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Secrets of Rockstar CFOs
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Secrets of Rockstar CFOs

Author: Jack McCullough

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The role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has evolved from back-office support to strategic leader. It takes more than financial skills to master the responsibilities of this position successfully. Above all else, financial leaders need to know how to effectively plan for and execute in the face of the challenges and uncertainty inherent in their chosen industry. This begs the question, "What does it take to really excel in the role of chief financial officer?"


Whether you are a seasoned CFO or just starting out in the field, you will find something useful in this podcast. Welcome to Secrets of Rockstar CFOs, a practical and actionable resource for Chief Financial Officers seeking to advance their careers. This is your friendly and helpful guide to master the challenges and opportunities of financial leadership.


This podcast features the most successful CFOs in the world, from Silicon Valley startups to Fortune 50 multinationals. The host of this podcast, Jack McCullough, is the author of “Secrets of Rockstar CFOs,”

widely considered to be the definitive guide to the art of financial leadership.


Here you can find the resources you need to advance your CFO career or launch it for the first time. Inspiring interviews with prominent CFOs and other thought leaders are featured in each episode. Get educated by the best in the business, companies like 3M, AstraZeneca and Zoetis.


Listen in as these remarkable leaders discuss their career paths, the obstacles they have overcome, and the secrets they leveraged to achieve success. Get inspired to take your own strategic path to the next level by learning from the successes of these A-list CFOs. Master this field thoroughly to change the course of your career in a significant way. Explore new avenues you would never have considered before.


Not only does Jack have fantastic guests who offer invaluable advice, but he also brings his own unique brand of insight, energy, and humor to the show. He established a worldwide network for mentoring and developing chief financial officers as president and founder of the CFO Leadership Council. To prepare the next generation of CFOs, Jack and his team utilize cutting-edge professional development programs and unrivaled peer networking.


Combining his vast knowledge and experience with his lighthearted approach to interviews, Jack is the perfect person to serve as the show’s host. Before he founded the CFO Leadership Council, he served as chief financial officer for more than 25 different organizations. You can trust that he will steer the podcast in the same direction that he led CFO Leadership Council to become a leading organization in strategic and financial leadership.


Learning from elite financial leaders is the surest path to a successful career. This top-notch podcast was produced with that aim in mind. Whether you are already a CFO looking to improve your performance or aspire to be one and need some direction to get started, you have come to the right place.


Become the strategic leader you have always imagined by joining Jack and his guests in these lively and entertaining conversations full of empowering advice, encouraging lessons, and easy-to-emulate tactics. Use your exceptional abilities, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering focus to take over your field. Now is the time to take your professional life to a new and more satisfying level.


