STOIX

Chat CFO

About the show

Chat CFO gives you insight from the people behind the numbers. Finance leaders who’ve had to make tough calls, rethink their role, and learn by doing. You’ll hear directly from the CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most. The Chat CFO podcast will help you to learn: - How modern CFOs are adapting to AI, regulation, and risk - Why culture, sustainability, and global growth sit firmly in the finance seat - The impact of the personal decisions and turning points that shaped lasting careers If you’re a CFO, a future CEO, or a finance leader who’s thinking bigger, Chat CFO gives you the thinking, the scars, and the clarity to move forward with purpose. Bold Moves. Big Impact. -- Chat CFO is a STOIX podcast, produced in partnership with Unity Advisory. Follow STOIX on LinkedIn and subscribe to our Youtube channel for more expert hiring content.

Newest episodes

Sanjay Bowry: Using AI to Make the CFO Redundant

Nov 5, 2026 1 hr 8 min

Only two people in a room of around 200 finance leaders had built an AI agent. Sanjay Bowry, CFO of Gravitee, says that is exactly why the CFO role needs rethinking. After three failed startups, Sanjay relabelled himself CFO to pay the bills. Today he is using AI to strip the role back to the two jobs that actually matter, and he wants every finance leader to do the same. What you'll learn: - Why the CFO role should come down to two big rocks: driving the business metrics and protecting cash and runway - How to start building AI agents in finance when you have no time and messy legacy systems - Why the strategic finance layer will be built in-house rather than bought off the shelf - How to govern AI agents: authorisation levels, a single gateway and who owns the memory - A Series A fundraising cheat sheet: investor tier, runway, the six SaaS metrics investors care about and using your bank for introductions - How secondaries work and why every funding round should include them for employees About Sanjay: Sanjay Bowry is CFO of Gravitee, the AI agent management and governance platform, which he has helped scale from $10M to $50M ARR. He started on Tesco's graduate accountancy scheme, worked at Sainsbury's and Philips, founded three startups, and helped take Vita Mojo from a restaurant chain to a $30M software business. He was recently a finalist for CFO of the Year. Standout quote: "You shouldn't be feeling, oh no, my job is going to go. You should be feeling, I've got 20x more time than I had before." Sanjay Bowry Are you a CFO or C-suite executive exploring your next move? Visit https://stoix.co.uk/contact/ and speak to a search partner that does things differently. Follow Chat CFO for weekly conversations with the CFOs and finance leaders shaping the future of business. Find Chat CFO here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4lagVbEmRBUvJzF6OkFy1r Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/chat-cfo/id1741011776 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com...

The Deal Is the Easy Part: Confessions of a 30-Deal CFO

Sep 22, 2026 52 min

Peter Harris has completed over 30 transactions as CFO of some of Britain's best-known listed companies. His biggest lesson: the transaction itself is the easy part — it's what happens after that decides whether a deal actually works. Are you a CFO or C-suite executive exploring your next move? Visit https://stoix.co.uk/contact/ and speak to a search partner that does things differently. In this episode, Peter and Natalia Taylor (Unity Advisory) unpack a Silicon Valley acquisition that should never have happened, why cutting most of a data report once made a business run better, and why deals that drag on too long tend to die of exhaustion rather than disagreement. They also get into the Carillion case study on governance without visibility, and the AI risks building quietly inside companies that restrict their own teams' tools. Find Chat CFO here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4lagVbEmRBUvJzF6OkFy1r Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/chat-cfo/id1741011776 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stoix/?originalSubdomain=uk

AI Is the Straw That Breaks the CFO's Back

Sep 10, 2026 31 min

Natalia Taylor, Founding Partner at Unity Advisory, on why AI isn't the CFO's biggest problem on its own — it's the straw that breaks an already overloaded camel's back. Are you a CFO or C-suite executive exploring your next move? Visit https://stoix.co.uk/contact/ and speak to a search partner that does things differently. In this episode of Chat CFO, Natalia breaks down why doing deals in 2026 is harder than it's been in nearly two decades, her concept of "continuous deal readiness," and why the team one level below the CFO can make or break a deal. She also shares her outlook for the second half of 2026. Whether you're a CFO navigating deal pressure or building a deal-ready team, Natalia's perspective is direct and worth hearing. Find Chat CFO here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4lagVbEmRBUvJzF6OkFy1r Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/chat-cfo/id1741011776 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stoix/?originalSubdomain=uk

