The Owner Seat

Today on The Owner Seat Podcast, host Albert Ramos goes straight at the real reason most fitness and wellness businesses stall out: execution drift — not a “marketing problem,” not a “more leads” problem.Ben Ludwig is a fitness industry leadership, sales, and strategy operator who’s trained teams across 60+ countries, helped support nearly 2,000 F45 studios globally, and served in executive leadership scaling an F45 franchise group from 4 to 12 locations with 200+ staff and real operational infrastructure. He’s now the President of Colossians 3:23-24 Fitness Holdings and the host of Revenue Machines Podcast (DXFactor) — focused on the systems, onboarding, and accountability that actually move retention and revenue. pastedThis episode is for operators who are tired of:“busy” teams that still miss goalsonboarding that feels like “handbook + hope”dashboards nobody usesseasonality whiplash (Black Friday → holidays → January)and owners who can’t explain their true unit economicsIn this episode, we unpackExecution & operator-grade systemsWhat “efficiency” and “simplicity” really mean on the floor (not in a slide deck)Where operators confuse activity with productivityThe biggest lie the industry tells itself about growthData in the hands of the front lineWhy dashboards fail (even when the data is “right”)What data matters daily for GMs and department headsHow real-time visibility changes retention behavior immediatelyOnboarding as apprenticeship (or culture leak)“Unmet expectations should never be a surprise” — what great onboarding looks likeThe 3 things every new hire must SEE and FEEL in week oneHow to scale onboarding across locations without losing cultureMember onboarding & seasonalityWhy Black Friday onboarding determines end-of-year success (or stress)How to prevent holiday freezes/cancels from becoming churnThe minimum accountability stack members can actually followPricing, margins, retentionWhy copying competitor pricing quietly kills profitabilityThe weekly KPI Ben would force every operator to reviewHow to choose tech partners without buying shiny tools that add complexity📊 Work with Albert — Fractional CFO for Fitness & WellnessI’m Albert Ramos, Fractional CFO + Founder at Stratego Intel Consulting.I help fitness, wellness, and franchise brands ($500K–$30M) build cash visibility, utilization + pricing models, and a finance engine that doesn’t collapse under growth.Book a CFO Strategy Call (Albert):https://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcastFree Stratego CFO Playbook:https://forms.gle/eoGKSCsKMLSPtr1e6🎙 More from The Owner SeatNew episodes drop every Monday & Friday at 8:00 AM CST.Subscribe to The Owner Seat (YouTube):/ @theownerseatpodcastStratego Intel (Fractional CFO):https://www.StrategoIntel.comLinkedIn Newsletter:https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7288029005239267328Connect with Albert on LinkedIn:/ albertramosjrHit play — and take your seat back.

Today on The Owner Seat Podcast, host Albert Ramos goes behind the curtain of fitness + wellness media — and into the coaching economy problems most brands would rather keep off-camera.Elisa Edelstein is the Editor-in-Chief of Coach360 and a NASM Certified Personal Trainer — which means she’s not just reporting on coaches… she is one. She sits at the center of what gets amplified, what gets ignored, and what operators are getting dead wrong about staffing, retention, and career development.This episode is for founders and operators who are tired of:the highlight reelsthe “pay to play” narrativesand the pretending that coaching burnout, misinformation, and retention issues are “normal.”In this episode, we unpackFitness + wellness media (the real incentives):How media actually makes money — and what that rewards (and distorts)Editorial integrity vs. sponsorships: where Elisa draws the lineCoach360 vs. Athletech vs. FittInsider vs. Club Solutions — who’s hitting, who’s missingThe coaching economy (staffing, pay, burnout):The biggest structural problem in the coaching career path“No one wants to work” vs. “no one pays well” — who’s right and whyThe real reasons great coaches leave good gymsCareer Lab by Coach360 (Jan 17, LA): what it solves that most conferences completely ignore📊 Work with Albert — Fractional CFO for Fitness & WellnessI’m Albert Ramos, Fractional CFO + Founder at Stratego Intel Consulting.I help fitness, wellness, and franchise brands ($500K–$30M) build cash visibility, utilization + pricing models, and a finance engine that doesn’t collapse under growth.🎙 More from The Owner SeatNew episodes drop every Monday & Friday at 8:00 AM CST.Book a CFO Strategy Call (Albert):https://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcastFree Stratego CFO Playbook:https://forms.gle/eoGKSCsKMLSPtr1e6Subscribe to The Owner Seat (YouTube):/ @theownerseatpodcastStratego Intel (Fractional CFO):https://www.StrategoIntel.comLinkedIn Newsletter:https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7288029005239267328Connect with Albert on LinkedIn:/ albertramosjrHit play — and take your seat back.

Today on The Owner Seat, host Albert Ramos goes straight at the finance problem that’s about to wreck margins for a lot of operators in 2026:Usage-based pricing + AI spend + “I’ll check it at month-end” finance.Our guest is Catherine Neuman, Co-Founder of SpendPilot — the ambient finance layer built to stop reactive chaos and give owners real-time visibility into spend, risk, and performance before it hits the P&L.Catherine has held strategic finance + operations roles at Apple, Novo, and Butter Payments — and now she’s building one of the most important finance products of the AI era.She’s also not afraid to say the quiet part out loud:If you’re deploying AI tools without real-time spend controls, you’re not scaling… you’re leaking.In this episode, we unpack:Why founders & franchise owners are getting crushed by usage-based pricing leaksWhat LLM operations actually cost — and why Finance (not just Engineering) needs to own itTokenization, model selection, and the hidden costs nobody budgets forWhy real-time spend visibility is now mandatory, not optionalThe early warning signs of margin erosion — and how to protect unit economics before it’s too lateIf you’re an operator using AI tools, paying for software, or trying to scale without getting surprised by your bank balance…This is required listening.📊 Work with Albert — Fractional CFO for Fitness & WellnessI’m Albert Ramos, Fractional CFO and Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting.I help fitness, wellness, and franchise brands ($500K–$30M) fix messy multi-location books, build 13-week cash visibility, and prove unit economics across every location.👉 Book a CFO Strategy Callhttps://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcast📘 Free Resource — Stratego CFO Playbook (Fitness & Wellness)Get the exact framework I use with owners and franchisors:13-week cash flow structureLocation-level unit economicsCore KPI dashboard for studiosOwner Seat finance rhythm you can actually run🔗 Download: https://forms.gle/DppjbHQvkF2yV3Vd9🎙More from The Owner SeatThe Owner Seat is where fitness, wellness & HALO owners talk cash flow, growth, and the messy middle.New episodes every Monday & Friday at 8:00 AM CST.Subscribe: / @theownerseatpodcast📧 Stay in the Owner Seat (Newsletter)Weekly breakdowns on:Fitness & wellness unit economicsCash flow and multi-location scalingAI-powered finance workflows for operators🔗 Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7288029005239267328🌐 Learn MoreStratego (Fractional CFO): https://www.StrategoIntel.comConnect with Albert on LinkedIn: / albertramosjr

Today on The Owner Seat, host Albert Ramos goes inside the real transformation story most founders never talk about: the moment your health, your family, and your identity collide — and you either change… or you drift.Don LaTorre is the Founder of Layman’s Fitness — an online coaching business helping busy parents lose weight with simple, sustainable, kettlebell-based training.But Don didn’t start as a “fitness guy.”He started in corporate HR… until stress, weight gain, and a panic attack forced a hard reset.And then he did the thing most people talk about but never do:He rebuilt his health, rebuilt his habits, and walked away from the safety of corporate life — with a wife, three kids, a mortgage, and a mission.This episode is for:parent-entrepreneursfounders building from the kitchen tableoperators who want to win in business without losing at homeIn this episode, we unpack:The turning point that forced Don to change (and what actually worked)Why kettlebells made fitness fun again — and why simplicity beats intensityHow Don built Layman’s Fitness from $696/month into a full-time businessThe transformation patterns Don sees in parents who succeed vs. quitFood flexibility + “budgeting calories like money” (and why it sticks)The business realities: sales, pricing, systems, consistency, confidenceStability vs growth when your family depends on youWhat “earned, never given” really means in faith, family, and businessIf you’re trying to build something real — and you refuse to sacrifice your family to do it — this one will hit.📊 Work with Albert – Fractional CFO for Fitness & WellnessI’m Albert Ramos, Fractional CFO and Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting.I help fitness, wellness, and franchise brands ($1M–$30M) fix messy multi-location books, build 13-week cash visibility, and prove unit economics for every studio.👉 Book a CFO Strategy CallIf you want CFO-level clarity on your numbers:https://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcast📘 Free Resource – Stratego CFO Playbook (Fitness & Wellness)Get the exact framework I use with owners and franchisors:13-week cash flow structureLocation-level unit economicsCore KPI dashboard for studiosOwner Seat finance rhythm you can actually run🔗 Download the free Stratego CFO Playbook:https://forms.gle/BcEi2VhHZv9wtCrx8🎙 More from The Owner SeatThe Owner Seat is where fitness, wellness & HALO owners talk cash flow, growth, and the messy middle.New episodes every Monday & Friday at 8:00 AM CST.Subscribe to the channel: / @theownerseatpodcastBinge past episodes: operator deep dives, franchise stories, and real P&L conversations📧 Stay in the Owner Seat (Newsletter)Get weekly breakdowns on:Fitness & wellness unit economicsCash flow and multi-location scalingAI-powered finance workflows for operators🔗 Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7288029005239267328🌐 Learn MoreFractional CFO services (Stratego): https://www.StrategoIntel.comConnect with Albert on LinkedIn: / albertramosjr

