Exploring the CFO's Role in Vision and Adaptability

Continuing in the series of interviews with CFOs from pre-IPO companies recorded live from the New York Stock Exchange, in this episode, CJ is joined by Marcos Torres, CFO of Huntress. Marcos talks about his unusual career path and how he believes there are outsized prizes for people who take the path less traveled. He discusses the qualities of a good CFO such as critical thinking and adaptability, and how this relates to the survival of the fittest versus the survival of the strongest in Darwin's theory. He explains the significance of having a clear vision, making strategic decisions in the face of ambiguity, and the role of the CFO as a business leader, not just a finance leader. Listen out for an exciting fundraising announcement.

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Preview and Intro

(02:19) Sponsor - Mercury | Netsuite

(04:32) Marcos’s First Job and Early Tech Nostalgia

(10:14) Outsized Prizes for People Who Take the Path Less Traveled

(12:44) The Importance of Critical Thinking for CFOs

(14:29) Underwriting Uncertainty

(15:56) The CFO as a Business Leader, Not a Finance Leader

(18:11) Sponsor - Maxio | Planful | Leapfin

(21:15) Survival of the Fittest Versus Survival of the Strongest

(22:42) Adaptability and Failure

(25:22) The Importance of Clarity of Vision

(26:58) The Art of Saying No

(31:53) Advice From Abe Lincoln and Its Application

(34:03) Dealing With Ambiguity

(37:05) Long-ass Lightning Round: Hiring Mistakes and Other Advice 

(41:22) Finance Software Stack and the Value of Data

(44:05) Craziest Expense Story

(44:50) An Exciting Announcement From Huntress