https://simplecast.com Breakthrough Work Podcast Potential is all around us. But breaking through is rare. It requires vision, courage, tapping insights and expertise, overcoming big obstacles, and even a little luck. Breakthrough Work lets leaders and companies who shattered the status quo tell their stories about getting to the other side. We talk with senior leaders from companies you know well and reveal what it took to make them the household names they are today. We also feature companies emerging quickly, the ones breaking through as we speak. They talk about what it’s like to be in the moments defining their future. The podcast shares personal stories about leadership and performance, unveiling the myriad pathways to reach our full potential. One size definitely does not fit all. --------- Sponsored by Connor Group, a professional services firm focused on the most critical opportunities and challenges facing ambitious companies. As a leader in accounting, compliance, M&A, IPOs, and digital solutions, including strategy, system implementation, automation, analytics, and AI, Connor Group is built for breakthroughs. They serve the offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO, and CHRO, and are trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last. Connor Group Global Services, LLC en Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:18:48 +0000 Fri, 4 Sep 2026 21:57:08 +0000 https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 Breakthrough Work Podcast https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/28a945fd-e1b5-4c16-b0ea-459c23b33a88/daadd101-c82f-400f-ac1c-6d9c26df189f/3000x3000/breakthroughwork_podcast_square_new_v1.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 episodic Potential is all around us. But breaking through is rare. It requires vision, courage, tapping insights and expertise, overcoming big obstacles, and even a little luck. Breakthrough Work lets leaders and companies who shattered the status quo tell their stories about getting to the other side. We talk with senior leaders from companies you know well and reveal what it took to make them the household names they are today. We also feature companies emerging quickly, the ones breaking through as we speak. They talk about what it’s like to be in the moments defining their future. The podcast shares personal stories about leadership and performance, unveiling the myriad pathways to reach our full potential. One size definitely does not fit all. --------- Sponsored by Connor Group, a professional services firm focused on the most critical opportunities and challenges facing ambitious companies. As a leader in accounting, compliance, M&A, IPOs, and digital solutions, including strategy, system implementation, automation, analytics, and AI, Connor Group is built for breakthroughs. They serve the offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO, and CHRO, and are trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last. Connor Group false https://feeds.simplecast.com/4OeI1EhH Connor Group spencer@mxpcommunications.com https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72671907 Inside a $5 billion FinTech acquisition (from the Brex SVP of Finance) Join us as Erik Zhou, SVP of Finance and Accounting at Brex, walks through 7-plus years building the finance function behind one of the most consequential deals in financial services: Capital Ones $5.15 billion acquisition of Brex. 

Topics covered:
• The range of emotions inside Brex when the deal hit, and why longtime employees felt pride and relief at the same time (2:13)
• What Brex gets on day one: Capital One's deposit base and a lower cost of financing (3:53)
• Whether a $5.15 billion exit kills the scrappy-startup identity (8:26)
• Moving company spend off wires and onto cards, and why procurement teams light up at the rewards (13:25)
• His first journal entry at Brex posting straight to the P&L with no review, and learning to be his own control (18:19)
• Making peace with "good enough" after a career trained on precision, and the move from auditor to trusted advisor (22:11)
• The client relationship from his audit days that got him the Brex job 3 years later (28:35)
• Staying almost 8 years on an owner's mentality, and the 3-year cycle he carries from PwC (32:00)
• Running finance as the steward of company data, and catching customer churn before spend ever drops (37:40)
• Why new customers take 9 to 12 months to fully ramp, and how today's bookings forecast next year's revenue (41:44)
• The infrastructure that made Capital One's diligence clean: a Big Four audit from year one, no accumulated tech debt (47:21)
• The 3 ways Brex actually uses AI in finance, from off-the-shelf reconciliation to an FP&A agent wired in over MCP (51:51)
• His honest take on whether agentic AI threatens finance and accounting jobs (58:23)
• The time machine question: would he do it all again the same way? (1:03:51)

Erik spent over a decade at PwC before joining Brex as one of two accountants at a 70-person company. For CFOs, Controllers, finance and accounting leaders, and anyone scaling a startup finance team, this conversation is a working guide to the audit-to-industry shift, preparing a company for acquisition, and what Ai actually changes in the day-to-day of finance.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:18:48 +0000 spencer@mxpcommunications.com (Connor Group) https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 Join us as Erik Zhou, SVP of Finance and Accounting at Brex, walks through 7-plus years building the finance function behind one of the most consequential deals in financial services: Capital Ones $5.15 billion acquisition of Brex. 

Topics covered:
• The range of emotions inside Brex when the deal hit, and why longtime employees felt pride and relief at the same time (2:13)
• What Brex gets on day one: Capital One's deposit base and a lower cost of financing (3:53)
• Whether a $5.15 billion exit kills the scrappy-startup identity (8:26)
• Moving company spend off wires and onto cards, and why procurement teams light up at the rewards (13:25)
• His first journal entry at Brex posting straight to the P&L with no review, and learning to be his own control (18:19)
• Making peace with "good enough" after a career trained on precision, and the move from auditor to trusted advisor (22:11)
• The client relationship from his audit days that got him the Brex job 3 years later (28:35)
• Staying almost 8 years on an owner's mentality, and the 3-year cycle he carries from PwC (32:00)
• Running finance as the steward of company data, and catching customer churn before spend ever drops (37:40)
• Why new customers take 9 to 12 months to fully ramp, and how today's bookings forecast next year's revenue (41:44)
• The infrastructure that made Capital One's diligence clean: a Big Four audit from year one, no accumulated tech debt (47:21)
• The 3 ways Brex actually uses AI in finance, from off-the-shelf reconciliation to an FP&A agent wired in over MCP (51:51)
• His honest take on whether agentic AI threatens finance and accounting jobs (58:23)
• The time machine question: would he do it all again the same way? (1:03:51)

Erik spent over a decade at PwC before joining Brex as one of two accountants at a 70-person company. For CFOs, Controllers, finance and accounting leaders, and anyone scaling a startup finance team, this conversation is a working guide to the audit-to-industry shift, preparing a company for acquisition, and what Ai actually changes in the day-to-day of finance.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Inside a $5 billion FinTech acquisition (from the Brex SVP of Finance) Connor Group 01:07:30 Join us as Erik Zhou, SVP of Finance and Accounting at Brex, walks through 7-plusyears building the finance function behind one of the most consequential deals infinancial services: Capital Ones $5.15 billion acquisition of Brex. Topics covered: • The range of emotions inside Brex when the deal hit, and why longtime employees feltpride and relief at the same time (2:13)• What Brex gets on day one: Capital One's deposit base and a lower cost of financing(3:53)• Whether a $5.15 billion exit kills the scrappy-startup identity (8:26)• Moving company spend off wires and onto cards, and why procurement teams light upat the rewards (13:25)• His first journal entry at Brex posting straight to the P&L with no review, and learning tobe his own control (18:19)• Making peace with "good enough" after a career trained on precision, and the movefrom auditor to trusted advisor (22:11)• The client relationship from his audit days that got him the Brex job 3 years later(28:35)• Staying almost 8 years on an owner's mentality, and the 3-year cycle he carries fromPwC (32:00)• Running finance as the steward of company data, and catching customer churn beforespend ever drops (37:40)• Why new customers take 9 to 12 months to fully ramp, and how today's bookingsforecast next year's revenue (41:44)• The infrastructure that made Capital One's diligence clean: a Big Four audit from yearone, no accumulated tech debt (47:21)• The 3 ways Brex actually uses AI in finance, from off-the-shelf reconciliation to anFP&A agent wired in over MCP (51:51)• His honest take on whether agentic AI threatens finance and accounting jobs (58:23)• The time machine question: would he do it all again the same way? (1:03:51)Erik spent over a decade at PwC before joining Brex as one of two accountants at a 70-person company. For CFOs, Controllers, finance and accounting leaders, and anyonescaling a startup finance team, this conversation is a working guide to the audit-to-industry shift, preparing a company for acquisition, and what Ai actually changes in the day-to-day of finance. Join us as Erik Zhou, SVP of Finance and Accounting at Brex, walks through 7-plusyears building the finance function behind one of the most consequential deals infinancial services: Capital Ones $5.15 billion acquisition of Brex. Topics covered: • The range of emotions inside Brex when the deal hit, and why longtime employees feltpride and relief at the same time (2:13)• What Brex gets on day one: Capital One's deposit base and a lower cost of financing(3:53)• Whether a $5.15 billion exit kills the scrappy-startup identity (8:26)• Moving company spend off wires and onto cards, and why procurement teams light upat the rewards (13:25)• His first journal entry at Brex posting straight to the P&L with no review, and learning tobe his own control (18:19)• Making peace with "good enough" after a career trained on precision, and the movefrom auditor to trusted advisor (22:11)• The client relationship from his audit days that got him the Brex job 3 years later(28:35)• Staying almost 8 years on an owner's mentality, and the 3-year cycle he carries fromPwC (32:00)• Running finance as the steward of company data, and catching customer churn beforespend ever drops (37:40)• Why new customers take 9 to 12 months to fully ramp, and how today's bookingsforecast next year's revenue (41:44)• The infrastructure that made Capital One's diligence clean: a Big Four audit from yearone, no accumulated tech debt (47:21)• The 3 ways Brex actually uses AI in finance, from off-the-shelf reconciliation to anFP&A agent wired in over MCP (51:51)• His honest take on whether agentic AI threatens finance and accounting jobs (58:23)• The time machine question: would he do it all again the same way? (1:03:51)Erik spent over a decade at PwC before joining Brex as one of two accountants at a 70-person company. For CFOs, Controllers, finance and accounting leaders, and anyonescaling a startup finance team, this conversation is a working guide to the audit-to-industry shift, preparing a company for acquisition, and what Ai actually changes in the day-to-day of finance. false full 10 https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71978120 The AI Mandate for Finance Leaders (from Chewy's CAO) Join us as Will Billings, CAO and Treasurer at Chewy, walks through a finance career built across six industries, two public company boards, and one of the most-cited pandemic RIFs in tech history.

