Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Eve Reiter, Jurgen Lang, and Bukie Faforiji to discuss AI adoption in finance, continuous learning, and why thriving with AI is easier when you learn alongside others.
But you'll grow faster when you learn with people who challenge your thinking.
The best communities don't just share answers.
They share experience. They test ideas. They learn from failures.
And they help everyone move forward together.
The biggest return isn't just gaining new AI skills.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy
#ArtificialIntelligence #FPA #FinanceLeadership #ContinuousLearning #AICommunity #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #FutureOfWork #FinanceProfessionals #Leadership #LearningTogether #Innovation
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Eve Reiter, Jurgen Lang, and Bukie Faforiji to discuss AI adoption in finance, continuous learning, and why thriving with AI is easier when you learn alongside others.
But you'll grow faster when you learn with people who challenge your thinking.
The best communities don't just share answers.
They share experience. They test ideas. They learn from failures.
And they help everyone move forward together.
The biggest return isn't just gaining new AI skills.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy
#ArtificialIntelligence #FPA #FinanceLeadership #ContinuousLearning #AICommunity #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #FutureOfWork #FinanceProfessionals #Leadership #LearningTogether #Innovation



![AI vs. Financial Modeling World Champion: Who Wins, and What Can We Learn from It
In this episode of The ModSquad, Paul Barnhurst, Giles Male, and Ian Schnoor are joined by Excel and Financial Modeling World Champions Michael Jarman and Diarmuid Early to discuss a unique “man versus machine” financial modeling challenge.
The group breaks down their experience testing AI against expert modelers using real financial modeling and Excel competition cases. They explore where AI performs well, where human judgment still matters, and what the future of financial modeling may look like as AI tools continue to improve.
Expect to Learn
How AI compares against expert financial modelers in real-world challenges
Where AI adds value and where human judgment remains essential
Why reviewing and validating AI-generated models is becoming more important
How AI tools are changing the future role of financial modelers
Why strong modeling fundamentals still matter in an AI-driven world
Here are a few quotes from the episode:
“AI can build something quick, but if you want it to be right, often the majority of the time is in checking it.” - Michael Jarman
“The most interesting question is how do you get from something that works to something you actually feel confident in.” - Diarmuid Early
AI is changing the way financial models are built, reviewed, and improved. While AI can increase speed and efficiency, the best results still come from professionals who understand modeling principles, question outputs, and apply human judgement. The future belongs to modelers who can combine technology with expertise.
Follow Ian:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/
Follow Giles:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/
Follow Michael Jarman:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jarman-excel/
Follow Diarmuid Early:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/diarmuidearly/
In today’s episode:
[00:00] – Trailer
[03:59] – Setting Up the Competition
[09:50] – AI Competition Commentary
[13:02] – Shortcut vs Human Results
[16:17] – AI Review Agents
[20:11] – Trusting AI Models
[29:41] – Future of AI Agents
[33:13] – Human Oversight in AI
[41:27] – Real-World Modeling Challenges
[45:54] – Beyond AI Prompting
[47:50] – Future of Financial Modeling
[53:20] – Closing Thoughts AI vs. Financial Modeling World Champion: Who Wins, and What Can We Learn from It](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UJoxcdoc7d4/mqdefault.jpg)


![Your Data Wont Convince Anyone. Do This Instead. | Gabrielle Dolan on FP&A Storytelling
FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading Tools
FP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we’re here to help. On May 21st, I’ll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure.
Register today: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcase
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Gabrielle Dolan, a global expert in strategic storytelling, about the power of storytelling in business and how it can transform communication. Gabrielle shares her journey from senior leadership at the National Australia Bank to becoming a bestselling author and storytelling expert. She discusses how storytelling helps finance professionals influence decisions, engage teams, and communicate complex messages effectively.
Gabrielle Dolan is a global expert in strategic storytelling and communication, having worked with leaders from companies like Amazon, EY, Uber, and the Obama Foundation. With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles and storytelling, Gabrielle is the bestselling author of eight books, including her latest Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI. She is also the co-host of the podcast Keeping It Real with Jack and Ral, which ranks in Spotifys top 3% most shared podcasts.
Expect to Learn:
Why storytelling is essential for influencing decisions in finance and business.
The impact of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership communication.
How AI can enhance storytelling without losing its human touch.
Practical tips for finance professionals on how to use stories in presentations.
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
“Storytelling is not about manipulation, it’s about authentic communication.” – Gabrielle Dolan
“AI can be your creative partner, but don’t lose your voice when telling your story.” – Gabrielle Dolan
Gabrielle Dolan shared her invaluable insights on the power of storytelling in business, especially for finance professionals. She highlighted how storytelling is a vital tool for influencing decisions, building connections, and making complex messages more memorable. Gabrielle emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling and explained how AI can enhance the storytelling process without losing the human connection
Follow Gabrielle:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/
Podcast Link - https://podfollow.com/keeping-it-real-with-jac-and-ral
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@KeepingItRealwithJacandRal
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
[03:18] – Gabrielles Leadership to Storytelling Journey
[06:00] – Challenges in Transitioning to Storytelling
[10:00] – Storytellings Role in Business Decisions
[13:37] – Why Data Alone Wont Drive Action
[17:44] – Finding the Right Story for Your Message
[22:10] – Storytelling and Data in Finance
[30:14] – The Power of Story Intelligence in Leadership
[35:09] – AIs Role in Enhancing Storytelling
[40:15] – Rapid Fire Questions
[43:00] – Conclusion & Key Takeaways Your Data Wont Convince Anyone. Do This Instead. | Gabrielle Dolan on FP&A Storytelling](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VGUVC8ctw6M/mqdefault.jpg)



