Developing Business Acumen necessary to become a strategic business partner with Robert Blanding

Developing Business Acumen necessary to become a strategic business partner with Robert Blanding

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Robert Blanding, an experienced finance and operations leader in the ag-tech sector. Robert shares insights on building high-performing FP&A teams, partnering effectively with accounting, developing financial acumen, and applying strategic finance to drive operational impact in global businesses. Robert Blanding is the Chief Financial Officer at Fall Creek, a global leader in the Ag-Tech sector. He brings extensive experience in finance and operations from 18 years at Intel and leadership roles across industrial manufacturing, technology, and ag-tech companies. Robert combines strategic financial leadership with a focus on innovation, long-term business growth, and developing high-performing teams. Expect to Learn: * What great FP&A looks like and the importance of business acumen * How to develop strong partnerships between FP&A and accounting * Strategies for building high-performing, empowered finance teams * Navigating systems, processes, and technology challenges in FP&A Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: * "It starts with being connected to the business, having strong acumen, and being consulted by stakeholders." – Robert Blanding * "Investing in relationships outside of crisis is critical to getting support from accounting and operations." – Robert Blanding Robert shares practical insights for FP&A professionals and aspiring CFOs, emphasizing the importance of business acumen, strong partnerships with accounting, creative problem-solving, and developing high-performing teams. Follow Robert: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfb19/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfb19/] Company Website: https://www.kaleidoscope.com/?utm_source=partner_fpandaguys&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=interviewhttps://www.fallcreeknursery.com/ [https://www.fallcreeknursery.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 [03:55] – Defining Great FP&A [07:39] – Career Path & First CFO Role [17:49] – Fall Creek & Ag-Tech Overview [21:18] – Importance of FP&A & Accounting Partnership [32:23] – Creative Problem Solving & Process Improvement [38:59] – Challenges in Building High-Performing Teams [45:32] – Advice for Aspiring CFOs [49:11] – Top Technical Skill for FP&A Professionals [52:50] – Personal Interests & Basketball [56:12] – How to Connect with Robert

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/ [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 [02:38] – 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

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