Topics covered:
  • The three foundational lessons from Big Four audit that still govern how he leads (2:22)
  • Why he left audit for industry, and the shift from validating to building (8:47)
  • Joining GE and the move from leading teams to influencing leaders without formal authority (11:18)
  • The 90-day listening rule he runs every time he enters a new finance seat (15:46)
  • Elevation, not elimination: his blueprint for AI in finance, clean data architecture, and the future of the record-to-report function (18:17)
  • What the Big Four's campus hiring cuts mean for your 2030 Senior Accountant bench, and the internal rotation program he's building at Chewy in response (19:33)
  • Pursuing public company board service during an active operator career, and how to get recruited onto your first board (28:32)
  • The operator-to-director mindset shift, and what board service taught him about running his finance team (35:56)
  • Going back for his MBA mid-career, and the family essay that got him in (39:11)
  • Leading Airbnb's 25% RIF in April 2020, the public pitch book that helped impacted employees land, and why clarity and empathy coexist (47:04)
  • The back injury that rewrote his view of resilience, and the workout routine that kept him steady (50:46)
  • The one equation Will wishes he'd learned a decade earlier (57:29)


Will's career spans EY, oilfield services in Houston, GE's industrial portfolio, Airbnb, Global Foundries, Chewy, and public board seats at Sucro and an autonomous security robotics company. For CFOs, Controllers, finance VPs, and aspiring accounting executives, this conversation is a working manual for scaling finance teams across industries, cycles, and the AI transition.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 04:30:02 +0000 spencer@mxpcommunications.com (Connor Group) https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 Join us as Will Billings, CAO and Treasurer at Chewy, walks through a finance career built across six industries, two public company boards, and one of the most-cited pandemic RIFs in tech history.

Topics covered:
  • The three foundational lessons from Big Four audit that still govern how he leads (2:22)
  • Why he left audit for industry, and the shift from validating to building (8:47)
  • Joining GE and the move from leading teams to influencing leaders without formal authority (11:18)
  • The 90-day listening rule he runs every time he enters a new finance seat (15:46)
  • Elevation, not elimination: his blueprint for AI in finance, clean data architecture, and the future of the record-to-report function (18:17)
  • What the Big Four's campus hiring cuts mean for your 2030 Senior Accountant bench, and the internal rotation program he's building at Chewy in response (19:33)
  • Pursuing public company board service during an active operator career, and how to get recruited onto your first board (28:32)
  • The operator-to-director mindset shift, and what board service taught him about running his finance team (35:56)
  • Going back for his MBA mid-career, and the family essay that got him in (39:11)
  • Leading Airbnb's 25% RIF in April 2020, the public pitch book that helped impacted employees land, and why clarity and empathy coexist (47:04)
  • The back injury that rewrote his view of resilience, and the workout routine that kept him steady (50:46)
  • The one equation Will wishes he'd learned a decade earlier (57:29)


Will's career spans EY, oilfield services in Houston, GE's industrial portfolio, Airbnb, Global Foundries, Chewy, and public board seats at Sucro and an autonomous security robotics company. For CFOs, Controllers, finance VPs, and aspiring accounting executives, this conversation is a working manual for scaling finance teams across industries, cycles, and the AI transition.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> The AI Mandate for Finance Leaders (from Chewy's CAO) Connor Group 01:00:00 Join us as Will Billings, CAO and Treasurer at Chewy, walks through a finance career built across six industries, two public company boards, and one of the most-cited pandemic RIFs in tech history. Topics covered:The three foundational lessons from Big Four audit that still govern how he leads (2:22)Why he left audit for industry, and the shift from validating to building (8:47)Joining GE and the move from leading teams to influencing leaders without formal authority (11:18)The 90-day listening rule he runs every time he enters a new finance seat (15:46)Elevation, not elimination: his blueprint for AI in finance, clean data architecture, and the future of the record-to-report function (18:17)What the Big Four's campus hiring cuts mean for your 2030 Senior Accountant bench, and the internal rotation program he's building at Chewy in response (19:33)Pursuing public company board service during an active operator career, and how to get recruited onto your first board (28:32)The operator-to-director mindset shift, and what board service taught him about running his finance team (35:56)Going back for his MBA mid-career, and the family essay that got him in (39:11)Leading Airbnb's 25% RIF in April 2020, the public pitch book that helped impacted employees land, and why clarity and empathy coexist (47:04)The back injury that rewrote his view of resilience, and the workout routine that kept him steady (50:46)The one equation Will wishes he'd learned a decade earlier (57:29)Will's career spans EY, oilfield services in Houston, GE's industrial portfolio, Airbnb, Global Foundries, Chewy, and public board seats at Sucro and an autonomous security robotics company. For CFOs, Controllers, finance VPs, and aspiring accounting executives, this conversation is a working manual for scaling finance teams across industries, cycles, and the AI transition. Join us as Will Billings, CAO and Treasurer at Chewy, walks through a finance career built across six industries, two public company boards, and one of the most-cited pandemic RIFs in tech history. Topics covered:The three foundational lessons from Big Four audit that still govern how he leads (2:22)Why he left audit for industry, and the shift from validating to building (8:47)Joining GE and the move from leading teams to influencing leaders without formal authority (11:18)The 90-day listening rule he runs every time he enters a new finance seat (15:46)Elevation, not elimination: his blueprint for AI in finance, clean data architecture, and the future of the record-to-report function (18:17)What the Big Four's campus hiring cuts mean for your 2030 Senior Accountant bench, and the internal rotation program he's building at Chewy in response (19:33)Pursuing public company board service during an active operator career, and how to get recruited onto your first board (28:32)The operator-to-director mindset shift, and what board service taught him about running his finance team (35:56)Going back for his MBA mid-career, and the family essay that got him in (39:11)Leading Airbnb's 25% RIF in April 2020, the public pitch book that helped impacted employees land, and why clarity and empathy coexist (47:04)The back injury that rewrote his view of resilience, and the workout routine that kept him steady (50:46)The one equation Will wishes he'd learned a decade earlier (57:29)Will's career spans EY, oilfield services in Houston, GE's industrial portfolio, Airbnb, Global Foundries, Chewy, and public board seats at Sucro and an autonomous security robotics company. For CFOs, Controllers, finance VPs, and aspiring accounting executives, this conversation is a working manual for scaling finance teams across industries, cycles, and the AI transition. false full 9 https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71167990 Wrecked and rebuilt: how million-dollar experiences shaped an AI-first finance team (with 1Password CFO Greg Henry) Join host Ravi Kumar as he sits down with Greg Henry, CFO of 1Password and former CFO of Couchbase, for a masterclass in turning crisis into career-defining moments. Greg shares his journey from the Big Four to leading finance teams through IPOs, FDA shutdowns, and global pandemics, as well as fully embracing AI as a CFO.

