Gartner ThinkCast From Guardian to Catalyst: 8 Forces Reshaping CFO Identity
20 snips
Nov 11, 2025 Clement Christensen and Mallory Bowman, Gartner senior directors, dive into the evolution of the CFO role amidst economic volatility. They reveal the shift from the traditional 'guardian' CFO to the more dynamic 'catalyst' identity. Explore the eight forces reshaping finance, including the rise of AI for decision-making and the impact of low-code technology. They discuss how outdated mindsets can hinder growth and the necessity for finance leaders to embrace change and redefine their identities to drive innovation and agility in this tumultuous landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Guardian Mindset Can Backfire
- Most CFOs respond to uncertainty by tightening controls, but that guardian instinct can backfire.
- Clement Christensen warns this protector mindset often slows innovation and harms growth.
Eight Forces Reshaping Finance
- Gartner identified eight forces reshaping finance over the next five years that are technological, regulatory, and organizational.
- Mallory Bowman says these forces will fundamentally change finance roles and operations.
Automation Will Shift Finance Work
- Transactional tasks will be largely automated and finance teams will shift to higher-value work.
- Clement Christensen predicts AI will dominate routine financial decision-making within five years.