S3, EP5: From Career Building to Legacy Leadership: James Mitchell’s Journey to CEO

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with James Mitchell - an experienced CEO and CFO whose career spans professional services, financial services, hospitality, and property.James shares his journey from his early days at Deloitte, where he built the technical and professional foundations of his career, through international experience in London and senior finance leadership roles including at Westpac. He reflects on his progression into CFO roles, and ultimately his transition to CEO at Baycorp in 2018, a pivotal shift that required him to let go of functional finance responsibilities and step into broader organisational leadership. Today, as CFO at Redcape Hospitality Group, he brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective shaped by his experience leading organisations as both CFO and CEO. He speaks candidly about the mindset shift from leading the numbers to leading the entire organisation, and what it takes to set the tone as CEO, particularly when driving change and transformation. James also reflects on whether becoming a CFO was always part of his plan, and how his ambitions and definition of success evolved over time.A passionate mentor and experienced executive, James shares thoughtful insights into leadership growth, the importance of perspective, and the responsibility leaders have to invest in the next generation.This episode offers valuable perspective for aspiring CFOs, CEOs, and finance leaders navigating career progression and the transition from CFO to CEO.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Chris Allenby, CFO of Lewis Land, one of Australia’s largest privately owned property groups, to unpack a career defined by ambition, adaptability and leadership under pressure.Chris’s journey began early - joining KPMG as a cadet at just 18 and rising to partner by 32. Over a 12-year tenure as partner, he advised private and mid-cap companies, family businesses and high-net-worth individuals across a diverse range of industries, developing particular strength in property. But in March 2020, at the onset of COVID-19, Chris made a pivotal shift - from trusted advisor to in-house decision maker - stepping into the CFO role at Lewis Land.What followed was more than a career move; it was a mindset transformation. Chris shares the realities of transitioning from chartered accounting into a high-net-worth family group, where influence gives way to accountability and strategy must be paired with execution. He reflects on reshaping the finance function, strengthening culture through decisive hiring, and balancing creativity with discipline within what he describes as a true collective.This episode explores the nuances of leading in a private family business environment, the resilience required during periods of rapid change, and how Chris continually evaluates both his own capabilities and those of his team to stay ahead. It’s a candid conversation about leadership evolution, navigating uncertainty, and what it really takes to go from advisor to CFO.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Gareth Sprainger, CFO of V2Food, to unpack a career defined by curiosity, resilience, and transformative leadership. Gareth began his journey straight out of high school, diving into chartered accounting while working full-time - a foundation that shaped his disciplined, hands-on approach to finance.His path took him through a 12-year tenure at Coca-Cola Amatil (now Coca-Cola Europacific Partners), where he worked across multiple divisions and played a key role in a joint venture with SAB Miller, culminating in the build of a $120 million brewery. Seeking global experience, Gareth took a leave of absence to work in London, where he led a major financial transformation across Europe at Monster Worldwide.Returning to Australia, Gareth continued to broaden his commercial lens through senior roles at Coca-Cola before stepping into finance leadership as Finance Director at William Grant & Sons. Today, he sits in a venture-capital-backed CFO role at V2Food, spanning finance, legal, property, and operations as the business scales.This conversation blends hard-earned lessons in adaptability and resilience with insights into leading through change - showing why staying curious and open to transformation is one of the most powerful competitive edges a modern CFO can have.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we’re joined by Jean-Baptiste Naudet, CFO at Australian Red Cross and a finance leader with a 30-year career spanning global powerhouses including Thales, Flight Centre, Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson. After decades in senior finance and commercial leadership roles across APAC, JB made a pivotal shift into purpose-led leadership, bringing deep corporate discipline into the not-for-profit sector.JB shares how he has led large-scale transformation at St Vincent de Paul and now at Red Cross, navigating organisational turnarounds, modernising reporting and planning, and reframing performance from traditional ROI to a powerful “return on impact” lens. We explore what it really takes to translate profit into surplus, lead finance teams through change, and build trust and collaboration in complex, mission-driven environments.We also unpack JB’s personal career pivots between corporate and for-purpose organisations, his perspective as a board member of Karitane, and the practical tools CFOs can use to drive sustainable impact while staying commercially sharp.A must-listen for finance leaders thinking about purpose, transformation, and what modern CFO leadership looks like beyond the balance sheet.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, Nick is joined by Mike Dickson, Host of Your Future in Sales and Marketing for a special episode of the How to series. Nick and Mike break down the real-world strategies behind getting promoted. From demonstrating value beyond your job description to navigating conversations with leadership, they share practical advice, personal experiences, and actionable steps listeners can apply immediately. Whether you’re aiming for your next title or simply want to position yourself for growth, this episode offers a straightforward guide to standing out and moving your career forward. 

