CFO THOUGHT LEADER

Kevin Rubin, CFO of Zscaler and a seasoned finance leader known for his turnaround expertise, discusses his transition to Zscaler, a pioneer in zero trust cybersecurity. He explains how Zscaler's innovative approach contrasts with traditional security models, emphasizing minimized access for users. Kevin shares insights into the evolving CFO role, highlighting the shift towards strategic influence and agility in decision-making. He also touches on AI’s role in finance and his vision for responsible growth as Zscaler seeks to expand its market impact.

Bruce Schumann, CFO of Universal Technical Institute, has a rich finance career including 27 years at Intel. He shares insights on how Intel's culture of 'constructive confrontation' shaped his leadership style and decision-making. Schumann emphasizes that finance teams should actively influence outcomes, not just report metrics. Discussing UTI's mission to enhance workforce development, he reveals strategies for campus expansion and the use of AI in education and finance. He also reflects on the importance of innovation zones in optimizing capital allocation.

In this discussion, Drew Laxton, CFO of Outreach and former banking professional, highlights the power of storytelling in finance. He shares how setting ambitious targets transformed company morale and performance through visible success. Laxton emphasizes the importance of aligning finance with strategic narratives and reflects on his journey from investment banking to tech roles, including his insights on AI's role in revenue acceleration. He also warns of the risks of overtrusting AI while discussing how his finance team integrates these technologies into daily operations.

In this engaging discussion, Glenn Hopper, a finance author and former CFO, teams up with David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, to explore the evolution of FP&A into a dynamic decision-making system. They dive into Webtoon’s focus on engagement metrics and creator monetization, highlighting the role of AI in enhancing, not replacing, creator contributions. Glenn emphasizes using leading indicators for performance forecasting, while they also touch on the agility of investment strategies and the shift toward continuous planning in finance.

Jorge Pliego, CFO of Improving, shares his transformative journey from multinational firms to a fast-paced startup. He reveals how he successfully financed a $400M facility with zero interest cost by leveraging local incentives. Discover the intricacies of adapting finance strategies in Mexico's high inflation environment and leading a cross-functional plan at Diageo to triple business growth. Jorge also discusses how AI is revolutionizing decision-making and the importance of emotional intelligence in CFO roles, all while navigating the quick-paced world of private equity.

Manny Korakis, CFO of Presidio and former finance leader at McGraw-Hill and S&P, shares his journey from controllership to strategic finance. He emphasizes the vital role of portfolio and capital discipline in value creation, discussing the pressures of his new role and the importance of aligning finance with company strategy. Manny highlights lessons learned from joint ventures and the art of hiring for growth. He also explores the future of AI in finance and the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the transformative Growth and Value Plan at McGraw-Hill.

As one year closes and another begins, most of us are wired to look forward—to new goals, fresh plans, and the next chapter. But this special episode of CFO Thought Leader invites you to do something slightly different: look back. Not to financial milestones or career titles, but to the moments that quietly shape who we become long before anyone hands us a business card.In this episode, three CFOs take us back to the earliest chapters of their lives—stories of family, displacement, discipline, sacrifice, and unexpected kindness. You’ll hear how a father’s insistence on “trying,” a mother’s balancing act between career and family, and a landlord’s life-altering act of generosity became the invisible architecture behind leadership, resilience, and purpose. None of these moments appear on a résumé. Yet each one echoes through boardrooms, decision-making, and how these leaders show up for others.As we release this episode on New Year’s Eve, it feels like the right reminder: progress isn’t only measured by what we build next, but by what shaped us along the way. Before the spreadsheets, before the titles, before the outcomes—there were people, moments, and values that set everything in motion.We hope these stories give you pause, perspective, and perhaps a renewed appreciation for the beginnings that make all the difference.

Tim Arndt, CFO of Prologis, shares insights from his extensive background in logistics real estate. He discusses why logistics focus on 'atoms, not electrons,' emphasizing the importance of physical infrastructure over digital. Tim highlights Prologis's significant role in global GDP and their innovative rooftop energy initiatives. He also dives into the impact of automation and AI on the sector, along with sustainability as a key business strategy. Tim's experience post-GFC reshaped balance-sheet management, making for a compelling conversation.

David Den Boer, a seasoned EPM innovator and founder of Column 5 Consulting, discusses the critical importance of proper technology selection in finance. He emphasizes that many problems stem from hasty product choices without understanding needs. Highlighting the rise of AI, Den Boer advocates for a fundamental rethinking of processes rather than merely adding new features. He also shares insights on how the EPM Summit fosters focused discussions and practical solutions, differentiating it from traditional vendor events.

Jonathan Carr, CFO of Armis and a finance leader with experience at SurveyMonkey and Atlassian, shares compelling insights into leadership and growth. He recounts his early challenges, including spearheading a complex Oracle implementation at a manufacturing plant. Carr emphasizes the importance of taking stretch roles to prepare for CFO responsibilities and discusses Armis's unique position in cybersecurity. He also highlights the significance of measuring unit economics early and adapting strategies as needed to ensure business success.