In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, host Stephen Aldridge is joined by Daniya Stewart - a former banker turned startup founder and now fractional CFO and advisor to early-stage businesses. Daniya shares her fascinating journey from a 17-year career in renewable energy project finance to launching and scaling Phomo - a Vietnamese meal kit startup born in lockdown. She takes us behind the scenes of her founder experience: the initial idea sparked by missing her favourite lunch, raising over £300,000 in funding, securing retail interest from the likes of Selfridges and Whole Foods, and ultimately winding down the business after a tough fundraising environment in 2023. Now running Valor Advisory, Daniya works with early-stage companies to help them build financially resilient business models - applying hard-earned lessons from her time as a founder and startup operator. In this episode, Daniya and Stephen explore: - What project finance taught her about startups - Why she bootstrapped Phomo before seeking investment - How she navigated capital raises through angel investors and crowdfunding - The hard truths about D2C economics and retail pivots - Her reflections on failure, survivorship bias and the power of sharing the full founder story - The value she brings now as a fractional CFO to other founders on a mission Daniya’s honesty, humour and insight make this a must-listen for anyone navigating the realities of growing an early-stage business.

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we take a deep dive into a crucial question for finance professionals: Can I trust this model? Stephen Aldridge is joined by Christine Donnet, a fellow modeller here at Numeritas, to discuss practical ways to assess the reliability of a financial model. Whether you're inheriting a model, conducting due diligence, or simply trying to validate your own work, this conversation provides valuable insights into identifying potential risks, inefficiencies, and hidden pitfalls. Topics covered in this episode include: - The importance of model quality in financial decision-making - Quick techniques to assess a model’s structure and integrity - Common warning signs of errors and inefficiencies - Best practices for maintaining a well-structured, transparent model - When it might be time to rebuild rather than repair Plus, they share some of the internal tools and techniques we use to evaluate model integrity efficiently. If you're looking for a smarter approach to financial modelling and risk assessment, this episode is for you. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this team discussion episode, so please do get in touch with any feedback you have.

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, Stephen Aldridge is joined by Maria Ghibu, a fractional CFO, entrepreneur, and non-executive director at the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors. Maria offers a fascinating account of her journey from financial auditor to fractional CFO, sharing her insights into post-merger integration, the robotics and biotech sectors, and the importance of good governance. In this episode, Stephen and Maria delve into: ● Challenges of funding and scaling in the robotics sector ● Lessons in investor relations, scaling, and startup operations ● The impact of fractional CFOs on startup scaling and governance ● How AI supports but doesn’t replace skilled audit professionals If you’re a finance leader or entrepreneur navigating complex growth challenges, this episode is one not to miss. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about Maria - or get in touch with her - check out her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-ghibu/

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, Stephen Aldridge is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, former CFO and founder of Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring. With over 25 years of global C-Suite experience, Jeremy shares his journey from finance to executive coaching, offering invaluable insights on "Coaching with Purpose" and empowering leaders to achieve transformative results. In this packed episode, Andrew and Jeremy explore: - How coaching aligns with organisational goals - Evaluating the ROI of coaching through financial and performance metrics - Why building personal relationships between coach and coachee is crucial for success - Case studies on coaching through mergers, acquisitions, and fundraising With a focus on bespoke coaching strategies and MSc-level academic expertise, Jeremy shares his incredible experiences of helping C-Suite executives, new leaders, and aspiring top talent navigate leadership complexities. Whether you're a finance leader or exploring coaching, this episode is a must-listen. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about Jeremy- or get in touch with him - check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyearnshaw/

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, Stephen Aldridge is joined by Andrew Lynch, Head of FP&A at Blue Light Card. With a rich background in finance leadership across diverse industries - from wholesale to tech - Andrew shares invaluable insights on leveraging the finance function to enhance commercial performance. In this packed episode, Andrew and Stephen explore: - The pivotal role of financial planning and analysis in business strategy. - How to distinguish between budgeting and forecasting, and their distinct roles in business planning. - Techniques for optimising marketing spend and managing supply chains more efficiently. - The power of data warehouses and ETL processes in financial analysis. - The evolving impact of AI on data analysis and the potential transformation of finance roles. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about Andrew - or get in touch with him - check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewglynch/

