On the inaugural episode of Run The Numbers, the COO/CFO of Brex, Michael Tannenbaum, joins host CJ Gustafson to talk through a wide-range of finance, business, and personal growth strategies. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite:
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SPONSORS:
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@cjgustafson222 (CJ)
@TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Episode Preview
(2:25) CJ's opening monologue: on risk
(6:56) Start of CJ and Michael's interview
(7:14) Michael's key to longevity in his role at Brex
(8:09) The startup hierarchy of needs
(11:25) Two key signs of market validation at Brex
(12:54) On taking the leap from SoFi to employee #1 at Brex
(16:03) Sponsor: Netsuite
(17:54) The key differences and considerations in being CFO of a fintech company
(20:36) Michael on strategy for build vs. buy vs. partner M&A decisions
(25:14) Michael's family CFO lineage
(26:32) Where to find great talent
(29:24) What does Michael look for in terms of talent profile?
(31:22) Brex co-CEO dynamic
(34:00) How Brex arrived at the decision to move away from serving SMBs
(36:20) Long-ass lightning round: an example of when Michael screwed up on the job, advice for his younger self, Brex's finance software stack, the craziest thing someone has tried to expense
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
cjgustafson.substack.com
Run the Numbers