Best Salman Ahmed Podcasts (2024)

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1,029: A Unique Advantage: When CEO Experience Informs CFO Leadership | Matt Steinfort, CFO, DigitalOcean 50:53

24m ago50:53

50:53

While most CFOs climb the ranks through finance-related roles, Steinfort’s path took a significant detour—one that saw him leading a company as CEO before unexpectedly stepping into the CFO role. Steinfort’s transition from CEO to CFO occurred when he was approached by Dan Caruso, a long-time mentor and successful entrepreneur. The two had a histor…

1
1028: Shaping Finance Operations to Support Global Growth | Clemente Cohen, CFO, PG Forsta 56:58

2d ago56:58

56:58

Clemente Cohen’s finance career began in the early 1990s inside the Munich offices of Silicon Graphics, approximately 6,500 miles from the Silicon Valley company’s headquarters and 7,500 miles from his birthplace in Argentina. This transcontinental start marked the beginning of a career defined by global problem solving , adaptability and generous …

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1,027: Strategic Finance in the Digital Asset Industry: Lessons from a Bitcoin Mining Leader | Salman Khan, CFO, Marathon Digital Holdings 48:53

7d ago48:53

48:53

When Salman Khan arrived in Dubai from the U.S. in the early 2000s, he was a seasoned auditor with PricewaterhouseCoopers, ready to narrow his focus on the oil and gas industry. If someone had told him then that he would one day be the CFO of the world’s largest Bitcoin mining company, Khan would have undoubtedly replied, “What mining company?” At …

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1,026: Partnering for Growth in the Age of AI | Kabir Ahmed Shakir, CFO, Tata Communications 54:38

9d ago54:38

54:38

According to CFO Kabir Shakir, when AI giant Nvidia sought to expand its alliances in India, it knew exactly with whom to partner: “They did their homework, and they tapped on Tata’s door.” This partnership, Shakir tells us, has proven to be but one of a number of alliances in Tata’s journey toward becoming “the national AI champion for all of Indi…

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1,025: Cost Management to Strategic Investment | Chikako Tyler, CFO, California Bank & Trust 36:21

14d ago36:21

36:21

In her role as CFO of California Bank & Trust, Chikako Tyler faced the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank—the second financial crisis of her career. Unlike the first crisis, the Great Recession, which forced her to leave a rewarding career in commercial real estate, this time, Tyler was prepared to take charge. In 2009, as the economic downturn decima…

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1,024: From Overdrive to Insight: Lessons Learned in the Pursuit of Success | Tom Bock, CFO, SmartFinancial 51:18

16d ago51:18

51:18

In 2005, fresh into his first banking job at Citigroup, Tom Bock found himself working 63 hours straight to prepare for a critical pitch. Fueled by a desire to prove his worth, he pushed his limits, refusing to rest until the task was completed. However, this grueling experience came at a cost—his nose began bleeding, a stark sign of physical exhau…

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1,023: How Finance Propelled a Tech Enthusiast into the C-suite | Doug Potvin, CFO, Trinity Logistics 1:06:24

21d ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Doug Potvin’s journey to becoming the CFO of Trinity Logistics reveals the power of adaptability and continuous learning. Initially captivated by technology in high school, Doug pursued a degree in computer science, only to discover a passion for finance during a college course. This pivot led him to the National Marine Fishery Service (NMFS), wher…

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1,022: The Power of Lean Thinking | Todd Patriacca, CFO, BVI Medical 1:01:22

23d ago1:01:22

1:01:22

Todd Patriacca was more than a dozen years into his finance career when two things happened that accelerated its trajectory. The first was that he found a mentor—or, rather, that his future mentor found him. The second was that he became immersed in Lean culture. Starting his career at Arthur Andersen, Patriacca spent nearly 10 years in public acco…

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1,021: A Taste for Professional Growth: How the U.S. Coast Guard Granted Larry White an Expansive Finance Career 50:44

28d ago50:44

50:44

The year 1986 was a pivotal one for Larry White’s career in the U.S. Coast Guard. After entering the Coast Guard Academy in 1976 and graduating in 1980, White subsequently advanced through a series of intriguing roles including commanding an 82-foot patrol boat before deciding to pursue an MBA. The Coast Guard agreed to underwrite this move, enhanc…

