FinPod

What does it take to go from audit associate to CFO of a PE-backed startup? In this episode of Careers in Finance, host Meeyeon reconnects with longtime friend and finance leader Sharron Xiao to explore the career choices, transitions, and leadership lessons that shaped her journey from the Big Four to the C-suite. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a future in finance, especially t...

Discover how companies like Tesla, Apple, and Amazon strategically use corporate tax planning to drive profitability, fund innovation, and stay competitive. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we break down how world-leading finance teams turn tax incentives into strategic levers, from sustainability credits and R&D tax breaks to international tax optimization. Learn how...

In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have evolved from a corporate buzzword to a financial imperative. ESG now directly influences valuation, capital costs, risk exposure, and investor sentiment, making it a critical factor for finance professionals. We’ll break down: How ESG affects capital allocation and cost of capita...

Jorge Marques joined CFI back when it was just a WeWork dream, and now he's a portfolio manager at North Growth Management. In this episode, Jorge shares his path from studying math and economics and ultimately landing in capital markets. You’ll hear about the skills that helped him succeed, how he navigated the CFA and FMVA, and why curiosity is key to thriving in finance. This is a must-watch fo...

What happens when emotion and psychology creep into financial decisions? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we unpack the human side of finance through the lens of behavioral finance, exploring why even the most skilled professionals fall victim to biases like overconfidence, loss aversion, and anchoring. Real-world cases like HP’s Autonomy acquisition and Boeing’s 737 MAX r...

What drives success in private equity? In this episode of Careers in Finance , we unpack the strategies behind some of the biggest PE deals in history, from Blackstone’s transformation of Hilton Hotels to the Dell Technologies buyout. But it’s not just about big names and bold moves. We explore how private equity firms approach value creation, from operational restructuring and industry positionin...

How do you pivot from aerospace engineering to venture capital? In this episode of Careers in Finance , Denisia Pereira shares her remarkable journey from studying aerospace engineering to leading venture operations at TopDown Ventures. She opens up about working in microfinance in Honduras, navigating business school with a global lens, and learning to speak founders' language while building a VC...

In this episode of FinPod, we break down how the CFO role is transforming and what that means for ambitious finance professionals. From FP&A to board-level strategy, today’s CFOs are expected to lead digital transformation, navigate complex markets, and drive business growth beyond the numbers. We unpack the real skills that future CFOs need to build: strategic thinking, tech fluency, cross-fu...

In this FinPod episode, we discuss how startups approach funding, growth, and risk differently from established companies. From venture capital and bootstrapping to unit economics and financial modeling, learn the core strategies behind building a scalable business in uncertain conditions. We explore real-world case studies highlighting what differentiates successful startups, including Amazon, Ai...

In this episode of CFI’s Member Spotlight , we sit down with Celine Chaabani, a CFI learner and recent graduate. She candidly shares how she went from avoiding finance to actively pursuing a career in capital markets and credit analysis. Celine originally studied general management and had little interest in finance. But her curiosity grew after watching friends trade stocks and exploring the mark...

What separates companies that have thrived for decades, like Apple, Amazon, and Google, from those that have disappeared? It all comes down to economic moats : the lasting advantages that protect profits and market share. In this episode of FinPod , we explore: What economic moats are and why they matter The five types of moats: brand power, network effects, switching costs, cost advantages, and r...

In this episode of FinPod, we unpack one of the most critical topics in finance today: risk management. From inflation and interest rate hikes to global supply chain volatility, companies are navigating more uncertainty than ever, and effective risk strategies have become essential for survival and growth. If you're in FP&A, corporate strategy, or financial leadership, this episode will help y...

In this episode of Careers in Finance, we sit down with Paul Barnhurst—also known as The FP&A Guy—to explore what it means to build a career in Financial Planning & Analysis. From his early days in procurement to leading FP&A functions across multiple companies, Paul shares how the role has evolved into one of the most strategic areas of corporate finance today. If you're exploring a f...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping corporate finance, moving beyond simple automation to become a powerful strategic partner. Discover how AI is fundamentally changing financial decision-making in this Deep Dive episode of Corporate Finance Explained (FinPod). Explore the AI transformation in finance, from AI-powered forecasting and dynamic financial modeling to real-time risk manag...

Tune in for expert Cash Flow Management and Liquidity Strategy insights vital for Business Survival and sustainable Business Growth. This Corporate Finance Explained episode delivers essential Corporate Finance principles, focusing on Managing Cash Flow effectively for optimal Financial Health. Learn crucial Financial Management tactics. We analyze Cash Flow Forecasting techniques, strategic Scena...

In this special episode of CFI’s FinPod, we’re joined by our co-founder Scott Powell and founder of “The FP&A Guy,” Paul Barnhurst, to explore how AI, automation, and evolving skill sets reshape careers in FP&A, capital markets, and investment banking. We discuss how tools like ChatGPT are already changing workflows, why Python and Excel are still essential to your skill set, how to stand...

How do investors, analysts, and companies decide what a business is really worth? In this deep dive episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we unpack the fundamentals of corporate valuation—from enterprise value vs. equity value to the tools used by top professionals. You’ll learn how to use DCF analysis, comparable company analysis (CCA), and precedent transactions to value a company—an...

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) shape the corporate landscape, but what makes a deal successful? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down the M&A lifecycle, from valuation and financial modeling to financing strategies and post-merger integration. Through real-world case studies—including Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox and Microsoft’s acquisition of Activisi...

Thinking of starting your own business after a career in finance or accounting? In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we talk to Bob Wang—CPA, entrepreneur, former Deloitte leader, and fractional CFO—about his journey from audit to acquisition and everything in between. Bob shares how he built and sold his first accounting firm, the lessons he learned while scaling to 30+ employees, and...

How do top companies manage their cost of capital for sustainable growth? In this episode, we explore how Tesla, Amazon, and Apple optimize their Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) to make smarter financing and investment decisions. What You’ll Learn: What is WACC & why it matters in corporate finance Debt vs. equity financing – How companies balance funding sources How beta, credit ratin...

How do major corporations manage billions in cash while minimizing financial risk? In this episode, we explore treasury management strategies used by Apple, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola to handle liquidity, working capital, and funding decisions. Key Topics Covered: How Apple invests in short-term securities to optimize liquidity How Microsoft moves global cash reserves to lower tax burdens How Coca-C...

In this Member Spotlight episode on FinPod, we meet Flavio Simoncini—an early-career finance professional currently in a three-year graduate program at Ecolab. Based in Kraków, Poland, Flavio shares what it's like to rotate through roles in FP&A, supply chain finance, and commercial finance while navigating the challenges of working closely with top management in a global company. Flavio also...

How do top companies use FP&A to drive business strategy? In this episode, we break down how Tesla, Netflix, Amazon, and more leverage Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) to optimize corporate decisions. Tesla’s FP&A strategy – How it funds billion-dollar Gigafactories Netflix’s financial modeling – The numbers behind content funding decisions Airlines & real-time pricing – Ho...

In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore the strategic power of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) in driving business success. From dynamic budgeting to data-driven forecasting and insightful financial analysis, we break down the key pillars of a high-impact FP&A function. Learn how top FP&A teams align financial strategy with execution, leverage real-time data...

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Nicole Lee, a former UBS executive director who navigated a remarkable career transition after 13 years in banking. Discover Nicole's journey from a role at UBS (including the Chief Investment Office in Wealth Management) into the dynamic world of fintech, and ultimately, launching her own coaching business and the "You Never Know"...