The Diary of a CFO

Executive Job Search Strategies, with Amy Sulgrove

Ever wondered what happens after you hit "submit" on a job application? 

In this episode, executive recruiter Amy Sulgrove takes you behind the scenes of the hiring process.

Learn how recruiters evaluate candidates, the power of a strong LinkedIn profile, and why networking isn’t optional.

Amy offers practical tips, including how to find hiring managers’ emails, the right way to follow up, and how to avoid common pitfalls that keep great candidates from landing their dream roles.

 

Your Roadmap to Executive Leadership

As the year ends, it’s time to refocus on your career goals. In this episode, I share the steps, mindset shifts, and strategies that can help you break through to executive leadership in the year ahead.

You’ll learn:

• Why traditional strategies like hard work and getting more credentials aren’t enough.
• How to develop executive presence that sets you apart.
• The importance of building influence and relationships to unlock opportunities.

Resources to Support Your Journey:

• 14-Day Email Guide: Master The Executive PIN Code with daily insights and actionable tips. Sign up here.
• Strategic Influence Quiz: Discover how others see you and where you can grow. Take the quiz.
• Office of the CFO Bootcamp: A cohort program for mastering executive-level skills. Learn more.

Making Bold Moves, with Brenda Hodo-Iddris

Making bold moves is what defines Brenda Hodo-Iddris. With over 20 years of experience spanning public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Brenda has mastered the art of adaptability and strategic influence. In this episode, she shares:

• How she carved out a niche as a "fixer" in nonprofit finance and operations.

• The importance of building trust and relationships across all levels of an organization.

• Why stepping beyond financials is key to becoming a strategic influencer.

Brenda’s advice isn’t just for CFOs—it’s for anyone navigating leadership challenges, balancing strategy with execution, or aspiring to make a bigger impact.

 

Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-hodo-iddris-mba-3860888/

About the host > https://www.wassiakamon.com/about-wassia-kamon

 

Behind the Scenes of My First 90 Days as CFO

Becoming a CFO is an exciting milestone, but those first 90 days can be a whirlwind of learning, decisions, and adjustments. In this episode of Diary of a CFO, I reflect on my journey through my first three months in the role—what I got right, what I wish I had done differently, and the lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The key advice from my mentor and executive coach that set me up for success before day one.
• How to build meaningful relationships with your team and peers in the first 90 days.
• Practical tips for improving team collaboration and driving impact early on.
• Strategies for managing time and avoiding burnout as a new leader.

If you’re aiming for a CFO role or leading a team, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at my first 90 days in the seat.

Starting Strong as a New CFO, with Matt Ziegler

In this episode of Diary of a CFO, I sit down with Matt Ziegler, CFO of GovExec, to unpack what it really takes to hit the ground running in a new CFO role.

Matt shares his experience moving from FP&A to CFO, managing multiple functions, and finding his footing in a company with complex business models.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to structure your first 90 days as CFO for maximum impact
• The skills to shift from FP&A to a broader CFO role
• Effective onboarding techniques and why pre-planning matters
• The importance of aligning on simplicity and scalability in finance
• Tips for building trust and setting clear expectations with your team

From balancing leadership with technical know-how to navigating the first 90 days, this episode is packed with insights for finance professionals stepping up to senior roles.

 

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzieglerfinance/

About the host > https://www.wassiakamon.com/about-wassia-kamon

Breaking Silos Between Marketing and Finance, with Elaine Benfield

In this episode, Elaine Benfield, a seasoned marketing leader, shares her insights on how to bridge the gap between marketing and finance. We dive into the importance of aligning metrics, building collaborative relationships, and leveraging storytelling to drive business growth.

Whether you're in finance, marketing, or leadership, this conversation offers valuable strategies to break down silos and work more effectively across departments.Here's what you'll learn:

• How to align marketing and finance metrics for shared success
• The power of storytelling in making financial data impactful and engaging
• Tips for marketing leaders to better collaborate with finance teams on budgeting
• The importance of transparent communication in creating effective partnerships
• Why strong vendor relationships are crucial for business growth

Tune in to discover how marketing and finance can work together to achieve bigger and better results!

 

Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainebenfield/

About the host > https://www.wassiakamon.com/about-wassia-kamon

What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO - Part 3 of 3

Welcome to the final part of What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO. In this episode, I explore why being able to say no is a critical skill for any CFO and leader. Here's what you'll learn:

• Why saying yes too often can damage your focus and leadership credibility
• How overcommitting can hurt your personal brand and mental health
• The importance of setting boundaries to protect your team
• How the CFO sets the tone for risk management across the company
• Navigating difficult conversations with CEOs while staying true to your role
• Why developing "career insurance" through personal growth and networking is essential

Saying no isn’t just a defensive move—it’s an opportunity to lead with clarity, protect your priorities, and inspire trust. In this final part of the series, I’ll show you how mastering the art of saying no can elevate your leadership, empower your team, and help you make smarter, more strategic decisions. Let's dive in!

What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO - Part 2

In Part 2 of the "What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO" series, we dive into one of the biggest surprises for new CFOs:

Most of your time will be spent speaking with people outside the finance department. 

Learn why understanding their priorities will help you simplify complex financial data into clear, actionable insights. 

Plus:

• The importance of connecting with people across the organization
• How to adapt your communication style for non-finance audiences
• Tips for presenting financials to investors, board members, and other external stakeholders
• Why building a personal board of directors can help you see things from different angles
• Tips for working outside your comfort zone to thrive in leadership

This episode is a must-listen for finance and accounting leaders aiming to enhance their communication and influence outside of finance.