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All episodes

Sanjay Bowry: Using AI to Make the CFO Redundant

Nov 5, 2026 1 hr 8 min

The Deal Is the Easy Part: Confessions of a 30-Deal CFO

Sep 22, 2026 52 min

AI Is the Straw That Breaks the CFO's Back

Sep 10, 2026 31 min

The First 90 Days as a CFO: No Induction Period in Private Equity

Jul 27, 2026 42 min

Jas Burston is CFO of Go City, a PE-backed travel business, having spent over two decades building her finance career at brands including TK Maxx, Domino's and TUI before landing her first CFO role. Her take on stepping into the seat: the buck stops with you, and there's no induction period in private equity — you earn trust by delivering, not by settling in. In this episode of Chat CFO, Jazz breaks down what it really takes to move from a PLC into a private equity environment, why she thinks the skills gap between the two is overstated, and how she rebuilt her finance team's operating model within weeks of joining. She also gets into why cash discipline matters as much as EBITDA, how AI is reshaping the shape of finance teams, and the personal drive behind her career - from growing up in Southall as the child of first-generation immigrants to being a role model for her two daughters. Whether you're building a case for your first CFO role, working inside a PE-backed business, or thinking about what a high-performing finance team looks like in 2026, Jazz's perspective is candid, hard-won, and worth hearing.

The CFO to CEO Shift Nobody Tells You About

Jul 2, 2026 58 min

Simon Loveridge stepped into the CEO seat at Rafter Group, a PE-backed self-storage business operating across five European markets, after joining as CFO. The insight at the heart of his transition: as CFO, you're judged on being right. As CEO, you're judged on being clear. In this episode of Chat CFO, Simon breaks down what that shift actually demands, how Rafter Group doubled in size in two years, and what PE investors are really looking for in a finance leader. He also gets into how the business built a custom AI pricing engine using OpenAI, Claude, and Gemini, and why most organisations are still confusing AI activity with AI value. Whether you're a CFO thinking about the next step, working inside a PE environment, or building the credibility that gets you noticed at board level, Simon's perspective is direct, practical, and worth hearing. Find Chat CFO here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4lagVbEmRBUvJzF6OkFy1r Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/chat-cfo/id1741011776 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stoix/?originalSubdomain=uk

How This CFO Sold LoveFilm to Amazon

Jun 18, 2026 47 min

Jim Buckle has spent 25 years building a CFO career that defies the obvious path. He started at KPMG, moved to the BBC, then Dell, ran a startup that collapsed in six months, turned around Property Finder, and eventually sold LoveFilm to Amazon before scaling Gusto from under £100 million to over £300 million in two years during Covid. In this episode, Jim breaks down the real difference between PE and VC ownership structures, and which type of CFO thrives in each. He shares what the Amazon deal taught him about unintended cap table consequences, why a point-in-time forecast is useless in a perma-crisis world, and how he now runs finance for a 300M revenue business four days a week. If you are an aspiring CFO working out your own path, or a finance leader navigating a shift in ownership structure, this is a direct and honest conversation worth your time. Find Chat CFO here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4lagVbEmRBUvJzF6OkFy1r Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/chat-cfo/id1741011776 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stoix/?originalSubdomain=uk

3 Things No One Tells You About a PE Exit as CFO

Jun 4, 2026 38 min

Exit readiness is not a six-week project. Dominic Wilkinson, CFO of Team Sport, the UK's largest indoor go-karting brand, shares what it actually takes to be PE-backed and exit-ready at the same time, why due diligence rewards the data-driven, and how a consumer leisure business is deploying AI to manage its biggest cost pressure: people. Dominic also covers CFO career development in private equity, what finance leaders consistently underestimate when entering PE for the first time, and why the CEO-CFO relationship is the partnership that decides whether a business scales or stalls. A direct, sharp conversation for anyone building a finance career in a PE-backed environment or navigating the complexity of high-growth consumer businesses. Find Chat CFO here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4lagVbEmRBUvJzF6OkFy1r Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/chat-cfo/id1741011776 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stoix/?originalSubdomain=uk

What Makes a Great PE-Backed CFO? 2 Veterans Answer

May 5, 2026 1 hr 2 min

Everybody wants to be a CFO. Almost nobody is prepared for what the job actually demands. Alex Gersh has led a Nasdaq IPO at Sportradar, the merger of Betfair and Paddy Power, and the £2.7 billion sale of Evelyn Partners to NatWest. Carrie Hutchinson is a transformation and turnaround CFO who negotiated £800 million of CapEx builds at Gatwick Airport and has driven exit readiness across multiple PE backed businesses. They cover what the CFO role really looks like in 2026, how to build resilience under geopolitical and covenant pressure, why trust is the only currency that matters with a CEO or PE house, the real truth about hiring for "heart" over skill, why most M&A deals fail on the plumbing rather than the price, and how to choose the right first CFO seat. Find Chat CFO here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4lagVbEmRBUvJzF6OkFy1r Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/chat-cfo/id1741011776 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stoix/?originalSubdomain=uk

