Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst invites Carolina Lago, founder of Tactic Financial, to explore how AI is reshaping finance and why the real competitive edge is not the technology itself, but how humans use it.
AI is quickly becoming accessible to everyone.
The tools are no longer the differentiator. They are the baseline.
What sets companies apart is how people use them.
Human judgement shapes better outcomes.
Context turns data into direction.
Interaction improves both the workflow and the output.
The model supports the human. The human elevates the model.
This feedback loop creates real leverage.
Competitive advantage now lives in execution.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy
#FPandA #AIinFinance #FutureOfWork #FinanceLeadership #HumanInTheLoop #DigitalTransformation #StrategicFinance #AIAdoption #LeadershipMindset #BusinessTransformation
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst invites Carolina Lago, founder of Tactic Financial, to explore how AI is reshaping finance and why the real competitive edge is not the technology itself, but how humans use it.
AI is quickly becoming accessible to everyone.
The tools are no longer the differentiator. They are the baseline.
What sets companies apart is how people use them.
Human judgement shapes better outcomes.
Context turns data into direction.
Interaction improves both the workflow and the output.
The model supports the human. The human elevates the model.
This feedback loop creates real leverage.
Competitive advantage now lives in execution.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy
#FPandA #AIinFinance #FutureOfWork #FinanceLeadership #HumanInTheLoop #DigitalTransformation #StrategicFinance #AIAdoption #LeadershipMindset #BusinessTransformation




![Developing Business Acumen necessary to become a strategic business partner with Robert Blanding
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Robert Blanding, an experienced finance and operations leader in the ag-tech sector. Robert shares insights on building high-performing FP&A teams, partnering effectively with accounting, developing financial acumen, and applying strategic finance to drive operational impact in global businesses.
Robert Blanding is the Chief Financial Officer at Fall Creek, a global leader in the Ag-Tech sector. He brings extensive experience in finance and operations from 18 years at Intel and leadership roles across industrial manufacturing, technology, and ag-tech companies. Robert combines strategic financial leadership with a focus on innovation, long-term business growth, and developing high-performing teams.
Expect to Learn:
What great FP&A looks like and the importance of business acumen
How to develop strong partnerships between FP&A and accounting
Strategies for building high-performing, empowered finance teams
Navigating systems, processes, and technology challenges in FP&A
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
It starts with being connected to the business, having strong acumen, and being consulted by stakeholders. – Robert Blanding
Investing in relationships outside of crisis is critical to getting support from accounting and operations. – Robert Blanding
Robert shares practical insights for FP&A professionals and aspiring CFOs, emphasizing the importance of business acumen, strong partnerships with accounting, creative problem-solving, and developing high-performing teams.
Follow Robert:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfb19/
Company Website: https://www.fallcreeknursery.com/
   
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
[03:55] – Defining Great FP&A
[07:39] – Career Path & First CFO Role
[17:49] – Fall Creek & Ag-Tech Overview
[21:18] – Importance of FP&A & Accounting Partnership
[32:23] – Creative Problem Solving & Process Improvement
[38:59] – Challenges in Building High-Performing Teams
[45:32] – Advice for Aspiring CFOs
[49:11] – Top Technical Skill for FP&A Professionals
[52:50] – Personal Interests & Basketball
[56:12] – How to Connect with Robert Developing Business Acumen necessary to become a strategic business partner with Robert Blanding](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fK7gtWrg9m8/mqdefault.jpg)

![How CFOs Can Reduce Manual Reporting and Increase Strategic Impact Using AI with Brian McGowan
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst talks with Bryan McGowan, founder of Alpyne, about what great FP&A looks like, how technical skills can improve finance work, and where AI is actually useful for CFOs and finance teams. Bryan shares how his background in engineering shaped his approach to finance, why he built Alpyne to solve real workflow problems, and how AI can reduce manual work so finance professionals can spend more time on analysis and business partnering.
