The FP&A Guy Network

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder sit down with Josette Ferrer to discuss one of the most overlooked skills in finance: networking. While many finance professionals focus on technical expertise, Josette explains why building genuine relationships is essential for career growth, leadership development, mentorship, and long-term success.

Josette Ferrer is the Founder and Managing Director of Clairent Advisors, a valuation and business advisory firm specializing in business and intellectual property valuations. She also serves as President of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) and is actively involved with organizations including How Women Lead, ProVisors, the American Society of Appraisers, and several executive leadership communities.

Expect to Learn:
Why networking should start long before you need your next opportunity
How to choose the right networking organizations for your career goals
Simple strategies introverts can use to build meaningful professional relationships
Why mentoring and networking naturally go hand in hand

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
"Networking isn’t transactional, it’s about giving, helping, and building relationships." - Josette Ferrer
"You don’t need a title to add value; small gestures can create lasting connections." - Josette Ferrer

Networking is a crucial skill for FP&A professionals, enabling stronger relationships, mentorship, and career growth. Starting early and engaging genuinely helps build trust and opportunities over time. Remember, networking is about giving and adding value, not just seeking benefits for yourself.

Follow Josette Ferrer:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josetteferrer/

Follow Glenn Snyder:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennsnyder/

Earn Your CPE Credit
For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today's Episode:
[00:00] – Trailer
[04:22] – What Great FP&A Looks Like
[12:36] – Choosing the Right Networking Group
[21:23] – Why You Should Start Networking Early
[27:39] – Building and Maintaining Your Professional Network
[33:18] – Networking Strategies for Introverts
[41:21] – The Power of Mentorship
[52:05] – Final Networking Advice for Finance Professionals

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Robert Collie, founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, for a conversation about artificial intelligence, data analytics, and how finance professionals can prepare for the future of work. Robert shares his journey from helping build Power BI at Microsoft to founding P3 Adaptive and explains why AI is creating both disruption and new opportunities for finance and data professionals.
Robert Collie is the founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, a Microsoft analytics and AI consulting firm. During his 13 years at Microsoft, Robert helped lead the development of Power Pivot and Power BI. He is also the author of the bestselling Power Pivot and Power BI book and hosts the Raw Data with Rob Collie podcast. His upcoming book, Fair Game: Customizing AI to Your Business is Easier Than You Think, explores how organizations can make AI practical and accessible.

In this episode, you will discover:
How Power BI and Power Pivot changed the way organizations use data.
Why AI is creating new opportunities for finance and data professionals.
Why sitting still with current skills can create career risks.
How companies can build AI systems using strong data foundations.
Why semantic models are becoming essential for AI adoption.

Robert brings decades of experience in business intelligence, analytics, and AI, sharing practical lessons on how finance leaders and data professionals can adapt, learn, and create value in a rapidly changing environment.

Follow Glenn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow Robert:
Website: https://p3adaptive.com/
Book: https://fairgamebook.ai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcollie/

In Today’s Episode:
[00:00] – Trailer
[00:00] – How AI is changing jobs
[02:43] – Robert’s Microsoft journey
[06:06] – Power BI and Power Pivot impact
[11:25] – Leaving Microsoft for P3 Adaptive
[15:43] – AI and the future of data work
[19:33] – Making AI accessible
[25:13] – AI tools and better workflows
[31:11] – AI in career planning
[33:38] – AI changing finance and consulting
[35:16] – Why semantic models matter
[38:35] – Building a strong company culture
[40:34] – Robert’s AI book and future plans

In this episode of Financial Modelers Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Dr. Eric Kelley, Finance Professor | Microsoft MVP (Excel), and one of the leading educators in financial modeling. Eric shares how his passion for teaching, mathematics, and financial markets led him into academia, and why developing scalable financial models starts with understanding the business before opening Excel.
Dr. Eric Kelley is a Professor of Finance at the University of Tennessee's Haslam College of Business, a Microsoft Excel MVP, and Faculty Fellow with the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge (MECC). He coaches the University of Tennessee's Excel eSports team, which won the 2024 MECC World Championship, and is passionate about using financial modeling and Excel eSports to prepare students for finance careers.

