#205 Amplify your personal and social impact with Catherine Marks and Alice Clementi https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NTyMBWk0soOQsDm1yYhYg Amplifying personal and social impact is a crucial aspect of effective leadership in today's business landscape. In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby delves into this topic with two esteemed guests: Catherine Marks, Finance Team Training Director, GrowCFO, and Alice Clementi, Co-Founder of Charterpath. The discussion centers around the importance of skills-based volunteering and the mutual benefits it can bring to both finance professionals and the nonprofit sector. Catherine Marks, who is also pursuing a master's degree in philanthropy, shares her insights on the multidimensional nature of impact and the role of intentional leadership. Alice Clementi, drawing from her own experience of volunteering and co-founding Charterpath, highlights the challenges faced by charities in finding skilled volunteers and the transformative impact that finance professionals can have. Key topics covered include: The definition and importance of personal and social impact in the corporate finance world The concept of skills-based volunteering and its advantages for both individuals and charities The challenges and opportunities in aligning finance professionals with the right volunteering opportunities The "Leading with Impact" partnership between GrowCFO and Charterpath, which aims to amplify the impact of finance leaders Practical advice for individuals interested in getting involved in volunteering and the benefits it can bring The role of corporate support in enhancing the impact of skills-based volunteering https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr1JvHMLVSQ Links Catherine Marks on LinkedIn  Alice Clementi on LinkedIn  Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:11 Introduction to the podcast and the guests 0:00:53 Alice Clementi's background and journey to co-founding Charterpath 0:03:54 Catherine Marks' involvement in the nonprofit sector and collaboration with Charterpath 0:06:57 Catherine Marks' perspective on the definition and importance of impact 0:10:02 The concept of skills-based volunteering and its advantages 0:13:01 The benefits of volunteering for individuals 0:19:27 Details on the "Leading with Impact" partnership between GrowCFO and Charterpath 0:21:43 How the "Leading with Impact" program works in practice 0:25:14 Importance of aligning volunteering with personal passions 0:27:45 How corporates can get involved in the "Leading with Impact" program 0:30:31 Charterpath's offerings and how to get involved 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

#204 Powering the Future: Finance’s Role in the Energy Transition with Nicolas Payen https://open.spotify.com/episode/3mVyLN3O1EEfDpiyFMm8UQ In this episode of the Grow CFO Show, host Kevin Appleby welcomes Nicolas Payen, the former CEO of Positive Energy Ltd, a climate FinTech company focused on renewable energy project financing. Payen brings a wealth of experience from his 15-year career in the energy industry, including his time at Schneider Electric, where he led an innovative IoT startup within the organization. Payen delves into the ongoing energy transition, highlighting the significant scale and pace of the shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources across regions such as the US, Europe, China, and India. He emphasizes the crucial role of government policies and incentives in driving this transformation, citing examples like the Inflation Reduction Act in the US and the EU's renewable energy directives. Payen also explores the financial and investment implications of the energy transition, underscoring the importance of the CFO's role in enabling and managing the strategic decisions required to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. Furthermore, Payen discusses the impact of the energy transition on talent recruitment and retention, particularly among younger generations who prioritize working for companies with strong sustainability practices. He shares compelling statistics demonstrating the preference of Generation Z for organizations with a green footprint, underscoring the need for effective communication and alignment between a company's financial and sustainability goals. Key topics covered include: Nicolas Payen's background in the energy industry, including his experience at Schneider Electric and as an entrepreneur The energy transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources The scale and pace of the energy transition, with a focus on developments in the US, Europe, China, and India The role of government policies and incentives in driving the energy transition The financial and investment implications of the energy transition for companies and investors The importance of the CFO's role in enabling and managing the energy transition for their organization The impact of the energy transition on talent recruitment and retention https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3zKtG0SCGY Links Nicolas Payen on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:12 - Introduction to the topic of energy transition and Nicolas Payen's background 0:01:06 - Nicolas Payen's background in the energy industry, including his experience at Schneider Electric 0:03:25 - Challenges and lessons learned from Nicolas's experience at Schneider Electric 0:06:44 - Nicolas's transition to entrepreneurship and the founding of Positive Energy 0:11:01 - Overview of the state of the energy transition and decarbonization globally 0:14:33 - Comparison of electric vehicle sales in the US and Asia 0:15:21 - Energy transition developments in the UK and EU 0:18:20 - China's role and investments in the energy transition 0:24:10 - The CFO's role in enabling and managing the energy transition 0:32:42 - The impact of rising interest rates on the energy transition 0:39:10 - The importance of the energy transition for talent recruitment and retention 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.

