Janice is a systems entrepreneur and finance educator with over 30 years of experience. She has worked with both for-profit and nonprofit ventures, focusing on democratic access to capital and economic justice. Janice is also the author of Moving Mountains and teaches finance at Bard’s MBA in Sustainability program. Michael transitioned from the fitness industry into sustainable finance. With an MBA in Impact Finance from Bard, he co-developed and co-taught a financial modeling course that incorporates ESG data and sustainability into traditional financial analysis. Michael is passionate about inclusive, community-driven investment strategies and financial education.

Expect to Learn

• What makes a financial model “fit for purpose”, and why complexity isn’t always better.

• How financial modeling can support sustainability and social impact.

• Tips for teaching finance to non-finance students and building curriculum from the ground up.

• The importance of scenario and sensitivity analysis in forecasting.

• Practical insights on bridging theory and hands-on financial modeling in academia.

Carolina is a financial modeling and FP&A specialist with over 20 years of experience. She holds the Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) certification from the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI) and is working toward the Elite Certified Financial Modeler (CFM) credential. Carolina is passionate about teaching financial modeling and helping professionals use financial models to make better strategic decisions. Her workshops focus on best practices, scenario analysis, and providing businesses with the tools needed to navigate financial challenges.

Expect to Learn

• The definition of a financial model and how to differentiate it from other types of business models.

• Tips for studying for the AFM and CFM certifications, including managing time effectively and balancing models as you work.

• Carolina’s experience preparing for the AFM and how to build financial models quickly under pressure.

• The importance of practice in financial modeling and how to improve speed and efficiency.

• The differences between the AFM and CFM certifications and why both are valuable for financial modelers.

Jon is the founder of Excel Campus, a Microsoft MVP, and an expert in helping Excel users simplify and automate their workflows. With over 600,000 YouTube subscribers, Jon is passionate about making Excel both fun and efficient. He’s also a regular commentator for Excel Esports competitions, where Excel professionals compete to solve complex modeling challenges in real time. Jon’s mission is to help people leverage Excel to boost productivity and creativity, making financial modeling more accessible and enjoyable.

Expect to Learn

• The importance of building financial models that are easy for others to understand and use.

• Jon's take on the role of Excel Esports in advancing modeling skills and fostering creativity.

• How Power Query can save you hours of data processing time in Excel.

• Why financial modelers should focus on simplicity and automation rather than over-complicating their models.

• Insights into the future of financial modeling with the integration of Python and AI tools.

Drew Blazsik is an assistant professor at Adrian College, where he teaches finance and economics. With over a decade of teaching experience at institutions like the University of Toledo and Lourdes University, Drew has a passion for connecting academic finance theory with real-world applications. He is also the creator of the Structured Immediate Method (SIM), an innovative teaching tool designed to help students master financial modeling skills in a dynamic and engaging way. Drew hosts the Faith and Finance Podcast and runs the Logos and Markets YouTube channel, where he explores financial modeling, economic theory, and more.

Expect to Learn

• Common mistakes students make in financial modeling and how to avoid them.

• How Drew’s Structured Immediate Method (SIM) enhances student learning.

• Why learning Python is crucial for modern financial modelers.

• The impact of gamification and interactive learning on mastering financial concepts.

• Drew's take on the future of financial modeling in the age of AI.

Alyona Mysko is the Founder and CEO of FuelFinance, a fintech startup delivering no-code financial planning tools designed specifically for startups and small businesses. With a professional background starting as an auditor at PwC, Alyona transitioned into financial analysis and fractional CFO roles before launching her own company. She brings deep expertise in financial modeling and a passion for simplifying complex financial data to empower founders and entrepreneurs. 

Expect to Learn

• How Alyona’s audit background influenced the creation of a finance platform for startups

• Why first-time founders struggle with financial modeling and how second-time founders differ

• The complexity behind manufacturing and fashion business models and modeling nuances

• The importance of simplified dashboards focusing on key metrics for decision-making

• Why communication and storytelling in financial modeling is essential for impact

Scott Powell brings over 25 years of global experience in corporate finance education and financial modeling. He is a founding member of the Corporate Finance Institute, where he has led the creation of impactful learning tools and courses. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Scott has worked with major financial institutions worldwide and is deeply passionate about practical finance education and the power of financial literacy to transform lives.

Expect to Learn:

• Why financial models often fail and how to avoid those pitfalls.

• The importance of balancing technical precision with stakeholder usability.

• How teaching and empathy enhance modeling skills.

