AI born beats AI retrofitted

If there is no playbook, how confident are you in running the business while preparing to sell it at the same time? Trade sales are often described as a process. In reality, they are a test of judgement. Leaders are expected to keep performance on track, manage investors, support teams, and make irreversible decisions, all while the business is being prepared for exit, often with imperfect information and no clear right answer. In this episode of Chat CFO, Neil sits down with Stephen Loftus, CEO at Wattbike, to talk candidly about what it takes to run a private equity-backed business while preparing it for sale. Stephen shares what it really feels like to hold both responsibilities at once, and why personal judgement and relationships impact the outcome far more than any checklist. We get into: How to keep the business performing while preparing for an exit Why selling a business rarely follows the process leaders expect How judgement and relationships influence outcomes during a trade sale Where leaders underestimate the pressure and complexity of doing both jobs How AI and mentorship are changing how decisions get made under pressure---- About our guest: Stephen Loftus is CEO of Wattbike, where he has led the business through a PE-backed transformation, including refinancing, restructuring, new product launches, a return to profitability, and a successful trade sale in July 2025. Stephen is a commercial CEO with experience across FMCG, health and wellness, and consumer brands. He began his career in strategy consulting and FMCG with Diageo, Red Bull, and Constellation Inc, and later helped scale Brompton as Chief Commercial Officer, growing revenues from £27m to £120m and expanding margins. You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-loftus-8441291/  ---- About Chat CFO: Chat CFO is a podcast featuring honest conversations with CFOs, COOs, and CEOs about the decisions that impact businesses. The focus is on what leadership looks like in practice, including what worked, what didn’t, and what leaders learned along the way. Produced by STOIX, Chat CFO is proudly supported by Unity Advisory as headline sponsor.  ————— About our host: This episode of Chat CFO is hosted by Neil French. Neil is the Co-Founder of STOIX. Over the last 19+ years, he’s worked closely with leaders across interim and permanent mandates, often in moments of transition: new ownership, new strategy, broken teams, or first-time leadership hires. He works with CFOs, CEOs and investors navigating scale, complexity and change, typically in PE-backed, VC-backed, listed or founder-led environments.  Connect with Neil on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-french/ 

What does it take to build a business where AI enhances human expertise?In this episode, Pippa Dussuyer and Dean Farthing of Unity Advisory discuss how they helped build a firm designed to grow with AI from day one.For most businesses, bolting AI onto old structures magnifies existing problems as it highlights broken data and siloed teams. Pippa and Dean share how a culture built on open information and a single P&L creates an environment where AI is not a threat but an accelerator. It allows teams to build solutions in hours, removes internal politics, and frees people up for higher-value thinking. This episode shows you what the future looks like. ———————— About our guestsPippa is a Founding Partner at Unity Advisory and a veteran of business transformation with over 20 years of experience. At Unity, she’s building an AI-born consultancy that elevates human expertise to provide more impactful results for clients.  Pippa helps corporate and PE-backed business to optimise holistically across Lead-to-Cash, ensuring that Commercial and Finance teams work in tandem to drive revenue and EBITDA.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pippa-dussuyer-80006a12/ Dean is a Founding Partner at Unity Advisory specialising in employment tax and incentives for high-stakes moments. Dean helps CFOs and boards design reward plans that work for both the business and its stakeholders.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-farthing/ —————About Chat CFO: Chat CFO is a podcast featuring honest conversations with CFOs, COOs, and CEOs about the decisions that impact businesses. The focus is on what leadership looks like in practice, including what worked, what didn’t, and what leaders learned along the way. Produced by STOIX, Chat CFO is proudly supported by Unity Advisory as headline sponsor.  —————About our hosts: This episode of Chat CFO is hosted by Neil French and Carolyn Cole. Neil is the Co-Founder of STOIX. Over the last 19+ years, he’s worked closely with leaders across interim and permanent mandates, often in moments of transition: new ownership, new strategy, broken teams, or first-time leadership hires. He works with CFOs, CEOs and investors navigating scale, complexity and change, typically in PE-backed, VC-backed, listed or founder-led environments.  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-french/ Carolyn is a Partner at Unity Advisory, where she works closely with CFOs and finance leadership teams on finance transformation, ERP strategy, and operating model change. Her background is rooted in helping organisations translate ambition into practical delivery, especially where people and process collide. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-cole-98485610/ ————— About our sponsors Unity Advisory is a next-generation CFO advisory firm, grounded in experience and built to evolve. The firm supports complex, ambitious mid-market organisations with integrated, AI-enabled solutions across finance operations, tax, transactions, digital and transformation. Free from audit conflicts and legacy constraints, Unity Advisory helps leadership teams move faster, scale with confidence and deliver sustainable enterprise value.  Learn more at https://unity-advisory.com/ 