Bryan McGowan is the founder of Alpyne and a CFO with a rare mix of finance and technical skill. After spending a decade leading finance in tech, he launched Alpyne in 2021 to solve a problem he had lived himself: great CFOs were spending too much time on manual work and not enough time on strategic thinking.
Expect to Learn:
What great FP&A looks like in practice
Why accounting fundamentals still matter
How coding and data knowledge help finance professionals
Why Bryan built Alpyne to solve his own CFO workflow problems
How AI can help save time in finance roles
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
“Models are never right, but sometimes theyre useful.” - Bryan McGowan
“If you can create a structure, if you can provide a framework that allows for supports effective decision making across the organization, I feel like youre doing your job.” - Bryan McGowan
Bryan explains that FP&A is not about predicting the future perfectly. It is about giving the business a useful framework to make better decisions. He also shares that AI works best when it is used on process-heavy work like cleanup, mapping, reporting, and system workflow.
Follow Bryan:
Primary Alpyne website: https://getalpyne.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-mcgowan-8572644/
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] – Introduction
[02:55] – What Great FP&A Looks Like
[04:03] – How Bryan Uses AI Today
[08:26] – Why Technical Skills Matter in Finance
[10:47] – Why Bryan Built Alpyne
[14:24] – Using AI in Finance Workflows
[17:49] – Building Client Context Into AI Tools
[21:44] – Checks, Controls, and Trust in Finance
[24:26] – A Real Finance Problem Solved With AI
[29:04] – Advice for Finance Professionals Starting With AI
[33:12] – What Holds Finance Teams Back From AI
[35:31] – The Most Important Skills in FP&A
[40:43] – Better Business Partnering and Closing Thoughts How CFOs Can Reduce Manual Reporting and Increase Strategic Impact Using AI with Brian McGowan](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fx8kYHq7104/mqdefault.jpg)
![AI Can Build the Model, But Can You Trust It? with Ryan Humphrey
In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Ryan Humphrey about financial model auditing, the skills strong modelers need, and how AI is changing the profession. Ryan explains why communication, judgment, and trust matter as much as technical ability. He also shares how model audits work, why poorly structured models create serious risks, and why finance professionals must continue developing their skills as AI takes on more of the building process.
Ryan Humphrey is a Partner at Forvis Mazars in London, specializing in accounting, tax reviews, and financial model audits. A qualified chartered accountant, he co-authored Credible Model Audit for the AI Era and is currently researching sustainability leadership with Cambridge University.
Expect to Learn:
Why communication is essential in financial modeling
How independent model audits support better decisions
Why human judgement remains critical in the AI era
How AI may shift modelers from building to reviewing
Why trust and continuous learning are becoming more valuable
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
The model really is a communication vector more than anything. It is about telling a story. - Ryan Humphrey
Trust becomes so important because things can look right very quickly, even when they are not. - Ryan Humphrey
AI may make financial models faster to build, but it also makes careful review more important. The future belongs to professionals who can combine technical knowledge with judgement, communication, and trusted decision-making.
Follow Ryan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rchumphrey/
Website: https://www.forvismazars.com/uk/en/users/our-team/ryan-humphrey
Follow Financial Modelers Corner: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/
Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.
Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984
Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW
In Todays Episode:
[00:00] -Trailer
[05:16] - Why Communication Matters
[06:45] - AI and the Future of Modeling Careers
[08:50] - Ryan’s Model Audit Nightmare
[12:26] - How Financial Model Audits Work
[17:36] - Essential Skills for Model Auditors
[21:35] - How AI Is Changing Model Audits
[27:54] - The Growing Importance of Trust
[32:34] - Why Continuous Learning Matters
[37:30] - Excel Preferences and Shortcuts
[41:30] - Rapid-Fire Modeling Questions
[47:35] - Final Advice for Financial Modelers AI Can Build the Model, But Can You Trust It? with Ryan Humphrey](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/g8H2JvCp-S8/mqdefault.jpg)
![Interim FP&A, What it is, and Why it is A Growing Career Path With Tim Stalkamp
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Tim Stallkamp, Senior Managing Director at Riveron, alongside co-host Glenn Snyder. Tim shares insights on interim management and how it is reshaping finance leadership by helping companies fill critical gaps, accelerate value creation, and bring experienced finance leaders into organizations during transition periods.
