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Merushka Chetty

Debbie Rosler – CEO Embezzled $1.5M From His Own Startup

In this episode, James Kennedy sits down with Debbie Rosler, fractional CFO at Burkland, to dig into the uncomfortable but critical topic of waste, fraud and abuse inside venture-backed startups. Drawing on a career that spans investment banking, private equity, Levi Strauss, dot-com startups and a career-defining embezzlement case where a CEO “borrowed” $1.5M from his own company, Debbie walks through exactly how it happened, why the board didn’t catch it, and the practical controls that saved the business. They also explore how SaaS founders can use “two sets of eyes,” approval matrices and even purchase orders with lawyers and contractors – and why phishing, payment-redirection scams and AI deepfakes make 2025 a dangerous time to be casual about controls. James closes by introducing redflag.procurementexpress.com, a 30-second AI QuickBooks scan that flags unusual spending patterns before they blow up into a crisis.

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Merushka Chetty

Nick Bilotta – The Medieval Accounting Trick That Still Works Today

In this episode, James Kennedy sits down with Nick Bilotta, Founder of Bilotta & Co. CPAs, to explore two powerful concepts often misunderstood in the accounting world: fund accounting and financial storytelling. Nick shares why fund accounting – often dismissed as an “old-school” practice – is becoming more relevant than ever for nonprofits, contractors, and organizations that need transparency, donor confidence, and better decision-making. He also breaks down how great accountants don’t just report numbers – they translate financials into narratives that inspire trust, secure funding, and shape an organization’s future. From motorcycle technician to SEC reporting leader to firm owner, Nick’s unconventional journey gives him a unique perspective on the role of modern CPAs, fractional CFOs, and the importance of clarity in financial communication.

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Merushka Chetty

Andy Mellor – The Truth About Fractional CFOs

In this episode, James Kennedy sits down with UK-based portfolio CFO Andy Mellor, founder of Summit17, to tackle a controversial question: what actually makes a “real” fractional CFO? Drawing on Andy’s journey from big corporate finance to PE-backed gym chains and nursery groups, through to running his own packed portfolio practice, they unpack how to separate serious CFOs from title-only pretenders, why great financial models should drive day-to-day decisions (not gather dust in Excel), and how fractional CFOs can build real equity instead of just selling hours. Along the way, Andy shares a live MBO case study where a retiring partner was bought out without private equity and how smart forecasting and cash planning made it possible.

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Merushka Chetty

Darren Cherry – The Exit Planning Blueprint

In this episode, James Kennedy talks with Darren Cherry, Partner at FocusCFO and leader of the firm’s Exit Planning practice, about building a business that thrives without the owner. Darren explains the three reasons companies bring in a fractional CFO, why exits take 12-18 months (minimum), and how to grow value (not just income) by reducing owner dependency, tightening approvals, and installing metrics that drive behavior. He also shares a turnaround story from industrial manufacturing and the mindset entrepreneurs need to scale and sell.

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Merushka Chetty

Keith Wright – 90% of Businesses Leave Money on the Table

In this episode, James Kennedy sits down with Keith Wright – procurement leader, author, and founder of K Wright Consultancy – to unpack how professional procurement creates durable profit, not just cheaper prices. They explore Keith’s ACE method (Analyze → Create → Execute), why execution failures destroy value, and practical ways SMEs can uncover 5–6% cost-of-goods savings in weeks. Keith also lifts the lid on his “Profit Booster” scorecard, supplier consolidation tactics, and how to manage cost-price inflation without eroding margin.

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Merushka Chetty

Niall White – $10B in Deals: Post-Acquisition Reality Check

In this episode, James Kennedy sits down with Niall White, corporate finance expert and founder at Capstack, to unpack what really determines success after the deal closes. Drawing on a career spanning BDO (Dublin & London), Barclays Capital (funding marquee PE buyouts), and in-house M&A at an Irish PLC, Niall explains why most value is won – or lost – during integration, not at the signing ceremony. They cover how to prepare a founder-led company for sale, structure earn-outs that actually work, and the people/controls you must have in place before, during, and after a transaction.

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Merushka Chetty

Paul Maskill – How to Get 50% Equity in a Business Without Investing

In this episode, James Kennedy sits down with Paul Maskill, the “Blue-Collar CFO,” to unpack how service pros and trades owners can turn a time-for-money job into a sellable, scalable company. From pricing that actually funds growth to partnering for equity, Paul shares the moves he used to grow and exit multiple local businesses (landscaping, electrical, kids’ sports programs) and why home-service companies win by doing “the boring stuff” brilliantly – answer fast, show up, keep promises.

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