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Most business owners glance at their financial statements and move on. CFOs do the opposite; they use them as a decision-making tool to spot risks early, improve performance, and protect cash flow.

In this episode, Stuart and Mena break down how CFOs actually read financial statements, in plain English, without jargon or accounting theory. They walk through the three core questions every set of numbers should answer: is the business profitable, is it financially healthy, and is it actually growing? You’ll learn why revenue is rarely the starting point, why gross profit margin tells you more about your business model than sales ever will, and how “subscription creep” quietly erodes profits over time.

They then unpack the balance sheet, the most misunderstood report, and explain how CFOs assess working capital, debt levels, asset quality, and whether a business can survive a downturn. From there, Mena shifts to the statement CFOs obsess over most: cash flow. Because many profitable businesses still fail, simply because cash comes in too late.

Finally, Stuart explores the CFO mindset itself, focusing on patterns, ratios, and trends rather than isolated numbers, and outlines a simple set of practical steps you can apply immediately to take control of your finances.

If you want to think more clearly, spot problems earlier, and run your business with confidence, this episode is essential listening.

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SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

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IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.