GrowCFO Show

#242 What Makes a Great CFO Mentor with Jen Burton https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HJsdEsjcZxTtIAj8mfRzH In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby interviews Jen Burton, a new mentor at GrowCFO and current Chief Financial Officer at RJE Business Interiors based in Indianapolis. Throughout their conversation, Jen shares her extensive experience spanning multiple industries including her significant 14-year tenure at Rolls Royce, where she implemented global finance shared services strategies and led successful system integrations. The discussion explores Jen’s journey from public accounting to various CFO roles, highlighting her operational and strategic expertise. Particularly valuable is Jen’s perspective on mentorship, as she discusses how her diverse experiences – from implementing ERP systems to managing finance transformations – have shaped her approach to guiding other finance professionals. Her unique background, including her skydiving experience, provides powerful metaphors for the trust and teamwork required in effective financial leadership. Key topics covered: Jen identifies primarily as an operational CFO with strong process-driven and team-oriented skills, though she has significant experience in strategic roles and as a trusted advisor Drawing from her experience implementing global finance shared services at Rolls Royce, Jen emphasizes the importance of change management and having the right people in the right roles Jen shares personal insights about overcoming imposter syndrome, offering practical advice for new CFOs on building confidence through breaking tasks into manageable steps The discussion explores how Jen’s skydiving experience taught valuable lessons about trust and teamwork that directly apply to financial leadership Kevin highlights the distinction between mentoring and coaching, explaining that mentors bring valuable “war stories” and practical experience rather than just guiding mentees to find their own answers https://youtu.be/xMVa9RiS_pI Links Jen Burton on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:11:03 Introduction to Jen Burton as a new GrowCFO mentor and CFO at RJE Business Interiors 0:20:00 Discussion of different CFO types and Jen’s identification as primarily an operational CFO 0:25:15 Jen shares her skydiving experience and the parallels to teamwork in finance 0:30:45 Exploration of Jen’s experience implementing global finance shared services at Rolls Royce 0:38:20 Discussion about imposter syndrome and building confidence as a CFO 0:46:42 Kevin explains the value of mentorship and the importance of chemistry between mentor and mentee Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#241 Why Risk Management Is Getting Harder with Chris Wright https://open.spotify.com/episode/6SVItUVYbrCIahAkOKZXw1 In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby speaks with Chris Wright, Managing Director at Protiviti and leader of their global finance transformation solution. The conversation explores Protiviti’s comprehensive risk survey, highlighting the key risks companies are facing in the current economic climate. Chris provides valuable insights into how CFOs and finance leaders should approach risk acknowledgment, evaluation, and mitigation in the coming year. The discussion covers several critical risk areas, including economic conditions and inflation pressures, labor and talent shortages, cybersecurity concerns, and emerging risks associated with AI implementation. Chris emphasizes the importance of CFOs developing “muscle memory” for frequent re-forecasting due to economic uncertainties, while also highlighting how AI can help address labor shortages by automating mundane tasks and enriching the work experience of finance professionals. Key topics covered: Economic conditions, including inflation pressures, represent the top risk concern for companies, requiring CFOs to develop stronger forecasting capabilities Labor shortages in finance are driving increased costs and creating challenges in hiring and retention AI offers significant benefits for finance functions, including cost savings and improved efficiency in areas like cash application and payables Cybersecurity remains a persistent concern despite improvements in system security Emerging risks from AI implementation include data quality issues, over-reliance, and potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities https://youtu.be/LqF4t5IT0n8 Links Chris Wright on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:11:15 Chris Wright introduces himself and his role at Protiviti 0:25:19 Analysis of economic conditions and inflation as top risks 0:34:47 Exploration of labor and talent shortages in finance 0:42:13 Examination of AI benefits and implementation in finance functions 0:50:39 Discussion of cybersecurity risks and cloud computing challenges 0:56:51 Conversation about emerging risks associated with AI implementation Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#240 Scaling from Startup to 80+ Employees: CFO Lessons in Fast Growth with Melissa Hurrington https://open.spotify.com/episode/2axThM3x9wuvBPGhK9wmza In this compelling episode of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby interviews Melissa Hurrington, CFO and VP of Operations at Premier Claims. The conversation explores the critical challenges and valuable lessons learned during Melissa’s seven-year journey scaling Premier Claims from a four-person startup to an organization with over 80 employees and a 44,000 square foot corporate headquarters. The episode delves into Melissa’s authentic leadership approach and how she has built a strong personal brand