The New F*Word (F for Fractional Finance) ( The podcast for Fractional CFOs who want to master cash flow, financial strategy, and business growth.)

Stacey Borrow, an agency finance specialist, to discuss her role in helping small agencies with their finances. She brings fractional financial support to agency owners, allowing them the benefit of day-to-day access to financial expertise without the cost of a full-time FD.

In this episode, she shares the typical scenarios she encounters with her agency clients, the need for better financial planning and the importance of understanding each client's unique needs and goals. Stacey underscores the value of cash flow forecasting and the benefits of using specialized software for accurate financial tracking.

Want to learn more about how other fCFOs are leveraging Float Cash Flow Forecasting to boost their offerings?
https://floatapp.com/fractional-cfos/

Connect with Colin on Linkedin to give feedback or ask him your burning questions 👇
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinphewitt/

Connect with Stacey for more expert insights 👇
https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyborrow

What if the key to revolutionising your business's financial health lies in the hands of a fractional CFO?

We sit down with Lauren Harvey from Full Stop. She shares her remarkable journey from Peugeot to a passionate chartered management accountant. Lauren's path—marked by her tenure managing estates for the Crown Estate offers a unique perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of cloud accounting and financial management. Her story is a testament to the dynamic shifts in the accounting world and the growing importance of proactive financial insight, especially for SMEs navigating the post-pandemic landscape.

Lauren shares how technology and cloud accounting have empowered accountants to embrace more advisory roles, contrasting these fractional roles with traditional ones. We also explore the importance of a comprehensive finance department and the frustrations businesses often face with reactionary accounting firms.

Lauren explains how Float helps businesses manage daily cash positions while projecting future economic health, highlighting the importance of educating clients on cash flow management before financial distress hits.

The New F*Word is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Susan Boles is a human-centred CFO at Beyond Margins. In this episode, she shares her 'accidental CFO' journey and how she helps founders build calmer businesses with comfortable margins. Join us as we uncover actionable insights and strategies that can inspire your approach to financial management and catapult your business towards its full potential.

Want to learn more about how other fCFOs are leveraging Float Cash Flow Forecasting to boost their offerings?
https://floatapp.com/fractional-cfos/

Connect with Colin on Linkedin to give feedback or ask him your burning questions 👇
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinphewitt/

Connect with Susan for more expert insights 👇
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesusanboles

In this episode, Kevin Steel, a fractional CFO at Claredon Finance & Strategy, shares his original mind-mapping process for uncovering clients' unique business positions. He highlights the critical importance of clean data and the essential role of skilled bookkeepers in delivering accurate financial insights.

Kevin's strategy centres on providing upfront value and smoothing out costs over the year. He stresses the importance of educating clients about cash flow and capital allocation decisions, which are vital for business growth.

Want to learn how other fCFOs are using Float Cash Flow Forecasting to enhance their services? Check out this link.

Connect with Colin on LinkedIn for feedback or questions: Colin's LinkedIn.

For more expert insights, connect with Kevin: Kevin's LinkedIn

Is your business missing out on the financial expertise it needs to grow?

In this episode, I sit down with Marc Obrart, co-founder of fin-house, to explore how fractional finance is revolutionising the way startups and SMEs approach their financial strategies. 

Marc shares how fin-house is shaking up the traditional finance model by offering tailored, agile finance teams—delivering high-impact CFO services without the full-time commitment. We explore the gaps in conventional accounting, why proactive financial guidance is critical for scaling, and how fractional CFOs are helping businesses make smarter decisions.

From streamlining day-to-day operations to navigating high-level strategy, Marc’s insights provide a fresh look at the evolving role of finance professionals.

The New F*Word is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

How well do you really know your business’s financial health?

In this episode, we dive into the world of financial literacy for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with seasoned financial consultant Craig Rattray. With over 30 years of experience, Craig shares invaluable insights from his Know Your Numbers programme, breaking down the critical financial concepts every business owner should understand, including profit and loss statements and cash flow management.

Craig shares the risks of neglecting your finances and why regular engagement with financial metrics is key to unlocking growth opportunities. He also offers practical tips on balanced cash flow forecasting to help business owners make smarter, more informed decisions. Craig’s mission? To empower entrepreneurs to navigate their finances with confidence, turning financial literacy into a powerful tool for sustainable business success.