What Private Equity Actually Expects From Its CFO

Apr 21, 2026 55 min

Victoria Bell has led finance functions through growth, turnaround, and exit across some of Europe's most demanding private equity environments. She is direct about the role in a way that most people in it are not. In this episode, Victoria explains what she calls "boardroom to basics": the ability to shift fast between strategy and detail, and why that is the skill most finance leaders underestimate. She breaks down how she assesses a private equity opportunity before taking it, why the CEO relationship is the most important dynamic you will navigate, and how she approaches the diagnosis of a broken finance function from day one. She covers prioritisation as the single most important skill in PE, why data is always the first problem you find, and what it really looks like to push back on fund demands without burning the relationship. She also talks about burnout, the principle of slowing down to speed up, and what a team member told her at her leaving drinks that has stayed with her since. And yes, she is about to row the Pacific Ocean for Cancer Research UK. Search Row for Life Pacific to follow the journey. STOIX is a specialist executive search partner to CFOs and boards. Visit stoix.co.uk. Find Chat CFO here Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4lagVbEmRBUvJzF6OkFy1rApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/chat-cfo/id1741011776YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stoix/?originalSubdomain=uk

How to Exit Without A Playbook | Stephen Loftus, CEO of Wattbike

Mar 12, 2026 1 hr 2 min

If there is no playbook, how confident are you in running the business while preparing to sell it at the same time? Trade sales are often described as a process. In reality, they are a test of judgement. Leaders are expected to keep performance on track, manage investors, support teams, and make irreversible decisions, all while the business is being prepared for exit, often with imperfect information and no clear right answer. In this episode of Chat CFO, Neil sits down with Stephen Loftus, CEO at Wattbike, to talk candidly about what it takes to run a private equity-backed business while preparing it for sale. Stephen shares what it really feels like to hold both responsibilities at once, and why personal judgement and relationships impact the outcome far more than any checklist. We get into: How to keep the business performing while preparing for an exit Why selling a business rarely follows the process leaders expect How judgement and relationships influence outcomes during a trade sale Where leaders underestimate the pressure and complexity of doing both jobs How AI and mentorship are changing how decisions get made under pressure---- About our guest: Stephen Loftus is CEO of Wattbike, where he has led the business through a PE-backed transformation, including refinancing, restructuring, new product launches, a return to profitability, and a successful trade sale in July 2025. Stephen is a commercial CEO with experience across FMCG, health and wellness, and consumer brands. He began his career in strategy consulting and FMCG with Diageo, Red Bull, and Constellation Inc, and later helped scale Brompton as Chief Commercial Officer, growing revenues from £27m to £120m and expanding margins. You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-loftus-8441291/ ---- About Chat CFO: Chat CFO is a podcast featuring honest conversations with CFOs, COOs, and CEOs about the decisions that impact businesses. The focus is on what leade...

AI born beats AI retrofitted

Mar 3, 2026 29 min

What does it take to build a business where AI enhances human expertise? In this episode, Pippa Dussuyer and Dean Farthing of Unity Advisory discuss how they helped build a firm designed to grow with AI from day one. For most businesses, bolting AI onto old structures magnifies existing problems as it highlights broken data and siloed teams. Pippa and Dean share how a culture built on open information and a single P&L creates an environment where AI is not a threat but an accelerator. It allows teams to build solutions in hours, removes internal politics, and frees people up for higher-value thinking. This episode shows you what the future looks like. ———————— About our guests Pippa is a Founding Partner at Unity Advisory and a veteran of business transformation with over 20 years of experience. At Unity, she’s building an AI-born consultancy that elevates human expertise to provide more impactful results for clients. Pippa helps corporate and PE-backed business to optimise holistically across Lead-to-Cash, ensuring that Commercial and Finance teams work in tandem to drive revenue and EBITDA. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pippa-dussuyer-80006a12/ Dean is a Founding Partner at Unity Advisory specialising in employment tax and incentives for high-stakes moments. Dean helps CFOs and boards design reward plans that work for both the business and its stakeholders. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-farthing/ ————— About Chat CFO: Chat CFO is a podcast featuring honest conversations with CFOs, COOs, and CEOs about the decisions that impact businesses. The focus is on what leadership looks like in practice, including what worked, what didn’t, and what leaders learned along the way. Produced by STOIX, Chat CFO is proudly supported by Unity Advisory as headline sponsor. ————— About our hosts: This episode of Chat CFO is hosted by Neil French and Carolyn Cole. Neil is the Co-Founder of STOIX. Over the last 19+ years, he’s worked closely with...