separate from her corporate identity. Melissa shares candid insights about overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and how she has navigated the complexities of rapid organizational growth while maintaining her authentic self. Her experiences provide valuable guidance for finance leaders managing similar growth trajectories and those looking to develop their personal brand alongside their professional role. Key topics covered: Melissa’s journey from being employee number four at Premier Claims to leading the company through exponential growth and the acquisition of a large corporate headquarters The importance of separating personal brand from corporate identity and building a legacy beyond professional titles How vulnerability and authenticity on LinkedIn helped Melissa connect with a broader audience and inspire others in the finance community Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and gaining confidence as a leader in high-growth environments The value of peer networks and learning from other CFOs when navigating the challenges of scaling a business https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dsa5QZtXo50 Links Melissa Hurrington on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:11:43 Melissa introduces herself and Premier Claims, describing the company’s growth from a startup with four employees to purchasing a 44,000 square foot corporate headquarters 0:31:49 Melissa discusses the importance of building her personal brand separate from her corporate identity and not being defined by her title 0:35:20 Discussion about using LinkedIn as a platform for authentic leadership and how vulnerability in posts has resonated with others 0:42:15 Melissa shares her experience with imposter syndrome and how she overcame it by connecting with other finance leaders 0:48:30 The importance of peer networks for CFOs and how they help combat isolation in leadership positions 0:54:13 Melissa reveals her future plans, including writing a book and continuing to grow Premier Claims while developing her leadership team Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#239 How to Fund a Fast-Growing B2B SaaS Startup with Janelle Gorman https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Qwxrp77mQV0CvmHThso7C In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby explores the critical topic of funding fast-growing B2B SaaS startups with Janelle Gorman, CFO at York IE. Securing appropriate funding remains one of the most significant challenges for SaaS founders, particularly in today’s fluctuating investment landscape. Understanding the criteria investors use and developing effective fundraising strategies can make the difference between startup success and failure. Janelle Gorman brings her extensive experience as a CFO with high-growth subscription model companies and her current role at York IE, an early-stage investment firm that has deployed $60 million across approximately 60 companies. The conversation provides valuable insights into investment criteria, fundraising strategies, and the importance of product-market fit. Janelle also discusses York IE’s unique approach to supporting founders through both investment and services designed to help companies scale effectively. Key topics covered: York IE’s dual business model as both an investment firm and service provider for early-stage companies Critical investment criteria including the importance of the founding team and demonstrating product-market fit Effective fundraising strategies and the challenges of raising capital in the current market The Tech Women Invest initiative aimed at increasing female participation in investing Pragmatic approaches to growth and resource management for SaaS startups https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp4amxAIoUM Links Janelle Gorman on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:04:24 Introduction to Janelle Gorman and her role as CFO at York IE 0:13:15 Explanation of York IE’s business model and investment approach 0:18:30 Discussion of investment criteria and the importance of the founding team 0:22:45 Insights on fundraising strategies and market conditions for 2025 0:27:38 The importance of speed in implementing solutions and demonstrating value 0:33:49 Future outlook for York IE and the investment landscape Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#238 Why CFOs Who Ignore Excel & Automation Are Falling Behind https://open.spotify.com/episode/0pwzX0ujbANt79RKKxEDMD In this insightful episode of the GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby sits down with Richard Nero, a Microsoft Excel MVP and GrowCFO Facilitator who specializes in finance systems consultancy. The conversation explores the critical importance of Excel proficiency and automation for modern finance leaders. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decision making, CFOs who fail to embrace these technological tools risk falling behind their more tech-savvy counterparts. Richard Nero brings his extensive experience in Excel, Power BI, and automation to the discussion, sharing how these tools can transform finance operations and create significant efficiencies. The episode provides valuable insights for finance professionals looking to enhance their technical capabilities and leverage automation to focus on more strategic aspects of their roles, rather than getting bogged down in manual processes that consume valuable time and resources. Key topics covered: Richard’s journey from early Excel exposure to becoming a Microsoft Excel MVP and finance systems consultant The critical importance of Power Query as a game-changing tool for finance professionals How