Tax Leaders Unplugged

Hosted by Loctax

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Tax Leaders Unplugged, a podcast hosted by Stevi Frooninckx (CEO & Co-founder at Loctax), where we go beyond the numbers and the rules, delving into the essence of leadership in the tax world. Our focus isn’t on tax technicalities; it’s on the people behind them. Join us for in-depth conversations with leading in-house tax professionals, exploring collaboration, team management, and career development. Stay tuned for unique insights and advice you won’t find on Google, tailored to enhance your tax leadership journey.

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22 recent

May 25, 202632 min

AI and Data for Tax Research | Luis Nouel from IBFD

Luis Nouel, Manager Latin America, Africa-Middle East and Bulletin of International Taxation Teams at IBFD, joins Tax Leaders Unplugged to discuss how tax research actually gets done and where AI fits in. We recorded at IBFD HQ in Amsterdam. Luis brings 33 years in tax, more than 18 of them at IBFD, and currently leads the Latin America, transfer pricing and VAT teams. We covered:- How a tax research workflow runs in practice, from mapping cross-border consequences to working country chapters before opening legislation.- Why tax authorities have been using AI for 8 to 9 years and what that means for in-house tax teams under shrinking budgets.- The compounding complexity of BEPS, MLI and Pillar Two, and why Luis is convinced the next wave will be worse.- Why IBFD's curated dataset is the foundation that makes the Loctax AI Assistant game-changing, instead of unreliable. - How the Loctax and IBFD partnership turns that dataset into an AI assistant that tax professionals can trust on the specifics, so the human work shifts to judgement, audit defence and business partnering.___Where to find Luis Nouel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisnouelWhere to find Stevi Frooninckx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevifrooninckx___[00:00] Introduction. Recording at IBFD HQ Amsterdam. Luis Nouel's background: tax lawyer, 33 years in tax, more than 18 at IBFD, currently leading the Latin America, transfer pricing and VAT teams.[02:10] Why tax research grabs you. Connecting dots across corporate income tax, VAT, transfer pricing, customs and individual taxation.[03:15] Tax is never binary, it's grey. Taking positions you can defend at audit.[05:55] How tax research actually runs. Step back to see the big picture, then work the deadline.[08:47] Worked example. Liquidating a Venezuelan subsidiary held by a Spanish parent: domestic consequences in both jurisdictions, exit taxation, treatment at the parent.[10:57] Why Luis goes to country chapters before legislation. IBFD covers 220+ jurisdictions.[11:49] Books and university tax libraries. Why hard copy can't keep up with the rate of change.[14:18] Why up to date matters. Free internet sources versus the risk you're willing to take.[16:34] Complexity is not slowing down. OECD models, then MLI, then Pillar Two, and the next wave Luis expects to be worse.[19:31] Tax authorities stepping up. AI in their hands for 8 to 9 years. Dispute resolution as the new normal.[22:10] Paper it up. Building a documentation defence so a 3 to 5 year audit gap doesn't sink you.[24:38] The AI elephant. Quality jump in the last 6 to 8 months when AI is applied to the right data and the right guardrails.[27:31] AI reshapes functions, not replaces them. PC and internet as parallels.[28:48] The Loctax and IBFD AI assistant. Full IBFD library across legislation, treaties, doctrine, journals and case law.[31:37] Joint mission. Spreading tax research to in-house, advisory and tax authorities.[32:17] Closing. "Don't be afraid of it. The sooner you embrace the new technologies, the better you're gonna get handling them."

April 9, 202649 min

From Accountant to Head of Tax | Sara Spring from Oatly

Sarah Spring, Head of Tax at Oatly, joins Tax Leaders Unplugged to share her path from finance and accounting into tax leadership, and what it takes to become a real business partner inside an international company. She explains why tax teams need to stop acting as a clean-up function and instead get involved before key decisions are made.With a team of just four, Sarah also shares how she approaches tax transformation in practice, from VAT automation to better use of existing systems. A key theme is influence. Speak business, not tax. Push for a seat at the table. She also highlights a growing challenge. Today’s filings may be reviewed years later with far more advanced AI, raising the bar for controls and data quality now.🔑 Key Insights and Learnings:- AI will raise the standard for tax controls.Sara highlights a critical shift. Returns filed today may be reviewed years later using far more advanced AI by tax authorities. That means tax teams need stronger controls, cleaner data and more consistency now, not later.- Speak business, not tax.If non-tax stakeholders do not understand you, you will not influence decisions. Translate tax into business impact.- Get involved before decisions are made.Tax should not fix issues after the fact. It should shape decisions early, especially on funding, structuring and cross-border activity.- You have to earn your seat at the table.Do not wait to be invited. Join meetings, follow projects and proactively insert tax into discussions that may not look tax-related at first.- Broader experience makes better tax leaders.Backgrounds in finance, accounting and treasury help you understand other teams and collaborate more effectively.- Lean teams require better systems and controls.With a team of four, technology is essential. AI will also raise audit standards, so data quality and consistency matter more than ever.—Where to find Sara Spring: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraemspring/Where to find Stevi Frooninckx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevifrooninckx__[00:00:00] Introduction and Sarah’s background[00:03:55] Career path and attraction to dynamic environments[00:07:10] Contracting vs permanent roles[00:09:19] Cultural differences across countries[00:12:27] Transition from accounting to tax[00:16:08] From tax blocker to business partner[00:17:10] Speak business, not tax[00:19:05] Earning a seat at the table[00:30:40] Tax transformation, VAT automation and AI[00:33:00] Future audit risk and final leadership lessons

February 16, 202645 min

From VAT to Value: Powered by Tech and Diversity | Nora Bafrouri from Trane Technologies

Nora Bafrouri, Global VAT and Tax Technology Lead at Trane Technologies, joins Tax Leaders Unplugged to discuss how indirect tax teams can move from compliance to measurable business value.She explains how she built a highly automated VAT operating model across 44 jurisdictions, why tax authorities are increasingly data-driven, and how a structured KPI dashboard helped her reposition VAT as a business partner. She shares:• How misalignment between VAT and technology priorities was solved by bringing the lifecycle under one leadership.• How Italy VAT refunds moved from a six-year cycle to being fully up to date.• Why tax teams must speak in business metrics if they want budget and influence.—Where to find Nora Bafrouri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norabafrouri/Where to find Stevi Frooninckx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevifrooninckx__In this episode, we cover:[00:00] Introduction – Who is Nora Bafrouri?Global VAT and Tax Technology Lead at Trane Technologies. Big 4 background. Belgium-based.[16:20] From VAT Compliance to Tax Technology LeadershipSpotting misalignment between indirect tax and technology. Taking ownership of the full lifecycle.[19:00] Scaling Across 44 JurisdictionsBuilding a highly automated VAT model with a small tax tech team.[27:40] Tax Authorities Shift to Data-Driven AuditsFrom legal debates to data mismatches. Real-time reporting changes the game.[31:20] From Cost Centre to Value DriverUsing technology to improve productivity, working capital and reputation.[32:12] Italy VAT Case StudyRefund cycle reduced from 6 years to fully up to date, including 2024 approval.[34:00] Measuring Value With a DashboardTracking risk mitigated, cash flow optimisation and productivity gains.[40:50] The Future of AI in TaxTraditional AI vs generative AI. Why tax teams must stay alert.[44:00] Final AdviceBe engaged. Bring stakeholders into your journey. Build for the organisation, not just tax.

November 3, 202535 min

Inside M&A: Insights for in-house tax | Sandra Esteves from Qlik

Sandra Esteves, Head of Tax at Qlik (previously HoT at Talend, which was acquired by Qlik in 2023), joins Tax Leaders Unplugged to unpack what it takes for an in-house tax team to get through due diligence and integration without losing control or credibility. We cover the realities of PE-backed deals, running Talend and Qlik as standalone groups until late 2023, and how to lead when sponsors and colleagues exit during the process. In this episode, she shares:• The dashboard she built within months of joining in 2021 to brief the CFO on eight core items: on-time compliance, risk positions, liabilities, controversy, cash taxes, cash opportunities, and attributes.• Why deep business knowledge accelerated structuring and integration decisions.• How to balance team morale and transparency when duplication forces tough calls.• Why compliance is strategic, not second-class, especially with Pillar Two and central oversight.—Where to find Sandra Esteves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-esteves-33788313/Where to find Stevi Frooninckx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevifrooninckx__In this episode, we cover:[00:00:00] From Portugal to Amsterdam: Sandra’s Tax Journey[00:05:10] The Compass Quote: Staying Focused as a Leader[00:08:42] Talend’s Acquisition by Qlik[00:12:50] The 8-Line CFO Dashboard for M&A Readiness[00:15:12] Leading Through Integration and Sponsorship Loss[00:24:25] Compliance as a Strategic Advantage[00:27:30] TEI, IBFD, and Career Lessons for Tax Leaders

