The Role Of AI In Shaping The Future Of Finance Automation And Innovation With Nicolas Boucher Future Finance podcast

17:25

In this episode of Future Finance , hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with David Fortin CPA, Microsoft MVP, and the creative mind behind the Piggybank Accountant YouTube channel. They get into the real deal behind Microsoft Copilot: what it actually does well, where it’s still rough around the edges, and how it’s starting to make a difference for people working in Excel every day. David shares how he got recognized by Microsoft, what it’s been like behind the scenes, and why he’s focused on teaching finance pros to use these tools without losing sight of the basics. David Fortin brings a mix of startup experience, accounting know-how, and a ton of enthusiasm to the conversation. After helping raise $30 million and navigating a successful exit at a SaaS company, he turned his attention to content creation-making Excel and Copilot more approachable through online courses and quick-hit tutorials. He’s passionate about helping people understand tools that can save time and make their jobs a little easier, especially in finance. Expect to Learn: What it’s like becoming a Microsoft MVP and how David ended up on their radar. The strengths and limits of Copilot in Excel today especially for those new to the tool. Why features like “clean data” and basic Python functionality can be surprisingly useful. How to avoid being overwhelmed by buzzwords and just focus on what works. The value of starting small, staying curious, and being honest about what tech can (and can’t) do. David brings clarity, honesty, and a little humor to the conversation around Excel, Copilot, and where these tools are headed. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with the latest features, this episode will help you see how to use what’s already available without needing to be an expert. It’s a conversation that feels more like advice from a savvy colleague than a tech demo. Follow David: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fortin-cpa-816b20b5/ Website - https://courses.davidpba.com/ Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:11] - Introduction of guest [03:05] - How He Became a Microsoft MVP [06:00] - What Copilot Does Well Right Now [09:46] - “Clean Data” and Smarter Tools in Excel [10:44] - Using Python Without Being a Coder [13:03] - What the Future Could Look Like [14:11] - Cutting Through the AI Hype [17:21] - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up…

Future Finance

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Excel Automations to Save Hours with Microsoft Copilot & Python the easy way with David Fortin 49:43

12 days ago49:43

49:43

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with David Fortin, CPA, YouTuber, and 2024 Microsoft MVP, to explore the real-world evolution of Excel, Microsoft Copilot, and how AI is changing the finance landscape. With his signature humor and down-to-earth style, David shares how he transitioned from SaaS finance to teaching Excel online, and why he believes learning should be both practical and fun. David is the creator behind Piggybank Accountant , a fast-growing YouTube channel that teaches Excel and Copilot to accountants and finance professionals. Before diving into content creation full-time, David helped raise $30 million for a SaaS startup and supported its successful exit. Today, he’s known for making even the most technical topics feel approachable. Whether he’s talking about conditional formatting or Python in Excel, David’s mission is simple: help people learn skills that matter in the most engaging way possible. In this episode, you will discover: What it means to be a Microsoft MVP and how it’s opened doors in David’s career. Why Copilot is ideal for Excel beginners and how it’s starting to serve power users too. How finance professionals can actually use Copilot today to save time and improve workflows. Where Copilot shines, where it falls short, and what to expect next. Why David walked away from a corporate role to pursue content full time. David brings fresh energy to conversations around Excel, Copilot, and how technology is changing the way finance professionals work. This episode is perfect for anyone curious about Copilot, looking to up their Excel game, or wondering how to bring creativity into finance. David proves that learning can be entertaining, and still incredibly useful. Follow David: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fortin-cpa-816b20b5/ Website - https://courses.davidpba.com/ Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [01:07] - Welcome & Introduction [02:04] - Meet David: From CPA to Microsoft MVP [05:00] - What the MVP Journey Has Been Like [08:08] - Copilot in Excel: Where It Is Now [12:33] - New Features and Real Use Cases [17:33] - Sorting Through the AI Hype [21:03] - Using Copilot as a Finance Pro [25:40] - Time-Saving Examples from the Field [29:06] - Thoughts on Prompting and Productivity [36:06] - Excel Meets World of Warcraft [43:12] - Leaving the 9-5 for YouTube [49:00] - Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts…

