Episodes

  • Art of Risk-Taking & Empowering Teams: CA Ajay on Leadership & Growth | CFOs Not Talking Finance
    Jul 17 2025

    In this inspiring episode of CFOs Not Talking Finance, we sit down with CA Ajay Goyal, a seasoned finance leader with a rich career in global finance.

    Currently the Global CFO of IGT Solutions, Ajay shares his unique insights on leadership, risk-taking, and the importance of empowering teams for sustainable growth.

    Ajay has a proven track record of making bold, impactful decisions, both in the corporate world and in his personal life. From his early experiences with the stock market to managing teams at Infosys Consulting and IGT Solutions. His perspective on leadership is rooted in the belief that staying grounded, trusting your team, and taking calculated risks are key to building lastingsuccess.

    Key Highlights from the Podcast:

    Risk-taking in Leadership:

    “If you’re firm about your goals, you can move mountains, butit’s important to stay humble and learn every day.”

    Empowering Teams:

    “You’re only as good as the team you lead. Always back your team, take ownership, and help them grow.”

    The Role of Humility:

    “Stay humble, be a student, and don’t get too comfortable. Even the stock market can teach you about humility.”

    Building Winning Teams: Ajay shares how his leadership style empowers his teams and fosters a culture of growth.


    Cross-Cultural Experiences: From Infosys to IGT Solutions, learn how Ajay's global exposure has shaped his leadership approach.

    Whether you're a finance professional, an aspiring leader, or someone passionate about team empowerment and personal growth, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for success.


    Watch the full episode for deeper insights into the art ofleadership, risk-taking, and team management.

    Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations with top finance professionals!

    __________________________

    Guest: CAAjay Goyal, Global CFO, IGT Solutions

    LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajay-kumar-goyal-0037b529/


    Host:

    CA ChitraParameswaran, Chief of Staff to the CEO at Contetra

    LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chitra-parameswaran/

    __________________________

    CFOs Not Talking Finance is a podcast series that goes beyond the numbers to explore the personal journeys and leadership philosophies of finance leaders and CFOsacross various industries.

    👉 Stay tuned for more episodes of CFOs Not Talking Finance, where we bring you real stories and actionableinsights from trailblazing leaders!

    #cfosnottalkingfinance #leadership #risktaking #financeleadership #cfo #businessgrowth #teamempowerment #careerjourney #financialleadership #businessstrategy #mentorship #riskandreward #empoweringthoughts #financeinsights #leadershipphilosophy #BusinessTransformation #FinancePodcast #CorporateSuccess #FinanceAndSustainability #FinanceInspiration#LeadershipDevelopment #GrowthMindset

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    17 mins
  • The Future of Climate Finance: CA Sourav Agrawal’s Vision | CFOs Not Talking Finance
    Jul 16 2025

    In this exciting episode of CFOs Not Talking Finance, we sit down with CA Sourav Agrawal, a visionary finance leader at the intersection of finance and climate change. With his vast experience in the world of finance, Sourav provides fascinating insights into the emerging field of climate finance and shares how he is shaping the future of sustainability in India.This series is dedicated to exploring the untold stories of CFOs and finance leaders, shedding light on their career journeys, personal philosophies, and contributions to society beyond the numbers. It’s not just about finance it's about their deeper insights, guiding principles, and their passion for making a difference.🌱 Highlights from this podcast:• On his leadership philosophy: "If your subordinate makes your task easier, or you make your supervisor’s task easier, you move up the ladder."• On risk-taking in leadership: “It’s all about risk and rewards. Very few secured leaders make it to the top, but those who do take calculated risks at the right time.”• On the emerging field of climate finance: “This space is in its infancy in India. There is so much potential, but the regulatory framework is still being shaped.”• Personal insights on family and life: "When you craft an experience for your family, you're not just traveling, you’re creating memories."• Advice for aspiring leaders: “Keep learning, stay humble, and approach everything with curiosity. Success comes when you're passionate about what you do."As India takes strides toward becoming a leader in climate change solutions, Sourav Agrawal’s role in the climate finance sector brings a unique perspective. From navigating ESG norms to engaging with global south markets, Sourav shares how the financial world is slowly embracing the challenge of sustainable development. He also touches upon the challenges of balancing business growth with the need for environmental sustainability, and how he envisions the future of carbon credits and renewable energy credits.This episode is a must-watch for finance professionals, aspiring CFOs, and anyone passionate about sustainability, finance transformation, and leadership in a rapidly changing world.________________________________________Guest Information:• Guest Name: CA Sourav Agrawal• Designation: Regional Finance Head (India and South Asia) at Bridge Carbon• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sourav-agarwal-a298b824/Host Information:• Host Name: Chitra (Chief of Staff at Contetra)• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chitra-parameswaran/________________________________________Podcast Series Info:CFOs Not Talking Finance is a podcast series dedicated to finance leaders, CFOs, and CXOs who are reshaping industries beyond the numbers. Our goal is to uncover the untold stories, philosophies, and the personal journeys of leaders who balance their professional lives with their passions and visions for the future.👉 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from industry leaders on CFOs Not Talking Finance.

