#209 Upskilling for Tomorrow: The Advisory-Driven Evolution of Accounting with Roger Knecht, President Universal Accounting & Podcast Host “Building the Premier Accounting Firm”

# 219 Celebrating 5 Years of Driving Change for Finance Leaders with Dan Wells https://open.spotify.com/episode/1mgQkjEkaaBVBghRye7nhD Celebrating its 5th anniversary, the GrowCFO podcast takes a deep dive into the remarkable journey of the finance community platform. Led by founder and CEO Dan Wells, this special episode reflects on the evolution of the business, the key milestones, and the vision for the future. As a purpose-driven startup that has transformed into a leading resource for finance professionals worldwide, GrowCFO's story offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. Throughout the conversation, Dan and Kevin explore the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the GrowCFO narrative over the past five years. From the initial community-focused vision to the pivotal shift towards virtual and global expansion, the podcast delves into the strategic decisions, innovative programs, and the power of a dedicated team and supportive community. Key topics covered: The evolution of GrowCFO's business model, from community-based to virtual and global The launch and success of flagship programs like the Future CFO and CFO programs The transition to experiential learning and the impact of the XLF (Experiential Learning for Finance) initiative The importance of mentoring, partnerships, and the diverse team of experts that have contributed to GrowCFO's growth The key learnings and challenges faced by the startup, including the willingness to pivot and the power of purpose-driven leadership The future vision for GrowCFO, focusing on strategic finance, technology integration, and empowering finance teams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prCNHnQyBDI&t=55s Links Dan Wells on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:22 - Introduction and discussion of the 5-year anniversary 0:00:44 - Reflecting on the early days and the launch of the business 0:04:29 - Discussing the initial community-focused vision and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 0:08:05 - Exploring the evolution of the business model and the importance of mentoring 0:12:24 - Introducing the CFO program and the role of mentors 0:17:23 - Transitioning to experiential learning and the success of the XLF program 0:23:35 - Discussing the key learnings and challenges faced over the past 5 years 0:29:37 - Partnerships with tech companies and the transformation of the finance function 0:35:28 - Future vision and objectives for the next 5 years 0:39:30 - Closing remarks and a special offer for the community Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#218 Soft Skills Every Financial Leader Needs with Melanie Coeshott https://open.spotify.com/episode/65A52E2nhXg7T5L4SPV1Q1 As the business landscape becomes increasingly complex, the ability to effectively communicate, manage people, and navigate interpersonal dynamics has become just as essential as technical financial expertise. Melanie Coeshott, a GrowCFO mentor, shares her insights and experiences in coaching and facilitating courses that help finance professionals develop these crucial soft skills. Melanie and Kevin Appleby explore the importance of experiential learning, where participants actively engage in role-playing, group discussions, and feedback sessions to hone their skills. They discuss the various courses Melanie facilitates, including emotional skills, interpersonal skills, people management, and delegation. Melanie emphasizes the need for finance professionals to continuously develop their soft skills, regardless of their career stage, as these capabilities can significantly impact their effectiveness as leaders and their ability to navigate the evolving business environment. The key highlights of this session include Melanie's personal journey from an accountant in the financial services industry to a career coach and facilitator, her insights on the role of mindset and limited beliefs in career development, and the practical strategies she employs to help her clients and workshop participants unlock their full potential. The discussion also delves into the nuances of active listening, the importance of empowering others through effective delegation, and the value of creating a safe and inclusive environment for learning and growth. Key topics covered: Melanie's background as an accountant and her transition to a career coach and facilitator The importance of soft skills for finance professionals, including emotional skills, interpersonal skills, people management, and delegation The experiential learning approach used in Melanie's courses, emphasizing active engagement and feedback Melanie's insights on addressing mindset and limited beliefs in career coaching The role of motivational maps in understanding individual drivers and satisfaction levels The overlap between one-on-one coaching and group workshops in developing soft skills The relevance of soft skills courses for finance professionals at different career stages https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkPl3enoqso Links Melanie Coeshott on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:34 - Introduction and initial greetings 0:01:48 - Melanie's background and facilitation work with GrowCFO 0:05:27 - Discussion of the various courses Melanie facilitates 0:12:38 - The importance of soft skills for aspiring CFOs 0:16:13 - Melanie's approach to the delegation and empowerment course 0:25:17 - Melanie's use of motivational maps in career coaching 0:37:44 - Explanation of the motivational maps tool 0:47:03 - Discussion of networking for future CFOs Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#217 The Blueprint for a High-Performing Finance Team with Damian Smith https://open.spotify.com/episode/4bLrSTnZuprXVZcK4eSF4s