FinFactor: Expert Insights for the CFO

Hosted by Blaine Bertsch

Business Entrepreneurship

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Tune in to FinFactor as we dive into the evolving role of today’s CFO. Each episode features experienced finance leaders and industry experts who share practical insights on emerging technology, financial strategy, and the future of the Office of the CFO. Hosted by Blaine Bertsch, we explore the evolving responsibilities of finance leaders—from adopting automation and AI to navigating today’s complex financial environment and leading digital transformation initiatives. Guests share firsthand experiences from the front lines of ERP implementations, strategic planning, data management, and financial operations. Whether you're a CFO in a mid-market company or a fractional CFO, FinFactor offers practical insights, lessons learned, and emerging trends to help you lead with clarity and confidence in today’s dynamic business environment. FinFactor is Produced by Dryrun: Forecasting Software for the Office of the CFO Learn more at https://dryrun.com

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38 recent

May 20, 202622 min

Laurent Marcelis "Beyond the P&L: Why CFOs Must Own Non-Financial Risk Reporting"

The CFO role is undergoing a significant transformation as non-financial risk reporting moves from a regulatory "tick-box" exercise to a core driver of enterprise value. In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with Laurent Marcelis, CFO of Enhesa, to discuss why the finance function is the natural home for non-financial risk intelligence. As global regulations like the CSRD hit major corporations, Laurent explains how unmanaged non-financial risks, such as environmental, health, and safety exposures, can quietly erode company valuation—particularly during M&A due diligence and post-M&A integration. This conversation offers a forward-thinking look at how CFOs can use non-financial data to move beyond simple compliance and create a strategic advantage in a fragmented global market.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p6o85g0iehcDryrun is a powerful modeling tool that helps CFOs move beyond manual spreadsheets to gain clarity and control over cash flow and complex financial scenarios. Visit dryrun.com to learn more.Learn about Enhesa at enhesa.com#CFO #FinanceLeadership #CSRD #SustainabilityReporting #RiskManagement #EHS #CorporateGovernance #FinFactor #BusinessStrategy #M&A

April 23, 2026Episode 3734 min

M&A Crime Scenes: Why 70% of Deals Fail and How CFOs Can Fix It

In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with 35-year CPA and M&A expert Holli Moeini to uncover the "crime scenes" that destroy deal value for mid-market companies. While many CEOs focus solely on revenue, Holli explains why the office of the CFO must look deeper into operational details, human judgment, and the "romance" between the P&L and the balance sheet to secure a successful exit.Blaine and Holli discuss why 70-80% of businesses fail to sell and how proactive cash flow forecasting, GAAP-compliant records, and strategic "add-backs" can bridge the gap between a standard multiple and a premium valuation. Whether you are on the buy-side or preparing for an eventual sale, this conversation provides a roadmap for navigating working capital hurdles, managing earnouts, and building a finance function that commands trust during due diligence.Dryrun is a powerful forecasting tool that helps CFOs eliminate manual spreadsheets and model complex cash flow scenarios with total clarity and control at dryrun.com.#CFO #MergersAndAcquisitions #CashFlow #FinanceLeadership #BusinessValuation #MandA #DryRun #FinFactor #InvestmentBanking #PrivateEquity

April 2, 2026Episode 3643 min

Humanoid Robotics & the CFO: Preparing for the $8/Hour Workforce

The office of the CFO is standing at the precipice of a "Great Transition." As AI and humanoid robotics evolve at light speed, the traditional metrics for capital allocation are being rewritten. In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with David Kilzer of Strategic Transformation Advisors to discuss why CFOs must look beyond short-term ROI and start preparing for a world of industrial-ready robotics.David shares his "Humanoid Readiness Quotient" framework, explaining how businesses can avoid the trap of depreciating "dead-end" assets and instead build a flexible backplane for the future. From the "3 Ds" of automation—Dirty, Dangerous, and Drudgery—to the projected $8/hour liquidated labor cost, this conversation is a roadmap for finance leaders who want to maintain a competitive edge without jeopardizing current operations.Key topics discussed:Why "lagging" or "leaping too fast" into AI both carry significant risks.The emergence of humanoid robots in companies like Hyundai and BMW.How to "sandbox" AI implementations to protect the core business from "hallucinations."Redefining capital allocation: Why a 2-year payback is the new gold standard.The future of autonomous logistics and the impact of the "virtuous cycle" on technology costs.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RSVFFRiBiswDryrun provides finance leaders with a sophisticated, agile platform for predictive cash flow modeling and multi-scenario planning to replace the limitations of traditional spreadsheets. https://dryrun.com#CFO #FinanceTransformation #HumanoidRobotics #AIinBusiness #CashFlowForecasting #FinFactor #AutomationStrategy #CapitalAllocation #FutureOfWork