Is ERP Dead? | with Gareth Bennett & John Ashworth

Feb 12, 2026 53 min

Why do ERP programmes feel so painful, even when they are meant to make things better? In this episode of Chat CFO, we sit down with Gareth Bennett, Finance Transformation Lead at News UK, and John Ashworth, Finance Transformation Director at The Crown Estate. Gareth and John share their experiences from the sharp end of ERP and finance transformation. They talk openly about what goes wrong before and after go-live and how leaders keep momentum when programmes run for years rather than months. The episode explores ERP as a business change problem, with honest reflections on accountability and what finance leaders need to get right if change is going to stick. Chat CFO is supported by Unity Advisory - https://unity-advisory.com/ ----------- Chapters + Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet the guests and why ERP divides opinion 01:13 – Is ERP dead or just misunderstood? 03:48 – Data is the real prize in modern ERP 04:15 – What must be true before starting ERP 06:29 – The danger of trying to deliver everything at once 09:35 – Why design sign-off is harder than it sounds 12:28 – Change management that actually works 17:38 – Change fatigue and leadership pressure 23:58 – Who should sponsor ERP, CFO or CTO? 28:19 – One partner or many? 50:01 – One piece of advice before your first ERP programme ————— About Our Guests: Gareth is a finance transformation leader with experience working inside fast-moving, high-profile organisations. At News UK, he has been closely involved in modernising finance platforms and ways of working. His background combines strong financial foundations with hands-on delivery of large system change, helping finance teams move away from manual effort and towards operational confidence that supports the wider business. You can connect with Gareth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethcbennett/ John is a senior finance transformation leader with a track record of leading complex, enterprise-wide change. His experience spans large, regulated organisation...

CFO of a national sport. What's it really like? | Nimesh Kataria, CFO at the ECB

Feb 4, 2026 46 min

What does it really mean to be the CFO of a national sport, where decisions are public and trade offs are unavoidable? In this episode of Chat CFO, we sit down with Nimesh Kataria, CFO at the England and Wales Cricket Board, to talk about the reality of leading finance inside a national institution. Nimesh opens up about his move from media and broadcast into sport, the change from operating within a global matrix to taking full ownership, and what it means to balance financial rigour with safeguarding the future of cricket. This conversation was filmed ahead of the Ashes series, which Nimesh references during the discussion, before the outcome of the tour was known. We get into: - What it’s really like being CFO of England’s national sport - Moving from global media into full financial ownership at the ECB - Making investment decisions without endless cash - How finance leaders should approach AI and technology adoption - Managing accountability, pressure, scrutiny, and long term responsibility Chapters and Timestamps: 00:00 – What it means to be CFO of England’s national sport 01:06 – Nimesh’s journey into finance and media 03:16 – Leaving EY and choosing roles with purpose 05:10 – Building a career through opportunity, risk, and relationships 07:14 – Commercial finance, influence, and stakeholder management 08:50 – Career highlights from global media and sport broadcasting 10:37 – Leadership lessons, risk taking, and trust 13:30 – Moving from a matrix organisation to full ownership at the ECB 15:51 – Learning fast, leaning on networks, and adapting quickly 17:29 – Passion, accountability, and choosing the ECB role 19:37 – Balancing financial discipline with sporting values 21:42 – AI, technology, and the future of the finance function 24:18 – Collaboration across sport and governing bodies 26:14 – Accountability, preparation, and board confidence 29:01 – Shifting from reporting to long term strategy 33:21 – The future CFO pipeline and evolving finance car...

How I took a $25M brand through an impossible IPO with Mark Buckley

Dec 16, 2025 1 hr 3 min

In this episode of Chat CFO, we sit down with Mark Buckley, former CEO of Perfect Moment, to talk through what it takes to get a business listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Mark shares the full story behind taking a loss-making, private equity backed consumer brand through a US IPO, after exhausting every other funding route. We talk openly about the pressure, the fundraising reality, the time away from family, and the things no one really prepares you for. Beyond the initial public offering, we also get into Mark’s journey from big corporate environments like Marks & Spencer and Burberry, into private equity backed SMEs, and eventually stepping into a CEO role unexpectedly. There are honest reflections on leadership, investments, resilience, career trade-offs, and why slowing down has become a priority in his next chapter. If you’re a CFO, finance leader, founder, or investor curious about IPOs, private equity, or the jump from corporate into smaller businesses, there’s a lot here that will resonate. ----------------------------------------------------------- About our guest Mark is a CEO and CFO with over 25 years of adaptive leadership, driving significant growth and transformation across global luxury and omni-channel retail. His career spans established FTSE corporates like Burberry and Marks & Spencer, as well as successful Private Equity backed and founder-led brands such as Perfect Moment and Rapha. You can connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdbuckley/ ----------------------------------------------------------- About Chat CFO The Chat CFO podcast gives you insights from CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most. Find more episodes and conversations with finance leaders on Chat CFO. https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO

Capital discipline vs growth ambition, the daily fight of a fintech CFO | Benyam Hagos, CFO at Form3

