Episode

Merushka Chetty

Salvatore Tirabassi – How to Make Your Sales Team 10X More Effective

Today, James sits down with private equity expert Salvatore Tirabassi.
They explore what makes a founder investable, how private equity firms assess opportunities, and the key elements that drive value creation post-investment. Salvatore reflects on his career in investment banking and private equity, and what it really takes to scale a business with confidence.
Packed with wisdom from years of working with founders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering taking on outside investment – or preparing to pitch.

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Merushka Chetty

Sarah Philabaum – Why Most Coffee Shops Fail – (And How to Beat the Odds)

Today, James sits down with Sarah Philabaum from BuildYourBooks.com.
They dive into the financial ins and outs of running a successful coffee shop, from managing cash flow to navigating tricky budgeting decisions. Sarah shares her journey in supporting small business owners through bookkeeping and CFO services, and offers practical advice backed by real-world experience.
Don’t miss Sarah’s exclusive cash flow spreadsheet – created just for podcast listeners – and her game-changing insights for coffee shop owners looking to thrive in a competitive market!

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Merushka Chetty

Are Startups Dying? The Brutal Reality of VC in 2025

Today, James sits down with Aarish Shah from Emerge One.

They discuss Aarish’s remarkable journey in building a successful fractional CFO business in just four years, growing to over 25 consultants.

Aarish shares his transition from traditional finance roles to becoming a fractional CFO, the inception of his podcast, and the importance of relationships and data in business.

Don’t miss Aarish’s incredible experiences in places like Papua New Guinea and his thoughts on the current venture capital landscape!

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Merushka Chetty

How to Build a Scalable CFO Firm (And Actually Sell It!)

In this episode of the Gross Profit Podcast, James sits down with Chris Mosa, Chief Strategy Officer at Graphite Finance.

They explore the intricacies of building and scaling a fractional CFO business, focusing on how Graphite Finance optimized their model for growth and value. Chris also shares his personal journey from professional services to joining Graphite’s leadership.

Their conversation covers essential strategies for managing client relationships, pricing models, and financial forecasting, offering a deep dive into the operational challenges and successes of building a sustainable, scalable financial services firm.

Tune in to learn the key factors that differentiate a successful fractional CFO practice from the rest!

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Merushka Chetty

How This CFO Saved $100,000 in Expenses Per Month

In this episode of the Gross Profit Podcast, James engages in a compelling conversation with Jane Kiatkina from Modo Finance.

They explore Jane’s dynamic journey from being an intern in finance to founding an agency specializing in providing fractional CFO services to startups. Jane shares her hands-on experiences dealing with various aspects of finance, including accounts receivable, financial planning and analysis, and the challenges of budgeting in fast-growing companies.

Tune in for insightful anecdotes and practical advice for navigating the financial complexities of startups.

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Merushka Chetty

Is Your Bookkeeper Stealing From You?

In this episode of the Gross Profit Podcast, James welcomes Audrey Godwin from The Audrey Company.

They take a deep dive into the importance of picking your ideal customers and the impact of doing so for business success. Audrey shares riveting stories about fishy bookkeeping and her career journey, from working as a CPA to becoming a fractional CFO.

They also touch on safeguarding against embezzlement, the unique challenges faced by female founders in the business world, and the moral and ethical framework provided by the Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on creating a sustainable and integrity-driven business.

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Merushka Chetty

Striking Gold or Losing Millions: Inside Junior Mining

In this episode of The Gross Profit Podcast, James interviews Philip Knowles from Apini Consulting to explore the world of junior mining.

They discuss the roles and risks involved in junior mining, the importance of fractional CFO services, and how funding is critical for exploration and development.

Philip shares insights on cost control, building relationships, and navigating the complex processes of licensing and listing on stock exchanges. Tune in for some deep insight on the intricacies of the junior mining industry and the strategies for financial success.

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Merushka Chetty

Why Fortune 500 Companies Invest in This Technology

In this episode of The Gross Profit Podcast, James speaks with Frederik Hendriksen, who shares his journey from a finance and VC background, to co-founding his HVAC business, Rensair.

Frederik discusses the pros and cons of bootstrapping, his early career across diverse geographies, and the initial challenges and strategic pivots in growing Rensair.

He also delves into the importance of indoor air quality, the impact on health and productivity, and Rensair’s unique approach to market with energy optimization solutions.

Tune in for a detailed discussion on entrepreneurship, market testing, and scaling a business with innovative technology.

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Merushka Chetty

This CFO’s Strategy Saved a Failing Business

In this insightful episode of the Gross Profit Podcast, we sit down with Leonard Fom from FinOps Squad to explore the transformative power of a fractional CFO. Leonard shares a compelling story of how he helped a business restructure its debts, leverage its network for investment, and move from stagnation to expansion.

We also delve into Leonard’s experience at the World Finance Forum, discussing the latest trends in AI and the evolving role of finance leaders. Don’t miss Leonard’s inspiring journey and the practical strategies he shares for driving business success.

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