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Future Finance

Glenn Hopper & Paul Barnhurst

Future Finance is a podcast that delves into the transformative world of finance hosted by Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, and Glenn Hopper, emphasizing the impact of technology and artificial intelligence within the finance profession. Each episode brings listeners the latest news on AI and financial technology, insightful discussions, expert analyses, and forward-thinking ideas, exploring how AI and technological innovations are reshaping corporate finance as we know it. The podcast will become a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving intersection of technology and finance

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#110
Wednesday · 18 min
Why CFOs Should Lead AI Adoption Instead of Leaving It Solely to IT
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Glenn Hopper about his new book, The AI-Ready CFO, and what finance leaders need to do to successfully adopt AI. Glenn explains why CFOs must take a leadership role in AI strategy, how finance can balance innovation with risk management, and why successful AI implementation starts with data readiness, process improvement, and strong governance. In this episode, you will discover: Why CFOs should lead AI adoption. How finance can balance AI, speed, and risk. Why data readiness is essential before AI implementation. How to build trust through governance and transparency. How to create effective AI pilots and scale success. Glenn explains that AI adoption is not just about choosing new tools. Finance leaders need to understand their current processes, establish a baseline, identify opportunities, run focused pilots, and use evidence to decide what should be scaled. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Glenn’s new book: The AI-Ready CFO https://robocfo.ai/ai-ready-cfo Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] - Trailer: The AI-Ready CFO [03:54] - The AI-Ready CFO Explained [08:59] - The Changing CFO Role [13:27] - Why Finance Should Lead AI [16:46] - AI Change Management [21:32] - Building an AI Strategy [27:39] - Trust, Governance & AI [32:32] - Transparent AI Processes [36:30] - AI Build vs. Buy [40:02] - Building AI Agents [43:21] - Closing Thoughts
#109
September 9 · 46 min
The CFO Should Own AI, Not IT | Glenn Hopper on The AI-Ready CFO
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Glenn Hopper about his new book, The AI-Ready CFO, and how finance leaders can successfully navigate AI adoption. Glenn explains why CFOs need to take ownership of AI strategy, how to balance speed with risk, and why strong governance, data readiness, and change management are essential for building trust in AI. In this episode, you will discover: Why CFOs need to play a leading role in AI adoption. How finance teams can balance AI speed with governance and risk management. Why data readiness and process documentation are critical before implementing AI. How to build trust in AI through transparency, audit trails, and human oversight. How CFOs can create effective AI pilot programs and scale successful initiatives. AI adoption is not just about selecting new tools. Glenn explains that successful implementation starts with understanding current processes, improving data readiness, creating measurable baselines, and building systems that allow people to trust AI outputs. For CFOs, the future role is not becoming an AI engineer, but becoming the leader who ensures AI is used responsibly and effectively across the organization. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Glenn’s new book: The AI-Ready CFO https://robocfo.ai/ai-ready-cfo Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] - Trailer: The AI-Ready CFO [03:54] - The AI-Ready CFO Explained [08:59] - The Changing CFO Role [13:27] - Why Finance Should Lead AI [16:46] - AI Change Management [21:32] - Building an AI Strategy [27:39] - Trust, Governance & AI [32:32] - Transparent AI Processes [36:30] - AI Build vs. Buy [40:02] - Building AI Agents [43:21] - Closing Thoughts
#108
September 2 · 19 min
Why Better Workflows Matter More Than Better Prompts
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss AI fatigue and why finance professionals should focus less on chasing new models and more on using AI effectively. They share practical ways to improve AI results through better instructions, reference files, context, and data foundations. In this episode, you will discover: Why AI fatigue is becoming a real challenge. Why prompting alone is no longer enough. How context and reference files improve AI results. Why clean data and clear KPIs matter. How finance teams can start using AI more effectively. Paul and Glenn emphasize that finance teams do not need to build complicated systems immediately. Starting with clear data definitions, documented sources, and simple context files can already make AI much more useful. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today's Episode: [00:00] - Introduction [01:07] - AI Fatigue [04:09] - Using AI Effectively [05:44] - The Changing Role of Prompting [07:40] - AI for Financial Modelling [11:37] - AI and Finance Data [14:47] - Building a Data Foundation [18:10] - Practical AI Tips [19:08] - Closing Thoughts