automation can free finance teams from manual data entry to focus on analysis and strategic decision-making The competitive advantage gained by CFOs who embrace technological tools versus those who resist change The value of continuous learning and staying current with evolving finance technologies https://youtu.be/wIPL5EncKVg Links Richard Nero on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 00:23:12 Introduction of Richard Nero, Microsoft Excel MVP and finance systems consultant 00:25:30 Richard discusses his early exposure to Excel and career progression in finance 00:32:15 Exploration of the “Mastering Excel for Finance” course and its key components 00:38:40 Discussion of Power Query’s transformative impact on financial reporting 00:42:20 How automation is changing the role of finance professionals 00:48:15 The importance of continuous learning in the rapidly evolving finance technology landscape Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#237 The CFO’s Guide to Leading Sustainability in Business with Paula Kensington https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ywfZ18iMIe7TSHdpaVsYU In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby is joined by Paula Kensington, a seasoned finance professional from Australia with over 30 years of experience. Paula shares her journey from traditional accounting roles to becoming a passionate advocate for sustainability in business. With her unique perspective as both a former corporate CFO and now a fractional CFO, Paula offers valuable insights on how finance leaders can drive meaningful sustainability initiatives beyond mere compliance. The conversation explores the evolving role of CFOs in sustainability leadership, highlighting the critical need for finance professionals to develop an ESG mindset. Paula emphasizes that while many businesses have been engaged with sustainability for years, finance leaders are often “10 years late to the sustainability party,” only becoming involved when reporting becomes mandatory. She makes a compelling case for CFOs to leverage their ethical foundation and financial expertise to lead businesses toward practices that benefit all stakeholders, not just shareholders. Key topics covered: The unique position of CFOs to lead sustainability initiatives due to their ethical training and financial expertise The importance of moving beyond compliance to integrate sustainability into business strategy and culture The challenges of measuring and valuing non-financial impacts in traditional financial reporting The tension between investor expectations and sustainable business practices The need for finance professionals to develop new skills and mindsets to effectively lead in sustainability The upcoming wave of sustainability standards and how finance teams should prepare for them https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paid3zTnC6U&t=22s Links Paula Kensington on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:05:53 Paula shares her background and journey from traditional accounting to becoming a sustainability-focused CFO 0:08:15 Discussion on the CFO’s ethical foundation and responsibility to consider impacts beyond shareholders 0:09:56 Introduction to Paula’s work developing ESG mindset courses for finance professionals 0:12:30 Exploration of whether sustainability standards drive meaningful change or just compliance 0:18:45 Conversation about measuring and valuing sustainability impacts in financial terms 0:25:10 Discussion on the influence of different investor types on sustainability initiatives 0:32:20 Overview of skills finance professionals need to develop for sustainability leadership Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#236 Risk Is Changing. Is Your Board Keeping Up? with Patrick Dunne https://open.spotify.com/episode/52560DpsRV0fr9XStbziYw In this thought-provoking episode of The GrowCFO Show, Kevin Appleby engages with Patrick Dunne, an experienced Chair and Board Member in both business and social enterprise sectors, to explore the evolving landscape of risk management at the board level. The conversation examines how traditional approaches to risk governance may no longer be sufficient in today’s complex business environment, where non-financial risks increasingly dominate the risk landscape. Patrick Dunne, recently awarded an OBE for his services to philanthropy in Africa and the UK, shares insights from his viral LinkedIn article suggesting that the conventional audit and risk committee structure requires fundamental rethinking. The discussion challenges finance leaders to consider whether their current risk management frameworks are adequately equipped to address emerging threats, particularly those stemming from geopolitical instability, technological disruption, and social change. Dunne advocates for more diverse risk committees that incorporate varied perspectives across generations, backgrounds, and expertise. Key topics covered: Traditional audit and risk committees are often dominated by financially-oriented individuals from similar backgrounds, limiting their ability to identify and address non-financial risks Organizations should consider establishing separate risk committees with diverse membership to bring fresh perspectives to risk identification and management Effective risk management requires focusing on consequences rather than events, preparing for the impact of risks rather than the risks themselves The concept of “combinatorial risk” – where multiple events occur simultaneously – presents particular challenges that boards must learn to navigate Diversity in risk governance is not just about demographics but also about including different thinking