It's not all about the numbers!

Chris and Mike catch up with Vinay Handa, finance transformation lead at LV Insurance and part-time DJ, to talk about career pivots, human-centered change, and why tech hype always needs a reality check. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike chat with Myles Arnott about fractional finance, boundaries, and why small-scale innovation often beats big projects. A candid and practical take on modern finance leadership, delivered with authenticity and a touch of fun. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by Tariq Munir, author of Reimagine Finance, to unpack how AI and technology are reshaping the finance role. From democratised data to continuous transformation, Tariq explains why curiosity, courage, and critical thinking matter more than ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike sit down with CFO Marie Charpentier to explore what it really takes to scale a business with discipline. From strategy and culture to failure and confidence, Marie shares why finance leaders must be true partners in growth — not just number crunchers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by data and risk expert Vlado Novotný to talk data governance, decision paralysis, and what happens when teams start talking—and stop just pushing data. Plus: teenage driving lessons and Czech recycling rates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike sit down with Hugo Boss SVP Katharina Herzog to talk proud parenting, breaking norms, and why finance and tax are anything but boring. A refreshingly human take on leadership, transformation, and the real value of accountants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As an end of series treat, we look back at a session from our 2023 Academy - 'Postcards from the AI enabled future' by Nina Schick...along with a special announcement from Chris!2023 is remembered as the year AI masters language and OpenAI launched it on the world. With large language models (LLMs) mastering human languages and programming languages, everyone gained the opportunity to be a wordsmith, translator, citizen data scientist and developer. During this keynote, Nina discussed what this might have meant for business and the accounting and finance profession.Nearly two years on, how right was she? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike celebrate 100 episodes and the start of series 3 with CFOs Dominique Highfield and Brad Channer to explore leadership beyond the numbers. From adaptability and authenticity to battling imposter syndrome and building peer communities, it’s an unfiltered look at what it really takes to lead in today’s finance world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we bring you a special treat - one of our highest-attended sessions from the 2025 GENCFO Summit: AI Unfiltered - Driving Through the Hype to Drive Real Finance Transformation. As AI shifts from hype to a must-have in finance, this candid fireside chat with seasoned finance leader, Ludmila Rufitskaya, cuts through the noise to uncover its true transformative potential—from real-world use cases to the role of finance leaders as enablers of change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're throwing it back to a fan favourite, when Chris and Mike dove into the secrets of stress-free success with Alice Phillips and Rob Anderson of The Stillness Partners. They reveal how workplace stress impacts performance, expose leadership behaviours that fuel it, and explore bold, systemic solutions for a calmer, more productive environment. The episode also tackles BlueSky’s challenge to Twitter, capped off with a spirited debate about what to call its micro-posts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a role reversal, Chris interviews co-host Mike Rose on what it really takes to work remotely, stay productive, and define success on your own terms. From Ethiopia to Malta, this episode is full of honesty, humour, and a few unexpected data fails. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike chat with author and wellbeing advocate Sharon Critchlow about EQ, burnout, and bringing your whole self to work. From boardroom dress codes to community culture, it’s a thoughtful and energising conversation about leading (and living) with intention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by delivery lead Matt Scarth to talk hackathons, AI in planning, and whether swearing at work is ever okay. A thoughtful, funny look at what it takes to lead teams, solve problems, and stay authentic — even under pressure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Spyrou joins Chris and Mike to talk about building Axcelera, the power of values, and why growing businesses need finance functions that scale with them. From zebra startups to automation myths, this is fractional finance with a full-stack mindset. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike take you behind the scenes of the GENCFO Awards at Ministry of Sound — why it exists, who it celebrates, and how it became one of the most energising nights in the finance calendar. Less stiff suits, more sticky floors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh O’Neill joins Chris and Mike to talk trust, tech, and the truth about transformation. From post-close chaos to AI resistance, they explore why real change starts with people — and why leaders need to let go to move forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike chat with Idox Divisional Director Alex Wrottesley about AI hype, messy data, and why open innovation beats building in secret. From rights of way to startup thinking, this episode gets real about the systems—and mindsets—shaping the future of leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for another look back! Chris and Mike reflect on recent episodes—from ESG realism and invisible spreadsheet heroes to the power of writing a book. Expect insight, honesty, and a little bit of F1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamie Lyon joins Chris and Mike live at the GENCFO Summit to talk future skills, AI myths, sustainability truths, and what ACCA’s Global Talent Trends survey says about the changing world of finance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susana Serrano-Davey joins Chris and Mike to share her remarkable journey from CFO to career mentor (and part-time mango farmer). They talk confidence