#107
August 26 · 42 min
How Finance Pros Should Manage Data Context and Token Forecasting
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss AI fatigue, better ways for finance teams to use AI, and the growing challenge of forecasting AI costs. They explore why finance leaders should focus less on chasing new models and more on building the data, context, and workflows needed to get real value from AI. In this episode, you will discover: Why finance teams should stop chasing every new AI model. Why context is becoming more important than prompting alone. How better KPIs and data foundations improve AI results. How organizations can forecast and manage AI token costs. Why AI success should be measured by business outcomes. Paul and Glenn explain why effective AI adoption isn't about using the most tokens or knowing every new tool. It's about using AI to help finance make better, faster decisions. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] – Trailer [03:17] – AI Fatigue & Model Overload [09:38] – Beyond Prompt Engineering [16:03] – Building Better AI Context [24:29] – Organizing Finance Knowledge [27:29] – Token Maxing & AI Costs [32:06] – Forecasting Token Spend [38:23] – Focusing on Business Value [41:43] – Closing Thoughts
#106
August 19 · 19 min
Better Data vs Better AI: What Really Matters for Finance with Alex Curran
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Alex Curran, CEO of Aptitude Software, to discuss AI-native ERP, the changing role of CFOs, and how finance teams can prepare for AI adoption. Alex explains why strong data foundations, flexible architecture, and real-time finance systems are becoming essential. Alex Curran is the CEO of Aptitude Software, a company with decades of experience building finance solutions for complex organizations. After more than 12 years at Aptitude, Alex became CEO in late 2023 and now leads the company’s focus on AI-native finance technology, including the Fynapse platform. In this episode, you will discover: Why CFOs are becoming strategic partners in business decisions. Why clean, detailed data is essential for effective AI adoption. What makes an ERP system truly AI-native. How CFOs can evaluate legacy and newer AI-native ERP platforms. Why flexible AI models and real-time finance are becoming more important. Alex explains that successful AI adoption requires more than adding AI features to existing finance systems. Organizations need the right data and architecture to support changing AI technologies while meeting complex finance requirements. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow Alex: Website: http://fynapse.app/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-curran-9aa593b/ Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:56] – Meet Alex Curran [02:32] – Aptitude Software and Fynapse [05:16] – The Changing CFO Role [07:03] – Finance’s Data Problem [10:53] – AI-Native Finance Systems [14:33] – Evaluating ERP Options [17:32] – The Future of AI-Native ERP [18:59] – Closing Thoughts
#105
August 12 · 41 min
The AI Data Pioneer: Building the Future of Finance with Alex Curran
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Alex Curran, CEO of Aptitude Software, to discuss the future of finance systems, AI-native ERP, and how organizations can prepare their finance functions for a rapidly changing technology landscape. Alex shares how finance teams can move beyond outdated systems, improve data foundations, and use AI to enable faster, more informed decision-making. Alex Curran is the CEO of Aptitude Software, a company that has spent over 40 years building finance solutions for complex organizations. After joining Aptitude over 12 years ago, Alex progressed through multiple leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2023. She now leads the company’s focus on AI-native finance technology and modern ERP solutions. In this episode, you will discover: Why CFOs are expected to become strategic partners in business decisions. Why clean data and strong architecture are essential for successful AI adoption. How AI-native ERP systems differ from traditional finance platforms. Why real-time finance and continuous close are becoming possible. How AI will change finance roles and create new opportunities. Alex explains why the future of finance is not just about adding AI tools, but about building the right systems, data foundations, and processes to make AI valuable and trustworthy. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow Alex: Website: http://fynapse.app/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-curran-9aa593b/ Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] – Trailer [05:22] – The Modern CFO Role [11:36] – Building Flexible AI Systems [15:16] – Evaluating ERP Solutions [19:08] – Legacy ERP vs AI-Native ERP [23:39] – Real-Time Finance & Continuous Close [27:02] – AI’s Impact on Finance Teams [30:24] – The Future of Accountants [35:44] – AI Questions & Leadership Lessons [36:53] – Finance System Implementation Challenges [38:40] – Alex’s CEO Journey [40:04] – Closing Thoughts on Finance’s Future