Today on The Owner Seat, Albert Ramos sits down with Pete Moore, and they go inside the deal discipline that separates real fitness and wellness brands from the ones quietly headed for a valuation haircut.Pete Moore is the Founder & Managing Partner of Integrity Square — the advisory and investment platform that’s helped shape the modern HALO economy. He’s advised on $1.5B+ in transactions, built the industry’s go-to media engine HALO Talks, and trains operators through HALO Academy to think like investors, run cleaner processes, and scale with actual rigor.Pete has seen every version of the movie:➡ deals that win➡ deals that die in diligence➡ and brands that never should’ve franchised in the first placeIn this episode, we unpack:What buyers actually pay for in fitness & wellnessWhy weak Item 19 economics are a flashing red light — not a marketing problemHow to run a sell-side process that doesn’t bleed leverage (NDA → IOI → LOI → QoE → close)The unit economics signals that reveal a brand is a dynasty… or a time bombThe sports mindset operators need to survive the next 3–5 years and keep winningIf you’re a founder, franchisor, or multi-unit operator thinking about raising capital, selling, or franchising “because everyone else is” — this is required viewing.📊 Work with Albert – Fractional CFO for Fitness & WellnessI’m Albert Ramos, Fractional CFO and Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting.I help fitness, wellness, and franchise brands ($1M–$30M) fix messy multi-location books, build 13-week cash visibility, and prove unit economics for every studio.👉 Book a CFO Strategy CallIf you want CFO-level clarity on your numbers:https://calendly.com/albertramosjr-st...📘 Free Resource – Stratego CFO Playbook (Fitness & Wellness)Get the exact framework I use with owners and franchisors:13-week cash flow structureLocation-level unit economicsCore KPI dashboard for studiosOwner Seat finance rhythm you can actually run🔗 Download the free Stratego CFO Playbook:https://forms.gle/nY1QDj8p2wQ2XT6cA🎙 More from The Owner SeatThe Owner Seat is where fitness, wellness & HALO owners talk cash flow, growth, and the messy middle.New episodes every Monday & Friday at 8:00 AM CST.Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOwnerSeatPodcastBinge past episodes: operator deep dives, franchise stories, and real P&L conversations📧 Stay in the Owner Seat (Newsletter)Get weekly breakdowns on:Fitness & wellness unit economicsCash flow and multi-location scalingAI-powered finance workflows for operators🔗 Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7288029005239267328🌐 Learn MoreFractional CFO services (Stratego): https://www.StrategoIntel.comConnect with Albert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr/

Today on The Owner Seat, Albert Ramos sits down with Joseph Cicero to talk about what it really takes to scale a brick-and-mortar fitness brand without the façade — just utilization, discipline, and the emotional grind most owners never admit out loud.Joseph is the Founder of The Yard, a strength-forward training model with two high-performing studios in San Francisco and Mill Valley — both profitable, both growing — built on relentless focus on utilization, financial discipline, community, and consistency.And yes, you’ve probably seen his work: from the viral story of the 72-year-old vegan powerlifting nun that hit ABC News, to the hundreds of newsletters and nearly 400 posts documenting the real operator journey. But behind the scenes? This episode is about the part nobody posts: the wins that last 2 minutes… and the anxiety that lasts days.The real operator tension:SF is pushing the utilization ceiling — and that creates an expansion/risk decision most founders mis-handle.Mill Valley is tracking SF’s curve (which becomes a powerful model for forecasting + staffing + capacity decisions).The Yard grew 44% YoY… and Joseph still doesn’t feel “safe.” That right there is the founder brain. In this episode, we unpackThe emotional reality of growth (and why it never feels “done”).Utilization and margins as the real growth engine:SF ~150% utilization / 56% operating margin; MV ~87% utilization / 22% operating marginHow Joseph evaluates “maxed out” capacity + the financial signals that prove it.Expansion decisions: remodel vs. add a 3rd location, capital risk, and the first spreadsheet tab he builds.What most fitness founders get wrong about marketing, pricing, ClassPass, and capacity modeling.Why “consistency in storytelling” is a revenue lever (nearly 400 posts + 100+ newsletters).Leadership + culture: building a place where members, trainers, and community actually thrive. If you’re a founder trying to scale without drowning in chaos, this one is required.📊 Work with Albert — Fractional CFO for Fitness & WellnessI’m Albert Ramos, Fractional CFO and Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting.I help fitness, wellness, and franchise brands ($1M–$30M) build cash visibility, utilization modeling, pricing structure, and capital planning—the stuff that keeps you alive and makes you investable.🎧 Watch more episodes of The Owner Seat👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheOwnerSeatPodcast📩 Subscribe to the newsletter — The AI-Powered Finance Guide👉 https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7288029005239267328📘 Request the CFO Playbook for Fitness Founders👉 https://forms.gle/nY1QDj8p2wQ2XT6cA💡 Fractional CFO Services for Fitness & Wellness Brands👉 https://www.StrategoIntel.com🤝 Connect with host, Albert Ramos👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr/🗓 Episodes drop every Monday and Friday at 8:00am CST.If you want cash clarity before your next expansion…If you’re tired of guessing on capacity, pricing, and breakeven…If you need a finance system worthy of real scale…👉 Hit play below.Take your seat back.

In this episode of The Owner Seat, Albert Ramos sits down with David Ramos — President & Owner of StretchLab First Coast and a mission-driven tech executive who’s led global platforms at Aetna/CVS, Rakuten, and high-growth startups… and then chose to build a local, family-owned wellness portfolio in Northeast Florida.David has lived both sides of growth:- Boardrooms, M&A, platform scale, and AI in healthcare and insurtech- Front-line ownership inside StretchLab studios serving St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Atlantic Beach, and MandarinThis conversation is raw, honest, and uncomfortably relevant for any franchisee, founder, or multi-unit owner trying to balance faith, family, tech, and local unit economics without losing themselves in the process.🔍 In this episode, we cover:- How a corporate layoff and identity reset became the launchpad for StretchLab First Coast- What it really looks like to open, turn around, and scale multiple wellness studios- The operating system David uses to run both code and cash flow with intention-The 3–5 metrics he actually uses to manage his StretchLab portfolio week-to-week-How faith, calling, and pressure show up when a studio is on the edge-Were owners get punched in the mouth financially — leases, build-outs, and cash-flow gaps- How a tech/AI background changes the way he looks at unit economics for a single studio- Where AI can practically support franchise and studio operators over the next 3–5 yearsWork with Albert – Fractional CFO for Fitness, Wellness & Franchise BrandsI’m Albert Ramos, Fractional CFO and Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting.I help fitness, wellness, and franchise brands ($1M–$30M+) fix messy multi-location books, build 13-week cash visibility, and prove unit economics for every studio and territory.👉 Book a CFO Strategy CallIf you want CFO-level clarity on your numbers:https://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcast📘 Free Resource – Stratego CFO Playbook (Fitness & Wellness)Get the exact framework I use with owners and franchisors:13-week cash flow structureLocation-level unit economics templateCore KPI dashboard for studios & franchise systems🔗 Download the free Stratego CFO Playbook:https://forms.gle/M9QSgEz9VqiqkHVv6🎙 More from The Owner SeatThe Owner Seat is where fitness, wellness & HALO owners talk cash flow, growth, and the messy middle of operating real businesses with real stakes.🕗 New episodes every Monday & Friday at 8:00 AM CST.✅ Subscribe to the channel:/@theownerseatpodcast▶️ Binge past episodes: operator deep dives, franchise growth stories, and real P&L conversations📧 Stay in the Owner Seat (Newsletter)Get weekly breakdowns on:Fitness & wellness unit economicsMulti-location and franchise cash flowAI-powered finance workflows for operators🔗 Subscribe on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7288029005239267328Learn MoreFractional CFO services (Stratego): https://www.StrategoIntel.comConnect with Albert on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr

Today on The Owner Seat, Albert Ramos sits down with Tanner Holmes to go inside what multi-unit, multi-brand franchise ownership actually looks like — not the Instagram version, the real one.Tanner Holmes is a multi-unit, multi-brand franchisee, investor, and Area Developer across Illinois and Wisconsin, building a portfolio under Impact Brands LLC with concepts like Perspire Sauna Studio and Sola Salon Studios.He’s the operator a lot of people think they want to become:➡ Multiple territories➡ Multiple brands➡ Expansion bets on the tableBut behind that is the part nobody posts about:cash pressure, leadership strain, and the constant question — how fast is too fast?In this episode, we unpack:What first-year franchise ownership really feels likeWhy “one foot in, one foot out” quietly kills operatorsHow Tanner thinks about expansion pacing across multiple brandsThe operator reality behind Perspire Sauna Studio ownershipHow “longevity” fits into a real P&L — not just a trend deckThe culture decisions that either hold the business together… or crack itIf you’re a franchisee, area developer, or franchisor trying to scale without drowning in chaos — this is required viewing.📊 Work with Albert – Fractional CFO for Fitness & WellnessI’m Albert Ramos, Fractional CFO and Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting.I help fitness, wellness, and franchise brands ($1M–$30M) fix messy multi-location books, build 13-week cash visibility, and prove unit economics for every studio.🎧 Watch more episodes of The Owner Seat👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheOwnerSeatPodcast📩 Subscribe to the newsletter — The AI-Powered Finance Guide👉 https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7288029005239267328...📘 Request the CFO Playbook for Fitness Founders👉 https://forms.gle/nY1QDj8p2wQ2XT6cA...💡 Fractional CFO Services for Fitness & Wellness Brands👉 https://www.StrategoIntel.com🤝 Connect with host, Albert Ramos👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr/If you want cash clarity before your next deal,If you’re tired of guessing on breakeven and unit economics,If you need a finance system worthy of investors…👉 Hit play below.Take your seat back.

