1,036: The Power of AI in Shaping Strategic Finance Leadership | Zane Rowe, CFO, Workday

Sep 22, 2024

Zane Rowe, CFO of Workday and former CFO at United Airlines, shares his unique journey from the airline industry to technology. He discusses how AI is transforming finance, emphasizing its role as a strategic asset rather than just a process tool. Rowe highlights the importance of data-driven efficiency, drawing from his past experiences to illuminate AI's impact on decision-making. He also reflects on the value of mentorship and networking for new leaders, advocating for a dynamic approach to finance leadership in a tech-centric world.

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Intro

00:00 • 4min

From Airlines to Tech: A Finance Leader's Journey

03:40 • 12min

AI's Transformative Impact on Finance

15:49 • 11min

Navigating CFO Challenges: Advice for New Leaders

26:51 • 4min

From Airlines to Sales: A Journey of Growth

30:29 • 5min

Strategic Priorities and AI's Role in Finance Leadership

35:12 • 3min

In 2012, after nearly two decades in the airline industry, Zane Rowe made a bold career pivot. Leaving behind his role as CFO at United Airlines, Rowe stepped into the tech world, joining Apple in a sales role—a move many saw as risky but one that would ultimately shape his perspective on finance leadership in the digital age. This decision marked the beginning of a transformative journey that prepared Rowe to navigate the complexities of technology, innovation, and data-driven strategies.

Rowe’s time in the airline industry laid a solid foundation for his analytical mindset. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “I recognized early on the power of data and the power of technology and how it could differentiate a good airline from a bad airline.” As he tackled the capital-intensive, data-heavy world of aviation, he developed an appreciation for how technology and data could unlock operational efficiency. His work on profitability models helped him understand how data could unlock hidden insights, a lesson that would become crucial in his later roles in the tech sector.

In his roles at EMC and VMware, Rowe saw firsthand how technology could revolutionize business operations. His ability to bridge financial expertise with technology adoption became a defining strength. Now, as CFO of Workday, Rowe applies those lessons to the evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI). For him, AI is not just a tool to streamline processes, but a strategic asset that can unlock untapped value, differentiate companies in competitive markets, and drive business transformation.

Rowe views AI as an extension of his long-standing belief in the importance of data. By leveraging AI to analyze massive data sets, CFOs can make faster, more informed decisions. This, he believes, enables finance leaders to be not just stewards of the bottom line but key players in shaping company strategy and future growth. Rowe’s multi-industry career journey, with its blend of traditional finance and cutting-edge technology, has uniquely equipped him to lead in the age of AI.