Welcome back to Reporting Norms! In today’s episode, host Norm is joined by Wayne Robinson, a senior program leader with over two decades of experience driving transformation in finance for industry giants like Salesforce, Visa, Cisco, KPMG, and more. This episode dives deep into one of the hottest topics reshaping the finance world: how Generative AI is transforming the CFO function.Wayne and Norm unpack the very real shift happening right now in finance teams, where AI is slashing manual work, speeding up processes like financial close, and allowing teams to move from number-crunching to truly strategic roles within the business. From automating variance analysis in FP&A, to drafting and validating SEC reports, to harnessing AI-powered OCR for AP/AR automation, the conversation is packed with specific use cases, industry data, and practical advice.They also touch on the essential role of data quality, the importance of having strong organizational AI strategies, and how a maturity model can guide companies along the path to AI adoption. Whether you’re a CFO, controller, or just AI-curious, this episode is loaded with insights you can apply no matter where your organization is on its Gen AI journey.Stay tuned as Norm and Wayne break down the latest trends and real-world applications, showing just how transformative Gen AI can be for finance and accounting teams everywhere.Visit highiq.ai
Welcome back to Reporting Norms! In this episode, hosts Norm Osumi, Jamie Cook, and Jeff Schwinkendorf dive into the innovative world of golf course redevelopment with a sharp focus on sustainability, profitability, and forward-thinking land use. We’ll hear the fascinating backstory of Green Lake Golf, a new company founded by industry veterans Jamie and Jeff, who are on a mission to help golf course owners modernize their properties while addressing critical environmental concerns, especially water conservation in the arid Southwest.Join us as we uncover how Jamie and Jeff’s shared mentorship and deep experience in finance, project management, and golf course construction led to a unique, integrated approach. They break down the numbers - quantifying water savings, cost reductions, and the potential benefits of repurposing parts of golf courses for residential and community use. We’ll also get insights into Arizona’s groundbreaking water regulations, the evolving preferences of golfers, and the complex legal, real estate, and design challenges behind these transformative projects.Whether you’re an accounting pro, a finance enthusiast, or someone passionate about sustainable business, this episode offers a compelling look at the future of golf, and the creative solutions shaping it. Tune in for practical takeaways, industry trends, and a peek into the next era of golf course management and redevelopment.Visit highiq.ai
Welcome back to Reporting Norms! In this episode, host Norm Osumi dives into the rapidly evolving world of tokenization, where real-world assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate are transformed into digital tokens on the blockchain, making them tradable 24/7 across the globe. Norm breaks down what tokenization means, why it’s generating so much buzz on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley, and how it’s challenging the traditional finance (TradFi) system.We’ll explore the benefits, like increased liquidity and faster settlement, and the risks, including regulatory uncertainty and potential fraud. Norm also spotlights major developments in crypto regulation, such as the SEC’s actions against Ripple and Terraform Labs, and unpacks two landmark pieces of U.S. legislation: the GENIUS Act and the Clarity Act, both pivotal in shaping the future of digital assets.Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast, a TradFi loyalist, or just curious about the next big shift in finance, this episode is packed with insights to help you understand the opportunities and challenges at this crossroads of technology and regulation. Tune in, and stay transparent!Visit highiq.ai
Welcome to Reporting Norms, the podcast where finance, regulation, and reality collide. In today’s episode, host Norm Osumi takes us deep into the world of crypto exchanges, examining why giants like Kraken, Coinbase, and Robinhood are commanding eye-popping valuations worth over $200 billion combined. We’ll explore how each of these players is rapidly evolving beyond just trading platforms - diving into everything from derivatives to DeFi partnerships, and disruptive banking features. Norm unpacks the shifting regulatory climate in Washington, developments at the SEC, CFTC, and CFPB, and what these changes mean for everyone from retail investors to corporate CFOs. Whether you’re a crypto skeptic or a true believer, this conversation will help you understand not just the numbers, but the strategies, the risks, and the seismic shifts shaping the next era of finance. Plug in for an insightful breakdown, packed with practical takeaways for investors, professionals, and anyone trying to keep pace with crypto’s wild ride.Visit highiq.ai
