On Air: My Conversation with RTHK's Money Talk
On Air: My Conversation with RTHK's Money Talk
Introduction:
I was delighted to join Carolyn Wright on RTHK Radio 3's Money Talk last week, for the "Your Money" segment. It was a wide-ranging conversation, and one I really enjoyed.
We covered a lot of ground — from the practical to the personal — and I wanted to share some of the key themes here for anyone who missed it.
Why profitable businesses still run out of cash
This is one of the most common issues I see as a fractional CFO. A company can look healthy on the P&L and still be scrambling to make payroll. The gap between revenue and cash is real — and it usually comes down to working capital: how quickly you collect, how slowly you pay, and where cash gets trapped along the way. The good news is that it is almost always fixable, often within 30 days, once you have visibility.
Keeping founders safe
Founders pour everything into their businesses — time, money, relationships. But many do not have the financial guardrails in place to protect what they have built. That means proper forecasting, scenario planning, and governance — the kind of structure that ensures one bad quarter or one lost client does not unravel everything. My role is to be the person who sees the risks before they arrive, so founders can focus on what they do best.
Supporting current and future growth
Growth is exciting, but it creates complexity. New markets, new hires, new costs — all of which need to be modelled, funded, and managed. I work with founders to ensure their financial infrastructure keeps pace with their ambition. Whether that is building an investor-ready model, preparing for a fundraise, or simply creating a board pack that tells the right story — the goal is to make growth sustainable, not just fast.
Pipelining young female talent into leadership
This is something I care deeply about. The pipeline problem is real — if we do not invest in identifying, mentoring, and sponsoring young women early in their careers, we cannot expect the C-suite to look different in ten years. I have been involved with the Women's Foundation, the 30% Club, and Inspiring Girls in Hong Kong precisely because this work needs to start well before the boardroom.
The changing role of women in senior business roles
Globally, we are seeing real progress — but it is uneven. In some markets, women are breaking into CFO and CEO roles at historic rates. In others, the barriers remain deeply structural. What gives me hope is that the conversation has shifted from "why diversity matters" to "how do we accelerate it." That is where the real work begins.
Have a listen
If any of this resonates, I would love for you to hear the full conversation:
🔗 https://www.rthk.hk/radio/radio3/programme/money_talk/episode/1084626 (Look for the "Your Money" section)
Let's talk
If you are a founder or CEO navigating any of these challenges — cash flow, growth, governance, or the personal pressures of leading a business — I would welcome a conversation. The first one is just a conversation.
📩 Reach me via LinkedIn or book a call at montandonconsulting.com
