Secrets of Rockstar CFOs

Join Jack McCullough as he dives into the world of CFO problem-solving with Virpy Richter , the CFO of Awin Global. In this episode, they explore how a scientist's problem-solving mindset can shape financial leadership, and the strategic initiatives driving Awin's global growth. If you're interested in mastering CFO problem-solving in today's digital landscape, this conversation offers valuable in...

In this episode, Jack McCullough sits down with Dan Durn, Adobe’s CFO, t o dive into the transformative leadership strategies driving Adobe’s success. They explore the company’s journey in the digital economy, discussing how Adobe has catalyzed some of the most significant technological shifts today. Listen as they uncover insights into Adobe’s leadership, innovation, and the role of the CFO in a...

Joining Jack McCullough in this thought-provoking episode is Rowan Wilkie , CFO at Nutromics . He looks back on the origin story of their company, which has a high chance of making a huge difference in continuous diagnostic monitoring. Rowan reflects on how he found himself working Nutromics, the most valuable lessons he learned from his mentors, and how he became a mentor to other promising busin...

True leadership is about more than just managing numbers; it’s about empowering teams and embracing change. In this episode, Jack McCullough sits down with Navneet Govil , Executive Managing Partner and CFO of SoftBank Investment Advisors, to dive deep into the modern role of CFOs. From Navneet's journey from Zambia to leading SoftBank’s $100 billion Vision Funds, to the challenges of navigating a...

In this episode, Jack McCullough sits down with Sho-Joung Kim-Wechsler to explore the fascinating intersection of digital art and business. As the founder of XVERSO.IO, Sho-Joung shares her journey from the corporate world to creating a premium digital art marketplace. Tune in to discover how XVERSO.IO is revolutionizing the digital art marketplace, making art more accessible and engaging for ever...

In this episode, Jack McCullough sits down with Simon Edwards , CFO of Conga , to discuss the dynamic role of the CFO in today’s business environment. They explore how Simon leverages his background in technology and engineering to drive financial strategy and growth at Conga, a leader in revenue lifecycle management. Tune in to discover insights on career development, operational efficiency, and...

In this episode, Scarlett O'Sullivan , CFO of Leaf Home , joins Jack McCullough to discuss her journey from investment banking to becoming a leading CFO in the home improvement industry. Scarlett shares insights into her role at Leaf Home, strategies for navigating volatile markets, and the importance of strong leadership and innovation in driving company growth. Listen in as they explore the chal...

WM is redefining what it means to be green. In this episode, Jack McCullough interviews Devina Rankin , CFO of Waste Management, who delves into the company’s robust environmental initiatives, leadership values, and the critical role of teamwork and innovation. Devina discusses how Waste Management is evolving beyond traditional waste collection to focus on innovative environmental solutions and r...

Virgin Atlantic rose from a maverick challenging the transatlantic market with a fun, friendly experience to a global airline. Jack McCullough features CFO Oliver Byers as he recounts Virgin Atlantic’s trajectory. Founded in 1984 by Richard Branson, the airline started with a London to New York flight, aiming to transform the air travel experience. Oliver shares insights into the airline’s strateg...

Today, we meet a trailblazer –  Bolanle Williams-Olley , the CFO of the prestigious New York architecture firm,  Mancini Duffy . Join Jack McCullough as Bolanle shares her remarkable story – from her upbringing in Lagos, fueled by her mother’s emphasis on education, to her unexpected yet successful career pivot. Jack and Bolanle unpack Mancini Duffy’s rich history and dive deep into thei...

Curious about the secrets behind the success of a Fortune 500 company? In this episode, Jack McCullough sits down with Gina Mastantuono , CFO of ServiceNow , to uncover the strategies and insights that have driven her illustrious career. From transforming ServiceNow’s offline processes into digital experiences to achieving over $10 billion in revenue, Gina shares her journey from humble beginnings...

Conagra Brands , a household name in many kitchens, is a major force in the packaged food industry. They’re behind an impressive array of popular brands, from Hunt’s ketchup to Healthy Choice frozen meals. In this episode, Jack McCullough engages with David Marberger as he shares his journey to becoming CFO at Conagra Brands, reflecting on the company's transformation and its focus on innovation i...