In this episode, Greg takes listeners inside:

  • CFO factories (2:52)
  • The FDA crisis that became a "million-dollar experience" (10:09)
  • Becoming CFO is moving from the “control tower to the cockpit” (17:30)
  • “I literally thought we had wrecked the company” (22:02)
  • 1Password's AI hackathon: creating 21 automated agents in one day (39:35)
  • Career wisdom from someone on the "16th hole" of their journey (49:31)

Through 30+ years of hard-won lessons, Greg proves that the experiences you least expect often become the ones that define your entire career trajectory. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 8 Apr 2026 04:48:24 +0000 spencer@mxpcommunications.com (Connor Group) https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 Join host Ravi Kumar as he sits down with Greg Henry, CFO of 1Password and former CFO of Couchbase, for a masterclass in turning crisis into career-defining moments. Greg shares his journey from the Big Four to leading finance teams through IPOs, FDA shutdowns, and global pandemics, as well as fully embracing AI as a CFO.

In this episode, Greg takes listeners inside:

  • CFO factories (2:52)
  • The FDA crisis that became a "million-dollar experience" (10:09)
  • Becoming CFO is moving from the “control tower to the cockpit” (17:30)
  • “I literally thought we had wrecked the company” (22:02)
  • 1Password's AI hackathon: creating 21 automated agents in one day (39:35)
  • Career wisdom from someone on the "16th hole" of their journey (49:31)

Through 30+ years of hard-won lessons, Greg proves that the experiences you least expect often become the ones that define your entire career trajectory. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wrecked and rebuilt: how million-dollar experiences shaped an AI-first finance team (with 1Password CFO Greg Henry) Connor Group 00:56:16 Join host Ravi Kumar as he sits down with Greg Henry, CFO of 1Password and former CFO of Couchbase, for a masterclass in turning crisis into career-defining moments. Greg shares his journey from the Big Four to leading finance teams through IPOs, FDA shutdowns, and global pandemics, as well as fully embracing AI as a CFO.In this episode, Greg takes listeners inside:  • CFO factories (2:52)  • The FDA crisis that became a "million-dollar experience" (10:09)  • Becoming CFO is moving from the “control tower to the cockpit” (17:30)  • “I literally thought we had wrecked the company” (22:02)  • 1Password's AI hackathon: creating 21 automated agents in one day (39:35)  • Career wisdom from someone on the "16th hole" of their journey (49:31)Through 30+ years of hard-won lessons, Greg proves that the experiences you least expect often become the ones that define your entire career trajectory.  Join host Ravi Kumar as he sits down with Greg Henry, CFO of 1Password and former CFO of Couchbase, for a masterclass in turning crisis into career-defining moments. Greg shares his journey from the Big Four to leading finance teams through IPOs, FDA shutdowns, and global pandemics, as well as fully embracing AI as a CFO.In this episode, Greg takes listeners inside:  • CFO factories (2:52)  • The FDA crisis that became a "million-dollar experience" (10:09)  • Becoming CFO is moving from the “control tower to the cockpit” (17:30)  • “I literally thought we had wrecked the company” (22:02)  • 1Password's AI hackathon: creating 21 automated agents in one day (39:35)  • Career wisdom from someone on the "16th hole" of their journey (49:31)Through 30+ years of hard-won lessons, Greg proves that the experiences you least expect often become the ones that define your entire career trajectory.  false full 8 https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69992719 Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and Kelvin Beachum: NFL Greatness to Lasting Legacy (Investing, Philanthropy, Board Leadership) Larry Fitzgerald Jr., recent Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee, and Kelvin Beachum, 14-year NFL veteran, investor, and philanthropist, join Ravi Kumar for an in-depth conversation on elite performance, leadership, investing, and service beyond the game. What does it take to perform at an elite level for decades and successfully transition from the field to finance? Together, Larry and Kelvin reflect on the habits, mindset, and humility required to sustain excellence in both sports and business.

Key topics include:

  • The unseen discipline behind peak performance and career longevity (2:22)
  • Preparing for life after football before the game ends (8:05)
  • Becoming a rookie again: humility, reinvention, and intellectual growth (13:29)
  • Breaking myths about athletes in business (19:46)
  • What great investors really look for in founders (31:06)
  • Lessons from venture capital, early-stage investing, and battle scars (36:05)
  • Advice for athletes and young professionals entering investing, tech and entrepreneurship (39:05)
  • Service, philanthropy, and using influence responsibly (42:27)
  • Kelvin Beachum’s children’s book and redefining athlete stereotypes (46:00)
  • Golf as a mirror for leadership, character, and decision-making (51:26)


Whether you’re an athlete, investor, or leader navigating your next chapter, this conversation offers perspective and practical wisdom–you won’t want to miss it.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2026 23:03:38 +0000 spencer@mxpcommunications.com (Connor Group) https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 Larry Fitzgerald Jr., recent Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee, and Kelvin Beachum, 14-year NFL veteran, investor, and philanthropist, join Ravi Kumar for an in-depth conversation on elite performance, leadership, investing, and service beyond the game. What does it take to perform at an elite level for decades and successfully transition from the field to finance? Together, Larry and Kelvin reflect on the habits, mindset, and humility required to sustain excellence in both sports and business.

Key topics include:

  • The unseen discipline behind peak performance and career longevity (2:22)
  • Preparing for life after football before the game ends (8:05)
  • Becoming a rookie again: humility, reinvention, and intellectual growth (13:29)
  • Breaking myths about athletes in business (19:46)
  • What great investors really look for in founders (31:06)
  • Lessons from venture capital, early-stage investing, and battle scars (36:05)
  • Advice for athletes and young professionals entering investing, tech and entrepreneurship (39:05)
  • Service, philanthropy, and using influence responsibly (42:27)
  • Kelvin Beachum’s children’s book and redefining athlete stereotypes (46:00)
  • Golf as a mirror for leadership, character, and decision-making (51:26)


Whether you’re an athlete, investor, or leader navigating your next chapter, this conversation offers perspective and practical wisdom–you won’t want to miss it.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and Kelvin Beachum: NFL Greatness to Lasting Legacy (Investing, Philanthropy, Board Leadership) Connor Group 01:04:35 Larry Fitzgerald Jr., recent Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee, and Kelvin Beachum, 14-year NFL veteran, investor, and philanthropist, join Ravi Kumar for an in-depth conversation on elite performance, leadership, investing, and service beyond the game. What does it take to perform at an elite level for decades and successfully transition from the field to finance? Together, Larry and Kelvin reflect on the habits, mindset, and humility required to sustain excellence in both sports and business.Key topics include:The unseen discipline behind peak performance and career longevity (2:22)Preparing for life after football before the game ends (8:05)Becoming a rookie again: humility, reinvention, and intellectual growth (13:29)Breaking myths about athletes in business (19:46)What great investors really look for in founders (31:06)Lessons from venture capital, early-stage investing, and battle scars (36:05)Advice for athletes and young professionals entering investing, tech and entrepreneurship (39:05)Service, philanthropy, and using influence responsibly (42:27)Kelvin Beachum’s children’s book and redefining athlete stereotypes (46:00)Golf as a mirror for leadership, character, and decision-making (51:26)Whether you’re an athlete, investor, or leader navigating your next chapter, this conversation offers perspective and practical wisdom–you won’t want to miss it. Larry Fitzgerald Jr., recent Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee, and Kelvin Beachum, 14-year NFL veteran, investor, and philanthropist, join Ravi Kumar for an in-depth conversation on elite performance, leadership, investing, and service beyond the game. What does it take to perform at an elite level for decades and successfully transition from the field to finance? Together, Larry and Kelvin reflect on the habits, mindset, and humility required to sustain excellence in both sports and business.Key topics include:The unseen discipline behind peak performance and career longevity (2:22)Preparing for life after football before the game ends (8:05)Becoming a rookie again: humility, reinvention, and intellectual growth (13:29)Breaking myths about athletes in business (19:46)What great investors really look for in founders (31:06)Lessons from venture capital, early-stage investing, and battle scars (36:05)Advice for athletes and young professionals entering investing, tech and entrepreneurship (39:05)Service, philanthropy, and using influence responsibly (42:27)Kelvin Beachum’s children’s book and redefining athlete stereotypes (46:00)Golf as a mirror for leadership, character, and decision-making (51:26)Whether you’re an athlete, investor, or leader navigating your next chapter, this conversation offers perspective and practical wisdom–you won’t want to miss it. false full 7 https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69623335 High-tech crime prevention, Yahoo and SurveyMonkey (Finance wisdom from a CAO) From scaling Silicon Valley icons like Yahoo and SurveyMonkey to helping bring more than 1,000 missing people home, Dharti Patel, Chief Accounting Officer at Flock Safety, reveals what it truly means to lead when the stakes are real.