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we speak with Andrew Just, Chief Financial Officer of Inghams Australia, about leading finance at scale and navigating change across some of the world’s most complex business environments. Andrew reflects on a remarkable 30+ year career at Nestlé, which he joined straight after college and where he held senior leadership roles across Australia, Fiji, Switzerland, and Singapore.Andrew shares firsthand insights into steering organisations through transformation, driving cultural change, and delivering results in diverse and often challenging markets. A key focus of the conversation is his transition from being a long-tenured “Nestlé lifer” to stepping into a new organisation as CFO - what it takes to reset, adapt, and quickly build credibility as the new kid on the block.The episode also explores the human side of finance leadership: how to build trust and collaboration within teams, lead through uncertainty, and develop the personal resilience required to sustain an international career. Packed with practical leadership lessons, this conversation offers aspiring finance leaders a candid look at what it truly takes to go from graduate to CFO.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Mike Charter - former international CFO and Chief Strategy Officer, now the visionary founder of AVAALER, an executive coaching platform built to elevate senior finance leaders into aligned, influential, high-performing executives without burning out.Mike brings more than 30 years of global finance and strategy leadership, having held senior roles across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Listeners will hear how Mike’s entrepreneurial drive ultimately led to the creation of AVAALER, where he now coaches top finance leaders around the world. He opens up about the patterns he sees in today’s CFOs, what holds many of them back from their full influence, and the mindset and leadership shifts required to thrive at the top without sacrificing wellbeing. He also founded Gotcha4Life Foundation who focus on supporting individuals through mental health challenges. If you're interested in getting involved please click below:https://www.gotcha4life.org/This episode is a must-listen for aspiring and current finance leaders looking for tangible insights on strategic leadership, sustainable performance, and navigating the path from technical expert to influential C-suite leader.

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Broadhead, Executive Director of Finance, Property and Information Systems at Wesley Mission, to explore a career that seamlessly blends commercial acumen with purpose-driven leadership - and yes, plenty of Jimmy Vibes along the way.Mark shares his journey from growing up in Wahroonga with three sisters to becoming a chartered accountant at Grant Thornton, before stepping into senior roles across engineering, manufacturing, and human services. His path spans a decade at RSL Lifecare and meaningful time with the Lowy Family Group supporting charitable foundations, all culminating in his current leadership at Wesley Mission.We dive into the lessons learned from driving transformation, building high-performing teams, and balancing purpose with performance. Mark opens up about what it takes to lead with empathy, create environments where people feel valued, and how his diverse experiences have shaped a grounded, authentic leadership style.Outside the office, Mark lives in Frenchs Forest with his wife Leanne, their three daughters, and their beloved dog Jimmy - whose lease of second life energy, inspires the “Jimmy Vibes” that anchor this conversation. From golf weekends and BBQ rituals to bagpipes, dog walks, and even becoming a yoga teacher, Mark shows how a full life informs a full heart.A thoughtful, warm, and energising episode about leadership, purpose, family, and finding your own vibe - Jimmy or otherwise.The First 90 Days:The First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter - Watkins, Michael D. | 9781422188613 | Amazon.com.au | Books 

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Byron Bassett, Chief Financial Officer at Unilever, whose journey from a small farming town in Inverell, New South Wales, to the boardrooms of some of the world’s biggest companies is nothing short of inspiring.Byron shares the leadership lessons that have shaped his career across global giants like GlaxoSmithKline, Woolworths, Johnson & Johnson, Dyon, and Key Pharmaceuticals, and reflects on how trust and accountability form the foundation of high-performing teams.We explore why the modern CFO is evolving into a Chief Value Officer, balancing financial stewardship with purpose-driven leadership in a rapidly changing business landscape. Byron also offers his perspective on how finance professionals can stay relevant amid the rise of AI and automation, and what it takes to lead with clarity and authenticity in uncertain times.Whether you’re an aspiring finance leader or simply curious about what it takes to rise from humble beginnings to the top of global business, this conversation with Byron Bassett offers invaluable insights on growth, adaptability, and the future of leadership. 

In this episode, we sit down with Vladen Potapenkov, Chief Financial Officer at Nutrano Produce Group, to explore his remarkable 20-year journey through the global food and beverage industry. Born in Ukraine and raised in Russia, Vladen’s story is one of adaptability, curiosity, and leadership across continents.Beginning his career in a comprehensive graduate program with Agrana Fruit, Vladen quickly rose through a series of finance and operational roles across Europe before relocating to Australia - where he ultimately became CFO for the region. After 15 successful years at Agrana, he took on a new challenge within a Private Equity-backed company, continuing to drive transformation and growth.In this conversation, Vladen shares his pathway to CFO, his approach to leadership beyond finance, and how he’s led large-scale system implementations that deliver lasting impact. He discusses his belief in team-based leadership, how he’s helped stabilize even the most challenging teams, and his deep passion for mentoring and developing young talent.Whether you’re an aspiring finance leader, a people-focused executive, or someone fascinated by global business journeys, Vladen’s insights reveal what it truly means to lead with purpose, resilience, and a belief in people as the ultimate driver of success.