The Diary of a CFO

Stepping into your first CFO role can feel overwhelming. In this episode, former divisional CFO and GrowCFO Mentor Kevin Appleby shares what really changes when you move from finance leader to CFO.Drawing on years of experience working with finance leaders across industries, Kevin shares why many CFOs feel unprepared when they step into the role and how the real work begins after the reporting is done. The conversation examines how CFOs add value through judgment, questioning, and forward-looking insight, especially when the path forward is unclear.This episode is for CFOs, aspiring CFOs, and senior finance leaders who want clarity on what actually matters in the seat and how to grow into the role without trying to be everything to everyone.Key Timestamps00:02 Intro02:18 What separates good finance teams from great ones05:48 Asking better questions to drive real insight09:28 Developing business partnering skills through responsibility12:42 Why CFOs must shift from backward-looking to forward-looking work18:34 Imposter syndrome and confidence in new CFOs24:56 Choosing which CFO skills matter most37:56 The importance of FP&A and delivering bad news early41:14 Why risk management sits with the CFO44:22 What new CFOs should focus on in their first 90 daysLearn more about the podcast at https://www.thediaryofacfo.comIf becoming a CFO is in your 5-year plan, get your free CFO Readiness Scorecard here: http://thecfo.scoreapp.comGet Involved Have a question or topic suggestion? Email: Ask@thediaryofacfo.comConnect with Guest Kevin Appleby: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinappleby/Connect with Host Wassia Kamon onLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wassiakamon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wassiakamon/Connect with The Diary of a CFO Podcast onLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-diary-of-a-cfo-podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thediaryofacfopodcast/featuredWebsite: https://www.thediaryofacfo.comX (Twitter): https://x.com/thediaryofacfo

In this solo episode, Wassia Kamon shares how she went from staff accountant to CFO in 15 years, including the moments that didn’t look like progress at all.She talks about:Moments in her career that didn’t look like “progress” from the outside.Rethinking the value of credentials like the CPA, CMA, and MBA.Learning to lead under pressure and make decisions with incomplete information.What it was really like to grow her career while raising young kids.Promotions that looked impressive from the outside but were emotionally hard, including times when she had to support layoffs from the finance side.If you’re in accounting or finance and you feel like you’re doing everything “right” but still not moving fast enough, this episode will give you a practical sense of what to focus on next.Resources mentioned:👉 If becoming a CFO is in your 5-year plan, get your free CFO Readiness Scorecard here: http://thecfo.scoreapp.comHave a question or topic suggestion?Email: Ask@thediaryofacfo.com🔗 Connect with Host Wassia Kamon onLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/wassiakamon/

In this episode of The Diary of a CFO Podcast, host Wassia Kamon sits down with Teri Kozub, a three-time CFO with more than 33 years of experience in nonprofit finance and current CFO at Community Legal Services of Mid Florida.Teri shares how her non-linear career shaped her leadership style, why nonprofit finance is far more complex than many assume, and how CFOs can lead effectively through uncertainty, risk, and mission-driven pressure.Expect to LearnWhy the CFO role extends far beyond numbers and reportingHow nonprofit CFOs navigate uncertainty and funding volatilityWhat trust and communication look like when leading outside your expertiseKey Timestamps00:00:00 Introduction and career journey03:18:00 Why nonprofit finance is not easier09:03:00 Trust, communication, and leadership18:47:00 Community and executive isolation20:45:00 Endowments and long-term legacyLearn more about the podcast at https://www.thediaryofacfo.comExplore the CFO Readiness Scorecard at https://thecfo.scoreapp.com👉 If becoming a CFO is in your 5-year plan, get your free CFO Readiness Scorecard here: http://thecfo.scoreapp.com📬 Get InvolvedHave a question or topic suggestion?Email: Ask@thediaryofacfo.com🔗 Connect with Guest Teri Kozub:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-kozub-81058a12/🔗 Connect with Host Wassia Kamon onLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/wassiakamon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wassiakamon/🔗 Connect with The Diary of a CFO Podcast onLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-diary-of-a-cfo-podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thediaryofacfopodcast/featuredWebsite:https://www.thediaryofacfo.comX

