Paul, Giles, and Ian bring decades of combined experience across FP&A, corporate finance, Excel training, and financial modeling accreditation. This introductory episode sets the tone for a candid, unscripted, and deeply analytical journey into the practical realities of AI in finance.

Expect to Learn

• Why AI won't replace financial modelers, but will transform the way they work

• How AI tools are being developed to serve finance professionals specifically

• The importance of judgment, communication, and scoping in effective modeling

• What The Mod Squad plans to test: from three-statement models to Excel esports

• How to prepare your career for the AI revolution in modeling

Scott Strachan is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Modeler who has worked across the UK, the Arabian Gulf, and now serves clients in Qatar and London. He has built and reviewed complex financial models for deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and now contributes to the Financial Modeling Institute as a content developer and exam writer. Scott is known for applying practical thinking to modeling and helping bridge the gap between theory and real-world execution.

Expect to Learn

• Why annual models are often inappropriate for startups and small businesses

• The difference between one-time-use models and those built for regular updates

• How poor modeling leads to funding gaps and business failure
  Why EBITDA can be misleading in deal evaluation

• How preparing for the CFM exam can improve your modeling skills

David has been teaching at the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business since 1991. He has a PhD from the University of Alberta and is both a CPA and a CMA. His research focuses on corporate governance and performance and has been published in top finance journals. He’s co-authored two corporate finance textbooks and currently advises the school’s $2.8 million student-managed investment fund.

Expect to Learn

• The most common mistakes students make when building models

• How Excel helps students better understand what they're doing

• Why structure and layout matter in a financial model

• The importance of combining modeling with real-world context

• How the FMI curriculum is used in teaching valuation and asset management

Vaughan Grandin is the Managing Director and Head of Financial Modelling at Teneo in London. He is a Chartered Accountant with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and has more than 20 years of experience in corporate advisory, finance, and restructuring. He leads Teneo’s financial modelling team, which supports clients and other advisory teams by creating reliable models for distressed companies, transactions, and stakeholder analysis.

Disclaimer: All examples and stories shared in this video are from Vaughan Grandin’s previous roles and do not reflect his current employer.

Expect to Learn

• Why empathy matters in financial modeling

• How to approach modeling in distressed situations

• The role of entity priority models and circular references

• Key principles for building robust financial models

• Lessons from real-world modeling cases across industries

Matt is the Co-Founder and CEO of Nummo, an AI co-pilot for financial modeling that he wished he had during his time in finance. Before Nummo, Matt worked as an investment banker at Lazard, helping to execute sell-side and buy-side M&A deals totaling around $6 billion in enterprise value. He also served as CFO at a digital product studio, overseeing financial planning for emerging tech products launched by Fortune 500 firms and early-stage ventures. With over 40,000 hours in Excel, Matt built Nummo to deliver a banker-grade modeling platform that runs fully on-device, maintains cell-level accuracy, and automates workflows like DCFs, LBOs, comps, and fairness opinions.

Expect to Learn

• Why financial models still need human input

• Where tools like Nummo can improve modeling workflows

• Why version control and hidden hard codes cause major issues

• How to balance automation with accuracy and narrative

• Why it’s critical to never outsource your understanding of a model

Morten Lykke Pedersen, CFA, CFM, is a financial expert with over a decade of experience. He specializes in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), providing strategic insights that empower businesses to optimize their strategies through forecasting and risk assessment. Morten's career spans notable roles, including his tenure at PwC, where he managed valuation and modeling services. At Deloitte, Morten is dedicated to guiding businesses through complex transactions and strategic initiatives, helping them navigate industry dynamics and execute transformative transactions successfully. He holds a CFA charter and certifications in financial modeling, and his educational journey includes advanced degrees from Aarhus University, Saint Mary’s University, and the CFA Institute.

Expect to Learn

• The critical role of collaboration in transaction modeling

• How to build financial models that communicate a company’s story and manage risk

• The importance of scenario analysis in M&A transactions

• Why financial models should reflect business realities, not just numbers

• How formal training programs, like the Chartered Financial Modeler (CFM), can elevate modeling skills and team capabilities

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst celebrates the 40th anniversary of Microsoft Excel, a tool that has revolutionized the financial modeling industry and many others. Paul explores Excel’s fascinating history, its evolution over four decades, and shares interesting facts, hidden Easter eggs, and fun surprises that Excel enthusiasts will appreciate. From the first graphical interface to modern-day features like dynamic arrays, this episode showcases how Excel has shaped the way we work and how it continues to be an essential tool for financial modelers.

