Episodes
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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 leadership style todayHow to separate personal identity from the decisions your role demands you makeWhy avoiding difficult conversations creates a "hidden tax" on your organisation's performanceHow to overcome decision paralysis and know when you have enough information to actThe importance of building a culture where your team feels safe to share ideas and concernsLesley's Five R's framework for making clearer, faster, and more confident decisionsLinks mentioned
Lesley's Linkedin Learn more about The Money Confidence AcademyExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast! -
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 change How to manage the pace of innovation without overwhelming the business Practical ways to prioritise ideas and avoid “change for the sake of change” The role of leadership programmes in driving behavioural and cultural shifts How to turn sceptics into your most valuable allies in transformation Why technology success depends more on people than the tools themselvesLinks mentioned in this episode
Tomas' LinkedinLearn more about BW Workplace ExpertsExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast! -
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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 in the CFO seat, Glenn brings a grounded, practical perspective on what it really means to build a data-driven finance function, whether you're leading a startup or a global enterprise.
In this episode, they explore:
The different levels of data maturity within an organisation — and how to honestly assess where yours sitsHow finance teams can evolve into finance scientists, moving from reporting the past to shaping the futureWhy real-time data has become a non-negotiable for modern finance leadersThe practical steps to becoming a truly data-driven organisation -
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 the SVB collapse and the proactive steps his team took to protect investor capital.Risk management strategies that have proven effective, such as creating redundancies, maintaining a robust disaster recovery plan, and evaluating all firm relationships for potential risks.The delicate balance a successful CFO must strike between budget management, operational duties, and strategic oversight.Isaac's concept of a "cockroach" company, one built to survive and continue functioning even after major crises.Links mentioned in this episode
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Originally 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! -
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For 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 episode
Oliver's LinkedInOliver Deacon Coaching Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodesExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast! -
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For 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! -
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For 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 episode
The 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! -
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For 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.
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
What’s covered in this episodeLinks 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! -
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In 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! -
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For 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 episode
Working 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 episode
Paul'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! -
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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.
Why 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 prudence
What’s covered in this episodeLinks 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! -
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For 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! -
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In 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 explore
What 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 episode
Brent's LinkedInBrent's Forbes articlesExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast! -
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In 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! -
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To 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! -
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In 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 covers
Why 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! -
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In 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! -
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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 cover
Why 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! -
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As 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! - Show more
