In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper take a deep dive into the latest developments in AI, especially how the technology is transforming the business world, from tools that help with forecasting to the ongoing evolution of AI avatars and agents. They also explore the impact of multimodal models, like OpenAI’s multimodal capabilities and Google's recent advancements. From AI-generated images to automated agents, the discussion reveals how AI is quickly becoming a game-changer across industries, including finance, content creation, and customer service.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How multimodal AI models are changing content creation and business operations
• The role of AI-generated avatars in training, presentations, and content production
• The current limitations of AI agents and how businesses are adopting them
• Google’s new video AI tools and their impact on content creation
• How AI memory is enhancing personalized digital assistants and business processes

In this episode, Paul and Glenn explored how AI is transforming content creation, business operations, and personal assistance. While AI advancements are exciting, they also highlight the current limitations of AI agents. Stay tuned for more as they continue to dive into AI’s evolving role in finance and beyond..

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:

[00:41] - Welcome to The Episode

[05:28] - AI-generated images

[08:33] - Google’s video AI

[13:28] - Multi-step vs. Workflow Agents

[17:53] - Persuasion Through Visuals & AI

[20:32] - AI: Progress or Rebranding

[26:40] - Moore’s Law on Steroids

[29:55] - AI Models for Clients

[39:32] - Closing Thought

In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Kam Star, a strategic product and technology leader with over 25 years of experience in AI, finance, and digital innovation. Kam shares his unique perspective on the evolution of artificial intelligence from early expert systems to today's powerful neural networks and how AI is shaping decision-making in finance and private equity. The discussion discusses the prediction, gamification, motivation, and the future of AI-assisted strategic decisions in business.

Kam Star is a visionary in AI and technology, with a rich background blending computer science, psychology, and architecture. He has led significant business growth initiatives, including scaling Blue Prism’s product portfolio and founding ventures with revenues exceeding £100 million. Kam holds a PhD in Computer Science and Psychology, alongside advanced studies in AI from MIT, Sloan, and LSE. Passionate about emerging tech, Kam currently focuses on predictive analytics to support better decision-making in private equity-backed companies.

In this episode, you will discover:

• The history and evolution of AI from rule-based expert systems to modern neural networks.
• How gamification and motivation impact team performance and customer engagement.
• The role of predictive analytics in supporting strategic business decisions.
• Challenges and opportunities in democratizing advanced AI tools for mid-market companies.
• Kam’s vision of AI’s future impact on decision-making, creativity, and personalization.

Kam’s expertise and thoughtful insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and finance. His stories about the evolution of technology, combined with practical advice on predictive analytics and gamification, offer valuable takeaways. Whether you’re a finance professional or a tech enthusiast, Kam’s vision will inspire you to think differently about how AI can transform decision-making.

Follow Kam:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamstar/?originalSubdomain=uk

Website - kamstar.net

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:

[05:48] - Childhood programming story

[10:16] - Evolution of AI and expert systems

[13:26] - Gamification’s role in engagement

[19:07] - Predictive analytics focus

[22:25] - Cause and effect in decision making

[30:46] - Generative AI and creativity

[38:22] - Fun rapid-fire: Secret...

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with David Fortin CPA, Microsoft MVP, and the creative mind behind the Piggybank Accountant YouTube channel. They get into the real deal behind Microsoft Copilot: what it actually does well, where it’s still rough around the edges, and how it’s starting to make a difference for people working in Excel every day. David shares how he got recognized by Microsoft, what it’s been like behind the scenes, and why he’s focused on teaching finance pros to use these tools without losing sight of the basics.

David Fortin brings a mix of startup experience, accounting know-how, and a ton of enthusiasm to the conversation. After helping raise $30 million and navigating a successful exit at a SaaS company, he turned his attention to content creation-making Excel and Copilot more approachable through online courses and quick-hit tutorials. He’s passionate about helping people understand tools that can save time and make their jobs a little easier, especially in finance.

Expect to Learn:

• What it’s like becoming a Microsoft MVP and how David ended up on their radar.
• The strengths and limits of Copilot in Excel today especially for those new to the tool.
• Why features like “clean data” and basic Python functionality can be surprisingly useful.
• How to avoid being overwhelmed by buzzwords and just focus on what works.
• The value of starting small, staying curious, and being honest about what tech can (and can’t) do.

David brings clarity, honesty, and a little humor to the conversation around Excel, Copilot, and where these tools are headed. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with the latest features, this episode will help you see how to use what’s already available without needing to be an expert. It’s a conversation that feels more like advice from a savvy colleague than a tech demo.

Follow David:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fortin-cpa-816b20b5/

Website - https://courses.davidpba.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:

[00:11] - Introduction of guest

[03:05] - How He Became a Microsoft MVP

[06:00] - What Copilot Does Well Right Now

[09:46] - “Clean Data” and Smarter Tools in Excel

[10:44] - Using Python Without Being a Coder

[13:03] - What the Future Could Look Like

[14:11] - Cutting Through the AI Hype

[17:21] - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up