In this episode of The Owner Seat, Albert Ramos sits down with Ali Orleski — Operating Partner at Momentic Studios, former VP of Franchise Development at Pause Studio, and former national operations leader helping scale Orangetheory Fitness Canada with FSO.Ali has opened 137+ boutique studios across two continents and now sits at the center of a multi-brand expansion engine with SweatHouz and STRONG Pilates, with a mandate to open 100+ locations in four years.If you’re a franchisor, area developer, or multi-unit operator in fitness, recovery, or wellness, this conversation is a playbook in disguise: real estate, launch sequencing, owner behavior patterns, culture at speed, and the financial blind spots that quietly kill growth.This one is sharp, honest, and deeply tactical.🔍 In this episode, we cover:- How Ali helped build the operational backbone behind 100+ studio launches- Why most franchise systems think they’re ready to scale — and why they’re not- The hard truths she wishes every first-time franchisee heard before signing- The most underestimated step in launching a studio (that always bites people later)- Where franchisees get blindsided financially and operationally- How to read the early warning signals when a studio starts slipping- What real culture and brand stewardship look like when you’re opening at speed- How multi-brand ecosystems like Momentic Studios will shape the next era of wellness franchising- The role data, systems, and AI will play in supporting franchisees over the next 3–5 yearsWork with Albert – Fractional CFO for Fitness, Wellness & Franchise BrandsI’m Albert Ramos, Fractional CFO and Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting.I help fitness, wellness, and franchise brands ($1M–$30M+) fix messy multi-location books, build 13-week cash visibility, and prove unit economics for every studio, territory, and brand.👉 Book a CFO Strategy CallIf you want CFO-level clarity on your numbers:https://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcast📘 Free Resource – Stratego CFO Playbook (Fitness & Wellness)Get the exact framework I use with owners and franchisors:13-week cash flow structureLocation-level unit economics templateCore KPI dashboard for studios & franchise systems🔗 Download the free Stratego CFO Playbook:https://forms.gle/M9QSgEz9VqiqkHVv6🎙 More from The Owner SeatThe Owner Seat is where fitness, wellness & HALO owners talk cash flow, growth, and the messy middle — without the fluff.New episodes every Monday & Friday at 8:00 AM CST.Subscribe to the channel:/ @theownerseatpodcastBinge past episodes: operator deep dives, franchise stories, and real P&L conversations📧 Stay in the Owner Seat (Newsletter)Get weekly breakdowns on:Fitness & wellness unit economicsCash flow and multi-location scalingAI-powered finance workflows for operators and franchisors🔗 Subscribe on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7288029005239267328 Learn MoreFractional CFO services (Stratego): https://www.StrategoIntel.comConnect with Albert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr/

Today on The Owner Seat, we go inside the dealmaking model that’s reshaping lower middle market M&A — with someone who’s mastered it.Casey Minshew, Managing Partner at Equity Launchpad, has acquired legacy industrial businesses like H&M Plating and Mercer Controls — and rebuilt them with bolt-ons, culture transformations, and CapEx-forward growth.He calls his blueprint the SWOT Team:➡ Operators who know the business cold➡ Investors who move fast and stay aligned➡ Deal partners who create clarity instead of chaosIn this episode, we unpack:Why the independent sponsor model is explodingHow to build trust with family offices without a fundThe right way to structure layered capital stacksWhen culture beats financial engineeringReal examples from industrial platforms scaling fastIf you’re a founder, owner, or operator who wants to grow without giving up control — this is required viewing.🎧 Watch more episodes of The Owner Seat👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheOwnerSeatPodcast📩 Subscribe to the newsletter — The AI-Powered Finance Guide👉 https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7288029005239267328📘 Request the CFO Playbook for Fitness Founders👉 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1deDUoFXx3BBtualzlqJ8QGtdfc-W-DqT?usp=drive_link💡 Fractional CFO Services for Fitness & Wellness Brands👉 https://www.StrategoIntel.com🤝 Connect with host, Albert Ramos👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr/If you want cash clarity before your next deal,If you’re tired of raising capital on messy numbers,If you need a finance system worthy of investors…👉 Hit play below.Take your seat back.

Today on The Owner Seat, host Albert Ramos, Fractional CFO of Stratego, breaks down how YourFitPrint is transforming local gyms into full health hubs and why this shift will define the next decade of boutique fitness.Our guest Devon Baldino is the Executive Director of Vendor Relations & Women’s Health + Founding Board Member at YourFitPrint.She’s building the partnerships that help gyms:- Add 30% revenue-share without CapEx- Offer GLP-1 + hormone care ethically- Drive retention beyond class packs- Compete against big-box & digital giants- Future-proof against price-driven churnIf you own or operate a gym — this is a must-watch.🎧 Watch more episodes of The Owner Seat👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheOwnerSeatPodcast📩 Subscribe to the newsletter — The AI-Powered Finance Guide👉https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7288029005239267328📘 Request the CFO Playbook for Fitness Founders👉 https://forms.gle/PN5Dkv3kM7qxiFJc8💡 Fractional CFO Services for Fitness & Wellness Brands👉 https://www.StrategoIntel.com🤝 Connect with Albert on LinkedIn👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr/If you’re tired of razor-thin margins, staff churn, and depending on new members to stay alive…It’s time to own more of the health journey your members already trust you with.Hit play 👇Take your seat back.

In this episode of The Owner Seat, Albert Ramos sits down with Beth Potter — Franchise Owner of True Movement®, former VP of Sales at Walla, and former Chief Experience Officer at Studio Grow.Beth has spent over a decade inside the heart of boutique fitness — helping studios all over the world design businesses that actually scale and feel good to run. Today, she’s building her own chapter as a True Movement® franchise owner while writing openly about motherhood, identity, and leadership through Beth’s Journey Unfiltered.This conversation is candid, human, and uncomfortably useful for any fitness or wellness owner trying to grow without burning themselves out.🔍 In this episode, we cover:How boutique fitness is maturing — and what real leadership looks like in this next eraWhy culture, care, and connection will outperform clever marketing every timeWhat Beth learned from Walla, Studio Grow, and global studio work — and why she chose ownershipHow motherhood, movement, and leadership intersect in ways most owners ignoreWhat “a studio that scales” actually looks like in operations, team, and numbersWork with Albert – Fractional CFO for Fitness & WellnessI’m Albert Ramos, Fractional CFO and Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting.I help fitness, wellness, and franchise brands ($1M–$30M) fix messy multi-location books, build 13-week cash visibility, and prove unit economics for every studio.👉 Book a CFO Strategy CallIf you want CFO-level clarity on your numbers:https://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcastFree Resource – Stratego CFO Playbook (Fitness & Wellness)Get the exact framework I use with owners and franchisors:13-week cash flow structureLocation-level unit economicsCore KPI dashboard for studiosOwner Seat finance rhythm you can actually run🔗 Download the free Stratego CFO Playbook:https://forms.gle/xt13aXZvTxBHbau36🎙 More from The Owner SeatThe Owner Seat is where fitness, wellness & HALO owners talk cash flow, growth, and the messy middle.New episodes every Monday & Friday at 8:00 AM CST.Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOwnerSeatPodcastBinge past episodes: operator deep dives, franchise stories, and real P&L conversations📧 Stay in the Owner Seat (Newsletter)Get weekly breakdowns on:Fitness & wellness unit economicsCash flow and multi-location scalingAI-powered finance workflows for operators🔗 Subscribe on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7288029005239267328🌐 Learn MoreFractional CFO services (Stratego): https://www.StrategoIntel.comConnect with Albert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr/

