How FP&A Teams Can Improve Decision-Making with Scenario Planning & Financial Models - Michael

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading Tools

FP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we’re here to help. On May 21st, I’ll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure.

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Michael Gould, a technology entrepreneur and founder of Kaleidoscope, about his extensive experience in financial planning and modelling. Michael shares insights from his 40+ years in the industry, including his work with Anaplan, and discusses how modern finance teams can break free from the limitations of spreadsheets and legacy systems.

Michael Gould is a technology entrepreneur and software engineer with over 40 years of experience in financial planning and modeling systems. After studying Mathematics and Computation at the University of Oxford, Michael co-created Adaytum, a leading business planning platform, and later founded Anaplan, a globally successful enterprise planning platform that became a British tech unicorn. Today, he is the founder of Kaleidoscope, focusing on rethinking financial modeling for modern teams and continuing to pioneer innovations that drive better decision-making in business. .

Expect to Learn:

The challenges and complexities of modern financial modelling
How Kaleidoscope is helping businesses move beyond spreadsheets
Michael's journey from IBM to Anaplan and now Kaleidoscope
The importance of understanding business processes in financial modelling
How AI is impacting the financial modeling landscape

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

“The key to financial modeling is representing the complexity of a business without over-simplifying it.” – Michael Gould
“AI is a powerful tool, but it’s the data context that drives the real value.” – Michael Gould

Glenn explains that career growth in FP&A is no longer about following a fixed path or relying on credentials. It comes from building relationships, gaining real experience, and understanding how the business works. He also highlights that strong professionals go beyond numbers by connecting financial results to real business drivers and supporting better decisions.

Follow Michael:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/migould/

Website: https://www.kaleidoscope.com/?utm_source=partner_fpandaguys&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=interview

Earn Your CPE Credit

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

In Today’s Episode

[00:00] – Trailer

[06:00] – Challenges of Multi-Dimensional Modelling

[12:00] – Transitioning to Anaplan

[15:00] – Kaleidoscope’s Mission to Help Small Businesses

[21:00] – The Role of AI in Financial Modelling

[27:00] – The Future of Financial Modelling

[33:00] – Key Learnings from the Entrepreneurial Journey

[39:00] – How AI is Changing Financial Decision-Making

[45:00] – Overcoming the Data Challenges in Finance

[51:00] – Final Thoughts on Innovation and Future Trends in Finance

[57:00] – Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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