FinPod

Soliman Abbas's journey into investment banking is a masterclass in persistence and proactive learning. In this episode of Member Spotlight, the recent University of Bristol graduate and newly minted FMVA holder shares his inspiring story, from being an international student at 17 to landing his dream job. Soliman's story is proof that an intentional mindset and dedication to skill-building can ch...

Expanding into a high-growth region like Brazil or India is full of potential, but from a finance perspective, it's a unique mix of intense risks and substantial rewards. In this episode, we go beyond the surface to explore the core challenges and opportunities of navigating corporate finance in emerging markets. We'll equip you with the foresight and strategies to turn volatility into a competiti...

Are you a finance professional who relies on Excel but is curious about the power of programming? In this episode of FinPod: What's New at CFI, we're joined by subject matter expert Joseph Yeates to discuss his new course, Getting Started with Python. Joseph explains why Python is a must-learn skill for data analysis and how this course provides a gentle, practical introduction designed specifical...

Blockbuster, Lehman Brothers, WeWork. The names are familiar, but the financial stories behind their collapse are often a mystery. In this deep dive, we go beyond the headlines to pull out the crucial lessons in corporate bankruptcy and insolvency for every finance professional. We'll equip you with the foresight to spot financial distress long before it's too late. This episode is a practical gui...

In this episode of Careers in Finance with CFI, we're joined by Charlie Schilling, the CEO of Macabacus. Charlie's career journey is a masterclass in navigating diverse industries, spanning investment banking, management consulting, and senior leadership roles at major companies like Bloomberg and General Assembly. Join us as we unpack Charlie's remarkable path and get his unfiltered insights on:...

You've spent days building a perfect financial model, yet something about the final decision just feels "off." The numbers don't lie, but our own brains can quietly lead us astray. In this episode of FinPod, we dive deep into the world of cognitive biases and reveal how these hidden mental shortcuts can derail even the most rigorous financial analysis. We explore real-world corporate case studies...

Ever feel like your crucial financial analysis gets lost in translation? You're not alone. In this episode of FinPod's "What's New at CFI", we sit down with Paul Barnhurst, famously known as The FP&A Guy, to discuss his new CFI course: "Crafting the Narrative: Storytelling with Data." Paul reveals why simply presenting numbers is no longer enough to get buy-in and advance your career. He share...

In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we delve into the essential practice of integrating macroeconomic analysis into corporate financial strategy. We tackle the common disconnect between positive internal performance and concerning external economic signals, providing a clear pathway to informed decision-making.

Join us for another episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, where we chat with our global community about their unique career paths in finance. In this episode, host Meeyeon sits down with Milerde Armando, a banking professional with over 15 years of experience, to discuss his journey from frontline retail banking to the strategic world of investment banking. Milerde, joining us from Maputo, Mo...

In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we're tackling one of the most vital topics in business and finance: how companies handle financial crises and recessions. When economic storms hit, corporate finance fundamentally shifts from long-term strategy to immediate, day-to-day survival. Your finance team becomes the nerve center, constantly stress-testing models, monitoring liquid...

Welcome back to What's New at CFI on FinPod! In this exciting episode, we're joined by Paul Barnhurst, The FP&A Guy, as he introduces CFI's brand-new course: FP&A Tool Selection. Are you an FP&A professional struggling with chaotic Excel models, disconnected reports, or overwhelmed by the sheer number of available planning tools? This course is your ultimate guide! Paul walks us throug...

Welcome to FinPod by CFI's "Careers in Finance" series! In this exclusive episode, we sit down with Tim Vipond, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Corporate Finance Institute (CFI). Go beyond the typical resume and uncover the fascinating career journey that led him to build the world's leading online finance education platform. Tim shares his candid experiences starting from his early interest i...

Want to understand how credit ratings actually affect your company’s financial decisions? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we unpack how credit ratings from agencies like Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch impact everything from bond yields and stock prices to capital structure decisions. Learn how companies like Ford, Apple, Kraft Heinz, and Netflix responded to downgrades, upgrades, and...

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Eric Byunn, Partner and Co-Founder of Centana Growth Partners, to unpack the journey behind one of the most respected voices in growth equity. From his early days at Harvard and McKinsey to product leadership at Netscape and founding his own investment firm, Eric shares candid insights on navigating career transitions, leading throu...

What’s really behind the rise of corporate stock buybacks? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained , we break down how buybacks work, when they create value, and when they can backfire. You'll learn the financial strategy behind share repurchases, how they compare to dividends, and what finance professionals need to know about timing, capital structure, and investor perception. Featuring re...

Are you building your budget—or defending your assumptions? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore how cognitive bias quietly influences financial decisions in forecasting, capital planning, and corporate strategy. Whether you’re in FP&A, M&A, or treasury, understanding behavioral finance can help you avoid critical missteps caused by overconfidence, anchoring, or group...

Expanding into emerging markets? Finance teams face a whole new level of risk and opportunity. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we reveal how multinational companies manage currency risk, political instability, and regulatory complexity when operating in fast-growing economies. Learn how Tesla structured its China expansion, how Coca-Cola hedges naira risk in Nigeria, and how Unilev...

Behind the Course: Economic Analysis for FP&A – New from CFI In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we walk through our latest course release: Economic Analysis for FP&A, co-authored by instructors Mimi Hu and Meeyeon Park. Designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world finance, this course helps learners understand how FP&A teams drive strategic decisions—u...

Is corporate finance about maximizing shareholder value, or should companies focus on broader stakeholder interests? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore the evolving debate between shareholder primacy and stakeholder capitalism—and what it means for finance professionals today. Whether you work in financial planning, strategy, or corporate development, this episode provides...

Why do big companies collapse? And how can corporate finance professionals spot the warning signs before it’s too late? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained , we explore the most common causes of corporate bankruptcy and financial distress, backed by case studies of Lehman Brothers, Toys “R” Us, WeWork, and more. Learn how finance teams use metrics like interest coverage, working capital...

Is corporate finance about maximizing shareholder value, or should companies focus on broader stakeholder interests? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore the evolving debate between shareholder primacy and stakeholder capitalism—and what it means for finance professionals today. Whether you work in financial planning, strategy, or corporate development, this episode provides...

How do companies decide between paying dividends and reinvesting profits? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down the key considerations behind corporate dividend policy and why it’s such a powerful tool for shaping investor sentiment and long-term strategy.

Why do companies spin off parts of their business, and how does it create shareholder value? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore the core strategies behind corporate restructuring, including spin-offs, carve-outs, and divestitures.

In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we spotlight CFI’s new course “Forecasting Techniques” with expert instructor Duncan McKeen. If you've ever wanted a clear breakdown of how forecasting actually works inside a company, this conversation walks through the course’s learning objectives with practical context, examples, and insights into corporate best practices. From aligning forecasts...

How does the treasury team impact corporate strategy? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down the critical role of the corporate treasury function, including liquidity management, financial risk mitigation, and capital allocation.