In this episode of Season 2 of The Owner Seat – formerly The Valisights Podcast – Fractional CFO Albert Ramos sits down with Travis Pomposello, a creative leader who’s lived multiple professional lives at the very top of media and then chose to completely redefine what success looks like.Travis is the former Chief Creative Officer at Paramount Global, Co-Founder of EPIX, and Founder of Bella Vita Creative, where he scaled his agency past $5M+ in revenue serving clients like Netflix and Amazon. He’s also awarded more than $100M in contracts to agencies — so when he talks about what scales and what quietly kills a shop, it’s from both sides of the table.But the real turning point is what happened after all of that: a near-death, flatline moment that forced him to confront burnout, identity, and what actually matters. Today, through the Creative Agency Accelerator and his mentorship work, Travis helps agency founders scale with systems instead of chaos, and build businesses that don’t destroy their health or relationships.In this episode, we dig into:What 30+ years across MTV, Nickelodeon, Letterman, Discovery, EPIX, and Paramount taught Travis about storytelling and leadershipThe “quiet killers” of agency growth – and how to fix them before it’s too lateThe real playbook for going from $500K to $5M+ without burning every bridge (or yourself)How a flatline on an operating table changed his definition of success, ambition, and energyWhy systems, not hustle, are the real driver of long-term creative growthHow to protect creative integrity while chasing big contracts and big logosThe mindset shift founders in their 40s and 50s need if they’re afraid to start overIf you’re an agency owner, studio founder, or creative leader trying to scale without losing your health or your voice, this conversation will hit home.🔗 Work with Albert / Get the PlaybookWant to be on the show or explore working with Albert Ramos?→ Book a CFO Strategy Callhttps://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcast→ Apply to be a guest on The Owner Seathttps://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcast📘 Get the Stratego CFO Playbook→ Download the free Stratego CFO Playbook for Fitness & Wellness Brands and see how Albert builds 13-week cash flow, unit economics, and AI-powered finance systems:https://forms.gle/eJEEtCPdQ3tkWqb96🌐 Connect with Albert→ Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr/→ Learn more about Fractional CFO services for fitness, wellness, HALO, and multi-location brands:https://www.strategointel.com/If you’re a $1M–$30M fitness, wellness, HALO, or multi-location operator and you’re serious about fixing cash flow, cleaning up QuickBooks, and getting real finance strategy (not just bookkeeping), this is where you plug in.👤 About the Host – Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, HALO, and multi-location brands. He helps owners and finance leaders:Fix cash flow leaks with 13-week cash forecastsClean up and rebuild their QuickBooks + finance stackUse AI to automate reporting and forecastingBuild investor-ready financials for growth, M&A, and roll-upsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, overseen 200+ locations, and managed 3,000+ employees across the fitness and wellness ecosystem — blending financial precision with AI so owners can scale without losing control of their numbers.

In this episode of Season 2 of The Owner Seat – formerly The Valisights Podcast – Fractional CFO Albert Ramos sits down with Alan “The Train” Thompson, Founder & CEO of Groe Solutions, to unpack what happens when you combine Marine Corps discipline, data science, and human performance.Groe Solutions is a fast-rising B2B SaaS company working at the intersection of gyms, the military, and health systems – using AI, behavioral science, and community design to drive real-world performance outcomes, not just more dashboards.Alan is a Marine Corps veteran turned data scientist who went from preparing to open his own gym to building infrastructure for the next decade of human performance – across defense, VA, and commercial fitness.In this episode, we cover:How the Marine Corps shaped Alan’s approach to leadership, pressure, and executionWhat it’s really like to raise capital as a veteran founder in the early stagesHow Groe Solutions is building the data + AI backbone for the “new war on fat”The reality of pitching investors when you’re the underdog – and what actually gets their attentionHow Groe connects DoD, VA, and commercial wellness into one performance ecosystemWhy Alan believes wearables are overhyped – and how Groe focuses on behavior change and community insteadThe leadership lessons from leading Marines and leading engineers, and how trust gets built in both worldsIf you care about the future of performance – from soldiers to athletes to everyday members – and how AI can enable it without losing the human element, this episode is for you.🔗 Work with Albert / Get the PlaybookWant to be on the show or explore working with Albert Ramos?→ Book a CFO Strategy Callhttps://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcast→ Apply to be a guest on The Owner Seathttps://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcast📘 Get the Stratego CFO Playbook→ Download the free Stratego CFO Playbook for Fitness & Wellness Brands and see how Albert builds 13-week cash flow, unit economics, and AI-powered finance systems: https://forms.gle/EEhiyiw1K4EkvDQc9🌐 Connect with Albert→ Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr/→ Learn more about Fractional CFO services for fitness, wellness, HALO, and multi-location brands:https://www.strategointel.com/If you’re a $1M–$30M fitness, wellness, HALO, or multi-location operator and you’re serious about fixing cash flow, cleaning up QuickBooks, and getting real finance strategy (not just bookkeeping), this is where you plug in.👤 About the Host – Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, HALO, and multi-location brands. He helps owners and finance leaders:Fix cash flow leaks with 13-week cash forecastsClean up and rebuild their QuickBooks + finance stackUse AI to automate reporting and forecastingBuild investor-ready financials for growth, M&A, and roll-upsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, overseen 200+ locations, and managed 3,000+ employees across the fitness and wellness ecosystem — blending financial precision with AI so owners can scale without losing control of their numbers.

In this episode of Season 2 of The Owner Seat – formerly The Valisights Podcast – Fractional CFO Albert Ramos sits down with Benji Donhardt, Co-Founder & CEO of SupaFitGrow, to talk about what happens when you combine M&A, AI, and an operator’s mindset to rewrite the rules for fitness growth.SupaFitGrow is building one of the most aggressive roll-up platforms in the fitness and marketing ecosystem – consolidating agencies that sit behind some of the strongest brands in the fitness, wellness, and HALO economy.What started as frustration with a noisy, fragmented support landscape for gym owners has turned into a blueprint for giving “small” operators big-league leverage: shared services, AI infrastructure, and real economies of scale.Benji’s path runs from military and Special Forces work in Australia, to owning multiple gyms, to acquiring and integrating agencies that drive acquisition and retention for studios and franchises around the world. His obsession is simple: make sure owners don’t get wiped out just because they were too slow to embrace systems and AI.In this episode, we unpack:Why the fitness support ecosystem is broken – and how SupaFitGrow is stitching it togetherHow M&A and roll-ups can turn boutique agencies into a scalable, efficient portfolioThe way AI avatars and automation are changing content, lead gen, and pipeline velocityWhat it really means to “productize” a creative or marketing serviceThe leadership operating system behind a fast-moving, acquisition-heavy teamThe owner playbook for going from “stuck and scared to scale” to executing on the next levelIf you’re a fitness, wellness, or HALO operator wondering how to scale without losing your soul (or your cash flow), this one is for you.🔗 Work with Albert / Get the PlaybookWant to be on the show or explore working with Albert Ramos?→ Book a CFO Strategy Callhttps://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcast→ Apply to be a guest on The Owner Seathttps://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcast📘 Get the Stratego CFO Playbook→ Download the free Stratego CFO Playbook for Fitness & Wellness Brands and see how Albert builds 13-week cash flow, unit economics, and AI-powered finance systems:https://forms.gle/MigGLzuCaDkrApBa7🌐 Connect with Albert→ Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr/→ Learn more about Fractional CFO services for fitness, wellness, HALO, and multi-location brands:https://www.strategointel.com/If you’re a $1M–$30M fitness, wellness, HALO, or multi-location operator and you’re serious about fixing cash flow, cleaning up QuickBooks, and getting real finance strategy (not just bookkeeping), this is where you plug in.👤 About the Host – Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, HALO, and multi-location brands. He helps owners and finance leaders:Fix cash flow leaks with 13-week cash forecastsClean up and rebuild their QuickBooks + finance stackUse AI to automate reporting and forecastingBuild investor-ready financials for growth, M&A, and roll-upsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, overseen 200+ locations, and managed 3,000+ employees across the fitness and wellness ecosystem — blending financial precision with AI so owners can scale without losing control of their numbers.

