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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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