styles, experiences, and generational perspectives https://youtu.be/97Y65cAzzBs Links Patrick Dunne on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:12:24 Patrick explains why the prevailing model of audit and risk committees needs rethinking in light of today’s dominant non-financial risks 0:18:35 Discussion of how focusing on consequences rather than events leads to more effective risk management, illustrated by examples from the COVID-19 pandemic 0:25:10 Patrick emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between “worrying” and “thinking” in risk management 0:32:18 Exploration of how diversity and inclusion in risk committees leads to better risk identification and mitigation strategies 0:41:05 Discussion of data security and cyber risk as critical areas requiring specialized expertise on risk committees 0:48:22 Patrick shares practical advice for boards looking to modernize their approach to risk governance Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#235 How AI Is Transforming Accounts Receivable with Ben Winter and Jeff Martini https://open.spotify.com/episode/0mxBSzi1Gzvigoo9manusQ In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing accounts receivable processes with guests Jeff Martini, CFO at Bishop Lifting, and Ben Winter, Co-Founder at Stuut. The conversation delves into the practical applications of AI in finance departments, particularly focusing on accounts receivable automation and the tangible benefits organizations are experiencing through implementation  The discussion highlights how AI is moving beyond simple chatbot functionality to transform entire AR processes, with Jeff sharing his company’s experience implementing AI-driven solutions that handle routine collection tasks while allowing human collectors to focus on more complex dispute resolutions. Ben provides valuable insights on the importance of focusing on business outcomes rather than technology features, emphasizing that accounts receivable is ultimately a revenue function that impacts customer experience. Both guests stress the importance of understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations to ensure successful implementation and meaningful results.  Key topics covered: AI implementation in accounts receivable is most successful when focused on specific business outcomes rather than implementing technology for its own sake Modern AI solutions can effectively handle three common collection scenarios: confirming payment, securing promises to pay, and sending requested documentation Human collectors remain essential for handling disputes and complex scenarios, with AI serving as a tool to enhance their capabilities rather than replace them Successful AI implementation requires coordination across departments including sales, account management, and fulfillment teams The rapid advancement of AI technology presents challenges for CFOs trying to stay current with capabilities, requiring trusted partnerships with technology providers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb12TtUmSJ0 Links Ben Winter on LinkedIn Jeff Martini on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:11 Kevin Appleby introduces the episode topic on how CFOs are adopting AI in finance functions 0:13:47 Ben Winter discusses how AI adoption has evolved from technology-focused to outcome-focused implementations 0:18:29 Kevin raises the challenge of CFOs keeping up with rapidly advancing AI capabilities 0:26:29 Discussion on how AI provides additional insights by analyzing customer communications to identify reasons for late payments 0:43:31 Exploration of how AI is transforming accounts receivable beyond manual processes to provide actionable insights Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#234 Power BI, Python & Copilot: What Finance Teams Need to Know with Dan Stockdale https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gs9QiDVheQ0U2ZnGm4QBU In this insightful episode, host Kevin Appleby welcomes back Dan Stockdale, a GrowCFO facilitator and financial modeling specialist. Dan shares his journey from management accountant to financial modeling expert across diverse industries including media, advertising, defense, and retail. Currently working as a contractor for London Business School and creating online courses for finance professionals, Dan offers valuable insights on automation tools that are transforming finance departments. The conversation explores how Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot, Python, and Microsoft Copilot are revolutionizing financial analysis and reporting. Dan emphasizes that while learning these tools initially requires investment, the practical implementation in day-to-day finance operations delivers significant time savings and value creation. He highlights that as organizations collect increasingly larger volumes of data from diverse sources, finance professionals who can leverage these automation tools become indispensable to their businesses. Key topics covered: Dan explains how Power BI enables finance teams to automate month-end reporting and create dynamic visualizations that tell compelling financial stories The conversation covers the growing importance of Python in Excel for predictive analytics and how it’s becoming more accessible to finance professionals Dan discusses how Microsoft Copilot is changing financial modeling, though he cautions about the need for human oversight when using AI-generated code The discussion explores how automation tools free finance professionals from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on delivering insights and strategic value Dan shares his plans to continuously update his courses as Microsoft