#203 Counting More Than Cash: Can CFOs Handle Human Value? with Arjan Udding and Werner Schouten https://open.spotify.com/episode/4XDwgSdG36iRyx8uhedCK4 In this episode of the GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Arjan Udding, Director Impact Institute, and Werner Schouten, Director Impact Economy Foundation. The conversation centres around the evolving role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the realm of sustainability. The guests make a compelling case for the CFO to transition into a Chief Value Officer (CVO) role, emphasizing the need to balance the traditional focus on financial value with equal consideration for social, human, and natural value creation. They delve into the importance of impact accounting, a methodology that quantifies non-financial value and integrates it with financial metrics. Arjan and Werner share examples of European institutions, such as Rabobank and Triodos, that have successfully adopted impact accounting to inform their decision-making and long-term investment strategies. Throughout the discussion, the speakers highlight the need for a harmonized, accessible language for impact reporting. This, they argue, is crucial for driving sustainable business practices and investment decisions across organizations of all sizes, as it enables a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors that shape a company's long-term viability and societal impact. Key topics covered include: Introduction and background of the guests, Arjan and Werner Debate on whether the finance leader should be called a CFO or CVO Role of financial metrics in sustainability and the need to expand them Integration of financial and non-financial metrics through impact accounting Examples of companies adopting impact accounting Challenges and opportunities in implementing impact accounting The broader impact of impact accounting beyond just ESG Conclusion and call to action for CFOs to embrace the role of Chief Value Officer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maxJKO35A7s Links Arjan Udding on LinkedIn Werner Schouten on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:0:00 - 0:0:19 Introduction and background of the guests  0:0:19 - 0:1:35 Debate on whether the finance leader should be called a CFO or CVO  0:1:35 - 0:3:15 The need to redefine value beyond financial value  0:3:15 - 0:6:00 Expanding financial tools to include social and environmental value  0:6:00 - 0:7:30 The CFO's role in owning the balanced scorecard  0:7:30 - 0:12:30 Integrating financial and non-financial metrics through impact accounting  0:12:30 - 0:16:00 Examples of companies adopting impact accounting  0:16:00 - 0:20:00 Challenges and opportunities in implementing impact accounting  0:20:00 - 0:22:30 The broader impact of impact accounting beyond just ESG  0:22:30 - 0:24:00 Conclusion and call to action for CFOs to embrace the role of Chief Value Officer 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

#202 How Does Corporate Legal Finance Work? with Jordan Licht https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gxFduDodLzWwcUMKr0rpV?si=nKOiLbeOT1m-TXDZ1wf7Xw In this episode of the Grow CFO Show, host Kevin Appleby sits down with Jordan Licht, the CFO of Burford Capital, to discuss the fascinating world of legal fundraising and litigation finance. Jordan Licht's career journey to becoming the CFO at Burford Capital is an interesting one. He transitioned from a 15-year background in investment banking and consulting to eventually taking on the CFO role, reconnecting with a former boss who had also joined Burford. This highlights the importance of maintaining professional networks and how serendipitous career paths can be. The core focus of the discussion centers around Burford Capital and the unique world of litigation finance. Jordan provides an overview of how Burford invests in commercial litigation cases, sharing in the risk and reward. He explains Burford's thorough underwriting process, the challenges of estimating case durations, and the benefits their capital and expertise can provide to clients. The conversation also touches on Burford's global presence, their approach to building a non-law firm culture, and the complexities of funding and managing the company's own capital requirements. Beyond just traditional finance responsibilities, Jordan emphasizes the value of having diverse experience across sales, strategy, and operations. This broader understanding of the business, rather than just the finance function, has been crucial in his current role as CFO. Jordan discusses how this experience has helped him appreciate the symbiotic relationship