#104
August 5 · 21 min
AI, Power BI, and the Future of Finance Work with Rob Collie
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Robert Collie to discuss artificial intelligence, data analytics, and the future of work. Robert shares his journey from helping build Power Pivot and Power BI at Microsoft to founding P3 Adaptive. He explains how AI is changing the role of finance and data professionals, why strong data foundations still matter, and why continuous learning is essential in an AI-driven world. Robert Collie is the founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, a Microsoft analytics and AI consulting firm. During his 13 years at Microsoft, he helped lead the development of Power Pivot and Power BI. He is also the author of Power Pivot and Power BI and the upcoming book Fair Game: Customizing AI to Your Business Is Easier Than You Think. In this episode, you will discover: How Power Pivot and Power BI transformed data analytics. Why AI is creating new opportunities for finance professionals. Why adapting skills is critical in the AI era. How businesses can make AI practical and accessible. Robert shares practical insights on combining data expertise, AI, and human judgment to create value in the future of work. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow Robert: Website: https://p3adaptive.com/ Book: https://fairgamebook.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcollie/ In Today’s Episode: [03:58] - Building Power Pivot and Power BI at Microsoft [08:56] - Leaving Microsoft and Founding P3 Adaptive [13:36] - AI and the Future of Work [17:13] - Introducing Fair Game [19:41] - Making AI Practical and Accessible [21:31] - Helping Everyone Understand AI
#103
July 29 · 41 min
AI Is Already Changing Data Jobs: Why You Must Create More Value Now with Rob Collie
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Robert Collie, founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, for a conversation about artificial intelligence, data analytics, and how finance professionals can prepare for the future of work. Robert shares his journey from helping build Power BI at Microsoft to founding P3 Adaptive and explains why AI is creating both disruption and new opportunities for finance and data professionals. Robert Collie is the founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, a Microsoft analytics and AI consulting firm. During his 13 years at Microsoft, Robert helped lead the development of Power Pivot and Power BI. He is also the author of the bestselling Power Pivot and Power BI book and hosts the Raw Data with Rob Collie podcast. His upcoming book, Fair Game: Customizing AI to Your Business is Easier Than You Think, explores how organizations can make AI practical and accessible. In this episode, you will discover: How Power BI and Power Pivot changed the way organizations use data. Why AI is creating new opportunities for finance and data professionals. Why sitting still with current skills can create career risks. How companies can build AI systems using strong data foundations. Why semantic models are becoming essential for AI adoption. Robert brings decades of experience in business intelligence, analytics, and AI, sharing practical lessons on how finance leaders and data professionals can adapt, learn, and create value in a rapidly changing environment. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow Robert: Website: https://p3adaptive.com/ Book: https://fairgamebook.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcollie/ Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] – Trailer [00:00] – How AI is changing jobs [02:43] – Robert’s Microsoft journey [06:06] – Power BI and Power Pivot impact [11:25] – Leaving Microsoft for P3 Adaptive [15:43] – AI and the future of data work [19:33] – Making AI accessible [25:13] – AI tools and better workflows [31:11] – AI in career planning [33:38] – AI changing finance and consulting [35:16] – Why semantic models matter [38:35] – Building a strong company culture [40:34] – Robert’s AI book and future plans
#102
July 22 · 21 min
Why Forecasting Is Not Broken, but Your Data Systems & AI Misuse Are the Problem with Alex Brower
