

GrowCFO Show
Kevin Appleby
The GrowCFO Show is the podcast produced for finance leaders by finance leaders
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2025 • 36min
#257 The Three Hidden Traps That Stall New CFOs, Michael O’Reilly, GrowCFO Executive Coach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyOBP_QcsLI
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CrRco4GBJsnDQYaJSiPnT
In this insightful episode, Kevin Appleby sits down with Michael O’Reilly, a seasoned executive coach and former CFO with a diverse career spanning global finance, digital transformation, and leadership development. Together, they explore “The Three Hidden Traps That Stall New CFOs” — a candid discussion about the unseen challenges finance leaders face as they transition into enterprise leadership roles.
Michael shares his own experiences across companies like Citibank, Gap Inc., and PepsiCo, highlighting how curiosity, empowerment, and trust play crucial roles in a CFO’s success. He also explains how imposter syndrome, reluctance to delegate, and overreliance on technical mastery can prevent new CFOs from thriving in their roles. With AI reshaping the finance landscape, Michael emphasises the growing importance of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and creating psychological safety for teams navigating disruption.
The conversation goes beyond professional growth, touching on personal fulfilment and energy management — understanding what “charges or drains your batteries” as a leader. Drawing from his coaching practice and experiential leadership retreats in Ireland, Michael reveals how rediscovering purpose and flow can reignite a CFO’s impact, both in business and in life.
Key topics covered:
How imposter syndrome can fuel curiosity and growth rather than paralysis
Why delegating and letting go is the biggest unlock for new CFOs
The importance of psychological safety in driving innovation and AI adoption
Transitioning from technical expert to strategic enterprise leader
Understanding personal “energy management” to avoid burnout
The power of trust, empathy, and soft skills in effective CFO leadership
Links
Michael O’Reilly on LinkedIn
Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
GrowCFO Mentoring
Timestamps
00:40 Michael O’Reilly’s career journey from CPA to Chief Digital Officer
05:52 The role of imposter syndrome in a CFO’s development
07:52 How AI amplifies insecurity and why creating safe environments matters
10:07 Balancing accuracy with experimentation in finance leadership
16:46 What a mentoring relationship looks like with Michael
21:21 The critical need to delegate and empower teams
22:33 Michael’s experiential leadership program in Ireland
30:31 Finding your “flow state” and energizers outside of work
34:20 What kind of leaders benefit most from mentoring
36:16 The “ski story” — how aligning passion with leadership drives performance
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

Oct 21, 2025 • 48min
#256 The CFO Guide to AI Hype: What To Do First, Hannah Munro, Managing Director, ITAS Solutions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg1knQ7TQ_E
Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate finance discussions, but for many CFOs, the real challenge isn’t understanding the technology—it’s knowing where to start. In this episode, host Kevin Appleby welcomes back Hannah Munro, Managing Director of ITAS Solutions and host of the CFO 4.0 Podcast, to unpack the hype surrounding AI and offer clear, practical steps for finance leaders ready to take action.
Hannah shares first-hand insights from her work helping finance teams implement technology-driven transformations, explaining why success depends less on the AI tools themselves and more on simplifying processes, standardizing data, and fostering cultural change. The conversation draws a clear distinction between technology implementation and true transformation—and why CFOs must master both to realise measurable ROI from new systems.
As AI continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Hannah and Kevin explore how finance leaders can stay agile, focus on data quality, and ensure their organizations are prepared for the next generation of AI-enabled finance. From managing expectations to defining tangible outcomes, this episode is an essential listen for CFOs looking to move beyond buzzwords and deliver meaningful digital transformation.
Key topics covered:
The difference between AI-enabled tools and building AI from scratch—and why most finance teams are already using AI without realising it.
Why the biggest implementation risks aren’t technical but cultural and process-related.
How to distinguish transformation from implementation—and why most projects should involve both.
The importance of defining measurable outcomes before investing in technology.
Why simplification, standardisation, and clean data are the foundations for any successful AI adoption.
How CFOs can future-proof their finance function by focusing on integration, agility, and benefit-driven technology selection.
Links
Hannah Munro on LinkedIn
Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
GrowCFO Mentoring
Timestamps
01:00 Why AI isn’t new—and how finance teams are already using it unknowingly
03:25 Implementation vs. transformation: the fundamental question every CFO must ask
07:30 Why traditional RFP processes often fail in fast-changing tech environments
10:45 The hidden cost of customisation and how to challenge unnecessary complexity
16:15 Measuring the true value and ROI of finance technology projects
19:20 Why every tech implementation should also be a transformation initiative
27:20 Using psychology and “nudging” principles to drive behavioural change in transformation
33:30 Preparing for AI: simplify processes, integrate systems, and clean your data
38:40 The limits of AI: understanding data quality, context, and validation
44:30 Looking ahead—how AI, automation, and integration will redefine the finance function
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