Future Finance

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How Finance Teams Can Automate Internal Controls and Stop Data Errors with AI – Ahikam Kaufman 18:10

19 days ago18:10

18:10

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Ahikam Kaufman, veteran finance leader and co-founder of Safe AI, the world’s first platform for financial data governance. Ahikam shares how his experience at companies like Intuit led him to build a solution that replaces manual processes with smarter, more reliable financial oversight. He explains how Safe AI connects data across systems like ERP and CRM to catch issues early and automate routine checks. The conversation explores how finance teams can move faster, stay compliant, and trust their data. Ahikam Kaufman is the co-founder and CEO of Safe AI, a platform built to monitor and govern financial data across systems like ERP, CRM, and payroll. With over 20 years of experience in corporate finance and entrepreneurship, he’s seen both the promise and pitfalls of financial operations. From M&A and compliance challenges to launching B2C fintech ventures, Ahikam’s career shaped his vision for making financial data easier to manage, review, and trust. At Safe AI, he helps companies replace manual work with smart oversight so teams can close the books faster, avoid errors, and stay ahead of compliance. In this episode, you will discover: What inspired Ahikam to move from finance leadership into founding Safe AI Why traditional finance teams struggle to govern their own data across systems How Safe AI helps companies spot errors, detect fraud, and stay ahead of compliance The real-world challenges of financial close and how to fix them before they snowball How finance teams can embrace innovation without giving up control Ahikam Kaufman gave us an inside look at how finance teams can take control of their data and move beyond the manual processes that slow them down. From automating reconciliations to catching issues before close, he showed how Safe AI helps finance professionals work smarter and stay compliant without the last-minute scramble. This episode is a great reminder that true financial leadership isn’t just about tracking numbers-it’s about building systems that support accuracy, trust, and long-term growth. Follow Ahikam : LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahikam-kaufman-688310/ Website - https://safebooks.ai/ Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] - Welcome to the Episode [00:24] - SXSW and Startup Energy [01:00] - Transitioning from Corporate to Startup [03:25] - Replacing Manual Financial Controls [05:09] - AI-Powered Financial Graphs at SafeBooks [08:33] - Ensuring Compliance with SafeBooks [14:14] - AI’s Impact on CFOs [16:51] - AI-Powered Priority Alerting…

Future Finance

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How AI Could Have Saved Macy's $150M and Prevented Financial Disasters – Ahikam Kaufman 35:17

26 days ago35:17

35:17

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy ) and Glenn Hopper welcome Ahikam Kaufman, Co-Founder and CEO of Safebooks AI. They dig into what it really takes to run finance at a fast-growing global company. From building systems that can handle international payroll to staying on top of ever-changing rules and regulations, Ahikam shares a behind-the-scenes look at how finance can be a key driver of growth, not just a support function. Ahikam Kaufman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Safebooks AI, a platform focused on ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data for organizations. With a strong track record in leadership roles across finance and technology, Ahikam brings deep insight into the challenges companies face in managing financial data at scale. Prior to Safebooks AI, he held key positions in companies like Buildup and ScanModul, giving him a well-rounded view of both startup growth and enterprise needs. In this episode, you will discover: Why paying people in different countries is way more complicated than it sounds How finance teams can shape a company’s strategy-not just track expenses What makes Papaya Global stand out in the crowded HR and payroll space How to deal with the endless maze of international tax and labor laws Advice for finance pros who want to grow their careers in a changing world Ahikam Kaufman shared practical insights on how messy and unreliable financial data can hinder companies and what it really takes to fix that. Drawing from his experience as Co-Founder and CEO of Safebooks AI, he offered a grounded view on why visibility, structure, and accountability in financial operations are crucial for any organization. He emphasized that success starts with clean data and clear systems, not just better dashboards. At the heart of it all: discipline, attention to detail, and building tools that make finance teams stronger. Follow Ahikam: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahikam-kaufman-688310/ Website - https://safebooks.ai/ Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [01:53] - Welcome to the episode [02:19] - SXSW and Startup Energy [02:53] - Transitioning from Corporate to Startup [03:46] - The Importance of a Strong Foundation [05:40] - Replacing Manual Financial Controls [08:03] - AI-Powered Financial Graphs at SafeBooks [17:10] - Ensuring Compliance with SafeBooks [22:49] - AI’s Impact on CFOs [26:57] - AI-Powered Priority Alerting [32:26] - Fintech’s Biggest Problem…