In this episode, Dharti takes listeners inside:
  • Building career foundations at high-growth tech companies (2:55)
  • Finding courage in discomfort (4:29)
  • The emotional weight of Flock Safety’s mission (10:21)
  • Leading when lives are on the line (12:45)
  • Scaling chaos without slowing the business (23:09)
  • Knowing when to build internally vs. bring in outside experts (26:29)
  • The breakthrough that changed her leadership forever (30:00)
  • Advice for the next generation of CFOs and CAOs (38:23)
Join us as Dharti draws on her Silicon Valley career to deliver a masterclass on scaling with integrity, leading with empathy, and choosing work that truly matters.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:22:50 +0000 spencer@mxpcommunications.com (Connor Group) https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 From scaling Silicon Valley icons like Yahoo and SurveyMonkey to helping bring more than 1,000 missing people home, Dharti Patel, Chief Accounting Officer at Flock Safety, reveals what it truly means to lead when the stakes are real.

In this episode, Dharti takes listeners inside:
  • Building career foundations at high-growth tech companies (2:55)
  • Finding courage in discomfort (4:29)
  • The emotional weight of Flock Safety’s mission (10:21)
  • Leading when lives are on the line (12:45)
  • Scaling chaos without slowing the business (23:09)
  • Knowing when to build internally vs. bring in outside experts (26:29)
  • The breakthrough that changed her leadership forever (30:00)
  • Advice for the next generation of CFOs and CAOs (38:23)
Join us as Dharti draws on her Silicon Valley career to deliver a masterclass on scaling with integrity, leading with empathy, and choosing work that truly matters.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> High-tech crime prevention, Yahoo and SurveyMonkey (Finance wisdom from a CAO) Connor Group 00:39:48 From scaling Silicon Valley icons like Yahoo and SurveyMonkey to helping bring more than 1,000 missing people home, Dharti Patel, Chief Accounting Officer at Flock Safety, reveals what it truly means to lead when the stakes are real.In this episode, Dharti takes listeners inside:Building career foundations at high-growth tech companies (2:55)Finding courage in discomfort (4:29)The emotional weight of Flock Safety’s mission (10:21)Leading when lives are on the line (12:45)Scaling chaos without slowing the business (23:09)Knowing when to build internally vs. bring in outside experts (26:29)The breakthrough that changed her leadership forever (30:00)Advice for the next generation of CFOs and CAOs (38:23)Join us as Dharti draws on her Silicon Valley career to deliver a masterclass on scaling with integrity, leading with empathy, and choosing work that truly matters. From scaling Silicon Valley icons like Yahoo and SurveyMonkey to helping bring more than 1,000 missing people home, Dharti Patel, Chief Accounting Officer at Flock Safety, reveals what it truly means to lead when the stakes are real.In this episode, Dharti takes listeners inside:Building career foundations at high-growth tech companies (2:55)Finding courage in discomfort (4:29)The emotional weight of Flock Safety’s mission (10:21)Leading when lives are on the line (12:45)Scaling chaos without slowing the business (23:09)Knowing when to build internally vs. bring in outside experts (26:29)The breakthrough that changed her leadership forever (30:00)Advice for the next generation of CFOs and CAOs (38:23)Join us as Dharti draws on her Silicon Valley career to deliver a masterclass on scaling with integrity, leading with empathy, and choosing work that truly matters. false full 7 https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68834542 A CEO in "Permanent Beta" (how Lauren Maillian made Reid Hoffman's advice her mantra) Join breakout leader, entrepreneur and investor Lauren Maillian as she takes listeners through a remarkable journey defined by curiosity, reinvention and the courage to push past expectations.

In this episode, Lauren opens up about her early ambitions, personal challenges and the pivotal moments that shaped her 20-year career across wine, venture capital, tech, media and board leadership.

Lauren shares:
  • Becoming a winery owner as a teenager and developing a high tolerance for risk (2:28)
  • The influence of her self-made parents and learning resourcefulness at all costs (7:51)
  • Her passion for helping Black and Latina women and their businesses become for-profit enterprises (20:49)
  • Writing a love letter to every ambitious woman who wants to get to the top on her own terms through her book, The Path Redefined (27:17)
  • Why staying in "permanent beta" is essential for sustained success (30:07)
  • What she learned leading an all-women SPAC through a volatile market (33:44)
  • "Bud Break:" Solving an existential problem in out-of-the-box ways (53:04)

Through her candid storytelling and wisdom, Lauren offers a blueprint for anyone looking for breakthrough, whether you're building a company, navigating change or considering your next step. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 2 Dec 2025 17:25:51 +0000 spencer@mxpcommunications.com (Connor Group) https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 Join breakout leader, entrepreneur and investor Lauren Maillian as she takes listeners through a remarkable journey defined by curiosity, reinvention and the courage to push past expectations.

In this episode, Lauren opens up about her early ambitions, personal challenges and the pivotal moments that shaped her 20-year career across wine, venture capital, tech, media and board leadership.

Lauren shares:
  • Becoming a winery owner as a teenager and developing a high tolerance for risk (2:28)
  • The influence of her self-made parents and learning resourcefulness at all costs (7:51)
  • Her passion for helping Black and Latina women and their businesses become for-profit enterprises (20:49)
  • Writing a love letter to every ambitious woman who wants to get to the top on her own terms through her book, The Path Redefined (27:17)
  • Why staying in "permanent beta" is essential for sustained success (30:07)
  • What she learned leading an all-women SPAC through a volatile market (33:44)
  • "Bud Break:" Solving an existential problem in out-of-the-box ways (53:04)

Through her candid storytelling and wisdom, Lauren offers a blueprint for anyone looking for breakthrough, whether you're building a company, navigating change or considering your next step. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> A CEO in "Permanent Beta" (how Lauren Maillian made Reid Hoffman's advice her mantra) Connor Group 01:02:51 Join breakout leader, entrepreneur and investor Lauren Maillian as she takes listeners through a remarkable journey defined by curiosity, reinvention and the courage to push past expectations.In this episode, Lauren opens up about her early ambitions, personal challenges and the pivotal moments that shaped her 20-year career across wine, venture capital, tech, media and board leadership.Lauren shares:Becoming a winery owner as a teenager and developing a high tolerance for risk (2:28)The influence of her self-made parents and learning resourcefulness at all costs (7:51)Her passion for helping Black and Latina women and their businesses become for-profit enterprises (20:49)Writing a love letter to every ambitious woman who wants to get to the top on her own terms through her book, The Path Redefined (27:17)Why staying in "permanent beta" is essential for sustained success (30:07)What she learned leading an all-women SPAC through a volatile market (33:44)"Bud Break:" Solving an existential problem in out-of-the-box ways (53:04)Through her candid storytelling and wisdom, Lauren offers a blueprint for anyone looking for breakthrough, whether you're building a company, navigating change or considering your next step.  Join breakout leader, entrepreneur and investor Lauren Maillian as she takes listeners through a remarkable journey defined by curiosity, reinvention and the courage to push past expectations.In this episode, Lauren opens up about her early ambitions, personal challenges and the pivotal moments that shaped her 20-year career across wine, venture capital, tech, media and board leadership.Lauren shares:Becoming a winery owner as a teenager and developing a high tolerance for risk (2:28)The influence of her self-made parents and learning resourcefulness at all costs (7:51)Her passion for helping Black and Latina women and their businesses become for-profit enterprises (20:49)Writing a love letter to every ambitious woman who wants to get to the top on her own terms through her book, The Path Redefined (27:17)Why staying in "permanent beta" is essential for sustained success (30:07)What she learned leading an all-women SPAC through a volatile market (33:44)"Bud Break:" Solving an existential problem in out-of-the-box ways (53:04)Through her candid storytelling and wisdom, Lauren offers a blueprint for anyone looking for breakthrough, whether you're building a company, navigating change or considering your next step.  false full 6 https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68215648 How detours, a diagnosis, and improv classes led to the C-suite (from a Silicon Valley CFO) Join us as Shannon Nash, Silicon Valley CFO and public company board member, shares her remarkable journey through:

- The courage to leave comfort for California's unknown opportunities (4:35)
- A life-changing pivot when her son was diagnosed with autism (11:33)
- How working with Debbie Allen revolutionized her leadership approach (15:18)
- The power of improv classes in transforming finance teams (21:01)
- Navigating the shift from hands-on CFO to strategic board member (41:41)
- Managing household finances as a CFO power couple (30:58)
- The evolving landscape of the CPA profession and AI's impact (46:20)


Drawing from her rich experiences across biotech, tech, and entertainment, Shannon offers profound insights on embracing non-linear career paths, the importance of soft
skills in finance leadership, and why giving yourself grace is essential for long-term success.