Dec 1, 2025 51 min

In this episode of Chat CFO, Benyam Hagos, CFO at Form3, explains how a CFO in a FinTech needs to think and act more like a commercial partner than a traditional finance lead. He talks about shaping the story of the business for investors, pushing for new markets, and treating growth conversations with the same energy and intent you would usually see from a sales leader. It is a view developed from years working in audit and a clear understanding of the pressure that comes with venture backed expectations. Benyam covers: How he builds trust and rhythm with a CEO during a period of rapid scale The practical habits that help him stay organised and avoid constant overload What remote leadership looks like inside a global finance team Why he took on a non-executive role and how it changed the way he shows up in boardrooms Benyam also shares the personal experiences that influenced the way he works, from finding mentors who could stretch him in the right ways to recognising the early signs of burnout and building healthier boundaries that allow longevity rather than short bursts of performance. ----------------------------------------------------------- About our Guest Benyam has over 17 years of experience in the finance and payments industry and he is currently the CFO at Form3 as well as the Chairman and NED for Trust Payments. Connect with Benyam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyam-hagos-b2782790/ About Chat CFO The Chat CFO podcast gives you insights from CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most. Find more episodes and conversations with business leaders on Chat CFO. https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO

From start-up CFO to £100m finance function and a 9-figure exit | Insights from Tom Platford

Nov 7, 2025 52 min

In this episode of Chat CFO, Tom Platford, fractional CFO to early-stage startups, shares his journey on scaling SuperAwesome from Series A to exit, and what he learned along the way. Tom reflects on the toughest moments of his journey, including managing a nine-figure acquisition deal and why being an expert generalist is no longer optional. Tom covers: •The difference between early and late-stage CFO roles •When and how to bring in a fractional CFO •Why future finance teams will include AI agents •The importance of storytelling, design thinking, and failure in CFO leadership Tom also shares personal reflections on burnout and the habits that keep him grounded through high-pressure moments. ----------------------------------------------------------- About our guest Tom is a CFO with over 12 years of experience in startups and knows the challenges founders face when navigating a business to an exit. He now helps founders build shareholder value and achieve a successful exit. Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasplatford/ About Chat CFO The Chat CFO podcast gives you insights from CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most. Find more episodes and conversations with finance leaders on Chat CFO. https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO

The untold truth about hiring in the age of AI | Jenny Collins, Head of Talent at Faraday Partners

Sep 9, 2025 1 hr 3 min

What happens when someone who scaled technical hiring at Google starts rethinking what good leadership looks like in private equity? In this episode of Chat CFO, Jenny Collins, Head of Talent at Faraday Partners and former Google and PE Chief Talent Officer, shares her take on what great hiring really looks like. She talks about her years in global tech and what she learned about culture from watching it either thrive or disappear depending on who was paying attention. We get into: 🧭 Why cognitive diversity at the top table is more than a tick box 💬 What Google taught her about building teams that last 🔍 Why AI isn't replacing recruitment but making the human parts more important 💡 How private equity can borrow from venture and vice versa 🤝 The real value of referencing, psychometrics, and behavioural data in hiring If you're shaping teams in high-growth or high-pressure environments, or you're just curious how someone blends empathy, rigour and data into HR at the sharpest end of business, this one’s for you. #ExecutiveHiring #TechLeadership #PrivateEquity #ChatCFO Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 06:08 - The evolution of AI 08:53 - AI's impact on employment and talent acquisition 12:03 - Navigating executive hiring 14:58 - Cultural differences in leadership 17:59 - Diversity and inclusion in the workplace 23:33 - Strategic hiring for company growth 25:04 - Differences between VC and Private Equity 32:10 - The role of references in hiring 34:05 - Balancing skills and Cultural Fit in Hiring 41:00 - Optimising the interview process and hiring experience 48:01 - The role of AI in recruitment 55:06 - Future trends in talent acquisition

The secrets of surviving leadership chaos with Shonagh Primrose, COO at Wylde Market

Jul 14, 2025 1 hr 1 min

What happens when a bold COO questions how conscious consumerism really works? In this episode, Shonagh Primrose, Chief Operating Officer at Wylde Market, rips apart the rules of growth and reveals how to build a purpose-led platform without bowing to the noisy short-term pressures of venture investors. We get into: 🌱 Why slow commerce might be the most radical growth strategy yet ⚡ The tough trade-offs every COO faces in the fight between mission and margin 🧩 How to build brand trust in a world wired for instant gratification 💥 The surprising power of friction in a customer experience If you’re wrestling with how to scale a values-led business or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at the hard choices no one talks about, this conversation is honest, human, and worth every minute. 🎧 Tune in and tell us: Would you choose slower, sustainable growth if it meant protecting your values? Discover more in this episode: 00:00 - Introduction & background 03:08 - Insights from Shonagh's experience 06:02 - The role of coaching and mentorship 09:04 - Understanding coaching vs mentorship vs therapy 11:47 - Creating safe spaces for difficult conversations 14:59 - The importance of different perspectives 17:55 - Balancing vulnerability and tough decisions in leadership 30:50 - Hiring for diversity fit 37:33 - Navigating different organisational sizes 43:35 - Career strategies for new graduates 50:58 - The importance of networking 55:50 - Career planning and flexibility

