מה תיק בירקין מלמד על ערך

Last week, a handbag sold for €8.6 million👜

Not new. Not pristine. But one of a kind. It was worn, stained, patched, and full of life. But it wasn’t just any bag, it was the original Birkin: the iconic Hermès model created specifically for Jane Birkin in the 1980s. It wasn’t made to be preserved, it was made to be used. And over time, it became a symbol.

That sale got me thinking, not just as someone who works in finance, but as someone deeply involved in shaping business decisions: What really creates value?

In FP&A, we rely on data, methodologies, and models. But the deeper I go, the clearer it becomes: It’s the ability to connect the numbers to a broader business story that truly drives smart, aligned decision-making.

Accurate numbers are a baseline. But what shifts direction, unlocks budgets, and moves leadership is the context.

The story behind the numbers: who we are, where we’re headed, and why it matters now.

That’s where planning meets leadership.

Not just reflecting reality, but shaping it.

At the end of the day, those who can read a spreadsheet gain insights. Those who can tell the story behind it - create value.

(PS- some still think a Birkin is just a bag. Just like they think FP&A is just numbers.)