The CFO Edge

23 Episodes
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By: The CFO Edge

🚀 Welcome to The CFO Edge, the podcast for founders and business owners who want to master their finances and scale with confidence!Hosted by Carol Baghdadi, a seasoned CPA and fractional CFO, we break down complex financial concepts into actionable strategies you can use right away. Learn how to optimize cash flow, raise capital, and make smarter financial decisions, without the overwhelm.🎧 Subscribe now to gain the financial clarity you need to grow and sustain a thriving business. Let’s sharpen your financial edge and If You are ready to take the next step Book your FREE Clarity call with Carol HERE...

The Quiet CFO Move That Changes Everything: Revenue Quality
#23
Yesterday at 1:00 PM

Not all revenue is created equal and if you’re only focused on top-line growth, you might be missing what really drives startup valuation: revenue quality.

In this episode, I break down what revenue quality really means (sticky, predictable, and diverse), why it matters more than ever in today’s funding climate, and how founders can start building stronger, more investor-ready revenue today.

We’ll also look at real-world examples like Salesforce vs. WeWork and the quiet CFO mindset that separates resilient startups from risky bets.

🎧 Tune in to learn how high-qual...


Is Prioritizing Profit a Weak Move or a Strategic Power Play?
07/22/2025

When a client asked, “Would it be okay to grow at 3x instead of 5x and focus on profitability now instead of later?” … it sparked a conversation worth sharing.

In this episode, we unpack the profitability vs. growth dilemma facing startups in today’s tighter funding environment.

✅ When is focusing on profitability a strategic move and when is it a sign of playing small?
 ✅ How to weigh the risks of scaling aggressively vs. running lean
 ✅ Why your funding options, team dynamics, and market position all play into the right growth decision

Whether you're f...


10 Powerful Lessons from 10 Episodes: The CFO Edge Recap
07/10/2025

We’ve officially hit Episode 21!  and to celebrate, I’m unpacking 10 of the most powerful financial lessons from our last 10 episodes. No fluff, no filler, just the core insights that have resonated the most with founders, CEOs, and small business leaders.

From pricing and forecasting to burn rate and profitability, this recap episode brings you the highlights AND the context, so you walk away with real takeaways you can apply to your business today.

It's time to make the next level of your growth intentional, Connect with me HERE

Suppo...


Your Price Tells a Story. Here’s How Smart Founders Use It to Win Customers & Investors
#20
07/03/2025

our pricing says more about your business than you think. In this episode of The CFO Edge, we dive into how pricing shapes your brand, signals value to customers, and directly impacts how investors assess your company.

Whether you’re underpricing to stay “competitive” or unsure how to raise your rates, this conversation will help you reframe pricing as a strategic decision not just a number.

 💼 Need help building a pricing strategy that reflects your true value? Connect with me HERE

Support the show

Thanks for listening. Your fina...


Are You Leaving Money on the Table? Margins, Markups & Cost-Based Pricing Explained
06/26/2025

Setting prices isn't just about covering your costs—it's about building healthy margins, protecting profits, and fueling your growth. In this episode of The CFO Edge, we dive into the fundamentals (and blind spots) of pricing strategy that too many founders overlook.

🔍 You’ll learn:

The difference between margin and markup—and why that mattersHow to set prices that align with your costs and growth goalsWhat inflation and rising costs mean for your pricing strategyCommon pricing traps founders fall into (and how to avoid them)

🎯 Whether you're just starting out or reevaluating your pricing model, this episode...


Is Your Business Built to Scale? How to Set Up Financial Systems That Grow With You
#18
06/18/2025

Growth is exciting—until your systems start breaking under pressure.

In this episode, we unpack the financial foundations every growing business needs. From setting up simple workflows and choosing the right tools, to building a usable forecast and knowing when to level up your finance team—this is your roadmap to scaling with confidence.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why structure beats software
 ✅ How to build a forecast you’ll actually use
 ✅ Tools that grow with you (not slow you down)
 ✅ The rhythms successful businesses rely on
 ✅ When it’s time to upgrade your financia...


What It Really Costs to Run a Startup: Fixed vs. Variable Costs, Founder Time & Scalability
#17
06/09/2025

Are you truly aware of what it costs to run your business? In this foundational episode of The CFO Edge, we break down the hidden truths behind startup cost structures.

You’ll learn:

The difference between fixed and variable costs—and why it mattersHow to allocate costs across products, services, and teamHow to factor in founder time and sweat equityRed flags that signal your cost structure isn’t scalableWhy understanding your costs is key to smart pricing and growth decisions

🎯 Whether you're pre-revenue or scalin...