The New F*Word is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode of The New F Word, we sit down with Simon Kallu, an expert in fractional CFO services and Tony Robbins' UK and Europe's Accounting Partner, to explore how this evolving role is reshaping financial strategies for growing businesses. 

Simon shares insights from his decade-long journey in finance, explaining how his company, Growfactor, helps businesses on the cusp of major growth by offering tailored financial expertise. We explore the common pitfalls entrepreneurs face when managing their finances solo, and how a strategic partner can bridge the gap between day-to-day operations and long-term success.

Simon uncovers the importance of financial intimacy—understanding that while DIY methods may work short-term, external expertise can provide the fresh perspective needed to scale effectively. Simon also shares his experiences working with high-profile entrepreneurs and offers practical advice on integrating finance into every aspect of business strategy.

The New F*Word is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

What if there was a better way for small businesses to manage their finances without hiring a full-time CFO?

In this episode, Colin sits down with John Dalrymple from Ferrock Finance to explore how fractional finance is reshaping the financial landscape for growing companies.

John shares how Ferrock Finance, led by Scott Willis, saw a gap in the market for fractional finance roles and how they’ve been helping a diverse range of clients—from established SaaS companies to emerging startups.

We explore the benefits of fractional CFOs, especially for companies on the brink of growth. John offers an inside look at how fractional services can provide high-level financial expertise without the hefty price tag of a full-time hire. He also addresses the common hesitations around making the switch, including how to mitigate risks while balancing career and family life.

John dives into the unique value Ferrock Finance brings to the table, sharing insights on maintaining personal client relationships and avoiding common pitfalls in financial modeling and pitch presentations.

As we assess the current market landscape, John discusses the tightening of capital availability and why it’s more important than ever for businesses to demonstrate financial competence.

The New F*Word is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Have you ever wondered how a seasoned financial executive can transform your startup's growth trajectory? Meet Karen Stephens, who joins me to share her transition from the corporate world to becoming a sought-after fractional CFO. 

In this episode, Karen reveals the critical gap she identified in financial guidance for new entrepreneurs and solo founders and how she stepped in to fill it. Her unique background, shaped by Scottish roots and international experiences, has given her a distinctive edge in advising clients across the US and UK. Karen also shares her early journey on leveraging LinkedIn to build her network including her recent controversial posts challenging traditional accountant stereotypes which might have ruffled a few feathers

Together, we explore the evolving role of fractional CFOs in today’s business landscape, the pros and cons of popular accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, and the importance of having a CFO with FP&A and strategic partnership experience.

The New F*Word is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Chris Ortega is the mastermind behind Fresh FP&A, he dives into the game-changing role of fractional CFOs in driving financial clarity and growth for small to medium-sized businesses.

Chris takes us on a journey through his experience building and scaling finance organisations, sharing the pivotal moments that led to the creation of Fresh FP&A. He paints a vivid picture of the indispensable value that fractional CFOs bring to the table, offering strategic guidance and expertise without the hefty price tag of a full-time CFO.

Chris also shares his take on the critical importance of effective cash flow management and why finance leaders today need to leverage cutting-edge technology to analyse and forecast cash flow 🚀

Want to learn more about how other fCFOs are leveraging Float Cash Flow Forecasting to boost their offerings?
https://floatapp.com/fractional-cfos/

Connect with Colin on Linkedin to give feedback or ask him your burning questions 👇
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinphewitt/

Connect with Chris for more expert insights 👇
https://www.linkedin.com/in/freshcfo/

How do small businesses thrive in a complex financial landscape? As we wrap up Season One of The New F Word, we’re celebrating the incredible journey we’ve taken together through the world of fractional finance and the inspiring leaders who joined us along the way. In this special episode, we look back on the invaluable insights shared by forward-thinking fractional CFOs, entrepreneurs, and finance experts who are pioneering new paths to small business success.

Throughout this season, our guests have shared the power of technology, cash flow mastery, and proactive financial strategies that allow even the leanest teams to thrive without sacrificing vision. We’ve heard stories from fractional CFOs on how they help businesses steer through cash flow dilemmas, tackle unexpected financial hurdles, and develop growth-ready finance functions. It’s been a season full of unfiltered stories that highlight the vital role of trust, resilience, and creativity in finance leadership.

From navigating challenging financial years to scaling with technology rather than headcount, our visionary guests have illustrated what it means to guide businesses through growth in today’s dynamic world. They’ve shown us how the right financial partner can transform uncertainty into opportunity, using the power of forecasting and forward-thinking strategy.