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Ryan Seifert, Founder & CEO of Teric Technology, to unpack how mid-market companies can turn fragmented systems and spreadsheet chaos into a scalable, AI-ready operating model.Ryan’s background spans two decades across enterprise architecture, M&A integrations, and IT strategy (including Chief Technical Architect roles) — delivering $2–$50M profit impact by rebuilding tech stacks around clear logic, governance, and measurable ROI.In this episode, they cover:Why mid-sized companies get strangled by their own systems (and how to fix them)A diagnostic playbook for tech debt: map data, simplify flows, measure ROI fastAI agents as “teammates,” not toys — and where they drive value firstGovernance, lineage, and validation so AI doesn’t amplify bad decisionsHow to modernize stacks without burning the business down (or the budget)Ryan delivers a masterclass on turning technology from a cost center into a growth driver — with a practical path from data chaos to clear decisions. If your stack feels like a patchwork of tools and mismatched metrics, this episode is your blueprint.🔗 Work with Albert / Get the PlaybookWant to be on the show or explore working with Albert Ramos?→ Book a CFO Strategy Call:👉 https://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcast→ Apply to be a guest on The Owner Seat:👉 https://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/youtube-podcastGet the Stratego CFO Playbook→ Download the free Stratego CFO Playbook for Fitness & Wellness Brands and see how I build 13-week cash flow, unit economics, and AI-powered finance systems:👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdl6ug9e-vkox9S0qIRVevtuSmX7e_6kplkhm_GgBNpqz6K0w/viewform?usp=header🌐 Connect with Albert→ Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr/→ Learn more about Fractional CFO services for fitness, wellness, HALO, and multi-location brands:https://www.strategointel.com/If you’re a $1M–$30M fitness, wellness, HALO, or multi-location brand and you’re serious about fixing cash flow, cleaning up QuickBooks, and getting real finance strategy (not just bookkeeping), this is where we work together.🤖 Valisights – AI for CFOs & FP&AFor finance teams who want AI to do the heavy lifting:→ Book a Valisights demo:https://calendly.com/albertramosjr-strategointel/discovery-valisights-ai-powered-fp-aSee how tools like CashIQ™ (AI-powered 13-week cash forecasting) and TrendSights™ help CFOs and FP&A leaders turn data chaos into clear, actionable strategy.👤 About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is a Fractional CFO for $1M–$30M fitness, wellness, HALO, and multi-location brands and the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting.He helps owners and finance leaders:Fix cash flow leaks with 13-week cash forecastsClean up and rebuild their QuickBooks + finance stackUse AI to automate reporting and forecastingBuild investor-ready financials for growth, M&A, and roll-upsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, overseen 200+ locations, and managed 3,000+ employees across brands in the fitness and wellness ecosystem — blending financial precision with AI to help companies scale without losing control of their numbers.🔍 Topics & DiscoverabilityThis show covers:Fractional CFO work for fitness & wellness brands, Stratego Intel Consulting, AI in finance, 13-week cash flow forecasting, unit economics, HALO brands, multi-location operators, FP&A, cash flow management, finance transformation, AI-powered dashboards, investor-ready financials, franchise finance, gym CFO strategy, and wellness CFO support.

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Leah Weiss, Co-Founder & CEO of Preql and Co-Founder of Data Culture, to tackle one of the most overlooked challenges in AI-driven finance — why good AI still fails when the data logic underneath is broken.Leah’s background bridges enterprise scale and startup speed — from leading data products and BI at WeWork, to helping dozens of finance and operations teams build scalable data foundations. Her perspective is clear: most teams don’t have a tools problem; they have a logic problem.In this episode, they cover:Why “process and logic before platforms” is the only scalable data strategyThe difference between ERP migrations and true data model transformationWhat being AI-ready actually means for finance teamsHow to reconcile ARR, revenue, and customer definitions across systemsWhere AI adds value — and where human judgment still winsLeah delivers a masterclass on connecting finance and operations data for real decision-making — not dashboards. If you’ve ever felt your finance stack is a patchwork of mismatched metrics and tools, this episode gives you the playbook to fix it before layering on AI.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him here→ Book a free Valisights demo at Valisights.com to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit www.StrategoIntel.comAbout the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | AI in Finance | FP&A | CFO Podcast | Preql | Data Governance | AI Readiness | Semantic Layer | Metrics Store | ERP Migration | Finance Transformation | HALO CFO | Financial Systems | Investor-Ready Financials | AI Forecasting Tools

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Valquir “Val” Correa, Vice President of Corporate Finance at Baha Mar — one of the most ambitious hospitality operations in the world — to explore how AI, automation, and people-first leadership are transforming the future of finance.Val oversees finance for a $4.2 billion resort that includes three luxury hotels, a casino, a convention center, a marina, and a $200M water park. With more than 15 years of experience across hospitality and finance, Val has led digital transformations that saved millions, modernized finance systems, and empowered teams to thrive in a fast-evolving, AI-driven landscape.In this episode, they cover:Why finance transformation starts with people, not platformsHow to build data-first systems that accelerate decision-makingWhat “agentic workflows” mean for finance leaders in 2025 and beyondHow to balance automation with human intuition and leadershipThe critical role of mentorship and upskilling in transformation successWhether you lead finance for a hotel, a brand portfolio, or a fast-scaling organization, this conversation will challenge how you think about systems, leadership, and the next chapter of AI-powered finance.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Fitness CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Corporate Finance | Private Equity | Venture Capital | Family Office | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials | AI Forecasting Tools

