#17 THE MODERN CFO - How Finance Shapes the Future

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores how the role of finance is evolving as businesses grow and why SMEs need forward-looking insight rather than backward reporting.

Rob Brown is joined by Neil Martin, Group CFO at Azets, to discuss what business owners often miss when they are focused on day-to-day operations and how experienced financial perspectives can unlock better decisions.

We talk about what tends to break first as businesses scale, the early signs a finance function is no longer fit for purpose and why growth requires different thinking at each stage.

Neil explains how a modern CFO should act as a sparring partner, helping to challenge assumptions, prioritise decisions and look around the corner.

We also discuss the importance of setting a clear North Star, how decision-making changes when leaders extend their time horizon and when it may be time to bring in or upgrade financial leadership.

The episode also covers practical thinking on AI for SMEs, including where to start, how to learn from others and why curiosity plays a critical role in understanding new technology.

You can connect with Neil Martin on LinkedIn.

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Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence.

Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology.

Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community.

This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts.

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Find more about Azets at www.azets.com.

Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.