#3 - From Experiment to Execution: How CFOs Can Build AI-Ready Finance Teams – with Anna Tiomina

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Anna Tiomina, Founder of Blend2Balance, to explore how finance leaders can move from experimenting with AI to implementing real, time-saving automations.Anna shares her journey from CFO to AI strategist, and how she helps finance teams overcome digital transformation blockers, build AI literacy, and take the first steps toward sustainable AI adoption. She breaks down the frameworks she uses to assess team readiness, evaluate data integrity, and identify the best low-risk use cases to automate—without waiting for perfect conditions.They also discuss how to navigate internal resistance, avoid the common pitfalls of prompt engineering, and implement governance structures that empower speed without compromising compliance.Anna weighs in on tools like Valisights, sharing why platforms like CashIQ and TrendSights provide clarity, real-time visibility, and decision-ready insights that modern CFOs can’t afford to ignore.You’ll hear practical examples, automation wins, and why Anna believes finance leaders must shift from experimentation to execution—now.Topics:AI in Finance | Workflow Automation | CFO Strategy | Finance Transformation | Prompt Engineering | AI Literacy | Team Enablement | FP&A Automation | Finance Data Readiness | Digital Transformation | AI Governance | Strategic Planning | AI Adoption Frameworks | Cash Flow Forecasting | Financial Benchmarking | Finance Use Cases | Compliance Strategy | AI Change Management | Valisights Tools | CashIQ | TrendSights | Operational FinanceWant to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠⁠⁠Valisights.com⁠⁠⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠⁠⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠⁠⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.