Episode
How Curiosity and Listening Help Financial Modelers Build Trusted Models with Ian Bennett
- Podcast
- Financial Modeler's Corner
- Published
- Dec 30, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 2922
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www.thefpandaguy.com/blog-3-1
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Summary
In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner , host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Ian Bennett, Partner and Deals Modelling Leader at PwC Australia, to discuss the art and science of financial modeling. Together, they explore what makes a good financial modeler, how Excel has evolved dramatically in recent years, and how emerging tools and AI are shaping the future of modeling. Ian reflects on his decades-long career, from his early days discovering Excel during audits to leading a large team of modelers across Australia and India. Ian Bennett is the Deals Modelling Partner at PwC Australia and a Master Financial Modeler (MFM) certified by the Financial Modeling Institute. With 24 years of hands-on experience in building and leading modeling teams, Ian’s approach combines deep technical expertise with a strong focus on communication, design, and problem-solving. He leads a 50-person modeling team at PwC and is known for his passionate advocacy for best practices, new tools, and innovation in modeling, including integrating AI and the latest features in Excel. Expect to Learn Why defining a model’s purpose upfront is essential to success The most important listening and scoping skills great modelers must develop How Excel’s evolution over the past 18 months is changing the game What it means to be model-first vs. outcome-focused Why curiosity and human insight are irreplaceable, even in the age of AI Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Every model tells a story, and that story should be known at the start of the project. It’s about understanding what questions the model needs to answer.” – Ian Bennett “Be curious. That curiosity is what drives innovation in modelling, learning new tools, asking better questions, and solving real problems.” – Ian Bennett Follow Ian: Linke…