In this episode of The Diary of a CFO Podcast, host Wassia Kamon sits down with Tariq Munir, digital transformation advisor and author of Reimagine Finance, to explore what it actually takes to build an AI-ready finance team.

Tariq shares why the biggest barriers to AI adoption are behavioral, not technological. He explains how to identify whether a team is truly data-driven, why streamlining workflows must come before automation, and how CFOs can create a culture of thoughtful experimentation without compromising accuracy or compliance. They also discuss the emerging skills finance leaders need, including change management, emotional intelligence, and responsible AI governance.

This episode offers clarity for CFOs and senior finance leaders navigating transformation, complexity, and the evolving expectations of the role.

Key Takeaways

• AI Readiness Starts with Trust in Data
• Process Optimization Comes First
• Experimentation Requires Boundaries
• Growing a Digital Mindset Across Teams is Essential

Key Timestamps

00:00:00 Welcome

01:22:00 The one litmus test that shows if your team is AI-ready

04:07:00 What broken workflows look like and why AI makes them worse

09:03:00 Earning the right to experiment in finance

13:00:00 Why most AI projects fail to deliver value

20:06:00 How to build a digital mindset across your team

24:14:00 The skills future CFOs need to develop now

25:40:00 Why CFOs are positioned to lead responsible and ethical AI

👉 If becoming a CFO is in your 5-year plan, get your free CFO Readiness Scorecard here:

http://thecfo.scoreapp.com

📬 Get Involved

Have a question or topic suggestion?

Email: Ask@thediaryofacfo.com

Visit: https://www.thediaryofacfo.com

🔗 Connect with Guest Tariq Munir:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariq-munir/

🔗 Connect with Host Wassia Kamon on

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wassiakamon/