myths, calling out hippos, and why clarity—not bravado—is the real key to career transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by GENCFO’s own Sophie Goad and Kira Cluer to go behind the scenes of the GENCFO Summit. From event strategy to community-building, they unpack what it means to “direct the disruption” — and why connection, content, and culture still matter more than ever in a virtual-first world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles Male joins Chris and Mike to talk about all things Excel, transformation, and eSports — with a side of social media, strategy, and alter egos. It's an honest, entertaining dive into how finance can level up by going back to basics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike sit down with Susan Walsh, the Classification Guru, to talk about the surprisingly messy world of data and why fixing “dirty data” is more important than most leaders realize. From writing books to cleaning spreadsheets, Susan shares her no-nonsense take on how better data leads to better decisions — and why leaders need to care long before things go off the rails. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike catch up with Steve Rosvold, founder of CFO University, to talk about why being a great CFO is about way more than just crunching numbers. From career pivots to tech trends and lifelong learning, they dig into what it really takes to lead — and stay ahead — in today’s fast-moving world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris, Mike and career coach Melanie Coeshott get candid in this episode—swapping weekly updates for real talk on dodgy leadership, public speaking jitters, and the introvert/extrovert tug-of-war. They unpack coaching vs mentoring, call out the lack of inclusivity in the workplace, and spotlight the power of women’s networks in finance. Plus, a cheeky dive into the unspoken politics of emoji use.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike revisit past episodes to spark a fresh round of reflection and debate—from the subtle power of accents and cultural bias to whether we should fix weaknesses or double down on strengths. They question tradition in leadership, wrestle with Gen Z dynamics, and explore what really drives progress.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode kicks off with Chris and Mike welcoming finance and ESG guru David Wray. After a quick catch-up, things get real: is ESG just a buzzword, or the future of business? David argues it’s make-or-break for long-term success—and CFOs are the ones who need to lead the charge. Forget siloed thinking—finance leaders must juggle profit, planet and purpose, or risk falling behind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It's Not All About the Numbers, Chris and Mike revisit listener highlights and key takeaways—from steady performers who quietly keep organisations running, to bold career shifts fuelled by passion. With insights from guests Rob Jackson and Olga Rudakova, they explore why not every high performer fits the same mould—and why that’s exactly what makes teams thrive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Chris and Mike ae joined by Joel Johansen, Pharmacovigilance Leader and Mental Health Advocate. They dive into the highs and headaches of drug safety, from data dilemmas to red tape in pharma, Joel shares insider insights and why putting people first matters. They wrap with laughs, fitness stats, and a cheeky take on “good” vs “bad” data.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Chris and Mike chat with Jarad Backlund, VP of FP&A at JFrog, on the realities of finance in tech. He contrasts life at Apple, Google, and Facebook with the fast pace of a high-growth firm. They dive into uncertainty in business, workplace values, and whether Gen Z is changing work—or just making others adapt. Plus, a heated debate on good vs. bad data, EU solar progress, and a baffling government dataset. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Chris and Mike sit down with Marie Speakman, founder of Finance Innovation Now, to explore how AI is reshaping finance, career paths, and the future of work. They dive into the pros and cons of remote working, the evolving role of finance professionals, and the latest industry buzz. Is AI an opportunity or a threat? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is time management dead? In this episode of It’s Not All About the Numbers, Chris, Mike, and Alistair Gill, founder of Alchemy Labs, challenge work norms—arguing energy and attention drive productivity, not time. They dive into AI, Gen Z’s impact, and why leaders must rethink workplace culture. Alistair shares bold insights on innovation, clarity, and turning constraints into strengths. Plus, a spicy listener question and unexpected data trivia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Chris and Mike join finance expert and part-time zookeeper Rob Jackson to tackle data licensing chaos, work-life struggles, and the world of fake banks. With sharp takes on leadership in times of crisis and Elon Musk’s critique of government inefficiency, this episode delivers bold, unfiltered insights that challenge the norm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by special guest Stefan Webb to cut through the madness of planning, data, and government red tape! From the race to build 1.5 million homes to the endless demand for dashboards, they dive into the system’s biggest headaches—and whether transparency can fix them. With leadership insights, data drama, and plenty of laughs, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Chris and Mike sit down with Bradley Channer, UBIO’s award-winning CFO, to explore his unexpected leap from Aussie actor to finance leader. They challenge the future of accountancy, debate whether AI is replacing traditional roles, and uncover the surprising skills that make great leaders. Plus, Brad shares his entrepreneurial missteps and a hilarious run-in with comedian Rob Beckett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It’s Not All About the Numbers, Chris, Mike, and data expert, Olga Rudakova chat about turning complex numbers into clear, compelling stories. Olga shares how she went from finance to data visualisation and why good design makes all the difference. A listener question sparks a fun debate on whether it’s a natural talent or a learned skill. They wrap up