Executive presence is often cited as the reason leaders don’t get promoted, but rarely explained.In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, Wassia Kamon sits down with executive coach Jill Avey to unpack what executive presence actually means, why high performers get stuck at the Director or VP level, and how promotions really happen at senior levels.00:00:00 – Welcome back!01:16:00 – What is executive presence? Jill’s model for understanding and building it07:50:00 – The challenges women face in leadership roles and how to overcome them10:35:00 – How to balance confidence with warmth and authenticity in leadership13:25:00 – Preparing for high-stakes meetings: Strategies for executive success15:36:00 – The power of listening and how it enhances your leadership presence23:10:00 – Key obstacles keeping leaders stuck at the director level and how to break through32:07:00 – How visibility, communication, and executive presence can advance your careerThis conversation explores:What executive presence is and what it’s notWhy hard work and strong performance reviews aren’t enoughThe role of visibility, trust, and strategic perspectiveHow leaders can show confidence without losing authenticityCommon leadership traps that affect both men and women------Subscribe to the Finance Executive Track newsletter for actionable insights to become the obvious choice for top finance roles and thrive once you get therehttps://the-finance-executive-track.kit.com/signupDon't forget to download the free guide on AI prompts every finance leader needs:https://www.wassiakamon.com/prompts

Attorney and risk-management expert Natalia Greene reveals the real stories behind major fraud cases, including those featured on American Greed that she personally worked on.She also shares exactly how accountants, fractional CFOs, and boutique finance firms accidentally expose themselves to lawsuits, even when they’ve done nothing wrong.We cover: The wildest embezzlement schemes she’s seen in 20+ years of litigation Why accountants often get blamed first when fraud is uncovered The engagement letter mistakes that put firms at massive risk How scope creep silently increases your legal exposure The insurance policy every fractional CFO or firm owner needs (but few ever buy) The documentation habits that can make or break you in court Why client acceptance and annual reevaluation may be your best risk-prevention toolWhether you run an accounting firm, work as a fractional CFO, or simply want to protect your professional services business, this episode is packed with hard-won insights you won’t find in any textbook.------Subscribe to the Finance Executive Track newsletter for actionable insights to become the obvious choice for top finance roles and thrive once you get therehttps://the-finance-executive-track.kit.com/signupDon't forget to download the free guide on AI prompts every finance leader needs:https://www.wassiakamon.com/prompts

In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, executive recruiter Mark Johnson shares insider perspectives on what CEOs are really looking for in today's CFOs. Discover how the expectations of finance leadership are evolving, what separates top candidates in interviews, and the essential qualities that define success in the modern C-suite. Whether you’re an aspiring finance leader or a seasoned executive, you’ll gain actionable advice to stand out and thrive at the top.Expect to LearnBeyond the Resume: Why today’s CFOs must stand out with emotional intelligence, resilience, and trust, not just credentialsAI vs. Human Connection: How automation is reshaping hiring, and why relationships still make the differenceInterview Strategy: Why performance alone isn’t enough, and how to truly impress in high-stakes executive interviewsPath to CFO: What it really takes to land your first CFO seat, including mentorship, visibility, and cross-functional experienceThe Four Intelligence Pillars: How IQ, EQ, SQ, and AQ together define the next generation of finance leadershipIf becoming a CFO is part of your goals, get your CFO readiness score here: https://thecfo.scoreapp.com/Don't forget to download the free guide on AI prompts every finance leader needs:https://www.wassiakamon.com/prompts

Join Vivienne Wei, COO of Unified Agent Force Platform at Salesforce and a leading thinker in financial technology, as she shares her journey from Wall Street to orchestrating enterprise-wide AI transformations.In this episode, Vivienne breaks down the realities and myths of AI in the finance function, from predictive models to generative AI, and reveals how agentic AI is creating a new category of digital workers, “AI agents,” that drive both productivity and resilience in modern businesses.You'll also learn the essentials of upskilling for an AI-augmented workforce, the leadership behaviors needed to foster adoption, and actionable strategies for CFOs to harness AI for operational and strategic advantage.Whether you're a finance leader, tech executive, or simply curious about the future of work, discover practical lessons and frameworks to drive innovation and business value in the AI era.If becoming a CFO is part of your goals, get your CFO readiness score here: https://thecfo.scoreapp.com/Don't forget to download the free guide on AI prompts every finance leader needs:https://www.wassiakamon.com/prompts

What does it take to turn a traditional finance team into a true strategic business partner?In this episode, Paul Young, CFO of Liberty Bank, shares how he connected strategy, budgeting, and talent development to create a finance function built for impact.Paul brings over 25 years of experience leading finance, strategy, business transformation, and digital innovation across major institutions such as Citizens Bank, TD Bank, CIT, and Siemens Financial Services.If you’ve ever felt stuck between strategy and execution, this one’s for you.We talked about:How starting strategy early makes budgeting faster and easierWhy CFOs should own project management and transformationWhat it really takes to attract and keep top finance talentHow he created a Business Transformation Office within the office of the CFO that helped Liberty Bank cut mortgage closing time in half and become a leader in their space.This conversation is a masterclass in modern CFO leadership.If becoming a CFO is part of your goals, get your CFO readiness score here: https://thecfo.scoreapp.com/Don't forget to download the free guide on AI prompts every finance leader needs:https://www.wassiakamon.com/prompts