In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Hopper are joined by guest Alex Brower, co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, to explore why forecasting problems often begin with the data layer. They discuss data plumbing, semantic alignment, Model Context Protocols (MCPs), vibe coding, and how finance and go-to-market teams can work from shared definitions to improve forecast quality and analysis. Alex Brower is the co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, helping finance and go-to-market teams connect data, improve forecast accuracy, and boost analyst productivity by up to five times. He previously led finance and marketing at high-growth tech firms like AppTelligent (acquired by VMware) and Cloud Academy (acquired by QA). In this episode, you will discover: How data hygiene and shared definitions improve forecasting Why unified data alone does not solve business alignment issues MCP vs semantic layers for reliable analysis The risks of untested AI-generated analysis Why AI cost and governance matter Alex explains how QFlow helps companies prepare data, run planning workflows, and turn analysis into board-ready stories. Follow Alex: Website: https://qflow.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrower/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.ai: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] – Introduction [02:15] – Data & Forecasting Challenges [06:43] – MCP vs Semantic Layers [09:55] – AI Coding Risks [15:52] – QFlow Data Preparation [18:10] – Planning & Business Insights [20:51] – Closing Thoughts
#101
July 15 · 44 min
How to Align Marketing and Finance and Fix the Plumbing Problem with Alex Brower
Future Finance host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Hopper are joined by Alex Brower, co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, to unpack why forecasting often breaks down even when teams have plenty of data. The discussion focuses on how finance and go-to-market teams can work from shared inputs, improve planning accuracy, and use AI without losing the structure needed for reliable decisions. Alex Brower is the co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, helping finance and go-to-market teams connect data, improve forecast accuracy, and boost analyst productivity up to five times. He previously led finance and marketing at high-growth tech firms like AppTelligent (acquired by VMware) and Cloud Academy (acquired by QA). In this episode, you will discover: Fix data plumbing before system consolidation. Use data dictionaries for consistent definitions. AI helps, but semantic logic is still needed. Vibe coding can create hidden costs if untested. Start with key unanswered questions, then plan solutions. Alex shares lessons from leading finance, operations, and marketing teams at high-growth companies, including what he learned from living the forecast tension on both sides of the table. Follow Alex: Website: https://qflow.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrower/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.ai: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] – Trailer [03:44] – Finance-to-marketing journey & QFlow’s solution [07:10] – Data plumbing vs. alignment [11:37] – MCPs, AI, and logic layers [14:50] – Risks of vibe coding & maintainability [21:56] – How QFlow handles data, planning, and storytelling [30:57] – Alignment before strategy & reducing fact-hunting [35:39] – Where CFOs/FP&A should start modernizing [44:03] – Closing & sponsor sign-off
#100
July 8 · 19 min
AI Is Making Mistakes in Finance for CFOs to Fix Data Problems and Improve Analysis with Nick & Jain
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Nick Jain and Daniel Settel, co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO. They discuss how AI is changing FP&A, why finance teams still need human expertise, and how their platform helps CFOs automate financial analysis while improving decision-making. Nick Jain is a Harvard MBA and former CEO, CFO, and investor with experience at McKinsey, Bain Capital, and multiple high-growth companies. Daniel Settel is a Stanford engineer, Harvard MBA, former investment professional at Primecap Management, and co-founder of a venture secondary marketplace. Together, they founded Eagle Rock CFO to combine technology with fractional CFO services for growing businesses. In this episode, you will discover: How AI can automate FP&A without replacing finance professionals Why clean financial data is essential for better analysis The role of humans in AI-powered finance workflows How fractional CFOs can use technology to serve more clients Where businesses can uncover hidden value in their financial data AI-powered finance tools are changing how businesses analyze data, but success still depends on combining automation with sound financial judgment. Nick and Daniel share practical insights into how finance leaders can use technology to save time, uncover opportunities, and make better decisions. Follow Nick: Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmjain/ Follow Dan: Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsettel/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [02:24] – Why Eagle Rock CFO Was Founded [04:35] – Building AI for FP&A [09:12] – The Human Role in AI-Powered Finance [10:38] – Why Fractional CFOs Need Better Tools [14:18] – Cleaning Financial Data & Chart of Accounts [16:21] – White-Labeling the Platform [17:17] – Time Savings and Business Impact [19:18] – Final Thoughts
