
Episode #18
Ep 18: The $100k Software Mistake you Might be Making | Jeff Robson and Mark Birkinshaw
Most software buying mistakes don't start with the product or the vendor — they start with a vague brief, internal politics and a lack of discipline. In this episode of the CFO Access Podcast, Jeff Robson speaks with Mark Birkinshaw about why organisations can waste serious money on technology they don't actually need, why truly independent advice matters, and how finance leaders can de-risk major IT decisions before contracts are signed. The conversation explores: • How vague requirements can lead to expensive technology decisions • Why internal politics can influence software selection • The value of genuinely independent technology advice • Procurement and data governance considerations • The growing challenge of AI and shadow IT • How to avoid buying a "shiny" piece of software dressed up as a solution • Why experience matters when navigating complex technology decisions A practical conversation for CFOs and senior finance leaders who want to make more disciplined, informed technology investments — and avoid expensive mistakes. -------------------------------------- Follow Access Analytic: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AccessAnalytic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@accessanalytic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/access_analytic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/access-analytic Website: https://accessanalytic.com.au/ Connect with Jeff Robson: Jeff Robson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrobson/ Chapters: (00:00) Intro: meet Mark and Tango (01:42) From chartered accountant to selling software (06:59) No timesheets: paying people on output (09:32) How accounting plus sales became an advantage (17:46) Why Tango won't tell you which one to buy (23:23) Fixing government procurement (26:44) The biggest mistake: not defining what you need (32:01) De-risking a major technology decision (39:52) Where finance teams get data governance wrong (46:36) AI, shadow IT and vibe coding (53:09) Where AI genuinely helps CFOs (58:33) The Tango branding disaster (1:03:58) Dad jokes to finish Produced by Podwave Studios: www.podwavestudios.au The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not constitute financial or business advice. #cfo #cfoaccess #financeleadership #jeffrobson #podcast #podwavestudios #perth #technology #itstrategy #procurement #erp #digitaltransformation #datagovernance #aiinbusiness #vibecoding #compliance #independentadvice #tango #businesstechnology





