In this special episode of Future Finance, your hosts, Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst, explore how artificial intelligence is making waves in the finance world. They explore two distinct approaches to AI adoption: top-down initiatives, driven by company leadership, and bottom-up strategies, where employees are introducing AI tools on their own. Glenn and Paul also discuss the latest AI tools in Microsoft Excel, including AI agents, and how they’re transforming financial modeling and decision-making. Tune in for a mix of practical advice, real-world experiences, and a bit of humor along the way.

In this episode, you will discover:

How top-down and bottom-up AI adoption strategies differ in business.
Why employee-driven AI innovation is on the rise and how to manage it.
The role of AI-powered tools like Excel Labs in transforming financial work.
How AI agents can help upskill finance professionals and streamline tasks.

Glenn and Paul explore the evolving role of AI in finance, from top-down strategies to employee-driven innovation. They highlight the potential of AI tools like Excel Labs and AI agents to transform financial processes. Tune in for insights on how embracing AI can help professionals stay ahead in a rapidly changing field.

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

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:

[05:17] - Glenn’s New Book for Wiley

[08:21] - The AI Budget Mandate

[12:11] - Managing Bottom-Up AI Adoption

[15:39] - The Carol Office Question

[26:00] - Why Use Hard-Coded XLOOKUP?

[29:56] - Building and Customizing an AI Agent

[36:36] - Career Transitions and AI in FP&A

[39:50] - Final Thoughts and Wrapping Up

AI in the Finance Team for CFOs to Lead Bottom-Up Adoption with Excel Agents and Shadow Tools