between business operations and finance, and the dependencies that exist between the two. Key topics covered include: Jordan Licht's career journey to becoming CFO at Burford Capital Jordan's diverse experience beyond traditional finance roles Overview of Burford Capital and litigation finance Burford's investment process and client engagement  Cash flow and fee structure in litigation finance Jordan's role as CFO and building a non-law firm culture Burford's global presence and client engagement Funding and capital management at Burford https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yaJ0oH0uWU Links Jordan Licht on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:0:12 - Introduction by Kevin Appleby 0:0:48 - Jordan Licht's introduction and background 0:1:59 - Discussion on career networking and connections 0:2:34 - Jordan's previous roles before Burford Capital 0:4:03 - The evolving role of a CFO 0:5:01 - Explanation of Burford Capital's business model 0:7:07 - Litigation finance and its benefits 0:10:05 - Underwriting and investment process 0:11:58 - Win rates and case outcomes 0:14:14 - Example of a litigation finance process 0:16:49 - Financial and strategic benefits for companies 0:18:11 - Jordan's role as CFO at Burford Capital 0:19:39 - Company culture and working with lawyers 0:21:55 - Building the right company culture 0:23:05 - Client engagement and partnerships 0:24:50 - Global presence and operations 0:25:35 - Size and structure of the finance team 0:26:45 - Burford's investment portfolio and capital sourcing 0:28:37 - Closing remarks and appreciation 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 p...

In this insightful discussion, Sharon Barber-Lui, CFO of Teva Pharmaceuticals, shares her inspiring journey from public accounting to leading a dynamic finance team of 200. She emphasizes the essential qualities of trust and shared purpose in building high-performing teams. Sharon also highlights the evolving role of CFOs, advocating for finance leaders to embrace technology and establish strategic partnerships. She passionately discusses the importance of diversity in finance, urging leaders to cultivate varied perspectives for enhanced innovation.

#200 The Profit-Boosting Power of Experiential Learning with Dan Wells https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ruJsTVOQGKn5VoiNSXXM4 In this landmark 200th episode of The GrowCFO Show, hosts Kevin Appleby and Dan Wells celebrate a remarkable journey that began in August 2020. Over the years, the podcast has grown into a key resource for finance professionals worldwide. This special episode not only reflects on the show's development but also reveals the launch of GrowCFO Premium and its innovative approach to experiential learning. Dan Wells, Founder and CEO GrowCFO, introduces The World’s Leading Experiential Learning for Finance (ExLF) Programs, now available in an affordable, all-in-one subscription package! For just £195 a month, you can access 30+ LIVE training programs, including the highly sought-after FBP, FT, and FP&A boot camp workshops. Whether you're an individual looking to advance your career or a corporate team aiming to enhance skills, this flexible program is designed to meet your needs. For more information: ExLF for Corporates and Teams: Click here ExLF for Individuals: Click here The subscription package bundles a variety of experiential learning programs, including boot camps and simulators, all led by top finance experts. With live, practical exercises and customization based on role, grade, and objectives, this package is perfect for finance professionals looking to gain new skills in a dynamic, hands-on environment. The program also meets CPD/CPE requirements, allowing professionals to integrate learning into their development plans seamlessly. Offering global availability and multiple time zones, ExLF ensures that professionals from around the world can benefit from this transformational learning experience. Key topics covered include: Introduction to The GrowCFO Show and celebration of 200 episodes Reflection on the journey since the first episode in 2020 Explanation of experiential learning and its powerful benefits Announcement of the new ExLF package and its incredible value Customization and flexibility based on role, grade, and goals Coverage of a wide range of topics: technical, interpersonal, and commercial skills Importance of live, instructor-led training for meaningful learning outcomes Compliance with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements Global availability and time zone considerations Emphasis on peer group dynamics and support networks Next steps for individuals and teams to get involved Excitement for the future of finance learning https://youtu.be/AUtOhsvkI6A Links Dan Wells on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:0:12 - Introduction to GrowCFO and the podcast's 200th episode. 