Oct 14, 2025 • 40min
#255 From CFO to CEO: Lessons on Leadership, Dave Osh, Mentor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOotp0bZAdU
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CrRco4GBJsnDQYaJSiPnT
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the transition from CFO to CEO is a journey that demands more than technical expertise—it requires a profound shift in mindset, leadership style, and strategic vision. In this episode, Dave Osh, a seasoned CFO, CEO, and mentor, joins host Kevin Appleby to share his unique path from fighter pilot to corporate leader, and the critical lessons learned along the way. The episode opens by underscoring the importance of leadership agility and the ability to adapt to new domains, stakeholder dynamics, and the ever-changing demands of the C-suite.
Dave Osh discusses the challenges CFOs face when stepping into broader leadership roles, emphasizing the need for executive presence, effective communication, and a deep understanding of both business strategy and human psychology. He introduces his “CFO aura” framework—openness, unattached perspective, resonance, and authenticity—as essential qualities for finance leaders aspiring to become strategic collaborators and inspirational CEOs. Drawing from his books and real-world experiences, Dave provides actionable insights for finance professionals seeking to unlock their leadership potential and drive meaningful change within their organizations.
Key topics covered:
The journey from CFO to CEO requires a shift from technical mastery to strategic leadership
Executive presence and effective communication are critical for C-suite success
The “CFO aura” framework: openness, unattached perspective, resonance, authenticity
Navigating stakeholder relationships and organizational politics is essential
Continuous learning and personal development underpin leadership growth
Playfulness and joy can empower leaders and foster a positive work culture
Links
Dave Osh on LinkedIn
Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
GrowCFO Mentoring
Timestamps
0:02:07 Dave Osh’s unique journey from fighter pilot to CFO and CEO
0:05:29 Challenges and learning curves in becoming a CFO
0:10:43 Developing executive presence and the “CFO aura” framework
0:15:28 Practical advice for CFOs to avoid being seen as a naysayer
0:20:04 Transition from CFO to CEO and lessons on leadership philosophy
0:30:15 Dave’s books and frameworks for leadership development
0:38:35 The role of playfulness and joy in effective 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

Oct 7, 2025 • 35min
#254 Why “Fractional CFO” Isn’t What You Should Be Selling James Donovan, Founder, Nine Two Media
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4pb1S_bdgE
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QIAi3e2eHEp57xjU474IH
In today’s competitive financial services landscape, simply offering “fractional CFO” services is no longer enough to stand out or win business. In this episode, James Donovan, Founder of Nine Two Media, joins host Kevin Appleby to challenge the conventional approach to selling CFO services. The conversation opens by emphasizing that business owners rarely seek out a “fractional CFO” by name; instead, they are looking for solutions to pressing problems—especially those that keep them up at night, like cash flow and financial clarity.
Donovan shares insights from his experience helping accounting firms and CFOs shift their marketing from generic service offerings to problem-solving, value-driven messaging. He explains why focusing on the client’s pain points, leveraging digital marketing channels like LinkedIn and Facebook, and building authority through content and podcasting are essential for growth. The episode offers actionable strategies for finance professionals to reposition themselves as indispensable advisors, not just another service provider.
Key topics covered:
Business owners buy solutions to problems, not “fractional CFO” services
Effective marketing focuses on client pain points, not credentials or titles
LinkedIn and Facebook are key channels for building authority and generating leads
Relying solely on referrals is not a sustainable marketing strategy
Podcasting and content creation help establish credibility and reach new audiences
Case studies and client success stories are powerful tools for differentiation
Links
James Donovan on LinkedIn
Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
GrowCFO Mentoring
Timestamps
0:05:00 Trends in the fractional CFO market and the shift toward advisory roles
0:07:55 Why selling “fractional CFO” services misses the mark—focus on solving business problems
0:11:16 Digital marketing strategies: LinkedIn and Facebook for lead generation
0:17:15 The role of websites and content in attracting clients
0:22:07 The need for proactive marketing and moving beyond referrals
0:24:03 Podcasting as a tool for authority and business development
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