This isn't just a career conversation – it's a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the power of saying "yes, and" to life's unexpected turns.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:29:07 +0000 spencer@mxpcommunications.com (Connor Group) https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 Join us as Shannon Nash, Silicon Valley CFO and public company board member, shares her remarkable journey through:

- The courage to leave comfort for California's unknown opportunities (4:35)
- A life-changing pivot when her son was diagnosed with autism (11:33)
- How working with Debbie Allen revolutionized her leadership approach (15:18)
- The power of improv classes in transforming finance teams (21:01)
- Navigating the shift from hands-on CFO to strategic board member (41:41)
- Managing household finances as a CFO power couple (30:58)
- The evolving landscape of the CPA profession and AI's impact (46:20)


Drawing from her rich experiences across biotech, tech, and entertainment, Shannon offers profound insights on embracing non-linear career paths, the importance of soft
skills in finance leadership, and why giving yourself grace is essential for long-term success.

This isn't just a career conversation – it's a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the power of saying "yes, and" to life's unexpected turns.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> How detours, a diagnosis, and improv classes led to the C-suite (from a Silicon Valley CFO) Connor Group 00:58:09 Join us as Shannon Nash, Silicon Valley CFO and public company board member, shares her remarkable journey through:- The courage to leave comfort for California's unknown opportunities (4:35)- A life-changing pivot when her son was diagnosed with autism (11:33)- How working with Debbie Allen revolutionized her leadership approach (15:18)- The power of improv classes in transforming finance teams (21:01)- Navigating the shift from hands-on CFO to strategic board member (41:41)- Managing household finances as a CFO power couple (30:58)- The evolving landscape of the CPA profession and AI's impact (46:20)Drawing from her rich experiences across biotech, tech, and entertainment, Shannon offers profound insights on embracing non-linear career paths, the importance of softskills in finance leadership, and why giving yourself grace is essential for long-term success.This isn't just a career conversation – it's a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the power of saying "yes, and" to life's unexpected turns. Join us as Shannon Nash, Silicon Valley CFO and public company board member, shares her remarkable journey through:- The courage to leave comfort for California's unknown opportunities (4:35)- A life-changing pivot when her son was diagnosed with autism (11:33)- How working with Debbie Allen revolutionized her leadership approach (15:18)- The power of improv classes in transforming finance teams (21:01)- Navigating the shift from hands-on CFO to strategic board member (41:41)- Managing household finances as a CFO power couple (30:58)- The evolving landscape of the CPA profession and AI's impact (46:20)Drawing from her rich experiences across biotech, tech, and entertainment, Shannon offers profound insights on embracing non-linear career paths, the importance of softskills in finance leadership, and why giving yourself grace is essential for long-term success.This isn't just a career conversation – it's a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the power of saying "yes, and" to life's unexpected turns. false full 5 https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67961294 Fast and furious at Uber to thriving in AI (a playbook from Scale AI's CAO) Join us as Josh Waldron, Chief Accounting Officer at Scale AI, takes listeners on an enlightening journey through:

• The surprising skills from Big 4 accounting that are crucial in tech unicorns (2:20)
• Inside the chaotic world of finance in hypergrowth startups (10:15)
• How he weathered the storm by staying at Uber when others jumped ship—and how it propelled his career (15:46)
• AI isn't just the product - how Scale AI's finance team is revolutionizing their own processes (32:35)
• A candid look at the AI industry's future from an insider (50:05)
• The heartbreaking moment that changed his approach to work-life balance (51:35)

Drawing from his experiences at PwC, Twitter, Uber, and now Scale AI, Josh offers unique insights on blending traditional finance skills with cutting-edge technology. He shares candid thoughts on leadership, adaptability, and maintaining composure in high-pressure environments.

This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of AI and business operations.
---------- 
Send your breakthrough guest and topic ideas, and your feedback,to: shelby.solberg@connorgp.com 
---------- 
Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT. 

Connor Group is built for breakthroughs. We’re a professional services firm focused on the most critical challenges for ambitious companies and their opportunities to shatter the status quo. 

We serve the offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO, and CHRO as leaders in: 

- Accounting Advisory 
- Digital Solutions for Finance, Operations, and HR 
- Financial Close & Reporting 
- IPO Services 
- Transformation & Risk 
- M&A Transaction Services 
- We’re trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last. 

Trusted because we’re different. 

Founded in 2006, Connor Group quickly became the leading IPO advisory firm. Helping over 250 companies go public built our pragmatic, delivery-oriented approach and $3.3 trillion (and counting) in client valuation. 

It also created elite-level pattern recognition and listening skills to identify problems quickly and solve them efficiently. 

The majority of Connor Group has industry experience. We know how to get things done. Expect tailored solutions, creative real-world problem solving, and sleeves rolled up. 

Our expert teams are fluent in function, technology, and world-class communication. 

Unlike others, we’re independently owned. We never compromise on quality.  

Neither should you.

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 1 Oct 2025 05:34:51 +0000 spencer@mxpcommunications.com (Connor Group) https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 Join us as Josh Waldron, Chief Accounting Officer at Scale AI, takes listeners on an enlightening journey through:

• The surprising skills from Big 4 accounting that are crucial in tech unicorns (2:20)
• Inside the chaotic world of finance in hypergrowth startups (10:15)
• How he weathered the storm by staying at Uber when others jumped ship—and how it propelled his career (15:46)
• AI isn't just the product - how Scale AI's finance team is revolutionizing their own processes (32:35)
• A candid look at the AI industry's future from an insider (50:05)
• The heartbreaking moment that changed his approach to work-life balance (51:35)

Drawing from his experiences at PwC, Twitter, Uber, and now Scale AI, Josh offers unique insights on blending traditional finance skills with cutting-edge technology. He shares candid thoughts on leadership, adaptability, and maintaining composure in high-pressure environments.

This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of AI and business operations.
---------- 
Send your breakthrough guest and topic ideas, and your feedback,to: shelby.solberg@connorgp.com 
---------- 
Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT. 

Connor Group is built for breakthroughs. We’re a professional services firm focused on the most critical challenges for ambitious companies and their opportunities to shatter the status quo. 

We serve the offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO, and CHRO as leaders in: 

- Accounting Advisory 
- Digital Solutions for Finance, Operations, and HR 
- Financial Close & Reporting 
- IPO Services 
- Transformation & Risk 
- M&A Transaction Services 
- We’re trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last. 

Trusted because we’re different. 

Founded in 2006, Connor Group quickly became the leading IPO advisory firm. Helping over 250 companies go public built our pragmatic, delivery-oriented approach and $3.3 trillion (and counting) in client valuation. 

It also created elite-level pattern recognition and listening skills to identify problems quickly and solve them efficiently. 

The majority of Connor Group has industry experience. We know how to get things done. Expect tailored solutions, creative real-world problem solving, and sleeves rolled up. 

Our expert teams are fluent in function, technology, and world-class communication. 

Unlike others, we’re independently owned. We never compromise on quality.  

Neither should you.

