Run the Numbers
E1: Brex COO/CFO Michael Tannenbaum on Taking Risks
Jan 3, 2024
Michael Tannenbaum, COO/CFO of Brex, shares his journey through the high-stakes world of fintech. He discusses the importance of embracing personal and career risks, highlighting 'risk capital' learned from failures. The conversation dives into the nuances of liquidity and regulatory challenges in fintech versus traditional SaaS models. Tannenbaum also explores the impact of mergers on company culture and talent acquisition. He reflects on the unique dynamics of co-CEO structures and shares humorous insights about quirky corporate expenses.
40:25
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Quick takeaways
- Michael Tannenbaum's journey at Brex illustrates the importance of adaptability and recognizing shifting priorities throughout an organization's growth stages.
- The balance of risk management highlights the CFO's role in aligning stakeholder interests while navigating strategic decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Deep dives
Career Growth Through Stages
The conversation highlights the journey of an individual who has successfully navigated different roles within a tech startup, demonstrating exceptional adaptability. Starting from the first hire at Brex to becoming COO of a $12 billion company, this trajectory emphasizes the importance of evolving with a rapidly growing organization. Key to this growth is understanding the changing needs at each stage of the company’s lifecycle, akin to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, where fundamental requirements transition from cash to staffing. This perspective reinforces that sustained growth in dynamic environments necessitates ongoing personal and professional development.
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