Join us as we reflect on the standout moments of Season One and celebrate the voices that made it possible. And don’t miss out on what’s coming next –Season Two, where we’ll bring you even more inspiring conversations with finance leaders who are reshaping the industry.

Karen Trickett from Mighty Atoms joins us to explore the growing world of fractional leadership roles. Karen, who’s carved her path from Pepsi to Golden Charter, CMO to CEO, Karen is an experienced board executive focused on CX, marketing, and commercial strategies. Karen shares how her journey led her to fractional marketing and management and why she believes “the future is fractional”.

Karen and I explore what sets fractional roles apart from freelance or interim positions, offering strategic leadership in finance and marketing that’s agile, cost-effective, and incredibly impactful. She reveals why fractional roles are essential for today’s businesses, especially startups and scale-ups looking to harness expertise without the overhead of full-time hires. With the UK business landscape ripe for change, Karen sheds light on how fractional talent is helping businesses thrive in challenging economic times.

We also delve into how to choose the right fractional leader, discussing the importance of strategic thinking, chemistry, and the potential of this model to prevent common growth pitfalls. Karen’s stories of campaigns she's led highlight the powerful combination of creativity and analytics, offering practical insights for startups wondering if a fractional hire could be their next best move.

In this episode of The New F Word, Colin sits down with Graeme Tennick, founder of Tennick Accountants, to explore the game-changing potential of fractional CFO services for small businesses. Graeme shares his journey from traditional accountancy to a model focused on genuine advisory relationships and a “sense of belonging” project, designed to bring more human-centred value to clients.

Together, they explore the power of asking better questions, aligning business success with personal values, and making financial advisory services accessible to business owners. Graeme shares the pivotal moments that shaped his approach, from realisations during family moments to the pressures of COVID, which inspired him to rethink what clients truly need from their accountants.

Whether you’re a business owner or simply curious about the evolution of financial services, Graeme’s insights help to reshape how we view success.

How can fractional finance leadership transform small businesses, and why is the role of a fractional CFO so vital? In this episode of The New F* Word podcast, I speak with Nikole Mackenzie founder of Momentum Accounting, as we explore how outsourced financial services are reshaping the way small businesses manage their finances.

Nikole shares her journey from traditional public accounting to launching Momentum Accounting in 2017, a company that helps businesses with revenue ranging from $1 to $10 million streamline their financial operations. We discuss the many reasons business owners turn to fractional CFO services, often out of frustration or urgent need, and how Nikole uses educational content to build trust and showcase the value her services provide.

We also dive into the tools and strategies that have helped Nikole grow her business, such as her innovative cash potential calculator, and how she effectively uses marketing and branding to position Momentum Accounting as a leader in the fractional finance space. Nikole’s insights into managing a growing team and her vision for the future highlight how fractional finance can unlock growth and financial clarity for small businesses.

What drives someone to transition from a stable corporate career to launching a fractional CFO practice? In this episode of The New F* Word podcast, we speak with Elisabeth Sabin, a newly minted fractional CFO, about her transformative journey into the world of fractional finance. Elisabeth shares the motivations behind her decision to leave corporate finance for a more flexible and fulfilling career, one that allows her to balance professional ambition with family time and a passion for helping small businesses thrive.

We dive into the challenges Elisabeth faced as she transitioned to self-marketing and client acquisition in the fractional CFO space, discussing how long-term vision and a solid foundation are key to overcoming short-term uncertainty. We explore the evolving role of CFOs in business and how Elisabeth’s approach focuses on strategic financial guidance rather than just number crunching.

Elisabeth also shares her passion for working with impact-driven businesses, where financial success aligns with social impact. We discuss the psychology behind financial decision-making, the importance of trust and emotional intelligence, and how Elisabeth plans to scale her practice sustainably while staying true to her values.

How can fractional CFOs change the way startups and scale-ups approach growth and financial strategy? In this episode, Matthew Powell, a seasoned fractional CFO, shares his journey from corporate finance at EY to running his own successful consultancy. Matthew discusses the significant advantages of bringing in a fractional CFO early on in a business’s life cycle, especially when it comes to fundraising, forecasting, and strategic planning.

With years of experience in managing financial teams, Matthew explores the crucial role of finance leaders in startups, explaining how a well-structured finance function can be the linchpin for long-term success. He delves into the importance of establishing sound financial systems and processes, particularly in fast-growing companies, and why early-stage businesses can’t afford to ignore solid financial advice.