0:1:03 - Reflection on the journey since the first episode in August 2020. 0:2:27 - Explanation of experiential learning and its importance. 0:3:20 - Discussion on the evolution of GrowCFO's training programs. 0:5:22 - Announcement of a new subscription package for experiential learning. 0:6:42 - Details on the flexibility and customization of the new package. 0:8:36 - Importance of role, grade, and personal objectives in learning. 0:10:33 - Overview of the new package's offerings and topics. 0:12:25 - Accreditation and CPD/CPE credits for the courses. 0:15:25 - The impact of engaged learning on business outcomes. 0:17:32 - Benefits of practical, experiential learning. 0:19:05 - Role of experienced facilitators in delivering courses. 0:21:53 - Importance of peer groups and community in learning. 0:23:09 - How individuals and teams can access the new package. 0:25:42 - Global reach and time zone considerations for the programs. 0:27:18 - Closing remarks and future outlook for GrowCFO. Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app.

#199 How Do You Become CFO Ready? with Andrew Waters https://open.spotify.com/episode/1VgwKOgwM8Nf6gh90BXo6z In this insightful episode, Kevin Appleby sits down with Andrew Waters, the esteemed co-founder of Zanda, to delve into the dynamic evolution of the Chief Financial Officer's role over the past four years. As businesses navigate a post-lockdown world, the conversation reveals how CFOs have transitioned from a focus on transformation to leading the charge in sustainable growth and efficient cash flow management. Andrew and Kevin discuss the critical importance of soft skills in today's financial landscape, such as resilience, agility, and storytelling, which are essential for CFOs to excel. The dialogue underscores the necessity for CFOs to blend entrepreneurial spirit with pragmatic decision-making, fostering an environment where finance leaders can thrive and drive substantial organizational impact. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the regional nuances between New York and London CFO roles, with Andrew highlighting how New York's financial leaders are often more strategically inclined and investment-ready. The episode also introduces the Future CFO program, a developmental initiative designed to equip finance leaders with the essential skills for future success in the CFO role. Furthermore, Andrew provides a preview of the upcoming Future CFO Strategy, Growth, and Impact Summit, where he will be speaking and offering a glimpse into sessions that promise to enhance leadership capabilities, optimize the finance function, and harness cutting-edge technology. You can register to join the summit here: https://future-cfo-global-summit.heysummit.com/talks/landing-your-dream-cfo-role/! This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals eager to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Key topics covered include: Catching up with Andrew Waters and the upcoming Future CFO Summit Evolution of CFO roles over the past 4 years Current and future skills required for CFOs Differences in CFO requirements between London and New York The importance of soft skills for CFOs The interview process for CFO roles Scaling the finance function Challenges faced by new CFOs Upcoming Future CFO Summit sessions https://youtu.be/GhSPdeG2H3M Links Andrew Waters on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:0:00 - Introduction to the GrowCFO Show and guest Andrew Waters 0:1:14 - Discussion about the Future CFO Summit and its significance 0:2:23 - Evolution of the CFO role over the past four years 0:7:41 - Broad skill set required for modern CFOs 0:8:27 - Becoming CFO-ready: challenges and necessary skills 0:13:37 - Overview of the Future CFO program and its benefits 0:17:28 - Differences in CFO roles and expectations between the UK and US 0:20:30 - Importance of the first 100 days in a new CFO role 0:21:53 - Upcoming Future CFO Summit sessions and topics 0:24:41 - Structuring the finance function and the importance of the right team 0:26:37 - Challenges A players face in new CFO roles and dealing with imposter syndrome 0:27:09 - Key issues in early CFO roles and overcoming them 0:30:46 - Identifying A players through storytelling and communication skills 0:33:21 - Conclusion and anticipation for the Future CFO Summit 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.

