I'll never forget when a VP told me this in my early Private Equity days...

I was so focused on getting my model right that I didn't see a MASSIVE accounts receivable balance on the company's books.

What's that? he said.

I didn't know. Hadn't even thought to look at it. But — my model balanced! Wasn't that a good start?

That's when he said that quote.

I learned a great lesson that day — your financial model is just the MEANS, not the END.

Simply "completing it" is not enough — it needs to be a tool to help your team make strategic business decisions.

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If and when the time is right, I offer refreshingly straightforward Financial Modeling Courses for FP&A and Private Equity Professionals. Check them out if you're interested (if not, that's cool too 👍).