#99
July 1 · 35 min
How to Save Time in FP&A Using Structured AI Analysis with Nick and Dan
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Nick Jain and Daniel Settel, co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO, to discuss how AI is reshaping FP&A and fractional CFO services. Nick and Dan explain how their AI-powered system combines structured data processing, automation, and financial expertise to help companies analyze complex financial data faster, reduce manual workload, and uncover hidden value in their operations. Dan and Nick are co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO, a financial advisory firm helping mid-size businesses grow faster and improve profitability. They combine AI and technology to deliver operational finance insights at a fraction of traditional consulting costs. Both are Harvard Business School graduates, with undergraduate degrees from Stanford and Dartmouth. Dan previously co-founded FinTech company Zanbato and worked as a professional investor at PrimeCap, while Nick has experience in private equity investing and scaling companies across SaaS, footwear, and trucking. In this episode, you will discover: AI works best when paired with structured financial data, not raw inputs Why deterministic systems still matter alongside AI in finance workflows How Eagle Rock’s 5-step system improves financial analysis accuracy Why human oversight is still needed in AI-powered FP&A systems How fractional CFOs can save 20–50 hours per month using AI tools Nick and Daniel demonstrate how AI is transforming finance by automating analysis while still relying on structured systems and human judgment. Their approach shows that the future of FP&A is not fully autonomous AI, but a hybrid model where AI enhances decision-making, improves efficiency, and strengthens financial visibility. Follow Nick: Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmjain/ Follow Dan: Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsettel/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] – Trailer [04:10] – Founding Eagle Rock CFO [06:21] – Deterministic vs probabilistic systems [07:22] – Why agents are not enough [09:13] – Data compression and structuring [10:13] – Human oversight in AI workflows [14:51] – Data mess in SMB finance [18:38] – White-label and consulting model [22:18] – How to start using AI safely [29:36] – CFO vs CEO vs CIO experience [33:45] – Closing thoughts
#98
June 24 · 18 min
AI in Finance for CFOs to Stop Reporting Work and Drive Profit Decisions with Ron Nachum
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Ron Nachum, Founder of Sapien, an AI-native company building systems that understand and act on enterprise financial data. Ron shares how his team is redefining finance operations using AI agents that go beyond dashboards and chatbots to actively analyze, optimise, and recommend actions across business functions. Ron Nachum is the Founder of Sapien, an AI-native platform that helps companies run finance and operations through intelligent systems built on top of ERPs, spreadsheets, and enterprise data. With a background in applied AI research at Harvard, Ron focuses on building systems that turn fragmented financial data into real-time business decisions. In this episode, you will discover: How AI agents are reshaping finance and FP&A workflows Why companies need systems that understand their business context How Sapien automates reporting, analysis, and decision support The importance of guardrails, auditability, and financial structure in AI Ron shows how AI agents are moving finance beyond reporting into real-time decision-making. Sapien blends structure, data, and intelligence to turn complex systems into actionable insights. Follow Ron: Website: https://sapien.ai/news LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nachum/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [02:35] – Why Ron left Harvard to build Sapien [05:15] – Founding story and early vision [07:46] – Building AI systems for finance [09:13] – From manual workflows to AI automation [10:03] – Evolution of AI agents in finance [11:29] – How AI is changing FP&A roles [12:45] – Guardrails and system design [13:56] – Financial intelligence in AI systems [16:19] – Opinionated vs. flexible AI systems [18:26] – Closing thoughts
#97
June 17 · 50 min
How Companies Are Losing Millions While Being Data Rich with Ron Nachum
