Business agility has become a defining capability for organizations operating in today’s environment of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). But while many companies focus on operational flexibility or technology investments, fewer understand the critical role finance plays in enabling true agility across the business.

In this episode of The CFO Show, Melissa Howatson speaks with Mitch Max, founder of BetterVu and Executive in Residence for the Association of Financial Professionals, about what separates organizations that survive from those that thrive during disruption. Drawing on research and decades of experience in enterprise performance management, Mitch shares how agility is less about tools and more about culture, decision-making, and embedded finance leadership.

Together, they explore:

• The difference between finance agility and true business agility
• Why only a small percentage of companies outperform during volatility
• The “sense, decide, act” model for faster, more effective decision-making
• How finance teams act as early warning systems and strategic partners
• The role of EPM systems in enabling real-time planning and collaboration
• How to manage data overload and focus on actionable insights
• Where AI is delivering value today, from automation to advanced analytics

Whether navigating economic uncertainty, implementing new planning systems, or redefining the role of finance, this conversation offers practical guidance for CFOs and finance leaders looking to build more agile, resilient organizations.

One of the most consequential decisions a CFO will make is selecting and implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. Yet beyond vendor comparisons and licensing costs lie hidden risks—customization overruns, stalled implementations, legacy system constraints, and organizational change fatigue.

In this episode of The CFO Show, Melissa Howatson speaks with Harpal Mattu, FCMA, Managing Director at Agilyx Group, about what truly determines ERP success or failure. Drawing on decades of experience guiding global ERP transformations, Harpal shares practical lessons from both high-performing implementations and recovery projects where things went wrong.

Together, they discuss:

• The true total cost of ERP ownership beyond implementation fees
• Why excessive customization creates “Frankenstack” environments
• When to adapt your processes versus customizing the system
• How to structure ERP programs to reduce risk and avoid burnout
• Phasing vs. “big bang” go-lives—and what CFOs must protect
• Why change management must begin before system selection
• The evolution of ERP from system of record to system of reasoning

Whether you’re modernizing a legacy ERP, evaluating new platforms, or leading a finance transformation initiative, this conversation offers a strategic lens for navigating ERP decisions with confidence and discipline.

Healthcare finance leaders are operating under unprecedented pressure. Rising costs, staffing shortages, payer complexity, and constant uncertainty.

Matthew Ennen, Senior Vice President of Finance and Business Development at Ensemble Health Partners, shares how finance leaders can navigate volatility while staying anchored to their mission, their people and long-term resilience.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience across healthcare and consumer industries, Matthew explains why finance skills are highly transferable, how analytics and scenario planning enable proactive decision-making, and why transparency, empathy and communication are now essential leadership requirements.

From balancing cost containment with innovation to keeping teams motivated through periods of transformation, Matthew offers practical insights for finance leaders in any industry facing rapid change.

Discussed in This Episode: 

• Leading finance teams through uncertainty and transformation
• Why finance skills transfer across industries
• Balancing cost control with innovation in mission-driven organizations
• Using analytics to move from reactive to proactive decision-making
• The role of transparency, empathy and communication in leadership

For CFO insights, episode show notes and exclusive blog content, visit thecfoshowpodcast.com.