Summary

In this podcast episode, David Adderson interviews Charlie Hunt, a fractional CFO and COO, discussing the intersection of finance and operations, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the impact of AI on the finance sector. Charlie shares his journey from traditional finance roles to self-employment, emphasising the importance of people in business and the need for change in finance departments. The conversation also explores the future of work in finance, the role of AI, and the personal reflections on success and failure in Charlie's career.Takeaways

• Finance and operations are interconnected and essential for business growth.
• People are at the heart of finance and operations, not just numbers.
• Change management is a significant challenge in finance departments.
• AI is transforming the finance sector, but it also poses risks to jobs.
• Self-employment offers flexibility and control over one's career.
• The journey into finance can be unexpected and shaped by various experiences.
• Success is often about building relationships and trust with clients.
• Celebrating achievements is important, but often overlooked in the hustle of work.
• The future of work may involve more freelance and fractional roles.
• Contentment in work and life is a valuable state to achieve.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Finance and Operations

04:11 The Journey into Finance

10:29 Role Models and Influences

19:36 The Impact of AI on Accounting

29:12 Taking the Leap: Starting a Business

35:56 The Nature of Conversations

36:19 Career Reflections and Missed Opportunities

42:22 Defining Success in Business

46:40 Navigating Challenges and Future Aspirations

51:08 Work-Life Balance and Contentment

55:50 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Excitement