Strategic Planning for Startups: How to Pick Growth Bets That Actually Work
05/28/2025

Too many startups chase every opportunity—until they burn out or stall out.

In this episode of The CFO Edge, we walk through a proven strategic planning framework that helps founders prioritize the right growth bets—based on cost, effort, timing, margin, and more. If you’ve ever felt pulled in too many directions, this one’s for you.

📥 Grab the Free Growth Bets Prioritization Framework HERE to start growing smart—not scattered.

 It's time to make the next level of your growth intentional, Connect with me HERE


Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Forecasting: How to Build Projections Investors Actually Trust
#15
05/27/2025

When it comes to pitching your startup to investors, your financial projections can make or break the deal.

In this episode of The CFO Edge, we break down the two core forecasting methods—top-down and bottom-up—and show you how to use them the right way in your investor pitch. Too often, founders rely on big market numbers without connecting the dots back to their own execution. That’s where trust breaks.

🎯 By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

The difference between top-down and bottom-up forecasting (and why both matter...


Growth vs. Profitability Dilemma: How Top Startups Get It Right
05/12/2025

Every founder hits this crossroad: grow fast or grow smart?

In this episode of The CFO Edge, we're diving into real startup case studies to break down how top-performing startups managed to scale without sacrificing financial health. If you've ever wondered how to hit your growth targets while still keeping your burn rate in check—this one's for you.

This is your no-fluff guide to scaling sustainably—with the numbers to back it up.

💡 CFO Pro Tip: Growth without profitability isn’t impressive—it’s risky. Let’s change that.

🎧 Tune in now...


How Startups Crash Before They Scale: Burn Rate Blind Spots
05/06/2025

Every founder says, “Cash is king,” but few truly track the metrics that matter.

In this episode of The CFO Edge, we're breaking down the essential cash KPIs that can make—or break—your business. Whether you're trying to raise capital, extend your runway, or just stay afloat during a tough quarter, these numbers aren’t optional—they're survival tools.

🔍 You’ll learn:
 ✔️ Whether burn rate still matters when you’re cash flow positive
 ✔️ How to calculate and present monthly burn with investor-ready clarity
 ✔️ The real difference between gross vs. net burn
✔️ Why you MUST fact...


Built to Last: What Iconic Companies Do Differently (And How You Can Too)
04/30/2025

What do visionary companies like Disney, 3M, and Johnson & Johnson have in common? In this special episode of The CFO Edge, we break down the key takeaways from the legendary book Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras — and translate them into real, actionable strategies for modern founders and small business owners.

From setting a long-term purpose to preserving core values while driving innovation, these timeless principles will challenge the way you think about leadership, growth, and legacy.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, this episode will give you the CFO...


How to Set the Right Price: Proven Strategies for Founders & Small Businesses
04/24/2025

Choosing the right price in today’s economy? Tricky. Costs are rising, customers are hesitating, and pricing feels more like guesswork than strategy. In this episode of The CFO Edge, Carol breaks down how founders and business owners can find their pricing sweet spot — without discounting their way into trouble.

If pricing has ever made you feel unsure, uncomfortable, or reactive — this episode is for you.

🎯 Ready to price like a CFO?
 Grab the Startup Finance Toolkit for actionable tools that help you understand costs, build pricing scenarios, and lead your business with financial clarity.<...


10 Lessons from 10 Episodes: Financial Strategies Every Founder Should Know
04/22/2025

Welcome to Episode 10 of The CFO Edge — a special edition where we step back, zoom out, and spotlight the 10 biggest takeaways from our first 10 episodes.

Whether you’ve been tuning in from the beginning or this is your first listen, this roundup delivers the core financial strategies every founder and small business owner needs to hear — in one value-packed episode.

🎯 CFO Pro Tip: You don’t grow by doing more — you grow by doing what matters most, with clarity.


🎁 FREE RESOURCE:<...


The CFO Playbook: Recession-Proof Your Startup Now
04/16/2025

Recession talk isn’t just media noise—it’s a wake-up call for founders to get their financial house in order. 

In this episode, I share The CFO Playbook for recession-proofing your startup from the inside out.

🔥 We’ll dive into the principles of sustainable growth, managing cash reserves, and shifting your metrics mindset during downturns.

💡 This isn’t fear-based advice—it’s proactive strategy from someone who’s guided companies through uncertainty with intention and success.

Want the tools to future-proof your business? 

🚀 It's time to make the next level of your grow...


