Reshaping Finance Podcast

Episode 11: AI-Driven Forecasting: Smarter, Faster, More Resilient
In this episode, we welcome back Didem Un Ates, Founder and CEO of Lotus AI, former Head of Applied Strategy, Data & AI at Microsoft, and former Vice President AI Strategy & Innovation at Schneider Electric. After her hugely popular debut in Episode 1, Didem returns to explore one of the most in‑demand topics requested by our listeners: AI‑driven forecasting and its transformative impact on enterprise finance.

Episode 12: Accounting for Food Waste: Reshaping Finance for a Sustainable Future
In this episode, we uncover the hidden financial, environmental, and social costs of food waste — a global issue that often goes unmeasured and unreported across retail and supply chains. Dr. Leanne Keddie, Associate Professor of Accounting at the Sprott School of Business, joins chair Dr. Martin Farrar to explore why food waste remains largely invisible in traditional accounting systems and what it will take for finance professionals to drive meaningful change.

Episode 13: The New Frontier of Cybersecurity: This episode examines how cybersecurity is becoming a core finance leadership issue amid cloud adoption, AI disruption, and rising cyber risk. A panel of cybersecurity, legal, and financial services experts explores why finance leaders now play a central role in risk acceptance, investment decisions, and resilience. The discussion covers AI as both a threat and a defence tool, evolving security spend, and emerging risks such as shadow AI and quantum computing. Together, they outline how organisations can strengthen controls without slowing innovation.

Episode 14: Owning the Squeeze: How Modern Finance Leaders Create Value in a Disruptive Era: This Reshaping Finance episode explores how the CFO role is evolving under pressure from AI, growing complexity, and rising expectations to create value beyond the numbers. Kelly Lorenz (AICPA & CIMA) speaks with Madeline Ling, CFO of The Granite Group, about leading through “the squeeze” facing today’s finance leaders. Madeline explains how pressure from boards, CEOs, and teams can become a source of influence rather than constraint. The conversation highlights the shift from reporting results to shaping value, the importance of investing in personal capability, and making time for development. It also underscores the value of peer learning through the Future of Finance Summit to tackle AI adoption and transformation with confidence.

Reshaping Finance - We are excited to tell you about our Reshaping Finance podcast. There will be a new episode every month, starting on the second Tuesday of March. Join us for unique insights into the dynamic intersection of finance, technology, data, and sustainability. Discover the latest trends, best practices, and real-world applications of data, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, sustainability, and predictive analytics within the financial and accounting industries.

Episode 01: AI for Private Equity and Financial Services Industry
In our first episode, we explore the transformative impact of AI on private equity and financial services. We discuss the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities presented by AI and generative AI. Our guest, Didem Un Ates, Founder and CEO of Lotus AI, shares insights on AI adoption challenges, key use cases, and strategies for enhancing value creation and operational efficiency.

Episode 02: Big Data & AI Technologies: Fundamentals and Applications
In this episode, we explore how big data and AI are converging to shape the future of finance. We discuss the practical applications of predictive, generative, and agentic AI, and how they can drive value and productivity. Our guests, Cathy Cobey of EY and Trevor Hughes of IAPP, share insights on AI governance, data privacy, and the frameworks needed for responsible and effective implementation.

Episode 03: Leveraging Non-Financial Data for Long-Term Value
In this episode, we explore how non-financial data is reshaping financial reporting and strategic decision-making. We discuss the role of metrics like sustainability, employee satisfaction, and operational efficiency in driving long-term value. Our guests, Hendrik Vollmer, Phillip Pearce, and Zhongnan Xiang, share insights on integrating non-financial data, the evolving role of finance professionals, and the importance of strong data governance.

Episode 04: Agile Finance: Mastering adaptive budgeting and planning
In this episode, we explore how adaptive budgeting and planning are transforming financial strategy in an era of constant change. We discuss the limitations of traditional budgeting methods and the growing importance of real-time data, automation, and AI in enabling agile decision-making. Our guests, Eric Kinnoin and David Bogard, share insights on Oracle’s approach to dynamic planning, the integration of machine learning tools, and the critical role of scenario modelling in building resilient finance functions.

Episode 05: Future-proof Finance: Partnering in a Shifting World
In this episode, we explore how finance business partnering is evolving to meet the demands of modern business complexity. We discuss the transition from traditional finance roles to strategic co-piloting, where insight, influence, and impact are key to value creation. Our guests, Richard Latchford and Ash Noah, share perspectives on building agile finance teams, equipping professionals with future-ready skills, and bridging the gap between financial outputs and business needs.

Episode 06: Building Resilient Organisations in a Changing World
In this episode, we explore how finance leaders are navigating complexity and building resilience in a world of constant disruption. We discuss the shift from reactive risk management to proactive, multi-lens strategies that align finance, strategy, and people. Our guests, Andrew Harding and Dionne Corradine, share insights on fostering agile cultures, leveraging scenario planning, and embedding finance at the heart of decision-making to drive sustainable success.

Episode 07: From Numbers to Notions: Do CFOs need creativity in an AI World?
In this episode, we explore the evolving role of creativity in finance leadership. Dr. Irena Teneva Associate Technical Director Research & Development at AICPA & CIMA is joined by Dr. Rouxelle de Villiers, Senior Lecturer at AUT Faculty of Business & Law, and Annelize du Toit, Country Finance Manager at Colgate-Palmolive, to discuss how CFOs and finance professionals can harness creativity to drive value and innovation.

Episode 08: From Ten Keys to AI Agents: Transforming Tax with Automation and Insights
In this episode, we explore how AI is transforming the tax function - from automation to augmentation - and what this means for the future of the profession. April Walker, Senior Manager at AICPA & CIMA, is joined by John McGowan, Founder and CEO of HubSync, to discuss how tax professionals and finance leaders can move from insight to impact by embracing AI-powered innovation.

Episode 09: From Insight to Impact: Leveraging AI to Act on Employee Feedback
Discover how AI is reshaping employee listening, from surveys to sentiment analysis, and what it means for engagement, retention and workplace culture. This episode explores the intersection of technology and empathy, the role of HR in translating data into meaningful action and how companies are using AI to build stronger, more connected finance and accounting teams. Featuring insights from Robert Half research, we’ll also look at how listening tools can support wellness and proactive retention strategies.

Episode 10: Finance Ready for the new economy
In this episode, we dive into how finance is being reshaped by seismic shifts in the workplace, from the rise of hybrid models and sustainability imperatives to the disruptive force of AI. Steve Flatman, VP Education and Professional Qualification, representing the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA & CIMA), is joined by Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting at Advanced Workplace Associates (AWA), to explore what these changes mean for finance professionals.