Listen to the Secret of Rockstar CFOs at www.strategiccfo360.com/podcast

38 Episodes
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Karen Walker, CFO of Sysdig, joins Jack McCullough to discuss what it takes to lead in the dynamic world of cloud security. Karen shares her journey from global childhood experiences to leadership roles at iconic companies, such as Uber and Pandora. Together, they explore the evolving role of CFOs, the power of networking, and how technology is reshaping financial leadership. Whether you are curious about scaling fast-growing businesses or balancing passion and practicality, this conversation offers valuable insights for professionals at every stage of their careers.To book a demo with Payhawk, click here.To book a demo with Planful, click here.
Grameen America is more than microfinance – it is a lifeline for women striving to build a better future. Jack McCullough sits down with their CFO, Lucas Ramirez, who shares how they prioritize social impact over financial gain to make actual and tangible change in community and society. He shares how Grameen America garnered impressive growth through its unique approach to microfinance and operational efficiency. Lucas also shares how he found himself in the CFO role, emphasizing the importance of work-life harmony, networking, and financial depth when taking on this position.To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here. 
Join Jack McCullough as he dives into the world of CFO problem-solving with Virpy Richter, the CFO of Awin Global. In this episode, they explore how a scientist's problem-solving mindset can shape financial leadership, and the strategic initiatives driving Awin's global growth. If you're interested in mastering CFO problem-solving in today's digital landscape, this conversation offers valuable insights from one of the industry's leading minds.To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here. 
In this episode, Jack McCullough sits down with Dan Durn, Adobe’s CFO, to dive into the transformative leadership strategies driving Adobe’s success. They explore the company’s journey in the digital economy, discussing how Adobe has catalyzed some of the most significant technological shifts today. Listen as they uncover insights into Adobe’s leadership, innovation, and the role of the CFO in a fast-evolving business landscape. This conversation sheds light on what it takes to maintain leadership in the digital age.To book a demo with Payhawk, click here.To book a demo with Planful, click here.
Joining Jack McCullough in this thought-provoking episode is Rowan Wilkie, CFO at Nutromics. He looks back on the origin story of their company, which has a high chance of making a huge difference in continuous diagnostic monitoring. Rowan reflects on how he found himself working Nutromics, the most valuable lessons he learned from his mentors, and how he became a mentor to other promising business leaders. He also shares their fundraising and financial strategies, as well as his insights on how generative AI could change the entire market right now.To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here.
True leadership is about more than just managing numbers; it’s about empowering teams and embracing change. In this episode, Jack McCullough sits down with Navneet Govil, Executive Managing Partner and CFO of SoftBank Investment Advisors, to dive deep into the modern role of CFOs. From Navneet's journey from Zambia to leading SoftBank’s $100 billion Vision Funds, to the challenges of navigating a fast-paced tech environment, this conversation is packed with wisdom. Learn how engineering skills help problem-solving in finance, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving role of generative AI in shaping business strategies. If you’re ready to think big and lead like a rockstar, this is the conversation you won’t want to miss. To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here.
In this episode, Jack McCullough sits down with Sho-Joung Kim-Wechsler to explore the fascinating intersection of digital art and business. As the founder of XVERSO.IO, Sho-Joung shares her journey from the corporate world to creating a premium digital art marketplace. Tune in to discover how XVERSO.IO is revolutionizing the digital art marketplace, making art more accessible and engaging for everyone. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a business professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of art and technology.To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here.
In this episode, Jack McCullough sits down with Simon Edwards, CFO of Conga, to discuss the dynamic role of the CFO in today’s business environment. They explore how Simon leverages his background in technology and engineering to drive financial strategy and growth at Conga, a leader in revenue lifecycle management. Tune in to discover insights on career development, operational efficiency, and the critical relationship between the CEO and CFO in steering company success. To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here. 
In this episode, Scarlett O'Sullivan, CFO of Leaf Home, joins Jack McCullough to discuss her journey from investment banking to becoming a leading CFO in the home improvement industry. Scarlett shares insights into her role at Leaf Home, strategies for navigating volatile markets, and the importance of strong leadership and innovation in driving company growth. Listen in as they explore the challenges and rewards of scaling a high-growth company and the vital relationships that support successful financial leadership.To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here.
WM is redefining what it means to be green. In this episode, Jack McCullough interviews Devina Rankin, CFO of Waste Management, who delves into the company’s robust environmental initiatives, leadership values, and the critical role of teamwork and innovation. Devina discusses how Waste Management is evolving beyond traditional waste collection to focus on innovative environmental solutions and resource recovery. From breaking down complex financial strategies to inspiring stories of company culture, she offers unique insights into the business world. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the waste management industry and the CFO’s role in driving sustainable growth.To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here. 
Virgin Atlantic rose from a maverick challenging the transatlantic market with a fun, friendly experience to a global airline. Jack McCullough features CFO Oliver Byers as he recounts Virgin Atlantic’s trajectory. Founded in 1984 by Richard Branson, the airline started with a London to New York flight, aiming to transform the air travel experience. Oliver shares insights into the airline’s strategic evolution and its commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Join Jack and Oliver as they explore how Virgin Atlantic continues to redefine air travel, blending innovation with a customer-first ethos. To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here.