Expect to Learn:
Why communication matters as much as modeling skills.
Building scalable financial models that last.
Common financial modeling mistakes to avoid.
How Excel eSports sharpens problem-solving.
Why competition improves modeling skills.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
"Great financial modelers need strong oral communication skills because they must explain the story behind the model, not just build it." - Dr. Eric Kelley
"You're not trying to solve a single problem, you're trying to build a system that can take flexible inputs and generate useful outputs." - Dr. Eric Kelley

Eric Kelley shares why financial modelers need more than technical skills, highlighting the importance of communication, problem-solving, and building scalable models. He also discusses how Excel eSports and hands-on learning are helping students develop real-world modeling skills for future finance careers.

Follow Eric:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekkell/\
University of Tennessee: https://haslam.utk.edu/

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/
Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984
Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW
In Today's Episode:
[00:00] - Introduction & Dr. Eric Kelley
[02:10] - Eric’s Finance Journey
[03:17] - The Top Modeling Skill
[04:40] - Understanding Your Model
[05:33] - Common Modeling Mistakes
[08:03] - Excel eSports Explained
[10:31] - Performing Under Pressure
[11:51] - Coaching Excel Champions
[14:22] - Excel eSports in Modeling
[17:13] - Teaching with FMI Cases
[18:57] - The Future of Financial Modeling

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Albert Lee, FP&A leader, AI finance coach, and corporate trainer, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the finance profession. Albert shares practical insights from implementing AI in corporate finance, coaching CFOs, and training finance teams on responsible AI adoption.
Albert Lee is an FP&A leader, AI finance coach, and corporate trainer with over 13 years of experience helping finance teams embrace AI and automation. He has led FP&A functions across multinational organizations, including Merlin Entertainments and The Cookware Company, driving forecasting, profitability modeling, and process improvements across APAC. Today, Albert coaches CFOs and finance leaders through the AI Finance Club while delivering AI training for global organizations and professional finance communities.

Expect to Learn:
Why AI should be your finance copilot
How to build trusted AI workflows
When to use AI vs. Power Query
Best practices for secure AI adoption
Key skills for the future of FP&A

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
"A strong analyst using AI becomes much stronger. A weak analyst using AI simply makes mistakes faster." - Albert Lee
"The best FP&A professionals don't just explain the numbers, they explain what they mean and what should happen next." – Albert Lee

Albert Lee shares practical insights on using AI to enhance FP&A without sacrificing governance, accuracy, or human judgment. He reminds finance professionals that while AI can dramatically improve productivity, true business value comes from combining the right technology with strong data practices, critical thinking, and trusted business partnerships.

Follow Albert:
Website - https://axiomfpa.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-lee-fcpa-869478118/

Earn Your CPE Credit
For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode
[00:00] – Trailer
[02:14] – Meet Albert Lee
[03:34] – Why Copilot?
[05:27] – AI Automation Journey
[09:47] – AI Training & Coaching
[19:51] – AI Challenges
[23:50] – AI Workflows
[28:18] – AI Governance
[31:23] – AI's Strengths & Limits
[39:40] – Career Advice & Wrap-up

In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Hopper are joined by guest Alex Brower, co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, to explore why forecasting problems often begin with the data layer. They discuss data plumbing, semantic alignment, Model Context Protocols (MCPs), vibe coding, and how finance and go-to-market teams can work from shared definitions to improve forecast quality and analysis.
Alex Brower is the co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, helping finance and go-to-market teams connect data, improve forecast accuracy, and boost analyst productivity by up to five times. He previously led finance and marketing at high-growth tech firms like AppTelligent (acquired by VMware) and Cloud Academy (acquired by QA).

In this episode, you will discover:
How data hygiene and shared definitions improve forecasting
Why unified data alone does not solve business alignment issues
MCP vs semantic layers for reliable analysis
The risks of untested AI-generated analysis
Why AI cost and governance matter

Alex explains how QFlow helps companies prepare data, run planning workflows, and turn analysis into board-ready stories.

Follow Alex:
Website: https://qflow.ai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrower/

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] – Introduction
[02:15] – Data & Forecasting Challenges
[06:43] – MCP vs Semantic Layers
[09:55] – AI Coding Risks
[15:52] – QFlow Data Preparation
[18:10] – Planning & Business Insights
[20:51] – Closing Thoughts