Top 5 takeaways from season one of 'The Growth-Minded CFO' podcast —and what’s next!
The Growth-Minded CFO podcast has wrapped up its first season, and it has been a great journey so far - filled with insightful discussions around the evolving role of finance leaders.
Hosted by Alex Louisy (co-founder and CEO of Upflow) and Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO and 3 X founder), the podcast is seven episodes in and has brought together diverse voices and perspectives from the world of finance, aiming to explore what it means to be a CFO in today’s fast-moving world.
So what were the big takeaways from season one? Watch or listen to the full episodes by hitting play above, or read through a summary below.
1. Get Out of the Office
A recurring theme among the top CFOs interviewed was the importance of stepping out of their finance silos. By engaging with other departments, finance leaders can gain a holistic view of the business, ensuring their strategies are well-informed and impactful. This cross-functional collaboration emerged as a critical pillar for success.
2. The Value of Startup Experience
Many guests emphasized the transformative impact of startup experiences on a CFO’s career, arguing that the entrepreneurial mindset fosters better agility and broader understanding across business functions. This experience helps finance professionals to adapt quickly and think creatively, crucial skills for driving growth in any organization.
3. Navigating New Roles with Patience
Newly appointed CFOs often face the temptation to implement sweeping changes immediately. However, patience and cultural immersion were encouraged, as understanding the context and building trust are essential for sustainable transformation.
4. Digital Transformation is About Culture
While technology paves the way for innovation, it’s the cultural shift within the organization that ensures successful digital transformation. CFOs highlighted the need for fostering an environment that welcomes change, leveraging new tools not just for efficiency, but to enrich the overall company culture.
5. Blurring Lines Between Data Science and Finance
The intersection of data science and finance is becoming increasingly pronounced, urging finance leaders to integrate advanced data analytics into their operations. This shift allows CFOs to extract deeper insights, refine forecasting, and drive more informed strategic decisions.
Looking Ahead to Season Two
As Alex and Lauren reflect on the inaugural season, the overwhelming engagement and accolades have set the stage for an even more promising season two. The lineup promises a range of guests from varied industries and experiences, continuing to explore how finance can be a growth engine within organizations.
The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims not just to inform, but to inspire a community of finance leaders ready to embrace their evolving roles with a growth mindset. As the podcast gears up for another season, we'd love to hear your feedback and suggestions on future guests! Just email our producer joe on [email protected] or message Alex or Lauren on LinkedIn.
Ready for more insights from top finance professionals? Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and join Alex and Lauren for a rich array of new episodes set to inspire and inform. See you in Season Two!
Listen (and subscribe) on Spotify