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Chat CFO gives you insight from the people behind the numbers. Finance leaders who’ve had to make tough calls, rethink their role, and learn by doing.
You’ll hear directly from the CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most.
The Chat CFO podcast will help you to learn:
- How modern CFOs are adapting to AI, regulation, and risk
- Why culture, sustainability, and global growth sit firmly in the finance seat
- The impact of the personal decisions and turning points that shaped lasting careers
If you’re a CFO, a future CEO, or a finance leader who’s thinking bigger, Chat CFO gives you the thinking, the scars, and the clarity to move forward with purpose.
Bold Moves. Big Impact.
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20 Episodes
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In this episode of Chat CFO, we sit down with Mark Buckley, former CEO of Perfect Moment, to talk through what it takes to get a business listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Mark shares the full story behind taking a loss-making, private equity backed consumer brand through a US IPO, after exhausting every other funding route. We talk openly about the pressure, the fundraising reality, the time away from family, and the things no one really prepares you for. Beyond the initial public off...
In this episode of Chat CFO, Benyam Hagos, CFO at Form3, explains how a CFO in a FinTech needs to think and act more like a commercial partner than a traditional finance lead. He talks about shaping the story of the business for investors, pushing for new markets, and treating growth conversations with the same energy and intent you would usually see from a sales leader. It is a view developed from years working in audit and a clear understanding of the pressure that comes with venture...
In this episode of Chat CFO, Tom Platford, fractional CFO to early-stage startups, shares his journey on scaling SuperAwesome from Series A to exit, and what he learned along the way. Tom reflects on the toughest moments of his journey, including managing a nine-figure acquisition deal and why being an expert generalist is no longer optional. Tom covers: •The difference between early and late-stage CFO roles •When and how to bring in a fractional CFO •Why future finance teams will include ...
What happens when someone who scaled technical hiring at Google starts rethinking what good leadership looks like in private equity? In this episode of Chat CFO, Jenny Collins, Head of Talent at Faraday Partners and former Google and PE Chief Talent Officer, shares her take on what great hiring really looks like. She talks about her years in global tech and what she learned about culture from watching it either thrive or disappear depending on who was paying attention. We get into: 🧭 Why c...
What happens when a bold COO questions how conscious consumerism really works? In this episode, Shonagh Primrose, Chief Operating Officer at Wylde Market, rips apart the rules of growth and reveals how to build a purpose-led platform without bowing to the noisy short-term pressures of venture investors. We get into: 🌱 Why slow commerce might be the most radical growth strategy yet ⚡ The tough trade-offs every COO faces in the fight between mission and margin 🧩 How to build brand trust in a...
What does it really take to lead finance in one of the world’s most fast-paced and complex tech companies without following the traditional path? In this episode, Katie Brewis, Strategy & Commercial Finance Director at Google, shares her journey from economist to strategy consultant, and now to leading finance across Google’s EMEA marketing organisation. We get into: 🐬 The leadership mindset that helps navigate both big-picture strategy and day-to-day detail 🧠 How AI is reshaping finan...
Vineta Bajaj didn’t follow a traditional path to the top – and she’s not shy about saying so. Now Group CFO at Rohlik Group, Vineta shares the unfiltered story behind her rise, from teaching piano and side-trading during uni, to leading billion-euro businesses and rewriting what it means to lead in finance. This episode is packed with bold moves, real career talk, and the kind of lessons you don’t get in textbooks. We cover: 🎹 How Vineta turned “random” side skills into career-defining mom...
What does it really take to lead a private equity-backed business through growth, exit, and transformation while staying true to your leadership style? In this episode, Stephan Burow, CFO at Lintbells, shares his journey from Unilever to high-growth scaleups like Gousto, and now to leading finance, tech, and people at a purpose-driven pet wellness company. We dive into: 🧠 The mindset shift required to thrive as a PE-backed CFO ⏱ Why pace, 80/20 thinking, and intentional time managem...
AI is transforming finance—but how do you cut through the noise and turn data into real impact? In this episode, Rosanne Werner, CEO of XcelerateIQ, shares her journey from Deloitte to driving data-led transformation at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. She breaks down: 📊 Why finance leaders must master data storytelling 🔄 The AI mindset shift CFOs need to stay ahead 💡 How to bridge the gap between technology and leadership Her advice? Master the art of storytelling, embrace AI, and never st...