Today, we meet a trailblazer – Bolanle Williams-Olley, the CFO of the prestigious New York architecture firm, Mancini Duffy. Join Jack McCullough as Bolanle shares her remarkable story – from her upbringing in Lagos, fueled by her mother’s emphasis on education, to her unexpected yet successful career pivot. Jack and Bolanle unpack Mancini Duffy’s rich history and dive deep into their innovative approach, featuring the patent-approved Toolbelt that’s revolutionizing client engagement through virtual reality. Bolanle’s story embodies resilience and bold leadership, shaping the future of Mancini Duffy.To book a demo with Payhawk, click here.To book a demo with Planful, click here.
Curious about the secrets behind the success of a Fortune 500 company? In this episode, Jack McCullough sits down with Gina Mastantuono, CFO of ServiceNow, to uncover the strategies and insights that have driven her illustrious career. From transforming ServiceNow’s offline processes into digital experiences to achieving over $10 billion in revenue, Gina shares her journey from humble beginnings in Long Island to leading one of the most innovative companies in enterprise software. Discover the importance of mentorship, the power of taking risks, and how a customer-centric approach can fuel exponential growth. Tune in to learn how Gina’s story and ServiceNow’s groundbreaking achievements can inspire and inform your own professional path.To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here. 
Conagra Brands, a household name in many kitchens, is a major force in the packaged food industry. They’re behind an impressive array of popular brands, from Hunt’s ketchup to Healthy Choice frozen meals. In this episode, Jack McCullough engages with David Marberger as he shares his journey to becoming CFO at Conagra Brands, reflecting on the company's transformation and its focus on innovation in the food industry. Reflecting on his career, David underscores the role of mentorship and continuous learning, attributing his success to agility, critical thinking, and a strong operational focus in his CFO role.To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here. 
Struggling with managing corporate spending and approvals? Payhawk, a comprehensive spend management solution, can streamline the entire process for your business. Jack McCullough sits down with Konstantin Dzhengozov, the CFO of PayHawk, to discuss it and the problems it solves for businesses. Konstantin explains the challenges faced by companies in managing spend effectively and highlights how PayHawk addresses these obstacles through digitalization and control mechanisms. Konstantin inspires listeners to embrace change, harness innovation, and chart their path toward success in the dynamic landscape of modern business.  To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here.
While most nonprofits need not be as focused on the bottom line, the power of healthy margins can’t be underestimated. Kelly Mahncke, the CFO of USA Hockey, knows this well, having led the organization through the highs of Olympics seasons, and the lows of the pandemic. She asks herself, “How do we positively impact more people? How do we grow our revenue? How do we thoughtfully do that as well?” Ultimately, winning not only feels good, but does good.Mahncke joins Jack McCullough for an episode of Secrets of Rockstar CFOs to share how she approaches strategic financial decision-making in the nonprofit sector, the unique challenges and triumphs of leading a sports organization and how she’s helping sustain growth for the future. Listen by clicking below. The Q&A, lightly edited and trimmed for clarity, follows.To book a demo with Payhawk, click here.To book a demo with Planful, click here.
Tune in to this episode where Jack McCullough sits down with Alison Staloch, the CFO of Fundrise, as she shares insights on the company’s growth journey in the alternative asset management fintech space. Reflecting on her background in psychology and accounting, Alison discusses the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and curiosity in leadership roles. She also underscores Fundrise's commitment to technological innovation and transparent communication, pivotal in enhancing the investor experience and operational efficacy. This episode offers a compelling exploration of Fundrise's approach to alternative asset management and Alison's illuminating perspectives on the evolving landscape of finance. To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here.
One of the most ubiquitous problems in business is the quirky relationship between growth and profitability. Too often, the stream of profit slows down as a company starts to grow and its expenses increase. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Rockstar CFOs like Kathy Wagner of Kaseya have figured out ways to make growth sustainable and profit-friendly while making sure the company culture is protected at every step of the way. In this episode of Secrets of Rockstar CFOs, Kathy lets us in on some of their financial leadership secrets at Kaseya that play a major part in making the company a global leader in its field. Tune in!To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here.
Ever wondered what makes a Rockstar CFO tick? This episode dives into the fascinating world of Eric Kutcher, a CFO who defies expectations. From his surprising switch from engineering to finance to his role as a senior partner and CFO at McKinsey advising leading institutions, Eric’s journey is packed with valuable insights. Get ready to hear about the power of mentorship, the unexpected benefits of an engineering background in finance, and how technology is revolutionizing the role of the CFO. But it’s not all spreadsheets and boardrooms! Eric also shares his secrets for building a world-class team, navigating the CEO relationship, and balancing a fulfilling personal life—all with a healthy dose of baseball rivalry thrown in for good measure. Don’t miss this inspiring episode packed with actionable advice for aspiring CFOs and anyone looking to take their leadership skills to the next level!To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here.
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs In this episode, we have Ajay Vashee, a former CFO of Dropbox turned investor at IVP to discuss the relationship between building companies and making strategic investment decisions. Hear his journey in Dropbox, what built the company that stores the world’s data, and how it remains steadfast to this day. But more than that, hear Ajay’s story of leaving the company and becoming an investor at IVP. Learn how to build strong teams, strategize investments, and more in this conversation. Tune in now! To book a demo with Payhawk, click here. To book a demo with Planful, click here.
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