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Ron Nachum, Founder and CEO of Sapien, to discuss how AI agents are transforming financial operations and decision-making for companies. Ron shares how Sapien leverages AI to unify siloed financial data, automate workflows, and provide actionable insights, helping companies unlock millions of dollars in hidden value while enabling employees to focus on strategic work. Ron Nachum is the founder and CEO of Sapien, an AI-native platform that deploys agents to understand and act on messy, siloed data across ERPs, data warehouses, CRMs, and spreadsheets. Ron studied at Harvard, where he focused on computer science, statistics, and applied AI research. He has spent years building AI solutions for finance and operational processes, creating systems that help companies make better, faster decisions and optimize their operations. In this episode, you will discover: AI can unlock value from messy, siloed financial data Sapien’s platform automates reporting, forecasting, and operational decisions Human oversight and governance remain crucial for AI configurability Talent density and culture are key to scaling a young, fast-growing company Early entrepreneurial mindset shapes long-term innovation Ron Nachum demonstrates how AI can revolutionize financial operations by turning siloed, messy data into actionable insights. Sapien’s platform empowers companies to automate reporting, optimize decisions, and free employees to focus on high-value work. Ron emphasizes that combining AI with governance, configurability, and a talented team creates systems that not only deliver immediate value but also scale strategically. Follow Ron: Website: https://sapien.ai/news LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nachum/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] – Trailer [03:15] – Data-Rich, Analysis-Poor Challenge [06:21] – Harvard & the Leap to Sapien [11:32] – AI Agents in Finance [17:01] – Balancing AI Flexibility & Guardrails [23:19] – Efficient & Secure Data Handling [26:34] – Making Insights Accessible to All Teams [30:45] – Configurability, Forecasting & Learning [38:22] – Real-World Impact & Optimizations [40:25] – Leading Young Teams with Experienced Advisor [46:11] – Early Entrepreneurial Ventures [49:13] – Closing Thoughts & Thanks
#96
June 10 · 21 min
AI Strategy for CFOs: Manage AI Like an Investment Portfolio and Prove ROI with Dave Trier
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp, to discuss how enterprises can govern, manage, and operate AI at scale. Dave shares insights on implementing AI responsibly, tracking ROI, managing risks, and creating an enterprise-wide AI portfolio that drives value while ensuring compliance and governance. Dave Trier leads ModelOp with a focus on customer value, product innovation, and enterprise execution. With over 20 years in data science, AI, analytics, cloud, and enterprise software, he brings technical expertise and a pragmatic leadership style, helping CIOs, CTOs, and AI leaders deploy AI effectively across organizations . In this episode, you will discover: How enterprises can scale AI responsibly and reliably The CFO’s role in AI oversight and portfolio management Measuring AI value through ROI, usage, and internal feedback Distinctions between AI governance and traditional data governance Importance of change management and structured AI adoption Dave provides a framework for enterprise AI adoption, emphasizing disciplined management, measurable impact, and alignment with regulatory and operational requirements. This episode is essential for finance and tech leaders looking to integrate AI at scale while ensuring oversight, efficiency, and business value . Follow Dave: Website: https://www.modelop.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidetrier/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] – Trailer [02:38] – AI Compliance & Governance Challenges [04:35] – Distinction Between AI & Data Governance [07:28] – Measuring AI Value & ROI [12:41] – Treating AI as a Portfolio of Investments [15:05] – Change Management & Enterprise Adoption [17:39] – Wild West of AI & Need for Rigorous Processes [18:54] – CFO Oversight in AI Implementation [21:00] – Closing Remarks
#95
June 3 · 36 min
AI Strategy for CFOs Is a Wild West Without Governance Turn AI Into a Portfolio System – Dave Trier
