CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance

Hosted by Hannah Munro

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276

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to CFO 4.0, where we explore the dynamic landscape of Financial Leadership in the era of Technology 4.0. I'm your host, Hannah Munro, Managing Director of itas, a pioneering Financial Transformation consultancy. In this podcast series, we unravel the intricate connection between cutting-edge technologies and the financial domain. It's more than just adopting tools; it's about cultivating the skills necessary to navigate and spearhead the transformative journey within Finance. CFO 4.0 embodies the archetype of the Financial Leader in the future — a fusion of strategic visionaries and tech-savvy innovators. As the CFO role swiftly evolves from a mere cost controller to a strategic influencer, each transition opens up novel possibilities. Tune in as we share valuable insights and guidance from inspirational CFOs and finance leaders every episode, empowering you to revolutionise your processes, people, and data. Seize the opportunities, propel your business and career forward, and lead with unwavering confidence. Join us in shaping the future of Finance — this is CFO 4.0, your guide to the Future of Finance. We’d love for you to join our community, and if you like what you hear (which I’m sure you will 😉) it would be great if you rate and share.

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60 recent

June 16, 202654 min

274. CFO 4.0 Revisited | CFO Stories: How to become a data-driven CFO with Glenn Hopper

When we first released this conversation, it was our 100th episode, a milestone that felt worth marking with something special. Now, 174 episodes later, it's clear why this one deserved a revisit.Host Hannah Munro is joined by Glenn Hopper, Author of Deep Finance and now Managing Director at VAi Consulting for a discussion that's only grown more relevant with time. With over 15 years of experience in the CFO seat, Glenn brings a grounded, practical perspective on what it really means to build a data-driven finance function, whether you're leading a startup or a global enterprise.In this episode, they explore:The different levels of data maturity within an organisation — and how to honestly assess where yours sitsHow finance teams can evolve into finance scientists, moving from reporting the past to shaping the futureWhy real-time data has become a non-negotiable for modern finance leadersThe practical steps to becoming a truly data-driven organisation

June 9, 202639 min

273. CFO 4.0 Revisited | CFO Stories: A CFO's Guide to Navigating Risk with Isaac Strulowitz

This week on the CFO 4.0 Revisited series, host Hannah Munro is joined by Isaac Strulowitz, Alternative Investments CFO, who offers his unique perspective on risk management, providing valuable insights into how CFOs can protect their firms against unforeseen challenges, a conversation that remains as timely and essential as ever.In this episode, we cover:Isaac's first-hand account of navigating the SVB collapse and the proactive steps his team took to protect investor capital.Risk management strategies that have proven effective, such as creating redundancies, maintaining a robust disaster recovery plan, and evaluating all firm relationships for potential risks.The delicate balance a successful CFO must strike between budget management, operational duties, and strategic oversight.Isaac's concept of a "cockroach" company, one built to survive and continue functioning even after major crises.Links mentioned in this episodeExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!

June 2, 202639 min

272. CFO 4.0 Revisited: From Start-up to Scaleup, a CFO's Guide to Navigating Growth with Sylvia Ionita

Send us your thoughtsOriginally released as episode 144 of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, this episode is part of our CFO 4.0 Revisited series — bringing back some of our most valuable conversations for a new listen.Hannah Munro is joined by Sylvia Ionita, Finance Executive at LFG Solutions LLC, who at the time of recording was CFO at waterdrop. With hands-on experience scaling start-ups, Sylvia brings sharp, practical wisdom on what it really takes to grow a business from the ground up — the highs, the hard lessons, and everything in between.In this episode, we cover:How presenting real numbers and financial data at all levels drives awareness and accountability across the teamSylvia's approach to leadership meetings, mentoring, and building genuine personal connectionsImplementation measures to enhance profitability and maintain control during periods of rapid growthHow to discern which problems demand immediate action and which call for a longer-term strategic responseThe importance of internal mentorship and fostering a culture of personal developmentSylvia's top tips for finance professionals stepping into the start-up world for the first timeLinks mentioned:Sylvia’s LinkedInExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!

May 26, 202651 min

271. CFO 4.0 Revisited: The Future of Finance: Cultivating Skills & Adapting to Change with Oliver Deacon

Send us your thoughtsFor this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Oliver Deacon, Executive Coach and Founder of Oliver Deacon Coaching, to explore what the future of finance leadership really looks like over the next five years.As finance teams continue to face rapid technological change, increasing pressure to deliver insight, and evolving expectations from the wider business, technical expertise alone is no longer enough. Oliver shares why the most successful finance leaders of the future will be those who combine commercial thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strong leadership skills alongside technical capability.What’s covered in this episode?• Why soft skills are becoming one of the most valuable assets in finance leadership • The growing importance of leadership and communication across finance teams • How process engineering and operational thinking will shape future finance functions • Practical ways finance professionals can build resilience and adapt to constant change • Creating a culture of continuous learning within finance teams • How emerging technologies can help finance leaders drive greater business impactLinks mentioned in this episodeOliver's LinkedInOliver Deacon Coaching Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodesExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!

