HomeAuthor InterviewsInterview with Shmuel Oluwa

Interview with Shmuel Oluwa

Shmuel Oluwa is a financial consultant, Excel mentor, seasoned instructor in a number of related fields and the author of Hands-On Financial Modeling with Microsoft Excel 365. His previous book Hands-On Financial Modeling with Microsoft Excel 2019 was a best seller. This time we got the chance to sit down with him and find out more about his experience of writing with Packt and his new book.

Q: What are your specialist tech area(s)?

Shmuel: Excel, Financial Modeling

Q: How did you become an author for Packt? Tell us about your journey. What was your motivation for writing this book?

Shmuel: I have been privileged to teach students in several countries and have been frustrated by the inadequacy of just a few days together after which most of them fail to build on what they have learnt. So when I was approached by a Packt, I jumped at the opportunity to share the knowledge I have gained in permanent print.

Q: What kind of research did you do, and how long did you spend researching before beginning the book?

Shmuel: I was already fluent with much of the content of the book, however in order to ensure accuracy and comprehensive coverage of the topics I did a lot of research over the internet.

Q: Did you face any challenges during the writing process? How did you overcome them?

Shmuel: The first edition of the book was the first book I had ever written for print so I grossly underestimated the time it would take. I am grateful for the patience and guidance of the Packt editorial team assigned to guide me who eventually helped me through.

Q. What’s your take on the technologies discussed in the book? Where do you see these technologies heading in the future?

Shmuel: I believe that the basics covered in the book will remain relevant for years to come. What will continue to evolve and improve are the tools for modeling, in particular Microsoft Excel.

Q: Why should readers choose this book over others already on the market? How would you differentiate your book from its competition?

S: The book has been written with an emphasis on simplicity and clarity, informed by the experience gained from resolving students’ problems.

Q. What are the key takeaways you want readers to come away from the book with?

S: Readers should come away with a good understanding of the basics of financial modeling which they can use as a foundation for most financial decision-making situations.

Q. What advice would you give to readers learning tech? Do you have any top tips?

S: Using this as a reference book they can choose particular areas for further research.

Q. Can you share any blogs, websites and forums to help readers gain a holistic view of the tech they are learning?

S: Corporate Finance Institute; excelisfun (youtube channel); leila gharani (youtube channel)

Q. How would you describe your author journey with Packt? Would you recommend Packt to aspiring authors?

S: I continue to be impressed by the professionalism and courtesy displayed by Packt representatives with whom I have interacted. I will definitely recommend Packt to aspiring authors.

Q. What are your favorite tech journals? How do you keep yourself up to date on tech?

S: Mostly by following relevant YouTube channels.

Q. How did you organize, plan, and prioritize your work and write the book?

S: It was difficult at first but I tried to do the writing in the evenings and nights. I received priceless guidance from my Packt team who assisted me in setting target dates on a chapter by chapter basis.

Q. What is the one writing tip that you found most crucial and would like to share with aspiring authors?

S: At the beginning of each chapter set out topics to be covered. This will serve as a guide to ensure that you don’t miss out on any content.

You can find Shmuel’s book on Amazon by following this link: Please click here.

Hands-On Financial Modeling with Microsoft Excel on Amazon.com