221. CFO Stories: Behind the Numbers Leading Finance in High-Growth SMEs with Gemma Doran

CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance

Send us your thoughts

In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Gemma Doran, CFO at Savea Technology Ltd, about the realities of leading finance in high-growth SMEs. From her unexpected start in journalism to managing multi-million-pound fundraises, Gemma reflects on what it takes to thrive as a CFO in fast-moving environments, how to balance optimism with realism in forecasting, and why adaptability and clarity are vital when raising capital.

In this episode, Gemma discusses

• Her career journey from politics and journalism to finance leadership
• The pros and cons of different funding types, including SAFE and ASA
• Why micro-level cashflow management is essential in SMEs
• The true cost and complexity of fundraising for growth
• Forecasting with flexibility in uncertain economic climates
• The importance of team development, communication and stakeholder buy-in

Links mentioned

• Gemma's Linkedin

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

Chapters

1. Introduction to CFO 4.0 (00:00:00)

2. Gemma's Journey to CFO (00:01:17)

3. Key Skills of an SME CFO (00:04:30)

4. Fundraising Strategies and Options (00:10:08)

5. Creating Realistic Financial Forecasts (00:17:04)

6. Adapting to Economic Changes (00:24:24)

7. Balancing Speed with Accuracy (00:31:35)

8. Top Tips for Effective Forecasting (00:44:32)