Why Finance Students Must Learn Discipline Before AI Replaces Their Jobs with David Stangeland

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Host Paul Barnhurst sits down with David Stangeland, a finance professor at the University of Manitoba, to talk about teaching financial modeling, how students learn best, and the tools that have changed over the years, from PV tables to Excel. David shares what he's learned from more than 30 years in the classroom, why planning is so important in modeling, and how he uses real money investing through a student-managed fund to teach hands-on skills. He also talks about the value of the FMI curriculum, the role of judgment in modeling, and why he still learns something new every time he teaches. David has been teaching at the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business since 1991. He has a PhD from the University of Alberta and is both a CPA and a CMA. His research focuses on corporate governance and performance and has been published in top finance journals. He’s co-authored two corporate finance textbooks and currently advises the school’s $2.8 million student-managed investment fund.Expect to LearnThe most common mistakes students make when building modelsHow Excel helps students better understand what they're doingWhy structure and layout matter in a financial modelThe importance of combining modeling with real-world contextHow the FMI curriculum is used in teaching valuation and asset managementHere are a few quotes from the episode:“There’s no one right answer in valuation. It’s about making good assumptions and thinking through your logic to build a credible story.” - David Stangeland“Don’t think you know it all. Always be open to learning and improving. That mindset will take you further than any formula.” - David Stangeland“Spreadsheets aren’t going anywhere. Whether it’s Excel or something else, that flexible grid is still the best way to work with data.” - David StangelandFollow David:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-stangeland-phd-cpa-cma-b-comm-29773946/?originalSubdomain=caFollow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguyFollow Financial Modeler's Corner:  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.  In today’s episode:...

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Welcome to the FP&A Guy Podcast Network – your one-stop destination for insightful conversations and expert perspectives at the forefront of finance, hosted by Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy. This network brings together three unique shows designed to inform, inspire, and equip finance professionals across the globe: • FP&A Tomorrow: Shaping the future of FP&A by exploring today’s trends and interviewing top global talent in the field. • Financial Modeler’s Corner: Master the art and science of financial modeling with insights from distinguished experts, in partnership with the Financial Modeling Institute. • Future Finance: Discover how technology and AI are transforming corporate finance in this forward-thinking podcast co-hosted with Glenn Hopper. No matter where you are in your finance journey, these podcasts deliver practical advice, thought leadership, and cutting-edge innovation to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of finance.