Speaking CFO: Winning the Budget Conversation with Finance with John Sansoucie

2026
Written By Dr. Shari Simpson

Eps. #202 Tuesday, September 29nd, 2026

HR asks for a new system, more headcount, a bigger training budget. Finance says no. The instinct is to assume the idea wasn't good enough.

In this episode…

  • Why HR requests get denied even when they're worth funding, and what a CFO is actually listening for before approving a budget line

  • How to turn a list of 28,000 possible metrics into the three numbers a CFO will remember

  • What cost to serve measures and how to calculate it for any HR function

Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can transform your HR practices!

Guest(s): John Sansoucie, Founder & CEO, CogNet

 

John Sansoucie

Founder & CEO

CogNet

Guest(s): John Sansoucie, Founder & CEO, CogNet

John Sansoucie is the Founder & CEO of CogNet, a global business process management company that helps HR service firms, staffing companies, and payroll providers scale their operations through specialized offshore teams and process automation.

With more than 30 years of experience across payroll, HR technology, PEOs, and operational leadership, John brings a practical operator’s perspective to conversations around HR operations, AI, and the future of work.

LinkedIn
Dr. Shari Simpson

Shari Simpson, EdD, SHRM-SCP, leads thought leadership at a technology company and is the founder of HR Swagger, LLC and DTG Leadership. With more than 20 years of experience in human resources, she focuses on leadership, culture, and learning experiences that help people do their best work. Shari is also the host of the HR Mixtape podcast and a frequent speaker on modern HR, leadership, and workplace transformation. Her work blends practical HR strategy with a people-first approach that helps organizations build connection, clarity, and momentum.

Beyond her professional achievements, Shari is a proud mother of three sons—one a veteran and two currently serving in the US Navy—a dedicated dog mom and an avid reader. Her 25+-year marriage to a fire department Chief adds depth to her understanding of service and dedication.

https://askhrswagger.com
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