Future Finance

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How Cash Flow Data Helps CFOs Fix Forecasting Using AI-Powered Order to Cash Tools with Carlos Vega 18:38

5 weeks ago18:38

18:38

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy ) and Glenn Hopper welcome Carlos Vega, fintech founder, investor, and AI enthusiast. Carlos shares his unique path from investment banking to co-founding Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform helping companies optimize cash flow and unlock real working capital. Carlos reveals how his frustration with traditional finance workflows led him to build tools that empower finance teams to move at AI speed - with smarter forecasts, automated collections, and deeper financial visibility. Carlos Vega is the co-founder and CEO of Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform. He has over a decade of experience in finance, including investment banking at Lazard and co-founding a factoring business. Carlos holds an MBA from Wharton, where he created a custom focus in “Innovation Through Analytics” He’s passionate about turning data into actionable insights and making cash flow more predictable. At Tesorio, he helps companies automate collections and optimize working capital using AI. In this episode, you will discover: Why Carlos created his own MBA path at Wharton focused on analytics Why cash flow forecasting isn’t just a finance problem - it’s a data problem The hidden reasons businesses turn to factoring (and why that’s risky) How Tesorio uses AI to clean up messy financial data Why actionable insights are way more valuable than fancy reports Carlos Vega gave us a fresh look at why cash flow is so critical and how using AI to clean, structure, and act on financial data can change the way businesses operate. From building smarter forecasts to creating better cash management habits, Carlos showed that real success isn’t just about growing fast, it’s about being predictable and staying in control. Follow Carlos: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-r-vega/ Website - https://www.tesorio.com/ Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:15] - Guest Intro [01:58] - Innovation and AI MBA [05:51] - Telecom Data Insights [06:41] - MBA as a Career Catalyst [07:19] - From Factoring to Forecasting [09:26] - Cash Flow vs Budgeting Focus [13:48] - Unlocking Cash Flow Insights [15:28] - Three Pillars of Data [17:57] - Final Takeaway…

Future Finance

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How AI Cash Flow Automation Helps CFOs Reduce Late Payments and Improve Working Capital - Carlos Vega 38:03

6 weeks ago38:03

38:03

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy ) and Glenn Hopper welcome Carlos Vega, fintech founder, investor, and AI enthusiast. Carlos shares his unique path from investment banking to co-founding Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform helping companies optimize cash flow and unlock real working capital. Carlos reveals how his frustration with traditional finance workflows led him to build tools that empower finance teams to move at AI speed - with smarter forecasts, automated collections, and deeper financial visibility. Carlos Vega is the co-founder and CEO of Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform. He has over a decade of experience in finance, including investment banking at Lazard and co-founding a factoring business. Carlos holds an MBA from Wharton, where he created a custom focus in “Innovation Through Analytics” He’s passionate about turning data into actionable insights and making cash flow more predictable. At Tesorio, he helps companies automate collections and optimize working capital using AI. In this episode, you will discover: How Carlos designed a custom MBA in “Innovation Through Analytics” Why cash flow forecasting is more of a data problem than a finance one The real reason so many businesses rely on factoring (and what it reveals) How Tesorio uses AI and ML to clean and structure financial data Why actionable insights matter more than predictive reports Carlos Vega shared practical insights on why cash flow is one of the most overlooked-yet critical-parts of running a business. With his background in finance and experience building Tesorio, he brought a real-world perspective to the conversation. He emphasized the importance of understanding where your money is coming from and when, and how small changes can make a big difference. At the heart of it all: clear processes, good habits, and staying on top of the details. Follow Carlos: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-r-vega/ Website - https://www.tesorio.com/ Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [01:28] - Welcome to the Episode [02:54] - Creating a Custom MBA [09:46] - Lessons from a Factoring Business [10:50] - Why People Ignore Cash Flow [12:27] - Building in Panama vs. the U.S. [14:12] - Cash Flow Is a Data Problem [19:21] - Is Cash Flow Forecasting Overlooked? [21:01] - Building Accurate Collection Models [23:53] - Real AI Use Cases in Finance [32:05] - Carlos’s Grounding Habits [36:53] - Final Thoughts & Key Quote…

