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
10 snips
Mar 21, 2024 • 1h 1min
How AI Changes Your P&L with Fred Havemeyer of Macquarie
Exploring AI's impact on CFO roles, company valuations, and metrics used by operators vs bankers. Delving into AI's productivity gains, revenue potential of Microsoft 365 co-pilot, challenges in cloud cost management, and financial blunders. Discussing AI pricing models, infrastructure optimization impact on margins, and risks of AI technology for businesses.
12 snips
Mar 18, 2024 • 54min
Deep Dive on Usage Based Models with Gladly's CFO Todd Rakow
In this podcast, Gladly's CFO discusses usage-based revenue models, forecasting customer usage patterns, commissioning sales reps, and distinguishing between reoccurring and recurring revenue. The episode covers strategic finance leadership, building long-term customer relationships, and the value of delegating and partnering strategically in business.
Mar 14, 2024 • 46min
ZoomInfo’s CFO Cameron Hyzer on Resource Allocation Bets as a Public Company
ZoomInfo's CFO, Cameron Hyzer, discusses the importance of quality over cost reduction, share repurchase programs, and resource allocation bets. The conversation covers monetizing data business, customer cohorts, managing customer relationships, external factors in business operations, and embracing diverse opportunities in finance software tools.
24 snips
Mar 11, 2024 • 50min
The Ultimate People Manager's Playbook with Dave Kline
Learn from leadership coach Dave Kline on fostering high performance cultures, setting expectations, and delegation strategies. Explore lessons from Bridgewater, importance of ownership, and navigating workplace dynamics. Discover effective team empowerment tactics in one-on-one meetings.
Mar 7, 2024 • 1h
The Tables are Turned: CJ's First FP&A Hire Alex Peterson Interviews CJ
Join CJ and his first FP&A hire, Alex Peterson, as they share war stories about performance reviews, net dollar retention rates, and Frank Slootman’s retirement. Get insights on job market challenges post-COVID, balancing cringe and reflection in performance reviews, and navigating career progression and legacy. Don't miss out on their personal anecdotes and finance insights on bonds!
17 snips
Mar 4, 2024 • 59min
Rippling CFO Adam Swiecicki on Building a Compound Startup and Channeling Ambition
This podcast features insights from Rippling's CFO on building a compound startup, R&D investment strategies, maximizing revenue streams, SaaS metric reporting challenges, growth strategy, execution for startup success, employee-centric moves, finance software stack, tools adoption, expense culture, financial compliance, CEO oversight, and investor responsibility.
Feb 29, 2024 • 54min
Secrets to Scaling a Marketplace Business with Jack Greco, VC and co-founder of ACV Auctions
Discover the secrets to scaling a marketplace business with insights from Jack Greco, co-founder of ACV Auctions. Topics include the human element in marketplaces, setting make-good budgets, business seasonality, auction model impacts on supply and demand liquidity, and the importance of trust in marketplace success.
21 snips
Feb 26, 2024 • 51min
Stack Overflow's CFO Matt Gallatin on "Burning the Ships”
CFO Matt Gallatin discusses SaaS 101 training, strategic pivot to DaaS, major business transformations, cybersecurity growth strategies, international living reflections, and unconventional expense tools in this insightful podcast.
27 snips
Feb 22, 2024 • 49min
The Seven Frameworks CFOs Need to Know: Jim Cook Round 2
In this podcast, Jim Cook discusses decision-making frameworks for CFOs, the importance of communication, and leadership challenges. He emphasizes challenging assumptions with data, tailoring presentations for different audiences, and prioritizing relationships in CFO roles. The episode offers valuable insights for finance professionals navigating high-pressure situations.
8 snips
Feb 19, 2024 • 49min
G2 CFO Chad Gold on Building a Durable Career as a Venture Backed Exec
Former CFO of Salesloft, Chad Gold, discusses building durable careers in venture-backed ecosystems. Topics include building relationships with investors, navigating majority recaps, empowering employees through ownership, and the value of playbooks in executive roles.