Think Like a CFO: The Key Mindset Shift to Scale Your Startup
04/15/2025

What really separates a visionary CEO from a strategic CFO? 

And more importantly — how can founders tap into both mindsets to scale smarter?

In this episode of The CFO Edge, Carol breaks down the key differences between the CEO and CFO lens — and why switching gears between the two is crucial as your business grows. 

You’ll hear how to balance bold bets with disciplined decision-making, and why thinking like a CFO doesn’t mean playing it safe — it means playing to win with your numbers in check.

You’ll learn...


The Power of Financial Transparency: How to Build Trust and Lead Better
04/09/2025

Founders, here’s the truth: the best leadership isn’t just bold—it’s financially transparent. 

In this episode, we talk about why clear, consistent financial communication is a superpower for startup teams.

📢 From investor conversations to internal updates, financial clarity builds trust, alignment, and smart decision-making at every level of your business.

👀 You’ll learn how to shift from reactive updates to a proactive financial leadership model—even if you’re not “a numbers person.”

Want your team and investors to trust your vision? Start by mastering your numbers. 

🎁 FREE...


Financial Survival Guide: How Startups Can Prepare for Economic Uncertainty
#6
04/07/2025

Economic storms are inevitable—but financial chaos doesn’t have to be. 

In this episode of The CFO Edge, I break down how founders can prepare their startup finances to stay steady and even thrive when markets get shaky. 

This isn’t about generic advice—it’s about practical, founder-focused financial strategies you can implement today.

🎯 We’ll talk about financial forecasting, adapting your burn rate, and building runway scenarios that actually make sense.

🔑 Whether you’re pre-seed or scaling fast, this episode will help you approach uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

👉 Re...


What Investors Really Want: The Fundraising Prep Founders Skip (But Shouldn’t)
#5
04/03/2025

Raising capital is more than just pitching investors—it’s about proving that your business is worth the investment. 

In this episode of The CFO Edge, we’ll dive into what investors really look for, how to prepare your financials, and key steps to ensure a smoother fundraising process. 

Whether you’re preparing for your first round or gearing up for another, this episode will help you avoid common pitfalls and position your business for success.

Support the show

Thanks for listening. Your financial edge starts HERE


The 3 Biggest Pricing Mistakes Businesses Make and How to Fix Them
#4
04/01/2025

Pricing can make or break your business—but many small business owners get it wrong. 

In this episode of The CFO Edge, we break down the three biggest pricing mistakes that could be hurting your revenue and profitability. 

Are you underpricing your services? Ignoring your costs? Failing to test and adjust? I’ll walk you through how to set smarter prices that drive sustainable growth while keeping your customers happy. 

Don’t leave money on the table—tune in to learn how to price like a pro! 

Support the show

Thanks for...


Welcome to The CFO Edge – Your Finance Game-Changer!
#1
03/26/2025

Welcome to The CFO Edge! 🎙️ If you're a startup founder, small business owner, or finance professional, this podcast is your go-to source for practical CFO insights to scale your business.

In this quick intro, I’ll share:
✅ What The CFO Edge is all about
✅ Who this podcast is for
✅ What you can expect from upcoming episodes

💡 Ready to sharpen your financial edge? Hit Subscribe and join the journey!

🎯 Follow me on LinkedIn for more insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zcb/
📩 Have a topic you wan...


Cash Flow vs. Revenue vs. Profit – Don’t Mix These Up!
#3
03/26/2025

Think you understand cash flow, revenue, and profit? 🤔 Many founders confuse these terms—and it can lead to serious financial trouble. 

In this episode, I’ll break it down in a way that makes complete sense so you can manage your business finances like a pro.

🔑 We’ll cover:
 ✔️ Why revenue doesn’t mean you’re profitable
 ✔️ How startups run out of cash even when sales are booming
 ✔️ The #1 cash flow mistake founders make (and how to fix it)
 ✔️ A simple formula to track your business health

🎁


Your Startup Raised Money - Now What? Managing Cash Burn Like a CFO
#2
03/26/2025

Congratulations! 🎉 You raised capital for your startup. But now comes the real challenge: making sure that money doesn’t disappear faster than expected. 

In this episode, I break down:

 ✔️ How to calculate and extend your runway
 ✔️ The difference between essential vs. wasteful spending
✔️ The key financial metrics investors expect you to track
✔️ Why hiring too fast can burn through your funding

💡 Founders who think like CFOs win in the long run. Ready to take control of your startup’s finances?

🎁 FREE RESOURCE: Download the Startup Finance Toolkit and take con...