Welcome to another episode of Reporting Norms! In today’s show, host Norm welcomes Sarah Schlott, an accomplished finance leader and strategic consultant with over 18 years of experience in financial planning, corporate finance, and systems integration. Sarah, currently Senior Director of Finance at Trey and principal owner at The Schlott Company, has spearheaded financial transformations across industries, leading everything from M&A integrations to large-scale ERP implementations.In this episode, Sarah shares hard-won insights on building effective budgeting and forecasting processes, the often-overlooked art of stress-testing assumptions, and the critical importance of aligning accounting and FP&A for organizational success. She also dives into best practices for system integrations during periods of high growth and change - plus, the real-world lessons learned from rolling out compensation plans that actually unite and motivate teams.If you’re interested in practical strategies for financial leadership, transparent planning, and building teams that win together, you won’t want to miss Sarah’s thoughtful approach and candid advice. Be sure to check out her work at theschlottco.com - and let’s dive into the discussion!Visit highiq.ai
On today’s episode of Reporting Norms, host Norm sits down with Takashi Ueki, Head of Enterprise Data and Analytics at Elastic, for an in-depth conversation about data democratization, governance, and strategy. Takashi shares how he’s helped Elastic build a unified, governed data foundation - turning a tangled web of data sources into an asset that executives and frontline teams alike can trust. From implementing a DBT-driven data architecture supported by CI/CD pipelines to fostering a culture of transparency and aligning business stakeholders around a single source of truth, Takashi walks us through the challenges and best practices of operationalizing analytics at scale.We dig into why a “pure” single source of truth is often aspirational, the critical role of context and metadata, and how to balance data quality with the needs of fast-moving business users. Takashi also unpacks the practicalities of building governance structures, managing data certification, and making data self-service plus, he shares his unique strategies for keeping teams aligned across sales, marketing, finance, and more. As the conversation ventures into GenAI and agentic AI applications, Takashi reminds us of the foundational importance of quality and context in any successful AI-enabled data strategy.Whether you’re wrestling with data silos, charting your own data governance journey, or just looking for takeaways on scaling analytics in a modern enterprise, this episode is packed with actionable insights from someone who bridges the gap between technical rigor and business value. Stay tuned!Visit highiq.ai
Welcome to Reporting Norms, where we dive into the financial reporting trends shaking up today’s business landscape. In this episode, host Norm Osumi unpacks the SEC’s latest cybersecurity disclosure rules and the explosive impact of generative AI in the finance back office. As cyber risk reporting moves from spreadsheets to headline news, Norm explains why every controller and CFO now needs a rapid-response breach playbook that can withstand intense public and regulatory scrutiny.You’ll learn what triggers a four-day SEC disclosure clock after a material cyber incident, how AI-driven financial operations are creating new attack vectors, and why incident response is no longer just an IT problem. With real-world scenarios and a practical framework for integrating AI risk into your compliance routine, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the crossroads of finance, technology, and regulation. Stay tuned to tighten your compliance muscles and get ahead of the new reporting norms.Visit Highiq.ai
Welcome back to Reporting Norms, the podcast where we dive into all things financial reporting, business strategy, consulting, and the evolving world of AI in business. In today’s episode, host Norm sits down with longtime friend and accomplished business executive Edward Thomas Kennedy IV, also known as ETK4, currently the VP of Business Development at Livefront, a leading digital product consultancy.Ed shares insights from his impressive career journey, which began in accounting at PwC, spanned transformative leadership roles at Slalom Consulting, IBM, and Scient, and led him to the cutting edge of digital product development and AI-driven innovation. Together, Norm and Ed explore themes like building authentic client relationships, the art of storytelling in consulting, and how the digital landscape - including remote work and generative AI is reshaping customer expectations.You’ll also hear Ed’s personal reflections on effective leadership, industry change, and the crucial role of trust, curiosity, and empathy - whether you’re managing teams or designing digital products people truly love. Stick around as they discuss the challenges and opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, and don’t miss Ed’s thoughts on using technology for good, learning from mentors, and always staying one step ahead in business.Visit highiq.ai
On this episode of Reporting Norms, host Norm Osumi breaks down the headline-making IPO of Circle, a major player in the cryptocurrency and stablecoin market. Circle’s public debut on the NYSE didn't just turn heads with its soaring share price and $8 billion valuation—it marked a pivotal step forward for digital finance and set new standards for transparency and compliance in the industry. Norm unpacks how Circle is shifting its business model from earning interest on reserves to tapping into the $2 trillion global payments sector, fueled by robust regulatory developments and a strategic embrace of AI to tighten compliance and efficiency. Whether you’re trying to understand the evolving landscape of digital asset reporting, or curious about how stablecoins are bridging the worlds of TradFi and DeFi, this episode offers timely insights into the future of finance and what Circle’s IPO means for the market.