Why do ERP programmes feel so painful, even when they are meant to make things better?In this episode of Chat CFO, we sit down with Gareth Bennett, Finance Transformation Lead at News UK, and John Ashworth, Finance Transformation Director at The Crown Estate. Gareth and John share their experiences from the sharp end of ERP and finance transformation. They talk openly about what goes wrong before and after go-live and how leaders keep momentum when programmes run for years rather than months. The episode explores ERP as a business change problem, with honest reflections on accountability and what finance leaders need to get right if change is going to stick.Chat CFO is supported by Unity Advisory - https://unity-advisory.com/ ----------- Chapters + Timestamps:00:00 – Meet the guests and why ERP divides opinion01:13 – Is ERP dead or just misunderstood?03:48 – Data is the real prize in modern ERP04:15 – What must be true before starting ERP06:29 – The danger of trying to deliver everything at once09:35 – Why design sign-off is harder than it sounds12:28 – Change management that actually works17:38 – Change fatigue and leadership pressure23:58 – Who should sponsor ERP, CFO or CTO?28:19 – One partner or many?50:01 – One piece of advice before your first ERP programme—————About Our Guests:Gareth is a finance transformation leader with experience working inside fast-moving, high-profile organisations. At News UK, he has been closely involved in modernising finance platforms and ways of working. His background combines strong financial foundations with hands-on delivery of large system change, helping finance teams move away from manual effort and towards operational confidence that supports the wider business.You can connect with Gareth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethcbennett/John is a senior finance transformation leader with a track record of leading complex, enterprise-wide change. His experience spans large, regulated organisations where finance, technology, and operating models intersect at scale. At The Crown Estate, he is responsible for delivering finance transformation that supports a diverse portfolio of assets and long-term national value creation. You can connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-r-ashworth/—————About Chat CFO:Chat CFO is a podcast featuring honest conversations with CFOs, COOs, and CEOs about the decisions that impact businesses. The focus is on what leadership looks like in practice, including what worked, what didn’t, and what leaders learned along the way.Produced by STOIX, Chat CFO is proudly supported by Unity Advisory as headline sponsor. Together, STOIX and Unity Advisory share a focus on creating space for experience-led conversations that go beyond surface-level commentary.With Unity Advisory on board, the podcast continues to expand its reach across the C-suite. Chat CFO is for CFOs, aspiring CEOs, and finance leaders who want insight from people who have been there, made the decisions, and lived with the outcomes.—————About our hosts:This episode of Chat CFO is hosted by Neil French and Carolyn Cole.Neil is the Co-Founder of STOIX. Over the last 19+ years, he’s worked closely with leaders across interim and permanent mandates, often in moments of transition: new ownership, new strategy, broken teams, or first-time leadership hires. He works with CFOs, CEOs and investors navigating scale, complexity and change, typically in PE-backed, VC-backed, listed or founder-led environments.&nbs