Redefining the Route to CFO with Katie Brewis

Jun 10, 2025 49 min

What does it really take to lead finance in one of the world’s most fast-paced and complex tech companies without following the traditional path? In this episode, Katie Brewis, Strategy & Commercial Finance Director at Google, shares her journey from economist to strategy consultant, and now to leading finance across Google’s EMEA marketing organisation. We get into: 🐬 The leadership mindset that helps navigate both big-picture strategy and day-to-day detail 🧠 How AI is reshaping finance work and why core skills still matter 📊 What effective collaboration between finance and marketing actually looks like ♻️ How Katie brought her interest in sustainability into her day job Whether you are stepping into leadership, thinking about your next move, or simply curious about how finance operates at scale, this episode is full of practical insight and straight-talking advice. 🎧 Listen now and tell us: What part of the CFO skillset do you think is changing fastest? Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 03:04 - Navigating the Fast-Paced World of Google 06:04 - The Importance of Sustainability in Business 08:57 - Understanding the Role of a CFO in 2025 12:09 - Leadership Lessons and Collaborative Styles 14:58 - The Impact of AI on Finance and Marketing 24:36 - Navigating Skills in an AI-Driven World 27:26 - AI's Role in Sustainability and Climate Change 28:14 - The Future of Energy Solutions 30:04 - Challenges of Remote Team Management 35:40 - Leadership Lessons from Mentors 40:24 - The Intersection of Marketing and Finance 45:31 - Advice for Aspiring CFOs

From Piano Lessons to CFO: Vineta's No-BS Route to the Top Job - Lessons from Vineta Bajaj

Apr 29, 2025 1 hr 15 min

Vineta Bajaj didn’t follow a traditional path to the top – and she’s not shy about saying so. Now Group CFO at Rohlik Group, Vineta shares the unfiltered story behind her rise, from teaching piano and side-trading during uni, to leading billion-euro businesses and rewriting what it means to lead in finance. This episode is packed with bold moves, real career talk, and the kind of lessons you don’t get in textbooks. We cover: 🎹 How Vineta turned “random” side skills into career-defining moments 📣 What happens when you challenge your FD and go straight to the CFO 🤖 Why AI is changing the size and shape of finance teams 🍕💻🚋 And how obsessing over pizzas, laptops and trams is actually leadership For anyone aiming higher, moving faster, or building something big – this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for. #CFOJourney #FutureOfFinance #LeadershipMindset #AIandFinance #STOIX Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 03:03 - Career Path: From Aspirations to Realities 05:51 - Education and Early Experiences 09:00 - Navigating the Corporate Landscape 15:09 - Strategic Career Moves 18:01 - The Transition to CFO 20:56 - Leadership and Decision Making 23:47 - Reflections on Achievements 38:43 - Exploring Capacity and Personal Growth 41:16 - The Importance of Mentorship and Support 45:06 - Leveraging AI in Finance 56:25 - The Evolving Role of CFOs in a Tech-Driven World 01:00:18 - Navigating Challenges and Building Relationships

Leadership, exit strategy & building high-impact teams - Lessons from Stephan Burow

Apr 11, 2025 50 min

What does it really take to lead a private equity-backed business through growth, exit, and transformation while staying true to your leadership style? In this episode, Stephan Burow, CFO at Lintbells, shares his journey from Unilever to high-growth scaleups like Gousto, and now to leading finance, tech, and people at a purpose-driven pet wellness company. We dive into: 🧠 The mindset shift required to thrive as a PE-backed CFO ⏱ Why pace, 80/20 thinking, and intentional time management are make-or-break 🤝 How Stephan builds high-performance, people-first cultures 🧩 Secrets to handling exits and investor pressure 🐾 Why purpose matters Whether you’re an aspiring CFO, in the middle of a scaleup journey, or leading through a private equity transaction, this episode is packed with insights and best of all - refreshing honesty. 🎧 Listen now and tell us: What’s the hardest part of leading in a PE-backed environment? Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Background 02:00 – From Unilever to Scaleups 06:00 – Why Pace & Impact Matter 10:00 – Gusto, Growth & the 80/20 Rule 14:00 – Transitioning to CFO in PE 20:00 – Managing Investors & Exit Process 26:00 – AI, Finance & the Future 30:00 – Leadership, Mentorship & Culture 38:00 – Broadening the CFO Role 45:00 – Risks, Cybersecurity & What Keeps Him Up 48:30 – Legacy, Purpose & Final Advice

🎙️ From Coca-Cola to AI: How Finance Leaders Can Harness Data for Growth

Feb 10, 2025 46 min

AI is transforming finance—but how do you cut through the noise and turn data into real impact? In this episode, Rosanne Werner, CEO of XcelerateIQ, shares her journey from Deloitte to driving data-led transformation at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. She breaks down: 📊 Why finance leaders must master data storytelling 🔄 The AI mindset shift CFOs need to stay ahead 💡 How to bridge the gap between technology and leadership Her advice? Master the art of storytelling, embrace AI, and never stop learning. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GnbJUynQHno 💬 What’s the biggest challenge you see in AI adoption for finance leaders? Drop your thoughts in the comments. #CFO #AIinFinance #Leadership #FinanceTransformation #STOIX

