AI Governance for CFOs to Control Board Risk and Lead Strategic Transformation with Shannon Nash

In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Glenn Hopper and special guest Shannon Nash to explore how AI is transforming the role of finance leaders and boardrooms. The conversation dives into AI adoption, governance, and the shift from traditional finance responsibilities to more strategic, decision-driven roles.

Shannon Nash is a global C-suite leader, CPA, attorney, and board director with over 30 years of experience across finance, technology, and governance. She is a Partner at Alpha AI, where she helps organizations strengthen AI governance and strategic decision-making. Shannon has served as CFO at companies like Wing, Reputation.com, and Inside Source, and currently sits on multiple boards, including SoFi Bank and NetScout Systems.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why finance professionals must continuously retool in the age of AI
• How AI is changing the role of CFOs and decision-making
• The importance of AI governance at the board level
• How to manage AI investment alongside “AI sprawl.”
• What key questions boards should be asking about AI

AI is rapidly evolving from a tool that supports workflows to one that actively drives decisions. As Shannon highlights, this shift requires stronger governance, better alignment between leadership and operations, and a proactive approach from both CFOs and boards. The future of finance will belong to those who can balance innovation with control and strategy with execution.

Follow Shannon:

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

Podcast: https://www.noboxesjustverses.com/

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:

[02:37] – Shannon Nash Background

[04:53] – Career Journey & Non-Linearity

[09:00] – Finance Leaders & Operations Mindset

[11:44] – AI & Alpha AI

[17:47] – AI Across Companies

[24:32] – AI Governance & Board Questions

[31:31] – AI in Decision-Making

[35:26] – Shannon’s Podcast

[42:22] – AI Questions & Closing