Run the Numbers cover image

Run the Numbers

From CF-No to CF-Go: Serial CFO Michael Bayer’s Guide to Hypergrowth

Feb 13, 2025
Michael Bayer, a seasoned CFO known for his expertise in hypergrowth companies, shares insights from his journey of transforming from a 'CF-No' to a 'CF-Go.' He discusses the vital role of strategic investment in scaling businesses, emphasizing cash flow management and hiring for future needs. Michael introduces his 'rock-turning' exercise for addressing company challenges and outlines his guiding principles: speed, best ideas winning, and the value of mistakes. He also shares the intriguing Van Halen 'brown M&M' story to highlight the importance of attention to detail.
53:36

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • CFOs must transition from a reactive 'CF No' stance to a proactive 'CF Go' mindset to foster business growth and innovation.
  • Understanding the distinct epochs of growth aids CFOs in aligning strategies with evolving company objectives, from revenue focus to cash flow management.

Deep dives

Transforming the CFO Mindset

A significant shift occurs for CFOs as they transition from being seen as the 'CF No,' who often rejects spending initiatives, to adopting a more proactive, growth-oriented mindset as the 'CF Go.' This evolution emphasizes the importance of saying yes to opportunities that foster business growth. By leveraging financial resources effectively, CFOs can enable advancements and innovations rather than merely prevent expenditures. This mindset is vital for navigating hyper-growth environments where the focus must shift toward empowering the business to seize new opportunities.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode