloyd Consulting Limited, about his transition from full-time finance roles to a portfolio CFO career. Karl shares practical insights from working across sectors like e-commerce, SaaS, and travel, and reflects on the realities of life as a fractional CFO.In this episode, Karl co
230. CFO Stories | Strategic Growth in Creative Industries – A CFO’s Perspective with Karla Smith
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro chats with Karla Smith, CFO at Ogilvy UK, about her unique path to CFO and how finance operates at the heart of a creative, people-driven organisation.Key topics covered include:Karla’s career journey from audit trainee to CFOHow to succeed in senior finance roles with flexible hours and build mutual trust with your organisation.Th
229. Financial Transformation Live - Finance Record to Report Maturity Model
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Neil Lynchehaun unpacks the Records-to-Report (R2R) maturity model and shares hard-earned insights from decades in finance transformation. He challenges traditional finance thinking and explores how finance teams can shift from compliance to strategic enablement.What’s covered in this episode:Why maturity models are tools for inspiration, not evalua
228. First 100 Days as a CFO: Influence & Delivery in Your Second Month as CFO with Jeremy Earnshaw
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, we dive into the critical 30 to 60 day phase of a CFO's journey with returning guest Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO. Building on our previous conversation about the first 30 days, this episode explores how new CFOs can transition from learning to leading.🔍 Key Takeaways:How stakeholder expectations shift af
227. AI in Finance | Preparing for the AI Revolution: Abundance or Catastrophe? with David Wood
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with David Wood, Chair of London Futurists, about the accelerating pace of AI and its profound implications for business, society, and the future of work. Together, they explore the near-term possibilities and longer-term consequences of artificial intelligence—from transformation to potential turmoil.In this episode, we cov
226. Shared Service Centres, Incremental Change, and Finance Transformation with Rob Jackson
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined once again by Rob Jackson, now Senior Associate Consultant at Protiviti UK. Rob reflects on his journey from leading finance operations at Sage to spearheading transformation projects in private equity-backed businesses. Together, they unpack what it really takes to deliver finance change, lead shared services, and balanc
225. The Private Equity CFO | Culture, Control & Closing the Books Faster with Richard Sanders
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0 – The PE CFO Series, Hannah Munro is joined once again by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner at Sullivan Street Partners. Together, they dive into “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” of private equity—an honest conversation unpacking what it’s really like behind the boardroom doors of a PE-backed business.With a wealth of experience across c
224. Finance Transformation Live: Understanding the P2P Maturity Curve
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Neil Lynchehaun, Head of Transformation and Delivery at itas, takes you through a practical, experience-driven guide to understanding and improving the Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) process.You’ll discover:Why we use maturity models and how they can inspire achievable steps forward.How to evaluate the impact of process improvements acr
223. First 100 Days as a CFO: What to Get Right from Day One with Jeremy Earnshaw
Send us your thoughtsThis episode kicks off our new CFO 4.0 series exploring the first 100 days in a CFO role. Host Hannah Munro is joined by experienced CFO and coach Jeremy Earnshaw, who shares practical, battle-tested guidance on navigating the critical first 30 days in a new CFO position. Key topics coveredMaking a strong first impression and shifting from finance specialist to strategic lead
222. Confidence, Communication & the Modern CFO: A Conversation with Susana Serrano-Davey
Send us your thoughtsIn this inspiring and practical episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro welcomes back Susana Serrano-Davey—career mentor, leadership trainer, and author of the newly released Confidence is Overrated. Drawing from her journey from CFO to mentor and author, Susana shares powerful insights on how senior finance leaders can develop the soft skills essential for leadership success.In
221. CFO Stories: Behind the Numbers Leading Finance in High-Growth SMEs with Gemma Doran
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Gemma Doran, CFO at Savea Technology Ltd, about the realities of leading finance in high-growth SMEs. From her unexpected start in journalism to managing multi-million-pound fundraises, Gemma reflects on what it takes to thrive as a CFO in fast-moving environments, how to balance optimism with realism in forecasting, and why
220. Financial Transformation Live: Improving the Quote-to-Cash Process
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of Financial Transformation Live, Hannah Munro dives into the critical steps for effective process mapping and how it can drive successful financial transformation. Discover practical insights on simplifying complexity and ensuring your processes are future-ready.Key takeaways include:The importance of involving sales, CRM, and IT leadership in process evaluati
219. The Private Equity CFO: Make an Impact in the First 100 Days with Richard Sanders
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro sits down with Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners, to explore how CFOs can navigate their first 100 days in Private Equity, set the right priorities, manage investor expectations, and lay the groundwork for long-term success.Key topics covered:What CFOs should focus on when stepping into priva
218. AI in Finance | From Generative AI to Reinforcement Learning: The AI Trends Shaping Finance with Peter Morgan
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Peter Morgan, CEO of Deep Learning Partnership and head tutor at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, to explore the rapid rise of AI and its impact on finance.Key discussion points:Why advancements in AI have accelerated exponentially and what’s driving the change.The key differences and why generative AI is leading
217. The CFO’s Next Chapter: Mastering the Transition to NED with Jeremy Earnshaw
Send us your thoughtsIn this fourth instalment of the Mastering M&A series, host Hannah Munro is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO, to explore the journey from CFO to Non-Executive Director (NED). Whether you're considering your first NED role or want to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with it, this episode is packed with v
216. Financial Transformation Live: The Finance-Driven Approach to Smarter Business Processes
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of Financial Transformation Live Hannah Munro explores how finance leaders can step up and take a more strategic role in driving change and process improvement across their organisations.With AI and automation set to reshape finance, CFOs and finance teams must shift their focus beyond transactional tasks and become catalysts for business transformation. Hannah
215. PE Backed: Mastering Investor Relations & Private Equity with Phil Moses
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, host Hannah Munro sits down with Phil Moses, CFO at Octavius, to discuss his fascinating career journey from working in PLCs to Private Equity-backed businesses. With experience spanning insurance, telecoms, infrastructure, and construction, Phil shares his lessons on managing investors, driving financial strategy, and adapting to differ
214. The Private Equity CFO: Unlocking Value & Managing Risk in PE Transactions with Richard Sanders
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro welcomes back Private Equity expert Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners, for the next episode of The Private Equity CFO. Together, they break down the key considerations for businesses looking to secure Private Equity investment, the challenges of the process, and how CFOs can prepare to maximi
213. CFO Stories: Navigating Deep Tech & Venture Capital with Stuart Mellis
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Stuart Mellis, CFO of Optalysis, about his journey to CFO, the challenges of scaling deep tech startups, and navigating fundraising, investor relations, and financial planning in an emerging market.Key topics covered:Private equity vs venture capital – key differences in expectations and investment approachesManaging investo
212. Mastering M&A: The Art of Being Acquired with Jeremy Earnshaw
Send us your thoughtsIn this third instalment of the Mastering M&A series, Hannah Munro is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO, to delve into the complexities of business disposals. Key topics discussed:The difference between being sought out by a buyer vs proactively seeking a sale.Essential preparations for making your business attractive to potentia
211. CFO Stories: CFO to NED: Insights on Strategic Growth and Leadership with Alwyn Jones
Send us your thoughtsIn this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Alwyn Jones, Group CFO at Luno and returning guest on the podcast. Alwyn shares his journey of broadening his perspective by stepping into a Non-Executive Director (NED) role and reflects on how it has shaped his leadership approach. This engaging conversation covers a range of topics, including:The evolving responsibilitie
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