The Modern CFO

Fanatics has rapidly emerged as a juggernaut in the world of licensed sports merchandise, collectibles, and online betting. What started as an online retailer in the late 1990s has transformed into a multi-billion dollar operation serving as the official e-commerce partner for major professional sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NASCAR, as well as top college programs.

Under the leadership of CFO Glenn Schiffman and executive chairman Michael Rubin, Fanatics has vertically integrated its operations by acquiring brands like Topps' sports collectibles business, and many others across manufacturing and, most recently, online betting platforms. This aggressive growth strategy has propelled Fanatics' revenue from just $250 million in 2012 to over $7 billion (as of 2022).

The company has secured groundbreaking long-term merchandising rights partnerships with sports leagues, while also expanding into new revenue streams like collectible NFTs and online sports betting via Fanatics Betting & Gaming. With over 100 million customers in its database, Fanatics is uniquely positioned to provide a comprehensive, fan-first experience across merchandise, collectibles, and gambling verticals.

In this episode, Glenn Schiffman pulls back the curtain on Fanatics' meteoric rise, sharing his journey from investment banking to CFO. He also highlights the company's forward-thinking acquisition strategy, how they attract top talent, and his vision for the future as Fanatics dominate the intersection of sports and entertainment.

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Join Dallas Clement, President and Chief Financial Officer of legendary Cox Enterprises, as he shares invaluable insights into his career journey, financial leadership, and how Cox's foundational values have been a beacon of success for 125+ years.

With over three decades of experience, Dallas emphasizes the importance of balancing culture, learning, and growth in any financial professional’s career trajectory. He also delves into Cox's ethos of embracing risk and innovation, even if it means competing with themselves, to stay ahead of technology and trends.

We were thrilled to have host Andrew Seski on-site at the wonderful Cox campus in Atlanta to record this episode, and we are grateful for Dallas’ contribution to the CFO conversation.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership, strategic vision, and the enduring legacy of Cox Enterprises.

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In this episode of The Modern CFO, Lauren StClair, CFO of NerdWallet, shares her unique career journey spanning across startups and large corporations like PayPal, eBay, and StubHub. She delves into the valuable lessons she's learned along the way, offering key takeaways for professionals in the finance and technology industries.

Lauren's journey began at a small early-stage startup, where she quickly learned the value of resourcefulness and urgency in business. This experience taught her to wear multiple hats and connect the dots across various aspects of the company, providing a solid foundation for her future roles. However, she also realized the importance of understanding how to operate at scale and the need for best practices, leading her to pursue opportunities at larger organizations.

During her tenure at eBay, Lauren had the opportunity to work in different functions, both within and outside of finance. She participated in a leadership development program, allowing her to complete multiple rotations across various departments. This experience not only expanded her functional skills but also taught her the importance of embracing change and humility.

As Lauren reflects on her career path, she shares valuable insights for professionals navigating the dynamic landscape of finance and technology:

• Embrace change: Be open to new opportunities and challenges, as they provide valuable learning experiences and contribute to personal and professional growth.
• Develop a sense of resourcefulness: The ability to be resourceful and adaptable is crucial in today's fast-paced business environment.
• Learn to operate at scale: Understand the importance of implementing best practices and executing strategies that enable businesses to grow efficiently.
• Cultivate humility: Recognize when to ask for help, raise questions, and learn from others, as these traits are essential for continuous improvement and effective leadership.

Lauren StClair's journey in the world of finance and technology offers a wealth of knowledge for individuals looking to build a successful career in these industries. Tune in to The Modern CFO podcast to hear the full conversation and gain inspiration from Lauren's remarkable story.

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"Am I continuing to learn? Am I continuing to create value?”

These questions act as pillars for Eric Muhlheim, propelling his expansive career from studying mathematics to leading finance teams at one of the most dynamic tech organizations today.

In our first episode of 2024, Eric and host of The Modern CFO, Andrew Seski, explore Eric's formative experiences at Morgan Stanley, his impactful tenure at Disney, and his transition into the world of tech leading him to his current role at Mozilla. Eric shares insights into Mozilla's unique corporate structure, its mission-driven approach, and the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI revolution.

Listen in as Eric and Andrew discuss the importance of strategic implementation, the critical role of maintaining a strong, mission-aligned balance sheet, and Eric's personal approaches to leadership and relationship-building in the corporate world.

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From investor to public company CFO, BLADE's Will Heyburn shares his path to the selective role of leading a finance team from the private markets through an IPO and beyond.

In this episode of The Modern CFO, Will unpacks BLADE's unique evolution from passenger transportation to a leading medical organ transport provider and why they continue to focus on direct communication, data-driven decision-making, and building a customer-centric culture.

Will and host Andrew Seski discuss the intricate balance between risk management, client satisfaction, and staying adaptable, especially as a technology platform within the aviation industry.

Listen in for more secrets to BLADE's success and valuable lessons for aspiring CFOs navigating the future of technology within their own companies.

Want to give BLADLE a try? Listeners can use Will's promo code* available towards the end of the episode!

*Terms and conditions may apply

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