Episodes

  • Elevating Women in Finance: The FEI Silicon Valley Women CFOs Awards

    Elevating Women in Finance: The FEI Silicon Valley Women CFOs Awards
    Sep 24 2024
    Female leader Jan Robertson recognizes Manpreet Grover of SOAProjects for her FEI Silicon Valley Women CFO's of the Year Award. As the visionary of the award, she discusses the inspiration, purpose, and meticulous criteria for recognizing outstanding women CFOs across various company sizes and disciplines. 00:00 Creating an award to recognize women in CFO roles. 04:31 Evaluating nominees based on leadership and impact. 07:22 Seeking sponsors to support women in leadership. 10:16 Committee values strong nominees, regardless of origin. About Manpreet Grover: Manpreet Grover is the CEO and CFO of SOAProjects, a leading professional advisory firm. She has over three decades of auditing, advisory, and company management experience. She has been instrumental in the growth and development of SOAProjects, leading market strategies, fostering the firm’s fundamental values, motivating, and nurturing the professionals, and delivering outstanding service to clients. Under her direction, SOAProjects has received numerous awards including Fastest Growing Private Company and recognized as the Number 1 Best Place to Work in the Bay Area for midsize companies. Additionally, Manpreet serves as an Executive Board Member at Aiver.ai , guiding the SaaS start-up to become a leader in risk intelligence and predictive analytics, offering cutting-edge technology solutions in internal audits and compliance services to aid companies in managing and mitigating potential vulnerabilities. Manpreet's professional accomplishments have been consistently recognized with numerous accolades, including the 2014 Businesswomen of the Year Award from the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Women of Influence award in 2016, and the Women to Watch Award in 2019. Manpreet continues to make impactful contributions to the professional community through public speaking and being featured speakers sharing her insights and experiences at various industry and professional organization events. She has been a President of the Silicon Valley Chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) for the past two year, where her efforts are instrumental in networking and advancing the careers of finance professionals. Her commitment to advancing women in business extends beyond her company, as she is the driving force behind the FEI Silicon Valley’s Women CFOs of the Year Awards. This prestigious event recognizes the incredible contributions of women in the accounting and finance fields, and their achievements in leading, inspiring, and motivating others. Through her work with FEI and SOAProjects, Manpreet continues to inspire and pave the way for future women leaders in the business world. Her efforts underscore her belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion in fostering innovation and driving business success. Her advocacy for women in leadership is further exemplified in her involvement with Chief, a network dedicated to elevating women to leadership positions.
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    13 mins
  • Data Security Automation: A CFO's Strategic Imperative

    Data Security Automation: A CFO's Strategic Imperative
    Sep 10 2024
    In our latest "Strategic CFO" podcast, Dasera CEO Ani Chaudhuri reveals how automation can revolutionize your data protection strategy. Learn how automating 95% of routine work allows your security team to focus on high-value tasks, improving efficiency and reducing risks across organizations of all sizes. "Automation improves the quality of life of humans," says Chaudhuri. "Instead of doing manual repetitive work, which is best effort, you can then focus on high quality work by automating stuff that is happening every day over and over again." 💼 Tune in to discover how automation can transform your role as a strategic financial leader in our data-driven economy. About Ani Chauhuri: Ani Chaudhuri is an award-winning executive and entrepreneur with a track record of building successful products, businesses and teams. Ani is driven to bringing important solutions to market, and has founded four technology companies to date: eCircle acquired by Reliance in India, Opelin by Hewlett-Packard, Whodini by Declara and Dasera where we are helping build trust between consumers and companies by enabling safe use of sensitive data. Prior to Dasera, Ani worked at McKinsey, HP and Tata Steel. Ani Chaudhuri’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anionline/ Ani Chaudhuri’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/aniat140 Dasera’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/daserainc/ Dasera’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/daserainc
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    24 mins
  • Optimism Amid Change: The Future of VC