Damian Smith, a GrowCFO Mentor, joins the Grow CFO Show to discuss the blueprint for building a high-performing finance team. In today's dynamic business landscape, the need for finance teams to operate at peak efficiency has never been more crucial. Effective finance teams not only drive financial success but also play a pivotal role in shaping the overall success of an organization.Damian, a seasoned finance professional turned leadership coach, shares his unique perspective on transforming dysfunctional finance teams into thriving, purpose-driven units. Drawing from his own experiences as a "recovering toxic CFO," Damian delves into the core principles of the Thrive methodology, a comprehensive approach to cultivating high-performing teams. He emphasizes the importance of trust as the foundation for building a cohesive and collaborative team, as well as the need to align team purpose, values, and goals to drive commitment and accountability.Throughout the discussion, Damian shares practical strategies for finance leaders to address the challenges of dysfunctional teams. He highlights the significance of fostering a culture of healthy conflict and open communication, where team members feel empowered to voice their perspectives and work towards the best possible outcomes. Additionally, Damian underscores the importance of embedding values and accountability into the recruitment and onboarding process to ensure a strong cultural fit and a shared commitment to the team's objectives. Key topics covered: Damian's journey from a toxic CFO to a leadership coach and the lessons he learned along the way The importance of trust as the foundation for building a high-performing team Aligning team purpose, values, and goals to drive commitment and accountability Fostering a culture of healthy conflict and open communication Embedding values and accountability into the recruitment and onboarding process Practical strategies for finance leaders to transform dysfunctional teams https://youtu.be/fmC7hZbVhhs Links Damian Smith on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:50 - Introductions and initial chit-chat 0:09:03 - Damian's background and journey from toxic CFO to leadership coach 0:20:54 - The importance of trust in building high-performing teams 0:27:08 - Aligning team purpose, values, and goals 0:38:39 - The Thrive methodology and its key components 0:48:31 - Advice for finance leaders with dysfunctional teams Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#216 Navigating People and HR Challenges as a CFO with Gwenevere Crary https://open.spotify.com/episode/31IPiTQcj3yVhQ2IvJnXVX As businesses grow, the people and HR challenges they face become increasingly complex. Founders and finance leaders often find themselves responsible for managing HR-related tasks, even without formal training or expertise in this area. In this episode, Gwenevere Crary, Founder and CEO of Guide to HR, shares her insights on how finance leaders can effectively navigate these challenges and build a strong HR foundation for their organizations. Crary emphasizes the importance of establishing robust onboarding processes to retain new hires and ensure a smooth ramp-up. She also discusses strategies for creating a learning and development culture, including providing a variety of training options and aligning with employee career goals. These proactive measures can help finance leaders support their teams and foster a positive work environment.Furthermore, Crary highlights the significance of recruiting with a focus on culture fit and values, especially in startup environments. She also addresses the challenges of transitioning from a founder-led to a professional leadership team and maintaining a strong company culture. By prioritizing these aspects, finance leaders can contribute to the overall success and sustainability of their organizations. Lastly, the discussion underscores the need for finance leaders to develop strategic thinking and planning skills to succeed in C-level roles. As they navigate the evolving landscape of their businesses, the ability to make informed decisions and align HR practices with the company's goals becomes increasingly crucial. By leveraging Crary's insights, finance leaders can enhance their capabilities and effectively manage the people-related aspects of their organizations. Key topics covered: Importance of establishing robust onboarding processes to retain new hires and ensure a smooth ramp-up Strategies for creating a learning and development culture, including providing a variety of training options and aligning with employee career goals Significance of recruiting with a focus on culture fit and values, especially in startup environments Challenges of transitioning from a founder-led to a professional leadership team and maintaining a strong company culture Need for finance leaders to develop strategic thinking and planning skills to succeed in C-level roles https://youtu.be/lwnsjDNSi50 Links Gwenevere Crary on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps [0:06] - Introductions and setting the agenda [0:24] - Discussion on Grow CFO's product launch and experiential learning [3:41] - Exploring partnership opportunities and fractional communities [6:22] - Addressing HR challenges and solutions for startups [11:54] - Importance of onboarding and performance management [15:22] - Creating a learning and development culture [20:12] - Recruiting and culture fit considerations Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#215 Your Guide to Adopting US GAAP Standards with Katrina Nacci https://open.spotify.com/episode/2QAyBEewKZYCwqzkK2mKC2 As global markets become increasingly interconnected, the need for European companies to align their accounting practices with US GAAP standards has become paramount. Navigating the complexities of cross-border accounting can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, businesses