The role of the CFO has evolved far beyond traditional number-crunching. It now encompasses strategic vision, cross-functional leadership, and a strong understanding of how business decisions affect people, purpose, and performance.
In a recent podcast, we sat down with a seasoned CFO whose story highlights what it really takes to grow in finance leadership—sharing lessons from a career that spans public accounting, real estate fund management, and now a CFO role in a venture-backed company with a mission to improve everyday life.
This episode, Behind the Balance Sheet: Real Talk with a Venture-Backed CFO, goes deeper than job titles. It’s about making bold career moves, staying grounded in your values, and bringing both financial and emotional intelligence to the executive table.
Navigating a Nonlinear Path to Leadership
Many finance professionals begin their careers in public accounting, and for good reason—it’s a space that builds technical expertise, discipline, and attention to detail. But for those who crave a broader impact, the real growth often happens when they step outside that structure and take on roles that demand new ways of thinking.
That was the case for this CFO, who transitioned from public accounting into the world of real estate fund management. In that environment, the work was fast-paced and complex, with a focus on investor relations, risk management, and capital strategy. More importantly, it was a setting that required translating financial data into meaningful insights for stakeholders—an essential skill for any finance leader.
Finance with a Mission: Leading in a Venture-Backed Company
Today, this CFO leads finance for a venture-backed company investing in industries that have a direct, positive impact on everyday life. It’s a role that requires not only financial acumen but also a deep understanding of how values, vision, and business operations intersect.
One of the most powerful insights from our conversation was the importance of purpose in a CFO’s work. Yes, spreadsheets, forecasting, and capital planning are part of the job—but so is helping a company grow responsibly, invest wisely, and lead with integrity. The CFO’s ability to balance strategic goals with a people-first mindset is what truly sets exceptional leaders apart.
Key Takeaways for Finance and Business Leaders
1. Career growth rarely follows a straight line—and that’s okay.
The journey to executive leadership isn’t always a linear progression. It often involves stepping into new industries, tackling unfamiliar challenges, and engaging in roles that push you outside your comfort zone. Each transition builds resilience, adaptability, and a broader view of how finance can influence the entire business.
2. Emotional intelligence is essential in today’s finance leadership.
Leading with empathy, listening to your team, and communicating complex concepts clearly are now baseline expectations for CFOs. Strong financial leadership means knowing the numbers and knowing your people—and using both to drive long-term success.
3. Mission-driven companies need mission-aligned leaders.
In growth-oriented, purpose-driven companies, the finance function plays a central role in ensuring that mission and metrics are aligned. A CFO’s ability to see the bigger picture, ask the right questions, and build a financially sustainable path forward is critical to success.
4. Finance should enable, not just measure, growth.
Modern CFOs are not just scorekeepers—they’re strategists. By helping organizations make smart decisions grounded in both data and values, they drive performance, mitigate risk, and create environments where teams can find meaning, make a difference, and thrive.
Why This Conversation Matters
The CFO’s journey shared on the podcast is a reminder that technical skills are only part of the equation. What defines a successful leader today is the ability to think holistically—to see finance as a tool not just for efficiency, but for impact.
As more organizations look for leaders who can guide them through uncertainty, scale with intention, and embody their values, the lessons shared in this episode are timely and relevant. Whether you’re early in your career or already leading a team, there’s a lot to learn from this perspective.
Final Thoughts
Behind every spreadsheet is a story—of people, priorities, and progress. The CFO we spoke with exemplifies what it means to lead with both financial discipline and heart. Her path reflects the power of thoughtful career moves, conscious leadership, and aligning professional growth with meaningful work.
If you haven’t listened yet, now’s the time.
🎧 Listen to: Behind the Balance Sheet — Real Talk with a Venture-Backed CFO