Matthew also reflects on his time building Fluro, a peer-to-peer lending platform, and how he navigated challenges around scaling and fundraising. From tackling compliance hurdles to pivoting business models, his insights on financing, operational strategies, and cash flow management are invaluable for any growing business.

How can the right financial expertise accelerate growth for startups and scale-ups, without the hefty price tag of a full-time CFO? In this episode, Colin speaks with Stephen from Growth CFO about the fractional finance revolution. With experience both on the investor side and as a CEO, Stephen shares why fractional CFOs are a game changer for small and mid-sized businesses.

Stephen highlights the importance of seasoned financial leadership, particularly during crucial growth stages, and how a fractional CFO provides not only operational oversight but strategic advice. Stephen discusses how businesses benefit from having experts who’ve ‘been there, done that’, and offers insights into building strong investor relationships and improving cash flow management.

You’ll also hear about the challenges in the funding landscape, how fractional CFOs can help navigate tricky financial waters, and why embracing financial transparency early can set you up for long-term success.

In this episode, I sat down with Rachel Marshall, founder of Magic Digits, an accounting firm for creative industries. Rachel’s story really resonated with me—she built her business from the ground up during the chaos of the pandemic, balancing career growth and family life.

Rachel shared what it takes to scale a business, the challenges she faced, and how she went from being a one-woman show to building a team. She also gave us a peek into the details of business growth, from managing hiring and cash flow to creating a remote team that fits her lifestyle.

Having transitioned from freelance to running her own company, I found Rachel’s lessons incredibly insightful—especially when it comes to making tough decisions, managing expectations, maintaining client relationships, and adapting as your business evolves.

In this episode, I am joined by Daniella Wainwright (Wainwright Consulting), an inspiring fractional CFO who left the corporate grind to build a successful consulting business based on authenticity, mindset work, and a balance between business and well-being.

Daniella’s journey is incredible—starting as a trainee accountant at 16, managing multi-million-pound businesses, and eventually shifting to fractional finance work. We talk about her growth, the power of networking, and key lessons she’s learned about marketing and personal branding, especially on LinkedIn.

What really stood out to me was her focus on health and balance in a demanding industry. Daniella also shares how she built a collective of fractional CFOs, offering candid insights into the challenges and rewards of growing a service-based business.

This conversation left me feeling inspired, and I think it’ll do the same for you.

What’s it take to be a fractional CFO? I’m talking with Elliott Gasper from OxConsult. He’s a hands-on fixer who’s raised millions and scaled companies big-time. Now, he’s shaking up fractional finance.

Elliot shares the three types of fractional CFOs he has identified so far and which bucket he falls under. The industry is still growing and with a lot of noise, business owners still don’t get what fractional CFOs do. But Elliot loves that because it’s a chance to make real impact for businesses.

He also shared how having dyslexia as a kid got him labelled a “terrible employee.” Now? It’s his problem-crushing superpower. He’s also kicked off the Fractional Finance Forum—CFOs sharing battle scars and hacks. Solo gig, but teamwork wins.

As I mentioned, I’m teaming up with Elliott for an upcoming webinar where we’ll be discussing the best finance tech stack for 2025 with industry experts:

📅 Monday 24th March, 3pm (GMT)

👇 Register now to secure your spot and get your finance function future-ready!

https://lu.ma/rng2jp39

Want elite execs without the big bill or long-term lock-in? I sit down with Stephen Halpin, the mind behind Portfolio XD, a team offering fractional C-suite talent—CEOs, CFOs, CMOs—on demand. Frustrated by consultancy roles where sharp strategies just sat unused, Stephen crafted a model that delivers real impact, not just slides. Post-COVID, Portfolio XD took off as SMEs sought flexible, high-calibre leaders to tackle funding rounds or global growth.

Here’s the twist: it’s not just cost-effective—it’s a total rethink. Imagine a UK media firm landing a Toronto CEO or a bioscience startup tapping a Boston CCO, no recruitment hassle. Stephen breaks it down—speed, expertise, no risk for companies, and execs (not just retirees) love the flexibility. He’s upfront about the missteps too, like corporate pros stumbling in fast-moving SMEs. And his take on networks? It’s who you know that sparks the magic. This ain’t fluff—it’s raw, punchy, and might just make you rethink your own game plan.