CFO 4.0 is back! In this unmissable relaunch episode, Hannah Munro sits down with Tomas Hollington, Director of Technology at BW Workplace Experts, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to lead change in a fast-growing, technology-driven business — and trust us, it's not what you'd expect.

What’s covered in this episode

• Why culture and trust are the real foundations of successful change
• How to manage the pace of innovation without overwhelming the business
• Practical ways to prioritise ideas and avoid “change for the sake of change”
• The role of leadership programmes in driving behavioural and cultural shifts
• How to turn sceptics into your most valuable allies in transformation
• Why technology success depends more on people than the tools themselves

Links mentioned in this episode

• Tomas' Linkedin
• Learn more about BW Workplace Experts
• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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 sits
• How finance teams can evolve into finance scientists, moving from reporting the past to shaping the future
• Why real-time data has become a non-negotiable for modern finance leaders
• The practical steps to becoming a truly data-driven organisation

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 episode

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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Originally 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 team
• Sylvia's approach to leadership meetings, mentoring, and building genuine personal connections
• Implementation measures to enhance profitability and maintain control during periods of rapid growth
• How to discern which problems demand immediate action and which call for a longer-term strategic response
• The importance of internal mentorship and fostering a culture of personal development
• Sylvia's top tips for finance professionals stepping into the start-up world for the first time

Links mentioned:

• Sylvia’s LinkedIn

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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For 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 impact

Links mentioned in this episode

• Oliver's LinkedIn
• Oliver Deacon Coaching
• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughts

For 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 philosophy

Links referenced in this episode:

• Shaun Hayes LinkedIn
• Visit Shaun’s Website
• Shaun’s YouTube Channel
• Shaun’s Book: The Gray Choice

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughts

For 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 episode

• The difference between mentoring and coaching, and when each is most valuable
• The soft skills finance leaders need when stepping into more senior roles
• How to build clear, effective communication within your finance team
• Why finance leaders must understand their wider impact across the organisation

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

Send us your thoughts

For 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 LinkedIn
• Learn more about Vital Energi
• Vital Energi on LinkedIn

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!