Sep 30, 2025 • 25min
#253 Hard Work Beats Talent: Resilience Lessons for Modern CFOs Ademola Odewade, CEO, K-Dems Consulting Limited
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYLpc5IwiOU
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6IMVXCScEJEc6NiajXTBWm
In the ever-changing world of finance, resilience and determination have become indispensable qualities for modern CFOs. In this episode of the GrowCFO Podcast, Kevin Appleby speaks with Ademola Odewade, CEO of K-Dems Consulting Limited and host of the Diary of a CFO Podcast. Together, they explore why hard work consistently outperforms raw talent in the journey to leadership. The discussion highlights the critical role of perseverance, adaptability, and a growth mindset for finance professionals navigating complex business environments.
Ademola shares his inspiring path from Nigeria to the UK, illustrating how overcoming adversity, embracing continuous learning, and leveraging effective communication have shaped his success. Through candid stories and practical advice, he and Kevin discuss the expanding responsibilities of CFOs, the necessity of self-belief, and the power of taking ownership. This episode offers actionable lessons for finance leaders, demonstrating that resilience and relentless effort are the true drivers of sustainable achievement in today’s demanding corporate landscape.For further support, explore our BetterHelp partner link.
Key topics covered:
The importance of rational, well-supported business valuations for CFOs
Common mistakes founders and finance teams make in the valuation process
Why valuations are often driven by optics rather than true economic value
The impact of market cycles and AI hype on company valuations
The critical role of management quality and organized financials in achieving accurate valuations
Actionable tips for CFOs preparing for a valuation process
Links
Ademola Odewade on LinkedIn
Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
GrowCFO Mentoring
Timestamps
0:04:22 Introduction of Dan Eyman and the importance of business valuation
0:05:17 Dan Eyman’s background and entry into the valuation field
0:09:00 Common mistakes in valuation and the need for early CFO involvement
0:13:51 Why valuations can be “smoke and mirrors” and the reality behind headline numbers
0:18:41 The impact of AI and market cycles on valuation trends
0:39:07 The role of management quality and organized financials in valuation
0:45:13 Practical tips for CFOs preparing for a valuation
0:51:09 Final advice for businesses: be rational, organized, and build a compelling valuation story
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

