In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Ash Noah about artificial intelligence, stewardship, and the future of finance leadership. They discuss AI governance, human oversight, professional judgment, and why stewardship becomes more important—not less—as technology advances.

• AI will improve business guidance while increasing the need for governance and stewardship.
• Finance leaders must understand where humans belong in the loop, on the loop, and in the lead.
• Professional expertise cannot be fully automated and must be developed intentionally.
• Simulation-based learning may become essential for developing future finance professionals.

Ash Noah, CPA, FCMA, CGMA, is VP and Managing Director of Learning, Education and Development, at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. In this position, Ash leads the Research, Examinations and Learning product development for the Management Accounting Unit. Ash works closely with CFOs and Business Finance Leaders globally, identifying the trends that are impacting practitioners, businesses and the profession in order to ensure that the Association’s Finance Competency Framework, Syllabus, Examinations and Learning solutions remain effective and are producing competencies to operate and remain relevant in the practice of Business Finance. Ash was formerly the CFO of the International Unit of TNT, A global express logistics provider and has led finance transformation in teams across 45 countries. He is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), licensed US CPA and member of the American Institute of CPA’s (AICPA). He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Ash has a passion for flying and is an avid aviator.

For more about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com; sixarrowsconsulting.com.

Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

To learn about Eric’s upcoming book: Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO

See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).