How does a CFO successfully balance career and motherhood? 🤘 Dominique Highfield of Bloom & Wild shares her insights. From building strong support systems to embracing self-confidence, she demonstrates that balance is the key to long-term success. In this episode, Dominique offers an honest perspective on integrating professional and personal responsibilities. She discusses her approach to managing both roles, navigating pivotal career moments, and maintaining a fulfilling work-life bal...
What a fantastic episode this was! Dan Sherfield, former Head of Finance for Psycle and current CFO of Grind | Certified B Corp, takes us behind the scenes of his nine-year journey transforming a local café chain into an e-commerce sensation. Through many ups and downs, including navigating the pandemic, Dan led Grind’s shift to e-commerce with agility and vision—proving that in today’s world, adaptability isn’t optional. For aspiring CFOs, he stresses the importance of knowing y...
We had a lot of fun recording this episode with Mary C., former Managing Director and former Chief Financial Officer at JustPark! With over a decade of diverse financial experience, Mary takes us on her fascinating journey—from jellybean-wrapping to corporate finance to leading in the tech start-up space. Amid the laughs, you’ll uncover profound insights on: ⚙️ Adapting to a start-up culture with a focus on cash generation and profitability 🚀 Mastering the art of building strong relationshi...
Well, this is a unique journey—swapping an outstanding sports career for chartered accountancy. 🏉 In this episode, we sit down with Mark Foster, former SVP of LIV Golf, and and CEO of WinSure Group , whose impressive background spans real estate, corporate finance, and private equity. 💼 What sets Mark apart is his remarkable journey from professional sports to corporate leadership. In this conversation, he shares how lessons from his sports career have shaped his leadership style and resili...
Law, Finance & Sustainability: Aurore Gil's Inspiring Journey 📖 Studied law and finance, then earned her stripes at business school in Paris, and built a remarkable 14-year career in M&A at UBS - all while starting a family. Aurore’s story didn’t stop there. After stepping away from banking, she pursued sustainability at Cambridge University and went on to drive change as the Investment Director at Cibus Capital LLP. 🚀 In this motivating episode of the STOIX Podcast, we explore: ...
Growing up in South East London in the 70s and experiencing overt racism and hatred having been born in Bombay and moving to the UK aged 2......... A chip on his shoulder, or a flame to get to the top of Finance? 🔥 Getting lucky. 🍀 Making sacrifices. Working all hours of the day and the weekend. 😰 The reality of being a big PLC and Private Equity CFO. 💥 Becoming 'The Saviour' and making the tabloids at M&C Saatchi Group 😇 #podcast #cfo #privateequity #finance 📺 Watch on YouTube: h...
We’re very excited to welcome Alex Gersh, most recently, Chief Financial Officer at Paysafe (NYSE: PSFE), ex-CFO PaddyPowerBetfair (now Flutter Entertainment) and before, CFO at Sportradar Group to the latest episode of The STOIX Podcast! With over 30 years of diversified international financial experience across technology, consumer, digital, and eCommerce industries, Alex is truly a heavyweight name in the finance world. In this powerful conversation, Alex shares his deep insights on leade...
In this episode, we sit down with Carmela Borrotzu-Evans, Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations at Apexx Global, to dive into her career journey and gain invaluable advice for aspiring CFOs. Carmela shares her perspective on how to evaluate if a company or role is the right fit, the importance of having autonomy in your career, and the “green flags” to look for during an interview. Carmela also offers key advice for professionals preparing to step into their first CFO role, discussi...
In this episode of the STOIX Podcast, we had an engaging conversation with Ryan Collett, VP of Finance at Causaly. Ryan talked about his unique career journey to becoming a VP of Finance, sharing insights and lessons learned along the way. We discuss the diverse aspects of individual development and performance and how personal differences impact professional growth. We also touch on the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance as a senior leader. This episode is packed with valuable a...
In our second episode, STOIX Co-founders Rory McDermott and Neil French sat down with Mitesh Velani, a seasoned CFO, entrepreneur, and former CEO across FMCG, Sports & Leisure, Technology, Retail & Property sectors. This insightful conversation delves into Mitesh's journey from CFO to CEO, highlighting new perspectives and valuable experiences gained during this transition. We also discuss non-conventional career paths and the strength diversifying your professional expertise can bri...
Welcome to the first episode of The STOIX Podcast! In this first episode, STOIX Co-founders Rory and Neil talked with David Brammer, a Talent Acquisition expert and LinkedIn's Top Voice for Global Talent Acquisition & Recruiting. David has an impressive career spanning 15 years in Talent Acquisition, supporting many businesses to build powerful teams across different industries. The conversation touches on common mistakes businesses make when hiring, optimising hiring strategies and ask...
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