Leadership traits that help finance teams thrive

Devya Athwal, founder of Athwal Resourcing & Coaching, is scheduled to present two sessions at ENGAGE UK & Europe, 13–14 October in London. Athwal returned to the FM podcast to discuss the mindset shifts that help finance professionals become more resilient and adaptable in the face of uncertainty, why professionals don't need a leadership title to be strategic, and tips for improving task prioritisation when demand exceeds capacity. "I think there's a myth that strategic thinking is only for the CEO and the top board," Athwal said. "You don't have to wait for that title to be strategic. You can start by asking better questions, stay curious, and really have the courage just to step into whatever you want to do." Athwal spoke about how accountants can "dance with the fear" in a 2024 episode. What you'll learn from this episode: What changed Athwal's relationship with fear. Five small steps that strengthen resilience and adaptability. Why being overly analytical can make it harder to navigate uncertainty. What skills can help finance professionals advance their careers. Techniques for improving task prioritisation — including a simple, two-letter word.

CIMA president Alfred Ramosedi, FCMA, CGMA, detailed the competencies that finance professionals need to navigate AI and how to transform "suffering" into growth and opportunity. Ramosedi, also the co-chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants and the CEO of Bayport Financial Services, joined the FM podcast to discuss the skills management accountants should prioritise, the core values and lessons that shaped him as a leader, and how different generations can work together to progress the finance function. In the conversation, Ramosedi emphasised the importance of "suffering properly" and what he means by that. He also discussed future-proofing his company's business model during a time of disruption and why AI is changing the role of finance — not replacing finance professionals. "Don't suffer and then you get through the suffering and there's nothing positive that you can show for it," Ramosedi said. "If you suffer, suffer properly, and learn from it and do something." What you'll learn from this episode: § Three emerging trends management accountants need to prepare for. Why finance professionals can't "jump to AI" without first learning technical skills. The value of reverse mentoring as emerging technologies take hold. Ramosedi's recounting of a "humble" upbringing and his motto related to personal responsibility. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic that helped Ramosedi transform disruption into opportunity. Why AI will not replace people.

In this podcast episode, FM editor-in-chief Oliver Rowe summarises the content in the August digital edition of the magazine. Rowe details an article that discusses the history of business jargon, when it should be used, and when it should be avoided. He also shares details about several articles related to artificial intelligence, including one on how AI is changing early career paths for finance professionals. He also shares details on a technical article with the headline "Why Time Matters in Carbon Accounting". Rowe closes with a summary of leadership columns and an explanation of how members can access the current edition and the library of past editions. What you'll learn from this episode: Highlights of an article about business jargon, including a mention of where some terms originated. Details of the August edition's leadership columns, including the debut column of the new CIMA president, Alfred Ramosedi, FCMA, CGMA. A mention of a practical article for finance professionals with the headline "What It Takes for a CFO to Lead Operations and Tech". Rowe's reminders on how members can access the digital edition.

In this podcast episode, FM editor-in-chief Oliver Rowe summarises the content in the August digital edition of the magazine. Rowe details an article that discusses the history of business jargon, when it should be used, and when it should be avoided. He also shares details about several articles related to artificial intelligence, including one on how AI is changing early career paths for finance professionals. He also shares details on a technical article with the headline "Why Time Matters in Carbon Accounting". Rowe closes with a summary of leadership columns and an explanation of how members can access the current edition and the library of past editions. What you'll learn from this episode: Highlights of an article about business jargon, including a mention of where some terms originated. Details of the August edition's leadership columns, including the debut column of the new CIMA president, Alfred Ramosedi, FCMA, CGMA. A mention of a practical article for finance professionals with the headline "What It Takes for a CFO to Lead Operations and Tech". Rowe's reminders on how members can access the digital edition.