🎙️ If Glastonbury and Amazon had a Baby! Lessons from Dominique Highfield

Jan 24, 2025 53 min

How does a CFO successfully balance career and motherhood? 🤘 Dominique Highfield of Bloom & Wild shares her insights. From building strong support systems to embracing self-confidence, she demonstrates that balance is the key to long-term success. In this episode, Dominique offers an honest perspective on integrating professional and personal responsibilities. She discusses her approach to managing both roles, navigating pivotal career moments, and maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance. ✨ With the support of her husband and a dedicated team, she has learned to prioritise what truly matters—excelling in her career while making meaningful time for her family. We also explore the impact of mentorship, the role of opportunity, and the importance of self-belief in achieving professional growth. 💡 Her key advice? Focus on doing what you love, find the right fit, and career growth will naturally follow. A sincere thank you to Dominique for sharing her valuable experiences with us! 🙌 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QOuP2VObcgs #CFOInsights #WorkLifeBalance #WomenInBusiness #STOIX

🚀 From Café to E-Commerce Powerhouse: Lessons from Grind Coffee’s Dan Sherfield 🌍

Jan 9, 2025 52 min

What a fantastic episode this was! Dan Sherfield, former Head of Finance for Psycle and current CFO of Grind | Certified B Corp, takes us behind the scenes of his nine-year journey transforming a local café chain into an e-commerce sensation. Through many ups and downs, including navigating the pandemic, Dan led Grind’s shift to e-commerce with agility and vision—proving that in today’s world, adaptability isn’t optional. For aspiring CFOs, he stresses the importance of knowing your business inside and out, so you can make smart decisions that drive sustainable growth. 🔄📊 But it's not all about the numbers. Dan also prioritises work-life balance ⚖️, setting boundaries to stay healthy and energised. He models leadership that doesn’t sacrifice personal well-being for professional success. Plus, his commitment to sustainability 🌱, with Grind’s B Corp certification, shows that growth and doing good can go hand in hand. 🌍 How do you keep your focus sharp in a fast-paced world? From rolling to-do lists 📝 and exploring AI’s potential 🤖, to building trust and inspiring teams to rally behind a shared vision. A big thank you to Dan for detailing this unique experience with us! If you’re looking to draw inspiration from a seasoned CFO, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9tQztaZl1H4 #Leadership #CFO #Adaptability #EcommerceSuccess #AI #STOIX

From Jellybean-wrapping to Corporate Finance: Mary Corrie

Dec 20, 2024 57 min

We had a lot of fun recording this episode with Mary C., former Managing Director and former Chief Financial Officer at JustPark! With over a decade of diverse financial experience, Mary takes us on her fascinating journey—from jellybean-wrapping to corporate finance to leading in the tech start-up space. Amid the laughs, you’ll uncover profound insights on: ⚙️ Adapting to a start-up culture with a focus on cash generation and profitability 🚀 Mastering the art of building strong relationships 🏋️ Taking calculated career risks 🌈 The importance of diverse experiences for aspiring CFOs A huge thank you to Mary for sharing her unique expertise with us! If you’re looking to refine your hiring strategies or simply draw inspiration from a seasoned CFO, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c1oRwkcY8vc #FinanceLeadership #CFO #CareerAdvice #SuccessAndFailure #STOIX

From Sports to C-Suite: Building Resilience and Leadership with Mark Foster

Dec 17, 2024 53 min

Well, this is a unique journey—swapping an outstanding sports career for chartered accountancy. 🏉 In this episode, we sit down with Mark Foster, former SVP of LIV Golf, and and CEO of WinSure Group , whose impressive background spans real estate, corporate finance, and private equity. 💼 What sets Mark apart is his remarkable journey from professional sports to corporate leadership. In this conversation, he shares how lessons from his sports career have shaped his leadership style and resilience. 📖 Mark reflects on how his collegiate sports experience instilled discipline, problem-solving skills, and adaptability under pressure—traits that have been invaluable in his finance career. He also explores how these principles contribute to building strong leadership in today’s competitive corporate world. 🦾 This episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways for leaders aiming to develop resilience and achieve success, both in business and beyond. 🚀 Thank you, Mark Foster, for sharing your unique journey with us. If you’re in private equity—or aspiring to be—you’ll gain raw, genuine insights from Mark’s story. Don’t miss this one! 👇 📺 Watch here: https://youtu.be/CEar84JkR1E #CareerSwitch #Sport #Finance #PrivateEquity #STOIX

