CFO 4.0 Podcast Monthly Roundup | August 2023

The summer holidays is nearly over but before then it’s time for our August Monthly Podcast Roundup!

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We started the summer with…

Mastering the Art of Influence: Building Your Finance Brand with Rob Brown

In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, host Hannah Munro sits down with special guest Rob Brown, a renowned influencer and expert in the finance and accounting world. Together they jump into the crucial topic of building a powerful personal and professional brand within the finance industry.

As they explore various strategies and skills needed to stay relevant and competitive in today's dynamic landscape, they offer valuable tips to help finance professionals thrive in their careers.

Key Takeaways:

·?????? The importance of personal branding and its impact on career success

·?????? Understanding the three essential brands: Corporate, Employer, and Personal

·?????? The significance of being technologically proficient and staying updated with industry advancements

·?????? The role of people skills and business acumen in elevating leadership capabilities

·?????? Bridging the gap between finance and other departments for a more holistic understanding of the business

·?????? Practical steps to change and improve one's existing reputation within the industry

Next followed….

CFO Stories: A CFO's Guide to Building Successful One-to-One Relationships with Susana Serrano-Davey

In this episode of the CFO 4.0 podcast, host Hannah Munro interviews Susana Serrano-Davey, a seasoned finance leader, and leadership mentor, as they delve into the art of successful one-to-one relationships.

Susana shares her expertise and valuable insights on fostering effective communication, building trust, and navigating challenges in a CFO's role.

Key Discussion Points:

·?????? The importance of structuring one-to-one meetings and making time for them

·?????? Balancing power dynamics in the relationship between line managers and direct reports

·?????? Finding your voice and expressing opinions confidently with both superiors and subordinates

·?????? Dealing with difficult conversations and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner

·?????? Supporting individuals through organisational changes and transformations

·?????? The role of empathy and emotional intelligence in building strong relationshipsThe delicate balance a successful CFO must strike, between budget management, operational duties, and strategic oversight.

·?????? Isaac's concept of a "cockroach" company - one that can survive and continue functioning even after major crises.

Next up we had….

Navigating Financial Planning in a Dynamic Business Environment with James Owen

In this episode, Hannah Munro is in conversation with James Owen, Global CFO, Profiles Division, at Kantar. James shares his expertise in financial planning and forecasting, shedding light on the nuances of the dynamic business landscape.

Also covered on the podcast:

·?????? Importance of using market data as a benchmark for performance comparisons

·?????? Strategies for managing the challenge of ensuring effective communication and understanding of financial data

·?????? Leveraging Integrated Business Planning to improve forecasting accuracy and resource allocation

·?????? The evolving role of finance professionals and the increasing importance of data science in finance

·?????? Evaluating candidates for finance positions based on emotional intelligence and business acumen

·?????? The value of scenario planning with ambition, realism, and prudence in mind

Up next we had…

The Balancing Act: Risks, Ethics, and the Lessons Learnt from Failing with Shaun Hayes

In this CFO 4.0 episode, Hannah Munro sits down with Shaun Hayes, Author of The Gray Choice who has a wealth of experience in both the highs and lows of corporate leadership. Dive deep into Shaun's perspective on various aspects of business and personal growth.

Topics covered include:

·?????? Emphasising the importance of taking risks to achieve success and underscores the value of seeking feedback from a tight-knit group of advisors.

·?????? Learn about Shaun's personal journey, from experiencing catastrophic failures to viewing them merely as events in a larger story.

·?????? The Argument that there's merit in finding a level where you're happy and sticking to it.

·?????? Discovering how the numbers game isn't just about accuracy—it's about upholding a strict standard. Shaun dives into practices and strategies to ensure this.

·?????? Highlighting the importance of having a varied group of advisors, from fellow leaders to salespeople, to get a full 360-degree view of situations.

·?????? Get an insight into Shaun's book and learn more about his philosophy and practices. The value of scenario planning with ambition, realism, and prudence in mind

If you enjoyed these episodes and want to listen to more, you can do so by clicking here.