Leadership and mental health speaker Andrew Pain returns to the FM podcast to discuss his ENGAGE UK & Europe session, outline his five-point framework for enhanced decision-making, and share more common biases that distort critical thinking. Pain also explains the importance of clarifying information instead of relying on gut instincts to form conclusions. ENGAGE is 13–14 October in London. Registration is open until 9 October. What you'll learn from this episode: Why immediacy pushes us into gut-based reasoning. Five questions to consider before making a decision. Two types of distorted thinking that can make professionals irrational. Why psychological safety is a crucial workplace dynamic. The benefits and limitations of consulting AI in decision-making.

Leadership and mental health speaker Andrew Pain returns to the FM podcast to discuss his ENGAGE UK & Europe session, outline his five-point framework for enhanced decision-making, and share more common biases that distort critical thinking. Pain also explains the importance of clarifying information instead of relying on gut instincts to form conclusions. ENGAGE is 13–14 October in London. Registration is open until 9 October. What you'll learn from this episode: Why immediacy pushes us into gut-based reasoning. Five questions to consider before making a decision. Two types of distorted thinking that can make professionals irrational. Why psychological safety is a crucial workplace dynamic. The benefits and limitations of consulting AI in decision-making.

Leadership coach and mentor Sue Milne, FCMA, CGMA, describes key strategic and interpersonal skills that can help finance professionals keep pace with evolving business expectations, along with key questions that can help them grow as leaders.  Milne also shares essential attributes for managing finance teams today, how leaders can maintain awareness of potential blind spots, and what core values contribute to inspirational leadership. What you'll learn from this episode: What inspired Milne's career transition. How to build better relationships with stakeholders. Key skills professionals can hone to manage blind spots. What transformational leadership is and how to make it work. Key components for becoming your own kind of leader.

Eric R. Alexander, CPA, president of advisory service company Six Arrows Consulting, discusses the lessons he's learned throughout his career in finance and what being a finance leader means for him, and other insights from his upcoming book, Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO. He shares key strategies for developing as a stewardship leader, including how he holds himself accountable, how he views his role as a trusted adviser for organisations, and the steps he has taken to improve in the relational and people aspects of the finance function. "I've been most effective in my work when I've functioned as a steward, meaning I understood things had been entrusted to me to be responsible for," he said. "I was accountable to people, and fundamentally, it was not all about me." What you'll learn from this episode: Why Alexander says the CFO role is not about you as a finance leader. Key elements of stewardship leadership. How to hold yourself accountable as a finance professional. Why getting into the finer details can complicate decision-making. What it means to own your results. Tips for enhancing people and soft skills.

In this podcast episode, FM editor-in-chief Oliver Rowe summarises the content in the June edition of the magazine. Rowe details an article on using artificial intelligence tools to bolster presentations and introduces a new, recurring column on global advocacy. He also highlights several other articles in the edition. FM's June edition is now available (member login required). Also, access the library of past editions. What you'll learn from this episode: Highlights of an article about what AI tools can do to improve business presentations. Details of a new, recurring column on global advocacy, which for this edition includes a focus on advocacy's role in building and sustaining public trust. The key points of an article about the AICPA and CIMA's Rise2040 initiative. Rowe's summary of an article offering advice — for women in particular — on being a strong self-advocate and one on building an anti-fraud culture.

Irena Teneva, an associate technical director at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, joins the FM podcast to share insights gathered from a new AICPA and CIMA report, Future Ready Finance: Productivity at the Human-Technology Crossroads. Teneva illustrates the types of tasks experiencing clear efficiency gains from artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, where finance leaders are more cautious about implementation, and steps those leaders are taking to expand how tools can be used. Teneva also highlights why productivity still hinges on finance talent, priority areas for skills development, and how finance leaders are collaborating across business functions. What you'll learn from this episode: Process and people priorities for finance leaders in 2026. Where AI implementation is leading to time savings for companies. Some steps leaders are taking to optimise and expand AI use. Why productivity is still a "people game". How finance leaders are approaching cross-business collaboration. Three key steps to improving efficiency, according to leaders.