Leadership, exit strategy & building high-impact teams - Lessons from Stephan Burow

In this episode of Chat CFO, Tom Platford, fractional CFO to early-stage startups, shares his journey on scaling SuperAwesome from Series A to exit, and what he learned along the way.Tom reflects on the toughest moments of his journey, including managing a nine-figure acquisition deal and why being an expert generalist is no longer optional.Tom covers:•The difference between early and late-stage CFO roles•When and how to bring in a fractional CFO•Why future finance teams will include AI agents•The importance of storytelling, design thinking, and failure in CFO leadershipTom also shares personal reflections on burnout and the habits that keep him grounded through high-pressure moments.-----------------------------------------------------------About our guestTom is a CFO with over 12 years of experience in startups and knows the challenges founders face when navigating a business to an exit. He now helps founders build shareholder value and achieve a successful exit.Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasplatford/About Chat CFOThe Chat CFO podcast gives you insights from CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most.Find more episodes and conversations with finance leaders on Chat CFO.https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO

What happens when someone who scaled technical hiring at Google starts rethinking what good leadership looks like in private equity?In this episode of Chat CFO, Jenny Collins, Head of Talent at Faraday Partners and former Google and PE Chief Talent Officer, shares her take on what great hiring really looks like. She talks about her years in global tech and what she learned about culture from watching it either thrive or disappear depending on who was paying attention.We get into:🧭 Why cognitive diversity at the top table is more than a tick box💬 What Google taught her about building teams that last🔍 Why AI isn't replacing recruitment but making the human parts more important💡 How private equity can borrow from venture and vice versa🤝 The real value of referencing, psychometrics, and behavioural data in hiringIf you're shaping teams in high-growth or high-pressure environments, or you're just curious how someone blends empathy, rigour and data into HR at the sharpest end of business, this one’s for you.#ExecutiveHiring #TechLeadership #PrivateEquity #ChatCFOTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction06:08 - The evolution of AI08:53 - AI's impact on employment and talent acquisition12:03 - Navigating executive hiring14:58 - Cultural differences in leadership17:59 - Diversity and inclusion in the workplace23:33 - Strategic hiring for company growth25:04 - Differences between VC and Private Equity32:10 - The role of references in hiring34:05 - Balancing skills and Cultural Fit in Hiring41:00 - Optimising the interview process and hiring experience48:01 - The role of AI in recruitment55:06 - Future trends in talent acquisition

What happens when a bold COO questions how conscious consumerism really works?In this episode, Shonagh Primrose, Chief Operating Officer at Wylde Market, rips apart the rules of growth and reveals how to build a purpose-led platform without bowing to the noisy short-term pressures of venture investors.We get into:🌱 Why slow commerce might be the most radical growth strategy yet⚡ The tough trade-offs every COO faces in the fight between mission and margin🧩 How to build brand trust in a world wired for instant gratification💥 The surprising power of friction in a customer experienceIf you’re wrestling with how to scale a values-led business or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at the hard choices no one talks about, this conversation is honest, human, and worth every minute.🎧 Tune in and tell us: Would you choose slower, sustainable growth if it meant protecting your values?Discover more in this episode:00:00 - Introduction & background03:08 - Insights from Shonagh's experience06:02 - The role of coaching and mentorship09:04 - Understanding coaching vs mentorship vs therapy11:47 - Creating safe spaces for difficult conversations14:59 - The importance of different perspectives17:55 - Balancing vulnerability and tough decisions in leadership30:50 - Hiring for diversity fit37:33 - Navigating different organisational sizes43:35 - Career strategies for new graduates50:58 - The importance of networking55:50 - Career planning and flexibility

What does it really take to lead finance in one of the world’s most fast-paced and complex tech companies without following the traditional path?In this episode, Katie Brewis, Strategy & Commercial Finance Director at Google, shares her journey from economist to strategy consultant, and now to leading finance across Google’s EMEA marketing organisation.We get into:🐬 The leadership mindset that helps navigate both big-picture strategy and day-to-day detail🧠 How AI is reshaping finance work and why core skills still matter📊 What effective collaboration between finance and marketing actually looks like♻️ How Katie brought her interest in sustainability into her day jobWhether you are stepping into leadership, thinking about your next move, or simply curious about how finance operates at scale, this episode is full of practical insight and straight-talking advice.🎧 Listen now and tell us: What part of the CFO skillset do you think is changing fastest?Chapters:00:00 - Introduction03:04 - Navigating the Fast-Paced World of Google06:04 - The Importance of Sustainability in Business08:57 - Understanding the Role of a CFO in 202512:09 - Leadership Lessons and Collaborative Styles14:58 - The Impact of AI on Finance and Marketing24:36 - Navigating Skills in an AI-Driven World27:26 - AI's Role in Sustainability and Climate Change28:14 - The Future of Energy Solutions30:04 - Challenges of Remote Team Management35:40 - Leadership Lessons from Mentors40:24 - The Intersection of Marketing and Finance45:31 - Advice for Aspiring CFOs