Future Finance

1
The Financial Fallout of Trump’s Tariffs for Pricing Teams with Karan Sood 42:36

7 weeks ago42:36

42:36

In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy ) welcomes Karan Sood, a global pricing expert with over a decade of experience in revenue management and pricing strategies. Karan shares his knowledge on the impact of tariffs on global trade and pricing models. He talks about the complexities of tariffs, offering advice on how businesses can effectively manage the financial implications and adapt their pricing strategies during these uncertain times. Karan discusses the importance of collaboration across departments and creating flexible models that can quickly adjust to changing market conditions. Karan Sood is a global pricing expert and the Director of Sales Operations with a wealth of experience overseeing revenue management for over $6 billion across a wide range of industries. He is passionate about using pricing as a powerful tool to drive profitability and improve business performance. Karan has worked across industries including automotive, digital marketing, consumer goods, and more, developing pricing strategies that create real business value. Expect to Learn: How tariffs impact different industries and pricing strategies. Why a one-size-fits-all approach to tariffs is flawed and the importance of tailored strategies. The role of cross-functional collaboration in managing tariff impacts. How to create flexible pricing models that can quickly adjust to shifting market conditions. The importance of transparency with customers when adjusting prices due to tariffs. Karan Sood shared meaningful strategies for managing the complexities of tariffs in today’s global trade environment. His advice to stay calm, work collaboratively, and prioritize flexibility in pricing models is invaluable for finance professionals looking to navigate the challenges posed by tariffs. By emphasizing the importance of cross-departmental communication and transparency with customers, Karan offers actionable steps that can help businesses succeed in a volatile market. Follow Karan: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soodkaran/?originalSubdomain=ca Website - https://substack.com/@karansood Follow Paul : LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [02:08] - Introduction of Episode [03:05] - Karan’s Journey into Pricing [06:45] - The Global Impact of Tariffs [12:05] - Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work [16:00] - Managing the Impact of Tariffs [20:04] - Building Flexible Pricing Models [23:09] - Transparency with Consumers [28:46] - Short-Term vs. Long-Term Strategy [34:34] - Cross-Department Collaboration [39:06] - Book recommended by Karan…

Future Finance

1
ChatGPT Strategy for CFOs to Build Trust in AI Tools and Win Faster ROI in 2025 with Joyce Li 19:57

8 weeks ago19:57

19:57

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Joyce Li, a CFA, AI strategist, and former investor. Joyce shares her journey from managing multi-billion dollar portfolios to advising businesses on AI strategy and governance. She offers a thoughtful take on how AI is transforming decision-making, the importance of trust in technology, and why being human in a tech-driven world still matters more than ever. Joyce Li is a CFA, board director, AI strategist, and entrepreneur with a background in managing multi-billion dollar investments and advising corporate leaders. With an MBA from Wharton and a master's in computer science, she bridges the worlds of finance and technology. Joyce is a recognized voice in AI and advises companies on how to develop practical, trusted AI strategies for long-term value. Expect to Learn: How Joyce transitioned from finance and investing into AI strategy Why trust and governance are essential for AI adoption How SMBs and large companies can adopt AI more effectively Tips for building AI readiness in your company Why generative AI adoption is moving faster than past tech waves Why “human in the loop” matters now more than ever Joyce Li brought clarity, experience, and a grounded view on what it really takes to adopt AI in a meaningful way. From building trust and transparency to thinking critically about end goals, her perspective helps bridge the gap between tech hype and business value. Whether you're leading a large company or a growing startup, Joyce’s insights make it clear: real AI success starts with the right questions and ends with thoughtful execution. Follow Joyce: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjoyceli/ Website - https://averanda-ai.com/ Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] - Intro and Guest Welcome [01:04] - Joyce’s Shift Into AI [03:46] - Guiding Leaders on AI Strategy [06:42] - Lessons from an AI Startup [09:24] - Trust and AI in Finance [11:07] - Why Governance Matters in AI [12:57] - Replacing Legacy Tech [15:00] - AI Myths in Small Business [16:32] - Enterprise Hesitation with AI [17:58] - Speed of Generative AI Adoption [19:53] - Final Thoughts and Takeaways…