can seamlessly transition and unlock the benefits of US GAAP compliance. In this insightful podcast episode, Katrina Nacci, a seasoned cross-border accounting advisor with KN CPA, shares her expertise and insights on the challenges and opportunities that arise when European companies embrace US GAAP standards. The adoption of US GAAP standards is a critical step for European businesses seeking to expand their reach and access the lucrative US market. By aligning their financial reporting with the widely recognized US accounting framework, these companies can enhance transparency, improve investor confidence, and streamline cross-border transactions. However, the process of converting from European accounting standards, such as IFRS or local GAAP, to US GAAP can be complex and fraught with potential pitfalls. Katrina Nacci's wealth of experience in this niche field provides invaluable guidance to European businesses navigating this transition. Throughout the podcast, Katrina delves into the nuances of the conversion process, highlighting the importance of understanding the specific needs and nuances of each client's accounting practices. She emphasizes the need for a tailored approach that goes beyond simply applying a one-size-fits-all solution, ensuring that the final US GAAP-compliant financial statements accurately reflect the company's unique circumstances. By involving clients in the conversion process and fostering knowledge transfer, Katrina's approach aims to empower businesses to maintain their US GAAP compliance long-term, rather than relying on a temporary fix. Key topics covered:  Katrina's career journey from PwC in Boston to becoming a cross-border accounting specialist in Frankfurt The nuances of converting from European accounting standards (IFRS, local GAAP) to US GAAP, and the importance of understanding the specific needs of each client The drivers behind US investors' requirements for US GAAP-compliant financial statements, including consolidation and audit requirements Katrina's approach to educating clients and involving them in the conversion process to ensure long-term sustainability The competitive landscape and Katrina's strategies for building a steady client pipeline, including networking, marketing, and exploring fractional roles Katrina's vision for the future, including potential expansion and the development of passive income streams https://youtu.be/lXJYTzk3a9Y Links Katrina Nacci on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:01:44 - Introductions and catch-up 0:03:32 - Katrina's career journey and expertise in cross-border accounting 0:09:05 - Navigating the challenges of moving to Germany without knowing the language 0:15:25 - Differences between IFRS and US GAAP and the importance of understanding client-specific needs 0:24:51 - The necessity of US GAAP compliance for companies seeking US IPOs 0:33:16 - Katrina's approach to knowledge transfer and client involvement in the conversion process 0:41:33 - Katrina's advice to her past self and the challenges of running a solo advisory business Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network.

#214 How to Launch a Successful Fractional CFO Practice with Kat Wellum-Kent https://open.spotify.com/show/7yTcgGvYdcXPxz2HbvgB2H Fractional CFO services are becoming increasingly valuable as businesses seek strategic financial guidance to support their growth. In this episode of the Grow CFO Show, host Kevin Appleby sits down with Kat Wellum-Kent, the founder and CEO of Fractional Finance, to discuss her journey in establishing a successful fractional CFO practice. Kat Wellum-Kent shares her background as an accountant, her transition from a larger firm to a smaller practice, and her realization of the gap in the market for strategic financial advice. She describes her decision to start Fractional Finance, the challenges she faced in securing her first clients, and the rapid growth of her business over the past two years. Kat's story provides valuable insights for finance professionals considering the transition to a fractional CFO role. Key topics covered: Kat's background in accounting, including her time at Deloitte and her move to a smaller practice Her discovery of the fractional CFO concept and the decision to start her own business The importance of using the CFO competency framework to assess her skills and identify areas for improvement The process of securing her first clients, including the power of LinkedIn for lead generation The growth of Fractional Finance, from two clients in January 2023 to 17 clients by October 2024 The value of Kat's corporate finance experience and how it benefits her clients The role of a mentor in guiding Kat through the challenges of entrepreneurship Advice for aspiring fractional CFOs, including the importance of protecting time and backing oneself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f9qbchI9l4 Links Kat Wellum-Kent on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:04:15 Kat's background and transition to a smaller accounting practice 0:09:28 Kat's decision to start Fractional Finance and the business planning process 0:13:00 Securing the first clients and the power of LinkedIn 0:15:28 The growth of Fractional Finance and the team expansion 0:19:46 Kat's ambition for the business and the market potential 0:22:11 The relevance of Kat's corporate finance experience 0:25:40 The value of having a mentor for guidance and support 0:27:20 Kat's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and dealing with imposter syndrome Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#213 C-Suite as a Service: Redefining Leadership in the Digital Age with Sara Daw https://open.spotify.com/episode/30bHNDcIm7hfbOG1PFJr8m The fractional C-suite model is transforming the way organizations access and leverage top-level talent. As businesses navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, the need for agile, specialized leadership has become increasingly crucial. Sarah Daw, the CEO of The CFO Centre Group, shares her insights on this innovative approach to C-suite talent management. In this insightful discussion, Sarah Daw delves into her own journey, from a chartered accountant to the leader of an international organization that provides fractional CFO services. She explores the growing demand for flexible, on-demand access to C-suite expertise and the benefits it offers to both businesses and professionals. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the evolution of the gig economy, the importance of psychological ownership in the access economy, and the challenges of building a cohesive culture in a fractional workforce. Key topics covered: The importance of mentoring and skill development for professionals in the fractional model Sarah's background and transition from corporate finance to the fractional CFO model The growth and expansion of The CFO Centre Group, from a local to an international business The advantages of the fractional CFO model, including flexibility, specialization, and cost-effectiveness Expanding the fractional model beyond the CFO role to other C-suite functions The role of fractional CFOs in supporting group-level finance leaders The future of work and the shift towards a more agile, portfolio-based workforce Strategies for building a strong organizational culture in a fractional work environment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dfjG5M3XUU Links Sara Daw on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:11 - Introduction to the Grow CFO Show and Sarah Daw 0:00:36 - Sarah Daw's background and journey to the CFO Centre 0:03:18 - The growth and expansion of the FD Centre/CFO Centre 0:07:11 - The role of fractional CFOs in supporting group-level finance leaders 0:11:53 - Sarah Daw's book, "Strategy and Leadership as a Service" 0:19:57 - Building culture in a fractional workforce 0:25:59 - Mentoring and skill development in the fractional model 0:31:07 - The future of work and generational shifts in the fractional model Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#212 Proactive Planning for CFOs: The CFO's Role in Disaster Recovery with Wade Miller https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ZB7kSmsx3bxgecNwlea03 The CFO's role in Disaster Recovery is a critical aspect of risk management for organizations of all sizes. As the financial steward of the company, the CFO is responsible for ensuring the organization's financial resilience in the face of unexpected events that can disrupt operations and threaten the bottom line. This podcast episode explores the complexities of disaster recovery and the strategies CFOs can employ to mitigate the impact of such events. Wade Miller, the Founder of OneRallyPoint, shares his extensive experience in the disaster recovery industry, providing valuable insights and practical advice for CFOs.Wade started OneRallyPoint to bring more efficiency to the overall disaster recovery process and improve the time, money and effort needed by all parties. Wade has over 30 years of experience and demonstrated success working with large companies nationally and internationally. He utilized his background in the insurance, financial services and institutional banking industries to form a disaster recovery company in 2002. Spotting a critical need in the industry, Wade transitioned the firm from a disaster recovery contractor to what OneRallyPoint is today — an owner’s representative firm providing Recovery Oversight & Management with a national scale and international reach. Wade is an effective collaborator and communicator who brings solutions to complex issues in otherwise stressful circumstances. He has the keen ability to identify the causes of persistent issues — and then design, strategize and create tactical plans to solve them. Wade’s vision, broad background and high-level understanding of how clients need to run their businesses in disaster situations enable him to break down high-stress problems into manageable pieces through the comprehensive services of OneRallyPoint.  Throughout the discussion, Wade emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, effective communication, and a holistic approach to managing the recovery process. Key topics covered: The diverse types of disasters that organizations may face, ranging from natural disasters to localized incidents like sprinkler floods and sewer backups The need to tailor disaster recovery plans to the specific needs and risks of different industries, considering factors such as physical assets, IT infrastructure, and workforce displacement The importance of aligning the recovery efforts with the organization's objectives, ensuring that all stakeholders, including contractors, adjusters, and the client, are on the same page The role of expert input, such as industrial hygienists and engineers, in addressing complex issues like contamination and health effects The potential conflicts between insurance recovery and the need to restore business operations quickly, and strategies to balance these competing priorities The significance of pre-disaster preparation, including the selection of suitable contractors, the establishment of communication protocols, and the engagement of dedicated insurance adjusters The value of post-incident reviews and continuous learning to improve the organization's disaster resilience https://youtu.be/1COkQguby9A Links Wade Miller on LinkedIn  Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:00:10 - Introduction to the topic and guest, Wade Miller 0:00:52 - Wade Miller's background and experience in the disaster recovery industry 0:02:15 - Types of disasters and common issues faced by organizations 0:03:46 - Consideration of IT assets in disaster recovery 0:04:13 - Understanding and assessing the organization's risk exposure 0:06:27 - Balancing insurance recovery and business restoration 0:08:58 - Practical steps for CFOs to prepare for and mitigate disaster risks