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    26 mins
  • From Accidental CA to THE Finance Guy at Rajasthan Royals IPL Team | CFOs Not Talking Finance
    Jul 15 2025

    🚨 Full Episode 🚨In this engaging episode of CFOs Not Talking Finance, we sit down with CA Hitesh Patel, the Founder of Orion Advisory Co. and THE Finance Guy at Rajasthan Royals, one of the most renowned teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). From starting as an “accidental CA” to taking on the critical financial responsibilities of an IPL franchise, Hitesh shares his fascinating journey and the life lessons he's gathered along the way. 🏏💼Key Insights from the Podcast:Accidental CA: Hitesh’s unexpected journey into finance and how he went from struggling in academics to mastering the corporate ladder.Discipline Over Motivation: Why discipline is the key to success and how it drives consistent performance in both personal and professional life.Leadership: Hitesh’s unique approach to delegation, empowering his team, and the mindset behind making subordinates' tasks easier to move up the value chain.Overcommunication in Leadership: Why overcommunication is crucial in leadership, especially in high-stress environments like startups and IPL management.Working with IPL: What it's like managing the financial operations of a high-pressure environment like the IPL, and how Hitesh balances the chaos with his passion for the game.About the Podcast:The CFOs Not Talking Finance podcast brings the stories of CFOs and finance leaders who are much more than just their titles. In each episode, we explore their personal passions, leadership principles, and how they balance life outside of finance with their high-stakes corporate roles. It’s a candid look into the lives of trailblazers who shape the future of business and finance — all while staying true to themselves.In this episode, Hitesh Patel opens up about how he built his career, the valuable lessons he’s learned, and the key attributes that define his leadership style. A must-watch for anyone in finance or interested in learning more about the intersection of sports and business!Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations with top finance professionals!________________________________________Guest Information:Guest: CA Hitesh Patel, Founder of Orion Advisory Co. | THE Finance Guy at Rajasthan Royals IPL TeamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ca-hitesh-p-b255021b1/Host Information:Host: Chitra, Chief of Staff at Contetra at ContetraLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chitra-parameswaran/________________________________________Podcast Series Info:CFOs Not Talking Finance is a podcast series dedicated to finance leaders, CFOs, and CXOs who are reshaping industries beyond the numbers. Our goal is to uncover the untold stories, philosophies, and the personal journeys of leaders who balance their professional lives with their passions and visions for the future.👉 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from industry leaders on CFOs Not Talking Finance.

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    39 mins
  • 🌟 New Episode: CFOs Not Talking Finance with CA Janet Serrao Agarwal 🌟
    Jul 3 2025

    In this episode, we speak with Janet Serrao Agarwal, a seasoned finance leader with over 20 years of experience across diverse sectors including Fintech, Hospitality, Real Estate, and NGOs.As the CFO, Janet has managed everything from fundraising, M&A, and cross-border structuring to driving financial transformation and operational efficiency at global companies. Janet’s leadership has shaped organizations and led to sustained profitability.💡 Key Insights:

    1. Leadership in complex, cross-border finance environments

    2. Driving financial transformation and operational efficiency3. Building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement4. Mentoring the next generation of leaders and giving back through social impactJanet’s journey proves the value of strong leadership, vision, and continuous growth. 💼✨

    #CFOsNotTalkingFinance hashtag#Leadership hashtag#Finance hashtag#CFO hashtag#WomenInFinance hashtag#BusinessGrowth hashtag#FinancialTransformation hashtag#Mentorship hashtag#SocialImpact hashtag#FinanceLeadership

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    35 mins
  • What Makes a CFO Truly Successful? Atul Bhola Shares Insights | CFOs Not Talking Finance
    Jul 3 2025

    In this episode of CFOs Not Talking Finance, we are joined by Atul Bhola, the dynamic CFO at Magic Capital Services Pvt Ltd, as he shares his impressive journey from finance professional to strategic business leader. With over two decades of experience, Atul has worked across diverse industries, including construction, NBFCs, private equity, and now in the financial services sector. At Magic Capital, Atul has been at the forefront of driving financial growth, strategic decision-making, and business transformation.

    Key insights from Atul’s journey:

    • "The role of a CFO is evolving it's not just about controlling costs, it's about enabling sustainable growth and business success."• How Atul transitioned from technical finance roles into strategic business finance, empowering companies to scale.• CFOs as Business Partners: Atul’s approach to aligning finance with business strategy to drive better decision-making and create value.• His experience in the private equity market and raising funds, coupled with his holistic understanding of financial instruments, investment strategies, and capital management.• "In finance, it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about understanding the bigger picture and helping the organization achieve its long-term goals."• "In finance, it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about understanding the bigger picture and helping the organization achieve its long-term goals."In this episode, Atul also discusses how his curiosity has driven him to explore new industries and constantly push the boundaries of traditional finance. "Learning never stops. The more you learn, the more you understand the true value of business finance."Guest: Atul Bhola CFO at Magic USA Inc.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/atulbhola27/

    Host: Chitra Parameswaran chief staff to the CEO at Contetra Pvt Limited


    https://www.linkedin.com/in/chitra-parameswaran/

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    40 mins
  • CFOs Should Be Business Partners First | Piyush Bajla on Leadership and Success
    May 28 2025

    In this episode of CFOs Not Talking Finance, we arejoined by CA Piyush Bajla, Vice President of Finance at ITCInfotech, for a deep dive into his 20+ year journey in the finance industry. Piyush opens up about the complexities of managing finances in the tech and IT sectors and how he has transitioned from being an accountant to a strategic leader at the C-suite level.

