wff
SEPTEMBER 2023 | LOS ANGELES

WORLD FINANCE FORUM

BUY TICKETS STAY UPDATED
Agenda


Subject to change

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Registration & Breakfast

Morning registration & name-badge collection, then grab some breakfast & coffee/tea.

STAGE 1

9:00 am - 9:40 am

The hard yards: What are the Finance function's most pressing problems?

This discussion will delve into topics such as increasing regulatory requirements, technological disruption, talent acquisition and retention, financial risk management, and more. 

Our panel of experts will share their insights on how organizations can overcome these challenges through strategic planning, effective communication, and upskilling their workforce.

Come along to help strengthen your Finance function and ensure long-term success.

STAGE 1

9:40 am - 10:20 am

The next frontier: AI in Finance

Explore how CFOs can leverage the opportunities and overcome the challenges presented by the integration of AI in their business functions. The discussion will focus on the application of AI in financial risk management, fraud detection, credit scoring, investment analysis, and employee workflow management, all of which can have a significant impact on the organization’s financial performance.

Our speakers will share their insights on how AI can help CFOs to make better decisions, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer experience. 

Join us to learn about the latest AI technologies, and how they can be applied to their own industry-specific challenges. The session will also address the ethical implications of AI and how to ensure its responsible use.

STAGE 1

10:20 am - 11:00 am

Perceive, control, evaluate: Why EQ is naturally aligned with Finance leadership

Join this session as we delve into the concept of emotional intelligence (EQ) and its importance to, and alignment with, finance leadership. 

We’ll be giving an overview of EQ, tackling areas such as self-regulation, empathy, and social skills, and explaining how these qualities can help finance leaders to build strong relationships, make better decisions, and lead their teams more effectively. 

Our speaker will be providing real-world examples of successful EQ-driven leadership as well as offering practical tips and strategies as to how you can enhance your EQ, build better relationships, and achieve greater success as finance leaders.

11:00 am - 11:30 am

Morning coffee break

STAGE 1

11:30 am - 12:45 pm

Bringing data to life

How can Finance leaders leverage data visualization techniques to communicate insights more effectively? 

Our panel will be answering that question, with discussions centered around identifying the right data, choosing the appropriate visualization tools, and combining the two to create compelling and informative reports. 

The panelists will share their insights on how to create clear and concise visual representations of complex financial data, and how to use these visualizations to support decision-making, drive business performance, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

STAGE 2

11:30 am - 12:15 pm

The soft-skills transformation: Why CFOs are becoming more people-oriented

As we all know, finance is not just about numbers and spreadsheets; it’s about people and relationships. 

We must start with the “human why” in finance. 

In this session, we’ll explore the critical soft skills needed in finance leadership, such as empathy, communication, and trust-building. 

We’ll discuss how these skills can help finance leaders to inspire their teams and create a culture of high performance. Come and learn how to become a people-oriented CFO who inspires others to excel.

STAGE 1

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

How to complete a holistic and successful Finance transformation

To complete a holistic and successful finance transformation, organizations need to follow a comprehensive approach that addresses the key components of people, processes, and technology. 

Our expert speaker will be showing how finance leaders can navigate this journey, from starting with a clear understanding of the business’s vision and goals, conducting a thorough analysis of the current finance function, and developing a roadmap for change. 

They’ll be sharing their own insights on how to align people, processes, and technology with the organization’s strategic priorities, and how to effectively communicate and manage the transformation process.

The case studies will offer an evidenced transformation roadmap, including how to measure the impact of the transformation and sustain the change over time.

STAGE 2

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

How Finance can lead with DEI

Just as we strive for inclusivity in all areas of life, it is crucial that finance leaders embrace DEI as a fundamental business imperative. 

In this session, we’ll explore how finance leaders can create an inclusive culture and foster diversity at all levels of their organization. 

We’ll discuss how to identify and remove biases in financial decision-making, how to leverage DEI as a strategic advantage, and how to build a more equitable and inclusive finance function.

STAGE 1

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

ChatCFO: Why the small wins for AI make a big difference

This session will focus on the benefits and challenges of implementing AI in small and incremental steps, rather than large and complex transformations. 

The panel of experts will explore how small wins with AI can build momentum and support larger strategic initiatives over time.

