Hey gang!, I know it's been quite a while since I have been active in here, which was for a reason. But, long story short, I just uploaded some content and I have more to add in the coming few days. I would love it if you would give me your feedback on the new content. I'll share more about what it is and how we're going to be using it in the community. Talk soon. John

I woke up early today to make sure I don’t miss out on anything on the first day of the AFP Conference. I’ll check in and get my credentials later, but first I’ll be taking advantage of a VIP perk I won in a drawing…a VIP backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry. Tonight, things start with the opening keynote by Malcolm Gladwell at the Music City Center, followed by a kick-off party at Ole Red. Ole Red is Blake Shelton’s bar/restaurant/music venue on Broadway, which is the Main Street in downtown Nashville for entertainment. In between my Grand Ole Opry VIP tour and Malcolm Gladwell’s keynote, I will hunt down some reading glasses since I lost mine on my way to Nashville. Luckily, I always keep a backup. All those years in FP&A ingrained planning and thinking about contingencies in my mindset. I do want to get a regular pair of reading glasses, though, because my backups are a set of folding readers that are compact enough to fit in a shirt pocket. They get the job done, but they scream “old man”. 😆 Do you find that your own contingency planning thinking bleeds into your daily life outside of work? I do all the time. In addition to my FP&A training and experience, I remember my dad (a 30 year Army veteran) always saying “two is one and one is none” or “it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.” Those lessons from my dad and FP&A never left me. I’m “that guy” that all my friends and family always go to when they need something because they know I think and plan ahead. They think it’s funny, but I like being someone they can count on. Three is HUGE value in being “that guy” at work when you are in FP&A. You can’t tell from the street, but the top of the Music City Center has a guitar shaped area that is easily identifiable from the air. I’ll post here about the conference educational sessions, as time permits. OK, conference day one ramble concluded. Make it a great day!

I will be adding three one-hour courses to the community soon and would like your input on which one you want to see first. Which one of the following interests you most?

Welcome Bradford Sliva! Bradford bring to the table 18 yrs of experience in the manufacturing industry, specializing in cost accounting and financial management of various types of businesses.

Welcome Ali Iftikhar and Michael Garner. Ali has over 17 years experience in Australia and Asia. Michael hasn't yet shared his background, but we're all interested to learn more about you.