Future Finance

1
AI (Like ChatGPT) Is Disrupting Finance and Reshaping Investment Decisions with Joyce Li 43:53

9 weeks ago43:53

43:53

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy ) and Glenn Hopper welcome Joyce Li, a seasoned investor, AI strategist, and entrepreneur. Joyce shares her fascinating journey from being a CFA and managing multibillion-dollar investments to transitioning into AI and tech strategy. With nearly two decades of experience, Joyce now helps board directors and business leaders develop AI strategies and governance frameworks. Joyce Li is a seasoned investor, entrepreneur, and AI strategist. With an MBA from Wharton and a master’s in Computer Science from the University of Virginia, Joyce has spent almost 20 years managing investments and guiding businesses in technology adoption. She now advises leaders on developing AI strategies and governance frameworks. Joyce also co-founded an AI-powered financial planning platform, where she learned the challenges and opportunities AI can bring to business. In this episode, you will discover: How Joyce’s background in finance led her to focus on AI The real challenges businesses face when adopting AI Why trust is crucial when introducing AI into decision-making The speed at which AI is changing business models How to build a successful AI strategy without getting lost in the tech Why businesses need to focus on their goals before diving into AI tools Joyce Li shared valuable insights on how AI is transforming business strategy and decision-making. Her experience in both finance and technology has given her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities businesses face when adopting AI. Trust, transparency, and a clear understanding of business goals are essential when integrating AI into decision-making. Follow Joyce: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjoyceli/ Website - https://averanda-ai.com/ Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [01:46] - Welcome to the Episode [04:02] - Shifting Focus to AI Strategy [10:52] - Lessons from Co-Founding an AI Platform [12:42] - Building AI with Limited Resources [16:12] - Generative AI and the Future of Robo-Advisors [20:44] - AI’s Role in Startup Growth [23:23] - Why Startups Are Winning Big Clients [25:03] - Redesigning Workflows for the Future [32:26] - Why Big Companies Hesitate [38:24] - Describe AI’s Personality [42:58] - Wrapping Up the Conversation…

Future Finance

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How AI Digital Avatars in Banking Will Revolutionize Financial Advisory with Geoff Robinson 14:30

10 weeks ago14:30

14:30

In this episode of Future Finance , hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Geoff Robinson, founder of TheInvestmentAnalyst.com and former Managing Director at UBS. Geoff shares his passion for innovation in finance and technology, diving deep into how AI, digital avatars, and automated agents are reshaping the way we learn, invest, and deliver financial advice. Geoff Robinson is an investment analyst and former Managing Director at UBS, with years of experience in financial modeling and research. After a successful corporate career, he founded theinvestmentanalyst.com, a platform designed to deliver high quality financial training using AI-driven avatars and cutting edge technology. Geoff is at the forefront of exploring AI’s impact on financial education, advisory services, and market predictions. Expect to Learn: How digital avatars are revolutionizing financial education Why traditional institutions struggle with tech adoption The power of combining AI agents and personalized content How Geoff is building a fully AI-generated financial podcast What the future holds for AI in finance, training, and recommendations In this episode, Geoff Robinson offers a glimpse into the near future of finance where AI-generated avatars, real-time advisory bots, and metadata-driven recommendations shape how professionals learn and interact with data. His message is clear: those who stay closest to the technology frontier will be the first to innovate, adapt, and lead. Follow Geoff: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geofftheinvestmentanalyst Website - https://theinvestmentanalyst.com/ Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [02:12] - Starting the Platform [03:30] - Digital Avatars and AI [05:25] - AI Agents in Action [07:12] - Personalized AI Experiences [08:45] - AI-Generated Podcast [10:53] - Managing AI Risks [11:38] - Favorite Tech Tools [13:18] - AI Recommendations [14:10] - Final Thoughts…