Welcome back to Reporting Norms, the podcast where we break down complex accounting issues with clarity and practicality. In this episode, host Norm Osumi dives into the world of financial restatements and material weaknesses - a topic crucial for anyone involved with publicly traded companies. Norm unpacks the most common causes of financial restatements, from errors in equity classification and accounting for financial instruments, to the misstatement of expenses and costs. He explains why these mistakes happen so frequently, emphasizing the roles of complexity, judgment, and the shortage of specialized accounting expertise.Norm also tackles a key question: does every financial restatement mean a company has a material weakness in its internal controls? You'll find out why the answer isn’t always yes. Plus, the episode explores how AI and automation are starting to transform accounting functions, potentially preventing errors before they reach auditors. For investors, Norm outlines the serious implications when companies disclose both a restatement and a material weakness at the same time - and why this double hit can seriously shake market confidence.Whether you're in finance, investing, or just curious about the backbone of corporate transparency, this episode delivers actionable insights and practical takeaways. Stay tuned for more - and remember, you can always get further updates from Norm’s newsletter at reportingnorms AI. Tune in to learn more! Visit highiq.ai
Welcome back to Reporting Norms, the podcast where we break down the latest twists and turns in finance and regulation. In today’s episode, host Norm Osumi takes us on a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies. We’re exploring everything from the differences between meme coins and stable coins—like the ones from World Liberty Financial Incorporated—to the tangled web of SEC regulations and the ongoing legal battles that could reshape the entire industry.But that’s not all: we’ll venture beyond US borders to uncover how international giants like Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, MGX, are shaking up the market with multi-billion-dollar investments, strategic alliances, and bold moves into tech and digital assets. We’ll also shine a light on why US investors face so many roadblocks when it comes to accessing certain cryptocurrencies—and what America’s next regulatory steps might mean for the future of global crypto innovation.So whether you’re a crypto enthusiast, regulator, or just trying to keep up with all the noise, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. Stay tuned, stay informed, and join us as we make sense of the shifting landscape of digital finance.Visit Highiq.ai
Welcome to another episode of Reporting Norms, where we break down the most complex and timely issues facing the world of financial reporting and business today. In this week’s episode, our host Norm dives deep into the fascinating controversy surrounding Qatar’s lavish gift of an aircraft to the President of the United States. Using this newsworthy event as a starting point, Norm walks listeners through the intricate legal and ethical framework that governs foreign gifts—from the historic Foreign Corrupt Practices Act to the lesser-known Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act and the Emoluments Clause in the Constitution.Through the lens of headline-making scandals—from Lockheed’s international bribery fallout to more recent legal questions about presidential gifts—Norm unpacks how history, legal statutes, and diplomatic protocol all converge in moments like this. The episode also introduces Dr. Monica Crowley, the newly appointed Chief of Protocol, who now faces the challenge of navigating the murky waters of diplomatic etiquette, national security, and constitutional law as she determines the fate of Qatar’s extraordinary present.Whether you’re interested in law, ethics, or global affairs, this episode promises to illuminate not just the story behind the headlines, but the delicate balance between prestige, principle, and public trust at the heart of American diplomacy. So sit back and join us as we explore whether this gift is a simple gesture of goodwill—or a test of America’s legal and ethical boundaries.Visit highiq.ai
In today's episode of Reporting Norms, we dive into the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity and cloud governance with a special guest, Yogita Parulekar, CEO of Invi Grid Inc. Yogita's impressive journey from foundational roles at EY and Oracle to pioneering a no-code secure cloud infrastructure orchestration platform is truly inspiring. Recognized as one of the top 150 women fighting cybercrime, she shares her insights on the challenges and innovations in cybersecurity. From reminiscing about the early days of information assurance to discussing the transformative power of AI in security, Yogita offers a wealth of knowledge. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on innovation, risk, and the future of cybersecurity.Visit www.highiq.ai
On this episode of Reporting Norms, hosts Norm and Tim Danser dive into the ever-evolving world of startup finance and operations. Tim, a seasoned finance leader, entrepreneur, and former collegiate athlete, shares his journey from investment banking and corporate finance roles at Symantec, to leading finance at high-growth tech startups—culminating in acquisitions by industry giants like FireAri, (now Mandiant) and Google Cloud. Now, as the founder of Finity, Tim is on a mission to bring enterprise-grade financial expertise to early-stage, fast-growing companies, helping them manage the chaos of finance, legal, accounting, and HR.Together, Norm and Tim discuss the real-world challenges startups face during acquisitions, the cultural and operational shifts that come with joining larger organizations, and the importance of building agile, efficient finance functions tailored to the unique needs of each business. They also explore the concept of “technology creep,” share practical insights on managing cloud spend, and reveal what KPIs and financial metrics actually matter for growing companies. Whether you’re a founder, CFO, or finance pro looking to scale smarter, you’ll find plenty of actionable advice in this candid, insightful conversation.Visit highiq.ai