Tim Stallkamp is a Senior Managing Director and the leader of Riveron’s Interim Management practice. He is a seasoned turnaround executive who provides interim management and turnaround management services to distressed and under-performing businesses. Tim has led turnarounds as interim chief executive officer (CEO), chief restructuring officer (CRO), chief transformation officer (CTO), and chief financial officer (CFO).
Expect to Learn:
Why private equity is driving demand for interim finance leaders
What makes a strong interim FP&A and finance professional
Why broad, cross-industry experience matters more than narrow expertise
How interim leaders create value from day one
The importance of clear scope and alignment in engagements
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
Interim management isn’t about replacing people; it’s about supplementing leadership to create value faster and help teams reach their full potential. – Tim Stallkamp
The more experiences an individual has across industries and roles, the more effective they are in interim management. Breadth of expertise is key. – Tim Stallkamp
Tim explains how interim management is reshaping finance leadership by bringing experienced professionals into organizations during critical transitions. These leaders not only fill gaps but also help improve processes, guide decision-making, and leave companies stronger than before.
Follow Tim:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-stallkamp-537b0317/
Company: https://riveron.com/
Follow Glenn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder/
 
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
[05:06] - What interim management is
[07:42] - Why it’s growing
[09:13] - Value creation in leadership
[13:12] - Defining scope clearly
[17:58] - Alignment in engagements
[26:11] - Types of interim roles
[37:14] - Systems vs skills
[42:55] - Private equity decision-making
[50:42] - Final thoughts
[54:05] - Closing Interim FP&A, What it is, and Why it is A Growing Career Path With Tim Stalkamp](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gYeEEvejfEM/mqdefault.jpg)
![How to Align Marketing and Finance and Fix the Plumbing Problem with Alex Brower
Future Finance host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Hopper are joined by Alex Brower, co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, to unpack why forecasting often breaks down even when teams have plenty of data. The discussion focuses on how finance and go-to-market teams can work from shared inputs, improve planning accuracy, and use AI without losing the structure needed for reliable decisions.
Alex Brower is the co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, helping finance and go-to-market teams connect data, improve forecast accuracy, and boost analyst productivity up to five times. He previously led finance and marketing at high-growth tech firms like AppTelligent (acquired by VMware) and Cloud Academy (acquired by QA).
In this episode, you will discover:
Fix data plumbing before system consolidation.
Use data dictionaries for consistent definitions.
AI helps, but semantic logic is still needed.
Vibe coding can create hidden costs if untested.
Start with key unanswered questions, then plan solutions.
Alex shares lessons from leading finance, operations, and marketing teams at high-growth companies, including what he learned from living the forecast tension on both sides of the table.
Follow Alex:
Website: https://qflow.ai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrower/
Follow Glenn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii
Follow Paul:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy
Follow QFlow.ai:
Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg
Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.
Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.
In Today’s Episode:
[00:00] – Trailer
[03:44] – Finance-to-marketing journey & QFlow’s solution
[07:10] – Data plumbing vs. alignment
[11:37] – MCPs, AI, and logic layers
[14:50] – Risks of vibe coding & maintainability
[21:56] – How QFlow handles data, planning, and storytelling
[30:57] – Alignment before strategy & reducing fact-hunting
[35:39] – Where CFOs/FP&A should start modernizing
[44:03] – Closing & sponsor sign-off How to Align Marketing and Finance and Fix the Plumbing Problem with Alex Brower](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h8MfQSzXBv0/mqdefault.jpg)