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Fast and furious at Uber to thriving in AI (a playbook from Scale AI's CAO) Connor Group 00:54:29 Join us as Josh Waldron, Chief Accounting Officer at Scale AI, takes listeners on an enlightening journey through:• The surprising skills from Big 4 accounting that are crucial in tech unicorns (2:20)• Inside the chaotic world of finance in hypergrowth startups (10:15)• How he weathered the storm by staying at Uber when others jumped ship—and how itpropelled his career (15:46)• AI isn't just the product - how Scale AI's finance team is revolutionizing their ownprocesses (32:35)• A candid look at the AI industry's future from an insider (50:05)• The heartbreaking moment that changed his approach to work-life balance (51:35)Drawing from his experiences at PwC, Twitter, Uber, and now Scale AI, Josh offers unique insights on blending traditional finance skills with cutting-edge technology. He shares candid thoughts on leadership, adaptability, and maintaining composure in high-pressure environments.This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of AI and business operations.---------- Send your breakthrough guest and topic ideas, and your feedback,to: shelby.solberg@connorgp.com ---------- Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT. Connor Group is built for breakthroughs. We’re a professional services firm focused on the most critical challenges for ambitious companies and their opportunities to shatter the status quo. We serve the offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO, and CHRO as leaders in: - Accounting Advisory - Digital Solutions for Finance, Operations, and HR - Financial Close & Reporting - IPO Services - Transformation & Risk - M&A Transaction Services - We’re trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last. Trusted because we’re different. Founded in 2006, Connor Group quickly became the leading IPO advisory firm. Helping over 250 companies go public built our pragmatic, delivery-oriented approach and $3.3 trillion (and counting) in client valuation. It also created elite-level pattern recognition and listening skills to identify problems quickly and solve them efficiently. The majority of Connor Group has industry experience. We know how to get things done. Expect tailored solutions, creative real-world problem solving, and sleeves rolled up. Our expert teams are fluent in function, technology, and world-class communication. Unlike others, we’re independently owned. We never compromise on quality.  Neither should you. Join us as Josh Waldron, Chief Accounting Officer at Scale AI, takes listeners on an enlightening journey through:• The surprising skills from Big 4 accounting that are crucial in tech unicorns (2:20)• Inside the chaotic world of finance in hypergrowth startups (10:15)• How he weathered the storm by staying at Uber when others jumped ship—and how itpropelled his career (15:46)• AI isn't just the product - how Scale AI's finance team is revolutionizing their ownprocesses (32:35)• A candid look at the AI industry's future from an insider (50:05)• The heartbreaking moment that changed his approach to work-life balance (51:35)Drawing from his experiences at PwC, Twitter, Uber, and now Scale AI, Josh offers unique insights on blending traditional finance skills with cutting-edge technology. He shares candid thoughts on leadership, adaptability, and maintaining composure in high-pressure environments.This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of AI and business operations.---------- Send your breakthrough guest and topic ideas, and your feedback,to: shelby.solberg@connorgp.com ---------- Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT. Connor Group is built for breakthroughs. We’re a professional services firm focused on the most critical challenges for ambitious companies and their opportunities to shatter the status quo. We serve the offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO, and CHRO as leaders in: - Accounting Advisory - Digital Solutions for Finance, Operations, and HR - Financial Close & Reporting - IPO Services - Transformation & Risk - M&A Transaction Services - We’re trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last. Trusted because we’re different. Founded in 2006, Connor Group quickly became the leading IPO advisory firm. Helping over 250 companies go public built our pragmatic, delivery-oriented approach and $3.3 trillion (and counting) in client valuation. It also created elite-level pattern recognition and listening skills to identify problems quickly and solve them efficiently. The majority of Connor Group has industry experience. We know how to get things done. Expect tailored solutions, creative real-world problem solving, and sleeves rolled up. Our expert teams are fluent in function, technology, and world-class communication. Unlike others, we’re independently owned. We never compromise on quality.  Neither should you. false full 4 https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67515033 How women’s sports finally broke through (from League One Volleyball’s CFO) Join us as Mike Bufano, CFO and Youth Club President of League One Volleyball, takes listeners on an exhilarating journey through:
 

  • The thrilling world of sports business (2:48)
  • A career-defining piece of advice that landed him the CFO role (7:45)
  • Raw truths about conquering mental health challenges in high-stakes environments (10:22)
  • Insider secrets to navigating the IPO rollercoaster (17:08)
  • The unstoppable rise and bright future of women's sports (26:30)
  • Revolutionizing the largest sport for young women in the US (37:07)
  • The seismic impact of the NIL on college athletics (45:00)
  • A paradigm-shifting lesson for analytical minds (48:09)



Drawing from his rich experiences at League One Volleyball, Allbirds, Panera Bread and PepsiCo, Mike ofers a unique perspective on blending passion, leadership and analytical prowess to drive meaningful change.

This isn't just a conversation, it's an approachable masterclass that will leave you inspired and enlightened. 

----------------
Send your breakthrough guest, topic ideas and your feedback to:
shelby.solberg@connorgp.com
----------------

Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT.

Connor Group is build for breakthroughs. We're a professional services firm focused on the most critical challenges for ambitious companies and their opportunities to shatter the status quo.

We serve offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO and CHRO as leaders in:

  • Accounting Advisory
  • Digital Solutions for Finance, Operations and HR
  • Financial Close & Reporting
  • IPO Services
  • Transformation & Risk
  • M&A Transaction Services



We're trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last.

Trusted because we're different.

Founded in 2006, Connor Group quickly became the leading IPO advisory firm. Helping over 250 companies go public built out our pragmatic, delivery-oriented approach and $3.3 trillion (and counting) in client valuation.

It also created elite-level pattern recognition and listening skills to identify problems quickly and solve them efficiently. 

The majority of Connor Group has industry experience. We know how to get things done. Expect tailored solutions, creative real-world problem solving and sleeves rolled up. 

Our expert Teams are fluient in function, technology and world-class communication.

Unlike others, we're independently owned. We never compromise on quality.

Neither should you.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 26 Aug 2025 21:50:12 +0000 spencer@mxpcommunications.com (Connor Group) https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 Join us as Mike Bufano, CFO and Youth Club President of League One Volleyball, takes listeners on an exhilarating journey through:
 

  • The thrilling world of sports business (2:48)
  • A career-defining piece of advice that landed him the CFO role (7:45)
  • Raw truths about conquering mental health challenges in high-stakes environments (10:22)
  • Insider secrets to navigating the IPO rollercoaster (17:08)
  • The unstoppable rise and bright future of women's sports (26:30)
  • Revolutionizing the largest sport for young women in the US (37:07)
  • The seismic impact of the NIL on college athletics (45:00)
  • A paradigm-shifting lesson for analytical minds (48:09)



Drawing from his rich experiences at League One Volleyball, Allbirds, Panera Bread and PepsiCo, Mike ofers a unique perspective on blending passion, leadership and analytical prowess to drive meaningful change.

This isn't just a conversation, it's an approachable masterclass that will leave you inspired and enlightened. 

----------------
Send your breakthrough guest, topic ideas and your feedback to:
shelby.solberg@connorgp.com
----------------

Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT.

Connor Group is build for breakthroughs. We're a professional services firm focused on the most critical challenges for ambitious companies and their opportunities to shatter the status quo.

We serve offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO and CHRO as leaders in:

  • Accounting Advisory
  • Digital Solutions for Finance, Operations and HR
  • Financial Close & Reporting
  • IPO Services
  • Transformation & Risk
  • M&A Transaction Services



We're trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last.

Trusted because we're different.

Founded in 2006, Connor Group quickly became the leading IPO advisory firm. Helping over 250 companies go public built out our pragmatic, delivery-oriented approach and $3.3 trillion (and counting) in client valuation.

It also created elite-level pattern recognition and listening skills to identify problems quickly and solve them efficiently. 

The majority of Connor Group has industry experience. We know how to get things done. Expect tailored solutions, creative real-world problem solving and sleeves rolled up. 

Our expert Teams are fluient in function, technology and world-class communication.

Unlike others, we're independently owned. We never compromise on quality.