    With a wealth of experience in navigating growth, risk, andoperational challenges, Piyush offers insights into how CFOs can truly act as business partners rather than just number crunchers. As he puts it, "A CFO’s role is not just about controlling costs, it’s about enabling growth through smart, data-driven decisions that align with the business vision."

    Piyush shares valuable lessons on the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the ever-changing corporate world. "Keep learning, keep having fun," he says, stressing the importance of staying curious and constantly evolving to meet new business challenges. Heemphasizes the idea that "knowledge is the real wealth,"something that goes far beyond accumulating money it’s about shaping a career grounded in expertise and passion.


    In this episode, you'll learn: 1. The evolution of the CFO’s role from cost controller to strategic leader. 2. Piyush’s experience navigating both cost-saving and efficiency-boosting challenges in high-growth organizations. 3. How to simplify complex problems and make data-driven decisions to drive business success. 4. Why learning should be a continuous, lifelong journey in every professional’s career. 5. Personal reflections on work-life balance and the importance of finding joy and purpose in the work you do. Key Quotes from Piyush Bajla:

    1 .“A CFO’s job is not just about controlling costs. It’s about being the enabler of growth, balancing financial responsibility with smart investment.”

    2. "Keepp learning, keep having fun, that’s the secret sauce for success.”

    3. “Knowledgee is the real wealth.Focus on what you know and the money will follow.”

    4. “Becomingg a business partner,not just a financial gatekeeper, is the key to being a successful CFO."


    In addition to his career advice, Piyush shares somepersonal anecdotes, including his passion for fitness and travel. He talks about his dream job—"If I weren’t a CFO, I’d probably be an astronaut or at least have a close connection with space exploration!" He also reflects on his love for books, showing how reading fuels his curiosity and expands his understanding of the world beyond finance.

    Guest: CA Piyush Bajla

    Vice President Finance @ ITC Infotech

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/piyush-bajla-56687825/

    Host: CA Chitra Parameswaran

    Chief of Staff to the CEO @ Contetra Private Limited

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/chitra-parameswaran/

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    35 mins
  • Finance vs Operations: Mr. Dipankar’s Career Revelation | CFO's Not Talking Finance
    May 23 2025

    Join us on CFO's Not Talking Finance as Dipankar Bose - Chief Financial Officer at ANANDA PUBLISHERS PVT LTD shares his remarkable career journey from finance leader to shared operations head and the tough decisions behind balancing cost control and efficiency. Hear firsthand how he navigated the conflicting demands of spending and saving, and why he chose to focus on driving operational excellence for lasting impact.Mr. Dipankar also opens up about his passion for corporate social responsibility, including an inspiring story of donating millions of books to underserved communities. Discover how strategic thinking, continuous learning, and a resourceful mindset have shaped his leadership style over 35+ years in publishing and finance.Whether you’re a finance professional or business leader, this candid conversation offers valuable lessons on trust, teamwork, and innovation.Host: CA Chitra Parameswaran CoS to the CEO, Contetra Private Limited

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/chitra-parameswaran/Guest: Mr. Dipankar Bose CFO, ANANDA PUBLISHERS PVT LTDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dipankar-bose-50877a1/

    Stay tuned to CFOs Not Talking Finance for more insightful stories from finance leaders who think beyond numbers.

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    34 mins
  • Unlocking Business Leadership: Mr. Ramkumar’s Insights You Can’t Miss | CFO's Not Talking Finance
    May 21 2025

    In this episode of CFO's Not Talking Finance, we’re joined by Ram Kumar, CFO at a renowned company in the Middle East and Africa, who takes us through his fascinating journey from an engineering background to leading finance at a major corporation. Ram shares his insights on business functions, stakeholder management, and the importance of experiences over just information. With a career spanning multiple sectors including telecom, manufacturing, and financial services, Ram’s story is a testament to growth, resilience, and learning at every stage.What You’ll Learn:Transitioning from engineering to finance and the diverse roles that shaped his career

    How to manage and influence stakeholders with diverse backgrounds

    The importance of values like health, integrity, and respect in leadership

    Lessons from books like Man’s Search for Meaning and Atomic Habits📈 Guest: Ramkumar Balasubramaniam - CFO at a renowned company in the Middle East and Africa https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramkumarbalasubramaniam/


    🎤 Host: CA Chitra Parameswaran - Chief of Staff to the CEO

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/chitra-parameswaran/

    Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from finance leaders as we explore their journey beyond the balance sheet!#CFOsNotTalkingFinance #LeadershipJourney #Finance #BusinessTransformation #CFO #StakeholderManagement #FinancialLeadership #GrowthMindset #BusinessSuccess

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    30 mins