The Finance Seat

The difference between a successful transformation and one that drifts often comes down to what happens before anything really starts.In this episode of The Finance Seat, Headstar Managing Director, James Roach, speaks with Laura Beane, Finance Leader, about why finance transformation programmes struggle and what leaders tend to underestimate. They explore the importance of the early stages, the role of consistent engagement, and why listening to your people is what carries a programme through. Laura also sharesher experience of leading large-scale transformation and working closely with senior leadership teams, offering a practical view of how change actually plays out. Laura Beane is a Finance Leader with over 20 years’ experience at Direct Line, where she held senior roles across finance transformation and operated as Chief of Staff tothe CFO. Her work brings together technical delivery with a strong focus on people and leadership. If you are leading or part of a transformation, this conversation will help you focus on what really makes the difference. Connect with Laura: www.linkedin.com/in/laurafaybeane Follow The Finance Seat to be alerted about new podcast episodes and check out www.headstar.co.uk for more information.

The CFO role in a VC-backed business looks very different to what many expect. In this episode of The Finance Seat podcast, Headstar Managing Director, James Roach, speaks with Adam Uttley, CFO at Wayland Additive, about what it really takes to operate in a high-growth, deep tech environment. They explore how the focus shifts away from traditional reporting towards understanding key value drivers, how to balance innovation with commercial discipline, and whatinvestors are really looking for from finance leaders. Adam also shares his journey through corporate roles, start-ups and running his own business, and how those experiences have shaped his approach. Adam Uttley is CFO at Wayland Additive, a VC-backed engineering business developing advanced metal additive manufacturing technology. His career spans private equity,startups and entrepreneurship, giving him a broad perspective on finance leadership. If you are thinking about moving into a start-up or want to understand how finance operates in that environment, this episode gives a clear view of what to expect. Connect with Adam: www.linkedin.com/in/adam-uttleyAbout Wayland Additive:Wayland Additive is a UK-based engineering company specialising in metal additive manufacturing technology. The business develops advanced 3D printing systems designed to produce complex metal parts, supporting innovation across a range of industries.Website: www.waylandadditive.com  LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/wayland-additive Follow The Finance Seat to be alerted about new podcast episodes and check out www.headstar.co.uk for more information.

The CFO role is changing, and expectations are broader than ever.  In this episode of The Finance Seat podcast, Headstar Managing Director, James Roach, speaks with Kate Cooper, CFO at the Institute of Directors, about what leadership looks like beyond the numbers. They explore the transition from technical expert to strategic leader, the importance of flexibility and inclusion in modern finance teams, and how CFOs play a key role in shaping governance and ethical decision making. Kate also shares herperspective on the evolving relationship between CFO and CEO, and why that partnership is becoming more critical. If you are thinking about the future of the CFO role, this episode offers a practical and thoughtful perspective. Kate Cooper is CFO at the Institute of Directors, the professional body for company directors in the UK, where she plays a key role in shaping financial strategy, governanceand organisational leadership. Connect with Kate: www.linkedin.com/in/katecooper375About the Institute of Directors:The Institute of Directors is the UK’s professional body for company directors. It supports leaders through training, qualifications and resources, helping them develop the skills needed to lead organisations effectively and responsibly. Website: www.iod.com  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/school/institute-of-directorsFollow The Finance Seat to be alerted about new podcast episodes and check out www.headstar.co.uk for more information. 

Fractional CFO roles are talked about more than ever, but what does the reality actually look like? In this episode of The Finance Seat, Headstar Managing Director, James Roach, speaks with Rachel Smith, Fractional CFO at RLS Finance, about her journey from corporate finance into a portfolio career and what that shift really involves. They explore how fractional careers develop over time, the challenge of managing multiple clients and priorities, and why setting boundaries is essential if you want the model to work. Rachel also shares how she has shaped her work towards the areas she enjoys most, and why being comfortable with uncertainty is part of the role. If you are thinking about going fractional or working with a fractional CFO, this episode gives a clear and practical view of how it actually works in practice. Rachel Smith is a Fractional CFO at RLS Finance, working with a range of growing businesses to provide strategic finance support, from financial planning and business partnering through to supporting key decision making. Connect with Rachel: www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-smith-fca-8a514353Follow The Finance Seat to be alerted about new podcast episodes and check out www.headstar.co.uk for more information.

Interim roles don’t give you time to ease in - you’re expected to deliver almost immediately. In this episode of The Finance Seat, Headstar Managing Director, James Roach, speaks with Claire Tisch, Director at Unity Advisory, about how to deliver change at pace while bringing people with you. They explore what it takes to step into a business and quickly understand its dynamics, how interim roles allow leaders to challenge thinking without internal politics, and why shaping the brief is often just as important as delivering it.  The conversation also looks at the role of AI in finance,and how leaders should be thinking about it as part of a wider strategy rather than a standalone solution. Claire Tisch is an award-winning director, with a background in finance transformation and interim leadership across a range of organisations. She has led large-scale transformation programmes and was recognised as Finance Interim of the Year for her delivery and impact. Connect with Claire:www.linkedin.com/in/claire-tisch  About Unity Advisory:Unity Advisory is a next-generation CFO advisory firm, backed by Warburg Pincus, supporting ambitious mid-market organisations. They bring together AI-native finance, tax, and deals capabilities in one integrated model, free from audit conflicts and legacy constraints.  Website: www.unity-advisory.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/unity-advisory  Follow The Finance Seat to be alerted about new podcast episodes and check out www.headstar.co.uk for more information.