FinOps in Action

How do you build a FinOps practice that balances cloud cost optimization, sustainability, and deep cross-functional engagement?

In this episode of FinOps in Action, I am joined by TJ Johnson, Lead Architect for Platform Economics at MGM Resorts International. With over 25 years in IT and 15 years focused on public cloud and optimization, TJ shares a refreshing look at what really drives impact in FinOps—from relationship-building and soft skills to sustainability reporting and unit economics.

TJ breaks down how to move from KPI-driven thinking to momentum-based KMI frameworks, why partnership language changes FinOps collaboration, and how to engage engineers in meaningful ways—without relying on one-off gamification tactics.

Here’s what we talked about:
  • Why soft skills and trust-building are critical to FinOps success

  • How to incentivize engineering teams without creating bad incentives

  • The difference between KPIs and KMIs—and why it matters

  • Sustainability modeling in cloud and how to build your own

  • What "cost to serve" really tells you about engineering maturity

If you're trying to scale a FinOps practice, engage engineering teams, and reduce cloud waste—this conversation is packed with insights you can use right now.


 🎧 Subscribe for more FinOps leadership conversations → https://finopsinaction.substack.com/


 Quote of the Show:
  • " If you find a measurement is no longer giving you what you're looking for, it's no longer effective. If it shifts from a decision making measurement to an awareness measurement, you need to find another one, because all of your measurements should require an action. Otherwise, why are you measuring it?" - TJ Johnson


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Creators and Guests

Host
Alon Arvatz
Producer
Lexi Musico

What is FinOps in Action?

Welcome to FinOps in Action! Join host, Alon Arvatz, Each week, as he sits down with FinOps experts to explore the toughest challenges between FinOps and Engineering. This show is brought to you by PointFive - empowering teams to optimize cloud costs with deep detection and remediation tools that drive action.