Arkansas Talent

Episode #45: Counting Chocolate Beans with Phyllis Rogers, CFO of AFMC

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2189011/fan_mail/new] This episode takes listeners inside the world of a seasoned CFO who has spent her career turning complex numbers into clear strategy, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and key decisions that support AFMC’s mission to improve health care quality and reduce costs across Arkansas.  In this conversation, Phyllis shares how a love of “counting beans” (and occasionally chocolate ones) became a calling to lead finance teams, manage risk, and guide organizations through growth and change, drawing on decades of experience in health care and insurance, including 17 years as CFO at Delta Dental of Arkansas.  Listeners will also learn about Phyllis Rogers’ deep commitment to the community as well as her leadership in finance. Beyond her work as CFO at AFMC, Phyllis serves as a board member and treasurer for the Ronald McDonald House of Arkansas and Northern Louisiana, where she is currently the chair of this year’s Chocolate Ball, the organization’s signature fundraising event. Through her passion for service and social impact, she demonstrates how financial leadership and community engagement can go hand-in-hand, offering inspiration not just to finance professionals but to anyone looking to create positive change For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-chunn-54611654/] and Stephanie Shine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieshine/] via Linkedin.

Ep. 44- Finance as a Force Multiplier: Strategic CFO Insights with Ben Barr

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2189011/fan_mail/new] In this episode, hosts Stephanie and Chris welcome Ben Barr, Founder and Managing Partner of SG Performance Group, to discuss how strategic finance leadership can transform businesses of all sizes. With over 16 years of experience in finance—including guiding capital firms through more than $3 billion in equity and debt financing and $4 billion in M&A and IPO activity—Ben has built a reputation for helping small and mid-sized companies access the high-level CFO expertise typically reserved for larger organizations. You'll get an inside look at Ben’s journey from his roots in Arkansas to founding SG Performance Group, where he provides interim and fractional CFO services, supports M&A and capital raises, and helps companies build stronger financial processes. Ben shares how he acts as a force multiplier for his clients, stepping in during pivotal moments like capital raises, bank negotiations, and major transactions. He explains his approach to performance improvement, from disciplined cost management to driving revenue growth by supporting sales teams, rethinking pricing, and optimizing customer profitability. The conversation also explores Ben’s innovative use of offshore resources combined with U.S. strategy, leveraging international teams and AI to deliver both cost savings and higher-quality outcomes—while emphasizing the importance of upskilling U.S. finance professionals for the future. Ben addresses concerns about job displacement, arguing that technology and global teams can actually create better roles and processes for Arkansas talent. Throughout the episode, Ben highlights the advantages of running a consulting business from Little Rock, including lifestyle benefits, access to talent, and the ability to serve clients nationwide. He closes with insights on work-life balance, favorite books and podcasts, and practical advice for anyone considering a career in strategic finance or consulting. Whether you’re a business leader, finance professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers actionable insights on how finance, strategy, and innovation intersect to drive business success—all from the perspective of a homegrown Arkansas expert. For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-chunn-54611654/] and Stephanie Shine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieshine/] via Linkedin.

Ep. 43- Amy Porter with Vestcom: Leading Teams Through Culture & Flexibility

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2189011/fan_mail/new] Join us as we welcome Amy Porter, Corporate Controller at Vestcom, to the Arkansas Talent Podcast! Amy brings over 25 years of accounting and finance experience across several major Arkansas companies, including Alltel, Windstream, Inuvo, and now Vestcom. In this episode, Amy shares her journey in building and leading high-performing teams, especially through periods of organizational change and restructuring. In this show, you'll learn more about:  * Amy’s leadership philosophy and her approach to team building during transitions. * How she fosters a strong company culture, integrates new team members, and the critical role flexibility plays in attracting and retaining top talent. * Vestcom’s hybrid work model and the benefits that make it a great place to work, from flexible work arrangements to robust employee perks. * Practical advice for finance leaders navigating change, and tips for aspiring accountants aiming for leadership roles. Connect with Amy:(6) Amy Porter | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-porter-0261169/] Learn More about Vestcom: Home - Vestcom [https://vestcom.com/] For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-chunn-54611654/] and Stephanie Shine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieshine/] via Linkedin.

Ep. 42-Ryan Holder: Importance of Teams for M&A & Company Valuation

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2189011/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Arkansas Talent Podcast, hosts Stephanie and Chris sit down with Ryan Holder, Managing Director of Strategic M&A Advisors, LLC. Ryan is not only a respected expert in mergers and acquisitions but also a long-time friend and mentor to the hosts, having shared a similar career journey from recruitment at a Fortune 500 company to entrepreneurship. The conversation dives deep into Ryan’s background, the evolution of his business, and, most importantly, the critical role that teams and personnel play in company valuation and successful M&A transactions. Ryan Holder brings over two decades of experience in sell-side M&A advisory, business valuation, and capital formation. With a Bachelor’s in Finance and a Master of Accountancy from the University of Mississippi, as well as a CPA designation, Ryan has built a reputation for guiding business owners through complex transactions. His firm, Strategic M&A Advisors, specializes in helping companies maximize their value and navigate the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes factors that drive company value. Ryan’s practical advice and real-world experience offer valuable guidance for building a business that stands the test of time—and attracts the right kind of attention when it’s time to make a move. Connect with Ryan: (1) Ryan Holder, CPA | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-holder-cpa-337a175/] More about Strategic M&A Advisors: https://strategicmaadvisors.com For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-chunn-54611654/] and Stephanie Shine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieshine/] via Linkedin.

Ep. 41-Arkansas Talent Group's 1 Year Anniversary: Our Entrepreneurial Journey

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2189011/fan_mail/new] Join Stephanie and Chris, Co-Founders/Owners of Arkansas Talent Group and the Arkansas Talent Podcast as they celebrate their one-year anniversary! The two founded Arkansas Talent Group on February 14, 2024, and take you on their journey as entrepreneurs in Arkansas. They talk about their favorite memories, successes, lessons learned, and their future growth plans, as well as advice for other recruiters, business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs. They will also take this opportunity to thank their partners, friends, candidates, and clients for their support and collaboration over the past year in fulfilling their mission of "connecting top talent with exceptional companies in Arkansas."  For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-chunn-54611654/] and Stephanie Shine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieshine/] via Linkedin.