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1,020: A Savvy Investor Cracks the Operator’s Code | Seth Wunder, CFO, Acorns 45:54

1M ago45:54

45:54

t a recent executive team dinner, several Acorns executives were reminiscing about their childhood professional aspirations. While many had had career dreams that had long ago lost their luster—Seth Wunder told his colleagues that he never gave much thought to being anything other than an investor. “I grew up in a household and family that was focu…

1
Navigating Communication Challenges - A Planning Aces Episode 51:12

1M ago51:12

51:12

Brett & Jack discuss the commentary and insights of three accomplished CFOs (Sandeep Aujla from Intuit, Shelagh Glaser from Synopsys, and Seth Wunder from Acorns), while highlighting their distinct approaches to strategic finance, organizational structure, communication, and business growth. While all three Planning Aces highlight the importance of…

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1,019: The Rewards of Making an Early Exit | Josh Schenker, CFO, Aditude, Inc. 42:32

1M ago42:32

42:32

Josh Schenker may well be the only CFO we’ve interviewed who claims to have dropped out of high school—which he actually did, in order to accelerate his academic ascendance by passing the General Educational Development (GED) test, which in turn allowed him to enroll at college ahead of schedule. “I never received a diploma from my high school, so,…

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1,018: From Complexity to Clarity: Simplifying Business Segments for Investor Insight | Shelagh Glaser, CFO, Synopsys 54:44

1M ago54:44

54:44

When asked to share a single career chapter that has influenced her strategic mind-set as a finance leader, Synopsys CFO Shelagh Glaser knew exactly what to cite. She described a period that had unfolded during her 29 years at Intel Corp., when—seemingly overnight—consumer appetite for tablets had begun to upend Intel's enduring PC chips business. …

1
An Entrepreneur Leverages AI to Revolutionize Finance Operations 34:24

1M ago34:24

34:24

In a special Trouble Shooter episode of CFO Thought Leader, we speak with Tal Kirschenbaum, CEO and founder of Ledge. Together, we delve into his career journey and the foresight that led him to identify a significant opportunity in finance automation. Tal's path, starting from his finance education at the University of Chicago and Tel Aviv Univers…

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1,017: Two Hands, One Vision: A Balanced Approach to Finance | Eric Emans, CFO, Nintex 42:18

1M ago42:18

42:18

“I see the fear of failure as being so detrimental to so many people early in their career. In people’s minds, failing is often outsized, but most of the time, the things you’re dealing with when you’re up and coming are expected to involve some failure. That’s how you learn,” reflects Eric Emans, the CFO of Nintex. Emans tell us his career was bui…

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1,016: When Career Years Are Investment Years | Sandeep Aujla, CFO, Intuit 45:39

1M ago45:39

45:39

By the time Sandeep Aujla arrived at Intuit in 2015, he had already invested 7 career-building years as a senior finance executive at Visa, so his path to the CFO office was presumably getting shorter and shorter. Still, it would be another 8 years before he would be appointed Intuit CFO. While there’s little question that during those 8 years Aujl…

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1,015: Aligning Investor Narratives with Operational Strategy | Mark Khavkin, CFO, MinIO 41:23

2M ago41:23

41:23

Mark Khavkin tells us that from the very beginning of his career journey—a 2008 role as an investment professional with a European private equity firm—he was able to gain experience in board strategy, investor relations, and entrepreneurial exploration. This foundation allowed him to read boardroom dynamics from very early on and prepared him to an…

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1,014: Passion and Purpose: Building a Vibrant Finance Culture | Karen Williams, CFO, American Express Global Business Travel 48:11

2M ago48:11

48:11

Karen Williams’s journey to becoming a successful CFO began with a crucial lesson learned early in her career at the UK headquarters of candy giant Mars. As a young professional, she tells us, she had failed to grasp the importance of relationship-building and expressing her passion for the business. At times, this void had kept her sidelined and s…

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Standardize, Streamline & Scale - A Planning Aces Episode 36:28

2M ago36:28

36:28

On the latest episode of Planning Aces three dynamic CFOs—Robert Cornella (RNDC), Karen Williams (American Express Global Business Travel), and Tony Querciagrossa (Pinstripes)—share a menu of FP&A insights and experiences. Robert Cornella emphasized the importance of understanding value chain economics and achieving operational harmony within compl…

