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

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with David Fortin, CPA, YouTuber, and 2024 Microsoft MVP, to explore the real-world evolution of Excel, Microsoft Copilot, and how AI is changing the finance landscape. With his signature humor and down-to-earth style, David shares how he transitioned from SaaS finance to teaching Excel online, and why he believes learning should be both practical and fun.

David is the creator behind Piggybank Accountant, a fast-growing YouTube channel that teaches Excel and Copilot to accountants and finance professionals. Before diving into content creation full-time, David helped raise $30 million for a SaaS startup and supported its successful exit. Today, he’s known for making even the most technical topics feel approachable. Whether he’s talking about conditional formatting or Python in Excel, David’s mission is simple: help people learn skills that matter in the most engaging way possible.

In this episode, you will discover:

• What it means to be a Microsoft MVP and how it’s opened doors in David’s career.
• Why Copilot is ideal for Excel beginners and how it’s starting to serve power users too.
• How finance professionals can actually use Copilot today to save time and improve workflows.
• Where Copilot shines, where it falls short, and what to expect next.
• Why David walked away from a corporate role to pursue content full time.

David brings fresh energy to conversations around Excel, Copilot, and how technology is changing the way finance professionals work. This episode is perfect for anyone curious about Copilot, looking to up their Excel game, or wondering how to bring creativity into finance. David proves that learning can be entertaining, and still incredibly useful.

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:

[01:07] - Welcome & Introduction

[02:04] - Meet David: From CPA to Microsoft MVP

[05:00] - What the MVP Journey Has Been Like

[08:08] - Copilot in Excel: Where It Is Now

[12:33] - New Features and Real Use Cases

[17:33] - Sorting Through the AI Hype

[21:03] - Using Copilot as a Finance Pro

[25:40] - Time-Saving Examples from the Field

[29:06] - Thoughts on Prompting and Productivity

[36:06] - Excel Meets World of Warcraft

[43:12] - Leaving the 9-5

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Ahikam Kaufman, veteran finance leader and co-founder of Safe AI, the world’s first platform for financial data governance. Ahikam shares how his experience at companies like Intuit led him to build a solution that replaces manual processes with smarter, more reliable financial oversight. He explains how Safe AI connects data across systems like ERP and CRM to catch issues early and automate routine checks. The conversation explores how finance teams can move faster, stay compliant, and trust their data.

Ahikam Kaufman is the co-founder and CEO of Safe AI, a platform built to monitor and govern financial data across systems like ERP, CRM, and payroll. With over 20 years of experience in corporate finance and entrepreneurship, he’s seen both the promise and pitfalls of financial operations. From M&A and compliance challenges to launching B2C fintech ventures, Ahikam’s career shaped his vision for making financial data easier to manage, review, and trust. At Safe AI, he helps companies replace manual work with smart oversight so teams can close the books faster, avoid errors, and stay ahead of compliance.

In this episode, you will discover:

• What inspired Ahikam to move from finance leadership into founding Safe AI
• Why traditional finance teams struggle to govern their own data across systems
• How Safe AI helps companies spot errors, detect fraud, and stay ahead of compliance
• The real-world challenges of financial close and how to fix them before they snowball
• How finance teams can embrace innovation without giving up control

Ahikam Kaufman gave us an inside look at how finance teams can take control of their data and move beyond the manual processes that slow them down. From automating reconciliations to catching issues before close, he showed how Safe AI helps finance professionals work smarter and stay compliant without the last-minute scramble. This episode is a great reminder that true financial leadership isn’t just about tracking numbers-it’s about building systems that support accuracy, trust, and long-term growth.

Follow Ahikam :

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahikam-kaufman-688310/

Website - https://safebooks.ai/

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

Follow Glenn:

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

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] - Welcome to the Episode

[00:24] - SXSW and Startup Energy

[01:00] - Transitioning from Corporate to Startup

[03:25]

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Ahikam Kaufman, Co-Founder and CEO of Safebooks AI. They dig into what it really takes to run finance at a fast-growing global company. From building systems that can handle international payroll to staying on top of ever-changing rules and regulations, Ahikam shares a behind-the-scenes look at how finance can be a key driver of growth, not just a support function.

