EP. 46: Breaking Down Annual Planning with CJ Gustafson

In this episode of The Role Forward, host Joe Michalowski welcomes CJ Gustafson, CFO of PartsTech and the mind behind Mostly Metrics. They dive into the intricacies of annual planning, a critical period for finance professionals. CJ shares his unique journey from M&A consulting to private equity and finally to his current role, emphasizing the importance of understanding business models and resource allocation.

The conversation shifts to the practical steps of strategic planning. CJ outlines a three-month timeline for annual planning, stressing the collaboration between CEOs and CFOs. He breaks down the process into digestible stages, focusing on setting realistic goals for revenue, productivity, and profitability. His approach demystifies the complexities of financial forecasting in the startup ecosystem.

Joe and CJ also tackle the challenges of planning with incomplete data, advocating for a proactive start and the ability to adapt. CJ's insights offer valuable lessons on balancing ambition with the realities of startup finance, providing a blueprint for listeners navigating their own annual planning.

Guest-at-a-Glance
💡 Guest: CJ Gustafson
💡 What he does: CFO / Writer
💡Company: PartsTech / Mostly Metrics
💡Noteworthy: CJ Gustafson: M&A consultant turned CFO, private equity expert, startup growth driver.

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