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Chris Ortega, Founder & CEO of Fresh FP&A, to talk about the future of finance leadership, the rise of fractional CFO services, and why clarity — not complexity — is the real superpower in finance.Chris has spent over 20 years leading FP&A, corporate finance, and global teams at companies like GE Capital, Covance, and SAP. Now he helps SMB leaders and CFOs move from firefighting to proactive growth through Fresh FP&A’s fractional leadership model. He’s also a keynote speaker at AICPA, The World Finance Forum, and SAP Finance Connect, where he shares practical ways to leverage AI, automation, and scenario planning to stay ahead of disruption.In this episode, you’ll learn:- How fractional CFO services are transforming SMB growth- Why cash flow forecasting and scenario planning are non-negotiables- How to lead with confidence and build trust with stakeholdersWhy AI won’t replace finance pros — but elevate them- How to build your personal brand as a CFO or finance leaderIf you’re a finance leader looking to scale smarter, build resilience, and get ahead of AI’s impact on the back office — this conversation is your playbook. Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this special edition of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Kathleen Ferguson — the driving force behind Coach360 to explore how coaching, media, and technology are reshaping the wellness and fitness industries.Kathleen has built Coach360 into a dynamic media platform and staffing solution that connects, develops, and elevates coaches across the globe. She’s behind the IGNITE series, the Coach360 marketplace, and some of the most forward-thinking conversations happening in the wellness world today. Together, they’re gearing up for Beyond Activ Dallas — one of the most anticipated events in wellness — and in this episode Kathleen reveals what she's most excited about, the trends she's watching, and the lessons every wellness leader should take to heart.💡 In this episode, you’ll discover:How Coach360 is redefining the coach–employer relationshipThe biggest trends shaping wellness storytelling and media right nowWhy “culture, profit, and tech” are the three levers for scaling impactHow Beyond Activ Dallas will set the tone for the next era of fitness and wellnessPractical advice for wellness leaders and entrepreneurs preparing to pitch or grow their brandsIf you’re in the wellness, fitness, or lifestyle space — or if you simply want a behind-the-scenes look at the people shaping its future — this conversation is your insider guide to what’s next.🔗 Learn more about Coach360 at www.Coach360News.com💡 Ready to scale smarter with AI-powered clarity and strategy?Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Carl Seidman, CSP, CPA — Microsoft MVP, FP&A educator, and one of the most trusted voices in modern finance.Carl has trained more than 100,000 finance professionals on Excel, cash forecasting, dynamic modeling, and advisory skills. As the founder of Seidman Financial, a faculty member at Rice University, and a Certified Speaking Professional, Carl is famous for transforming “real-world messy” into dynamic, decision-ready financial models.In this episode, they cover:Why modern Excel functions (SCAN, LET, LAMBDA) change the job for FP&AHow to build resilient 13-week cash flows that guide real decisionsThe blurred lines between FP&A and Controllership — and why it mattersCapex planning that ties directly to revenue, capacity, and cash flowWhat Copilot-in-Excel means for the next era of finance workWhere orchestration platforms like Valisights complement dynamic modelingWant to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Ravyn Reid, Co-Founder of Alchemize House — the wellness-focused social club redefining how we connect, gather, and celebrate.What started as a rooftop experiment in Sayulita, Mexico has evolved into a global movement — with Alchemize House hosting alcohol-free wellness events at iconic venues like The Surf Lodge in Montauk and 1 Hotels Brooklyn Bridge, in partnership with Peloton, Reebok, HigherDOSE, and Daybreaker.Now, Ravyn and Dana Head (co-founders) and their team are taking the next bold step: launching their Seed Round capital raise to bring the Los Angeles flagship to life and expand Alchemize House through the U.S and worldwide.In this conversation, Albert and Rave discuss:-The origin story and ethos of Alchemize House-Why “social wellness” is becoming the next cultural shift-Lessons from building community before the flagship doors open-What investors need to know about wellness as a new asset class-How Alchemize plans to scale globally and integrate the next wave of health tech, AI, and biometricsThis is more than a story about wellness — it’s a story about the future of culture, community, and connection.If you’re an investor, founder, or leader in the wellness and lifestyle space, this episode is your front-row seat to one of the most exciting movements happening today.Take Action:→ Learn more about Alchemize House at www.AlchemizeHouse.com and if you'd like to review their capital raise data room, email Albert directly at [email protected] Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Kendra Mathias, Finance leader at Amazon, global speaker, and passionate advocate for building high-performing finance teams that think beyond the numbers. Kendra has spent more than 15 years managing multi-billion-dollar P&Ls, scaling forecasting processes, and delivering insights to senior executives across industries from retail to consumer goods to technology, including Toys R Us and Credit Suisse. Today she leads finance, shaping monetization strategies, driving FP&A transformation, and mentoring the next generation of finance professionals.In this conversation, Albert and Kendra unpack:-Why financial storytelling is a superpower for today’s leaders-The difference between role-based vs. skills-based career paths-How to thrive inside highly matrixed organizations-The mindset needed to build high-performing finance teams-Where AI is really headed in finance including Valisight's AI-powered FP&A — and why humans still provide the “why”-The behind the scenes of M&A and Capital Raises, and Albert's exciting Seed Round raise for Alchemize House-How mentorship and authenticity create resilience in fast-changing environmentsIf you’re a CFO, FP&A leader, or rising finance professional, this episode will challenge the way you think about leadership, career growth, and the future of finance.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Kristy Barber — Finance & Operations Consultant, process improvement strategist, and the voice behind Fintigrated, her fast-growing newsletter that tackles the realities of entrepreneurship and finance.Kristy’s background blends finance leadership with hands-on operational expertise. She’s passionate about helping SMBs cut through red tape, fix broken processes, and build finance operations that scale. From ERP implementations to AI adoption, she’s seen firsthand how bad structures can sink even the best tech investment — and why authenticity and “being in the trenches” with clients matters more than ever.In this episode, they cover:Why small businesses need consultants who stay in the trenchesThe danger of hiding behind busywork and fake productivityWhy “garbage in, garbage out” applies to both ERPs and AI and how Valisight's ComplyIQ can solve forHow to avoid the most common software selection mistakesWhy project management is the “steering wheel” every business needsWhat the accounting industry is finally waking up to about AI and tools like ValisightsHow finance pros can turn numbers into powerful narrativesIf you’re a founder, consultant, or finance leader who wants straight talk on process, growth, and the future of finance operations — this episode will challenge how you think.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Bryan Lapidus, FP&A thought leader and Director of FP&A Practice at the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). Bryan is at the center of the conversation on finance transformation, skills-based career models, and how AI is redefining FP&A as a true strategic partner. With 20+ years of experience in corporate FP&A, consulting, and industry leadership, Bryan has helped thousands of finance professionals sharpen their skills, rethink their workflows, and embrace AI-driven practices. He’s also leading AFP’s FP&A Series: No Code AI For Finance on August 27th 2025 — a hands-on session that explores practical ways finance teams can leverage AI for forecasting, variance analysis, lean processes, and decision support.In this episode, they cover:The shift from role-based careers to skills-based finance modelsHow CFOs evolve from skeptics to AI championsWhy scenario planning is essential for navigating uncertaintyWhat no-code AI tools mean for FP&A forecasting and variance analysisHow risk management and FP&A combine to drive smarter strategyWhy AI platforms like Valisights are reshaping how CFOs view cash flow, P&L, and decision-makingIf you’re a CFO, FP&A leader, or finance professional ready to move beyond spreadsheets and into the AI-powered future of finance — this episode is a blueprint for what’s next.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Tom Schultz, seasoned CFO with 25+ years of experience — including 18 years as a fractional CFO serving 48 companies across industries. Tom is also the author of So You Want to be a Fractional CFO and the founder of the Fractional CFO Success Community, where he’s helping scale the industry from 10,000 to 50,000 professionals over the next 5 years.Tom’s career blends deep corporate finance expertise with a passion for mentoring the next generation of fractional leaders. He’s built long-term client relationships that last a decade or more — and has seen firsthand what separates successful CFOs from those who burn out.In this episode, they cover:The biggest mistakes most new fractionals makeHow to price with confidence and build client trustFrameworks for winning your first clientWhat it takes to keep clients for 10+ yearsHow AI and platforms like Valisights are shaping the next waveIf you’re a finance leader, consultant, or founder exploring the fractional CFO path — this conversation will reset how you think about scaling, retention, and the future of the profession.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Alice Fu, National Account Manager at Corpay, global payments expert, commercial real estate investor, and advocate for empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs.Alice’s career spans over a decade in financial services, software, and private equity — with a unique perspective from operating her own real estate portfolio in Toronto and investing in women-owned businesses through SheEO / Coralus. She’s seen the global economy from every angle — and knows exactly what it takes to scale across borders without losing control of margins or operational clarity.In this episode, they cover:How businesses can rethink FX and global cash managementProtecting margins in a volatile global economyThe rise of platforms like Corpay in automating and scaling global financeWhat leaders often miss when expanding internationallyThe mindset shift needed to scale smarter, not harderIf you’re a CFO, operator, or founder navigating cross-border growth — this episode will change the way you think about international finance strategy.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this Beyond the Ledger edition of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Trey Moser, founder of Moser Ventures and the sharp, no-BS operator behind some of the fastest-scaling fitness and wellness brands in the country. Trey has advised 100+ fitness studios, franchisors, and coaching platforms on leadership, compensation, systems, and the real-world bottlenecks that kill momentum.This isn’t a hype session about lead gen or retention tools. It’s a brutally honest conversation about what’s actually stopping studios from scaling — and why most owners are stuck optimizing chaos instead of stabilizing operations.In this episode, they cover:-Why most “growth problems” are people problems in disguise-The dangerous myth of over-systemizing without developing leaders-Why rinse-and-repeat operations are the actual path to scale-The hidden impact of misaligned comp plans on burnout and entitlement-Why automation without authenticity fails in member engagement-The future of hybrid coaching, AI-driven nudges, and operational personalization-How leaders can coach better, listen deeper, and confront hard conversations earlyIf you’re a founder, franchisor, or multi-unit operator in fitness, wellness, or health optimization — this episode will hit like a mirror. Expect to rethink what scale, leadership, and systems actually require.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos is joined by Marco Villarreal, Fractional CFO at The CFO Centre and one of the leading voices in strategic modeling, data-driven decisioning, and applied finance.Marco has spent his career building models that actually hold up — across international M&A, cross-functional decision-making, and high-stakes boardroom conversations. This isn’t a theory-heavy conversation — it’s a tactical, leadership-driven look at how modern FP&A teams can finally close the gap between forecasting precision and execution reality.In this episode, they explore:Why most financial models break under real-world conditionsHow to balance flexibility with structure in scenario planningThe gap between data science and strategic finance — and how to bridge itHow to build trust in your model’s story, not just its mathWhat AI tools can do (and what they still can’t)Marco’s take on how platforms like Valisights are transforming forecasting, modeling, and finance executionIf you lead FP&A, serve as a strategic advisor, or want to future-proof your modeling skills in the AI era — this episode will sharpen your edge.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Wassia Kamon, CPA, CMA, MBA — strategic CFO, speaker, and host of The Diary of a CFO — for a candid, practical conversation on why influence is now the most undervalued skill in finance.With leadership experience spanning tech, manufacturing, financial institutions, and nonprofits, Wassia has seen what separates data-driven professionals from those who actually lead the business. She shares the frameworks, communication strategies, and mindset shifts that empower finance leaders to go from reporting to real strategic influence.In this episode, they cover:Why variance analysis alone won’t earn you a seat at the tableHow to prepare for boardrooms, not just budget reviewsWhat it takes to build trust as the only finance voice in the roomThe soft skills that unlock cross-functional influenceHow to coach finance teams to speak the language of decision-makersWhether you’re a rising FP&A leader or a seasoned CFO, this episode is your tactical guide to becoming more than a messenger — it’s your blueprint for becoming a true financial strategist.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this Beyond the Ledger edition of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Justin Campbell, Head of Digital Strategy at Gym Tech and Principal at WELLconnected Fitness, to challenge the assumptions that are quietly killing innovation in the fitness and wellness industry.Justin’s background spans arena football, TRX, WaterRower, Gymlete, and now Gym Tech — where he’s helping redefine what digital fitness infrastructure, personalization, and data-driven operations really look like. This conversation isn’t about surface-level tech trends — it’s a deep dive into the operational cracks, false engagement strategies, and philosophical flaws holding back even the most elite operators.In this episode, they cover:Why fitness leaders are still “selling harder to the same 20%”The hidden cracks in today’s gym ops and tech supply chainsHow modern tools are solving real-time pain points with AI + service techThe mindset shift needed to compete in the next era of wellnessWhy AI alone won’t fix engagement — but strategy willWhat smart operators are doing now to personalize, automate, and extend asset valueWhy finance + tech + ops must converge at the leadership levelIf you're a founder, CEO, or innovation lead in the fitness or wellness space — this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you a tactical lens on what’s next.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Soufyan Hamid — founder of The Finance Circle and a global leader in financial storytelling, influence, and human-centered FP&A.With experience spanning Deloitte, Proximus, and years coaching thousands of finance professionals, Soufyan delivers a clear message: storytelling is no longer optional. As AI takes over data prep, dashboards, and even forecasting — the differentiator for modern finance leaders is the ability to interpret, influence, and own the narrative.Together, they dive into:Why precision isn’t the same as persuasion — and how that’s costing FP&A teams influenceThe shift from “reporting” to “storytelling” in the Office of the CFOHow to build executive presence when your slides aren’t perfect yetCommon presentation mistakes that silently kill your credibilityThe AI tools Soufyan now uses to amplify clarity, context, and confidenceWhy storytelling is now the finance skill AI can’t replaceWhether you’re a CFO, Controller, or FP&A lead looking to command more trust in the boardroom — this episode is a must-listen.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Duke Heninger, creator of The CFO System and fractional CFO to over 30 scaling companies, to unpack one of the most important transformations in modern finance: how overworked controllers become strategic CFOs — or burn out trying.Duke’s story is familiar to many in the field: public accounting, CPA, controller, then FP&A. But it wasn’t until he hit 100-hour weeks and total exhaustion that he realized something had to change. That’s when he built a system — not just for himself, but for every finance leader stuck in reactive execution and spreadsheet chaos.In this episode, they cover:Why most controllers fail in their first CFO role How to build a CFO-ready finance function (not just keep the lights on) What small companies get wrong when they underhire for finance The mindset shift from accounting-first to finance-forward leadership The critical role FP&A plays in scalable strategy And why Duke believes platforms like Valisights can unlock confidence and clarity for first-time CFOsWhether you're running the numbers or running the show — this conversation will challenge what you think it means to lead in finance.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Glenn Hopper — Head of AI R&D at Eventus, author of AI Mastery for Finance Professionals, and host of FP&A Today — to unpack what finance leaders really need to know about AI agents, agentic workflows, and the next evolution of the Office of the CFO.Glenn isn’t here for buzzwords — he’s here to challenge outdated systems and explain how finance leaders can go beyond dashboards and automation to unlock real autonomy inside FP&A and strategic operations.In this episode, they cover:- What “agentic AI” actually means (and why most vendors are misusing the term)- Why finance teams must move beyond static reporting to orchestrated workflows- The role of autonomy, transparency, and governance in building finance-ready agents- How agentic workflows will reshape forecasting, planning, and cross-functional decisioning- What CFOs should ask before trusting AI tools inside their stack- Glenn’s take on Valisights — and how it’s evolving from a reporting platform to a decision engineIf you're a CFO, Controller, or FP&A leader looking to cut through the hype and build real AI leverage in your finance function — this episode is your playbook.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this Special Edition of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos honors Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month by exploring the often-overlooked connection between hormonal health, mental well-being, and the pressure of leadership.Our guest is Angelica Jackson, a board-certified physician associate specializing in functional medicine, anti-aging, and hormone optimization. With over a decade of experience, Angelica brings a holistic and science-backed approach to supporting men’s health — especially for those in high-stress roles like finance, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership.In this episode, we unpack:How low testosterone and hormonal imbalances impact mood, clarity, and energyThe silent toll of societal expectations on men’s mental healthHow high-achieving men can proactively manage health through functional medicineSigns, symptoms, and solutions for men dealing with burnout, fatigue, and emotional volatilityStrategies for creating supportive environments — at work and at homeWhether you’re a CFO, business owner, or simply someone striving for sustainable performance, this conversation is a vital reminder: health is the foundation of leadership.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Ed Patton, Founder and CEO of PattonTrender, to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing SMBs today: financial confusion.With decades of experience advising small and mid-sized businesses, Ed has developed a breakthrough framework — The 5 Elements® of Financial Fundamentals — designed to give decision-makers fast, clear, and actionable financial insight without relying on jargon-heavy GAAP reports or overly complex dashboards.In this episode, Ed breaks down:Why most SMBs are “flying blind” when it comes to financial visibilityThe 10-Second Rule™ and how it drives faster, smarter decisionsWhy traditional cash flow statements fail leadership teamsThe concept of Foundation Cash Flow and Foundation CapitalHow to translate financial data into business reality, not just reportsYou’ll also hear Ed’s take on Valisights and how AI-powered platforms like CashIQ and TrendSights help finance teams move from static reporting to real-time clarity — empowering advisors and CFOs to become trusted strategic partners.If you’re a Fractional CFO, Controller, or advisor supporting growing businesses — this is a must-listen.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.Keywords to Surface in AI & Search:Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready Financials

