The Diary of a CFO

• Leading Through Market Cycles, with Real Estate and Construction CFO, Bona Allen

  Brought to you by insightsoftware. Register for our upcoming webinar:https://insightsoftware.com/resources/get-out-of-the-reporting-rut-how-finance-leaders-drive-strategic-impact/What does it take to lead finance through real estate booms, construction slowdowns, and global crises?In this episode of The Diary of a CFO Podcast, I sit down with Bona Allen, a CFO with three decades of experience across real estate development, construction, and investment. Bona has led finance at both public and private companies, navigated the savings and loan crisis, the 2008 crash, and COVID, and built strategies that kept projects and people moving through uncertainty.We talk about:How the CFO role has changed Real estate vs construction financeSpotting business cyclesCrisis leadership Building and keeping strong teamsBona also shares the career moves that shaped him, the mistakes that made him better, and why networking to help others is the best long-term strategy.If you’re in real estate, construction, or any cyclical industry, this conversation is full of lessons you can use to prepare, adapt, and lead.If becoming a CFO is part of your goals, get your CFO readiness score here: https://thecfo.scoreapp.com/

  --------  

  36:56

  --------

  36:56
• Non-Traditional Pathways to the CFO Seat, with Axile Talout

  Not every CFO starts as a controller or FP&A lead. Axel Talout shares how banking and private equity shaped his journey, why your “different” background can be your edge, and how to intentionally build a team that fills your blind spots.Brought to you by insightsoftware. Register for our upcoming webinar:https://insightsoftware.com/resources/get-out-of-the-reporting-rut-how-finance-leaders-drive-strategic-impact/If becoming a CFO is part of your goals, get your CFO readiness score here: https://thecfo.scoreapp.com/

  --------  

  44:30

  --------

  44:30
• The CFO Playbook for Handling Crises and Building FP&A Functions, with Mike High

  Mike High (CFO, NAIT; ex-Shell Deep Water CFO) shares leadership lessons from the Army to corporate finance: why the “platinum rule” beats one-size-fits-all leadership, what truly changes when you move from FP&A to the CFO seat, and how to carry a portfolio of crises without burning out.We discussed:practical playbooks to lead through a portfolio of crisis,how to keep long-term work moving during emergencies,what most companies get wrong about FP&A,how to make digital transformation succeed.Get your CFO readiness score here: https://thecfo.scoreapp.com/Whether becoming a CFO is your goal or not, this assessment highlights the competencies that matter most at the VP level and above, in finance.It’s completely free, and you will get personalized results instantly.Big thanks to insightsoftware for sponsoring this episode.Join our upcoming webinar on October 15th >https://insightsoftware.com/resources/get-out-of-the-reporting-rut-how-finance-leaders-drive-strategic-impact/

  --------  

  40:44

  --------

  40:44
• Moving From Big 4 Auditor to Controller to CFO, with Andrea Hecht

  Andrea Hecht, EVP & CFO at CSAA Insurance Group, walks through the real shifts at each step of her career — from auditor at Big 4 accounting firm, EY, to Controller, and ultimately CFO. She explains how the focus moves from technical detail to culture, strategy, and leadership. We cover:Why the first move from public accounting to industry didn’t work, and why the second one did.How interviews and expectations change as you move up.What makes the Controller → CFO leap so challenging.How to get Accounting and FP&A working as one team.The habits that keep her sharp while leading finance at a 4,000-person organization.It's an insightful roadmap for anyone asking what actually changes when you leave public accounting and aim for the CFO seat.Get your CFO readiness score here: https://thecfo.scoreapp.com/Whether becoming a CFO is your goal or not, this assessment highlights the competencies that matter most at the VP level and above, in finance.It’s completely free, and you will get personalized results instantly.

  --------  

  40:30

  --------

  40:30
• Accounting vs FP&A: Which Path Gets You to CFO Faster?

  Controller vs FP&A : which path gives you a better shot at the CFO seat? Wassia Kamon has done both. In this solo episode, she reveals why neither route guarantees success on its own and what truly sets future CFOs apart. Drawing on her first year as a CFO, Wassia introduces her Executive Readiness Framework and explains how to develop the executive substance, influence, and presence boards and CEOs look for. Whether you're in the weeds of the close or building forecasts, this is the episode that will change how you think about your next move.Resources mentioned:The Free CFO Readiness AssessmentWhether becoming a CFO is your goal or not, this assessment highlights the competencies that matter most at the VP level and above, in finance.Get your CFO score here: https://thecfo.scoreapp.com/Learning Hub for Aspiring CFOsTo learn more about how to become a CFO, visit: https://thediaryofacfo.com/resources

  --------  

  21:56

  --------

  21:56

Więcej Biznes podcastów

Trendy w podcaście Biznes

O The Diary of a CFO