CFOs are expected to drive transformation, lead strategy, and still deliver flawless numbers every month. In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, I sit down with Tom Hood, one of the most influential voices in finance leadership, to unpack what’s really behind the growing pressure on today’s CFOs.We talk about:✅ How the CFO role has evolved from finance expert to strategic co-pilot✅ Why upskilling and reskilling are the new competitive edge✅ How to balance performance with transformation✅ The real impact of AI and automation on finance teamsIf you’ve ever felt like you’re doing 5 jobs at once as a CFO, this episode is for you.Other resources mentioned in this episode: Upskilling & Reskilling Resources - Business Learning Institute (BLI)https://blionline.org Business Resilience Toolkit https://www.aicpa-cima.com/advocacy/download/business-resilience-toolkitF.A.M.E. Finance Assessment Model for Effectivenesshttps://blionline.org/finance-assessment-model-for-effectiveness

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/In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, I sit down with Anna Sagan, Senior Principal Solutions Engineer, who brings over two decades of experience in financial software and strategic reporting.We talked about:The evolving expectations from finance teamsWhy Excel is still the most loved BI tool in financeReporting limitations in ERPsWhy companies underutilize the tools they pay forWhether you're a controller frustrated by ERP reports or a CFO aiming to future-proof your reporting stack, this episode delivers sharp insights and real-world advice.If becoming a CFO is part of your goals, get your CFO readiness score here: https://thecfo.scoreapp.com/

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/

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/

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/

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.

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

This week on The Diary of a CFO, host Wassia Kamon is joined by Sheryl Shaw, Senior Manager at Bridgepoint Consulting and a former CFO with three decades of experience leading finance teams through transformation.Sheryl shares her remarkable journey, from starting as an accounting clerk in the 1980s to becoming a CFO 3 times, and now a trusted consultant for companies implementing NetSuite. She opens up about the lessons learned through chaos, the role of technology in finance, and how to build teams that are ready for change.In this episode, you’ll learn:What it really takes to scale a finance team that embraces innovationHow Sheryl built a treasury function from scratch, without formal trainingThe difference between operational and fundraising CFOsHer go-to strategies for managing change and gaining team buy-inThe mindset shift needed to lead in today’s tech-driven finance worldSpecial thanks to FISPAN for sponsoring this episode. FISPAN is a leading fintech company that seamlessly integrates banks with their clients’ enterprise resource planning (ERP) and accounting systems. For more information, head to www.fispan.com.

Christian Wattig is the program director of Wharton’s FP&A Certificate and the founder of InsideFP&A. In this episode, he shares his path from Procter & Gamble to becoming a leader in finance education, along with the pivotal lessons he learned along the way.You’ll learn:Why forecasting accuracy remains a major challenge for finance teamsHow to apply multiple forecasting methods for better resultsWhat separates great financial models from the restHow AI is reshaping FP&A work beyond just automationThe habits and mindset shifts needed to move from analyst to strategic business partnerThis conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone looking to sharpen their FP&A skills and drive real impact in their organization.

In this episode, Summa Simmons, Associate VP of Treasury at Victoria’s Secret & Co., shares what most people get wrong about treasury and why it's a strategic powerhouse. She explains how treasury helps companies manage cash, risk, and financial readiness during major business decisions like mergers and divestitures.Summa also opens up about her own journey from accounting to treasury, and what it means to be a true business partner across teams. You’ll learn:How treasury supports M&A and long-term business strategyWhy relationship-building is key to finance leadershipThe mindset shift from accounting to strategic thinkingCareer lessons on ownership, feedback, and staying curious

Most companies think cybersecurity is about firewalls and IT policies. But the real risk often starts with culture.In this episode, Dutch Schwartz, VP of Cloud Services at SideChannel and former security leader at AWS and Raytheon, shares why companies with poor culture are three times more likely to face a breach. We talk about how leadership, disengaged employees, and outdated mindsets quietly open the door to cyber threats.You'll also hear:The $25 million AI voice scam that could have been preventedHow to build a culture of security that actually sticksWhat CFOs need to understand about working with CISOsWhy cybersecurity is no longer just a tech problemThis conversation is a must-listen for finance and business leaders navigating today's digital risks.

Christina Ross, serial CFO turned CEO of Cube, explains why spreadsheets aren’t the problem and what finance leaders should focus on instead. She shares multiple frameworks for moving from manual chaos to strategic clarity. This episode is packed with insights on real-time planning, clean data, and leading high-impact finance teams.In this episode, we cover:The four layers of strategic financeHow to plan faster and forecast smarterPartnering across departments for better dataLeading with speed, structure, and strategic intent