Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst invites guest Jorge Rojas to explore how geospatial data is transforming financial analysis, why traditional datasets have limitations, and what the future of decision-making could look like when analysts gain access to real-time satellite intelligence.
Most financial models are built to predict the future.
Yet many rely entirely on the past. Historical data can be delayed.
It can be incomplete. It can even be manipulated.
Satellite data changes that. You can't greenwash a satellite.
You can't persuade it to report a different reality. What it sees is what it sees.
As technology advances, geospatial intelligence is becoming a powerful competitive advantage for analysts and investors.
The next generation of financial professionals won't just study spreadsheets.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy
#FinancialModeling #GeospatialData #SatelliteData #FinanceInnovation #FinancialAnalysis #InvestmentResearch #DataAnalytics #FPandA #FinTech #BusinessIntelligence #FutureOfFinance #AlternativeData
In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst invites guest Jorge Rojas to explore how geospatial data is transforming financial analysis, why traditional datasets have limitations, and what the future of decision-making could look like when analysts gain access to real-time satellite intelligence.
Most financial models are built to predict the future.
Yet many rely entirely on the past. Historical data can be delayed.
It can be incomplete. It can even be manipulated.
Satellite data changes that. You can't greenwash a satellite.
You can't persuade it to report a different reality. What it sees is what it sees.
As technology advances, geospatial intelligence is becoming a powerful competitive advantage for analysts and investors.
The next generation of financial professionals won't just study spreadsheets.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy
#FinancialModeling #GeospatialData #SatelliteData #FinanceInnovation #FinancialAnalysis #InvestmentResearch #DataAnalytics #FPandA #FinTech #BusinessIntelligence #FutureOfFinance #AlternativeData
![What Separates an Excellent Financial Modeler From a Technically Good One with Diarmuid Early
In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Diarmuid Early about what separates great financial modelers from technically capable ones, the rise of AI in financial modeling, and why judgment remains essential. Diarmuid shares lessons from his career, his experience as a three-time World Financial Modeling Champion, and why understanding what a model actually means matters more than simply building it correctly.
Diarmuid Early is the founder of Early Days Consulting, a data analytics and financial modeling consultancy. He previously worked at Boston Consulting Group and spent nearly a decade in Deutsche Bank’s Origination and Advisory division. He holds a PhD in computer science and is a three-time World Financial Modeling Champion, Excel MVP, and Master Financial Modeler
Expect to Learn:
Why great modelers think beyond simply building the model
How assumptions and business understanding drive valuable financial models
Where AI currently fits into financial modeling
Why AI-generated models still require careful human review
Why continuous learning remains essential for financial modelers
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
“The hard part is getting everybody aligned. What are the assumptions?” - Diarmuid Early
“There is a smart way to do it. And so if youre banging your head against it, go find the smart way.” - Diarmuid Early
AI will continue to take on more of the technical work involved in financial modeling, but speed alone does not make a model useful or reliable. Strong modelers will continue to stand out through their ability to develop credible assumptions, interpret results, exercise judgment, and understand the decisions a model is meant to support.
Follow Diarmuid:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diarmuidearly/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DimEarly
Follow Financial Modelers Corner:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/
Join FMI’s Global Conference:
Take your financial modeling skills to the next level with FMI’s Global Financial Modeling Conference. Experience 24 hours of learning, networking, and practical insights from leading experts across the finance community.
Register today: https://fminstitute.com/conference/
Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.
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In Todays Episode:
[00:00] - Trailer
[03:31] - Diarmuid’s Journey Into Financial Modeling
[06:00] - Financial Modeler Stereotypes
[08:20] - Career Advice for Aspiring Modelers
[12:46] - Financial Modeling Competitions
[14:59] - Consulting, Coaching, and Career Evolution
[18:25] - Meeting Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella
[21:08] - AI and the Future of Financial Modeling
[25:41] - Why AI-Generated Models Still Need Review
[31:09] - Financial Modeling Standards and Best Practices
[35:19] - Diarmuid’s Most Challenging Modeling Case
[39:28] - Excel Shortcuts and Modeling Tools
[41:38] - Rapid-Fire Modeling Questions
[46:01] - Continuous Learning and Final Advice What Separates an Excellent Financial Modeler From a Technically Good One with Diarmuid Early](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FVLkvLBWBqc/mqdefault.jpg)








![What 100 FP&A Episodes Taught Me About Career Growth, Failure, and the Future of Finance
In this special solo episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst celebrates reaching 100 episodes of the podcast while also reflecting on his broader journey of hosting over 200 FP&A episodes across multiple shows. He shares lessons from his experience in FP&A, career growth, and learning AI, along with what actually matters in the field today. He also shares his thoughts on AI and how it’s changing finance workflows, explaining why building repeatable processes matters more than just prompting. He also previews upcoming conversations with professionals already using AI in their day-to-day work.
Expect to Learn:
What helps FP&A professionals grow beyond technical skills
Why career paths are rarely linear
How to approach networking in a more effective way
Why AI is more about processes than prompts
How AI can help save time in finance roles
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
“AI is a magnifier. If you dont know what youre doing, it will magnify that.” - Paul Barnhurst
“Technical skills get you your first job, the soft skills get you promoted.” - Paul Barnhurst
Paul explains that FP&A is not just about reports and models. It’s about understanding the business and working with people. AI can help speed up tasks, but it doesn’t replace core skills like financial modeling, data understanding, and communication. If anything, those skills matter more now.
Campfire: AI-First ERP:
Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,
close management, and more, all in one unified platform.
Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguy
Earn Your CPE Credit
For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.
In Today’s Episode
[00:00] – Trailer
[01:41] – 100 Episodes Milestone
[03:38] – Career Growth Is Not a Ladder
[06:37] – Turning Down Offers & Career Decisions
[10:06] – AI Skills, Courses & Future Focus
[14:52] – AI Is a Skill You Have to Practice
[18:34] – Modern Finance Platforms Built for the AI Era
[21:49] – AI Won’t Replace Technical Skills What 100 FP&A Episodes Taught Me About Career Growth, Failure, and the Future of Finance](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HVb5cckbNyE/mqdefault.jpg)
