In this episode, Sasha sits down with Razzak Jallow, CFO at FloQast, to discuss the evolving role of the modern CFO as a strategic partner across the organization. They dive into how he builds trust with the CEO, his approach to fostering product innovation responsibly, and why he turned down a financing round that would have doubled FloQast's valuation. Razzak also offers advice for aspiring CFOs on evaluating their first CFO role, skills like "precision Q&A", and hiring great talent
This show is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co
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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
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X/Twitter:
@sashaorloff (Sasha)
@floqast (Floqast)
@turpentinemedia
TIMESTAMPS:
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Preview
(02:22) How Razzak would describe the role of CFO
(02:55) Razzak’s superpowers: hiring and working with different people
(04:28) Building trust with different colleagues across different functions and cultures
(06:31) How to be the office of “how to” rather than “no”
(08:47) Having an effective discussion when there isn’t a right answer
(11:47) Changing the culture from being a no shop to a let’s be a partner shop
(14:26) Precision Q&A
(15:24) Sponsor: Attio
(17:22) What is FloQast
(19:34) Taking on the first CFO role and evaluating fit
(21:45) Deciding not to raise at a higher valuation and why
(25:20) Having a cash war chest
(27:02) Balancing product innovation and financial discipline as CFO
(30:00) The early milestones in a new product that unlock more capital
(31:32) Getting alignment on what payback on a new product should be
(38:16) Advice to future CFOs and an underrated skill people should work on more
(41:39) Building trust with your CEO
(45:27) Wrap
