Episode Nine of the Black Diamond Broadcast

In this special episode of the BDA Broadcast, we’re going behind the scenes at OneStream Splash 2024, where Celvin Kattookaran, Cameron Lackpour, Greg Beaton, and Ashwin Manthena sat down together to host the podcast live from the event. This episode explores not only their individual journeys but also the powerful sense of collaboration and community within the CPM space.
Celvin had the brilliant idea to bring this podcast to life at the Splash conference, providing an opportunity for deeper conversations and insights that you simply can’t get when someone’s on stage. Cameron, on the other hand, brings a unique and different perspective, emphasizing how “these are my professional highlights of the year.” For him, while the day-to-day job is rewarding, nothing compares to being at Splash, surrounded by peers who understand and appreciate the work they do.
Despite Greg and Ashwin being OneStream Certified—with the requirement to attend sessions to maintain their certifications—they still made time to host this live podcast. It’s a great moment for the team to recognize one another and praise the immense talent within BDA. Greg also shares how Cameron’s unwavering passion for teaching led him to seize opportunities early in his career, such as his pivotal role at Oracle, which laid the foundation for his consulting journey.
Throughout the episode, they dive into the idea that OneStream Splash isn’t just about attending sessions—it’s about the side conversations, the peer-to-peer learning, and the chance to connect on a deeper level. As Greg Beaton puts it, “Sometimes this job can be really isolating, and you feel that you’re alone. It’s nice to have a network of other people out there.”
They all agree that Splash is the perfect environment for building that network. The podcast itself becomes an opportunity to bring everyone together, furthering the spirit of collaboration that OneStream Performance Management is all about. As Cameron notes, “We need to do more sharing.” It’s not a competition—it’s about growing the community and supporting each other’s success.
Tune in to Episode 9 for an insightful, heartfelt discussion on the importance of connection, mentorship, and the journey to making an impact within the OneStream world. This is one episode you won’t want to miss!
Black Diamond Advisory is a premier global consulting firm specializing in financial transformation and strategic advisory services. Renowned for its deep expertise in performance management and enterprise planning, Black Diamond Advisory partners with industry-leading organizations to drive growth and operational excellence.
With a strong focus on leveraging innovative technology solutions like OneStream Software, the firm delivers tailored, data-driven strategies that empower clients to optimize their financial processes, improve decision-making, and achieve long-term success. Black Diamond Advisory’s team of seasoned professionals combines technical prowess with a deep understanding of business dynamics, making them a trusted partner for companies seeking to navigate the complexities of today’s financial landscape. Through initiatives like the BDA Broadcast, they continue to share their insights and thought leadership, solidifying their role as an industry leader in financial consulting.
A Little Bit About Our Hosts, Cameron and Celvin
Meet Cameron: Cameron Lackpour is a seasoned developer with a stellar track record in delivering successful EPM implementations as a consultant and project lead for Fortune 50 clients. He excels at enhancing standard toolsets to offer advanced analytics and system automation. Known for his strong communication skills, Cameron effectively bridges the gap between business owners and IT. He is dedicated to knowledge transfer, benefiting both clients and the broader EPM community. Cameron’s specialties include OneStream XF, Hyperion Essbase, Planning, ODI, Financial Reporting, and system automation.
Meet Celvin Kattookaran: Celvin Kattookaran is a Business Intelligence and Enterprise Performance Management specialist, renowned for crafting innovative and effective business solutions. With extensive experience in the Hyperion Suite of products, Celvin excels in requirement gathering, client interaction, team management, design analysis, implementation, and support. Focused on the Finance and Banking sectors, he has successfully implemented performance management solutions across various industries. Celvin’s expertise includes Hyperion Essbase, Planning, EPMA, Financial Reporting, and WebAnalysis.
Cameron and Celvin bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, making them the perfect hosts for our Black Diamond Broadcast.
OneStream Planning: The Why, How and When – Black Diamond Advisory

Share This: