Cfo Thought Leader

Michael O’Grady’s finance strategic moment occurred in 2014 at higher-ed tech company Ellucian. Faced with transitioning from a traditional perpetual license model to a SaaS one, he identified the need for a unified approach across all business functions. Recognizing that the company’s executives had differing visions, he proposed skipping the annual budget process to focus on a 5-year integrated plan. This comprehensive strategy, developed with input from all departments, required significant investment but also was crucial for the company’s transformation. The plan’s success ultimately contributed to Ellucian’s acquisition by TPG for $3.5 billion, demonstrating the power of cohesive strategic financial planning. O’Grady’s journey to becoming a finance executive was far from linear. In his early years, he was uncertain about his career path. He had a passion for languages, which led him to work for Berlitz, the global language education company. Fluent in three languages, he found that his experience at

Two-and-a-half years ago, CFO Tony Querciagrossa began a discussion with Dale Schwartz, founder of Pinstripes, that would eventually lead to Querciagrossa joining the experiential dining up-and-comer as CFO. Turn back the clock a little, and you would see that Pinstripes, aiming for a traditional IPO, had engaged Goldman Sachs to solidify its path toward benefiting from a permanent capital structure. However, the emergence of the omicron variant of you-know-what disrupted these plans, placing the firm’s IPO on hold as uncertainty loomed.Read MoreDespite the sudden challenges, Pinstripes pivoted swiftly to seize the opportunity presented by a changing financial landscape. Enter Banyan, a SPAC deeply invested in the industry and eager to collaborate. Querciagrossa joined the company just as the Banyan team was finalizing their business combination agreement—which would mark a pivotal moment in Pinstripes’s trajectory. With momentum building, Querciagrossa stepped into his role as CFO during the second phase of

On Location IMA24 (San Antonio, TX) the annual America's conference for the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)  CFO Thought Leader Host Jack Sweeney speaks to Mike DePrisco, IMA President and CEO, about the evolving importance of certifications like the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) and the newly established FMAA (Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate) to support early-career individuals. DePrisco stressed the need for personalized professional development to cater to unique career motivations and the critical role of CFOs in promoting continuous learning. The IMA is focusing on stackable digital credentials in areas like AI and cybersecurity to help professionals specialize further. Additionally, the IMA plans geographic expansion, notably into Japan, and aims to strengthen partnerships with academic institutions and organizations. Dianna Steinbach, IMA SVP growth, highlights the opportunities for growth both domestically and internationally, with a strategic push into Japan due to its

In the throes of the Great Recession, Erica Gessert faced one of her first tests of leadership. As the head of Investor Relations for Virgin Mobile, she found herself navigating the collapsing financial sector. Key banks that were integral to the company's operations began to crumble, and the economic landscape was fraught with uncertainty. Keeping investor concerns top of mind, Gessert was able to help steady Virgin Mobile and bring the path leading beyond the crisis into full view.In the years ahead, Gessert’s career trajectory continued upward as she transitioned into various finance leadership roles. She spent a significant portion of her career at PayPal, where she honed her skills in analytics and strategic planning. Her ability to leverage data for decision-making allowed her to emerge as a strategy-minded finance executive capable of driving business growth and profitability.In May 2022, Gessert was named CFO of Upwork. At the time, the company was grappling with profitability challenges despite the f

When she was an international studies major living abroad, Ashley Johnson tells us she met a U.S. ambassador whose unvarnished career advice subsequently led her to divert her career path away from the diplomatic corps of the U.S. foreign service.Johnson reflects, "I thought I was going into the State Department." However, a weekend spent with Ambassador Roy Huffington, immersed in discussions about the pivotal role of a strong economy, sparked a profound realization. "You cannot be an effective leader if you don't understand how to make a strong economy," the ambassador and renowned Texas oilman emphasized, leaving Ashley determined to delve into the world of business and finance.More encouragement followed when a friend from a study group introduced her to the intricacies of Wall Street, igniting her fascination with financial statements. "Financial statements tell a really interesting story," she notes, "and if you know how to read them, you're going to understand something about that company that maybe ot

In this episode of Controllers Classified, host Erik Zhou is joined by Eugene Spevakov, Treasurer and Head of Corporate FP&A at 6sense. The conversation begins by tracing Eugene’s path, highlighting his start in civil engineering and his transition into treasury and corporate finance. The episode then dives deep into the primary responsibilities of a treasury function: cash and risk management (aka, you need to be able to move money from point A to point B safely). Eugene spends time explaining what both mean and best practices associated (tip: prioritize cash preservation, liquidity, then yield). As a part of that, he reflects on the SVB collapse a year ago, and how that galvanized a lot of companies to take a hard look at their cash and risk management processes. The conversation pivots to Eugene’s focus areas and accomplishments at 6sense. He shares how he built the company’s first official treasury function, executed a senior secured credit facility, and designed an investment portfolio to optimize

CFO Jorge Stevenson’s finance career journey begins in Santiago, Chile, where both his parents were leaders within the business community and instilled in him the importance of finance when it comes to  achieving business success.Jorge’s formal business education began with an MBA from Duke University, where he honed his finance. His professional journey includes pivotal roles at a number of different organizations. At Goldman Sachs, he gained exposure to mergers and acquisitions, financial planning, and board-level responsibilities. His tenure at Prudential further solidified his strategic thinking capabilities, working on mergers and acquisitions across Latin America, Europe, and Africa.

