FinOps & Cloud Cost Management: How to Save Money on Azure
In this episode of the FinOps on Azure podcast, Michael Stephenson is joined by Stephanie Yackimec – a Microsoft licensing specialist and FinOps consultant from Calgary, to discuss how organizations can save money on Azure through effective cloud cost management.
You can listen to the other episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Episode Highlights
00:01:10 – What is FinOps and Why It Matters
00:02:45 – Combining Technical Advice with Cost Optimization
00:04:20 – The Role of Leadership in FinOps
00:12:00 – Chargeback & Reporting Strategy
00:14:50 – Building the FinOps Team
00:17:25 – KPI Development & Tracking
00:20:40 – Soft Skills for FinOps Success
00:24:15 – External Expertise Value
00:27:00 – Favorite Cost Optimization Programs
00:29:20 – Azure Hybrid Use Benefit Example
00:31:45 – Pre-purchase Plans & AI Workloads
Key Takeaways
- FinOps is more than just tools – Organizations need to combine technical expertise with financial thinking to drive real value.
- Leadership matters – Top-down involvement is critical for translating business goals into cloud KPIs.
- Start small – Focus on “low hanging fruit” like Azure Hybrid Use Benefit to demonstrate quick wins and build momentum.
- Collaboration is key – Bring together IT, procurement, and finance to create a shared FinOps team.
- AI costs are growing – With the rise of AI workloads, tracking and forecasting cloud spend has never been more important.
Enjoyed This Conversation?
Don’t miss other episodes of the FinOps on Azure Podcast, where we speak with practitioners, consultants, and cloud leaders about real-world cost management challenges, lessons learned, and what actually works in practice.
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