#211 Power Moves: CFO Strategies for the Modern World with Justin Smith https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pWwzUs6hkgmIypL7iATHQ The role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has evolved significantly in recent years, moving beyond the traditional focus on balance sheets and financial reporting. In this podcast episode, Justin Smith, the CFO of FinQuery, shares his insights on the evolving responsibilities and skills required for modern CFOs to drive strategic and operational value within their organizations. Justin spent almost a decade working at Goldman Sachs in the investment banking division where he focused primarily on strategic finance, giving him the ability to approach every decision as a CFO with a unique perspective.  Justin is passionate about promoting cross-functional efficiency as he’s spent a lot of time working across departments because his job is to manage all financial resources for the firm, which touches just about every corner of the company. In his POV, finance should be like Switzerland. They are neutral but need to manage efficiency and resources across the whole organization. They also need to take into account proper cost cutting while simultaneously allocating towards growth, which not every CFO is able to accomplish. Justin’s career journey from an investment banking background to the CFO seat at FinQuery provides a unique perspective on the changing landscape of the finance function. He discusses the challenges of transitioning into the CFO role, the importance of communication and data-driven decision-making, and the strategies employed by FinQuery to navigate the uncertain economic environment. Key topics covered:  Justin's career path from investment banking to CFO at FinQuery The evolving role of the CFO, moving beyond traditional accounting and finance The importance of communication, analytical skills, and strategic thinking for modern CFOs FinQuery's approach to balancing growth and profitability in uncertain times The role of data analytics and AI in finance and operations Strategies for effective communication and integration in a remote work environment Advice for finance leaders navigating transformation and change https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc2Zk4YdFxo Links Justin Smith on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:04:32 Challenges faced by Justin in transitioning to the CFO role 0:06:25 Key skills required for a modern CFO 0:14:38 Top challenges faced by FinQuery in the current economic environment 0:20:06 FinQuery's approach to data analytics and AI 0:28:35 Challenges of communication and integration in a remote work model 0:31:38 Advice for finance leaders navigating transformation Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net

#210 Gen Z in Finance: Why Onboarding and Development Programs Must Evolve to Retain Top Talent with Marlo Lyons https://open.spotify.com/episode/55t2MygtVV9SBM2StJ2bTe As the workforce continues to evolve, the emergence of Generation Z (Gen Z) has brought about a significant shift in the expectations and priorities of young professionals. In the finance industry, where the need for skilled and engaged talent is paramount, understanding and adapting to the unique characteristics of Gen Z has become a critical imperative for organizations. This podcast episode with Marlo Lyons, a C-Suite Coach and HR Business Partner, delves into the nuances of managing and retaining Gen Z employees, highlighting the importance of revamping onboarding and development programs to meet their evolving needs.The discussion underscores the importance of recognizing the distinct values and preferences of Gen Z, who place a strong emphasis on work-life balance, corporate social responsibility, and continuous learning and growth. As finance leaders grapple with the challenge of attracting and retaining top talent, this episode provides valuable insights into the strategies and approaches that can help organizations stay ahead of the curve and foster a thriving, engaged workforce. Key topics covered:  Understanding the characteristics of Gen Z and their focus on work-life balance, corporate responsibility, and continuous learning Challenges faced by older generations in managing and communicating effectively with Gen Z employees The need to shift the interview process from competency-based to needs-based to better understand and accommodate Gen Z's aspirations The role of technology and Gen Z's tech-savvy nature in driving innovation and transformation within finance organizations The importance of aligning corporate mission, values, and sustainability efforts with the expectations of Gen Z The significance of transparent communication, even when discussing confidential information, to build trust and engagement The impact of remote work and flexible arrangements on fostering creativity and work-life balance for Gen Z https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eWNzZ0B8TU Links Marlo Lyons on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 0:01:04 - Marlo Lyons discusses the characteristics of Gen Z and their focus on work-life balance 0:02:49 - Challenges faced by older generations in managing and communicating with Gen Z employees 0:06:21 - The need to shift the interview process to better understand and accommodate Gen Z's aspirations 0:07:10 - The role of technology and Gen Z's tech-savvy nature in driving innovation and transformation 0:11:44 - The importance of aligning corporate mission, values, and sustainability efforts with Gen Z's expectations 0:16:09 - The significance of transparent communication, even when discussing confidential information 0:22:23 - The impact of remote work and flexible arrangements on fostering creativity and work-life balance for Gen Z Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net