In the early years of Scott Henderson’s career, the dotcom bubble burst, leaving the tech industry in turmoil and many young professionals uncertain about their futures. Despite this chaotic climate, Henderson decided to take a calculated risk by joining another dotcom venture. This time, the company was a modest enterprise with 300 employees and $25 million in revenue. At the time, it was known as Salesforce.com.Henderson’s gamble paid off handsomely. As Salesforce grew from a promising start-up into a global tech giant, Henderson’s role within the company expanded significantly. He ascended through the ranks, eventually managing a team of 600 people across 13 countries. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in integrating major acquisitions like MuleSoft and Tableau, helping to navigate the complexities of these integrations while driving corporate planning and strategic initiatives.In 2022, Henderson took on a new challenge as CFO of DISQO, a brand experience platform company. Stepping into DISQO, he

A brief summary of this episode

Efraín Pérez Agosto began his career on the lively casino floors of Puerto Rico, where his fascination with the gaming industry was first sparked. Starting with a succession of jobs, he quickly showcased his analytical prowess and passion for finance. In search of broader horizons, Agosto relocated to the U.S. when his casino owner set down roots in Indiana. This move marked a pivotal chapter in his career, as he balanced work while completing his undergraduate degree stateside before going on to pursue an MBA.The Indiana operation offered Agosto invaluable experience in the American gaming market. His ability to dissect complex data and drive strategic initiatives began to set him apart. During this period, Agosto tells us, his pursuit of an MBA expanded his strategic thinking and prepared him for more significant challenges ahead.Upon graduating, Agosto joined Caesars Entertainment, where he soon found himself on a fast track to becoming a casino controller. After 4 years with Caesars, it was then on to MGM

Robert Cornella’s path to the CFO office at Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) wasn’t meticulously planned; it was shaped by pivotal moments and unexpected opportunities. A significant milestone arrived with his appointment as CFO of Coca-Cola Germany, a defining chapter in his career.Before his tenure in Germany, Cornella had already achieved several notable accomplishments. His journey began when he boldly relocated from the United States to Europe with E&Y, setting the stage for transformative experiences.His elevation to CFO of Coca-Cola Germany validated his previous career decisions. “I was handed the keys to the kingdom,” he recalls. Still, Cornella had some nagging doubts and wondered whether he was ready for the position. For his part, Cornella had emerged as an ideal candidate for the role due to his involvement in a multibillion-dollar transaction consolidating European bottlers. In time his deep understanding of the different bottlers and their operations, along with his growing flu

Blending academic rigor with industry acumen- Fatema El-Wakeel, PHD has multiple professional lives inside the data strategy realm.  Her multifaceted career encompasses roles at the University of Cambridge, where she imparts knowledge as a seasoned educator, and at Unilever, where she shapes strategic data initiatives. Fatema also lends her expertise as a non-executive director (Institute of Management Accountants), showcasing her versatility and leadership in diverse settings. A crucial aspect of her professional life is the intersection of academia and industry. Fatema champions the idea that academic research can profoundly inform practical solutions, while real-world challenges can drive academic inquiry. This synergy enhances both realms, fostering innovation and effective problem-solving.

When David's Bridal, a New York City staple, filed for bankruptcy in 2018, Joan Hilson was at the helm as CFO. The experience was a crucible, teaching her invaluable lessons about crisis management and strategic pivoting. "Navigating the bankruptcy of David's Bridal forced me to re-evaluate our strategies and become more resilient," Hilson recalls. This challenging period honed her ability to steer a company through turbulent times, a skill that she would carry forward into her role at Signet Jewelers.Hilson's journey toward becoming a strategic leader was shaped by a series of diverse roles across the retail sector. Starting her career at Sterling Jewelers in the mid-1980s, she climbed through the ranks to become the company's first female vice president. Her subsequent tenures at Limited Brands and American Eagle Outfitters provided her with a broad perspective on retail operations and financial management​.At Signet, Hilson's strategic mindset has become evident in her emphasis on innovation and digital tr