September 8, 202548 min

Building Tax Teams for Scale: Lessons from Zalando and Enpal with Mathias Hildebrandt

Mathias Hildebrandt, Head of Tax at Enpal (also Zalando, Bauer Media, ProSiebenSat.1, British American Tobacco), joins Tax Leaders Unplugged to discuss his dynamic career path and multiple side ventures in tax media. In this episode, he shares:• His journey through 5 in-house roles in 17 years, all secured through networking rather than recruiters• How he grew Zalando's tax team from 6 to 17 people and the communication challenges that came with scaling• Building a tax podcast that reached 4,000 listeners per episode when they expected only 200• Co-founding Germany's Tax Technology Journal to bridge the gap between tax law and digital transformation—Where to find Mathias Hildebrandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathias-hildebrandt-01b06376/Where to find Stevi Frooninckx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevifrooninckx__In this episode, we cover:[00:02:48] Building a Tax Podcast to 4,000 Listeners[00:08:26] Creating Germany's Tax Technology Journal[00:14:03] The Evolution of Tax Technology[00:22:49] 5 Companies in 17 Years[00:26:31] The Power of Networking[00:30:31] Growing Zalando's Tax Team[00:33:47] Communication at Scale[00:35:56] Career Advice: Trust Your Gut

August 22, 202548 min

Turning Tax Knowledge into Value and Trust | Mercedes-Benz Head of Tax and Customs

Dominik Wellmann, Global Head of Tax and Customs at Mercedes-Benz Group, joins Tax Leaders Unplugged to discuss marketing the tax function and building purpose-driven teams. In this episode, he shares:• Why he persisted after being rejected twice by Mercedes-Benz and how starting at tax authorities shaped his leadership approach• His philosophy of "do good things and tell about it" to elevate tax's visibility in the organization• How Mercedes-Benz's tax team defined their purpose: "Turn knowledge into value and trust"• The story behind co-founding Tax Mates, a trusted circle for German tax leaders to discuss leadership challenges—Where to find Dominik Wellmann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominik-wellmann-%E5%8D%AB%E6%B0%91-94804777/Where to find Stevi Frooninckx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevifrooninckx__In this episode, we cover:[00:01:32] Rejected Twice by Mercedes[00:03:49] Tax Authority Foundation[00:14:29] Marketing the Tax Function[00:19:49] Why Tax People Stay Humble[00:25:25] Being Included from Day One[00:29:14] Measuring Tax Value Creation[00:33:32] Defining Your Tax Purpose[00:39:43] The Tax Mates Story[00:47:21] Career Advice: Do What You Love

August 7, 202554 min

The Journey from Tax to Finance Leader | SVP Finance DraftKings

Bill Nolde, SVP Head of Finance at DraftKings, joins Tax Leaders Unplugged to discuss his remarkable transition from tax professional to finance executive. In this episode, he shares:• The "breadcrumb" communication strategy that keeps CFOs informed and prevents career-limiting surprises• How he successfully grew a global tax team from 5 to 50 people during his 15 years at Avnet• His strategic approach to transitioning from tax leadership to overseeing multiple CFO office functions• Why building a strong compliance foundation is essential before pursuing tax planning or finance leadership roles—Where to find Bill Nolde: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williammnolde/Where to find Stevi Frooninckx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevifrooninckx__In this episode, we cover:[00:01:41] Why Giving Back Matters[00:06:07] Bill's 10 Career Rules[00:09:58] "Work Yourself Out of a Job"[00:17:55] Tax to Finance Transition[00:22:56] Compliance Before Planning[00:27:58] Do Tax Leaders Make Better CFOs?[00:37:41] The "Breadcrumb Strategy"[00:40:18] Building Elite Tax Teams[00:47:03] Outsource vs Insource[00:51:04] "Love the Process"