Ahikam Kaufman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Safebooks AI, a platform focused on ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data for organizations. With a strong track record in leadership roles across finance and technology, Ahikam brings deep insight into the challenges companies face in managing financial data at scale. Prior to Safebooks AI, he held key positions in companies like Buildup and ScanModul, giving him a well-rounded view of both startup growth and enterprise needs.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why paying people in different countries is way more complicated than it sounds
• How finance teams can shape a company’s strategy-not just track expenses
• What makes Papaya Global stand out in the crowded HR and payroll space
• How to deal with the endless maze of international tax and labor laws
• Advice for finance pros who want to grow their careers in a changing world

Ahikam Kaufman shared practical insights on how messy and unreliable financial data can hinder companies and what it really takes to fix that. Drawing from his experience as Co-Founder and CEO of Safebooks AI, he offered a grounded view on why visibility, structure, and accountability in financial operations are crucial for any organization. He emphasized that success starts with clean data and clear systems, not just better dashboards. At the heart of it all: discipline, attention to detail, and building tools that make finance teams stronger.

Follow Ahikam:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahikam-kaufman-688310/

Website - https://safebooks.ai/

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

Follow Glenn:

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

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[01:53] - Welcome to the episode

[02:19] - SXSW and Startup Energy

[02:53] - Transitioning from Corporate to Startup

[03:46] - The Importance of a Strong Foundation

[05:40] - Replacing Manual Financial Controls

[08:03] - AI-Powered Financial Graphs at SafeBooks

[17:10] - Ensuring Compliance with SafeBooks

[22:49] - AI’s Impact on...

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Carlos Vega, fintech founder, investor, and AI enthusiast. Carlos shares his unique path from investment banking to co-founding Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform helping companies optimize cash flow and unlock real working capital. Carlos reveals how his frustration with traditional finance workflows led him to build tools that empower finance teams to move at AI speed - with smarter forecasts, automated collections, and deeper financial visibility.

Carlos Vega is the co-founder and CEO of Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform. He has over a decade of experience in finance, including investment banking at Lazard and co-founding a factoring business. Carlos holds an MBA from Wharton, where he created a custom focus in “Innovation Through Analytics” He’s passionate about turning data into actionable insights and making cash flow more predictable. At Tesorio, he helps companies automate collections and optimize working capital using AI.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why Carlos created his own MBA path at Wharton focused on analytics
• Why cash flow forecasting isn’t just a finance problem - it’s a data problem
• The hidden reasons businesses turn to factoring (and why that’s risky)
• How Tesorio uses AI to clean up messy financial data
• Why actionable insights are way more valuable than fancy reports

Carlos Vega gave us a fresh look at why cash flow is so critical and how using AI to clean, structure, and act on financial data can change the way businesses operate. From building smarter forecasts to creating better cash management habits, Carlos showed that real success isn’t just about growing fast, it’s about being predictable and staying in control.

Follow Carlos:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-r-vega/

Website - https://www.tesorio.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:

[00:15] - Guest Intro

[01:58] - Innovation and AI MBA

[05:51] - Telecom Data Insights

[06:41] - MBA as a Career Catalyst

[07:19] - From Factoring to Forecasting

[09:26] - Cash Flow vs Budgeting Focus

[13:48] - Unlocking Cash Flow Insights

[15:28] - Three Pillars of Data

[17:57] - Final Takeaway

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Carlos Vega, fintech founder, investor, and AI enthusiast. Carlos shares his unique path from investment banking to co-founding Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform helping companies optimize cash flow and unlock real working capital. Carlos reveals how his frustration with traditional finance workflows led him to build tools that empower finance teams to move at AI speed - with smarter forecasts, automated collections, and deeper financial visibility.

Carlos Vega is the co-founder and CEO of Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform. He has over a decade of experience in finance, including investment banking at Lazard and co-founding a factoring business. Carlos holds an MBA from Wharton, where he created a custom focus in “Innovation Through Analytics” He’s passionate about turning data into actionable insights and making cash flow more predictable. At Tesorio, he helps companies automate collections and optimize working capital using AI.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How Carlos designed a custom MBA in “Innovation Through Analytics”
• Why cash flow forecasting is more of a data problem than a finance one
• The real reason so many businesses rely on factoring (and what it reveals)
• How Tesorio uses AI and ML to clean and structure financial data
• Why actionable insights matter more than predictive reports

Carlos Vega shared practical insights on why cash flow is one of the most overlooked-yet critical-parts of running a business. With his background in finance and experience building Tesorio, he brought a real-world perspective to the conversation. He emphasized the importance of understanding where your money is coming from and when, and how small changes can make a big difference. At the heart of it all: clear processes, good habits, and staying on top of the details.

Follow Carlos:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-r-vega/

Website - https://www.tesorio.com/

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

Follow Glenn:

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

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[01:28] - Welcome to the Episode

[02:54] - Creating a Custom MBA

[09:46] - Lessons from a Factoring Business

[10:50] - Why People Ignore Cash Flow

[12:27] - Building in Panama vs. the U.S.

[14:12] - Cash Flow Is a Data Problem

[19:21] - Is Cash Flow Forecasting Overlooked?

[21:01] - Building Accurate Collection Models

[23:53]...