Angola might not top the list of destinations to which executives typically flock to build their careers, but for Julien Lafouge, it was the starting point of an extended journey. Back in 2001, Lafouge stepped into a pivotal finance leadership role with Technip, a technology provider to the energy industry. The unconventional geography forced him to develop a keen sense of resilience and adaptability, traits that would become cornerstones of his career.Lafouge's journey from the complexities of a country marked by political instabilities to his current role as CFO at Spendesk is a testament to his knack for building teams and uprooting borders. At Spendesk, he faced the task of restructuring the finance organization to support rapid growth. Drawing on his experience, he emphasized simplification and efficiency, and championed ROI through automation and streamlined processes. The approach, Lafouge tells us, reduced the need for additional accountants by 40%, validating the power of efficient teams.One of Lafou

Planful CEO Grant Halloran shares his insights on the current state of AI adoption in the enterprise, emphasizing the need to temper excitement with reality. He highlighted the importance of understanding legal and security aspects, listening to customers, and pacing AI development with their ability to use it effectively. Halloran also discussed the potential of AI to transform business processes, emphasizing the importance of a human-AI partnership and the need for customers to adapt to using the API and learn new ways to do things. Planful CFO Dan Fletcher discusses the role of finance leaders in the age of AI. CFO Fletcher emphasizes the need for data governance and security, and stresses the importance of investing in knowledge and training to mitigate risk. Fletcher highlights the significance of preparation and experience in shaping his perspectives on AI, while drawing on his investment background. referencing his past conversations on AI-related topics. Interviews featured in this episode include: Mi

At just 16, Tucker Marshall unsuccessfully sought a humble beginning at The J. M. Smucker Company—not in the back office but on its lush grounds, hoping to cut grass. Such an early rejection—due to a company policy favoring employees’ families first—did little to deter him. Instead, it left with him an indelible admiration for the company’s culture and its loyalty to its extended family.Marshall’s career trajectory—although certainly not linear—has been a master class in preparation and perseverance. Redirecting from his initial pursuit of a career in medicine after having fallen in love with economics, he embarked on a formidable journey down the corridors of finance. Starting in Chicago, he cut his teeth on investment banking and credit analysis at ABN AMRO, now part of Bank of America. This formative period honed his financial acumen, which led him to delve deeper into the intricacies of corporate finance and investment.Transitioning into private equity further expanded his horizons, immersing him in the o

On a remote Wyoming cattle ranch, young Jason Godley faced a dire situation: the baler attached to his tractor suddenly caught fire. Alone, with no immediate help and devoid of modern conveniences like cell phones, 12-year-old Jason had to think quickly and act decisively. His decision to drive to a neighbor’s house to use their hose not only extinguished the fire but also preserved the surrounding fields. This incident on the ranch, Godley tells us, instilled a lifelong “bias for action” and an ability for “independent thinking,” themes that would profoundly shape his professional ethos and success.Jason’s journey from the plains of Wyoming to the corporate boardrooms of global finance began at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he dealt with complex international finance and technical accounting in Denver and Paris. The skills cultivated during his youth—swift decision-making and self-reliance—proved invaluable as he navigated diverse business environments and cultures.These traits became even more crucial as Ja

Lawrence Herman’s path to becoming a CFO unfolded through a series of experiences that changed his understanding of the finance world, beginning with his initial role at Goldman Sachs. Here, in the crucible of intense market dynamics, Herman cut his teeth on complex financial models, where the rigor of long hours refined his capacity to handle pressure and complexity—a foundational skill for any leader.Following his stint at Goldman Sachs, Herman transitioned to Prudential Securities, diving into the intricate world of mergers and acquisitions. This move wasn’t just a change of address: It was a strategic step into a role that demanded a deep understanding of corporate strategies and the foresight to see beyond numbers. It was here that Herman began to interact closely with C-suite executives, gaining insights into decision-making at the highest levels and learning the art of negotiation and strategic thinking.Herman’s career trajectory continued through various financial institutions, including EY and Morgan

When faced with unprecedented challenges, the true mettle of a leader is tested. Daniel Bisgeier, a seasoned CFO, exemplifies how continuous improvement and strategic decisiveness pave the way for corporate resilience and growth. Reflecting on his career, Bisgeier notes that significant progress often doesn't come in bursts but through "persistent effort over time and constant refinement."A poignant illustration of Bisgeier's strategic agility occurred during his tenure at MediaMath, amid the tumultuous onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis had abruptly shifted the demand environment, straining the company's working capital due to misaligned payment arrangements. Recognizing the urgent need for liquidity, Bisgeier spearheaded a proactive initiative to renegotiate payment terms with vendors and clients alike. This strategic move was not just about navigating a crisis but transforming it into an opportunity for more sustainable operations."We had to make sure we had backup plans," Bisgeier recalls, undersc

Leadership in FP&A: All three CFOs emphasize the role of finance in leading and driving business performance through strategic foresight, detailed operational insights, and proactive engagement. Technology and Innovation: There is a strong inclination towards integrating new technologies like AI to enhance the capabilities of finance teams and improve business processes. Collaboration and Influence: The CFOs highlight the importance of collaboration within organizations, where finance must work closely with other departments to influence and drive business outcomes effectively.