Books To The Boardroom

Most CFOs don't start their careers directing Shakespeare. Scott Drummond did.  Now CFO at REIQ , Scott sits down with Sumith to unpack his unusual journey from theatre to finance. He reckons the skills that made him a good director – proper listening, bringing out the best in teams, seeing the big picture – are exactly what CFOs need today. They also dig into what finance transformation actu...

In this episode, host Sumith talks with  Rebecca He , founder of RHCFO Consulting in Brisbane. Rebecca shares her unique journey from door-to-door sales in Shanghai at age 14 to becoming a transformational CFO with 25 years of experience across ASX-listed companies and startups. Rebecca's early sales background gives her a distinct advantage – understanding that business is about human connec...

In this episode, Books to the Boardroom had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Edwards , CFO at Perfection Fresh Australia , who shared his remarkable journey from aspiring tradesman to finance leader. Andrew's career path took him through BP's global operations, where he developed the communication skills and inquisitive mindset that became his defining strengths. We explored how Andr...

"Understanding the problem puts you 50% of the way to addressing it." In this episode of Books of the Boardroom , Season Three of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith welcomes Simon Turner , CFO and ELT member with nearly three decades of experience in finance. Simon shares insights from his unique career path, from serving on nuclear missile submarines in the Royal Navy to becoming a C...

In this episode of ' Books of the Boardroom ' podcast, Sumith chats with Andre Luchesi , Group CFO at Westpork and DBC in Western Australia. Andre's got a really interesting story - from corporate life to running his own ice cream business in Brazil and back to the CFO world. Andre talks about how economic cycles really work, why understanding the big picture macro stuff matters so...

In this episode of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith welcomes Winston Abeyeratne , CFO at Conference Group in South Australia.  Winston shares his immigration journey, starting 12 years ago, and his career transition from audit trainee at KPMG in Sri Lanka to various roles in the finance sector in Australia. He discusses the importance of backing statements with numbers, the challenges of work...

Navigating the People-Centric Transformation in Finance In this episode of the Books to the Boardroom , season three of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith is joined by Ben Edmonds , CFO at Alberts in Sydney. The conversation covers Ben's career journey from an early interest in tourism management to becoming a CFO, highlighting the influence of his father and his practical experiences in v...

Leadership Insights: Navigating the Modern CFO Role with Christina Temme In this episode of the Books to the Boardroom CFO Catalyst podcast, we speak with Christina Temme , CFO at AC3 in Sydney. Christina shares her extensive experience in finance, legal, and compliance, discussing the evolving scope of the CFO role and the importance of logic, decision-making, and embracing change.  She highlight...

In this episode of the CFO Catalyst Podcast , host Sumith welcomes David Hill, CFO of Mosh . They delve into the unchanging fundamentals of business and the evolving tools and skills required for successful financial leadership. David shares his unique journey from childhood entertainer to top finance executive, discussing the importance of critical thought, communication, and problem-solving in t...

Adapting to Change: Lifelong Learning and Technological Advancement with Luke Howes  In this episode of the Books of the Boardroom podcast, season three of CFO Catalyst , the host interviews Luke Howes, CFO at Six Degrees Executive . They discuss the importance of lifelong learning and curiosity in both personal and professional development. Luke shares insights into the values-led and relationshi...

In this episode of the Books to the Boardroom Podcast, Season Three CFO Catalyst , I welcomed Scott Walkinshaw, CFO of New North Feed , Western Australia's largest vehicle equipment, transport, and crane company. Scott shared how businesses face tremendous pressure today - squeezed between clients demanding more for less and staff wanting flexible arrangements. Technology is the key to doing...

Join host Sumith and guest Manuel Nesta, a senior finance professional based in Perth, Australia. Manuel shares insights from his career journey and current role as CFO at Acquire, a software company specialising in natural resources and ESG compliance. Key points: The evolution of finance from transaction processing to strategic advisory Digital transformation and automation in finance department...

In the latest episode of the Boardroom Podcast's CFO Catalyst series, host Sumith welcomes Martin Gyde , an experienced CFO from New Zealand who calls himself "the Gordon Ramsay of Finance."  Martin shares his journey from aspiring policeman to senior financial professional, influenced by his father, a former retail CEO. With his competitive nature shaped by a background in high-lev...

