The Critical Role of Communication and Standard Definitions in Financial Modeling with John Yeldham

The Critical Role of Communication and Standard Definitions in Financial Modeling with John Yeldham

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst sits down with John Yeldham, a leading expert in financial modeling and founder of Lodeum, a global online financial modeling training platform. John shares his experience leading and training teams of financial modelers across corporate and project finance, and discusses the importance of standardizing language, modular model design, and building trust in complex Excel models. John Yeldham has 20 years of experience leading and training financial modeling teams in project and corporate finance, supporting deals and valuations for global funds, energy, and infrastructure, as well as smaller businesses. He created and refined modeling methodologies at BDO UK, Forvis Mazars, and for Lodeum, a global financial modeling training platform launching in 2026. Expect to Learn: * Models build trust, not just numbers * Connect finance with operations for better decisions * AI is a helpful junior analyst, but human judgment matters * Scenario analysis and storytelling are essential in models Here are a few quotes from the episode: * "Standardizing language allows AI and people to understand and use models effectively." – John Yeldham * "A good modeler breaks down a complex model into functional blocks; this is key to building trust and usability." – John Yeldham John provides actionable strategies for financial modelers to improve clarity, scalability, and trust in their work while leveraging advanced Excel techniques and modular design principles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their modeling skills and build reusable frameworks for complex financial analyses. Follow John: Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lodeum/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/lodeum/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnyeldham/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnyeldham/] Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/] Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984] Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW [https://bit.ly/497oAqW] In Today’s Episode: [00:00] – Trailer [02:28] – Worst Model Horror Story [05:20] – Transition to Own Business & Lodeum [08:51] – Communication & Language Challenges in Modeling [16:03] – Standardizing Language & AI Integration [24:25] – Lambda Functions & Dynamic Arrays in Excel [30:19] – Online Modeling Training Advantages [36:43] – Favorite Excel Shortcuts [38:22] – Most Challenging or Fun Spreadsheet Created [39:42] – Rapid Fire: Modeling Opinions [47:16] – Advice for Becoming a Better Modeler [49:31] – How to Connect & Learn More

Stop Doing Monthly Reports for Analysts to Automate Finance Workflows Using AI with David Dors

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with David Dors to explore how artificial intelligence, particularly Claude, is transforming the future of FP&A. David shares his journey from banking and FP&A into finance transformation, where he now helps finance teams implement AI-powered workflows, automate repetitive processes, and rethink how work gets done in the Office of the CFO. David Dors is a finance transformation consultant and AI educator specializing in helping finance teams adopt Claude, AI agents, and workflow automation. After beginning his career in banking and FP&A, David shifted his focus to helping finance professionals use AI to improve reporting, analysis, forecasting, and decision-making. Through workshops, training programs, and content creation, he teaches finance teams how to build AI-powered systems that save time and allow analysts to focus on higher-value strategic work. Expect to Learn: * How AI is changing the future of FP&A * Practical ways to automate reporting and recurring finance tasks * The difference between Claude Chat, Claude Code, and AI agents * Why finance professionals should think of AI as a digital teammate * Key skills FP&A professionals need in an AI-driven world Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: * "Every forecast, variance analysis, or deck you build should help somebody make a different decision." – David Dors * "If nothing changed from the analysis you're providing, there's not much value in what you're doing every day." – David Dors David explains how finance teams can use AI to eliminate repetitive work, improve efficiency, and spend more time supporting business decisions. He also shares his perspective on the future of FP&A, where professionals will increasingly manage AI agents that handle routine tasks and reporting. non-traditional organizations. Follow Dave: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddors/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddors/] Website: https://www.kaleidoscope.com/?utm_source=partner_fpandaguys&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=interviewhttps://vantagepointconsulting.com/ [https://vantagepointconsulting.com/] Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com [http://earmarkcpe.com], listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. IN TODAY'S EPISODE [00:00] – TRAILER [04:13] – DISCOVERING CLAUDE [10:27] – AI TRAINING FOR FINANCE TEAMS [15:19] – SKILLS & AI AGENTS [18:13] – AI PRODUCTIVITY GAINS [22:23] – QUICK AI WINS IN FP&A [25:23] – AI ACCURACY & VALIDATION [28:29] – AUTOMATING REPORTING [32:35] – THE FUTURE OF FP&A [39:01] – EXCEL LESSONS LEARNED [42:57] – FINAL THOUGHTS