Law, Finance & Sustainability: Aurore Gil's Inspiring Journey

Dec 5, 2024 41 min

Law, Finance & Sustainability: Aurore Gil's Inspiring Journey 📖 Studied law and finance, then earned her stripes at business school in Paris, and built a remarkable 14-year career in M&A at UBS - all while starting a family. Aurore’s story didn’t stop there. After stepping away from banking, she pursued sustainability at Cambridge University and went on to drive change as the Investment Director at Cibus Capital LLP. 🚀 In this motivating episode of the STOIX Podcast, we explore: 🗺️ Early career ambitions and the realities of investment banking ⚙️ Leadership challenges and qualities that define success 🚀 Transitioning from IB to private equity and championing ESG 🏋️ Balancing a high-powered career and family life If you’re in M&A—or aspiring to be—you’ll gain raw, genuine insights from Aurore’s journey. Don’t miss this one! 👇 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKRr_4Do480 #MandA #Finance #Motivation #STOIX

The Journey of a Commercial CFO: Mickey Kalifa's Insights

Nov 27, 2024 1 hr 11 min

Growing up in South East London in the 70s and experiencing overt racism and hatred having been born in Bombay and moving to the UK aged 2......... A chip on his shoulder, or a flame to get to the top of Finance? 🔥 Getting lucky. 🍀 Making sacrifices. Working all hours of the day and the weekend. 😰 The reality of being a big PLC and Private Equity CFO. 💥 Becoming 'The Saviour' and making the tabloids at M&C Saatchi Group 😇 #podcast #cfo #privateequity #finance 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaNKPdS05M0&t=148s

Taking Chances: Success, Failure, and the Art of Hiring with Alex Gersh

Oct 15, 2024 53 min

We’re very excited to welcome Alex Gersh, most recently, Chief Financial Officer at Paysafe (NYSE: PSFE), ex-CFO PaddyPowerBetfair (now Flutter Entertainment) and before, CFO at Sportradar Group to the latest episode of The STOIX Podcast! With over 30 years of diversified international financial experience across technology, consumer, digital, and eCommerce industries, Alex is truly a heavyweight name in the finance world. In this powerful conversation, Alex shares his deep insights on leadership, success, and navigating career challenges. From the importance of smart hiring and interviewing for success, to embracing failure, taking bold chances, and recognising the role of luck in a career – this episode is packed with useful insights for finance leaders. If you're looking to improve your hiring strategies or simply get inspired by a seasoned CFO, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcxUM4cQkwU

Climbing the Finance Ladder: Essential Advice for Aspiring CFOs with Carmela Borrotzu-Evans

Sep 19, 2024 58 min

In this episode, we sit down with Carmela Borrotzu-Evans, Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations at Apexx Global, to dive into her career journey and gain invaluable advice for aspiring CFOs. Carmela shares her perspective on how to evaluate if a company or role is the right fit, the importance of having autonomy in your career, and the “green flags” to look for during an interview. Carmela also offers key advice for professionals preparing to step into their first CFO role, discussing the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned from her own experience. Whether you're aiming for the C-suite or looking to elevate your finance career, this episode is packed with practical insights and leadership wisdom.

Ryan Collett: The road to becoming a VP of Finance

May 22, 2024 21 min

In this episode of the STOIX Podcast, we had an engaging conversation with Ryan Collett, VP of Finance at Causaly. Ryan talked about his unique career journey to becoming a VP of Finance, sharing insights and lessons learned along the way. We discuss the diverse aspects of individual development and performance and how personal differences impact professional growth. We also touch on the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance as a senior leader. This episode is packed with valuable advice and food for thought for anyone in finance or leadership within the tech industry.

Mitesh Velani: CFO to CEO in professional sports

May 7, 2024 52 min

In our second episode, STOIX Co-founders Rory McDermott and Neil French sat down with Mitesh Velani, a seasoned CFO, entrepreneur, and former CEO across FMCG, Sports & Leisure, Technology, Retail & Property sectors. This insightful conversation delves into Mitesh's journey from CFO to CEO, highlighting new perspectives and valuable experiences gained during this transition. We also discuss non-conventional career paths and the strength diversifying your professional expertise can bring to any role. For more expert content on executive search and empowering your business through better hiring stay tuned for our next episode and check out our YouTube channel.

Talking Talent Acquisition with David Brammer

Apr 12, 2024 1 hr 15 min

Welcome to the first episode of The STOIX Podcast! In this first episode, STOIX Co-founders Rory and Neil talked with David Brammer, a Talent Acquisition expert and LinkedIn's Top Voice for Global Talent Acquisition & Recruiting. David has an impressive career spanning 15 years in Talent Acquisition, supporting many businesses to build powerful teams across different industries. The conversation touches on common mistakes businesses make when hiring, optimising hiring strategies and asking the right questions to find the right talent. For more expert content on executive search and empowering your business through better hiring stay tuned for our next episode and check out our YouTube channel.

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Podcast details

Created by: STOIX
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 5, 2026
Episodes: 33
Release period: Monthly
Avg. episode length: 53 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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