Inside the Strategy Room

212. Do you have what it takes to be a CFO?

Jul 29, 2024

Join Ankur Agrawal, a partner leading Strategy and Corporate Finance in New York, and Dr. Karolina Sauer-Sidor, a Madrid-based leader in Technology and Media, as they discuss the evolving nature of the CFO role. They highlight essential skills like strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making for aspiring CFOs. The duo emphasizes the importance of mentorship, diverse perspectives, and navigating networks to build a successful finance career. They also explore how a broad vision and adaptability are crucial for future CFOs facing new challenges.

44:52

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Episode guests

Karolina Sauer-Sidor

Ankur Agrawal

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The CFO role now requires strategic leadership beyond finance, emphasizing adaptability and collaboration in increasingly complex business environments.

Aspiring CFOs should cultivate a diverse skill set including emotional intelligence and advanced analytical skills to thrive in their careers.

Deep dives

The Expanding Role of the CFO

The CFO role has evolved into a multifaceted position that encompasses various leadership responsibilities beyond traditional financial management. CFOs are expected to act as strategic partners to the CEO and boards, contributing to discussions on company performance, growth strategies, and overall risk management. This expanded mandate includes driving value creation within the business, where CFOs play critical roles in mergers and acquisitions, technology implementation, and ensuring financial integrity under volatile market conditions. As the role continues to diversify, CFOs must embrace challenges related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and digitization, making adaptability and strategic insight essential components of modern financial leadership.

Intro

2min

Transforming the CFO Role

17min

The Role of Credentials in Finance Leadership

2min

The Future CFO: Skills and Insights

5min

Formulating a CFO Vision Through Diverse Perspectives

2min

Navigating Networks for Aspiring CFOs

4min

The Evolving CFO: Skills for Strategic Leadership

4min

Navigating the CFO Pathway

9min

Leading the finance function of a large company comes with a broad mandate requiring wide-ranging capabilities and experience. This week, three experts join us to explain how CFO hopefuls can acquire the credentials that matter most today.

Ankur Agrawal is a partner in our New York office and a leader in our Strategy and Corporate Finance and Healthcare Practices. He also heads our CFO and Finance Practice in the Americas

Dr Karolina Sauer-Sidor is a partner in our Madrid office and a leader in our Strategy and Corporate Finance, and Technology, Media, and Telecom Practices. She has led several finance transformations and supported multiple CFOs as they have started in the role.

Chris Halmy is the former Chief Financial Officer of Ally Financial. Chris was instrumental in restructuring Ally into a leading U.S. digital bank and consumer lender. Now retired from Ally, Chris sits on the boards of directors at Burford Capital, Western Alliance Bank, and Mercury Financial, and serves as a special advisor to McKinsey.

Related insights:

The Seasons of the CFO

How to prepare for the CFO role

Starting up ad a new CFO

Faster, smarter, bolder: How midtenure CFOs shift into a higher gear

Episode 162. Why today’s CFOs require ambidexterity

Episode 158. Seven mindsets and practices for new CFOs

Episode 147. The CFO’s role in talent development

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