The Hidden Financial Risks of Ignoring AI, Compliance & Training – With Marlon Samson

What truly defines success in modern business? Is it the latest technology? The ability to adapt to change?

In today’s fast-paced world of shifting markets and AI in workplaces, it’s easy to focus on the tools. But real progress comes from people. From cultivating the right skills, making wise financial decisions, and leading with clarity. The strongest companies anchor themselves in fundamentals while preparing for the future.

In this episode of The Best Business Podcast, host Daryl Urbanski sits down for an interview with Marlon Samson. He is a seasoned finance leader with decades of experience guiding organizations through growth and transformation. Marlon Samson’s career spans global corporations and leadership roles. He has navigated cash flow challenges to shaping teams. Marlon’s approach reflects the mindset of an entrepreneur who knows that sustainable success requires more than numbers on a balance sheet.

Listeners will walk away with practical insights on how to thrive in today’s business environment. Discover Marlon’s perspective on the importance of training departments. Learn why interpersonal skills matter as much as systems. This is a roadmap towards responsible use of AI to build businesses that last. 

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode: 

1. Understand why mastering interpersonal skills is just as critical as financial modelling in leadership growth.
2. Gain advice on how to manage cash flow, adapt to market changes, and navigate financial risks effectively.
3. Learn how to align employee development with business goals to create high-performing, purpose-led teams in the age of AI.

Resources 

• Marlon Samson: LinkedIn 
• iQor Philippines: Website | Instagram | Facebook | X  | LinkedIn
• Best Business Podcast with Daryl Urbanski - Where you can find more insightful interviews like this one.

Episode Highlights

Rising Through the Ranks in Finance

• Marlon shares how his love for numbers began, even when his family expected him to pursue medicine.
• Early role models in corporate life taught him discipline and steady growth through learning.
• “Always show you’re ready for the next role before it’s handed to you,” he advises.
• His career path across Citibank, AXA, and now Iqor reflects consistency, passion, and resilience.

Hard Work and 1% Daily Gains

• Climbing the corporate ladder takes both consistent effort and strategic focus.
• Marlon highlights the value of improving just 1% each day, compounding into big results.
• “Be the hardest-working person in the room,” he says, stressing visible effort.
• Promotions come not from potential but from demonstrated competence and readiness.

Cash Flow Before Profit

• Profit doesn’t ensure survival. Cash flow is what keeps a business alive.
• Knowing your customer and aligning services to their needs is non-negotiable.
• He illustrates poor marketing with the example of targeting kids’ products during primetime news.
• Brands like Nike and Apple win by connecting deeply with customer psychology.

Adaptability as Survival Strategy

• Change is the only constant, both in finance and in life.
• Once-dominant firms like Nokia and Blockbuster failed by resisting change.
• Netflix thrived by reinventing itself, moving from DVDs to streaming.
• AI in workplaces is disruptive, but empathy and adaptability remain irreplaceable.

Building Future-Ready Finance Teams

• Hiring is about long-term alignment, not just filling a vacancy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and relationships are vital for FP&A leaders.
• Companies should combine internal programs with external training resources.
• The importance of training departments begins with aligning plans to employee goals.

Creating a Culture of Ownership

• True leaders focus on developing other leaders, not just managing tasks.
• Ongoing career conversations align personal goals with business needs.
• Training without alignment risks disengagement and high turnover.
• Leadership thrives when staff are empowered with growth opportunities.

Financial Reports That Matter

• Beyond P&L, companies must track cash flow, liquidity ratios, and forecasts.
• Frequency of reporting varies. Some industries need weekly flashes, others quarterly.
• Growth rates should be assessed against set targets to guide decision-making.
• Reports are not for filing. Instead, they are tools for proactive business pivots.

Safeguarding Data Integrity

• Faulty data undermines decisions and destroys trust within the business.
• Marlon recalls a teller skimming mortgage payments, a cautionary example.
• Regular audits, internal and external, ensure accountability.
• “Measure twice, cut once” applies as much to finance as to carpentry.

AI as a Finance Partner

• AI isn’t replacing people, it’s replacing repetitive tasks.
• “AI are just tools,” Marlon reminds, designed to make teams more efficient.
• Automation frees employees to focus on innovation, strategy, and value creation.
• Customer experience and emotional intelligence still demand human touch.

Lessons in Resilience and Mentorship

• Criticism and setbacks should be fuel for professional growth.
• Mentors accelerate progress by offering perspective and support.
• Collaboration beats isolation. Teams achieve what individuals can’t.
• Resilience comes from community, guidance, and a willingness to ask for help.