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, Stephen Aldridge is joined by David Forbes, a seasoned corporate treasurer and former financial modeller. David's impressive career includes roles at Serco, Mitie, and Logicor, where he honed his expertise in modelling and treasury management. During his long tenure at Serco, David worked on diverse projects such as public-private partnerships and PFI. His experience spans across a wide variety of sectors from aviation to healthcare and education. His move to Logicor in 2021, a logistics real estate business operating in 19 countries across Europe, meant a need to quickly adapt to the complexities of a treasury function in a very different environment. Their fascinating discussion focuses on the often mis-understood role of the treasury function, as Stephen and David delve into: - The evolving role of corporate treasury and its critical importance in business operations. - Why precise cash forecasting, effective external relationships and a well-managed team are vital. - Strategies for maintaining efficiency and adding value amidst changing interest rates. - Developing a robust data and digital strategy within treasury functions. - Modern Treasury Management Systems to streamline data handling and centralise treasury information. Whether you're a seasoned CFO or an aspiring one, this episode offers valuable insights from a leading expert in the field. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about David, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmforbes

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, Stephen Aldridge was joined by Lawrence Edwards-Smajda, CFO of Haier UK & Ireland, the mastermind behind a number of well-known big brands like Hoover and Candy. Lawrence's journey to Haier is a fascinating one, beginning with what was essentially a 12-month interview that paved the way for a captivating story you won't want to miss. An experienced finance professional and commercial leader who has performed and succeeded in many varied and pressurised positions and situations, Lawrence brings an incredible wealth of experience to this episode. During their fascinating discussion, Stephen and Lawrence delve into: - Implementing SAP and navigating digital transformation Standardising data and processes for success - Managing a business amidst a pension scheme deficit - Reorganising UK operations and finance functions effectively - Developing a commercial finance strategy in alignment with business objectives Whether you're an established CFO or aspiring to be one, in this fascinating conversation, you’ll gain plenty of valuable insights from a true leader in the field. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about Lawrence, check out her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-edwards-smajda-46211912/ If you want to learn more about Haier Group, have a look at their website at – https://corporate.haier-europe.com/

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we go a little off-piste as Cameron Miller, the Hydrogen Development Manager at Carlton Power, joins us to discuss the current state and future of hydrogen in the UK. As the shift from fossil-based to renewable energy sources gains momentum, Cameron's expertise sheds light on the pivotal role of hydrogen in this transition. Carlton Power is an independent UK energy development company that develops and finances renewable energy and renewable-associated infrastructure projects, so it is at the forefront of the energy transition. Cameron brings an innate passion for the ongoing changes in the global energy transition. During their discussion, Stephen and Cameron explore: - Why hydrogen is crucial for the energy transition - The UK government's support mechanism for hydrogen production - The UK's hydrogen strategy and its potential to replace natural gas Whether you're passionate about sustainable energy or considering investments in renewable energy projects, this conversation offers a valuable insider view. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about Cameron, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmmiller17/ If you want to learn more about Carlton Power, take a look at their website – www.carltonpower.co.uk

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we were joined by the hugely knowledgeable Paul Lines, Corporate Finance Advisor and Consultant at Garwood Solutions, a firm that advises Professional Services and IT firms, as well as their investors. Paul specialises in helping firms to grow and develop through mergers and acquisitions, and having been in the business for over 20 years, he’s practically a lifelong M&A practitioner, with a wealth of deals under his belt. In this episode Paul talks about his career to date, the many reasons why firms consider mergers and acquisitions, and the key steps involved in the process. During their discussion, Stephen and Paul explore a number of topics, including: - The compelling reasons for firms to consider M&A as a growth driver, even in challenging times. - Why sellers must be prepared for negotiations - with their financial house fully in order. - The current upswing in the M&A market, fuelled by pent-up demand and private equity activity. - Common pitfalls to navigate, especially when contemplating international acquisitions. - The need for buyers to be crystal-clear on their strategic objectives to identify their ideal acquisition targets. Paul also offers valuable advice to those who may be interested in specialising in M&A. So whether you’re a business leader, just starting out in your career, or an established CFO with an interest in M&A, this fascinating conversation will give you plenty of real, actionable advice to prepare you for the road ahead. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch below with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about Paul, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-lines/?originalSubdomain=uk If you want to learn more about Garwood Solutions, take a look at their website – http://www.garwoodsolutions.com