• Key Excel techniques and when to avoid overengineering.

• Scott’s insights into using AI and advanced Excel tools to stay current.

Narek Grigorian currently works at US Capital Global, a global investment banking firm focused on real estate and energy projects, particularly in the lower to middle market space. He holds degrees from Georgetown University and the University of Maryland and brings a passion for financial modeling, innovation, and teaching. Narek believes that while all models are inherently imperfect, they still provide valuable guidance, if built with thoughtful assumptions and continual refinement.

Expect to Learn:

• Why can you never fully trust a model just because it looks polished.

• The critical real estate assumptions that are often overlooked, like tenant turnover and escalating costs.

• How to approach energy modeling with real-time data inputs and complex variables.

• Why biotech models are uniquely challenging due to regulatory and clinical uncertainties.

• Tips and shortcuts Narek uses in Excel to make modeling faster and more reliable.

Lauren Pearl is a CFO, startup advisor, and finance educator who specializes in helping early-stage companies build strong financial foundations. With a career that spans startups, venture-backed firms, and a stint in top-tier management consulting, Lauren brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and practical execution. She's also known for her hands-on approach to teaching financial modeling and startup finance through courses, content, and mentorship.

Expect to Learn:

• What happens when you skip currency conversion in a global revenue allocation.

• Why getting the basics right is just as important as the big strategy.

• How one mistake can ripple across budgets, teams, and trust.

• The value of transparency and ownership is when something goes wrong.

• Why it’s crucial to put checks in your models, especially when currencies are involved.

Maria, who has a rich background in financial modeling, discusses her journey in the finance industry, her love for continuous learning, and her adventures living in different countries. She offers practical advice for modelers and professionals, including tips on making financial models dynamic, understanding the business context, and utilizing the right tools like Power BI and XLOOKUP. Maria also touches on her passion for languages and learning, sharing how her diverse experiences contribute to her success as a financial modeler.

Expect to Learn:

• Why financial models are critical for decision-making and how to avoid common pitfalls

• The importance of understanding the context and objectives behind a model

• Tips for inheriting and improving existing financial models

• The benefits of continuous learning, both professionally and personally

• Insights on dynamic financial models and best practices for forecasting

Ian Schnoor is the Executive Director of the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the only organization offering globally recognized financial modeling accreditation. He founded The Marquee Group, which was acquired by Training the Street in 2023. Ian has trained thousands of professionals in modeling, valuation, and Excel. He teaches at Queen’s University, holds a CFA charter, and began his career in investment banking with Citigroup and BMO. He’s focused on raising the standard of modeling across the world through education and certification.

Expect to Learn:

• Why financial modeling is essential during market volatility

• How FMI is earning global recognition from top firms

• The impact of adding financial modeling to the CFA program

• Insights from FMI’s expansion into China and India

• Three principles for building a successful business

• A creative use of Excel to solve a real-world inventory challenge

Arta Ramaj is the co-founder of 360 Finance, a boutique consultancy specializing in financial modeling, FP&A, and finance system implementations for private equity and venture-backed companies. With a background in private equity and a passion for bridging financial data with strategic execution, Arta brings a unique entrepreneurial perspective to the finance world.

Expect to Learn:

• How Arta transitioned from studying geography to founding a financial consulting firm.

• The critical importance of structure and design in financial modeling.

• Key strategies for building "investor-ready" financial models.

• Why simplifying assumptions and focusing on key metrics are essential for early-stage modeling success.

David Perla has an extraordinary background at the intersection of law, entrepreneurship, and finance. He’s a former president of Bloomberg Law, co-founder of legal outsourcing pioneer Pangea3 (acquired by Thomson Reuters), and was named a top 50 innovator by The American Lawyer. At Burford Capital, David is helping reshape how the legal world accesses and deploys capital.

Expect to Learn:

• What legal finance actually is and how it works

• How Burford structures deals and evaluates legal risk

• The modeling techniques used to forecast legal outcomes

• Why Monte Carlo simulations are central to their underwriting process

• How AI is used (and misused) in legal finance

Karan Sood is a global pricing expert and the Director of Sales Operations with a wealth of experience overseeing revenue management for over $6 billion across a wide range of industries. He is passionate about using pricing as a powerful tool to drive profitability and improve business performance. Karan has worked across industries including automotive, digital marketing, consumer goods, and more, developing pricing strategies that create real business value.

Expect to Learn:

• How tariffs impact different industries and pricing strategies.

• Why a one-size-fits-all approach to tariffs is flawed and the importance of tailored strategies.