Navigating the Finance Role in the Era of AI: Insights from Jarrod Magee, CFO of Sapia.ai In this episode of "Books of the Boardroom Podcast" (Season 3: CFO Catalyst), host Smith dives deep with Jarrod Magee, CFO of Sapia.ai, exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the finance function. Jarrod shares his journey from Deloitte consultant to C-suite executive, revealing the c...

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Auditing with EY's Madhu Nair In this episode of the Books of the Boardroom podcast, host Sumith talks with Madhu Nair, Partner at EY Australia, who brings nearly three decades of experience in the accounting profession. Madhu takes us on his professional journey from handwritten ledgers in India to becoming a Partner at one of the Big Four firms. He share...

From Dreams of Acting to Leading Finance - The Journey of Ilona Abram  In this episode of Books in the Boardroom podcast, Ilona Abram shares her unconventional journey from aspiring actress to Group CFO at Aquatic Achievers Group. Hosted by Sumith, Ilona delves into her diverse career path, including her roles in HR, IT, and risk procurement beyond traditional finance.  The discussion covers her e...

In this episode of the Books in the Boardroom podcast, we kick off Season 3, CFO Catalyst, by diving into the world of Chief Financial Officers. Host Sumith explores financial leadership with Rowan Darling, CFO at Clemenger BBDO. They discuss Rowan's transition from audit to commercial operations, the impact of AI in finance, and balancing short-term results with long-term investments. Rowan...

Patrick Kerlin, CFO of One Door Mental Health, discusses the organisation's work and his journey to joining them, highlighting the importance of a purpose-driven approach and empowering teams to make decisions. He emphasises that finance should serve as a support function and underscores the value of listening to the team. Reflecting on his early career, Patrick shares his experience of stand...

In this enlightening episode of Books to the Boardroom , we sit down with Tracey-Lee Napier, CEO and Company Director of Holistic Lifestyle Services . Tracey-Lee shares her remarkable journey in the disability sector, providing insights into the valuable services her company offers and the importance of building a robust team culture. Tracey-Lee emphasises the significance of recognising the value...

In this exciting episode of Books to the Boardroom, we sit down with Gabriel (GG) Guedes , the dynamic COO & CFO of Lyka , a trailblazing company delivering human-grade meals on subscription to dogs across Australia. Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Gabriel's journey is as inspiring as it is diverse. With a background in engineering and a master’s degree from Italy, he transitioned into th...

Join us this week on Books to the Boardroom podcast as we welcome Kamy Brar , Director of Finance & Operations (CFO) at The Entourage . Kamy shares his incredible journey from starting as a trainee to becoming a leading figure at The Entourage, where they coach entrepreneurs and business owners on how to work on their business, not just in their business. In this episode, Kamy recounts a memor...

In this episode of Books to the Boardroom, we have the privilege of welcoming Kate Carruthers , the esteemed Head of Business Intelligence and Chief Data & Insights Officer at UNSW, as this week's guest speaker. With her extensive expertise in data-driven decision-making, technology, and leadership, Kate brings a wealth of insights that are invaluable for today's business leaders. Th...

Join us for this week's episode of Books to the Boardroom, featuring Tony Berry , the dynamic Business Development Manager and Owner of Tidy Up . Tony brings a wealth of entrepreneurial expertise and strategic vision to the table, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring business leaders and seasoned professionals alike. Through his journey as an entrepreneur, Tony has navigated the cha...

Step into the world of financial leadership with us in this exclusive episode of Books to the Boardroom, featuring Tim Bensley , the esteemed CFO of Carpet Call. Tim brings a wealth of expertise in finance, strategic planning, and business operations, making this episode essential listening for financial professionals and aspiring leaders alike. Throughout his career, Tim has demonstrated a keen a...

In this episode of "Books to the Boardroom," we are honoured to welcome Lorraine Finlay as our distinguished guest speaker. Lorraine brings a wealth of expertise in constitutional law, human rights, and public policy, making her insights invaluable for leaders navigating complex challenges in today's dynamic world. Drawing from her extensive background and diverse experiences, Lorra...