July 24, 202556 min

Secrets of Successful Tax Leadership in MENA's Tech Industry | Stuart Ramsay

Stuart Ramsay, now Director and Group Head of Tax at AD Ports Group (note: episode was filmed while he was still at Dubizzle Group), joined us to discuss building a strategic in-house tax function from scratch in a fast-growing MENA tech company. In this episode, he shares:• A major leadership challenge (moving from a 50 000-employee logistics giant to a 5 000-employee tech scale-up with no existing tax team) and how he solved it through a “mini tax due-diligence” in his first 30 days.• Real-world results, including cutting potential compliance filings from 100 to 12 through entity rationalisation and introducing private GPT translation that saves roughly $200 and three days per Arabic tax return.• Best practices for UAE corporate tax Day 1 readiness, VAT specialisation, and low-budget tech adoption that other in-house teams can replicate.—Where to find Stuart Ramsay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-ramsay/Where to find Stevi Frooninckx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevifrooninckx__In this episode, we cover:(0:00) Intro and Stuart’s journey from Glasgow to Dubai(4:03) Why the GCC moved from 5 % VAT to a 9 % corporate tax(18:25) Pillar II plus UAE CT: using one data set for both regimes(32:27) From DP World to Dubizzle: smaller company, bigger influence(40:05) The power of saying “I don’t know” to win executive trust(42:18) Mini tax due-diligence: a 30-day map of filings and risks(43:45) Filling blind spots: hiring a VAT specialist and adding AI translation(47:15) Two career rules: balance hard-soft skills and embrace change(54:02) Final advice and closing

July 4, 202535 min

Lessons from Building a Tax Control Tower | Ex Senior Indirect Tax Director at Kraft Heinz

Antonio Erbolato, now Global Indirect Tax Director at Reckitt (note: this role began after the recording of this episode), joins Tax Leaders Unplugged to break down his strategy for building a Tax Control Tower across 27 countries. Drawing from his time as Global Senior Director of Tax at Kraft Heinz, Antonio shares lessons in structuring visibility, governance, and audit readiness at scale. In this episode, he covers:• How he launched a global tax data visibility project starting with indirect taxes.• The phased framework he used to build and scale the Tax Control Tower.• Lessons learned from working with tax authorities in Brazil, the US, and the Netherlands.—Where to find Antonio Erbolato: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erbolato/Where to find Stevi Frooninckx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevifrooninckx—In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:43 Cultural Differences in Work Environments04:50 Tax Perspectives Across Countries11:50 Building a Tax Control Tower15:31 Steps to Implementing a Tax Control Tower16:53 Challenges and Solutions in Data Collection20:12 Phases of the Tax Control Tower31:22 Adapting the Tax Control Tower for Mid-Sized Companies42:00 Final Thoughts and Career Advice

June 17, 202552 min

VP Tax at Dell on Reputation, Risk, and Real Leadership (Lionel Nobre)

Lionel Nobre, VP Tax Latin America at Dell Technologies, joins the Tax Leaders Unplugged podcast to explore what in-house tax leadership looks like in practice. After nearly two decades at Dell and deep involvement with TEI and academic programs across the Americas, Lionel brings a clear message: being technically strong is no longer enough. In this episode, he shares:• How he built a 100-hour international tax management program focused on leadership, stakeholder communication, and operational readiness.• Why the tax team at Dell tracks the number of “surprises” as a KPI, and how this drives trust with business stakeholders.• What it means to position tax as a function that enables growth, not just manages compliance.—Where to find Lionel Nobre: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lionelnobre/Where to find Stevi Frooninckx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevifrooninckx—In this episode, we cover: (0:01) Intro and Lionel’s background in tax and tech(1:02) Early career: Oracle, Arthur Andersen, BDO, Grant Thornton(2:21) 18+ years at Dell and evolution of his role(3:00) TEI involvement and Latin America’s growing voice(4:59) Why TEI matters for in-house tax professionals(8:09) Dell’s approach to tax as a business partner(10:48) Building trust and internal tax reputation(14:55) Launching the International Tax Management Program(18:18) Who the program is for and what it teaches(22:10) Curriculum: leadership, ops, communication, tech(23:10) Tax KPIs and team performance evaluation(24:00) The “surprise” KPI and why it matters(26:28) Why even good surprises are a problem(28:22) ETR impact: linking C-suite access to outcomes(30:54) Teaching change management in tax teams(33:40) Partnering with CIAT to teach cooperative compliance(35:07) Risk dashboards used by tax authorities(38:39) AI, data quality, and audit exposure(42:52) Global expansion of the training program(44:50) Future skillset: 50% tech, 30% business, 20% tax—Referenced:• TEI – Tax Executive Institute: https://www.tei.org/• International Tax Management Program – launched in 2023, hosted by universities in Brazil (Insper) and Argentina (UTDT)• Thomson Reuters Book – “Gestão Tributária no Brasil” co-edited by Lionel Nobre• Texas A&M University – where Lionel lectures on tax leadership• CIAT (Centro Interamericano de Administraciones Tributarias) – partner on cooperative compliance module