releases new AI and automation features, ensuring finance professionals stay current with technological advancements https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ote8IemqGfs Links Dan Stockdale on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:11:44 Dan introduces his background as a management accountant who specialized in financial modeling across multiple industries 0:14:09 Dan discusses the learning curve of automation tools and the importance of practical implementation to solve business problems 0:22:48 The conversation covers data sources and the challenges of departments using Excel spreadsheets as databases 0:27:38 Discussion about the speed and efficiency benefits of automation tools compared to traditional manual processes 0:33:51 Exploration of the time-to-value proposition of Power BI and the challenges of data preparation Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#233 Post-Acquisition, Pre-Burnout: Surviving M&A as a CFO with Kathy Kinder https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wmvtV5W3CneLlcQwQ0qJh?si=Fejf8jefTK2Lje3nVPHB7g In this insightful podcast episode of the Grow CFO Show, Kevin sits down with Kathy Kinder. Their discussion centers on the critical challenges CFOs face during mergers and acquisitions, with particular emphasis on post-acquisition integration and avoiding burnout. Kathy brings extensive experience from her career spanning multiple private equity-owned companies where she managed numerous acquisitions, growing one company from $30 million to over $130 million in revenue.  The conversation highlights the importance of simplifying organizational structures post-acquisition to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Kathy shares valuable insights on managing teams through periods of change, emphasizing communication and addressing performance issues promptly. Her transition from corporate CFO roles to fractional CFO consulting reflects a growing trend among finance executives seeking more balanced careers while still leveraging their expertise to help growing companies avoid costly mistakes. About Kathy Kinder: Kathy Kinder is a former CFO with over 30 years of experience managing accounting, HR, legal and facilities. She focused her expertise as a CFO for tech companies, facilitating over 13 acquisitions. These acquisitions cover private asset and stock sales, carve outs of public companies, and public take private situations.  An original founder of LiftBridge, Kathy is now largely retired from direct client work but still contributes as a mentor to those wanting to grow their CFO skills, or for founders needing basic background or increased practical understanding of business and finance. Kathy, along with her co-founders Kay Whitaker and Ashley Vukovits, won the 2022 Mira Award for Service Partner of the Year. The judges for the Mira Awards, presented by TechPoint, ‘determined LiftBridge’s effectiveness with its clients is likely to have a lasting impact on the success of the Indiana tech ecosystem startups and scale-ups well past the critical five-year survival mark’. Kathy is a dog lover and former owner of a doggy boarding and daycare business.  Key topics covered: Kathy led finance teams through 11-12 acquisitions under Battery Ventures, managing accounting, revenue recognition, HR, facilities, and legal contracts while navigating the complexities of rapid growth  Post-acquisition integration requires simplification of organizational structures, including consolidating federal ID numbers to reduce redundant reporting and standardizing employee benefit plans across merged entities  Effective team management during M&A transitions depends on clear communication and treating team members as valued contributors rather than subordinates  Addressing underperforming team members promptly is essential during acquisitions to maintain overall team morale and productivity  The multi-faceted role of a CFO during M&A requires broad knowledge across business functions, with Kathy emphasizing that there are “no stupid questions” when navigating unfamiliar territory  Transitioning to fractional CFO work can provide a less stressful alternative for experienced finance executives while allowing them to mentor growing companies and help them avoid common pitfalls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAYQOwPdyhA Links Kathy Kinder on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 00:01:04: Introduction to the podcast and explanation of the recording process with new mentor Kathy. 00:05:00-00:10:00: Kathy shares her background from “bean counter” at Stokely Van Camp to managing growth at a tech company that went public. 00:08:30-00:10:45: Experience leading finance through 11-12 acquisitions under Battery Ventures, growing from $30M to $130M in revenue. 00:12:30-00:14:00: Strategies for post-acquisition integration, including consolidating federal IDs and standardizing benefits. 00:15:00-00:17:30: Philosophy on team management: treating team members as volunteers and giving proper credit for their work. 00:17:45-00:19:00: Importance of addressing underperforming team members quickly to maintain morale during acquisitions. 00:22:00-00:24:30: Discussion of the CFO’s multi-faceted role requiring broad business knowledge beyond finance. 00:25:00-00:27:30: Kathy’s transition to fractional CFO work and the benefits of mentoring growing companies. 00:28:00-00:30:00: Exploration of AI’s potential in finance and how it’s helping streamline processes and reduce wasted time. 00:31:00-00:32:00: Closing thoughts on mentoring and encouragement for mentees to ask questions without fear. Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net