Sep 23, 2025 • 29min
#252 A CFO’s Guide to True Business Valuation with Dan Eyman, Managing Director of Meld Valuation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoM5IDJs7aQ&t=4s
Business valuation is a critical responsibility for CFOs, especially as companies navigate funding rounds, acquisitions, or exits. In this episode, Dan Eyman, Managing Director of Meld Valuation, joins host Kevin Appleby to demystify the process and underscore why understanding true business value is essential for financial leaders. The conversation opens by highlighting the importance of rational, well-supported valuations and the pivotal role CFOs play in ensuring financial organization and transparency.
Eyman shares his journey from cell biology to valuation expert, offering practical insights into the common pitfalls founders and finance teams encounter. He explains why valuations can often be “smoke and mirrors,” driven by optics rather than economic reality, and stresses the need for CFOs to be proactive, organized, and realistic. The discussion also explores the impact of market cycles, the influence of AI on valuations, and the necessity of qualitative judgment alongside quantitative analysis. Throughout, Eyman provides actionable advice for CFOs preparing for valuation, emphasizing the value of a strong finance function and a compelling narrative to support the numbers.
About Dan Eyman
Dan Eyman is the Managing Director of Meld Valuation, a firm specializing in independent, audit-ready valuations for venture-backed startups and venture capital firms. With over two decades of experience in valuation and financial advisory, Dan has worked with early- and growth-stage companies across a range of industries, guiding them through complex financial decisions related to fundraising, equity compensation, and M&A. He is known for his expertise in the valuation of complex instruments such as convertible debt and SAFEs, as well as 409A valuations and ASC 820 fair value measurements. Dan’s commitment to delivering clear, defensible valuations has made him a trusted partner to founders, CFOs, and investors. Through Meld Valuation, he continues to support the startup ecosystem by offering insight-driven services that help companies, venture firms, and their stakeholders make informed financial decisions with confidence.
Key topics covered:
The importance of rational, well-supported business valuations for CFOs
Common mistakes founders and finance teams make in the valuation process
Why valuations are often driven by optics rather than true economic value
The impact of market cycles and AI hype on company valuations
The critical role of management quality and organized financials in achieving accurate valuations
Actionable tips for CFOs preparing for a valuation process
Links
Dan Eyman on LinkedIn
Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
GrowCFO Mentoring
Timestamps
0:04:22 Introduction of Dan Eyman and the importance of business valuation
0:05:17 Dan Eyman’s background and entry into the valuation field
0:09:00 Common mistakes in valuation and the need for early CFO involvement
0:13:51 Why valuations can be “smoke and mirrors” and the reality behind headline numbers
0:18:41 The impact of AI and market cycles on valuation trends
0:39:07 The role of management quality and organized financials in valuation
0:45:13 Practical tips for CFOs preparing for a valuation
0:51:09 Final advice for businesses: be rational, organized, and build a compelling valuation story
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

Sep 16, 2025 • 36min
#251 Zero to £100M Revenue: Group CFO Georgia Wilson on Building Finance Fast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUqhoJnH0oI
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6n4Tb6ZkiJAoioEIQCC48p
In this episode, Georgia Wilson, Member of GrowCFO and Former Group CFO at Together Group, shares her remarkable journey from Grenada to the helm of a high-growth business. The episode underscores the critical importance of building a robust finance function from the ground up, especially in a fast-scaling environment. Georgia’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the power of mentorship. She details how her diverse background, from Big Four audit to industry roles at Shell and Centrica, equipped her to lead Together Group’s finance team through rapid expansion and multiple acquisitions.
Georgia emphasizes that scaling a finance function is not just about technical expertise, but also about fostering a strong team, leveraging external support, and embracing diversity in leadership. Her experience highlights the value of corporate sponsorship, continuous learning, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone. The episode offers practical insights for finance professionals aiming to drive growth, manage complexity, and build high-performing teams in dynamic business environments.
Key topics covered:
Built a finance team from 3 to over 10 people while scaling revenue from zero to £100M
Leveraged mentorship, coaching, and corporate sponsorship to accelerate her CFO journey
Emphasized the importance of diversity and resilience in leadership roles
Successfully navigated multiple industry and cultural transitions
Managed rapid acquisitions and integration of 13 brands across global markets
Advocated for continuous learning and empowering future finance leaders
Links
Georgia Wilson on LinkedIn
Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
GrowCFO Mentoring
Timestamps
0:19:08 Georgia’s move from Grenada to the UK and her early career at Deloitte
0:22:44 The pivotal role of mentorship and coaching in her CFO journey
0:34:56 Transitioning to Together Group as first-time CFO in a startup environment
0:44:49 Building and scaling the finance team to support rapid growth
0:48:49 The impact of external support and GrowCFO’s programs on her success
0:53:02 Developing future finance leaders and fostering team growth
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