What does it really mean to be the CFO of a national sport, where decisions are public and trade offs are unavoidable?In this episode of Chat CFO, we sit down with Nimesh Kataria, CFO at the England and Wales Cricket Board, to talk about the reality of leading finance inside a national institution.Nimesh opens up about his move from media and broadcast into sport, the change from operating within a global matrix to taking full ownership, and what it means to balance financial rigour with safeguarding the future of cricket.This conversation was filmed ahead of the Ashes series, which Nimesh references during the discussion, before the outcome of the tour was known.We get into:- What it’s really like being CFO of England’s national sport- Moving from global media into full financial ownership at the ECB- Making investment decisions without endless cash- How finance leaders should approach AI and technology adoption- Managing accountability, pressure, scrutiny, and long term responsibility Chapters and Timestamps:00:00 – What it means to be CFO of England’s national sport01:06 – Nimesh’s journey into finance and media03:16 – Leaving EY and choosing roles with purpose05:10 – Building a career through opportunity, risk, and relationships07:14 – Commercial finance, influence, and stakeholder management08:50 – Career highlights from global media and sport broadcasting10:37 – Leadership lessons, risk taking, and trust13:30 – Moving from a matrix organisation to full ownership at the ECB15:51 – Learning fast, leaning on networks, and adapting quickly17:29 – Passion, accountability, and choosing the ECB role19:37 – Balancing financial discipline with sporting values21:42 – AI, technology, and the future of the finance function24:18 – Collaboration across sport and governing bodies26:14 – Accountability, preparation, and board confidence29:01 – Shifting from reporting to long term strategy33:21 – The future CFO pipeline and evolving finance careers39:33 – Work, priorities, and managing personal trade offs42:43 – Advice for aspiring CFOs and closing reflections----------------------------------------------------------- About our guest Nimesh Kataria is Chief Financial Officer at the England & Wales Cricket Board, where he leads finance alongside responsibility for procurement and technology. Before joining the ECB, Nimesh spent over 15 years in media and broadcast, including senior leadership roles at Warner Bros. Discovery, where he served as CFO of the International Sports Division, overseeing Eurosport across EMEA and the TNT Sports joint venture with BT, as well as Finance Director for the UK business.Nimesh brings deep experience across commercial finance, end to end M&A, large scale transformation, and stakeholder management at board and executive level.  You can connect with Nimesh on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimesh-kataria-369b8b26/----------------------------------------------------------- About Chat CFO The Chat CFO podcast gives you insights from CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most. Find more episodes and conversations with finance leaders on Chat CFO.  https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO

In this episode of Chat CFO, we sit down with Mark Buckley, former CEO of Perfect Moment, to talk through what it takes to get a business listed on the New York Stock Exchange.Mark shares the full story behind taking a loss-making, private equity backed consumer brand through a US IPO, after exhausting every other funding route. We talk openly about the pressure, the fundraising reality, the time away from family, and the things no one really prepares you for.Beyond the initial public offering, we also get into Mark’s journey from big corporate environments like Marks & Spencer and Burberry, into private equity backed SMEs, and eventually stepping into a CEO role unexpectedly. There are honest reflections on leadership, investments, resilience, career trade-offs, and why slowing down has become a priority in his next chapter.If you’re a CFO, finance leader, founder, or investor curious about IPOs, private equity, or the jump from corporate into smaller businesses, there’s a lot here that will resonate.----------------------------------------------------------- About our guest Mark is a CEO and CFO with over 25 years of adaptive leadership, driving significant growth and transformation across global luxury and omni-channel retail. His career spans established FTSE corporates like Burberry and Marks & Spencer, as well as successful Private Equity backed and founder-led brands such as Perfect Moment and Rapha. You can connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdbuckley/----------------------------------------------------------- About Chat CFO The Chat CFO podcast gives you insights from CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most. Find more episodes and conversations with finance leaders on Chat CFO.  https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO

In this episode of Chat CFO, Benyam Hagos, CFO at Form3, explains how a CFO in a FinTech needs to think and act more like a commercial partner than a traditional finance lead. He talks about shaping the story of the business for investors, pushing for new markets, and treating growth conversations with the same energy and intent you would usually see from a sales leader. It is a view developed from years working in audit and a clear understanding of the pressure that comes with venture backed expectations.Benyam covers: How he builds trust and rhythm with a CEO during a period of rapid scale The practical habits that help him stay organised and avoid constant overload What remote leadership looks like inside a global finance team Why he took on a non-executive role and how it changed the way he shows up in boardroomsBenyam also shares the personal experiences that influenced the way he works, from finding mentors who could stretch him in the right ways to recognising the early signs of burnout and building healthier boundaries that allow longevity rather than short bursts of performance.----------------------------------------------------------- About our Guest Benyam has over 17 years of experience in the finance and payments industry and he is currently the CFO at Form3 as well as the Chairman and NED for Trust Payments. Connect with Benyam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benyam-hagos-b2782790/About Chat CFO The Chat CFO podcast gives you insights from CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most. Find more episodes and conversations with business leaders on Chat CFO.  https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO

In this episode of Chat CFO, Tom Platford, fractional CFO to early-stage startups, shares his journey on scaling SuperAwesome from Series A to exit, and what he learned along the way.Tom reflects on the toughest moments of his journey, including managing a nine-figure acquisition deal and why being an expert generalist is no longer optional.Tom covers:•The difference between early and late-stage CFO roles•When and how to bring in a fractional CFO•Why future finance teams will include AI agents•The importance of storytelling, design thinking, and failure in CFO leadershipTom also shares personal reflections on burnout and the habits that keep him grounded through high-pressure moments.-----------------------------------------------------------About our guestTom is a CFO with over 12 years of experience in startups and knows the challenges founders face when navigating a business to an exit. He now helps founders build shareholder value and achieve a successful exit.Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasplatford/About Chat CFOThe Chat CFO podcast gives you insights from CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most.Find more episodes and conversations with finance leaders on Chat CFO.https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO

What happens when someone who scaled technical hiring at Google starts rethinking what good leadership looks like in private equity?In this episode of Chat CFO, Jenny Collins, Head of Talent at Faraday Partners and former Google and PE Chief Talent Officer, shares her take on what great hiring really looks like. She talks about her years in global tech and what she learned about culture from watching it either thrive or disappear depending on who was paying attention.We get into:🧭 Why cognitive diversity at the top table is more than a tick box💬 What Google taught her about building teams that last🔍 Why AI isn't replacing recruitment but making the human parts more important💡 How private equity can borrow from venture and vice versa🤝 The real value of referencing, psychometrics, and behavioural data in hiringIf you're shaping teams in high-growth or high-pressure environments, or you're just curious how someone blends empathy, rigour and data into HR at the sharpest end of business, this one’s for you.#ExecutiveHiring #TechLeadership #PrivateEquity #ChatCFOTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction06:08 - The evolution of AI08:53 - AI's impact on employment and talent acquisition12:03 - Navigating executive hiring14:58 - Cultural differences in leadership17:59 - Diversity and inclusion in the workplace23:33 - Strategic hiring for company growth25:04 - Differences between VC and Private Equity32:10 - The role of references in hiring34:05 - Balancing skills and Cultural Fit in Hiring41:00 - Optimising the interview process and hiring experience48:01 - The role of AI in recruitment55:06 - Future trends in talent acquisition

What happens when a bold COO questions how conscious consumerism really works?In this episode, Shonagh Primrose, Chief Operating Officer at Wylde Market, rips apart the rules of growth and reveals how to build a purpose-led platform without bowing to the noisy short-term pressures of venture investors.We get into:🌱 Why slow commerce might be the most radical growth strategy yet⚡ The tough trade-offs every COO faces in the fight between mission and margin🧩 How to build brand trust in a world wired for instant gratification💥 The surprising power of friction in a customer experienceIf you’re wrestling with how to scale a values-led business or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at the hard choices no one talks about, this conversation is honest, human, and worth every minute.🎧 Tune in and tell us: Would you choose slower, sustainable growth if it meant protecting your values?Discover more in this episode:00:00 - Introduction & background03:08 - Insights from Shonagh's experience06:02 - The role of coaching and mentorship09:04 - Understanding coaching vs mentorship vs therapy11:47 - Creating safe spaces for difficult conversations14:59 - The importance of different perspectives17:55 - Balancing vulnerability and tough decisions in leadership30:50 - Hiring for diversity fit37:33 - Navigating different organisational sizes43:35 - Career strategies for new graduates50:58 - The importance of networking55:50 - Career planning and flexibility

What does it really take to lead finance in one of the world’s most fast-paced and complex tech companies without following the traditional path?In this episode, Katie Brewis, Strategy & Commercial Finance Director at Google, shares her journey from economist to strategy consultant, and now to leading finance across Google’s EMEA marketing organisation.We get into:🐬 The leadership mindset that helps navigate both big-picture strategy and day-to-day detail🧠 How AI is reshaping finance work and why core skills still matter📊 What effective collaboration between finance and marketing actually looks like♻️ How Katie brought her interest in sustainability into her day jobWhether you are stepping into leadership, thinking about your next move, or simply curious about how finance operates at scale, this episode is full of practical insight and straight-talking advice.🎧 Listen now and tell us: What part of the CFO skillset do you think is changing fastest?Chapters:00:00 - Introduction03:04 - Navigating the Fast-Paced World of Google06:04 - The Importance of Sustainability in Business08:57 - Understanding the Role of a CFO in 202512:09 - Leadership Lessons and Collaborative Styles14:58 - The Impact of AI on Finance and Marketing24:36 - Navigating Skills in an AI-Driven World27:26 - AI's Role in Sustainability and Climate Change28:14 - The Future of Energy Solutions30:04 - Challenges of Remote Team Management35:40 - Leadership Lessons from Mentors40:24 - The Intersection of Marketing and Finance45:31 - Advice for Aspiring CFOs