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After 25 years as a CFO, Jeremy Earnshaw transitioned from managing numbers to mentoring leaders. He shares what he wishes he knew earlier, the common leadership mistakes CFOs make, and how coaching can accelerate career growth. We also talk about the shift from technical expertise to strategic influence, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and the mindset changes that separate good CFOs from great ones.
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What if the problem isn’t the numbers, but everything around them?
Beverly Davis has spent years helping businesses fix their financial blind spots. From misaligned strategies to communication breakdowns, she knows why execution often fails before it even starts. In this episode, we dive into what really makes or breaks a company’s financial success and how to spot the non-financial issues slowing your business down.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode, I sit down with Scott Meyers, CFO of Plurilock, to talk about what it really takes to lead in today’s fast-changing business world. From navigating financial landmines to handling the unexpected, Scott shares real-world lessons (and some great punchlines) about what it really takes to be a modern CFO.
We dive into the realities of the CFO role, including how to think strategically, communicate effectively with the board, and ensure your team is set up for success. A must-listen for finance leaders looking to balance strategy, risk, and a few good laughs along the way!
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What happens when you don’t have a clear career roadmap? You build one. Janice Stucke never set out to become a CFO, but by embracing growth, saying yes before she felt ready, and leaning into big challenges, she made it happen. We talk about career pivots, digital transformation, and the mindset that helped her succeed.
This episode is brought to you by Datarails, sponsor of The Office of The CFO Bootcamp program. It's a 3-Week Leadership Accelerator program for aspiring VP of Finance, CAOs and CFOs. Click here to learn more.
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In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome my first international guest, Basem Waheed, CFO of Golden Chicken Farms Co. in Saudi Arabia. Basem shares his inspiring journey from accounting to modern finance leadership, including how he spearheaded a digital transformation that reduced month-end close to just one day for the large conglomerate.
Tune in to hear his insights on balancing technical expertise with communication, fostering trust across teams, and embracing lifelong learning to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced business world.
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In this inspiring episode, Jessica McClain, CFO of Girl Scouts Nation's Capital, talks about her transition from public accounting to the nonprofit sector and the leadership lessons learned along the way. She shares practical insights on managing teams, building meaningful connections, and staying adaptable in a constantly evolving professional landscape.
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In this episode, Bryan Lapidus, Director of FP&A Practice at AFP, shares invaluable insights from his unique career journey—from starting as a history major to leading in finance. Bryan talks about the importance of gaining breadth early in your career, the role of rotations, and why stepping outside of finance can make you a better leader. Tune in to learn how to take charge of your professional development and stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape.
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Ever wondered what happens after you hit "submit" on a job application?
In this episode, executive recruiter Amy Sulgrove takes you behind the scenes of the hiring process.
Learn how recruiters evaluate candidates, the power of a strong LinkedIn profile, and why networking isn’t optional.
Amy offers practical tips, including how to find hiring managers’ emails, the right way to follow up, and how to avoid common pitfalls that keep great candidates from landing their dream roles.
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As the year ends, it’s time to refocus on your career goals. In this episode, I share the steps, mindset shifts, and strategies that can help you break through to executive leadership in the year ahead.
You’ll learn:
Why traditional strategies like hard work and getting more credentials aren’t enough.How to develop executive presence that sets you apart.The importance of building influence and relationships to unlock opportunities.Resources to Support Your Journey:
14-Day Email Guide: Master The Executive PIN Code with daily insights and actionable tips. Sign up here.Strategic Influence Quiz: Discover how others see you and where you can grow. Take the quiz.Office of the CFO Bootcamp: A cohort program for mastering executive-level skills. Learn more. -
Making bold moves is what defines Brenda Hodo-Iddris. With over 20 years of experience spanning public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Brenda has mastered the art of adaptability and strategic influence. In this episode, she shares:
How she carved out a niche as a "fixer" in nonprofit finance and operations.The importance of building trust and relationships across all levels of an organization.Why stepping beyond financials is key to becoming a strategic influencer.Brenda’s advice isn’t just for CFOs—it’s for anyone navigating leadership challenges, balancing strategy with execution, or aspiring to make a bigger impact.
Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-hodo-iddris-mba-3860888/
About the host > https://www.wassiakamon.com/about-wassia-kamon
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Becoming a CFO is an exciting milestone, but those first 90 days can be a whirlwind of learning, decisions, and adjustments. In this episode of Diary of a CFO, I reflect on my journey through my first three months in the role—what I got right, what I wish I had done differently, and the lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The key advice from my mentor and executive coach that set me up for success before day one.How to build meaningful relationships with your team and peers in the first 90 days.Practical tips for improving team collaboration and driving impact early on.Strategies for managing time and avoiding burnout as a new leader.If you’re aiming for a CFO role or leading a team, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at my first 90 days in the seat.
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In this episode of Diary of a CFO, I sit down with Matt Ziegler, CFO of GovExec, to unpack what it really takes to hit the ground running in a new CFO role.
Matt shares his experience moving from FP&A to CFO, managing multiple functions, and finding his footing in a company with complex business models.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How to structure your first 90 days as CFO for maximum impactThe skills to shift from FP&A to a broader CFO roleEffective onboarding techniques and why pre-planning mattersThe importance of aligning on simplicity and scalability in financeTips for building trust and setting clear expectations with your teamFrom balancing leadership with technical know-how to navigating the first 90 days, this episode is packed with insights for finance professionals stepping up to senior roles.
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzieglerfinance/
About the host > https://www.wassiakamon.com/about-wassia-kamon
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In this episode, Elaine Benfield, a seasoned marketing leader, shares her insights on how to bridge the gap between marketing and finance. We dive into the importance of aligning metrics, building collaborative relationships, and leveraging storytelling to drive business growth.
Whether you're in finance, marketing, or leadership, this conversation offers valuable strategies to break down silos and work more effectively across departments.Here's what you'll learn:
How to align marketing and finance metrics for shared successThe power of storytelling in making financial data impactful and engagingTips for marketing leaders to better collaborate with finance teams on budgetingThe importance of transparent communication in creating effective partnershipsWhy strong vendor relationships are crucial for business growthTune in to discover how marketing and finance can work together to achieve bigger and better results!
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainebenfield/
About the host > https://www.wassiakamon.com/about-wassia-kamon
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Welcome to the final part of What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO. In this episode, I explore why being able to say no is a critical skill for any CFO and leader. Here's what you'll learn:
Why saying yes too often can damage your focus and leadership credibilityHow overcommitting can hurt your personal brand and mental healthThe importance of setting boundaries to protect your teamHow the CFO sets the tone for risk management across the companyNavigating difficult conversations with CEOs while staying true to your roleWhy developing "career insurance" through personal growth and networking is essentialSaying no isn’t just a defensive move—it’s an opportunity to lead with clarity, protect your priorities, and inspire trust. In this final part of the series, I’ll show you how mastering the art of saying no can elevate your leadership, empower your team, and help you make smarter, more strategic decisions. Let's dive in!
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In Part 2 of the "What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO" series, we dive into one of the biggest surprises for new CFOs:
Most of your time will be spent speaking with people outside the finance department.
Learn why understanding their priorities will help you simplify complex financial data into clear, actionable insights.
Plus:
The importance of connecting with people across the organizationHow to adapt your communication style for non-finance audiencesTips for presenting financials to investors, board members, and other external stakeholdersWhy building a personal board of directors can help you see things from different anglesTips for working outside your comfort zone to thrive in leadershipThis episode is a must-listen for finance and accounting leaders aiming to enhance their communication and influence outside of finance.
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This episode kicks off the series 'What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO.' We explore why CFOs are never hired to maintain the status quo and how to prepare for the challenge. Learn how to quickly build trust, understand the business beyond the numbers, and step into strategic decision-making.
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In this introduction to 'The Diary of a CFO,' I share a glimpse into my journey as a finance and accounting executive. You'll learn why I'm launching this podcast and what's coming up as we dive into the realities of reaching and thriving in the C-suite.
