Speaker Q&A: Kolarele Sonaike

Why It Matters

Effective storytelling turns complex financial data into actionable insight for non‑finance audiences, accelerating decision‑making and enhancing the strategic role of finance teams.

Key Takeaways

• Finance leaders struggle to make data engaging for non‑finance audiences
• Sonaike teaches a hook‑first method to craft compelling narratives
• One strong presentation can accelerate career growth and business impact
• Session delivers actionable tips for turning spreadsheets into memorable stories
• Clients include Meta, Bank of England, ICAEW, underscoring high‑level expertise

Pulse Analysis

In today's data‑driven enterprises, finance professionals are no longer confined to the back‑office. They must translate dense spreadsheets, forecasts, and risk models into narratives that resonate with CEOs, marketers, and board members who lack technical training. Studies show that decision‑makers retain information up to three times better when it is presented as a story rather than a raw table. Yet many CFOs and analysts admit they lack the rhetorical tools to bridge that gap, leading to missed opportunities, slower approvals, and a perception that finance is a siloed function.

Enter Kolarele Sonaike, a former barrister turned communications coach and author of *How to Give a Great Speech*. His client roster—Meta, the Bank of England, and the ICAEW—demonstrates a track record of elevating senior leaders from courtroom victories to boardroom persuasion. Sonaike’s signature technique starts with a “hook”: a counter‑intuitive insight or a vivid analogy that captures attention within the first 30 seconds. From there he layers data points into a logical arc, using visual cues and plain‑language analogies to keep non‑finance stakeholders engaged. The result is a presentation that feels less like a report and more like a compelling story.

The upcoming FD Show session, “Spreadsheets to Stories,” gives attendees a hands‑on laboratory for applying those principles. Participants will walk away with a ready‑to‑use framework, a checklist for visual design, and practice exercises that transform a typical profit‑and‑loss slide into a narrative that highlights strategic impact. For finance teams, mastering this skill can shorten approval cycles, improve cross‑functional collaboration, and ultimately drive better financial outcomes. As the finance function continues to evolve into a strategic partner, the ability to communicate with confidence will become a decisive competitive advantage.