It's not all about the numbers!

In this reflective special, Chris and Mike look back at how work has changed since Chris first entered the workplace in the 1990s. From paper invoices, handwritten ledgers and strict office hierarchies to AI assistants, flexible working and side hustles, they explore what has improved, what has been lost, and what the next 30 years of work might look like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*** Trigger warning *** This episode covers work stress and suicide. Chris and Mike are joined by Cris Beswick, strategic advisor and keynote speaker on leadership, culture and innovation-led growth. What begins with AI, transformation and the BBC quickly turns into one of the podcast’s most honest conversations yet, covering burnout, vulnerability, leadership masks, and why “I don’t know, what do you think?” might be one of the most powerful questions a leader can ask. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike record from New York with their first in-person US guest, Nathan Foulger, executive producer and fellow Brummie. They explore how AI is reshaping the creative industry, what finance leaders can learn from that disruption, and why the best leadership lesson might still be the simplest one of all: be nice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by Doug Wilson OBE, founder of Verdant Edge and honorary professor at Nottingham Trent University. From environmental monitoring and pandemic response to coaching and leadership, Doug shares why more data isn’t always better. They explore how to focus on what really matters, communicate clearly, and make better decisions without getting lost in the noise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of the GENCFO Live retrospective, Chris and Mike are joined by Mia, Millie, Zaki, and James from Liberty Global to bring a fresh perspective from the next generation of finance leaders. From AI and legacy systems to soft skills and career development, they explore what the future of finance really looks like — and why senior leaders might have more to learn than they think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we gear up for the much-anticipated GENCFO Awards 2026 shortlist announcement, hear from a previous winner, Katharina Herzog, who spoke to Chris and Mike in 2025 about being a working mother, a woman in finance trailblazer, and dispelling the myth that finance people are boring! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh off the back of GENCFO Live, Chris and Mike are joined by attendees Tanbir Jasimuddin and Chantelle Hollidge to reflect on what actually made the day different. From ditching traditional conference formats to creating real space for conversation, they unpack why peer-to-peer learning, honest conversations, and shared struggles might be far more valuable than polished presentations. This is Part 1 of the GENCFO Live retrospective — and it’s all about what happens when you let the room do the talking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Gavin Freegard is joined by Mike Rose and Colm Britton to explore digital planning and the role of data standards in modernising the planning system.Rather than focusing on the politics of planning reform, this conversation looks at the underlying infrastructure: paper forms, fragmented data, repeated manual entry, local authority workflows, interoperability and the foundations needed to make the system more effective.They discuss why standards matter, how working in the open has shaped the project, what better planning data could unlock, and why this kind of foundational work has lessons far beyond planning alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by data sharing specialist James Robson for a deep dive into the messy reality of data, risk, and trust. From GDPR confusion to AI adoption, they explore why organisations get data sharing wrong, why “don’t share anything” isn’t a strategy, and how trust — not compliance — is becoming the real differentiator. Along the way, they unpack real-world data breaches, AI risks, and why the question isn’t who owns the data… but who owns how it’s used. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike flies solo this week after Chris is sidelined by technical difficulties, but he’s joined by Tom Miller, CFO of Palladium Group. From private equity due diligence to AI-powered automation in finance, Tom shares what life looks like inside a modern CFO role. Along the way they cover fundraising, data strategy, AI in finance, and why raising three young kids might be the ultimate leadership training. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by Rasmus Areskoug, CEO and co-founder of Paraglide, fresh off a $5M seed round. From AI hype to actual ROI, Rasmus breaks down why most “AI-powered” finance tools are just legacy software with a chatbot — and where AI genuinely transforms credit control. This episode is about cutting through the noise and building tools that actually get you paid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by Ben Adams, founder of Ben Adams Finance, to explore what modern fractional finance really looks like. From navigating founders “at war” to uncovering dangerous cash illusions, Ben explains why great finance leaders aren’t just number crunchers — they’re the adults in the room. This one’s about translating data, balancing compliance with strategy, and helping CEOs see what they might be missing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by organisational psychologist Christen Gilchrist to unpack why burnout isn’t a personal failing — it’s a systems problem. From NHS bed management to boardroom meetings that cost £56,000 a year, Christen explains how hidden feedback loops, poor information flow, and overloaded leadership habits quietly drain performance. This