#256 The CFO Guide to AI Hype: What To Do First, Hannah Munro, Managing Director, ITAS Solutions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg1knQ7TQ_E
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Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate finance discussions, but for many CFOs, the real challenge isn’t understanding the technology—it’s knowing where to start. In this episode, host Kevin Appleby welcomes back Hannah Munro, Managing Director of ITAS Solutions and host of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, to unpack the hype surrounding AI and offer clear, practical steps for finance leaders ready to take action.
Hannah shares first-hand insights from her work helping finance teams implement technology-driven transformations, explaining why success depends less on the AI tools themselves and more on simplifying processes, standardizing data, and fostering cultural change. The conversation draws a clear distinction between technology implementation and true transformation—and why CFOs must master both to realise measurable ROI from new systems.
As AI continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Hannah and Kevin explore how finance leaders can stay agile, focus on data quality, and ensure their organizations are prepared for the next generation of AI-enabled finance. From managing expectations to defining tangible outcomes, this episode is an essential listen for CFOs looking to move beyond buzzwords and deliver meaningful digital transformation.
Key topics covered:
The difference between AI-enabled tools and building AI from scratch—and why most finance teams are already using AI without realising it.
Why the biggest implementation risks aren’t technical but cultural and process-related.
How to distinguish transformation from implementation—and why most projects should involve both.
The importance of defining measurable outcomes before investing in technology.
Why simplification, standardisation, and clean data are the foundations for any successful AI adoption.
How CFOs can future-proof their finance function by focusing on integration, agility, and benefit-driven technology selection.
Links
Hannah Munro on LinkedIn
Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
GrowCFO Mentoring
Timestamps
01:00 Why AI isn’t new—and how finance teams are already using it unknowingly
03:25 Implementation vs. transformation: the fundamental question every CFO must ask
07:30 Why traditional RFP processes often fail in fast-changing tech environments
10:45 The hidden cost of customisation and how to challenge unnecessary complexity
16:15 Measuring the true value and ROI of finance technology projects
19:20 Why every tech implementation should also be a transformation initiative
27:20 Using psychology and “nudging” principles to drive behavioural change in transformation
33:30 Preparing for AI: simplify processes, integrate systems, and clean your data
38:40 The limits of AI: understanding data quality, context, and validation
44:30 Looking ahead—how AI, automation, and integration will redefine the finance function
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