    Optimism Amid Change: The Future of VC
    Aug 27 2024
    Join Jan Robertson, host of The Strategic CFO and CEO of Sival Advisors, as she explores the turbulent realm of venture capital. Unlike most VCs, Alex Kiani of Coolwater Capital, has a more optimistic tone towards fundraising, market traction, and funding for the start up world. Kiani discusses the value of having a selective accelerator program and discusses how high performance teams can change the course of a start up's potential. 00:00 Federal Reserve sought auditors during Covid. Joined Carta. 03:28 Coolwater Capital accelerates emerging VC funds. 07:17 Most funds from Europe, Israel, South America. 12:38 Challenges in fundraising during slower economic times. 16:07 Individuals in Dubai, rise of fundless sponsors. 19:39 Funding harder to get, diligence more important. 22:53 Stock market, economy, valuation, exits, accelerator program. 25:14 Guiding startups without holding their hand tightly. 29:15 AI facilitates development, particularly in science. 31:08 Efficient problem-solving for traction in technology. 33:39 Potential market trends in election year. Tech-focused ventures. 37:01 Optimistic outlook from Alexander Chiani at Coolwater. Bio: Alex Kiani is the Head of Operations at Coolwater Capital, the world’s largest global accelerator for emerging managers and an active fund of funds. With a rich background in professional services, Alex has experience in legal, tax, and audit roles. He served as an Auditor at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco during the COVID-19 crisis and held the position of Assistant Controller at Carta, focusing on their Venture Capital product. Alex earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and is a licensed CPA. His personal interests include free diving, basketball, and spending quality time with family and friends. He has also made significant contributions to the financial industry as the former President and current Chairman of the FEI Rising Stars Advisory Board, a Board member of FEI Silicon Valley, and Co-chair of the Academic Relations Committee. LI Profile: linkedin.com/in/alexanderkkiani
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    38 mins
  • Navigating Exit Strategies in Silicon Valley

    Navigating Exit Strategies in Silicon Valley
    Aug 13 2024
    Jan Robertson of Sival Advisors brings on Touraj Parang to take a deep dive into the decision-making and headspace of industry leaders shaping the financial landscape of innovative companies. As the president and COO of Serv Robotics, Parang is responsible for groundbreaking delivery operations in Los Angeles and beyond. He even gives us a window into exciting milestones the company aims on taking. Touraj draws from his book "Exit Path" and applies the wisdom he has gained over the years to this insightful conversation. 00:00 Serving robotics president thanks for invitation. 05:38 Startups face challenges, especially in funding. 06:36 Robots use Nvidia chips, faced funding challenges. 10:03 Choosing SPAC over retail investors; clean transition. 13:53 Robots not meant for carrying humans. Resilient. Cute. 17:40 Struggle with monetization led to company closure. 22:32 Investors and founders avoid discussing crucial topics. 23:57 Investors respond to signals, focus on winners. 27:53 GoDaddy acquired 40 startups, emphasizes stakeholder alignment. 30:46 Successful cash flow breakeven requires strategic planning. 35:01 Responsible for supporting deals, not decision makers. 37:49 Conclusion About Touraj Parang: Touraj Parang is a serial entrepreneur and technology executive with a distinguished track record in high-stakes M&A transactions, strategic partnerships, and driving innovation across public and private companies. With over 25 years of experience in scaling high-growth technology ventures, Touraj has successfully co-founded and served as a key executive for five venture-backed startups, including a Nasdaq listing and multiple acquisitions. Touraj's career is marked by strategic roles, including his 7-year executive tenure with GoDaddy, where he spearheaded eight landmark M&A transactions, significantly bolstering the company's market position and financial profile. Currently serving as the President and COO at Serve Robotics, Touraj is pioneering sustainable, self-driving delivery services that are shaping the future of robotics in logistics. Additional info to highlight: Touraj is also the author of "Exit Path: How to Win the Startup End Game," a critical resource for entrepreneurs, startup leaders, and those who advise them. The book draws from Touraj’s extensive Silicon Valley experience as a serial entrepreneur, technology executive, venture capitalist, and corporate attorney. It's designed as a comprehensive playbook for startups at various stages, offering deep insights into strategic exit planning and acquisition processes.
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    41 mins
  • From IPOs to Cybersecurity: Essential Strategies for Aspiring CFOs and Board Members