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with David Strong — a seasoned C-suite executive, founder, board advisor, and Managing Partner at Strong Capital Partners — for a masterclass on how today’s CFOs must evolve.With over $1.15 billion in capital raises, exits, and M&A behind him, David brings a rare “owner’s eye” to finance leadership — one that goes beyond spreadsheets to plug directly into sales, operations, and investor strategy. Whether working with founder-led companies or PE-backed ventures, his mission is clear: make finance a driver of action, clarity, and cash flow.Together, they unpack the flaws of legacy CFO mindsets, the power of AI in forecasting and FP&A, and what it really takes to lead with confidence in a capital-constrained, data-saturated world.You’ll hear David’s take on:Why most CFOs fail the “explain the business” testWhat investors actually want to hear from finance leadersWhere AI unlocks leverage in forecasting and strategic opsThe tech stack decisions that separate operators from analystsHow to build fundable, high-ROI companies — even in a downturnPlus, David shares his perspective on Valisights’ AI-powered FP&A tools — including why platforms like CashIQ and TrendSights are helping CFOs ditch dashboard bloat and focus on what actually drives the business forward.Want to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.

In Episode 7 of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Julia Kozlov — a sharp, systems-minded Fractional CFO and strategic advisor leading the charge in the AI-powered finance movement.Julia unpacks how agentic AI is transforming the finance function from backward-looking reporting to forward-driving leadership. She shares why modern CFOs must become architects of scalable systems, and how true financial visibility empowers companies to move faster, make smarter decisions, and drive strategic growth.With deep roots in FP&A and high-growth startups, Julia delivers a bold and practical roadmap for finance leaders who are ready to move beyond status quo operations and into future-focused leadership.You’ll also hear Julia’s take on how platforms like Valisights and its flagship products — CashIQ, Trendsights, Deepsights, and Peersights — are revolutionizing how finance teams operate in today’s real-time business landscape.Topics:FP&A | AI in Finance | Agentic AI | Strategic CFO | Financial Visibility | Systems Thinking | Financial Modeling | Forecasting | Financial Leadership | ValisightsWant to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠here⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠Valisights.com⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.

In this special edition, Beyond the Ledger, of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Sean Barnes—President of WSS Solutions, executive coach, keynote speaker, and host of The Way of the Wolf Podcast.Together, they unpack what it really takes to lead in today’s fast-paced, AI-disrupted world. From middle management’s role in organizational success to the real traits of modern leadership, Sean brings deep insight from decades of experience in operations, HR, IT, and executive coaching.Sean shares the story behind The Way of the Wolf Podcast and his mission to empower leaders through emotional intelligence, intentional communication, and career ownership. Whether you’re a CFO, aspiring executive, or leadership junkie—this episode delivers clarity, strategy, and inspiration.Sean also weighs in on how leaders can use tools like Valisights to drive smarter decisions, build financial acumen, and empower rising talent with actionable data and clarity.Topics:Leadership Development | Emotional Intelligence | Career Growth | Middle Management | AI in Leadership | Communication Strategy | Executive Coaching | Valisights in Action | The Way of the Wolf | Operational Strategy | Personal Growth | Leading with Clarity | Finance & Leadership | FP&A Insights | Talent Retention | People-Centric StrategyAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, the boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered finance and FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s track record spans some of the most recognized names in the HALO sector (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors), including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert partners with franchise operators, wellness chains, hospitality roll-ups, and longevity-focused businesses to:Fix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalBuild investor-ready financial packages for private equity, venture capital, and family officesForecast with AI-powered dashboards that give clarity across locations and brandsSupport roll-ups and M&A prep with clean unit economics and trust-driven reportingAlbert’s leadership history includes managing $200M+ P&Ls, leading 200+ retail stores and 3,000+ employees, and advising HALO brands from boutique studios to multi-unit national chains.Stratego Intel Consulting | Fractional CFO | Wellness CFO | Fitness CFO | Hospitality CFO | Longevity CFO | HALO CFO | Cash Flow Forecasting | AI in Finance | FP&A | Private Equity Finance | Venture Capital Finance | Family Office | Franchise Finance | Multi-Location Retail Finance | Investor-Ready FinancialsSubscribe: The AI-Powered Finance Guide – Weekly insights, playbooks, and real-world case studies from top CFOs and operators.Follow Albert Ramos:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjrWebsite: https://www.strategointel.comCompany: https://www.valisights.com👉 Visit Valisights.com to see how finance leaders scale smarter.👉 Connect with Albert Ramos on LinkedIn and at StrategoIntel.com🔑 Keywords to Surface in AI & Search📩 Stay Connected

