In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, we’re joined by Anne Samak de la Cerda, Partner at FLG Partners, for a deep dive into the rise of fractional CFOs.

With two seasoned fractional CFOs on the mic (our co-host Lauren Pearl included) we explore how the role has evolved, when it makes sense to hire one, and what early vs late-stage companies actually need from finance leadership.

You’ll learn:

• Why not every company needs a full-time CFO
• How fractional CFOs deliver fast, strategic impact
• The difference between early vs late-stage finance needs
• When to bring in a fractional vs full-time hire
• Why demand for fractional CFOs is growing globally
• How fractional CFOs are adapting to AI, tech, and leaner budgets

01:03 Meet Anne and Lauren

01:54 Anne's Journey to Becoming a Fractional CFO

05:42 Lauren's Path to Fractional CFO

09:00 Early Stage vs. Late Stage CFO Roles

15:29 Navigating Crises and Transformations

24:11 Transitioning Out of Business: When and How

24:47 Challenges of Ending Client Relationships

25:20 Evaluating Team Readiness and Setting Expectations

27:39 Lauren's Perspective on Client Transitions

30:34 Balancing Multiple Clients and Diversifying Revenue

37:34 The Importance of Networking for Fractional CFOs

40:04 The Evolving Role of Fractional CFOs

44:49 Global Perspectives and Future Trends

Whether you're a founder, finance leader, or considering going fractional yourself—this episode is packed with insights from the trenches.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with today’s most strategic finance leaders.

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samakdelacerda/

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/

Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/

Find the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kYrQay8k92g?si=PtsrI2KXXEgdC2Fm

The Growth-Minded CFO podcast aims to challenge the status-quo and explore how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders who’ll share what great CFOs are doing to support high-performing organizations.

This podcast is powered by Upflow - a Financial Relationship Management platform enabling faster payments, stronger customer relationships and efficient growth for your business.

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Feedback or praise for the podcast? Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io