episode's about fixing the system — not blaming the people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike welcome back Gavin Freeguard to explore fraud, data transparency, policy communities, and why reforming government isn’t about shiny tech — it’s about people, culture, and collaboration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike sit down with Kam Karaji, Director of Cybersecurity and Risk Management at the NFL, to unpack why insider risk still causes most breaches — and what leaders can actually do about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by James Cattell to explore why communities matter, how safe spaces actually get built, and why a bit of creative chaos can be the most effective leadership tool of all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by Julie Wong to explore why so many founders avoid the numbers — and how reframing finance as storytelling (not maths) helps leaders feel more in control and make better decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've got a guest host this week, as Mike is joined by previous guest Joel Johansen, with guest Jamie Arnold, about what to do when team dynamics go sideways — including a practical “silent retro” technique that helps teams reflect safely when trust is low. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike kick off the year (and series 4!) with an honest conversation about momentum, meaning, and why moving forward doesn’t require resolutions — just clarity and intent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike kick off the year with a short New Year episode, reflecting on fresh starts, leadership growth, and why meaningful progress doesn’t need formal resolutions to stick. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the end of Series 3 - where's the time gone?! In this Christmas special, Chris and Mike unwrap the biggest lessons from a year of conversations on AI, automation, data and leadership—cutting through hype to focus on what actually moves finance teams forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special, look-back episode from GENCFO Impact, where finance leaders cut through the noise around automation and AI—what actually matters, what doesn’t, and how to move from talk to real execution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eriona Bajrakurtaj, founder of Vault Digital Transformation, joins Chris and Mike to challenge outdated stereotypes in accounting and explain why the profession’s future lies in confidence, relationships, and real business partnership—not just compliance and reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Geraghty, co-founder of Psych Safety, breaks down what psychological safety really is, why it’s the foundation for high performance, and how leaders can move from “power over” to “power to” so people actually speak up, fix problems, and stop sleepwalking into disaster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in 2024, Chris and Mike welcomed back Giuseppe Sollazzo, Deputy Director of Data Enablement at DWP, for a lively chat on data quality, teamwork, and the future of work. Giuseppe shared lessons from his speaking gigs, along with fresh takes on financial success, online habits, and communicating data effectively. Packed with anecdotes, humour, and sharp insights, this episode is more relevant than ever, and is a must-listen for anyone navigating the data and tech world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ilana Esterrich (CFO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America) and Vincent Messina (CPA and longtime finance-tech seller) explain why so many finance and tech transformations fail – and why we should stop obsessing over ROI on software and start measuring the return on change in how people actually work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sustainability isn’t a bolt-on—it’s business strategy. Profit Impact’s Sarah Whale explains how SMEs can blend purpose with profit, why time/headspace is the real bottleneck, and how a change champion turns ESG from good intentions into action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finance partnering that actually moves the needle: Anders Liu Lindenberg (Business Partnering Institute) shares a simple formula—Insights × Influence = Impact. Plus soft-skills that matter, how to escape “CF-No,” and why consistency wins on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike sit down with Melanie Mills, founder of Connection Career Collective and former CRO at Caxton Payments, to talk about leadership, learning, and why diversity is more than a checkbox. From boxing workouts to boardrooms, Melanie shares how confidence, curiosity, and connection are reshaping what it means to lead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finance leader Julia Kozlov joins Chris and Mike to talk about why the real AI revolution isn’t about robots or replacements — it’s about confidence, curiosity, and cleaning up your data. From coffee machines to corporate change, she explains how small experiments can lead to big transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When CFO Anna Tiomina lost her job, she didn’t panic — she pivoted. Now she’s helping finance teams master AI without losing control, showing how balance, curiosity, and a bit of luck can completely change a career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No more death-by-PowerPoint. In this week’s episode, Chris and Mike reveal how they’re reinventing finance conferences with GENCFO Live — smashing stereotypes, ditching dull panels, and proving collaboration beats lectures every time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike catch up with Vinay Handa, finance transformation lead at LV Insurance and part-time DJ, to talk about career pivots, human-centered change, and why tech hype always needs a reality check. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike chat with Myles Arnott about fractional finance, boundaries, and why small-scale innovation often beats big projects. A candid and practical take on modern finance leadership, delivered with authenticity and a touch of fun. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by Tariq Munir, author of Reimagine Finance, to unpack how AI and technology are reshaping the finance role. From democratised data to continuous transformation, Tariq explains why curiosity, courage, and critical thinking matter more than ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike sit down with CFO Marie Charpentier to explore what it really takes to scale a business with discipline. From strategy and culture to failure and confidence, Marie shares why finance leaders must be true partners in growth — not just number crunchers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by data and risk expert Vlado Novotný to talk data governance, decision paralysis, and what happens when teams start talking—and stop just pushing data. Plus: teenage driving lessons and Czech recycling rates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike sit down with Hugo Boss SVP Katharina Herzog to talk proud parenting, breaking norms, and why finance and tax are anything but boring. A refreshingly human take on leadership, transformation, and the real value of accountants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As an end of series treat, we look back at a session from our 2023 Academy - 'Postcards from the AI enabled future' by Nina Schick...along with a special announcement from Chris!2023 is remembered as the year AI masters language and OpenAI launched it on the world. With large language models (LLMs) mastering human languages and programming languages, everyone gained the opportunity to be a wordsmith, translator, citizen data scientist and developer. During this keynote, Nina discussed what this might have meant for business and the accounting and finance profession.Nearly two years on, how right was she? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike celebrate 100 episodes and the start of series 3 with CFOs Dominique Highfield and Brad Channer to explore leadership beyond the numbers. From adaptability and authenticity to battling imposter syndrome and building peer communities, it’s an unfiltered look at what it really takes to lead in today’s finance world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we bring you a special treat - one of our highest-attended sessions from the 2025 GENCFO Summit: AI Unfiltered - Driving Through the Hype to Drive Real Finance Transformation. As AI shifts from hype to a must-have in finance, this candid fireside chat with seasoned finance leader, Ludmila Rufitskaya, cuts through the noise to uncover its true transformative potential—from real-world use cases to the role of finance leaders as enablers of change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're throwing it back to a fan favourite, when Chris and Mike dove into the secrets of stress-free success with Alice Phillips and Rob Anderson of The Stillness Partners. They reveal how workplace stress impacts performance, expose leadership behaviours that fuel it, and explore bold, systemic solutions for a calmer, more productive environment. The episode also tackles BlueSky’s challenge to Twitter, capped off with a spirited debate about what to call its micro-posts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a role reversal, Chris interviews co-host Mike Rose on what it really takes to work remotely, stay productive, and define success on your own terms. From Ethiopia to Malta, this episode is full of honesty, humour, and a few unexpected data fails. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike chat with author and wellbeing advocate Sharon Critchlow about EQ, burnout, and bringing your whole self to work. From boardroom dress codes to community culture, it’s a thoughtful and energising conversation about leading (and living) with intention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by delivery lead Matt Scarth to talk hackathons, AI in planning, and whether swearing at work is ever okay. A thoughtful, funny look at what it takes to lead teams, solve problems, and stay authentic — even under pressure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Spyrou joins Chris and Mike to talk about building Axcelera, the power of values, and why growing businesses need finance functions that scale with them. From zebra startups to automation myths, this is fractional finance with a full-stack mindset. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike take you behind the scenes of the GENCFO Awards at Ministry of Sound — why it exists, who it celebrates, and how it became one of the most energising nights in the finance calendar. Less stiff suits, more sticky floors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh O’Neill joins Chris and Mike to talk trust, tech, and the truth about transformation. From post-close chaos to AI resistance, they explore why real change starts with people — and why leaders need to let go to move forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike chat with Idox Divisional Director Alex Wrottesley about AI hype, messy data, and why open innovation beats building in secret. From rights of way to startup thinking, this episode gets real about the systems—and mindsets—shaping the future of leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for another look back! Chris and Mike reflect on recent episodes—from ESG realism and invisible spreadsheet heroes to the power of writing a book. Expect insight, honesty, and a little bit of F1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.