    From IPOs to Cybersecurity: Essential Strategies for Aspiring CFOs and Board Members
    Jul 30 2024
    FEI Silicon Valley’s past president, and a past member of the National IT Advisory committee, George de Urioste, joins Jan Robertson on the Strategic CFO to bring years of experience in governance, strategy, and business wisdom. Urioste shares pivotal moments in his colorful career illustrating the intricacies and nuances of memorable moments. George also gives Jan a look into his best practices for board management and leadership. 00:00 Podcast discusses Silicon Valley's business and government. 03:13 CFO shares pivotal moments in company growth. 06:53 Differences between public and private company dynamics. 10:21 Positive board experiences, but contention over CEO decision. 15:05 To report effectively, CFO must provide context. 17:02 Choose meaningful KPIs, anticipate and share insights. 23:06 Board oversight of cybersecurity becomes crucial now. 24:46 Cybersecurity education for CFOs, future trends. 27:59 Emphasize questions, define risks, seize opportunities strategically. About George de Urioste: George currently serves as a Board Director at two companies. The first one is HeartBeam, Inc. a publicly traded medical device company and Roambee Corporation, a private company in the supply chain intelligence business. He also does CFO consulting for a cyber intelligence company. His Board roles include ten Board & seven audit committee chairman roles. Overall, George has CFO or COO, Board, and advisor experience at 13 public and private companies. His experience with includes 3 IPOs and substantial M&A (both on the buy & sell side) and has raised over $½ billion in capital. George is a CPA and has an MBA from CAL and undergraduate degree from USC, where he was also a member of the tennis team. In addition to his professional accomplishments, George is a past member of the National IT Advisory committee for President George W. Bush and met with the president at the White House on matters related to technology and tax policy. He was also selected by Stephen Forbes to present at Forbes magazine’s annual CFO conference. George has been interviewed in The Wall Street Journal regarding CFO and Board roles. And more recently The Wall Street Journal published a fun article about the family history of his 100-year-old antique car. And, most importantly, George is a past president of FEI in Silicon Valley and served on FEI’s national board of directors for two years.
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    31 mins
  • Rising Through the Ranks: an Unconventional Path to CFO and Board Roles

    Rising Through the Ranks: an Unconventional Path to CFO and Board Roles
    Jun 28 2024
    Christine Russel shares her dynamic and inspiring career highlights with Jan Robertson, host of The Strategic CFO podcast. Playing a pivotal role in an IPO of Persistent Software, she stands as an esteemed leader who has been on recognizable boards. Robertson learns of Christine's journey in this eye-opening episode. 00:00 President Fei Silicon Valley shares non-traditional journey. 05:01 Took CFO job without prior experience, succeeded. 09:28 Recruited for IPO, varied roles in technology. 10:39 Saying yes to opportunities can be rewarding. 14:55 Networking key to success, challenges for women. 19:51 CEO's seek audit committee chair for CFO. 23:41 CFOs and directors protect CEOs from activists. 25:57 DNO insurance should match potential lawsuit claims. 27:43 Create concise board bio, avoid common mistakes. 33:23 Encountered eGain CEO at wine cellar conference. 35:36 Authorship uncertain, but will commit with reservations. About Christine Russel: Christine Russell has been a financial executive in technology businesses in Silicon Valley for over twenty-five years with experience in both emerging and larger firms, public, venture and private equity backed. Since 2005, Ms. Russell has served as Audit Committee Chair of the Board of QuickLogic Corporation (Nasdaq: QUIK), a fabless semiconductor and IP company offering AI for voice and sensor processing. She has served on the Board of eGain Corporation (Nasdaq: EGAN), a customer engagement cloud solutions company, as Audit Committee Chair, since February 2017. She joined the board of AXT Corporation (Nasdaq: AXTI) in December 2019. AXT designs and manufactures high performance semiconductor substrates. Ms. Russell performed as CFO of PDF Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: PDFS) offering process design technology for semiconductor companies since July 2018. Prior companies include UniPixel, Inc, a manufacturing of touch sensor films, which was sold to a China based firm; Vendavo, Inc., a SaaS based pricing and margin optimization software company serving the Global 2000. She was CFO of EAG, Inc. (Evans Analytical Group), a global provider of analytical testing for technology companies. She was the finance lead in the acquisition of 7-laboratories creating a new company division. Prior to EAG, she served in the roles of both CFO and EVP Business Development at Virage Logic (Nasdaq: VIRL), a semiconductor intellectual property company which was sold to Synopsys. Prior positions include CFO for OuterBay Technologies, a database archiving software company, which was sold to HP in 2006. She was CFO of Ceva, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEVA), a DSP IP company, where she introduced the LSE traded company to the US investing public as it became listed on Nasdaq. She completed successful IPO’s for Persistence Software (Nasdaq: PRSW), and Valence Technology (Nasdaq: VLNC). Ms. Russell also served as CFO of Cygnus Solutions (sold to Red Hat), one of the first open-source software companies. She is Past President of Financial Executives International, Silicon Valley Chapter (FEI), Past President of National Assn. of Corporate Directors, Silicon Valley Chapter (NACD) and Past President and Board member of Silicon Valley Directors Exchange (SVDX). Ms. Russell holds a B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of Santa Clara.
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    37 mins
  • Demystifying AI: What CFOs Need to Know