February 18, 2026Episode 3525 min

Fractional IT Leadership: Cut Tech Waste, Avoid Vendor Lock-In, Rescue Stalled ERP Projects

If you’re a CFO in a growing mid-market business, the real cost of “good enough” IT shows up fast: redundant software (shadow IT), unmanaged vendor renewals, expensive surprises, and tech projects that drift into scope creep and blown budgets. In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Jared Leuschen of Blue Tree Technology Group to unpack what happens when organizations make big tech decisions without enough outside expertise—and how fractional IT leadership can bring clarity, control, and confidence without the full-time executive price tag.You’ll learn practical frameworks CFOs can use to build the business case for fractional IT leadership, tighten procurement to prevent vendor lock-in, and create a repeatable methodology for evaluating vendors—from requirements gathering and stakeholder alignment to shortlisting, negotiation, and accountability. Jared also shares the warning signs that a project is going sideways (lack of project management visibility, weak budget tracking, disengaged sponsors, unclear “why”), plus what to do before an ERP implementation becomes a costly write-off.Want better control over your cash flow while you make high-stakes decisions like these? Visit Dryrun.com to leave spreadsheets behind and forecast cash flow with clarity—then model scenarios with confidence.Connect with Jared at linkedin.com/in/jared-leuschen-b20195bLearn about Blue Tree Technology Group at bluetreetg.comWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/607zEgwEKe4#CashFlowForecasting #CFO #ERPImplementation #ITStrategy #DigitalTransformation

February 3, 2026Episode 3430 min

Abhijit Verekar on Why Most AI Pilots Fail: A Candid Look at Tech, Data, & ERP Reality

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Abhijit Verekar, founder of Avero Advisors, to unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in today’s tech landscape: that public agencies and large organizations can simply “buy AI” and transform overnight. AV breaks down why so many AI pilots fail, how legacy ERPs, siloed data, outdated infrastructure, and missing guardrails derail even the best intentions, and why the real work isn’t flashy—it’s foundational. Together they explore how organizations can modernize responsibly, where spreadsheets actually outperform legacy green-screen systems, why vaporware is back, and how to design AI pilots that solve real problems without creating new ones. If you’re a CFO or agency leader trying to make sense of AI amid tightening budgets, policy constraints, and messy data, this episode gives you the clarity and roadmap you need. Visit Dryrun.com to modernize your cash flow forecasting and leave spreadsheets behind.#AIstrategy #GovernmentTechnology #PublicSectorInnovation #ERPmodernization #CFOInsightsConnect with Abhijit at linkedin.com/in/verekarLearn about Avero Advisors at averoadvisors.comWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lmx0X3Kwyx0

January 21, 2026Episode 3329 min

How Modern ERPs Fix Manufacturing Chaos: COGS, Tariffs, Excel Failures & AI Transformation

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Jim Harris of Western Computer to uncover the biggest operational and financial challenges facing manufacturers and importers today—especially those still relying on outdated ERPs and massive, error-prone spreadsheets. Jim breaks down why inaccurate COGS, tariff miscalculations, batch-level blind spots, and legacy processes quietly destroy margins, and how a properly implemented ERP can completely transform visibility and control. They also dive into change management, the realities of ERP timelines, why Excel is the “shared enemy” of scalable finance teams, and how AI is rapidly reinventing supply chain and financial operations. If your business is feeling the pressure of volatility, rising costs, or outdated systems, this is your roadmap to modernization. Visit Dryrun.com to level up your cash flow forecasting and leave spreadsheets behind.#manufacturingERP #COGSmanagement #MicrosoftBusinessCentral #AIforManufacturing #CFOinsightsConnect with Jim at linkedin.com/in/jharris775Learn about Western Computer at westerncomputer.comWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_K6DY95ATks

January 6, 2026Episode 3221 min

The Hidden 25%: How CFOs Can Reclaim Massive Savings in Employer Healthcare Costs