Neither should you.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> How women’s sports finally broke through (from League One Volleyball’s CFO) Connor Group 00:51:10 Join us as Mike Bufano, CFO and Youth Club President of League One Volleyball, takes listeners on an exhilarating journey through:The thrilling world of sports business (2:48)A career-defining piece of advice that landed him the CFO role (7:45)Raw truths about conquering mental health challenges in high-stakes environments (10:22)Insider secrets to navigating the IPO rollercoaster (17:08)The unstoppable rise and bright future of women's sports (26:30)Revolutionizing the largest sport for young women in the US (37:07)The seismic impact of the NIL on college athletics (45:00)A paradigm-shifting lesson for analytical minds (48:09)Drawing from his rich experiences at League One Volleyball, Allbirds, Panera Bread and PepsiCo, Mike ofers a unique perspective on blending passion, leadership and analytical prowess to drive meaningful change.This isn't just a conversation, it's an approachable masterclass that will leave you inspired and enlightened. ----------------Send your breakthrough guest, topic ideas and your feedback to:shelby.solberg@connorgp.com----------------Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT.Connor Group is build for breakthroughs. We're a professional services firm focused on the most critical challenges for ambitious companies and their opportunities to shatter the status quo.We serve offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO and CHRO as leaders in:Accounting AdvisoryDigital Solutions for Finance, Operations and HRFinancial Close & ReportingIPO ServicesTransformation & RiskM&A Transaction ServicesWe're trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last.Trusted because we're different.Founded in 2006, Connor Group quickly became the leading IPO advisory firm. Helping over 250 companies go public built out our pragmatic, delivery-oriented approach and $3.3 trillion (and counting) in client valuation.It also created elite-level pattern recognition and listening skills to identify problems quickly and solve them efficiently. The majority of Connor Group has industry experience. We know how to get things done. Expect tailored solutions, creative real-world problem solving and sleeves rolled up. Our expert Teams are fluient in function, technology and world-class communication.Unlike others, we're independently owned. We never compromise on quality.Neither should you. Join us as Mike Bufano, CFO and Youth Club President of League One Volleyball, takes listeners on an exhilarating journey through:The thrilling world of sports business (2:48)A career-defining piece of advice that landed him the CFO role (7:45)Raw truths about conquering mental health challenges in high-stakes environments (10:22)Insider secrets to navigating the IPO rollercoaster (17:08)The unstoppable rise and bright future of women's sports (26:30)Revolutionizing the largest sport for young women in the US (37:07)The seismic impact of the NIL on college athletics (45:00)A paradigm-shifting lesson for analytical minds (48:09)Drawing from his rich experiences at League One Volleyball, Allbirds, Panera Bread and PepsiCo, Mike ofers a unique perspective on blending passion, leadership and analytical prowess to drive meaningful change.This isn't just a conversation, it's an approachable masterclass that will leave you inspired and enlightened. ----------------Send your breakthrough guest, topic ideas and your feedback to:shelby.solberg@connorgp.com----------------Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT.Connor Group is build for breakthroughs. We're a professional services firm focused on the most critical challenges for ambitious companies and their opportunities to shatter the status quo.We serve offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO and CHRO as leaders in:Accounting AdvisoryDigital Solutions for Finance, Operations and HRFinancial Close & ReportingIPO ServicesTransformation & RiskM&A Transaction ServicesWe're trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last.Trusted because we're different.Founded in 2006, Connor Group quickly became the leading IPO advisory firm. Helping over 250 companies go public built out our pragmatic, delivery-oriented approach and $3.3 trillion (and counting) in client valuation.It also created elite-level pattern recognition and listening skills to identify problems quickly and solve them efficiently. The majority of Connor Group has industry experience. We know how to get things done. Expect tailored solutions, creative real-world problem solving and sleeves rolled up. Our expert Teams are fluient in function, technology and world-class communication.Unlike others, we're independently owned. We never compromise on quality.Neither should you. false full 3 https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67075075 How things really work at OpenAI (from their VP of Finance) Go inside OpenAI with VP of Finance Janine Korovesis for a rare look at the finance engine powering the fastest-growing company in history. Janine reveals and discusses:  
 

  • Scaling a finance team during hypergrowth (29:03)
  • Balancing internal expertise with external resources (35:08)
  • The importance of "healthy fear" in financial leadership (30:59)
  • Why every finance leader should do hackathons with their team (42:53)
  • Leveraging ChatGPT for finance (including asking it how to process a dataset with 10 million   rows!) (44:06)
  • The future at OpenAI (53:15)



Janine's impressive background (OpenAI, Google [X], Google, EY, Board Advisor, Investor) provides a unique perspective on building and scaling finance to provide strategic support that enables breakthroughs for world-changing opportunities. Don't miss our conversation with one of the key figures shaping the future of AI finance. 
------
Send breakthrough guest and topic ideas, and your feedback,
to: shelby.solberg@connorgp.com 

Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT. 
------
Connor Group is built for breakthroughs. We’re a professional services firm focused on the most critical challenges for ambitious companies and their opportunities to shatter the status quo. 

We serve the offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO, and CHRO as leaders in:
 

  • Accounting Advisory
  • Digital Solutions for Finance, Operations, and HR
  • Financial Close & Reporting
  • IPO Services
  • Transformation & Risk
  • Mergers & Acquisitions



We’re trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last. 

Trusted because we’re different. 

Founded in 2006, Connor Group quickly became the leading IPO advisory firm. Helping over 250 companies go public built our pragmatic, delivery-oriented approach and $3.3 trillion (and counting) in client valuation. 

It also created elite-level pattern recognition and listening skills to identify problems quickly and solve them efficiently. 

The majority of Connor Group has industry experience. We know how to get things done. Expect tailored solutions, creative real-world problem solving, and sleeves rolled up. 

Our expert teams are fluent in function, technology, and world-class communication. 

Unlike others, we’re independently owned. We never compromise on quality.

Neither should you.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:30:07 +0000 spencer@mxpcommunications.com (Connor Group) https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 Go inside OpenAI with VP of Finance Janine Korovesis for a rare look at the finance engine powering the fastest-growing company in history. Janine reveals and discusses:  
 

  • Scaling a finance team during hypergrowth (29:03)
  • Balancing internal expertise with external resources (35:08)
  • The importance of "healthy fear" in financial leadership (30:59)
  • Why every finance leader should do hackathons with their team (42:53)
  • Leveraging ChatGPT for finance (including asking it how to process a dataset with 10 million   rows!) (44:06)
  • The future at OpenAI (53:15)



Janine's impressive background (OpenAI, Google [X], Google, EY, Board Advisor, Investor) provides a unique perspective on building and scaling finance to provide strategic support that enables breakthroughs for world-changing opportunities. Don't miss our conversation with one of the key figures shaping the future of AI finance. 
------
Send breakthrough guest and topic ideas, and your feedback,
to: shelby.solberg@connorgp.com 

Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT. 
------
Connor Group is built for breakthroughs. We’re a professional services firm focused on the most critical challenges for ambitious companies and their opportunities to shatter the status quo. 

We serve the offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO, and CHRO as leaders in:
 

  • Accounting Advisory
  • Digital Solutions for Finance, Operations, and HR
  • Financial Close & Reporting
  • IPO Services
  • Transformation & Risk
  • Mergers & Acquisitions



We’re trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last. 

Trusted because we’re different. 

Founded in 2006, Connor Group quickly became the leading IPO advisory firm. Helping over 250 companies go public built our pragmatic, delivery-oriented approach and $3.3 trillion (and counting) in client valuation. 

It also created elite-level pattern recognition and listening skills to identify problems quickly and solve them efficiently. 

The majority of Connor Group has industry experience. We know how to get things done. Expect tailored solutions, creative real-world problem solving, and sleeves rolled up. 

Our expert teams are fluent in function, technology, and world-class communication. 

Unlike others, we’re independently owned. We never compromise on quality.

