https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGwhmpyXA-U









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https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Lv2wr2B8h40VtL9K2oWH9








As AI transforms the business landscape, finance leaders are seeking practical examples of true value creation—not just hype. In this episode, Marco Torrente, Interim Group CFO at Bakuun Holdings, joins host Kevin Appleby to share real financial transformation lessons from the front lines. Marco’s candid reflections move beyond generic AI discussions to pinpoint what actually saves money, emphasizing the importance of getting digital transformation right and building team mindsets that embrace technology.



The conversation explores the practicalities of starting the AI journey, including improving transactional systems and data quality, as well as how AI enables FP&A teams to shift from data crunching to value-adding activities. Marco further reveals that while AI projects haven’t yet drastically reduced headcount, they empower teams to deliver faster, more adaptive business forecasts and partner more effectively with the business. Listeners gain actionable insights on risk analysis, business partnering, and future-proofing the finance function in an era of rapid technological change.



Key topics covered:




Mindset change is the hardest aspect of finance digital transformation



Accurate, clean data is critical for successful AI adoption and savings



AI enables finance teams to spend less time crunching numbers, more time adding value



Savings are real when AI is applied to transactional and repetitive processes



AI leads to more frequent, adaptive forecasting and better business partnering



Boardroom strategy discussions increasingly focus on AI-driven transformation




Links




Marco Torrente on LinkedIn



Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn



GrowCFO Mentoring




Timestamps




03:57 Overcoming mindset challenges in tech and finance teams



07:45 How clean data and smart choices spark successful AI projects



14:48 Impact of AI on workflows—shifting FP&A from data crunching to insights



18:16 Balancing business strategy with transformation and risk



26:15 Real savings and workforce impact: redeployment not just reduction



30:04 Future plans, ongoing learning, and actionable advice




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