May 19, 202647 min

270. CFO 4.0 Revisited: The Balancing Act: Risks, Ethics, and the Lessons Learnt from Failing with Shaun Hayes

Send us your thoughtsFor this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Shaun Hayes, author of The Gray Choice, to explore the realities of leadership, resilience, and decision-making in high-pressure environments. What’s covered in this episode Why taking calculated risks is essential for long-term success Lessons learned from major setbacks and how to recover stronger The importance of building a trusted circle of advisors and mentors Why happiness and fulfilment do not always come from constant growth The role discipline and standards play in financial leadership Insights from Shaun’s book The Gray Choice and his leadership philosophyLinks referenced in this episode:Shaun Hayes LinkedInVisit Shaun’s WebsiteShaun’s YouTube Channel Shaun’s Book: The Gray ChoiceExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!

April 28, 202642 min

269. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Accelerating your impact as a CFO with coaching with Catherine Clark

Send us your thoughtsFor this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Catherine Clark, Lead CFO Mentor at GrowCFO and Director of Cristallum Limited, for a grounded and practical conversation on the power of mentoring in modern finance leadership.As the role of the CFO continues to evolve beyond technical expertise, the need for strong communication, self-awareness, and leadership capability has never been greater. Catherine draws on her extensive experience to explore how mentoring provides finance leaders with something often missing in their day-to-day roles, a trusted space to step back, reflect, and grow.What is covered in this episodeThe difference between mentoring and coaching, and when each is most valuableThe soft skills finance leaders need when stepping into more senior rolesHow to build clear, effective communication within your finance teamWhy finance leaders must understand their wider impact across the organisationExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!

April 21, 202647 min

268. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Integration, automation and finding your niche with Cécile Parker

Send us your thoughtsFor this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Cécile Parker, Group CFO at Vital Energi Utilities, to explore how finance leaders can play a far more integrated and influential role across the business.Cécile shares her journey to CFO and offers a clear view on how the function must evolve. This is not about finance sitting on the sidelines. It is about stepping forward, embedding into operations, and driving meaningful change across people, processes and sustainability. What’s covered in this episode Why finance leaders must stop underestimating the impact of automation How to find and define your niche as a CFO The importance of embedding finance across the wider business Building the skills and capabilities within a modern finance team Understanding and influencing finance’s role in sustainability and carbon impact Links mentioned in this episode:Cécile’s LinkedInLearn more about Vital EnergiVital Energi on LinkedInExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!

April 14, 202644 min

267. CFO 4.0 Revisited: How to make your next digital transformation project a success with Mark Lockton-Goddard

Send us your thoughtsIn this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Mark Lockton‑Goddard, now Founder & CEO at embracent, to explore what successful digital transformation really looks like for finance teams.With over 25 years’ experience across global organisations, Mark shares practical insight into how CFOs can approach transformation decisions, gain buy‑in from their teams, and avoid common pitfalls when introducing new technology and processes.Relaunched ahead of the new financial year, this episode is a timely listen for finance leaders reviewing how prepared their finance function is for what lies ahead.In this episode, we cover:How CFOs should approach decision‑making for finance transformationGaining employee buy‑in for new systems and processesCommon mistakes that cause digital transformation projects to failKey focus areas when modernising finance departmentsHow finance teams are adapting to meet today’s business demandsLinks mentioned in this episode:Mark's LinkedInSign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newslettersExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!

April 7, 202646 min

266. CFO 4.0 Revisited: How technology can enable hybrid working for finance teams with Paul Lee

Send us your thoughtsFor this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by Paul Lee, Partner at Deloitte UK, to explore one of the most debated shifts in modern working life – the move to hybrid.Drawing on his experience at Deloitte, Paul challenges the idea that there is a single “right” answer. Instead, he highlights the importance of asking better questions – around productivity, collaboration, employee expectations, and long-term business impact.What’s covered in this episodeWorking from home, hybrid, and returning to the office – how to assess the right approachKey questions finance leaders should be asking about hybrid working modelsThe role of technology in enabling the future of workHow developments like 5G and WiFi 6 could reshape how and where we workLinks referenced in this episodePaul's LinkedInRaise your game with Sage IntacctFirst 90 Days as a CFO: Ultimate Blueprint (FREE download)Sign up for our CFO Briefing and Podcast newslettersExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!

March 31, 202646 min

265. CFO 4.0 Revisited: Navigating Financial Planning in a Dynamic Business Environment with James Owen

Send us your thoughts For this CFO 4.0 Revisited episode, Hannah Munro is joined by James Owen, Global CFO of the Profiles Division at Kantar, to explore how modern finance leaders are reshaping planning, forecasting, and decision-making in an increasingly data-driven world. What’s covered in this episodeWhy market data is essential for meaningful performance benchmarkingHow to improve communication and understanding of financial insights across the businessThe role of Integrated Business Planning in driving better forecasts and decisionsWhy data science is becoming a core capability within finance teamsHow to assess finance talent beyond technical skillsThe importance of scenario planning across ambition, realism, and prudenceLinks mentioned in this episode:James’ LinkedInLearn more about KantarChief Financial Officer UK Flagship SummitExplore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.Subscribe to our Podcast!