In this Planning Aces episode, Jack Sweeney and thought leader Brett Knowles explore FP&A lessons from three CFOs tackling AI’s promise and limits. Craig Foster (Pax8) sees AI as an efficiency engine, projecting “20% more with 20% less” via agentic tools across functions and for SMBs. David Obstler (Datadog) outlines monetization—AI-native demand, LLM-powered products, and […]
1089: Reinventing Operations for Lasting Impact | Brian McClintock, CFO, Fusion Connect
He was sixty days into his new role when Brian McClintock tells us he realized the company’s monthly “profit” was actually a million-dollar loss. As the CFO reviewed the financials, he discovered that each rosy figure concealed a troubling truth. For many executives, panic might have followed. Instead, McClintock’s response underscored a key principle: remain…
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Ep 43: The ROI Equation for AI Starts Here
In this episode of Planning Aces, three forward-looking finance leaders share how they’re transforming planning and forecasting inside their organizations. CFO Kevin Rhodes of Extreme Networks discusses the dual lens through which he evaluates AI—external monetization and internal productivity. Brandon Sullivan, CFO of 2X, reveals how a post-PE investment reality check led him to pioneer…
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Innovation and Market Adaptation | Erik Swenson, CFO, IDT
Finance Strategic Moment Early in his Danaher career, Erik Swenson faced a pivotal decision: continue with a volatile capital business or pivot to a faster-growing, more stable life sciences market. Instead of rushing into change, he pushed for conviction—evaluating market viability, margins, and execution feasibility. This strategic shift ultimately aligned the business with sustainable growth. […]
1081: The CFO’s Role in Innovation and Market Adaptation | Erik Swenson, CFO, IDT
It was a moment that would shape Erik Swenson’s approach to finance forever. As a co-op student at Northeastern University, he found himself in front of a room full of engineers, presenting financial metrics he had carefully compiled. When the meeting ended, one of the engineers approached him and said, “That was interesting, but it…
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How AI is Driving Business Efficiency & Retention
CFO Kevin Rhodes explores how AI is reshaping business strategy—both internally for operational efficiency and externally for customer experience. He discusses how Extreme Networks leverages AI to improve sales enablement, optimize network management, and drive ROI. Rhodes also examines the evolving monetization models of AI, highlighting its role in retention, automation, and revenue growth. His […]
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…
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