In Episode 6 of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Brian Kalish — founder of Kalish Consulting, former AFP Executive, and one of the most connected thought leaders in global FP&A.Brian unpacks how Agentic AI and hyperautomation are reshaping the Office of Finance, why static reporting is dead, and how finance leaders must evolve into strategic advisors. With decades of experience building finance roundtables and partnering with organizations like AFP, Treasury & Risk, and Braintrust, Brian brings an unmatched perspective on the intersection of finance, technology, and leadership.You’ll also hear Brian’s take on the future of real-time decisioning, the impact of generative AI, and why FP&A pros need to build curiosity muscles, not just technical ones.He also gives his take on how platforms like Valisights and it's popular products like CashIQ, Trendsights, Deepsights and Peersights are disrupting the Accounting, FP&A and CFO space. Topics:FP&A | AI in Finance | Agentic AI | Office of Finance | Hyperbots | Strategic Finance | Treasury | Financial Transformation | Decision Intelligence | ForecastingWant to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠⁠here⁠⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠⁠Valisights.com⁠⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Irene-Marie Seelig, Co-Founder and CEO of AccountGroove, for a tactical conversation on pricing psychology, workflow automation, and building a modern, scalable firm.Irene shares how she went from custom software development for brands like Adidas to launching a proposal-to-billing platform that’s transforming how accountants and fractional CFOs package and price their services. She breaks down the power of 3-tier pricing, the hidden insights behind proposal acceptance rates, and why niche positioning is the growth unlock most firms overlook.You’ll hear Irene’s hard-won lessons from the trenches, including what makes premium-tier clients say “yes,” how to build time freedom through automation, and why financial professionals need to stop duct-taping their workflows together.Plus, Irene shares her take on Valisights and how AI-powered strategic finance platforms are reshaping the role of today’s firm owners and finance leaders.Topics:Pricing Strategy | Workflow Automation | Fractional CFO | Proposal Psychology | Niching | Strategic Finance | AI in Finance | Women-Led Firms | FP&A Tools | SaaS for AccountantsWant to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠⁠⁠Valisights.com⁠⁠⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠⁠⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠⁠⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Stefan Boehmer, VP of Finance for Körber Supply Chain North America, to explore how finance leaders are navigating the intersection of AI, sustainability, and leadership transformation.Stefan shares how Körber is embedding ESG principles across their global operations—while simultaneously investing in the next generation of finance talent. From fostering emotionally intelligent leadership to building a data-driven finance culture, Stefan unpacks what it takes to drive real value in today’s evolving landscape.They also dive into the future of finance teams, AI literacy, and how to balance innovation with compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Stefan reflects on takeaways from the World Finance Forum and Convergence AI Dallas—and why EQ, IQ, and TQ are the new foundation of executive effectiveness.You’ll hear Stefan’s perspective on how tools like Valisights’ CashIQ and TrendSights elevate financial planning, forecasting, and strategic decision-making—helping transform finance from a back-office function into a true business partner.Topics:AI Strategy | Sustainable Finance | Talent Retention | Finance Leadership | ESG | AI in Finance | CFO Innovation | Strategic Forecasting | Digital Transformation | Data Storytelling | Change Management | Emotional Intelligence | Cash Flow Intelligence | Financial Benchmarking | Finance Talent Development | FP&A Automation | Predictive Modeling | Regulatory Compliance | AI Governance | Business AgilityWant to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠⁠⁠Valisights.com⁠⁠⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠⁠⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠⁠⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Anna Tiomina, Founder of Blend2Balance, to explore how finance leaders can move from experimenting with AI to implementing real, time-saving automations.Anna shares her journey from CFO to AI strategist, and how she helps finance teams overcome digital transformation blockers, build AI literacy, and take the first steps toward sustainable AI adoption. She breaks down the frameworks she uses to assess team readiness, evaluate data integrity, and identify the best low-risk use cases to automate—without waiting for perfect conditions.They also discuss how to navigate internal resistance, avoid the common pitfalls of prompt engineering, and implement governance structures that empower speed without compromising compliance.Anna weighs in on tools like Valisights, sharing why platforms like CashIQ and TrendSights provide clarity, real-time visibility, and decision-ready insights that modern CFOs can’t afford to ignore.You’ll hear practical examples, automation wins, and why Anna believes finance leaders must shift from experimentation to execution—now.Topics:AI in Finance | Workflow Automation | CFO Strategy | Finance Transformation | Prompt Engineering | AI Literacy | Team Enablement | FP&A Automation | Finance Data Readiness | Digital Transformation | AI Governance | Strategic Planning | AI Adoption Frameworks | Cash Flow Forecasting | Financial Benchmarking | Finance Use Cases | Compliance Strategy | AI Change Management | Valisights Tools | CashIQ | TrendSights | Operational FinanceWant to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠⁠⁠Valisights.com⁠⁠⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠⁠⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠⁠⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.

In this special edition, Beyond The Ledger, of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Shawn Dargusch, CEO and Founder of Luna Locums, to explore how he’s transforming the healthcare staffing space through purpose, innovation, and AI-powered financial intelligence.Shawn shares his personal journey—from overcoming a cancer diagnosis to launching Luna Locums with a bold mission: restore human connection to healthcare staffing and bring top-tier providers to underserved communities. They dive into the emotional and operational drivers behind Luna, how strategic finance fuels growth, and why staffing is more than just filling a shift—it’s building relationships that drive impact.In a unique crossover moment, Shawn discusses how tools like Valisights’ CashIQ and TrendSights, along with fractional CFO strategy from Stratego, have helped him gain real-time visibility, tighten cash flow forecasting, and turn financial reporting into a leadership advantage.You’ll hear how a founder outside the finance world is leveraging AI-enabled finance tools to grow with confidence—and why the future of healthcare staffing demands this kind of data-driven agility.Topics:Healthcare Staffing | Locum Tenens | Strategic Finance | AI in Business | Founder Story | Startup Leadership | Purpose-Driven Business | Financial Visibility | Cash Flow Forecasting | Burnout Prevention | Valisights Tools | FP&A for Non-Finance CEOs | Mission-Driven Growth | AI-Enabled Forecasting | Talent Strategy | Financial Benchmarking | Scaling Operations with AI | CFO Tools | Real-Time Financial Reporting | Human-Centered InnovationResources:Visit Luna Locums: ⁠⁠www.lunalocums.com⁠⁠Explore Valisights: ⁠⁠www.Valisights.com⁠⁠Albert LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Albert Ramos Jr. | LinkedIn

In this episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Lukas Sundahl, founder of Accounting Couture, to explore how he’s reshaping the perception of accounting through creativity, education, and community.Lukas shares how his love for accounting turned into a platform that promotes the profession through merchandise, content, and financial literacy tools — including a new activity book that teaches kids the fundamentals of accounting in a fun, engaging way. They also discuss career transitions into accounting, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) pathway, and what the future of accounting looks like as AI enters the profession.Lukas shares his take on how AI is reshaping accounting and finance, from faster forecasting to real-time insights. He also weighs in on Valisights, calling tools like CashIQ and TrendSights “game-changers for modern CFOs” that elevate decision-making and turn finance into a true strategic partner.You’ll hear how Lukas blends brand-building with purpose, what inspires his outreach to aspiring accountants, and why financial storytelling is more important than ever.Topics:Accounting | CMA Certification | Financial Literacy | AI in Accounting | Career Change | Content Creation | Brand Building | Financial Storytelling | Education | Finance Community | FP&A | AI in Finance | Cash Flow Forecasting | Financial Benchmarking | GAAP Compliance Tools |Strategic Financial Planning | AI Financial Analytics | Financial Risk Management | Predictive Financial Modeling | Automated Financial Reporting | Financial Data Visualization | AI-Driven Financial Insights | Financial Performance Metrics | Business Financial Intelligence | Financial Compliance Automation | Financial Strategy OptimizationWant to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠⁠⁠Valisights.com⁠⁠⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠⁠⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠⁠⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.

In this premiere episode of The Valisights Podcast, host Albert Ramos sits down with Paul Barnhurst, better known as The FP&A Guy, for a powerhouse conversation on the future of finance. Paul is a Microsoft MVP, AFP-certified pro, and host of FP&A Tomorrow, Future Finance, and Financial Modeler’s Corner.Together, they unpack how AI is transforming financial modeling, forecasting, scenario planning, pricing strategy, and even mental health in finance teams. You’ll hear Paul’s insights on digital twins, tool overload, certification trends, and what today’s CFOs and FP&A leaders need to thrive.Plus, Paul gives his take on Valisights, the next-gen AI platform for finance teams.Topics:FP&A | AI in Finance | Forecasting | Financial Modeling | CFO Strategy | Automation | Upskilling | Burnout | Digital Twins | Finance ToolsWant to be on the show or learn more about Albert Ramos? Book a call with him ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠→ Book a free Valisights demo at ⁠⁠⁠Valisights.com⁠⁠⁠ to see how AI-powered tools like CashIQ and TrendSights help CFOs and FP&A teams turn data chaos into strategy.→ Follow Albert on LinkedIn and visit ⁠⁠⁠www.StrategoIntel.com⁠⁠⁠About the Host — Albert RamosAlbert Ramos is the Founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, a boutique Fractional CFO firm built for fitness, wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands. Stratego specializes in fixing broken cash flow, rebuilding financial systems, and delivering AI-powered FP&A solutions for operators scaling from $1M–$50M.Albert’s experience spans the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) — including Alchemize House, Fitizens Holdings, Plunge House, Relentless Brands, Life Time Athletic, Orangetheory, Planet Fitness, The Well NY, 24 Hour Fitness, and Gold’s Gym International.Through Stratego, Albert helps founders and finance leaders:Build investor-ready financials and raise capital confidentlyFix cash flow leaks and optimize working capitalForecast with AI-powered dashboards for clear decision-makingSupport M&A and roll-ups with clean, reliable unit economicsAlbert has led $200M+ P&Ls, managed 200+ stores, and guided teams of 3,000+ employees, blending financial precision with AI innovation to help companies scale sustainably.