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Run the Numbers

CFO, COO, or Hybrid? Choose Your Own C-Suite Adventure! (Also: How To Master Channel Sales)

Apr 28, 2025
Colin Sims, the current CFO of Hunters with a rich history in both CFO and COO roles, dives deep into the nuances of executive leadership. He clarifies the key distinctions between these titles and explores the evolving expectations in startups. The conversation also ventures into mastering channel sales, emphasizing that successful models require investment in relationships. Colin shares insights on balancing transparency with quick decision-making in corporate culture, all while highlighting the importance of adaptability in the ever-changing business landscape.
59:44

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The distinction between CFO and COO roles blurs in growing companies, highlighting the need for hybrid skill sets in finance and operations.
  • Successful channel sales depend on building strong partnerships and integrating them into the overall sales strategy for operational leverage.

Deep dives

The Evolution of CFO and COO Roles

The roles of CFO and COO are distinct yet often overlap, particularly in early-stage companies. As companies grow and progress towards stages like Series B or C, the responsibilities of these roles can blend, with both being closely tied to go-to-market strategies and operational execution. Understanding both finance and operations becomes crucial at this stage, where a good CFO may need operational insights and a good COO must grasp financial analytics. This overlap suggests that organizations might benefit more from a hybrid role rather than separate positions, especially in smaller firms needing agility.

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