• The role of cross-functional collaboration in managing tariff impacts.

• How to create flexible pricing models that can quickly adjust to shifting market conditions.

• The importance of transparency with customers when adjusting prices due to tariffs.

Carl Olson is a finance consultant and strategic advisor with more than 20 years of experience in FP&A, startup modeling, and enterprise finance. His background includes roles at Jamba Juice, Yelp, Unity, and several startups. Carl specializes in building operating and strategic models, guiding fundraising efforts, and helping businesses link financial modeling to real-world execution.

Expect to Learn:

• How financial models differ for startups vs. large companies

• Why listening to business partners is essential for model effectiveness

• How to test assumptions when historical data is limited

• The danger of over-automation in modeling

• What makes a model usable vs. impressive

Dave Hallwood is the Finance Director of a group of independent fashion retailers in the UK. After spending years in retail and hospitality management, Dave transitioned into finance in his 30s, becoming a fellow of ACCA and earning his Certified Financial Modeler (CFM) designation from the Financial Modeling Institute. With a passion for practical financial modeling, Dave has built and managed models for nearly every scenario a small retailer can face, from budgeting and forecasting to store openings, closings, and insolvency planning.

Expect to Learn:

• How to model retail cash flow when weather drives sales

• The importance of simplicity and storytelling in financial models

• What it’s like to manage an insolvency and restructure a business

• Why Dave believes gut instinct still plays a big role in decision-making

• How Dave uses modeling to support store openings, closures, and growth

• Practical advice for switching into a finance career later in life

Myles Arnott is a CMA-qualified accountant, Excel trainer, and fractional finance director. He leads Clarity Consultancy Services and co-founded Full Stack Modeller, a platform built to provide finance professionals with a full toolkit of modern Excel and modeling skills. Myles blends operational finance experience with teaching, making complex modeling concepts accessible through real-world insights and practice.

Expect to Learn:

• The power of simplicity in model design

• How to effectively prepare for the AFM exam

• Best practices for managing data flow in Excel

• Why Power Query is one of Excel’s most powerful tools

• How Full Stack Modeler is helping professionals level up in finance

• The value of designing with clarity and reviewing with confidence

• Myles’s journey from complex automation to clean, intuitive spreadsheets

Emma Chieppor started her career as an actuary before launching Excel Dictionary, a platform dedicated to providing quick and practical Excel tips. Through social media, Emma has built a massive following by sharing 30-second Excel tutorials. Her expertise has helped professionals worldwide enhance their Excel skills efficiently.

Expect to Learn:

• How Emma transitioned from actuary to Excel influencer

• The challenges of learning Excel while starting a corporate job during COVID

• Why pivot tables in financial models can be a nightmare

• How Emma grew her social media following to over 9 million in less than a year

• The most underrated Excel shortcuts that can save hours of work

Sean Mooney is the founder of SJ Finance, a consultancy specializing in financial modeling automation for professional services firms. With 12+ years of executive finance experience in the UK and Australia, Sean has built financial models that have helped businesses secure millions in funding. He is an expert in Power Query, Excel automation, and M&A financial modeling, helping companies save up to 75% of reporting time through smart automation.

Expect to Learn:

The role of Power Query in automating financial modeling processes

Key revenue forecasting challenges in law firms and service businesses

How financial modeling influences business strategy and decision-making

Frank David is the Founder and Managing Director of Pharmagellan, a consulting firm specializing in biotech financial modeling and valuation. With a background as a physician scientist, Frank has extensive experience advising biopharma teams and investors. He also teaches at Tufts University and is the lead author of The Pharmagellan Guide to Biotech Forecasting and Valuation and The Pharmagellan Guide to Analyzing Biotech Clinical Trials.

Expect to Learn:

How patient segmentation impacts drug development strategy.

The importance of risk-adjusted modeling and scenario planning.

How financial modeling supports strategic decision-making in biotech investments.

Babatope Agbeyo is a financial modeling expert and corporate trainer who has worked across multiple industries, including telecom, manufacturing, oil & gas, and tech. With experience at Deloitte and D Brown Consulting, he has reviewed and audited countless financial models, refining his approach through his "SIMPLE" modeling framework. Babatope is a certified AFM and FMVA and is passionate about making financial modeling more structured and effective.

Expect to Learn:

Babatope’s SIMPLE modeling framework and how it improves modeling efficiency

How to effectively audit financial models using the PAINS approach

The best industries for financial modeling and which ones are the most challenging