Run the Numbers
CJ Gustafson
Run the Numbers is a twice-weekly podcast about financial metrics and business models, designed for ambitious people operating tech startups. It's a collection of things host CJ Gustafson (CFO at Partstech and writer of Mostly Metrics) has learned and thought about in the trenches as a tech CFO.
This show is meant to serve as a playbook of sorts for the stuff CJ wishes he knew earlier in his career, both from experience and from copying people smarter than himself.
Topics frequently touch upon Startup SaaS Metrics, Annual Budgeting, Financial Forecasting, Headcount, Equity, Dilution, and Fundraising – and how all of these drive business performance and growth.
This show is meant to serve as a playbook of sorts for the stuff CJ wishes he knew earlier in his career, both from experience and from copying people smarter than himself.
Topics frequently touch upon Startup SaaS Metrics, Annual Budgeting, Financial Forecasting, Headcount, Equity, Dilution, and Fundraising – and how all of these drive business performance and growth.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 8, 2024 • 42min
Arcadia's Paul Mulé on Building an M&A Playbook
Former investment banker turned CFO, Paul Mulé from Arcadia, discusses the transition to an operational role, the scarcity of skilled CFOs in tech companies, and the importance of building the right team. He shares insights on M&A strategies, cross-selling post-acquisition, optimizing M&A with on-the-ground employees, and qualities that make a great CFO.
6 snips
Jul 4, 2024 • 56min
Risk & Return: Applying an Investment Mindset to Finance With Ramp's Alex Song
Alex Song, VP of Finance at Ramp, discusses the unique balance sheet considerations of payments companies, risk management in finance, and the value of customer relationships. He shares intriguing investment stories involving seismic ships, rough diamonds, rail cars, and Colombian litigation claims.
4 snips
Jul 1, 2024 • 44min
Banker to Investor to Operator: Nick Chammas, CFO of Eight Sleep, on Why Your Job is Always to Sell
Nick Chammas, CFO of Eight Sleep, shares insights on transitioning from banking to operations, emphasizing sales skills, decision-making, and teamwork. He discusses the Google IPO process, challenges in tech operations, and the importance of building relationships for success. The podcast explores the balance between intuition and data analysis, humility in business, and anecdotes from Chammas's investment banking days.
8 snips
Jun 27, 2024 • 50min
Automation, Storytelling, and the Future of Finance With Anna King, CFO of Mesh
Anna King, CFO of Mesh, discusses automation in finance, intertwining automation with storytelling, future of finance, physical credit cards, cash, and disrupting the finance ecosystem. She shares her experience during the mortgage crisis, fostering inclusion for women in finance, and combating imposter syndrome as a leader.
4 snips
Jun 24, 2024 • 51min
“Do Nothing” and Other Financial Wisdom From 6sense CFO Rob Goldenberg
Rob Goldenberg, CFO of 6sense, discusses financial wisdom, tool consolidation, funding requests, decision-making, and the importance of doing nothing. Topics include alignment in company and finance teams, pitfalls of tool consolidation, managing spend, advice for taking advice, and the genius of Charlie Munger.
10 snips
Jun 20, 2024 • 53min
Extreme Ownership for CFOs with Adam Ante of Paycor
CFO Adam Ante of Paycor, inspired by Extreme Ownership, shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, training for stress, and finding success in finance. He discusses Paycor's revenue model, IPO share price, and unique economic insights from payroll data. Adam emphasizes the importance of broadening skills, earning your seat at the table, and focusing on the small details.
8 snips
Jun 17, 2024 • 52min
First Mover or Fast Follower? Thomas Ream of Workato on Timing Your Tech Strategy in the Age of AI
Thomas Ream, CFO of Workato, shares insights on AI evolution, hardware vs software, quantum computing potential, and the importance of timing in tech. He discusses CFO roles, quick decision-making, and challenges assumptions on first movers. With a focus on leadership and high-growth environments, the podcast offers unique perspectives on tech strategy.
5 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 4min
“Keep the Take Rate Low” - Turo’s Chuck Fisher on Scaling a Successful Peer-to-peer Marketplace
Chuck Fisher, CFO of Turo, discusses how Turo's unique model empowers hosts to build micro businesses, the importance of a low take rate for marketplace success, the evolution of marketplaces like Airbnb and Uber, Turo's risk score system for targeted marketing, and reflections on surviving the Lehman Brothers collapse.
Jun 10, 2024 • 51min
The Boston Celtics’ Other Playbook: Business Insights from President Rich Gotham
Rich Gotham, President of the Boston Celtics, delves into the team's business model evolution, revenue diversification, use of digital tech, and strategic sponsorships. He highlights the impact of performance on revenue and the role of data-driven strategies in maximizing financial success. Additionally, he shares insights on ticket pricing, community investments, career advice, and clears up the truth behind Paul Pierce's 2008 Finals incident.
5 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 57min
M&A in Tech, Deal Desks, and Resource Allocation: Insights From 8x8 CFO Kevin Kraus
Experienced CFO Kevin Kraus shares insights on M&A in tech, deal desks, resource allocation, and succession planning. He discusses customer diligence, post-M&A integration, pricing, payment terms, and qualities of a great CFO. Kraus emphasizes the importance of efficient processes, standing up deal desks, and creating succession plans for sustainable growth.
