
A Ground Breaking AI Generated Podcast on Financial Modeling with Paul Barnhurst
About this episode
In this innovative episode, Paul Barnhurst experiments with Google’s AI tool, Notebook LM, and transforms previous guest interviews into an AI-generated episode. He explores the insights and best practices in financial modeling, as shared by veterans Scott Rostan, founder of Training the Street, and Ian Bennett, a PwC Australia leader with extensive experience in managing large modeling teams.
By leveraging AI, this episode explores how technology can recreate meaningful conversations with industry leaders, providing an interactive look at best practices, common pitfalls, and the evolving landscape of financial modeling. Paul explores advanced technical skills and the human elements that are essential to successful financial modeling.
Key takeaways from this week's episode include:
- Four essential key pillars for excelling in financial modeling
- Strategies for maintaining simplicity and auditability in financial models
- Emerging tools in Excel and functionality of traditional financial modeling
- How financial modeling expertise goes beyond technical skills
- Insights on the potential future of financial modeling with AI advancements
Quotes from the Episode:
- "Even in the world of complex finance, sometimes the simplest approach is the best approach." - Scott Rostan
- "It’s about seeing the big picture, understanding your client’s needs and using your modeling skills to craft a solution, not just a spreadsheet." - Ian Bennett
- "AI will get really good at those technical tasks, cleaning up data, maybe running some basic forecasts, but that just frees us humans up to focus on the stuff that requires creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence." - AI
In this special AI-driven episode, Paul Barnhurst invites listeners to consider how the field of financial modeling is both grounded in foundational skills and evolving with new technologies. It’s about connecting with clients, asking the right questions, and using your skills to drive better business decisions.
Follow Paul:
- Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376
Follow Financial Modeler's Corner
- LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true
- Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984
Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.
Visit www.fminstitute.com/podcast and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.
In today’s episode:
[01:17] Introduction to the episode
[03:57] Lessons from modeling mistakes
[06:29] Four key pillars of financial modeling
[08:51] Managing large-scale models
[13:40] Excel’s power stack and future enhancements
[15:14] Modeling standards and best practices
[19:38] Excel’s longevity and AI’s role
[22:44] The World of fractional FP&A
[27:38] AI’s place in financial modeling
[33:16] Wrap-up and invitation for feedback
Get every episode summarized
Each time Financial Modeler's Corner publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Financial Modeler's Corner

Pitch Anything's Oren Klaff: From Spreadsheet to Deal Table
Financial Modeler's Corner

Why AI Makes Financial Modeling Best Practices More Important with Marli van Sta...
Financial Modeler's Corner

What Separates an Excellent Financial Modeler From a Technically Good One with D...
Financial Modeler's Corner

Can Financial Modelers Trust AI to Build Reliable Models? with Ryan Humphrey
Financial Modeler's Corner