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp, to explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI at scale in enterprises. Dave shares how organizations can manage AI responsibly, measure ROI, and move from scattered pilots to a disciplined, industrialized approach. He also discusses the critical role of CFOs in AI oversight, change management, and creating measurable business value from AI initiatives Dave Trier is CEO of ModelOp, leading the company with a focus on customer value, product innovation, and enterprise execution. With over 20 years of experience across AI, data science, analytics, cloud, and enterprise software, Dave is a patent-holder and trusted partner to CIOs, CTOs, and AI leaders. Prior to becoming CEO, he shaped ModelOp’s product strategy and held senior roles at Think Big Analytics, Powered by Action, and Accenture Technology Labs. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. In this episode, you will discover: How to industrialize AI delivery across an enterprise Managing risk, governance, and compliance for AI implementations Measuring AI ROI using financial, feedback, and usage metrics The CFO’s role in AI oversight and rationalizing AI investments Key lessons for change management and process discipline in AI adoption Dave Trier highlights how enterprises can move from scattered AI pilots to a disciplined, industrialized approach that delivers measurable business value. He emphasizes the importance of governance, change management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure AI initiatives succeed. CFOs play a key role in oversight, setting financial parameters, and rationalizing AI investments. Follow Dave: Website: https://www.modelop.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidetrier/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] – Trailer [02:07] – Meet Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp [04:57] – ModelOp & AI Governance Explained [06:21] – AI vs Data Governance [08:11] – Evaluating AI ROI for CFOs [13:24] – AI as a Managed Investment Portfolio [16:43] – Change Management & Process Discipline [20:48] – CFO’s Role in AI Oversight [27:38] – Tips to Maximize AI ROI [30:16] – Enterprise AI Complexity & Coordination [32:13] – Dave’s Journey: Electrical Engineer to AI CEO [35:12] – Closing Thoughts
#94
May 27 · 22 min
AI in Finance for CFOs: Scaling Confusion Without a Unified Platform with Scott Leshinski
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Scott Leshinski, President of OneStream Software, to discuss the company’s recent acquisition by Hg Capital. Scott explains how OneStream’s unified platform is transforming finance workflows, the role of AI in enterprise finance, and how finance teams are learning to trust and use these advanced tools. Scott Leshinski is the President of OneStream Software, with experience in corporate finance at GE Capital, co-founding Bluestone International, and leading finance technology transformations at Huron Consulting Group. He joined OneStream in 2021 and was promoted to President in 2023 after driving strong growth in AI initiatives. In this episode, you will discover: The impact of OneStream going private under Hg Capital How unified platforms improve financial planning and reporting AI and machine learning are enhancing forecast accuracy and efficiency Importance of transparency, traceability, and trust in AI outputs Scott Leshinski highlights the exciting future of finance, where unified platforms and automation are transforming how businesses manage financial workflows. He emphasizes the growing role of technology in making finance processes more efficient and discusses how OneStream is helping companies become more agile. Follow Scott: Website: https://www.onestream.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-leshinski-bb5736b/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:23] – Guest Intro [01:32] – Acquisition & AI-First Strategy [03:57] – Long-Term Growth Opportunities [05:18] – Scott’s Career Journey [08:38] – Need for Unified Platform [10:13] – OneStream Overview [13:29] – Practical Enterprise Impact [17:11] – Unified Platform for AI [21:01] – Agentic AI & High Accuracy
#93
May 20 · 21 min
The Broken Revenue Systems and AI Agents Rebuilding Contract to Cash with Ali Hussain
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper speak with Ali Hussain, CEO and co-founder of Tabs, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing finance workflows. Ali discusses the limitations of legacy finance systems, the challenges of modern revenue models, and how AI is automating the full contract-to-cash cycle for finance teams. Ali Hussain is the CEO and co-founder of Tabs, where he leads the development of AI-native solutions designed to automate the billing, collections, and revenue recognition process. With a background spanning product leadership at Google, strategy consulting at BCG, and public policy, Ali is at the forefront of the next wave of finance technology. In this episode, you will discover: How automation is transforming the finance sector, particularly revenue management The importance of structured data for effective financial solutions Why traditional finance systems struggle with modern revenue models How Tabs is automating billing, collections, and revenue recognition This episode provides insights into how automation is reshaping finance, helping businesses manage revenue models and streamline financial tasks. Ali Hussain shares his perspective on simplifying finance workflows and the direction the industry is heading. Follow Ali: Website: https://www.tabs.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabsplatform Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [02:00] – Ali's Background and Tabs' Growth [03:00] – Automation in Finance [05:00] – Agents in Finance Workflows [08:00] – Data Quality in Finance [10:00] – Limitations of LLMs in Finance [12:00] – Agents vs Automation [15:00] – The Future of Finance [17:00] – Managing Usage-Based Pricing [21:00] – Closing Thoughts