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1,013: The Curious CFO: Crafting the Future of Space | Muhammad Shahzad, CFO, Relativity Space 51:26

2M ago51:26

51:26

Mo Shahzad is not one for trivial conversations. At Relativity Space, he’s known for his deep curiosity, often engaging team members in discussions about their interests and passions. This intellectual curiosity is not just a personal trait—it’s a vital tool for his role as CFO. Mo’s ability to connect on a personal level mirrors his professional m…

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Controllers Classified: A VC’s perspective on what financial data matters most 43:21

2M ago43:21

43:21

In the season 1 finale of Controllers Classified, host Erik Zhou is joined by Sarah Hinkfuss from Bain Capital Ventures for an overview of the VC investment landscape and a deep dive into her investment due diligence approach for growth stage companies. The episode begins with Sarah highlighting milestones from her career, including her time conduc…

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1,012: The Last Unlock: Empowering Teams | John Lutz, CFO, Sellars 47:27

2M ago47:27

47:27

Looking back, John Lutz doesn't hesitate to recall a strategic turn along his career journey when, during his tenure as director of finance at Charter Steel, he transitioned a cumbersome, error-prone Excel model into an advanced, activity-based costing system. By involving stakeholders from across the company, Lutz tells us he not only gained buy-i…

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1,011: Balancing Agility and Structure for Strategic Growth | Carol Lee, CFO, LogicMonitor 41:49

2M ago41:49

41:49

Beginning her career as an analyst, Carol Lee honed her technical skills both in pre-revenue start-ups and a multinational corporation with over $10 billion in revenue. These contrasting environments, she tells us, equipped her with a unique perspective on what it takes to be both scrappy and scalable. Early in her career, Lee immersed herself in M…

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Special Episode: The 20 Leading CFOs of AI 37:59

2M ago37:59

37:59

CFO Thought Leader host Jack Sweeney and performance management guru Brett Knowles explore and highlight the takeaways from The 20 Leading CFOs of AI report, recently published by CFO Thought Leader. The conversation underscores the ethical challenges posed by AI and the critical role CFOs play in ensuring responsible governance. Notable examples l…

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1,010: When SaaS Became His Native Language | Michael O'Grady, CFO, Permutive 1:01:42

2M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Michael O’Grady’s finance strategic moment occurred in 2014 at higher-ed tech company Ellucian. Faced with transitioning from a traditional perpetual license model to a SaaS one, he identified the need for a unified approach across all business functions. Recognizing that the company’s executives had differing visions, he proposed skipping the annu…

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1,009: From GE Conference Rooms to Pinstripes’ Boardroom | Tony Querciagrossa, CFO, Pinstripes 46:09

2M ago46:09

46:09

Two-and-a-half years ago, CFO Tony Querciagrossa began a discussion with Dale Schwartz, founder of Pinstripes, that would eventually lead to Querciagrossa joining the experiential dining up-and-comer as CFO. Turn back the clock a little, and you would see that Pinstripes, aiming for a traditional IPO, had engaged Goldman Sachs to solidify its path …

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ON LOCATION: IMA24 Uncovering New Educational Pathways 42:35

2M ago42:35

42:35

On Location IMA24 (San Antonio, TX) the annual America's conference for the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) CFO Thought Leader Host Jack Sweeney speaks to Mike DePrisco, IMA President and CEO, about the evolving importance of certifications like the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) and the newly established FMAA (Financial and Manage…

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1,008: Managing Change and Ensuring Stability | Erica Gessert, CFO, Upwork 43:16

3M ago43:16

43:16

In the throes of the Great Recession, Erica Gessert faced one of her first tests of leadership. As the head of Investor Relations for Virgin Mobile, she found herself navigating the collapsing financial sector. Key banks that were integral to the company's operations began to crumble, and the economic landscape was fraught with uncertainty. Keeping…

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1,007: The Art of Financial Storytelling: A CFO’s Perspective | Ashley Johnson, CFO, Planet 59:05

3M ago59:05

59:05

When she was an international studies major living abroad, Ashley Johnson tells us she met a U.S. ambassador whose unvarnished career advice subsequently led her to divert her career path away from the diplomatic corps of the U.S. foreign service. Johnson reflects, "I thought I was going into the State Department." However, a weekend spent with Amb…

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Controllers Classified: 6sense’s Treasurer on Managing Risk in Today’s World 46:06

