Conversation with Paul Barnhurst about financial planning & analysis

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Paul Barnhurst about the evolving role of FP&A (financial planning and analysis) professionals, stewardship in financial leadership, and how finance can create greater value through sound analysis, business partnership, and wise decision-making. They discuss technical excellence, AI, empathy, operational understanding, communication, burnout, and the importance of presenting thoughtful recommendations rather than simply reporting numbers. - How curiosity, empathy, and operational understanding distinguish exceptional FP&A professionals. - The opportunities and risks AI creates for finance teams, including the need for strong data foundations and governance. - Why stewardship requires finance leaders to consider both financial outcomes and the people affected by business decisions. - Practical guidance for presenting analysis, influencing decisions, and partnering effectively with business leaders. Paul Barnhurst, The FP&A Guy, is a highly respected FP&A (Financial Planning and Analysis) professional, corporate trainer, consultant, and dynamic public speaker. As the founder of www.thefpandaguy.com, Paul is committed to sharing expert knowledge and resources in the field of finance, helping both individuals and organizations enhance their financial planning and business strategy capabilities. Paul’s academic credentials include a Master of Science in Information Management and an MBA in Finance. He also holds the prestigious FPAC (Financial Planning & Analysis Certified Professional) certification from AFP, and the FPAP (Financial Planning and Analysis Professional) from CFI and is recognized as an Advanced Finance Modeler (AFM) by the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI). These qualifications reflect his dedication to mastering the technical and strategic elements of financial planning. In addition, Paul has earned the elite distinction of Microsoft MVP for his excellence with Microsoft Excel, demonstrating his ability to harness and teach the advanced capabilities of the software, a key tool in the FP&A profession. As a recognized thought leader in the FP&A community, Paul regularly engages with his audience of over 100,000 LinkedIn followers, providing valuable insights, best practices, and tools to optimize financial processes. More about Paul: www.thefpandaguy.com For more about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com; sixarrowsconsulting.com. Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about *forever.* *To learn about Eric’s new book:* Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO *See also the LinkedIn newsletter:* Musings for Steward Leaders *Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).*