Neither should you.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> How things really work at OpenAI (from their VP of Finance) Connor Group 01:00:31 Go inside OpenAI with VP of Finance Janine Korovesis for a rare look at the finance engine powering the fastest-growing company in history. Janine reveals and discusses:   Scaling a finance team during hypergrowth (29:03)  Balancing internal expertise with external resources (35:08)  The importance of "healthy fear" in financial leadership (30:59)  Why every finance leader should do hackathons with their team (42:53)  Leveraging ChatGPT for finance (including asking it how to process a dataset with 10 million   rows!) (44:06)  The future at OpenAI (53:15) Janine's impressive background (OpenAI, Google [X], Google, EY, Board Advisor, Investor) provides a unique perspective on building and scaling finance to provide strategic support that enables breakthroughs for world-changing opportunities. Don't miss our conversation with one of the key figures shaping the future of AI finance. ------Send breakthrough guest and topic ideas, and your feedback,to: shelby.solberg@connorgp.com Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT. ------Connor Group is built for breakthroughs. We’re a professional services firm focused on the most critical challenges for ambitious companies and their opportunities to shatter the status quo. We serve the offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO, and CHRO as leaders in:Accounting Advisory  Digital Solutions for Finance, Operations, and HR  Financial Close & Reporting  IPO Services  Transformation & Risk  Mergers & Acquisitions  We’re trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last. Trusted because we’re different. Founded in 2006, Connor Group quickly became the leading IPO advisory firm. Helping over 250 companies go public built our pragmatic, delivery-oriented approach and $3.3 trillion (and counting) in client valuation. It also created elite-level pattern recognition and listening skills to identify problems quickly and solve them efficiently. The majority of Connor Group has industry experience. We know how to get things done. Expect tailored solutions, creative real-world problem solving, and sleeves rolled up. Our expert teams are fluent in function, technology, and world-class communication. Unlike others, we’re independently owned. We never compromise on quality. Neither should you. Go inside OpenAI with VP of Finance Janine Korovesis for a rare look at the finance engine powering the fastest-growing company in history. Janine reveals and discusses:   Scaling a finance team during hypergrowth (29:03)  Balancing internal expertise with external resources (35:08)  The importance of "healthy fear" in financial leadership (30:59)  Why every finance leader should do hackathons with their team (42:53)  Leveraging ChatGPT for finance (including asking it how to process a dataset with 10 million   rows!) (44:06)  The future at OpenAI (53:15) Janine's impressive background (OpenAI, Google [X], Google, EY, Board Advisor, Investor) provides a unique perspective on building and scaling finance to provide strategic support that enables breakthroughs for world-changing opportunities. Don't miss our conversation with one of the key figures shaping the future of AI finance. ------Send breakthrough guest and topic ideas, and your feedback,to: shelby.solberg@connorgp.com Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT. ------Connor Group is built for breakthroughs. We’re a professional services firm focused on the most critical challenges for ambitious companies and their opportunities to shatter the status quo. We serve the offices of the CFO, CIO/CTO, and CHRO as leaders in:Accounting Advisory  Digital Solutions for Finance, Operations, and HR  Financial Close & Reporting  IPO Services  Transformation & Risk  Mergers & Acquisitions  We’re trusted by over 2,000 of the most exciting brands on earth to deliver results that last. Trusted because we’re different. Founded in 2006, Connor Group quickly became the leading IPO advisory firm. Helping over 250 companies go public built our pragmatic, delivery-oriented approach and $3.3 trillion (and counting) in client valuation. It also created elite-level pattern recognition and listening skills to identify problems quickly and solve them efficiently. The majority of Connor Group has industry experience. We know how to get things done. Expect tailored solutions, creative real-world problem solving, and sleeves rolled up. Our expert teams are fluent in function, technology, and world-class communication. Unlike others, we’re independently owned. We never compromise on quality. Neither should you. false full 2 https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66587001 How to go from CFO to CEO (and actually change the world) Introducing Breakthrough Work, the show that lets leaders and companies who shattered the status quo tell their stories about getting to the other side. Our guest is Chris Lowe, CEO at Nusano, the most exciting high-tech company you may have never heard of, but will probably have a life-changing impact on you and those you love.

Chris’s experience includes:
  •  4x CFO and 2x CEO
  •  Raising over $500M in private and public financing
  •  Completing over $1.0B in M&A transactions
  •  Negotiating over $300M in debt instruments
  •  Overseeing three SOX-404 implementations

He and Nusano are doing big things. In their own words: “We believe in the power of innovation to enhance lives and strengthen the communities we serve. We are more than a physics company; we are pioneers in the production of both medical and industrial isotopes. Our mission is to ensure that high-quality radioisotopes are readily available for critical applications ranging from cancer treatment and advancing space exploration, to reducing nuclear waste and enabling alternative energy applications. 

Ravi and Chris cover:
  • How Chris went from being CFO to leading Nusano as their CEO
  • How Nusano technology is changing pharma, energy, and other verticals forever
  • Why Chris was invited to the White House recently
  • How he uses role models to shape his leadership and build his career
  • Chris's secret to finding legendary employees and building a rockstar team
  • Tips on how to get a CFO job when you've never been one before
  • What it takes to go for big funding for an idea that really can change the world
  • A technology that requires over 100 tons of concrete and a state-of-the-art facility
  • How to balance progress with perfection in innovation

Please enjoy the conversation with Chris Lowe.

Send breakthrough guest and topic ideas, and your feedback, to:
shelby.solberg@connorgp.com

Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit 
https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2025 05:35:13 +0000 spencer@mxpcommunications.com (Connor Group) https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/breakthrough-work-podcast--6651857 Introducing Breakthrough Work, the show that lets leaders and companies who shattered the status quo tell their stories about getting to the other side. Our guest is Chris Lowe, CEO at Nusano, the most exciting high-tech company you may have never heard of, but will probably have a life-changing impact on you and those you love.

Chris’s experience includes:
  •  4x CFO and 2x CEO
  •  Raising over $500M in private and public financing
  •  Completing over $1.0B in M&A transactions
  •  Negotiating over $300M in debt instruments
  •  Overseeing three SOX-404 implementations

He and Nusano are doing big things. In their own words: “We believe in the power of innovation to enhance lives and strengthen the communities we serve. We are more than a physics company; we are pioneers in the production of both medical and industrial isotopes. Our mission is to ensure that high-quality radioisotopes are readily available for critical applications ranging from cancer treatment and advancing space exploration, to reducing nuclear waste and enabling alternative energy applications. 

Ravi and Chris cover:
  • How Chris went from being CFO to leading Nusano as their CEO
  • How Nusano technology is changing pharma, energy, and other verticals forever
  • Why Chris was invited to the White House recently
  • How he uses role models to shape his leadership and build his career
  • Chris's secret to finding legendary employees and building a rockstar team
  • Tips on how to get a CFO job when you've never been one before
  • What it takes to go for big funding for an idea that really can change the world
  • A technology that requires over 100 tons of concrete and a state-of-the-art facility
  • How to balance progress with perfection in innovation

Please enjoy the conversation with Chris Lowe.

Send breakthrough guest and topic ideas, and your feedback, to:
shelby.solberg@connorgp.com

Sponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit 
https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

]]> How to go from CFO to CEO (and actually change the world) Connor Group 00:51:28 Introducing Breakthrough Work, the show that lets leaders and companies who shattered the status quo tell their stories about getting to the other side. Our guest is Chris Lowe, CEO at Nusano, the most exciting high-tech company you may have never heard of, but will probably have a life-changing impact on you and those you love.Chris’s experience includes: 4x CFO and 2x CEO Raising over $500M in private and public financing Completing over $1.0B in M&A transactions Negotiating over $300M in debt instruments Overseeing three SOX-404 implementationsHe and Nusano are doing big things. In their own words: “We believe in the power of innovation to enhance lives and strengthen the communities we serve. We are more than a physics company; we are pioneers in the production of both medical and industrial isotopes. Our mission is to ensure that high-quality radioisotopes are readily available for critical applications ranging from cancer treatment and advancing space exploration, to reducing nuclear waste and enabling alternative energy applications. Ravi and Chris cover:How Chris went from being CFO to leading Nusano as their CEOHow Nusano technology is changing pharma, energy, and other verticals foreverWhy Chris was invited to the White House recentlyHow he uses role models to shape his leadership and build his careerChris's secret to finding legendary employees and building a rockstar teamTips on how to get a CFO job when you've never been one beforeWhat it takes to go for big funding for an idea that really can change the worldA technology that requires over 100 tons of concrete and a state-of-the-art facilityHow to balance progress with perfection in innovationPlease enjoy the conversation with Chris Lowe.Send breakthrough guest and topic ideas, and your feedback, to:shelby.solberg@connorgp.comSponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT. Introducing Breakthrough Work, the show that lets leaders and companies who shattered the status quo tell their stories about getting to the other side. Our guest is Chris Lowe, CEO at Nusano, the most exciting high-tech company you may have never heard of, but will probably have a life-changing impact on you and those you love.Chris’s experience includes: 4x CFO and 2x CEO Raising over $500M in private and public financing Completing over $1.0B in M&A transactions Negotiating over $300M in debt instruments Overseeing three SOX-404 implementationsHe and Nusano are doing big things. In their own words: “We believe in the power of innovation to enhance lives and strengthen the communities we serve. We are more than a physics company; we are pioneers in the production of both medical and industrial isotopes. Our mission is to ensure that high-quality radioisotopes are readily available for critical applications ranging from cancer treatment and advancing space exploration, to reducing nuclear waste and enabling alternative energy applications. Ravi and Chris cover:How Chris went from being CFO to leading Nusano as their CEOHow Nusano technology is changing pharma, energy, and other verticals foreverWhy Chris was invited to the White House recentlyHow he uses role models to shape his leadership and build his careerChris's secret to finding legendary employees and building a rockstar teamTips on how to get a CFO job when you've never been one beforeWhat it takes to go for big funding for an idea that really can change the worldA technology that requires over 100 tons of concrete and a state-of-the-art facilityHow to balance progress with perfection in innovationPlease enjoy the conversation with Chris Lowe.Send breakthrough guest and topic ideas, and your feedback, to:shelby.solberg@connorgp.comSponsored by Connor Group. To get in touch with us, visit https://connorgp.com and click CONNECT. false full 1