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Donovan Pyle of Health Compass Consulting to expose one of the largest hidden opportunities on the corporate P&L—wasted healthcare spend. Donovan explains how up to 25% of employer healthcare costs are pure waste, why most CFOs never see it, and how to uncover where the money is disappearing. They break down the structural problems in the insurance and brokerage industries, the blind spots that keep organizations overpaying, and the steps CFOs can take to diagnose waste, get unbiased advice, and reclaim lost profits. Donovan also shares insights from his new book "Fixing Healthcare", outlining a practical roadmap for transforming healthcare from a runaway cost center into a strategic advantage.#CFOInsights #HealthcareCosts #BusinessStrategy #EmployeeBenefits #CostReductionUnlock clarity and control in your financial forecasting—visit Dryrun.com.Connect with Donovan at linkedin.com/in/donovanpyleRead his book “Fixing Healthcare: How Executives Can Save Their People, Their Business, and the Economy” at donovanpyle.comLearn about Health Compass Consulting at healthcompassconsulting.comWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mKQ0cHndG6E

December 16, 2025Episode 3132 min

Behind the Scenes of CEO–CFO Alignment, How Strong Finance Partnerships Drive Growth: Dusty Gulleson

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with CEO Dusty Gulleson of eResources to unpack what truly makes the relationship between the CEO and the finance team work. Dusty shares firsthand insights from decades of leading and growing companies—covering everything from daily cashflow discipline to managing multi-entity operations, navigating acquisitions, evaluating quality of earnings, integrating teams, and aligning culture during major transitions. They explore why cashflow visibility matters more than the P&L, how communication builds trust between leadership and finance, and how CEOs and CFOs can collaborate to drive expansion, strategy, and long-term stability. If you’re a finance leader, CEO, or operator looking to strengthen executive-to-finance alignment, this conversation is packed with practical, real-world wisdom.#CFOInsights #CashflowForecasting #BusinessGrowthStrategy #CEOTips #FinancialLeadershipReady to bring clarity, accuracy, and speed to your cashflow forecasting? Visit Dryrun.com.Connect with Dusty at linkedin.com/in/dustygullesonLearn about eResources at eresources.comWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vghFJOdnsEI

December 2, 2025Episode 3025 min

Who’s Buying and What They’re Really Looking For: Inside Today’s M&A Landscape with Rafael Pinho

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch talks with Rafael Pinho of TD Pine Advisors about the modern M&A landscape and what different types of buyers—private equity, strategic, family offices, and search funds—are really looking for in today’s deals. They dive into the psychology, timelines, and goals that drive acquisitions, explaining how sellers can tailor their exit strategies to match the right buyer and maximize value. You’ll learn how to evaluate buyer fit beyond financials, understand valuation nuances, and spot emerging trends like the rise of search funds and operator-led acquisitions. This conversation offers CFOs, founders, and finance leaders a clear roadmap for navigating M&A with confidence and clarity.#MergersAndAcquisitions #CFOInsights #BusinessValuation #ExitStrategy #PrivateEquityDiscover more finance insights and smarter cash flow forecasting tools at Dryrun.comDon’t miss future episodes of FinFactor—subscribe, like, and share to stay connected with the latest insights from top CFOs, AI innovators, and finance experts shaping the future of business.Learn how you can gain crystal-clear cash flow insights, accurate forecasts, and powerful scenario modeling at Dryrun.comConnect with Rafael at linkedin.com/in/rafaelpinhoLearn about TD Pine Advisors at tdpineadvisors.comWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OzkhfGBLPjU

November 18, 2025Episode 2934 min

Azat Ospanov | Is the Best ERP the One You Already Have? CFO Insights on Smart Tech Decisions

When is the right time to replace your ERP—and when is the smarter move to optimize what you already have? In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch (CEO of Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting Software) sits down with Azat Ospanov, founder of Oscorp, to explore the hidden costs, risks, and realities behind ERP implementation. They discuss why many finance teams outgrow their systems for the wrong reasons, how to evaluate technology decisions through a CFO’s lens, and the pragmatic steps that prevent years of wasted time and budget. If you’re planning an ERP change or rethinking your financial tech stack, this conversation is a must-listen.#CashflowForecasting #CFOInsights #FinancialPlanning #CashManagement #BusinessGrowthDon’t miss future episodes of FinFactor—subscribe, like, and share to stay connected with the latest insights from top CFOs, AI innovators, and finance experts shaping the future of business.Learn how you can gain crystal-clear cash flow insights, accurate forecasts, and powerful scenario modeling at Dryrun.comConnect with Azat at linkedin.com/in/azatospanovLearn about Oscorp at oscorp.caWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZjPnbGYR7kU