Navigating the Path to the C-Suite

This chapter explores the hurdles accountants face in reaching the C-suite, particularly emphasizing the need for effective communication and forward-thinking skills. It contrasts the roles of management accountants and auditors while advocating for curiosity and proactive questioning in professional settings. The dialogue also examines the cultural and financial factors influencing UK startups, including their tendency to relocate to the U.S. for growth opportunities.

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In this episode, CJ Gustafson sits down with Brad Channer, the CFO of UBIO and possibly the world's most interesting CFO and accountant. He describes his unconventional career path from acting to accounting and the he lessons learned from some entrepreneurial failures along the way. Brad also discusses communication and leadership, including how his acting background shaped his style in the boardroom. He breaks down the biggest mistakes CFOs make when explaining financials and why some accountants struggle to reach the C-suite even if they’re brilliant on paper. He shares insights on neurodiversity in the workplace and how to unlock its advantages before unpacking why the UK has produced fewer tech giants than the US and the one regulatory shift that could potentially supercharge the industry.

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@cjgustafson222 (CJ)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Preview and Intro

(02:32) Sponsor - NetSuite | Planful | Subscript

(05:39) From Actor to Management Accountant

(10:25) Brad’s Bold Move to the UK

(13:02) His Journey into Entrepreneurship and Accounting

(16:07) Sponsor - Rippling Spend | Vanta | Tropic

(20:08) Reclaiming the F Word: Failure

(23:37) Communicating Like a Human