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we were joined by the hugely knowledgeable Aneal Vallurupalli, CFO at Airbase, a spend management software company. Aneal brings a unique perspective to the table, as he not only holds the CFO position at Airbase but also works directly with CFOs and finance departments to streamline their processes, so gets to experience both sides of the coin. Aneal’s career began in technology investment banking at Union Square Advisors, His background includes early to late-stage corporate finance, corporate development, operations, and tech M&A. With over 12 years of experience in financial operations, Aneal has seen firsthand the challenges of manual processes and the need for automation. Aneal has been instrumental in building Airbase, so brings a wealth of insights to this episode. During their discussion, Stephen and Aneal explore: - The evolving role of CFOs in rapidly growing companies - The importance of modernising procurement and payment processes - Accounts payable automation, fraud monitoring, and building customer trust - Overcoming challenges in acquisition and post-merger integration strategies - Successfully managing a remote-only company - Navigating economic downturns and preparing for future growth Whether you’re an established CFO or an aspiring one, this captivating conversation will give you plenty of food for thought. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch below with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about Aneal, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneal-vallurupalli-4b573a38/ If you want to learn more about Airbase, take a look at their website – www.airbase.com

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we were joined by the inspirational Soufyan Hamid, founder and financial storytelling trainer at SouFBP. With a background in auditing and consulting at top firms like PwC and Deloitte, Soufyan discovered the power of storytelling during his time as a finance business partner in the telecommunications industry. Soufyan's journey taught him the importance of winning over internal stakeholders, and now he's on a mission to revolutionise finance presentations by transforming them into captivating business stories told by finance professionals. During their discussion, Stephen and Soufyan delve into: - Identifying and addressing the five common issues with finance presentations - Structuring financial presentations to resonate with different audiences - Harnessing the power of visuals, value delivery, and brevity - Understanding why body language, engagement, and practice are crucial Whether you’re an established CFO or an aspiring one, this fascinating conversation will give you plenty of real, actionable advice to bring your financial stories to life. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch below with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about Soufyan, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/soufyanhamid/ If you want to learn more about SouFBP, have a look at his website – www.soufbp.com

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, Stephen Aldridge was joined by Marco Torrente, Global Chief Financial Officer at WebBeds, a global online marketplace for the travel trade. Marco heads up the finance team of about 220 people spread across the globe. As a global finance leader and director who has provided strategic counsel to many blue chip companies, Marco has helped implement operational efficiencies that target growth for businesses listed on the FTSE100, NASDAQ, and ASX. Marco brings a wealth of experience to the episode. During their fascinating discussion, Stephen and Marco delve into: - Managing a global online marketplace during the pandemic - Using AI and machine learning in finance - AI adoption in finance and the CFO role evolution Whether you're an established CFO or aspiring to be one, this thought-provoking conversation will keep you updated about the latest industry changes and the evolving role of CFOs. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch below with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about Marco, check out her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-torrente/ If you want to learn more about WebBeds, check out their website at – http://www.webbeds.com/

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we were joined by the inspirational Magdalena Markiewicz, CFO of Eel Power, providers of battery storage for the UK’s renewable energy supply. Magdalena shares her fascinating, slightly non-traditional path to becoming a CFO with us on this episode. Magdalena's journey took her from New York to Barcelona and back to London where she joined Rothschild. Her ultimate goal was to become a CFO for a company making a difference, and she achieved it at Eel Power. Her journey has been truly remarkable. Her incredible expertise, straightforward attitude and passion for low-carbon energy transition and renewable power infrastructure make for a captivating episode. During their discussion, Stephen and Magdalena delve into: - Transitioning from consulting to the finance industry - The emerging battery industry and it’s role in managing grid volatility - How battery storage works and how it is evolving - Quality and cost prioritisation for battery storage in the future Whether you’re an established CFO or an aspiring one, this compelling conversation will give you plenty of food for thought. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch below with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about Magdalena, check out her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdalena-markiewicz-34345b3/ If you want to learn more about Eel Power, have a look at their website at – https://eelpower.co.uk/

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO we spoke to Guy Ellis, Partner at Rockpool Investments, a private equity business specialising in £5-15m investments into lower-mid market companies. Returning to the subject of sources of finance for business in this episode, Guy is the perfect guest to share his incredible knowledge of the world of private equity. With over a decade of experience in the sector, having previously worked at Goldman Sachs and Alcuin Capital, Guy shares practical insights and tips to make private company investing accessible and transparent. In this insightful episode, Guy and Stephen delve into: - How Rockpool Investments differs from a traditional private equity firm - How investors choose where to put their money - What drives companies to look for investments - The role of the CFO in private equity investments If you’re an entrepreneur or CFO looking at funding options, this episode is packed full of tried-and-tested advice and tips. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch below with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about Guy, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-ellis-6b7a6216/ If you want to learn more about Rockpool Investments, have a look at their website at – https://www.rockpool.uk.com/

In the latest episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we catch up with Daniel Quint, Chief Financial Officer at Staffline Group PLC. Staffline Group PLC specialise in developing and deploying highly flexible, robust and skilled workforces to organisations. They are the UK’s leading provider of flexible blue-collar workers, supplying approximately 40,000 staff per day on average. Daniel joined the company when it was in a distressed state in 2019 and has executed an award-winning turnaround, moving from a material risk to a going concern, to a stable, profitable business. Daniel applied all his experience from previous roles as Finance Director at the ICAEW and at Robert Walters PLC to restructure the company. With decades of expertise behind him, Daniel is well-placed to provide some fantastic financial advice you won’t want to miss. In this insightful episode, you’ll discover the following: · How to turn an organisation around when share prices begin to drop · The key elements you need to think about to integrate a new acquisition successfully · Why a three-pronged approach can serve you well when embarking on a cultural transformation If you’re a CFO or entrepreneur looking to restructure your finances, this episode will provide you with the knowledge and advice to help you do so. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode, so be sure to get in touch with any feedback you may have. If you would like to learn more about Daniel’s work, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielquint/?originalSubdomain=uk And if you want to find out more about Staffline Group PLC, you can view their website – https://www.stafflinegroupplc.co.uk/

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we’ve got a special edition for you. Taking a different approach, we've gathered some of the Numeritas team's leading experts for a roundtable discussion on the impact external environmental factors have had on the sector in recent times. The last few years have certainly been turbulent, from Brexit and the pandemic to the war in Ukraine and everything in between, but what can we learn from it? In this episode Stephen Aldridge is joined by colleagues Denver McCann and Tushar Naik to share their experiences from supporting clients through these challenging times and to explore: - Tools and resources that are invaluable during turbulent periods - The importance of being able to agilely re-forecast - How to effectively utilise the abundance of data now available - How attitudes towards forecasting and frequency of forecasting are changing If you’re an entrepreneur or CFO looking to future-proof your organisation, this episode is packed full of practical advice. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this team discussion episode, so please do get in touch with any feedback you have.

In the latest episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we catch up with Janene Liston, a highly trusted Pricing Consultant & Business Coach. Janene’s company The Pricing Lady specialises in supporting businesses with their pricing, and offers workshops, mentoring and strategies to help SMEs and large-scale businesses improve their relationship with profits. This is something Janene has been doing since her early days in corporate management. After starting out her career as an engineer, she worked her way through various marketing jobs to become a Pricing Manager at Siemens and Syngenta AG. In 2016, Janene decided to take the plunge and co-found her own business, Gouta. This eventually evolved into The Pricing Lady – an all-encompassing service that teaches leaders to manage their pricing with confidence. With a huge breadth of knowledge and experience in pricing models, Janene is well-placed to give some valuable insights and advice that can help your company thrive. In this compelling episode, you’ll learn: - The key components of a pricing strategy, and why these should align with your brand, communications, values and overarching business goals - How to make the most out of a value-based pricing model - Implementing strategically different approaches for B2B and B2C organisations - The three key things you should be considering when re-evaluating your pricing model Whether you’re a CFO or entrepreneur wanting to refresh your pricing and offerings, this is the episode for you. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please get in touch with any feedback you have. If you want to find out more about Janene, you can view her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepricinglady/ And if you’re eager to learn more about Janene’s business, you can take a look at The Pricing Lady website – https://thepricinglady.com/