    Demystifying AI: What CFOs Need to Know
    Jun 28 2024
    Glenn Gow, an AI thought leader & keynote speaker, discusses how CFOs can leverage AI for financial forecasting, automation, fraud detection, and M&A. He stresses the importance of CFOs becoming proficient in AI tools to stay competitive, while ensuring human oversight when using generative AI for critical decisions. Glenn believes CFOs must embrace AI to drive efficiency and strategy, or risk falling behind rivals. 00:00 AI categorized as generative and traditional technologies.05:39 AI simplifies processes, aids error detection, and analysis.06:45 Software vendors racing to offer powerful AI tools.10:02 Use Excel to calculate z scores for transactions.16:53 Fact-check sources, verify accuracy, AI limitations apparent.20:59 Leverage software tools for efficient deal origination.23:25 Sophisticated buyers use Medoxo for due diligence.28:05 AI risks in lawsuits over copyrighted content.31:44 Chat CBT settings protect data privacy concerns. Microsoft and Adobe offer enterprise solutions.33:55 CFOs need to adapt to rapid change.36:36 Fei Silicon Valley's exciting quarterly AI events. About Glenn Gow: Glenn is a sought-after speaker on AI and has spoken at The Wall Street Journal AI Conference, the National Association of Corporate Directors, MIT/Stanford Venture Lab, Harvard Business School, and many more places. He writes an AI column for Forbes and has been published in Directors & Boards, Directorship (NACD), CIO Magazine, Inc. Magazine, and InfoWorld. As a CEO for 25 years, he advised numerous leading tech companies including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and many more, on strategy.
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    37 mins
  • Future-Proofing California: Education, Workforce, and Economic Sustainability

    Future-Proofing California: Education, Workforce, and Economic Sustainability
    Jun 28 2024
    Jan Robertson of SiVal Advisors steps it up by interviewing former California state controller Betty Yee. Going head on into the financial and economic issues shaping our state, Yee reflects on past initiatives and how she and her colleagues shaped the financial landscape of present-day California. Before being a gubernatorial candidate, Betty started from humble beginnings. Robertson learns about Betty's rise and her exciting unique trajectory how she impacted the intersection of politics and finance. 00:00 Early financial responsibility shapes views on integrity. 05:56 Leading HIV/AIDS public health advocate and influencer. 09:27 Improving efficiency, affordability, and sustainability in housing. 11:27 Climate crisis impacts, inclusive governance, resource distribution. 16:27 Stock options, budget challenges, reserves, Governor Newsom. 19:53 Mentored by old school legislators, advocating efficiency. 21:25 Preparing for technological advancement to benefit Californians. 26:22 AI shifts tasks, frees up time. Accelerates services. 30:28 Californians struggle with high housing costs. 33:23 AB 5 and worker support during crisis. 35:09 Concern for workers and unemployment insurance program. 40:46 Support for California's public university system essential. 42:54 Focusing resources on intentional recruitment and partnerships. 45:30 Digital equipment barriers addressed through public-private partnerships. 48:33 MBI feels like family, navigating many challenges About Betty Yee: Betty Yee is one of California’s top experts on the state budget and government accountability. As State Budget Director and State Controller, Betty showed what competent, accountable government can do. She took on big corporations, fought discrimination in our tax code, and discovered more than $7 billion in improper spending. She’s running for Governor because she knows we have the power to make California add up for all of us again. Standing Up for Her Family: A Leader from the Start Betty was born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrant parents. Her family lived in a one-room apartment behind the family’s dry-cleaning business. Betty’s parents didn’t speak English, so at age eight, she began managing the books at the family dry cleaners–dealing with suppliers and banks to get things done. Raising Wages and Fighting for Economic Opportunity as the Governor’s Budget Director As Governor Gray Davis’s Budget Director, Betty led development of the state budget and shepherded it through the legislature. She fought for economic opportunity for all, established a minimum wage for home care workers, and made groundbreaking environmental progress–working to protect the Delta and requiring automakers to limit carbon emissions. ● Uncovering $7.3 billion in mismanaged spending and redirecting it toward real progress. ● Ensuring California did no external borrowing to pay the state’s bills. ● Taking on life insurance companies, forcing them to pay death benefits to surviving families. ● Preserving the retirement security of 3 million Californians, including 1 million teachers. ● Spearheading the state Foster Youth Tax Credit to provide vital assistance to foster youth. ● Conducting a robust outreach and education program for small businesses, connecting them to federal, state, and local resources. ● Protecting thousands of jobs during COVID, by working to keep the state’s ports solvent. ● Shuttering the last state oil platform in the Santa Barbara Channel. ● Standing up to the Trump Administration to defend our coastline. ● Leading the work of the nation's largest public pension funds towards their net-zero pledges for their investment portfolios.
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    51 mins