3M ago46:06

46:06

In this episode of Controllers Classified, host Erik Zhou is joined by Eugene Spevakov, Treasurer and Head of Corporate FP&A at 6sense. The conversation begins by tracing Eugene’s path, highlighting his start in civil engineering and his transition into treasury and corporate finance. The episode then dives deep into the primary responsibilities of…

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1,006: Finance and Strategy: A Dual Approach | Jorge Stevenson, CFO, Yuvo Health 42:52

3M ago42:52

42:52

CFO Jorge Stevenson’s finance career journey begins in Santiago, Chile, where both his parents were leaders within the business community and instilled in him the importance of finance when it comes to achieving business success. Jorge’s formal business education began with an MBA from Duke University, where he honed his finance. His professional j…

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1,005: From Salesforce Playbook to Start-up Strategy | Scott Henderson, CFO, DISQO 56:16

3M ago56:16

56:16

In the early years of Scott Henderson’s career, the dotcom bubble burst, leaving the tech industry in turmoil and many young professionals uncertain about their futures. Despite this chaotic climate, Henderson decided to take a calculated risk by joining another dotcom venture. This time, the company was a modest enterprise with 300 employees and $…

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Why "Finance People & Analysis" is the New FP&A - A Planning Aces Episode 42:52

3M ago42:52

42:52

A brief summary of this episodeBy The Future of Finance is Listening

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1,004: Beyond the Casino Floor: A CFO’s Ascent | Efraín Pérez Agosto, CFO, MGM National Harbor 45:54

3M ago45:54

45:54

Efraín Pérez Agosto began his career on the lively casino floors of Puerto Rico, where his fascination with the gaming industry was first sparked. Starting with a succession of jobs, he quickly showcased his analytical prowess and passion for finance. In search of broader horizons, Agosto relocated to the U.S. when his casino owner set down roots i…

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1,003: Beyond Borders: Navigating an International Career | Robert Cornella, CFO, RNDC 53:58

3M ago53:58

53:58

Robert Cornella’s path to the CFO office at Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) wasn’t meticulously planned; it was shaped by pivotal moments and unexpected opportunities. A significant milestone arrived with his appointment as CFO of Coca-Cola Germany, a defining chapter in his career. Before his tenure in Germany, Cornella had already a…

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SPECIAL EPISODE: Strategic Leadership in Data: Perspectives with Fatema El-Wakeel, PHD 34:39

3M ago34:39

34:39

Blending academic rigor with industry acumen- Fatema El-Wakeel, PHD has multiple professional lives inside the data strategy realm. Her multifaceted career encompasses roles at the University of Cambridge, where she imparts knowledge as a seasoned educator, and at Unilever, where she shapes strategic data initiatives. Fatema also lends her expertis…

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1,002: Transforming Retail: A Strategic Journey | Joan Hilson, CFO, Signet Jewelers 39:17

3M ago39:17

39:17

When David's Bridal, a New York City staple, filed for bankruptcy in 2018, Joan Hilson was at the helm as CFO. The experience was a crucible, teaching her invaluable lessons about crisis management and strategic pivoting. "Navigating the bankruptcy of David's Bridal forced me to re-evaluate our strategies and become more resilient," Hilson recalls.…

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1,001: Building Teams and Breaking Boundaries | Julien Lafouge, CFO, Spendesk 1:08:05

3M ago1:08:05

1:08:05

Angola might not top the list of destinations to which executives typically flock to build their careers, but for Julien Lafouge, it was the starting point of an extended journey. Back in 2001, Lafouge stepped into a pivotal finance leadership role with Technip, a technology provider to the energy industry. The unconventional geography forced him t…

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ON LOCATION: Among the Planning Masses at Perform24 36:17

3M ago36:17

36:17

Planful CEO Grant Halloran shares his insights on the current state of AI adoption in the enterprise, emphasizing the need to temper excitement with reality. He highlighted the importance of understanding legal and security aspects, listening to customers, and pacing AI development with their ability to use it effectively. Halloran also discussed t…

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1000: When Culture Informs Strategy | Tucker Marshall, CFO, J.M. Smucker & Co. 49:06

4M ago49:06

49:06

At just 16, Tucker Marshall unsuccessfully sought a humble beginning at The J. M. Smucker Company—not in the back office but on its lush grounds, hoping to cut grass. Such an early rejection—due to a company policy favoring employees’ families first—did little to deter him. Instead, it left with him an indelible admiration for the company’s culture…