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/ [https://www.modelop.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidetrier/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidetrier/] Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii] Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy] Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg [https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg] Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai [https://qflow.ai/future-finance/], 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

How Founders Mistake Models Only for Fundraising and What They Should Do With Ilyas Anis

Paul Barnhurst speaks with Ilyas Anis, CFO and Chartered Financial Modeler, about using financial models to build stakeholder confidence, drive operational decisions, and tell a clear business story. Ilyas shares insights on integrating AI, avoiding common modeling pitfalls, and the importance of scenario analysis and three-statement models. Ilyas Anis is Finance Lead at Turning Point Brands Canada and Founder of IMnS Associates. He has 15+ years of experience in financial modeling, valuation, and governance across multiple industries. An FCA, CPA, AFM, and FMVA®, he is also a board advisor and AI enthusiast. Expect to Learn * Models build trust, not just numbers * Connect finance with operations for better decisions * AI is a helpful junior analyst, but human judgment matters * Scenario analysis and storytelling are essential in models Here are a few quotes from the episode: * “Stakeholders don’t pay you for getting the right thing. They pay for the confidence.” – Ilyas Anis * “Financial models should open every Monday morning, they shouldn’t die after fundraising.” – Ilyas Anis Ilyas Anis highlights how financial models go beyond numbers to build trust, enable strategic decisions, and communicate a clear business story. He emphasizes the role of AI as a supportive tool, the importance of connecting finance with operations, and practical strategies for building models that deliver actionable insights for stakeholders. Follow Ilyas: Website: https://imnsassociates.com/ [https://imnsassociates.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyasanis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyasanis/] Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/] Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984] Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation [https://fminstitute.com/afm/] today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast” Visit http://www.fminstitute.com/podcasthttps://bit.ly/497oAqW [https://bit.ly/497oAqW] and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. In today’s episode: [00:00] – Trailer [02:35] – Early Career Horror Stories [04:28] – Storytelling in Models [09:52] – Fundraising vs Operational Models [12:39] – Connecting Finance & Operations [18:36] – Revenue Models as Foundation [25:29] – AI in Modeling [27:38] – Automating Dashboards [34:30] – Rapid-Fire Modeling Best Practices [42:03] – Final Advice

FP&A Strategy for Finance Leaders to Scale a Sports Business Like a Startup with Tim Naddy

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder sit down with Dr. Tim Naddy, CFO of the Savannah Bananas, to discuss the unique world of finance in a sports and entertainment organization. Tim shares how he manages FP&A for a fast-growing, multi-team baseball league, balancing operational efficiency with fan engagement, budgeting for multiple teams, and ensuring the internal finance function supports the entire organization’s growth. Tim is the CFO of the Savannah Bananas, a wildly innovative and entertaining baseball organization. With experience in public accounting, higher education, and consulting, Tim brings a unique perspective on financial management, teaching, and operational strategy. He has also authored a book for creatives and non-finance professionals on strategic financial management, helping others understand how to transform ideas into sustainable business ventures. Expect to Learn: * How FP&A functions in an unconventional sports and entertainment organization * Budgeting and financial planning across multiple teams and events * Managing risk, contracts, and operational logistics for traveling events * Lessons on aligning finance with organizational growth and fan engagement * How innovative business models and creativity intersect with FP&A Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: * “Finance isn’t a stumbling block, it’s a support function that ensures internal teams can succeed.” – Dr. Tim Naddy * “You don’t need to be from an area to support a team, you just need to feel the vibe.” – Dr. Tim Naddy Dr. Tim Naddy provides a behind-the-scenes look at managing FP&A for the Savannah Bananas, balancing operational efficiency with creative fan engagement. He highlights how finance supports growth across multiple teams and events, ensuring budgets, logistics, and resources are aligned. Listeners gain insights into innovative financial management, practical FP&A strategies, and the importance of adaptability in dynamic, non-traditional organizations. Follow Tim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtimnaddy221b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtimnaddy221b/] Website: https://www.kaleidoscope.com/?utm_source=partner_fpandaguys&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=interviewhttps://www.houndtalint.com/ [https://www.houndtalint.com/] Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com [http://earmarkcpe.com], listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today’s Episode [00:00] – Trailer [05:07] – Bananas Brand Story [08:12] – Teaching & Book [11:14] – CFO Misconceptions [13:14] – FP&A Process & League [18:12] – Revenue & Ticketing [26:00] – Logistics & Operations [32:28] – Team Management [46:51] – Banana Ball Rules [54:42] – FP&A Advice & Closing