How to Balance Financial Decisions with Broader Business Goals
Most CFOs get stuck thinking their job is just about numbers. But the best ones know different. They bridge the gap between spreadsheets and strategy, turning data into decisions that actually move the business forward.
Key Takeaways
Translation is everything - Great CFOs speak both languages: technical finance and plain business English. They help teams understand what the numbers really mean.
Get out from behind the desk - Know your people and operations inside out. You can't make good financial decisions if you don't understand what actually drives the business.
Think externally too - Modern CFOs work with lawyers, bankers, auditors, and customers. It's not just an internal role anymore.
Notable Quotes
"At the end of the day, you're working with other people and you have to have the ability to communicate well with people."
"You need to know that they're going to fit in with the team because the CFO role can be one where you are a little bit off on an island."
"Don't approach it with intimidation - if you're a leader and executive of a business, you have every right to be in the weeds with the CFO."
Real-World Applications
Budgeting season negotiations - Instead of just approving or denying headcount requests, ask questions. What problem does this new hire solve? How will you measure success? This helps everyone think more strategically.
Employee transparency - Share financial results company-wide, but explain what they mean. Help people connect their daily work to business outcomes. This builds engagement and smarter decision-making across teams.
Investment decisions - When evaluating new technology or market opportunities, bring operational leaders into the financial analysis. Their ground-level insights make your models more accurate.
The best CFOs aren't just number crunchers - they're business partners who help everyone make smarter decisions. By focusing on communication, context, and collaboration, they turn financial data into competitive advantage.
01:05 Rory's Journey to Leadership
02:31 The Transition from Selling T-Shirts to CFO
04:55 The Role of a CFO
05:14 The Path to Becoming a CFO
08:45 The Importance of Teamwork in Leadership Roles
13:03 The Role of a CFO in a Business
16:19 The Importance of Complementarity in Leadership Roles
19:33 Interviewing for a CFO Role
23:08 The Importance of Trust and Open Conversations in a Team
25:01 Balancing the CFO Role: Being the 'Dr. No' and the Team Player
27:35 The Importance of Providing Context and Understanding Perspectives
30:48 Key Qualities of a Good CFO: Context, Understanding, Teaching, and Hiring
31:40 The Role of a CFO in Internal and External Communication
41:50 The CFO's Role in a Private Equity Backed Company
45:59 The Importance of Complementary Skill Sets in an Executive Team
48:27 Final Thoughts
Rory Liebhart on LinkedIn: / strategic-cxo
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.