Tune in to this episode where Jack McCullough sits down with Alison Staloch , the CFO of Fundrise , a s she shares insights on the company’s growth journey in the alternative asset management fintech space. Reflecting on her background in psychology and accounting, Alison discusses the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and curiosity in leadership roles. She also underscores Fundrise's...

Struggling with managing corporate spending and approvals? Payhawk, a comprehensive spend management solution, can streamline the entire process for your business. Jack McCullough sits down with Konstantin Dzhengozov , the CFO of PayHawk , to discuss it and the problems it solves for businesses. Konstantin explains the challenges faced by companies in managing spend effectively and highlights how...

While most nonprofits need not be as focused on the bottom line, the power of healthy margins can’t be underestimated. Kelly Mahncke, the CFO of  USA Hockey , knows this well, having led the organization through the highs of Olympics seasons, and the lows of the pandemic. She asks herself, “How do we positively impact more people? How do we grow our revenue? How do we thoughtfully do that as...

One of the most ubiquitous problems in business is the quirky relationship between growth and profitability. Too often, the stream of profit slows down as a company starts to grow and its expenses increase. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Rockstar CFOs like Kathy Wagner of Kaseya have figured out ways to make growth sustainable and profit-friendly while making sure the company culture is prote...

Ever wondered what makes a Rockstar CFO tick? This episode dives into the fascinating world of  Eric Kutcher , a CFO who defies expectations. From his surprising switch from engineering to finance to his role as a senior partner and CFO at  McKinsey  advising leading institutions, Eric’s journey is packed with valuable insights. Get ready to hear about the power of mentorship, the u...

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs   In this episode, we have Ajay Vashee , a former CFO of Dropbox turned investor at IVP to discuss the relationship between building companies and making strategic investment decisions. Hear his journey in Dropbox, what built the company that stores the world’s data, and how it remains steadfast to this day. But more than th...

A great CFO aligns strategies with the organization’s mission and values, ensuring dynamic growth and impact. In today’s episode, we embark on a journey of insights and discovery as we sit down with  Eric Muhlheim , the CFO of  Mozilla . Delve into the unique background and mission of Mozilla, a subsidiary of the Mozilla Foundation, committed to fostering an open and free internet. We ex...

Jack McCullough sits down with financial guru  Sean Brecker , who shares how he achieved success by putting his entrepreneurial spirit into action. He opens up about falling in love with global finance, his experiences working in investment banking, and the inception of his current company,  ŌURA . Sean talks about what is like to work in the healthcare and wellness space, as well as why...

Mandy Fields, the CFO Of E.L.F. Beauty, shares her secret of how she leads the American cosmetics brand to its growth. This brand, known for its high-quality, cruelty-free, and vegan products that are accessible, offers a comprehensive line of beauty products for different skin tones and types. Mandy also reveals how she helped the business evolve and adapt to the fast pace of its evolution. She a...

After separating its consumer division last year, Johnson & Johnson is now focused on Innovative Medicine and MedTech. Joining us today is the EVP and CFO of J&J, Joe Wolk . For Joe, Johnson & Johnson is very much a family business. Joe shares his career journey, his approach to building a world-class global financial organization, and how generative AI is impacting his role as CFO. He...

Jack McCullough is joined by  Deanna Strable , CFO of  Principal Financial Group . In this episode, she shares the biggest changes she played a role in since she joined this financial services company, as well as her relationship with their CEO. She explains how they are navigating growing client needs in the middle of high-interest rates and lingering inflation. Deanna also opens up abo...

A massive part of CFO success is being in a company whose values and mission you deeply resonate with. That is the case with today's guest, who took her expertise to help a biotech company do its share in tackling a global pandemic. In this episode, Kelly MacDonald , CFO of Dynavax Technologies Corporation , discusses the pivotal moments in her career. She talks about the value of both a CPA and a...

The only path to go is forward when a life-altering crisis comes. Today’s guest faced one of life’s tremendous challenges, and here’s her secret on how she managed to stay on track. Ranu Sharma , a Finance Director, has a story to tell about mentorship, public speaking, the challenges she faced with her son, and how the tragic event changed her leadership. Although Ranu faced a life-altering perso...