Clean data, clear insights: AI for finance and how to build the right foundation, with Gabi Steele

Finance teams are drowning in data—but turning it into clear, strategic insights is the real challenge.

In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, hosts Lauren and Alex sit down with Gabi Steele, CEO and Co-founder of Preql (and formerly Head of Data Visualization Engineering at WeWork), to explore how CFOs can build a rock-solid data foundation, harness AI effectively, and lead with confidence in an AI-powered world.

Gabi shares why AI is only as good as the data behind it, how multidisciplinary teams are shaping the future of finance, and why storytelling is the key to turning numbers into action. Whether you’re just starting your AI journey or looking to refine your approach, this conversation is packed with insights to help you stay ahead.

Key takeaways:
✅ Why clean, structured data is the foundation of AI success
✅ How CFOs can foster collaboration between finance, data, and strategy teams
✅ The role of AI in automating tasks while enhancing strategic decision-making
✅ How storytelling can make finance teams more impactful

AI isn’t replacing finance professionals—it’s redefining their roles. Tune in to learn how CFOs can embrace AI and data-driven leadership to drive long-term success.

00:42 Meet Gabi Steele: CEO and Co-founder of Prequel
02:36 Gabi's Journey: From Art to Data Visualization
03:26 The Rise and Fall of WeWork
04:46 Founding Preql: Bridging the Data Gap
05:34 The Importance of Storytelling in Finance
07:47 Integrating Data and Finance Teams
09:25 Challenges and Best Practices in Data Management
11:19 Embracing Multidisciplinary Teams
12:55 The Role of AI in Automating Finance Tasks
13:47 Telling a Story Beyond the Numbers
19:03 AI and Single Source of Truth
20:50 The Importance of Clean Data for AI
23:43 Practical Steps for CFOs to Invest in AI
28:23 Concluding Thoughts and Future of AI

Connect with Gabi on LinkedIn:   / gabriellasteele  

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn:   / alexlouisy  

Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn:   / laurenepearl  

Find the audio version of this episode on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6TDL...
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations.

This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business.

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Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at [email protected]