show episodes
 
Can you build a business based on… “calm?” On Beyond Margins, host Susan Boles looks beyond the usual metrics of success to help you build a business where calm is the new KPI. With over 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur, CFO, and COO, Susan shares the business strategies that lead to a business with comfortable margins—financial, emotional, energetic, and scheduling margins. Join her and her guests as they counter the prevailing “wisdom” about business growth, productivity, and succ ...
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What does it take to resonate? On How Stories Happen, experts, entrepreneurs, and world-class communicators dissect their signature stories piece by piece. We explore how they found their stories, how they developed their ideas, and how they're using a given story to grow their business and leave their legacy. Hosted by Jay Acunzo.
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Looking to build an efficient accounting team so you can focus on strategy and business growth? As the role of the CFO changes to include long-term performance-driver, all-knowing technology expert and full-company strategic guide, more and more accounting leaders are left overwhelmed. Join us as we talk to CFOs, Controllers and other industry veterans who share their expertise on how to streamline accounting processes, create established efficiency and move to a data-driven model, allowing ...
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show series
 
What should you include or omit to ensure your stories carry your message, resonate with others, and deliver something that could only come from you? That’s the challenge we encounter today. In this special episode, Jay is joined by a favorite client, Susan Boles, to work through a draft of a signature story, which emerged on the back of their mont…
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In this episode of CFO Weekly, Madhu Jagannathan, Chief Financial Officer at Lob, joins Megan Weis to share his lessons from Lob, INRIX, and ChefSteps and the evolving skill sets required for CFOs to successfully navigate financial leadership across different industries. He discusses building and managing diverse teams, collaboration between financ…
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The financial industry is experiencing a significant change with the rise of digitization and cryptocurrencies. As technology advances, traditional assets are becoming more digital, allowing for smoother transactions and greater accessibility. At the same time, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are gaining traction as alternatives to tradi…
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What if you could design a business that inherently operates on calm, not chaos? What are the essential elements to make this possible, and how can they be systematically incorporated into your business model? As we dive into our new series on creating calmer businesses, we explore the foundational elements that make businesses serene and sustainab…
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In this episode of CFO Weekly, Timothy Dunbar, Chief Financial Officer at the American Water Works Association, joins Megan Weis to discuss effective communication and its importance across different functions and stakeholders, particularly when handling difficult situations, as well as the evolving role of CFOs in nonprofits. Timothy is an Executi…
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In this episode of CFO Weekly, Niki Heim, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer at LogicSource, joins Megan Weis to share her journey to becoming an under-40 female CFO, the experiences she has gained, and the challenges she had to overcome along the way. Before starting her career at LogicSource, Niki was a Controller at Title N…
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Can grants really fund your service business? This episode wraps up our deep dive into unique funding options for service businesses, exploring an often overlooked resource—grants. Meet Danielle Desir Corbett. She's a former grants administrator turned 4x grant-funded creative entrepreneur. She curates a monthly newsletter called "Grants For Creato…
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In this episode of CFO Weekly, Sagar Khatri, Co-Founder and CEO of Multiplier, joins Megan Weis to talk about the workforce trends that CFOs are currently navigating and the nuanced challenges of integrating Gen Z into the workplace. They also touch on the importance of trust, transparency, diversity in leadership, the financial implications of rem…
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In this episode of CFO Weekly, Susan Boles, Virtual CFO and Business Strategist at Beyond Margins, joins Megan Weis to share how to be a better business advisor to help business owners get clear on their numbers and truly understand their inner workings at a deeper level so that they can make decisions from a place of intention and purpose instead …
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In this special 100th episode of Beyond Margins, host Susan Boles delivers her first solo discussion on utilizing debt thoughtfully to fund service businesses. Drawing from her experience as a fractional CFO, she explores the benefits and strategic uses of debt, shares real-world examples, and provides practical tips for business owners facing cash…
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Storytellers often face a paradox: to connect deeper externally, you have to turn deeper internally. You have to know yourself and get more honest with how you think and feel than others might be comfortable doing themselves. That often means we have to stop caring what people think of us quite as much. In this episode, we meet Brook Cupps and Ryan…
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In this episode of CFO Weekly, Melissa Howatson, CFO at Vena Solutions, joins Megan Weis to discuss why CFOs and finance teams should not reinvent the wheel with new tools and processes and why, at times, the best solution might be making current processes more efficient, particularly when it comes to navigating new trends such as AI. Melissa is a …
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In this episode of CFO Weekly, David Kirshner, Managing Partner of Healthcare at LogicSource, joins Megan Weis to discuss the impact of non-clinical spending on financial health in healthcare organizations. They discuss strategies for optimizing vendor relationships, leveraging data and analytics, and navigating regulatory compliance. David also sh…
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Do you need funding for your business but loathe the idea of giving up a piece of your company to someone else? I get it. You built this baby with your own two hands, most likely giving up nights, weekends, early mornings, and time with your friends and family to do it. So the idea of handing over part of that to someone who wasn’t sweating it out …
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How do we compress our lifetime into their runtime? When we’re asked to explain our backgrounds and bios, we need a structure, some practice, and a few anecdotes at the ready. Because our story has to pull triple-duty: clarify who we are, build credibility, and teach whatever it is we’re there to teach. In this episode, author, PR agency founder, a…
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In this episode of CFO Weekly, Gabriel Teixeira, Finance Director at Diageo, joins Megan Weis to explore the importance of broadening experiences to become a more well-rounded and complete finance professional. They share insights on the evolving role of finance leaders, key strategies for success, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. Gabrie…
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Cash is only easy to come by when you don't really need it. When things are going well, banks are happy to finance loans and lines of credit, and investors are easy to find when you're profitable and growing quickly. But we all know things aren’t always going well. For service-based businesses, where our products aren’t widgets but more often the i…
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In this episode of CFO Weekly, Katrina Nacci, a Self-Employed Cross-Border Accounting Advisor, joins Megan Weis to explore the topic of cross-border accounting between the U.S. and Europe or accounting conversion projects. They discuss the challenges and importance of understanding accounting standards, preparing for an IPO, and the shortage of acc…
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While everyone scrambles to learn the new trends and act like a futurist, it’s the folks who understand what parts of this work are timeless – because they’re based on human nature – that are most powerful of all. Storytelling is one such thing. It’s been a constant throughout the history of humanity. Why? Because although the world changes in many…
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When it comes to the evolving responsibilities of the CFO, the need to be a skilled storyteller has become a hot topic as of late. In this episode of CFO Weekly, Ben Cutting, CFO at Lithko Contracting, joins Megan Weis to explore the evolving role of CFOs as Chief Storyteller Officers and the importance of effective communication in financial leade…
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Siqi Chen, the CEO at Runway, joins Megan Weis to discuss the challenges and benefits of adopting AI technologies, the importance of accessibility and collaboration within the finance team and organization, and how AI will democratize finance and shift the role of the CFO. Siqi Chen is the CEO of Runway, a startup that enables operators to understa…
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Consider this scenario: a key employee unexpectedly needs to take an extended leave. Is your business financially and structurally prepared to handle that without a hitch? This is a challenge many small businesses face, and it's crucial to be prepared. As we wrap up our series on sabbaticals, leaves, and breaks, we will examine the policies and fin…
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How do we craft a metaphor that works? More importantly, perhaps, how do we ensure the metaphors we use pivot to the audience to teach them something in their lives or work, without them getting lost? Do we overtly explain the lesson? Imply it? Some combination? It’s a delicate dance, and few do it like Tucker Bryant. Tucker isn't just a keynote sp…
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Vandana Agarwal, a Finance Analyst at Merkley+Partners, joins Megan Weis to explore the key challenges when optimizing financial efficiency, the challenges and opportunities for women in finance, and the role of technology in the industry's future. Vandana Agarwal has worked in finance for over eight years, having started in India and then moved to…
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In the 200th episode of CFO Weekly, Corey Noyek, Vice President of Finance and Operations at Cardata, joins Megan Weis to discuss cost management for finance leaders. They analyze the impact of the rising production costs of everything due to inflation and the importance of collaboration across multiple departments, including finance, HR, and ops. …
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What happens when you unexpectedly need to step away from your business's operations? How can you prepare your business not just to survive but to thrive, even when key team members are away? In our continuing series on planning for leaves, sabbaticals, and breaks from your business, we’re shifting our focus from the personal side to the backbone o…
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The hardest question to answer when we show up publicly might be the simplest question we receive: “Tell me about yourself.” Who are you? How’d you get here? What’s your story? We then face a choice: we can make the story about us, or we can make it about the thing we’re there to say. We can make our own stories about the audiences we wish to serve…
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While many companies treat business owners as simple customers, Hurley Fox sees them as partners. Therefore, their problems become his problems, and he's keen to solve them. Hurley is passionate about making finance easy to understand and helping businesses enhance their financial management. Today, he joined us to share his unique approach. Hurley…
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Sharon Barber-Lui, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President at Teva Pharmaceuticals, US, joins Megan Weis to unveil the multifaceted role of the CFO, the need for the CFO to connect with all aspects of the business, as well as the importance of diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Sharon has over 20 years of executive experience in BioPha…
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How do you step away from your business for a necessary break without losing momentum or compromising your values? Deciding to take a leave or sabbatical, and then figuring out the best approach for you, how to maintain client relationships while you're away, or even ensuring you have enough financial security during your break are all complex chal…
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When so many people are excited to create a higher volume of content, shouldn’t we think more about what gives our work greater power? That’s what our guest today understands better than most, and she draws that power from everyday moments she hunts out, like a squirrel finding nuts in the yard. Meet Ann Handley—she’s a best-selling author, a pione…
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Everyone thinks the main job of a CFO is to maintain the financial health of an organization. While true, Stacey Ryan-Cornelius believes that being a CFO has transcended beyond keeping books to becoming a strategic business partner, working closely with all business leaders to ensure organizational success. To learn more about the topic, Stacey joi…