Vineta Bajaj didn’t follow a traditional path to the top – and she’s not shy about saying so.Now Group CFO at Rohlik Group, Vineta shares the unfiltered story behind her rise, from teaching piano and side-trading during uni, to leading billion-euro businesses and rewriting what it means to lead in finance.This episode is packed with bold moves, real career talk, and the kind of lessons you don’t get in textbooks.We cover:🎹 How Vineta turned “random” side skills into career-defining moments📣 What happens when you challenge your FD and go straight to the CFO🤖 Why AI is changing the size and shape of finance teams🍕💻🚋 And how obsessing over pizzas, laptops and trams is actually leadershipFor anyone aiming higher, moving faster, or building something big – this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.#CFOJourney #FutureOfFinance #LeadershipMindset #AIandFinance #STOIXChapters:00:00 - Introduction03:03 - Career Path: From Aspirations to Realities05:51 - Education and Early Experiences09:00 - Navigating the Corporate Landscape15:09 - Strategic Career Moves18:01 - The Transition to CFO20:56 - Leadership and Decision Making23:47 - Reflections on Achievements38:43 - Exploring Capacity and Personal Growth41:16 - The Importance of Mentorship and Support45:06 - Leveraging AI in Finance56:25 - The Evolving Role of CFOs in a Tech-Driven World01:00:18 - Navigating Challenges and Building Relationships

What does it really take to lead a private equity-backed business through growth, exit, and transformation while staying true to your leadership style?In this episode, Stephan Burow, CFO at Lintbells, shares his journey from Unilever to high-growth scaleups like Gousto, and now to leading finance, tech, and people at a purpose-driven pet wellness company.We dive into:🧠 The mindset shift required to thrive as a PE-backed CFO⏱  Why pace, 80/20 thinking, and intentional time management are make-or-break🤝 How Stephan builds high-performance, people-first cultures🧩 Secrets to handling exits and investor pressure🐾 Why purpose mattersWhether you’re an aspiring CFO, in the middle of a scaleup journey, or leading through a private equity transaction, this episode is packed with insights and best of all - refreshing honesty.🎧 Listen now and tell us: What’s the hardest part of leading in a PE-backed environment?Chapters00:00 – Intro & Background02:00 – From Unilever to Scaleups06:00 – Why Pace & Impact Matter10:00 – Gusto, Growth & the 80/20 Rule14:00 – Transitioning to CFO in PE20:00 – Managing Investors & Exit Process26:00 – AI, Finance & the Future30:00 – Leadership, Mentorship & Culture38:00 – Broadening the CFO Role45:00 – Risks, Cybersecurity & What Keeps Him Up48:30 – Legacy, Purpose & Final Advice

AI is transforming finance—but how do you cut through the noise and turn data into real impact?In this episode, Rosanne Werner, CEO of XcelerateIQ, shares her journey from Deloitte to driving data-led transformation at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. She breaks down:📊 Why finance leaders must master data storytelling🔄 The AI mindset shift CFOs need to stay ahead💡 How to bridge the gap between technology and leadershipHer advice? Master the art of storytelling, embrace AI, and never stop learning.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GnbJUynQHno💬 What’s the biggest challenge you see in AI adoption for finance leaders? Drop your thoughts in the comments.#CFO #AIinFinance #Leadership #FinanceTransformation #STOIX

How does a CFO successfully balance career and motherhood? 🤘 Dominique Highfield of Bloom & Wild shares her insights.From building strong support systems to embracing self-confidence, she demonstrates that balance is the key to long-term success.In this episode, Dominique offers an honest perspective on integrating professional and personal responsibilities. She discusses her approach to managing both roles, navigating pivotal career moments, and maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance.✨ With the support of her husband and a dedicated team, she has learned to prioritise what truly matters—excelling in her career while making meaningful time for her family.We also explore the impact of mentorship, the role of opportunity, and the importance of self-belief in achieving professional growth.💡 Her key advice? Focus on doing what you love, find the right fit, and career growth will naturally follow.A sincere thank you to Dominique for sharing her valuable experiences with us! 🙌📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QOuP2VObcgs #CFOInsights #WorkLifeBalance #WomenInBusiness #STOIX

What a fantastic episode this was! Dan Sherfield, former Head of Finance for Psycle  and current CFO of Grind | Certified B Corp, takes us behind the scenes of his nine-year journey transforming a local café chain into an e-commerce sensation. Through many ups and downs, including navigating the pandemic, Dan led Grind’s shift to e-commerce with agility and vision—proving that in today’s world, adaptability isn’t optional. For aspiring CFOs, he stresses the importance of knowing your business inside and out, so you can make smart decisions that drive sustainable growth. 🔄📊But it's not all about the numbers. Dan also prioritises work-life balance ⚖️, setting boundaries to stay healthy and energised. He models leadership that doesn’t sacrifice personal well-being for professional success. Plus, his commitment to sustainability 🌱, with Grind’s B Corp certification, shows that growth and doing good can go hand in hand. 🌍How do you keep your focus sharp in a fast-paced world? From rolling to-do lists 📝 and exploring AI’s potential 🤖, to building trust and inspiring teams to rally behind a shared vision.A big thank you to Dan for detailing this unique experience with us!If you’re looking to draw inspiration from a seasoned CFO, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9tQztaZl1H4 #Leadership #CFO #Adaptability #EcommerceSuccess #AI #STOIX

We had a lot of fun recording this episode with Mary C., former Managing Director and former Chief Financial Officer at JustPark! With over a decade of diverse financial experience, Mary takes us on her fascinating journey—from jellybean-wrapping to corporate finance to leading in the tech start-up space.Amid the laughs, you’ll uncover profound insights on:⚙️ Adapting to a start-up culture with a focus on cash generation and profitability🚀 Mastering the art of building strong relationships🏋️ Taking calculated career risks🌈 The importance of diverse experiences for aspiring CFOsA huge thank you to Mary for sharing her unique expertise with us!If you’re looking to refine your hiring strategies or simply draw inspiration from a seasoned CFO, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c1oRwkcY8vc#FinanceLeadership #CFO #CareerAdvice #SuccessAndFailure #STOIX