Expect to Learn

• The fascinating origin story of Excel and its early days on the Mac.

• Fun facts about Excel’s features, including its secret limitations and quirky surprises.

• Excel's functionality has evolved over the years to include over 500 functions.

• Hidden Easter eggs and games that were embedded in older versions of Excel.

• Creative and unique Excel projects, including games and pixel art, showcase the limitless possibilities within Excel.

Sarah Schlott is a strategic finance leader with over 18 years of experience guiding companies through growth, M&A, and operational change. She’s worked across corporate finance, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting infrastructure. Sarah is the founder of The Schlott Company, where she helps founders bring order to financial chaos. Her approach blends classic FP&A with modern tools and a deep understanding of real-world business dynamics. She believes finance should bring clarity, not confusion.

Expect to Learn

• Why overly complex models usually create more confusion than insight

• What it means to be “battle-tested” as a finance leader

• How to build models that reflect business reality, not just spreadsheets

• What to do when the data is unreliable or inconsistent

• Why involving department heads early leads to better models and better outcomes

Nico Christie is the co-founder of Fundamental Research Labs and the CEO of Shortcut, a cutting-edge AI tool designed to supercharge Excel. Nico’s diverse background spans professional athletics, corporate finance, and AI research. His work at Fundamental Research Labs focuses on building AI that mimics human-like qualities, such as emotional experiences and consciousness. Nico has a passion for both technology and the real-world applications of AI in tools like Excel, making complex tasks faster and more intuitive.

Expect to Learn

• How Shortcut is revolutionizing Excel for financial modeling with AI.

• The process behind building digital humans at Fundamental Research Labs.

• Nico’s journey from professional dunker to AI innovator.

• How AI tools like Shortcut are transforming the financial modeling landscape.

• Insights on the future of AI in Excel and the response from companies like Microsoft.

Patrick is the President of Sharklets, a training company specializing in CFA, FRM, and CAIA prep, and a Senior Professor at IÉSEG School of Management. With a background in structured finance, infrastructure projects, and model design, he bridges academic rigor with practical experience.He has helped train thousands of finance professionals across the globe and continues to lead CFM study groups. Patrick’s love for teaching is matched by his real-world expertise, having worked on major infrastructure deals, including France’s national stadium.

Expect to Learn

• Why financial models should be treated as decision-making tools, not just math.

• What makes project finance models more complex than corporate ones.

• The real-world impact of financial models, from runways to stadiums.

• How teaching has shaped Patrick’s understanding of modeling.

• Why lifelong curiosity is the key to staying relevant in finance.

Your Average Finance Bro is a renowned figure in the financial modeling world. He has built a reputation not just for his financial modeling skills but also for his humorous take on the profession. He's a self-proclaimed founder of Goldman Sachs, inventor of the discounted cash flow model, and someone who has been involved in some of the most memorable (and fictional) moments in finance history. Finance Bro brings a fun and unconventional approach to the world of finance, often blending humor with expert insights.

Expect to Learn

• The importance of memorability in financial modeling and how it can impact your career.

• Why Excel continues to dominate financial modeling and how Finance Bro contributed to its popularity.

• The lighter side of financial modeling, including hilarious pranks and Excel jokes.

• How to present financial models with confidence, even if the numbers are questionable.

• The essential skills and mindset needed for financial modelers to stand out, especially in high-pressure situations.

Dr. Stephen is a finance professor at UNC Wilmington and former Managing Director at the CFA Institute. He has over 30 years of experience in academia and industry, has authored award-winning research, and co-wrote Strategic Value Investing, featured on Warren Buffett’s reading list. His work bridges theory and practice in finance education. Dr. Horan is also a sought-after speaker and serves on editorial boards for leading finance journals.

Expect to Learn

• What makes a model readable and useful and why fundamentals matter.

• How to teach financial modeling in a way that’s active and practical.

• The difference between book knowledge and real-world application in finance.

• Insights into CFA Institute’s evolution toward practical skills and global relevance.

• The mindset and skills students need to transition from learning to doing.

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.