with Good Data, Bad Data, covering UK business struggles and a hilarious Booking.com chart fail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of "It's Not All About the Numbers," hosts Chris and Mike chat with Jack Sweeney from the "CFO Thought Leader Podcast" about how modern CFOs are breaking the mold by embracing AI, emotional intelligence, and big picture leadership. Together, they bust the myth of the number-crunching finance leader, showing why today's CFOs are way more dynamic and crucial than ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It’s Not All About The Numbers, Chris and Mike chat with the dynamic Brad Burton, who brings a bold take on leadership. Ditching corporate clichés, Brad champions authenticity, human connection, and unplugging from our digital overload. He shares practical tips to energise teams, boost morale, and simplify business in a chaotic world. Fresh, candid, and unapologetic—this episode will make you rethink what it means to lead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are back with sharp insights on leadership in 2025. After a quick holiday recap, they dive into the big issues: Why outdated strategies could sink your business. From combating change fatigue to leveraging generative AI effectively, they argue it’s time for leaders to ditch surface-level fixes and think strategically. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It's Not All About The Numbers, Chris and Mike ditch personal resolutions but set bold goals for their podcast. Chris vows to up his prep game, while Mike doubles down on bringing fascinating guests to the table. With plans for new gear, quirky bingo cards, and themed merch, they’re aiming big. They also tease a powerhouse guest for the new year—motivational speaker Brad Burton. Stay tuned! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special New Year's episode of It's Not All About the Numbers, Chris and Mike reflect on a transformative year. They share their hopes for the year ahead and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. With a promise of fresh episodes ahead, they urge listeners to stay tuned and join the journey. Warm wishes for a smashing New Year round off this inspiring episode—don’t miss it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It's Not All About the Numbers, Chris and Mike welcome back Giuseppe Sollazzo, Deputy Director of Data Enablement at DWP, for a lively chat on data quality, teamwork, and the future of work. Giuseppe shares lessons from his speaking gigs, along with fresh takes on financial success, online habits, and communicating data effectively. Packed with anecdotes, humour, and sharp insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the data and tech world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike share a heartfelt Christmas message, reflecting on a year full of highlights—Mike’s unforgettable U.S. family trip and Chris’s pride in hosting the GENCFO awards. They wrap up with festive cheer and a sneak peek at next week’s New Year’s message. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this festive episode of "It's Not All About the Numbers," Chris, Mike, and special co-host "Christmas" dive into the season's magic. They share heartwarming family stories, Mike’s ambitious project to shake up digital planning in housing, and Chris’s take on building thriving communities. Plus, they chat about holiday cash habits and Spotify’s always-entertaining year-end wrap-up. Kick back for some holiday cheer, fun insights, and good vibes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike are joined by Katrina Williams, Head of Career Framework at the Government Finance Function, for a lively year-end chat packed with holiday cheer and fresh insights. From swapping sledding stories and festive plans to reflecting on a whirlwind year, the conversation dives into Kat’s fascinating leap from the private sector to civil service. They explore how to inspire the next wave of talent, the buzz around hybrid roles, and the game-changing impact of AI on careers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike dive into the secrets of stress-free success with Alice Phillips and Rob Anderson of The Stillness Partners. They reveal how workplace stress impacts performance, expose leadership behaviours that fuel it, and explore bold, systemic solutions for a calmer, more productive environment. The episode also tackles BlueSky’s challenge to Twitter, capped off with a spirited debate about what to call its micro-posts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Chris and Mike are joined by Sarah Partridge, founder of The Change Academy, for a compelling dive into leadership. From mastering delegation to building psychological safety, they explore what makes leaders thrive. Sarah shares her journey from the music industry to coaching, revealing how workplaces transform and why lasting change is crucial. Packed with insights on influence, empathy, and effective change, this episode is a must-listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris and Mike sit down with cross-border accounting expert and GENCFO Pro Member Katrina to explore her work guiding European companies through U.S. standards, the nuances of cultural differences in business, and the challenges of managing work across time zones. The episode wraps up with their “good data, bad data” segment, featuring a surprising statistic on accidental deaths in the U.S. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Academy special, hosts Chris Argent and Mike Rose argue that data isn’t just numbers—it’s a powerhouse waiting to be unleashed. They challenge finance professionals to move beyond the gatekeeper role and become true change-makers, taking charge of data governance and literacy in today’s AI-driven world. Discover how this shift could transform your organisation, and connect with the GENCFO community to dive even deeper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of INAATN Chris and Mike are joined by Louisa Matheson, Digital Program Manager at First Intuition where they dig into AI ethics, the ups and downs of AI in finance, and Louisa’s path from forensic accounting to digital training. They keep it real with insights on peer learning, growth mindset, and the latest buzz—from SpaceX’s booster catch to surprisingly weak PIN codes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.