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999: A Bias For Action | Jason Godley, CFO, Xactly 53:49

4M ago53:49

53:49

On a remote Wyoming cattle ranch, young Jason Godley faced a dire situation: the baler attached to his tractor suddenly caught fire. Alone, with no immediate help and devoid of modern conveniences like cell phones, 12-year-old Jason had to think quickly and act decisively. His decision to drive to a neighbor’s house to use their hose not only extin…

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998: Margins, Metrics, and Payments | Lawrence Herman, CFO, Dwolla 37:21

4M ago37:21

37:21

Lawrence Herman’s path to becoming a CFO unfolded through a series of experiences that changed his understanding of the finance world, beginning with his initial role at Goldman Sachs. Here, in the crucible of intense market dynamics, Herman cut his teeth on complex financial models, where the rigor of long hours refined his capacity to handle pres…

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997: From Reaction to Action: Capturing Insight for Growth | Daniel Bisgeier, CFO, Constellation 50:09

4M ago50:09

50:09

When faced with unprecedented challenges, the true mettle of a leader is tested. Daniel Bisgeier, a seasoned CFO, exemplifies how continuous improvement and strategic decisiveness pave the way for corporate resilience and growth. Reflecting on his career, Bisgeier notes that significant progress often doesn't come in bursts but through "persistent …

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From Rearview to Road Ahead - A Planning Aces Episode 34:40

4M ago34:40

34:40

Leadership in FP&A: All three CFOs emphasize the role of finance in leading and driving business performance through strategic foresight, detailed operational insights, and proactive engagement. Technology and Innovation: There is a strong inclination towards integrating new technologies like AI to enhance the capabilities of finance teams and impr…

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996: Cultivating a CFO’s Toolkit | Aaron Levine, CFO, Prophix 37:50

4M ago37:50

37:50

From his early days in auditing at PwC to his current role as CFO at Prophix, Aaron Levine has had a career that has closely tracked the evolving nature of the financial leadership role. His journey has been marked by a series of strategic transitions and expansions of his skill set that illustrate the broadening demands of being a modern CFO. An i…

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995: Embracing Change to Energize Your Career | Dan Murphy, CFO, Commercetools 58:07

4M ago58:07

58:07

The way Dan Murphy sees it the CFO position demands that leaders always be kept on high alert. It’s a mindset that had led him to habitually monitor updates and alerts related to key vendors, including banking institutions. And so it was, in first quarter 2023 when Murphy recalls spotting a vague tweet hinting at possible financial instability at S…

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Controllers Classified | Accounting in the Sports World with Patrick Lynch of the Boston Celtics 36:45

4M ago36:45

36:45

On this episode of Controllers Classified, host Erik Zhou welcomes Patrick Lynch, Senior Vice President and Controller of the Boston Celtics, who shares his journey from ball boy to financial leader for the team. Patrick highlights the milestones of his career, including his transition from an internship to working closely with the CFO, and the sig…

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994: Balancing Top-Line Growth and Bottom-Line Results | Naresh Bansal, CFO, Menlo Security 53:19

4M ago53:19

53:19

Ask any CFO about their career-building years, and they will likely attribute their success to their adaptability and ability to render strategic insight. This tendency was recently amplified for us when we heard about the experience of Naresh Bansal, a seasoned finance executive who during a pivotal chapter early in his early career discovered tha…

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993: Building Resilient Careers: Lessons from a CFO Expat | Hilary Norris, CFO, GTreasury 58:18

4M ago58:18

58:18

A little more than 15 years ago, Hilary Norris had the ultimate dream job at a tech company in sunny California, a perfect alignment of professional goals and personal life. However, the idyllic scenario was disrupted when the company was acquired, a common turning point that often spells uncertainty for many executives. Facing a potential career s…

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992: Unlocking Holistic Company Performance | Udit Tibrewal, CFO, Anomali 51:54

4M ago51:54

51:54

Kicking off his career fresh out of school, Udit Tibrewal joined the audit practice ofPricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in New Delhi, where he set about learning the intricate workings of financial compliance. The ambition to broaden his horizon and a hunger for new challenges led him to make a bold move to the United States, landing him first New York …

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Salman Ahmed Podcasts

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