#92
May 13 · 56 min
Why Unified Systems are More Important Than Ever in the Era of AI with OneStream President Scott Leshinski
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Scott Leshinski, President of OneStream Software, to discuss OneStream's recent acquisition by Hg Capital and the exciting changes it brings to the company’s approach to finance technology. Scott shares how OneStream’s focus on a unified platform is reshaping the finance space, and how integrating smart technology into financial workflows is making a real difference for businesses today. Scott Leshinski is the President of OneStream Software, where he leads OneStream’s growth and innovation. With a background in corporate finance at GE Capital, co-founding Bluestone International, and working at Huron Consulting Group, Scott has a wealth of experience in driving major tech transformations. He joined OneStream in 2021 and was promoted to President in 2023 after helping the company achieve impressive growth. In this episode, you will discover: What OneStream's acquisition by Hg Capital means for its future The benefits of using a unified platform in finance How automation is improving financial processes The evolving role of automation in financial planning and decision-making How OneStream’s tools are helping businesses become more agile and efficient Scott Leshinski highlights the exciting future of finance, where unified platforms and automation are transforming how businesses manage financial workflows. He emphasizes the growing role of technology in making finance processes more efficient and discusses how OneStream is helping companies become more agile. Follow Scott: Website: https://www.onestream.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-leshinski-bb5736b/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] – Intro [03:00] – OneStream's Acquisition Impact [05:00] – Transition from Public to Private [06:00] – Scott's Career Path [10:00] – What OneStream Does [14:00] – The Power of Unified Platforms [18:00] – Automation in Financial Planning [19:00] – The Rise of Automation [26:00] – Building Trust in Automation [29:00] – Improving Forecast Accuracy [35:00] – The Future of Finance [50:00] – Fun Questions with Scott [55:00] – Closing Thoughts
#91
May 6 · 38 min
AI Agents Are Replacing Finance Workflows While Revenue Gets More Complex with Ali Hussain
In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper speak with Ali Hussain, CEO and co-founder of Tabs, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing the revenue process for finance teams. Ali discusses how the traditional ERP systems have left revenue management behind, and how Tabs is changing the game by automating the full contract-to-cash cycle. He shares his insights on the complexity of revenue management, AI’s role in financial systems, and why understanding the data context is key to success in AI-powered finance tools. Ali Hussain is the CEO and co-founder of Tabs, where he leads the development of AI-native solutions designed to automate the billing, collections, and revenue recognition process. With a background spanning product leadership at Google, strategy consulting at BCG, and public policy, Ali is at the forefront of the next wave of finance technology. In this episode, you will discover: How AI is transforming revenue management in finance The importance of data context in AI-powered tools Why traditional finance systems fail to address modern revenue models How Tabs automates billing, collections, and revenue recognition Ali Hussain shared invaluable insights into the future of finance, highlighting how AI is revolutionizing revenue management and financial operations. While AI brings immense potential for automation, human judgment remains crucial in making strategic decisions. Follow Ali: Website: https://www.tabs.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabsplatform Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] – Trailer [03:00] – Legacy Finance Systems [06:15] – Revenue Management Gaps [09:00] – How Tabs Transforms Finance [12:00] – AI in Billing & Rev Rec [15:30] – Clean Data Importance [19:00] – AI vs Human Judgment [22:30] – The Future of AI [25:00] – Complex Revenue Models [29:00] – AI Challenges in Finance [34:00] – Closing Thoughts on AI

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