Sep 9, 2025 • 23min
#250 Nonprofit vs Corporate Finance: What Really Changes for CFOs? Baz Bedrossian, Interim CFO, COO, Business Consultant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL4WLMpEejI
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5o6eC1cVuEOy3ebPDmOb0t
The transition between nonprofit and corporate finance is a pivotal topic for CFOs, as each sector presents unique challenges and opportunities. In this episode, Baz Bedrossian—Interim CFO, COO, and Business Consultant—draws on his extensive experience in both worlds to illuminate the similarities and differences. Bedrossian emphasizes that while the core financial principles remain consistent, nonprofit roles demand heightened attention to compliance, regulation, and the management of restricted funds. He also highlights the importance of adaptability, as nonprofit CFOs often engage more directly in fundraising and grant management, requiring a broader skill set.
Bedrossian’s insights reveal that, despite the sectoral differences, the fundamentals of cash flow management, stakeholder communication, and strategic leadership are universal. However, nonprofit CFOs must navigate more complex reporting requirements, manage multiple boards and committees, and ensure that funds are used in accordance with donor restrictions. For finance professionals considering a move between sectors, Bedrossian’s experience offers practical guidance on building sustainable financial models and maintaining operational excellence in any environment.
Key topics covered:
Compliance and regulation are more stringent in nonprofit organizations
Managing restricted funds and detailed grant reporting is critical
Cash flow management is challenging due to irregular funding sources
Nonprofit CFOs often participate directly in fundraising and grant applications
Non-financial KPIs and stakeholder management are more prominent in nonprofits
Core financial principles and leadership skills remain consistent across sectors
Links
Baz Bedrossian on LinkedIn
Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
GrowCFO Mentoring
Timestamps
0:16:37 Key differences between nonprofit and corporate finance roles
0:18:50 The CFO’s involvement in fundraising and grant management
0:20:23 Managing restricted funds and compliance in nonprofit organizations
0:24:48 Reporting on non-financial KPIs and statutory requirements
0:29:06 Cash flow management strategies for nonprofits
0:31:28 Tips for new nonprofit CFOs on building sustainable financial models
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

Sep 2, 2025 • 35min
#249 Top 3 Challenges for Every New CFO Warren Wise, GrowCFO Mentor & Fractional CFO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFaDrJtO-KA
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
Warren Wise on LinkedIn
Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
GrowCFO Mentoring
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
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

Aug 26, 2025 • 35min
#248 Why CFOs Must Balance Results with Legitimacy Paul Achleitner, Former Deutsche Bank Chair & Goldman Sachs Partner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02hn26-tQBk
In today’s complex business environment, CFOs are expected to deliver strong results while also maintaining the legitimacy and trust of their organizations. Paul Achleitner, former Deutsche Bank Chair and Goldman Sachs Partner, shares his unique perspective on the evolving demands of financial leadership. Achleitner emphasizes that while performance metrics remain crucial, the legitimacy dimension—how stakeholders perceive the organization’s actions and values—has become equally vital in an era of transparency and social media scrutiny.
Drawing from decades of boardroom experience, Achleitner discusses the risks of relying solely on past experience, the importance of judgment in a rapidly changing world, and the need for CFOs to manage both their own egos and those of their teams. He highlights the dangers of both underperformance and unsustainable overperformance, urging leaders to continuously evaluate whether they are truly adding value. Achleitner’s insights offer CFOs practical guidance on navigating the balance between delivering results and sustaining legitimacy, ensuring long-term organizational success in a world where both are under constant public review.
Key topics covered:
The critical need for CFOs to balance performance with legitimacy in leadership
Why obsolete experience can hinder effective decision-making in today’s fast-changing environment
The growing importance of judgment and self-evaluation for finance leaders
Managing egos and fostering authentic, team-based leadership structures
The risks of both underperformance and unsustainable overperformance
The evolving role of the CFO as a “chief value officer” focused on long-term impact
Links
Paul Achleitner on LinkedIn
Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
GrowCFO Mentoring
Timestamps
0:05:50 Achleitner introduces the “performance” and “legitimacy” dimensions of leadership
0:10:59 Discussion on the dangers of obsolete experience and the need for accelerated learning
0:13:43 Advice for managing change and the inevitability of unintended consequences
0:15:28 The importance of controlling egos and building strong leadership structures
0:20:18 Addressing imposter syndrome and the power of convincing narratives
0:29:07 The illusion of satisfactory underperformance and the need for continuous improvement
0:30:33 The deception of sustainable overperformance and the importance of balance
0:33:24 The CFO’s evolving role as a chief value officer and the importance of legitimacy
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


