CFO Insights
Shane Leonard, an experienced CFO with an entrepreneurial background, on becoming a trusted advisor to founders
Oct 6, 2023
Shane Leonard, experienced CFO with an entrepreneurial background, discusses becoming a trusted advisor to founders and the role of CFOs in startups. They also cover M&A activity and valuations in the tech industry, building trust with stakeholders, the changing role of CFOs in the age of AI and automation, and the significance of clear storytelling for CFOs.
40:00
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Quick takeaways
- CFOs need to build trust and become trusted advisors by understanding founders' motivations and offering strategic guidance.
- CFOs should balance risk aversion with the founder's comfort with risk, making calculated decisions and providing financial perspectives.
Deep dives
Building Trust and Becoming a Trusted Advisor
In this podcast episode, Shane Leonard, an experienced CFO, discusses the importance of CFOs building trust and becoming trusted advisors to founders and CEOs. He emphasizes the need for CFOs to understand what drives and motivates founders, while also recognizing the importance of offering guidance and strategic insights. Shane shares his own career journey, divided into three sections: finance, entrepreneurship, and CFO roles, highlighting the unique perspectives and skills that come from diverse experiences. He also mentions the challenge for CFOs of understanding risk in the startup world and the need to balance financial perspective with the founder's optimism.
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