Future Finance

1
How AI, Avatars and Voice Cloning Can Be Used to Improve Finance Education and Content with Geoff Robinson 50:45

11 weeks ago50:45

50:45

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst welcome Geoff Robinson, a financial expert, tech enthusiast, and founder of theinvestmentanalyst.com. Geoff shares his insights on the intersection of AI, financial markets, and digital avatars, discussing how technology is reshaping finance, training, and investment strategies. Geoff Robinson is an investment analyst and former Managing Director at UBS, with years of experience in financial modeling and research. After a successful corporate career, he founded theinvestmentanalyst.com, a platform designed to deliver high quality financial training using AI-driven avatars and cutting edge technology. Geoff is at the forefront of exploring AI’s impact on financial education, advisory services, and market predictions. In this episode, you will discover: How AI powered digital avatars are transforming financial education Why traditional financial institutions struggle to keep up with tech innovation The role of AI agents in real time investment advice and analysis How banks like JP Morgan are integrating AI into their operations The ethical and reputational risks of AI generated financial content In this episode, Geoff Robinson shared how AI, digital avatars, and automation are transforming finance. He discussed the power of AI driven training and the rise of digital investment advisors. Geoff emphasized the need for finance professionals to embrace technology and adapt quickly. Staying ahead in banking, investing, and education requires leveraging AI tools. Those who innovate will lead the future of the industry. Follow Geoff Robinson: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geofftheinvestmentanalyst Website - https://theinvestmentanalyst.com/ Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [01:55] - Introduction to the Episode [06:39] - Innovation Challenges in Finance [10:49] - AI in Financial Training [15:16] - AI Avatars in Advisory Services [19:36] - AI in Investment and Risk [22:19] - AI-Generated Podcasts [26:50] - Managing AI Risks and Reputation [37:08] - Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts [48:55] - Main Takeaway…

Future Finance

1
How AI Search Wars Are Changing Business for Professionals to Master Perplexity and ChatGPT 4.5 30:09

12 weeks ago30:09

30:09

In this episode of Future Finance , hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper talk about the latest AI developments impacting the finance and technology sectors. They discuss Perplexity AI’s rise, OpenAI’s new AI agent pricing, and how finance professionals can leverage cutting-edge AI tools to stay ahead. The growing AI browser wars, with Perplexity challenging Google and Microsoft, and the role of AI-powered financial tools like Lucid Now in transforming forecasting and decision-making for finance professionals. In this episode, you will discover: How Perplexity AI is competing with ChatGPT and Gemini in AI-powered search The impact of AI-driven networking tools like Boardy on business connections OpenAI’s AI agent pricing and why some models cost up to $20,000 per month The AI browser wars and Perplexity’s challenge to Google and Microsoft How finance professionals can use AI to enhance efficiency and decision-making AI is advancing rapidly, and finance leaders must adapt to remain competitive. Whether it’s leveraging AI for research, forecasting, or automation, staying informed is key to success in this evolving landscape. As new AI tools emerge, understanding their strengths and limitations will be crucial for making informed decisions. Those who embrace AI early will gain a significant edge in efficiency, strategy, and innovation. Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:32] - Perplexity AI’s rise and its impact on AI-powered search [04:19] - Boardy’s AI networking tool and its implications for professionals [05:51] - The risks of AI-generated content and best practices for using AI [16:11] - AI-powered financial tools like Lucid Now and their impact on forecasting [18:53] - Deep Research AI and how finance professionals can use it [28:52] - Final thoughts on AI adoption in finance…