They will discuss the importance of identifying small and manageable AI use cases, understanding the data requirements, and integrating the technology with existing processes and systems. 

Attendees will learn about the potential benefits of small AI wins, such as improved efficiency, cost savings, and an overall easier daily life, as well as how they can start leveraging AI in their own organizations in a practical and sustainable way.

PANEL

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

Not another business partnering panel

It’s time to move beyond the traditional “business partnering” model. It’s been around for some time, and for good reason, but it’s time for a new approach. 

In this session, we’ll explore how finance leaders can move from being just business partners to true strategic advisors. 

We’ll discuss the importance of understanding the business as a whole and aligning financial strategies with overall business goals. 

Join us as we delve into practical strategies and best practices for becoming a true strategic advisor, and learn how to elevate your role as a finance leader to drive business success. 

Remember, it’s not just about partnering with the business; it’s about being an essential part of the business.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Lunch

STAGE 1

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Leading through change and uncertainty

This discussion will delve into topics such as adapting to new business models, managing financial risk, scenario planning, and navigating geopolitical and economic uncertainties. 

The pandemic highlighted the need to develop and apply strategic leadership skills in such a volatile macro-economic environment. The panel will share their insights on how to leverage data and analytics to anticipate and respond to market trends, and how to align finance functions with the organization’s overall strategic priorities. 

Join us to learn practical strategies and best practices for leading through change and uncertainty, including how to foster a culture of resilience and innovation, drive value, manage change initiatives, and develop key leadership skills.

STAGE 2

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

You’re gonna need a bigger boat: How to grow the team with the right people

Just like in Jaws, sometimes you’re going to need a bigger boat to face the challenges ahead. 

In this session, we’ll explore how to build a team that is not just skilled, but also aligned with your organization’s vision and values.

We’ll be looking at how to attract, hire, and retain top talent by creating a culture of trust, belonging, and growth. 

Join us as we examine practical strategies and best practices for building a high-performing finance team, and learn how to create a team that can handle any challenge that comes your way. 

The success of your team is not just about having the right skills, it’s about having the right people who share your mission and values.

PRESENTATION

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

There’s no place like home: How to embrace hybrid working for the future

Over the past couple of years, remote work has become in one way or another ‘the new normal’, and many employees have grown accustomed to the flexibility and convenience of working from home. 

However, we cannot forget the importance of in-person collaboration, relationship-building, and culture-building. In this session, we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities of bringing people back into the office, and how finance leaders can create a safe and welcoming environment for their teams. 

We’ll look at how our panel has gone about creating a hybrid working model that combines the best of both worlds, and learn how to create a culture that supports both remote and in-person work. 

There’s no place like home, but how long before someone comes up with the suggestion of getting everyone together in one place multiple times a week?

STAGE 2

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm

What’s next for CFOs?

The CFO role has evolved from a role that remains within the realms of the Finance function, to a strategic leadership role that requires a broad range of skills and experience. But what’s next?

In this session, we’ll explore the different career paths available to CFOs, including CEO, board director, and private equity investor. We’ll discuss the skills and experiences required to make the transition and the challenges and opportunities that come with each path. 

Join our esteemed panel as they recall how they cut their teeth, worked their way up, and what they’re aiming to achieve now. The CFO role is just one step on the journey to achieving your full potential as a leader.

Details

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Happy Hour - Networking Drinks

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Great leaders of organizations run after problems, make their footprint bigger than their foot, and always strive to find the truth — because you have to get to the truth to be excellent.

CFO, Twitter

The primary mandate of the CFO is to be the guardian of shareholder value for the company. Traditionally, this was about managing risk, but today CFOs are expected to balance risk and opportunity. It's become quite a quite multi-dimensional role.

CFO, D&B

Operating a global business in a fast-changing world, you have to be grounded real-time in the external environment, have complete transparency, be fact-based and working with a great, collaborative team.

CFO, Ford

With an increasingly integrated world economy, be prepared to respond to higher levels of both risk and opportunity. A strong balance sheet is a tremendous asset when managing though periods of volatility.

CFO, Chevron

From an M&A standpoint, the returns on a spreadsheet are interesting, but it is far more important to be comfortable with the people running the business.

CFO, Krogers

Look at what your organization needs and don't be afraid to take chances, but balance risk with success, only increasing the former when the latter goals are being met.

CFO, Booking.com
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