Summary: The 'balance sheet' and 'interest rate' metaphor is the most CFO-friendly framing available. Treating technical debt as a compounding financial liability speaks the CFO's language directly.

Outcome: Ability to quantify and communicate technical debt in financial terms

Takeaway: Technical Debt Ratio calculation and prioritization framework

Key Discussion Points:

• Calculating your 'Technical Debt Ratio' and quantifying maintenance drag
• The compounding 'interest' of deferred maintenance
• Mapping technical debt to business risk and opportunity cost
• Prioritization frameworks: risk-based vs. opportunity-based modernization
• Building the CFO-ready business case for infrastructure investment
• Quick wins: where to reduce debt with minimal disruption
• Technical debt in M&A: due diligence considerations
• Communicating technical debt to non-technical stakeholders
• Creating a sustainable debt reduction roadmap
• Metrics to track technical debt over time