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Episodes | CFO THOUGHT LEADER

1053: Strategic Financial Alignment for Enhanced Transparency and Growth | Cyrus Lam, CFO Orion Innovation

For Cyrus Lam, the aspect of the CFO role that sets it apart from all others is the weight of non-negotiable priorities. Despite years spent closely collaborating with CFOs as an investment banker, Lam tell us he quickly discovered a new level of accountability in the role. Managing cash flow and ensuring payroll, he says,…
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Ep 41: The FP&A Spectrum: Technology, Culture, and Long-Term Value

In this episode of Planning Aces, Jack Sweeney and Brett Knowles share insights from CFOs Sandra Wallach (Amprius Technologies), David Morris (Guardian Pharmacy Services), and David Eckstein (Vanta). The discussion explores how these finance leaders are leveraging technology, data, and collaboration to drive decision-making and value creation. Highlights Conclusion: While these CFOs share a focus […]

1052: How Mobileye’s Capital Journey Shaped, Tested, and Advanced Its Future CFO | Moran Shemesh, CFO, Mobileye

By all accounts, when Moran Shemesh joined Mobileye in 2016 as Corporate Controller, the drama of its IPO was behind it. The Israeli autonomous vehicle technology company had gone public two years earlier, and Shemesh saw the opportunity to grow within an innovative tech company. “I was stepping into a fast-growing organization, that was already publicly…
Listen to the Episode Below (0:54:26)
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1051: Building a Greener Future: A CFO’s Journey in Climate Tech | Derek Warnick, CFO, Electric Hydrogen

From day one of his professional life, Derek Warnick knew his career would be driven by a purpose greater than mere career advancement. As an undergraduate studying finance and international business, he contemplated how his professional life could make a meaningful impact. Upon graduation, he joined the World Bank's International Finance Corporation, focusing on empowering…
Listen to the Episode Below (0:51:31)
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1050: Harnessing the Power of Three: Dynatrace’s Layered AI Strategy | Jim Benson, CFO, Dynatrace

One of the key lessons that helped advance Jim Benson down the CFO path was one in clarity and focus during his tenure as FP&A leader for the customer service division of Compaq, freshly acquired by Hewlett-Packard. Eager to influence how the division’s performance was presented, Benson dedicated himself to crafting detailed reports and narratives.…
Listen to the Episode Below (0:58:19)
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1049: Beyond the Balance Sheet: Leveraging People and Data for Success | David Morris, CFO, Guardian Pharmacy

When it came to the public markets, no one can accuse David Morris and his seasoned C-suite colleagues, Fred Burke and Kendall Forbes, of being impatient. Guardian Pharmacy Services, a company they built from the ground up, recently raised $112 million in an IPO, listing on the NYSE under the symbol “GRDN.” The milestone reflects…
Listen to the Episode Below (0:41:53)
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1048: Strategic Growth and Leadership in Hard Tech Finance | Sandra Wallach, CFO, Amprius Technologies

Sitting quietly at the back of a crowded GE conference room, a young Sandra Wallach diligently took notes during an executive briefing. As one of the newest inductees into GE's esteemed Financial Management Program (FMP), she was eager to absorb every detail. Unbeknownst to her at the time, this moment marked the beginning of a…
Listen to the Episode Below (0:51:14)
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Ep 40: From Constraints to Collaboration

In this episode of “Planning Aces,” finance leaders explore the evolving role of FP&A as a strategic partner emphasizing the importance of reliable data in aligning decision-making and resetting priorities. The CFOs discuss how setting clear constraints enhances strategic planning and drives more thoughtful decision-making. Leveraging AI emerges as a key theme for optimizing financial […]

1047: Balancing Risk and Opportunity in a Changing Finance Landscape | John Gronen, CFO, Yooz

It was not the first time John Gronen addressed the staffing company’s board — but it was very likely the most consequential. At the time, Gronen was vice president of finance, responsible for assessing acquisitions and analyzing their outcomes. The company operated two businesses: one generating about $30 million in EBITDA, while the other incurred…
Listen to the Episode Below (0:38:48)
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1,046: Transforming Finance from Reactive to Proactive Leadership | David Eckstein, CFO, Vanta

When David Eckstein inherited a struggling business unit earlier in his career, there was little question he faced an uphill battle. The unit wasn’t one he had built, nor had he developed the frameworks or discounting policies in place. Who was responsible for the unit’s troubles? And shouldn’t this problem child belong to someone else?…
Listen to the Episode Below (0:44:49)
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1,045: Cash Flow Focus: Building a Sustainable Growth Strategy | Brian Hogeland, CFO Packer Fastener

In his three years as CFO of Packer Fastener, Brian Hogeland has led a milestone transformation of the company’s financial operations. Joining in 2021 during a period of rapid growth, Hogeland tells us he quickly identified opportunities to streamline processes, align business goals, and introduce technology-driven solutions. With Packer Fastener’s quirky culture—known for slogans like…
Listen to the Episode Below (0:46:04)
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1,044: Driving Sustainable Growth: How to Align Business Goals with Profitability | Isabelle Winkles, CFO, Braze

In January 2020, most finance leaders were seeing ASC 606 as a closed chapter. However, for Braze’s newly appointed CFO, Isabelle Winkles, this new revenue recognition standard would quickly move to front-and-center. While ASC 606 was merely a speedbump for seasoned professionals—especially for a 25-year finance veteran like Winkles—it posed a notable challenge within Braze.…
Listen to the Episode Below (0:54:28)
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