The Diary of a CFO

The Diary of a CFO

by Wassia Kamon, CPA, CMA, MBA

Management Careers

Season 1

What kind of experience builds a strong finance career (with Bryan Lapidus)

In this episode, Bryan Lapidus, Director of FP&A Practice at AFP, shares invaluable insights from his unique career journey, from starting as a history major to leading in finance. He talks about the value of building breadth early on. We discuss rotations, stepping outside finance, and how different experiences shape long-term growth.

How executive hiring decisions are made (with Amy Sulgrove)

Ever wondered what happens after you hit "submit" on a job application? In this episode, executive recruiter Amy Sulgrove takes you behind the scenes of the hiring process and shares her perspective as an executive recruiter. We discuss how candidates are evaluated, what stands out, and how leaders can approach the hiring process more effectively.

What it takes to move from strong performer to executive

In this episode, I talk about the shift from doing the work to influencing outcomes. I share what separates technical performance from executive readiness and the role of presence, influence, and networking. You’ll learn: Why traditional strategies like hard work and getting more credentials aren’t enough. How to develop executive presence that sets you apart. The importance of building influence and relationships to unlock opportunities.

Taking on roles where you are expected to fix things (with Brenda Hodo-Iddris)

Making bold moves is what defines Brenda Hodo-Iddris. With over 20 years of experience spanning public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Brenda has mastered the art of adaptability and strategic influence. In this episode, she shares: How she carved out a niche as a "fixer" in nonprofit finance and operations. The importance of building trust and relationships across all levels of an organization. Why stepping beyond financials is key to becoming a strategic influencer. Brenda’s advice isn’t just for CFOs—it’s for anyone navigating leadership challenges, balancing strategy with execution, or aspiring to make a bigger impact. Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-hodo-iddris-mba-3860888/ About the host > https://www.wassiakamon.com/about-wassia-kamon

My first 90 days as CFO and what I learned early on

Becoming a CFO is an exciting milestone, but those first 90 days can be a whirlwind of learning, decisions, and adjustments. In this episode of Diary of a CFO, I reflect on my journey through my first three months in the role—what I got right, what I wish I had done differently, and the lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The key advice from my mentor and executive coach that set me up for success before day one. How to build meaningful relationships with your team and peers in the first 90 days. Practical tips for improving team collaboration and driving impact early on. Strategies for managing time and avoiding burnout as a new leader. If you’re aiming for a CFO role or leading a team, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at my first 90 days in the seat.

Stepping into a new CFO role and getting up to speed (with 2x CFO Matt Ziegler)

In this episode of Diary of a CFO, I sit down with Matt Ziegler, CFO of GovExec, to unpack what it really takes to hit the ground running in a new CFO role. Matt shares his experience moving from FP&A to CFO, managing multiple functions, and finding his footing in a company with complex business models. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to structure your first 90 days as CFO for maximum impact The skills to shift from FP&A to a broader CFO role Effective onboarding techniques and why pre-planning matters The importance of aligning on simplicity and scalability in finance Tips for building trust and setting clear expectations with your team From balancing leadership with technical know-how to navigating the first 90 days, this episode is packed with insights for finance professionals stepping up to senior roles. Connect with Matt on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzieglerfinance/ About the host > https://www.wassiakamon.com/about-wassia-kamon

How marketing and finance can work better together (with Elaine Benfield)

In this episode, Elaine Benfield, a seasoned marketing leader, shares her insights on how to bridge the gap between marketing and finance. We dive into the importance of aligning metrics, building collaborative relationships, and leveraging storytelling to drive business growth. Whether you're in finance, marketing, or leadership, this conversation offers valuable strategies to break down silos and work more effectively across departments.Here's what you'll learn: How to align marketing and finance metrics for shared success The power of storytelling in making financial data impactful and engaging Tips for marketing leaders to better collaborate with finance teams on budgeting The importance of transparent communication in creating effective partnerships Why strong vendor relationships are crucial for business growth Tune in to discover how marketing and finance can work together to achieve bigger and better results! Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainebenfield/ About the host > https://www.wassiakamon.com/about-wassia-kamon

Where and why CFOs have to say no

Welcome to the final part of What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO. In this episode, I explore why being able to say no is a critical skill for any CFO and leader. Here's what you'll learn: Why saying yes too often can damage your focus and leadership credibility How overcommitting can hurt your personal brand and mental health The importance of setting boundaries to protect your team How the CFO sets the tone for risk management across the company Navigating difficult conversations with CEOs while staying true to your role Why developing "career insurance" through personal growth and networking is essential Saying no isn’t just a defensive move—it’s an opportunity to lead with clarity, protect your priorities, and inspire trust. In this final part of the series, I’ll show you how mastering the art of saying no can elevate your leadership, empower your team, and help you make smarter, more strategic decisions. Let's dive in!

Working across the business as a CFO, not just inside finance

In Part 2 of the "What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO" series.This episode focuses on one of the biggest adjustments in the role. A large part of the job involves working with teams outside finance and communicating financial insights in a way that others can use. I walk through what that looks like in practice and how it affects decision-making. Learn why understanding their priorities will help you simplify complex financial data into clear, actionable insights. Plus: The importance of connecting with people across the organization How to adapt your communication style for non-finance audiences Tips for presenting financials to investors, board members, and other external stakeholders Why building a personal board of directors can help you see things from different angles Tips for working outside your comfort zone to thrive in leadership This episode focuses on one of the biggest adjustments in the role. A large part of the job involves working with teams outside finance and communicating financial insights in a way that others can use. I walk through what that looks like in practice and how it affects decision-making.

What changes when you step into a CFO role for the first time

This episode kicks off the series on becoming a CFO. I talk about why the role is not about maintaining the status quo, what expectations shift immediately, and how to start building trust and understanding the business beyond the numbers.

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