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Traditionally, CFOs have been associated with established corporations. However, we've been noticing their growing presence in startups, including early-stage businesses. We were wondering: what are the primary challenges faced by CFOs in early-stage startups? To answer the question, we have Felix Beccar. With more than 15 years of experience in ma…
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Sometimes, you just need a break. I know I did. What was meant to be a quick breather turned into a transformative journey of two and a half years. The show (and my company) emerged with a new name, a new look, and a new perspective on what truly sustains a business—and a life. I say that I took a break from my business. But the reality is that I b…
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Our guest for this episode is rarely online. But when she is, she’s telling small stories with big meaning. Meet Michelle Warner—she’s a business strategist and consultant who architects business models and marketing strategies for clients who sell high-priced services. She also hosts the podcast Sequence Over Strategy—an idea that represents her e…
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Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, and for small businesses, it is even more vital. Accurate cash flow forecasting allows business owners to better manage their finances, make informed decisions, and plan for the future. To help us better leverage cash flow forecasting for financial leadership and strategic decision-making, we discuss it w…
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Break the Ceiling is now Beyond Margins. I’m excited to bring back the show and introduce you to people thinking about operations, finance, and business-building with calm as their top KPI. Do you know someone who could use a little more calm in their business? Someone who wants to think beyond margins? Share the show with them! And make sure you f…
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Big companies need a better art of problem-solving. You can't simply rely on luck or intuition. Data and analytics must become your greatest allies in your decision-making process. However, it's not just about employing any tool you find; it's about finding the right tool for your needs. In the case of big companies, Dhiraj Rajaram has the solution…
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I know a ton of storytellers and creators and entrepreneurs, but I know exactly zero other people who have learned how to do what they do from both legendary news broadcasters and Kermit the Frog. Meet Andrew Davis. He is a powerhouse business speaker who’s given speeches in 35 different countries, at more than 50 events every year. He speaks to au…
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People expect CFOs to be masters of everything, not just finance. Strategy, technology, marketing, or customer engagement, a financial leader truly has to get a strong grasp on every aspect of a business. Impossible, some might say. But not for Daniel Welch, who joined us in this episode of CFO Weekly to share his personal performance as an executi…
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Business and digital transformation are two of the hottest topics today, critical for surviving and thriving in today's competitive environment. From streamlining processes to improving accuracy and efficiency, technology has revolutionized the way financial operations are carried out. To explore the benefits of business and digital transformation …
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It's not the first time we have explored the evolution of the CFO role. According to Alex Glueckler, today the CFO is expected to be a strategic advisor to the CEO and the board of directors. They must provide insights and analysis that drive decision-making and help shape the company's long-term growth strategy. What else is on the list? Alex brea…
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Do modern CFOs need to consider integrating AI, automation, or analytics into their financial operations? The answer is a resounding yes. These technologies are not only useful for streamlining accounting processes but also for making more informed strategic decisions that can give businesses a competitive edge. To shed light on this topic, we have…
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The emergence of new technologies like AI and the increasing influence of data-driven decision-making have brought new challenges to financial professionals. At the same time, CFOs can use them to provide the most value to a company’s financial performance. It's all about the strategy. And today, Tom Panther shares his wisdom on how CFOs can levera…
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CFOs play a key role in shaping financial strategies to ensure the growth and success of their organizations. However, when faced with a high-interest rate environment, the challenges become even more significant. CFOs need to adapt their financial planning approaches to navigate these circumstances effectively. Today, we'll explore the topic along…
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Welcome to How Stories Happen, a show for business storytellers focused on standing out easier and resonating deeper through substance and stories, not hollow stunts. Each episode, an expert, entrepreneur, or world-class communicator breaks apart a single story piece by piece, sharing how they developed it and how they're using it to grow their bra…
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Optimizing cash flows is key for an organization to stay financially healthy and achieve sustainable growth. Cash flow management involves monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing the inflow and outflow of cash within the company. Traditionally, this responsibility has fallen on the CFO. However, with the rise of AI, CFOs can now leverage new tools an…
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While businesses are constantly looking for ways to optimize their spending and maximize their ROI, they often overlook legal spending, which plays a key role in safeguarding the organization's interests. That's where a strong relationship between CFOs and legal teams becomes critical to ensure cost-effective legal services. To help us dive deeper …
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Historically, CFOs were mainly responsible for financial management, reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, ensuring the company's financial health and profitability. However, with the CFO's increasing involvement in strategic decision-making and their crucial role in shaping the future direction of their company, the role is now taking on a new ti…
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