#198 How to Communicate with Confidence with Susana Serrano-Davey https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cr1nXHLEdnbZ08i4oExuQ Kevin Appleby and Susana Serrano-Davey, GrowCFO Mentor, dive deep into the topic of communicating with confidence in this insightful episode. Susana, who is writing a book on confidence, shares her own experiences of overcoming nervousness in public speaking. She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, whether it's joining a public speaking club like Toastmasters or taking on a daunting challenge like a stand-up comedy course. The two discuss a range of techniques to enhance communication skills, from reducing the use of filler words to structuring presentations for maximum impact. Susana stresses the need to identify and challenge limiting beliefs about one's communication abilities, a journey that Kevin himself has undertaken, moving from avoiding presentations to becoming a confident speaker. The conversation also explores the significance of adapting communication styles to different audiences and personalities, as well as the role of ambition and continuous practice in building confidence. Susana and Kevin share valuable insights and personal anecdotes, providing listeners with a roadmap to improve their communication prowess and unlock their full potential as confident, impactful communicators. Key topics covered include: Importance of confidence in communication Susana's upcoming book on confidence Recommendation to join public speaking clubs like Toastmasters Susana's experience overcoming nervousness in her first Toastmasters meeting Susana's experience taking a stand-up comedy course Importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone Techniques for effective communication Identifying and reducing the use of filler words Importance of slowing down and being clear in speech Effective presentation structure: introduction, main course, and conclusion Techniques for structuring presentations Importance of understanding the audience's needs and preferences Adapting communication style to different personality types Importance of having ambitious goals to build confidence Identifying and challenging limiting beliefs about communication Importance of continuous practice and exposure to build communication skills Susana's experience with Toastmasters and the impact on her confidence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSqBXYv3U1k Links Susana Serrano-Davey on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:10 - Introduction and welcome 0:00:35 - Susana's work on communicating with confidence 0:01:11 - Susana's experience with Toastmasters 0:02:24 - Overcoming nervousness in public speaking 0:05:29 - Stepping out of your comfort zone 0:07:29 - Techniques for effective communication 0:09:04 - Reducing the use of filler words 0:11:05 - Kevin's journey from avoiding presentations to becoming a confident speaker 0:12:29 - Structuring presentations for maximum impact 0:15:50 - Using visual aids effectively 0:17:41 - Adapting communication to different audiences 0:20:28 - Identifying and challenging limiting beliefs 0:23:24 - Importance of practice and building confidence 0:26:14 - Cultivating ambition and setting goals 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.

