Editor’s note: In today’s A Day in the Life, Volkmar Ahrens (pictured), MD of nxt4sap Pte Ltd, shares how he draws inspiration from visionaries, a dream of building enduring friendships with authentic people who care deeply about life, society and the world, as well as his typical work day.
FutureCFO: What does a typical day look like for you?
Volkmar Ahrens (VA): My typical day starts early. These days I often make calls to my Australian customers, who are two hours ahead of me.
After these initial engagements, I usually take a morning run directly from my house, which helps clear my mind and keeps me physically active.
The rest of my day is a mix of strategy and project work, focusing on integrating the latest technological advancements into our business processes and building a global business model around them.
Regular check-ins with my partners and clients are essential, but I also prioritise time for innovation and problem-solving. Since most of my business partners work out of Europe and even the US, work often continues after dinner.
Still, living in Singapore allows me to balance work with personal life, where I can spend quality time with my wife and explore our shared interests.
This routine keeps me grounded and focused on achieving both my professional and personal goals.
FutureCFO: What excites you the most when you work with CFOs and finance functions?
VA: What excites me most is witnessing the transformative impact of technology on finance functions.
I’m passionate about how GPT-4 and computer vision can revolutionise accounts payable automation and fundamentally change the industry.
My work often involves collaborating with CFOs and finance teams to reimagine traditional workflows, enabling them to fully embrace these innovations.
The evolution from financial shared service centres to global capability centres is particularly thrilling because it’s not just about cost savings—it’s about leading technological adoption.
This change is both inevitable and necessary, and being part of this transformation drives me every day.
I draw inspiration from visionaries like Ray Kurzweil and Tony Seba, who provide profound insights into the future of technology and its societal impact.
FutureCFO: Can you share an experience which was key to your professional growth?
VA: Fifteen years ago, I would have named Ray Kurzweil’s book The Singularity is Near as a pivotal influence.
This book, with its optimistic outlook on technology’s potential, made me realise that much more is possible.
Today, I would point to my early experience with GPT technology, where I once again recognised that technology is racing ahead. Ray Kurzweil’s latest book, The Singularity is Nearer, reinforces this.
It’s not just about technology—our world is changing rapidly, presenting both potential and risk for individuals and societies.
My fascination with technology has guided my work and personal life, pushing me to stay at the forefront of change and help others—including my family—navigate these disruptions effectively.
FutureCFO: Is there anything outside work that serves as an important inspiration to your work or life?
VA: I draw inspiration from visionaries like Ray Kurzweil and Tony Seba, who provide profound insights into the future of technology and its societal impact.
I’m also deeply moved by political leaders who demonstrate compassion and work toward a kinder and a more just world.
On a personal level, my wife, who is also the co-founder of our companies, brings a rich interest in art and entertainment into our lives, providing a creative balance to my tech-focused world.
Together, we dream of building enduring friendships with authentic people who care deeply about life, society and the world.
This shared vision, along with the influence of forward-thinking leaders, keeps me motivated and grounded in both my personal and professional pursuits.