In the latest episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we speak with Chris Roling, Chief Financial Officer at Coinme. Thanks to careful pivots in the business model, Coinme continues to go from strength to strength. Offering safe and accessible methods to buy and sell cryptocurrency, Chris has steered Coinme forward to become the world's largest, fully licensed, cryptocurrency cash network. It’s been a natural step for Chris, who has represented some of the biggest brands in the world during his career. He’s previously worked as a CFO for Pepsico and Getty Images, as well as Kellogg’s and EMI Music. With a hugely impressive portfolio behind him, Chris offers some exceptional insider insights and advice that you won’t want to miss. In this episode, you’ll discover: - Why CFOs should prioritise soft skills to become more externally focussed - How to effectively balance operational due diligence with strategic planning - How a CFO can influence and impact a company through careful relationship-building with board members Whether you’re an established CFO or an aspiring one, this fascinating conversation will give you plenty of direction on bringing clarity and integrity to your role. We’re eager to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch with any feedback you have. We always enjoy hearing from you. If you would like to learn more about Chris’ work, you can check out his LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisroling/ And if you want to find out more about Coinme, you can do so by visiting their website - https://coinme.com/

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we speak with Mark Gilham, Director and Evangelist at Enable. This unusual title has given Mark an opportunity to act both as an ambassador and a consultant for Enable simultaneously. At Enable, Mark helps businesses use rebates as a strategy to drive growth and trust between trading partners. By promoting their innovative software, he helps manufacturers, distributors, and retailers optimise the commercial value of their rebate programs. Mark started out his career at major financial institutions Barclays Bank and Royal Bank of Canada where he qualified as a chartered accountant. From there he progressed to senior finance roles in the construction industry, most recently being at Grafton Group PLC for nearly a decade where he witnessed first-hand the strategic value of rebates. This has been a natural step for Mark, who has built his finance career from the ground up. After starting out in commercially orientated accountancy, he then moved into builders merchanting and private equity before focusing on rebate management. With decades of experience under his belt, Mark is brimming with some expert advice that you definitely won’t want to miss. In this compelling episode, you’ll discover: The ins and outs of rebates, and how they affect different parts of the supply chain. The benefits of modern financial software that is designed to manage contractual arrangements. How to navigate financial trends in the current business climate to ensure growth and sustainability. If you’re a CFO or entrepreneur wanting to take control of your rebate program, this episode will give you the insights and insider knowledge to maximise your potential. If you would like to learn more about Mark’s work, take a look at his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-gilham-87617276/ And if you want to find out more about Enable, a collaborative rebate management platform, you can view their website here – https://enable.com/ You can also apply to join Enable's Rebate Community here - https://community.rebatestrategists.com/registrations/groups/65255 We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please do get in touch at info@numeritas.co.uk with any feedback you have.

In this episode of The Forward Thinking CFO, we speak with Ryan Whitworth, Regional Sales Director at Leumi ABL. Leumi ABL is a specialised, award-winning asset-based lending company that helps both small and large businesses achieve their goals. The company adopts a flexible and personal approach to structuring effective asset-based lending solutions that supports refinancing, restructuring, growth, and acquisition. Whilst Ryan hasn’t come from a banking background, he’s utilised his time in retail to learn more about how behaviours and activities can impact financial performance. He joined the senior management team at Leumi ABL after moving out of retail and succeeding at Santander and ABN AMRO. With a wealth of experience and knowledge behind him, Ryan provides fantastic insider tips and insights that you won’t want to miss. You’ll discover: - What sets Leumi ABL apart from bank overdraft facilities - Why flexible asset-based lending can serve as a viable option for your business - How this process works, and what you will need to do to prepare for your partnership with an asset-based lender If you’re a CFO or entrepreneur looking to raise capital for your business, this episode will provide you with expert advice on asset-based lending facilities and invoice discounting. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this episode, so please get in touch with any feedback you have. If you would like to learn more about Ryan’s work, check out his LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitworth-ryan/ And if you want to find out more about Leumi ABL, you can view their website – https://www.leumiabl.co.uk/