#197 Data Challenges Facing The Finance Function with Adam Rakich https://open.spotify.com/episode/0MX8X2ihqTsMURRfQPBBiS Adam Rakich, the esteemed author of "The Business User’s Guide to Data Integration," joins us for a deep dive into the pressing issues surrounding data integration in the finance sector. Adam is Senior Director, Strategic Alliances at DataBlend, a finance-focused integration platform as a service.  Most of his career has been in technology companies serving the office of finance, in budgeting and forecasting, financial consolidation and reporting. His experiences with the data challenges facing the finance function led him to write The Business User’s Guide to Data Integration (available on Amazon Kindle), a guide designed to help non-technical people understand their options for data integration, questions to ask, things to think about – and ultimately feel confident that they can solve their data problems. In this episode, Adam brings his extensive expertise to the table, discussing the common challenges finance professionals face when it comes to integrating data across various platforms and tools. He sheds light on the necessity of a comprehensive approach to data integration, emphasizing how crucial it is for businesses to employ effective integration tools and platforms to streamline their operations. Adam and Kevin also explore the transformative benefits of automating manual data processing in accounting. They discuss how automation can lead to significant time savings and improved efficiency, allowing finance professionals to focus on more strategic tasks. Additionally, the conversation covers the critical aspects of understanding the costs and potential risks associated with custom integration solutions, alongside the imperative need for accuracy and transparency in integration flows. Key topics covered include: Data integration challenges in finance, particularly for accounting and reporting Automating manual accounting tasks to save time and reduce errors Automating data integration for timely reporting Custom vs. built-in integrations for software systems Integration flow best practices for data accuracy and synchronization Data integration challenges and strategies for business users Recommendation of Adam Rakich's book "The Business User's Guide to Data Integration" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqoi9NhVdZM Links Adam Rakich on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00 - 0:35 Introduction and background of Adam Rakich 0:35 - 1:30 Data integration challenges in finance 1:30 - 3:15 Automating manual accounting tasks 3:15 - 6:30 Automating data integration for timely reporting 6:30 - 11:00 Custom vs. built-in integrations 11:00 - 15:00 Integration flow best practices 15:00 - 20:00 Data integration challenges and strategies for business users 20:00 - 21:00 Recommendation of Adam Rakich's book "The Business User's Guide to Data Integration" 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

#196 The CFO Creating Culture in the Finance Function with Sam Divine https://open.spotify.com/episode/1PaK9XqCIqhS2zBH8bpuMq Sam Divine, Founder of GrowthXel, joins Kevin Appleby, to delve into the pivotal role of the CFO in shaping culture within the finance function. The conversation underscored the importance of treating everyone fairly and respectfully, a principle deeply ingrained in Divine’s philosophy due to his upbringing during the Liberian Civil War. Both Appleby and Divine shared personal experiences that highlighted the necessity of adapting to circumstances beyond one's control, emphasizing family, resilience, and adaptability as cornerstones of personal and professional development. Their discussion further explored how these formative experiences influence career choices and the significance of being in the right place at the right time. Divine and Appleby stressed the value of luck and the importance of connecting with employees to understand and improve organizational culture. They highlighted how creating a culture that encourages innovation and equality within finance departments can drive success, showcasing the CFO’s unique position to foster an environment that not only supports financial goals but also nurtures a fair and dynamic workplace. Key topics covered include: Sam discusses his early life in Monrovia, Liberia, and his experiences during the 1989 civil war. Highlights from Sam's book, "Battlegrounds to Boardroom," including key lessons on fairness and the non-reliance on material wealth. Sam's educational journey to the United States and his career at prestigious firms like Grant Thornton and EY. Overview of GrowthXel's consulting services, focusing on optimizing organizations and providing critical interim services for CFOs. Emphasis on the importance of culture within finance departments and how GrowthXel fosters strong connections and trust with clients. Strategies for CFOs to enhance team culture, stressing continuous process improvement and valuing every team member's contribution. Discussion on the evolving role of the CFO, comparing it to a Secretary of State, necessitating a broader skill set beyond traditional finance functions. The critical role of curiosity for CFOs, enabling them to ask insightful questions and drive business improvements. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIY0cb1toCY Links Sam Divine on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:0:11 - Introduction to GrowCFO and the host, Kevin Appleby. 0:1:00 - Introduction of guest Sam Divine, founder of GrowthXel. 0:1:13 - Sam Divine's backstory, growing up in Monrovia, Liberia, and experiencing the civil war. 0:3:09 - Discussion of Sam's book "Battlegrounds to Boardroom" and the life lessons learned during the civil war. 0:7:41 - Sam's transition to the United States for college and his early career. 0:12:53 - Sam's career choice to join Grant Thornton and his experiences there. 0:14:46 - Sam's move to Atlanta and his decision to join EY over Anderson. 0:16:28 - Overview of GrowthXel's consulting services for CFOs, including optimization and interim services. 0:24:40 - Discussion on the importance of culture in the finance department and how CFOs can foster a positive culture. 0:28:33 - Exploration of the evolving role of the new CFO and the importance of curiosity in the role. 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 To...