Straight-Talking Conversations with Finance Leaders
The Finance Seat is Headstar’s practical podcast for ambitious finance leaders who want to know what actually works. Hosted by our Managing Director, James Roach – a former Finance Director himself – each episode features open conversations with CFOs and FDs from across the UK.
Each episode explores the realities of finance leadership: how to build strong teams, navigate uncertainty and deliver lasting change. No jargon or buzzwords – just honest insights from finance leaders who have been there before.
Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role or are already in the C-suite, The Finance Seat gives you real stories and practical takeaways from people who know what it takes.
Listen, Watch and Subscribe
You can listen to The Finance Seat on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, or watch the full video interviews on Headstar’s YouTube channel. Make sure you subscribe on the podcast platform or our Headstar YouTube and LinkedIn channels so you’re the first to know when new episodes are released.
If you’d be interested in being interviewed on a future episode, please fill out the contact form below or drop us a message on info@headstar.co.uk
Episodes
Episode 1 – Cash & Control: Navigating Uncertainty with Ciara Allan, CFO of ARC Inspirations
In this first episode, Ciara Allan shares how she builds confidence in cash forecasting within the unpredictable world of hospitality, where demand can change overnight with the weather, sporting events or school holidays. She also explains her approach to cost control – avoiding quick fixes that harm the business and instead focusing on longer-term improvements that strengthen capability and benefit employees.
Click here to listen to the podcast on Spotify or click here to watch the video interview on YouTube.
Episode 2 – Talent: Attracting, building and keeping great people with Emma Dutton, CFO of myenergi
In this second episode, Emma Dutton, CFO at myenergi, shares how she built a strong finance team in a fast-growing business focusing on hiring for mindset as much as skill. She also discusses how clear communication and development opportunities help attract and retain great people.
Click here to listen to the podcast on Spotify or click here to watch the video interview on YouTube.
Episode 3 – Transformation – From Chaos to Clarity with Fiona Roberts, former Finance Transformation Director at TalkTalk Group
In this episode, Fiona Roberts, former Finance Transformation Director at TalkTalk Group, explains what true finance transformation looks like in practice. She shares how clarity of purpose, the right resourcing, and a focus on people – not just systems – can turn a chaotic finance function into a strategic, value-adding operation.
Click here to listen to the podcast on Spotify or click here to watch the video interview on YouTube.
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