First Mover or Fast Follower? Thomas Ream of Workato on Timing Your Tech Strategy in the Age of AI

Today CJ is joined by Thomas Ream, the CFO of Workato, an intelligent automation platform that is heavily involved in AI. Thomas opens up about what it was like working in AI in the early days of the 90s. They discuss AI as a component of workflow and what it means to train AI models. He talks about the differences between working in hardware and software, the growing trend of hardware and software combinations, and the vast potential of quantum computing. Having worked for a social network prior to the existence of Facebook and other tech companies doing interesting things too soon, Thomas explains the importance of timing in tech and challenges the assumption that there is a first mover’s advantage in this field. He shares wisdom from his experience as a CFO, what makes a great one, why he doesn’t necessarily hire based on experience, and the importance of quick decision-making as well as his “lead, follow, or get out of the way” framework. 

If you're looking for an ERP head to NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/metrics and get a customized KPI checklist.

—

SPONSORS:

Leapfin is accounting automation software that automatically prepares and posts reliable journal entries. High-growth businesses like Reddit, Canva, and Seat Geek choose Leapfin to eliminate manual tasks, accelerate month-end close, and enable accounting leaders to provide faster insights to help their companies grow. To automatically standardize your revenue data with measurable business impact, check out leapfin.com today. 

Mercury is the fintech ambitious companies use for banking and all their financial workflows. With a powerful bank account at the center of their operations, companies can make better financial decisions and ensure that every dollar spent aligns with company priorities. That's why over 100K startups choose Mercury to confidently run all their financial operations with the precision, control, and focus they need to operate at their best. Learn more at mercury.com.

Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust®; Members FDIC.

NetSuite provides financial software for all your business needs. More than 37,000 thousand companies have already upgraded to NetSuite, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you're looking for an ERP platform ✅ NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/metrics and get a customized KPI checklist. 

Maxio is the only billing and financial operations platform that was purpose built for B2B SaaS. They're helping SaaS finance teams automate billing and revenue recognition, manage collections and payments, and put together investor grade reporting packages. 🚀 Request a demo at www.maxio.com/runthenumbers for 10% off your first year.

—

FOLLOW US ON X:

@cjgustafson222 (CJ)

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Preview and Intro

(01:42) Sponsor - Leapfin | Mercury

(03:45) The Need for Humans in Training AI Models

(05:54) Thomas’s Early Work in AI in the 90s

(07:50) What It Means to Train an AI Model

(08:38) AI as a Component of Workflow

(13:04 ) Working in Hardware Vs Software

(16:02) Sponsor - Netsuite | Maxio

(18:30) Hardware-software Combinations and Quantum Computing

(22:28) The Importance of Timing in Tech

(26:33) Frameworks for Quick Decision-making

(34:28) Qualities Thomas Looks for When Hiring

(37:52) The Qualities of a Great CFO

(39:12) Balancing Time Between Internal and External Stakeholders 

(43:01) Long-ass Lightning Round: Advice on When to Move on

(47:36) Workato’s Finance Software Stack

(50:35) Craziest Expense Story

Get full access to Mostly metrics at www.mostlymetrics.com/subscribe