Future Finance

1
AI and ChatGPT Skills Every Finance Expert Needs to Automate Data Analysis and Reporting |Tom Hinkle 41:38

13 weeks ago41:38

41:38

In this episode of Future Finance, host Glenn Hopper talks about the intersection of AI, data analytics, and finance with guest Tom Hinkle. Tom is a Microsoft MVP and analytics expert who shares his unique knowledge about AI’s impact on Excel, data science, and workforce analytics. He also discusses his Minesweeper project in Excel and the changing role of finance professionals in an AI-driven world. Tom Hinkle is a Microsoft MVP with 20+ years of experience in analytics, data science, and business intelligence. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Tom has worked with major financial institutions, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and TIAA. He is known for his problem-solving mindset, technical expertise, and ability to bridge the gap between business and technology. In this episode, you will discover: How AI is revolutionizing Excel and what that means for finance professionals. The role of AI in data cleansing and automation, making finance and analytics work more efficient. Why the best coders may not be the most valuable team members in the future of finance. Insights on Copilot in Microsoft 365 and how it’s changing financial modeling and reporting. The story behind Tom’s Excel Minesweeper project—how he built a game in VBA using AI. As AI continues to automate repetitive tasks, finance professionals must adapt, refine their analytical skills, and focus on storytelling to translate data into meaningful information. Tom’s journey highlights how embracing new technologies like Microsoft Copilot can enhance productivity rather than replace human expertise. Follow Tom: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomhinkleclt/ Website - https://excel-cafe.teachable.com/ Minesweeper Game - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/new-page-3 Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [01:46] - Introduction to the Episode [03:36] - Meet Tom Hinkle [06:07] - The Future of AI in Finance [11:53] - AI’s Impact on Excel and Financial Modeling [15:31] - The Skills Professionals Need in an AI-Driven World [24:02] - Building Minesweeper in Excel with AI [29:51] - Exploring Microsoft Copilot & AI Coding Assistants [33:07] - The Importance of Storytelling in Data Analytics [36:54] - Fun Segment & Tom’s Personal Quirk [40:53] - Closing Thoughts…

Future Finance

1
How AI Training on Fake Data is Creating Automation Failures for Tech Leaders with Adam Shilton 11:19

14 weeks ago11:19

11:19

In this episode of Future Finance , hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst sit down with Adam Shilton, a digital transformation expert, TEDx speaker, and founder of Shilton Digital. They explore the intersection of AI, automation, and business efficiency, discussing how leaders can leverage digital tools to replace manual work with more meaningful, impactful tasks. The conversation also focuses on the risks and challenges of AI-generated content, synthetic data, and the future of AI-driven business solutions. Adam Shilton is a leading voice in digital automation, specializing in helping businesses streamline operations using AI-powered systems. As the founder of Shilton Digital and a sought-after speaker, Adam brings interesting knowledge about the importance and role of AI in modern workplaces. Expect to Learn The potential and limitations of AI-generated content in podcasts and media How AI tools like Notebook LM can assist in decision-making and business analysis The risks of AI models training on synthetic data and the potential for misinformation How businesses can effectively integrate AI without fully outsourcing decision-making The future of AI-driven automation, including domain-specific AI agents The real value of AI lies not in outsourcing thinking, but in amplifying our ability to innovate, streamline, and create. As businesses navigate the digital transformation, the key isn’t just to adopt AI blindly, but to use it as a strategic partner. Follow Adam: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamshiltontech/ Website - https://www.adamshilton.com/ Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai , the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [01:29] - Adam’s experiment with AI in comparing ERP systems. [02:29] - The Risks of AI-Generated Content [03:33] - AI Training on Synthetic Data [05:24] - Digital Data vs. Human Knowledge [07:23] - The Importance of Keeping AI Creative [08:36] - AI as a Support Tool, Not a Replacement [09:59] - The Future of AI Agents and Domain-Specific Models…

Future Finance

1
DeepSeek AI Shakes Finance as China Challenges OpenAI and Nvidia’s Market Lead 18:46

16 weeks ago18:46