GrowCFO Show #249 Top 3 Challenges for Every New CFO Warren Wise, GrowCFO Mentor & Fractional CFO
The transition into a CFO role is one of the most significant steps in a finance leader’s career, bringing both opportunity and challenge. In this episode, Warren Wise—GrowCFO Mentor and Fractional CFO—shares his journey from a 22-year tenure at a manufacturing company to his current role supporting multiple organizations. Wise’s experience highlights the importance of adaptability, staff support, and the ability to manage new responsibilities beyond traditional finance functions.
Wise discusses the mindset shift required to move from a detail-oriented finance role to a strategic leadership position, emphasizing the need to trust and empower staff. He also addresses the common struggles of imposter syndrome and task overwhelm, offering practical advice for new CFOs to build confidence and maintain work-life balance. His insights are invaluable for finance professionals stepping into the CFO role, as well as for organizations seeking to support their finance leaders through this critical transition.
Key topics covered:
- The importance of staff support and trusting your team as a new CFO
- Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence in a leadership role
- Managing task overwhelm and learning to delegate effectively
- Adapting to new responsibilities beyond finance, including HR and operations
- Gaining value from diverse industry exposure as a fractional CFO
- Achieving work-life balance and flexibility in modern CFO roles
Links
Timestamps
- 0:00:59 Wise describes his initial hesitation and transition to a fractional CFO role
- 0:04:00 Insights from 22 years in manufacturing and progression to CFO
- 0:10:30 The mindset shift from detail-oriented finance to strategic leadership
- 0:12:12 Advice for new CFOs: staff support and trusting your team
- 0:14:39 Wise’s experience with imposter syndrome and building confidence
- 0:17:13 The value of mentoring and supporting new CFOs through challenges
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