Welcome back to Reporting Norms! In this episode, host Norm sits down with Alistair Roman, a seasoned finance executive with more than two decades of international experience across a range of industries—from e-commerce and SaaS to retail, oil & gas, and telecoms. Currently based in the UK, Alistair’s impressive background includes leadership roles at companies like Verisign, Naspers, British Petroleum, John Lewis Partnership, and Virgin Media O2.From the challenges of adopting agile budgeting and leveraging technology, to real-world stories of business transformation and practical advice for the next generation of finance professionals, this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone focused on driving organizational success through finance. Tune in to hear how to turn finance teams into dynamic strategic partners and why investing in leadership, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning is more important than ever.Visit highiq.ai
On this episode of Reporting Norms, host Norm sits down with Jacob Safarik, the CFO of both Optimi Health Corp. and BC Greens Pharmaceutical Inc.—two pioneering companies at the forefront of the cannabis and psychedelic medicine industries. With a background that spans international project finance, entrepreneurship, and regulatory compliance, Jacob shares his unique journey from a blue-collar upbringing in a family business to becoming a leader in GMP-certified pharmaceutical manufacturing. Together, they discuss the evolution of medical cannabis and psychedelics, regulatory hurdles, the importance of real-world evidence, and how family business values fuel innovation. Plus, Jacob offers a transparent look at the financial challenges of inventory management and fair value accounting in dynamic, fast-evolving markets, and talks about the road ahead as global attitudes toward alternative medicines continue to shift. Whether you’re fascinated by the business side of pharmaceuticals or curious about the future of psychedelic therapy, this conversation offers an insider’s perspective you won’t want to missVisit Highiq.ai
In today's episode of Reporting Norms, we're thrilled to have a conversation with Kailesh Karavadra, a transformational leader with over three decades of experience in global finance, business strategy, and social impact. Norm sits down with Kailesh to explore his incredible journey from being a refugee in Uganda to becoming a notable figure in Silicon Valley's finance sector. Kailesh shares valuable insights on continuous learning, the importance of hard work, and his passion for social impact, including his efforts with the Luton Town Football Club. We also delve into how the accounting and auditing profession has transformed over the years, the acceleration of AI, and Kailesh's vision of giving back to communities and the power of mentorship. This is an episode full of inspiration, practical lessons, and a glimpse into the dynamic world of business and philanthropy. Join us as we unravel the deeply personal and professional story of Kailesh Karavadra.Visit highiq.ai
Welcome to another episode of Reporting Norms! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of semiconductors with Aiga Ono, Chief of Staff at Rapidus Design Solutions in Santa Clara, California. Aiga brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at top Japanese semiconductor firms like NEC Electronics and Toshiba. We'll be discussing the evolution of transistor technology and the ambitious work Rapidus is doing to develop and mass-produce cutting-edge 2-nanometer semiconductor technology. Join us as we explore the challenges and innovations involved in Japan's quest to reclaim its leadership in the semiconductor industry. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify. Visit high.iq to learn more
In this episode of Reporting Norms, we're thrilled to have Matt Brown, the Chief Financial Officer of Altair Engineering, joining us. With over two decades of experience steering the financial strategies of some of the biggest names in technology, including Norton Lifelock, Symantec, and Netgear, Matt is a true leader in financial planning and corporate transformation. During the conversation, Matt shares insights from his journey from a Bay Area native to a CFO, shedding light on the challenges he's faced and the strategic decisions that have propelled companies like Altair into global innovation leaders. We dive deep into the evolving role of CFOs in today's digital world, touching on everything from financial metrics and cash flow management to the influence of AI in shaping business strategies. Whether you're a finance professional or just curious about the inner workings of tech industry leadership, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the future of financial leadership. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and check out our sponsor, Taipi, for more exciting content!Make sure to listen on Apple + Spotify + or Watch on Youtube today!Visit: www.highiq.aiReporting Norms is sponsored by Taipy.io
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Reporting Norms. Today, we dive into the inspiring journey of Eric Butts, a CPA and MBA, who currently serves as a partner at a major accounting firm. Eric, with his wealth of experience, is more than just an accountant; he’s a problem solver and a career coach who offers no-nonsense advice on navigating the consulting world through his blog, Never Less Than Success.In this episode, we explore Eric’s unconventional path to success, starting with his first job at Pepsi, leading to his role as a trusted advisor to CFOs. Eric shares insights from his vast experience, discussing the intersection of AI and finance, the art of change management, and the crucial role of continuous learning and mentorship in career advancement. Whether it’s helping companies modernize their systems or offering career guidance, Eric’s story is a testament to the impact of resilience and strategic thinking in the fast-evolving business landscape. Tune in for an engaging conversation that offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in finance and accounting.Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebuttscpa/ Make sure to listen on Apple + Sporify + or Watch on Youtube today!Visit: www.highiq.aiReporting Norms is sponsored by Taipy.io