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, we sit down with Mats Weiss, the dynamic CFO of Orro Group - a Swedish country boy whose journey from the golf course to the global finance stage is nothing short of remarkable.

Starting his career at PwC in Sweden while playing professional golf, his path has taken him through leadership roles at global giants like Nike, Philip Morris, 20th Century Fox, and beyond. Along the way, he’s worked across Europe, Australia, and Asia Pacific - building a career defined by resilience, adaptability, and relentless curiosity.

We explore his early days growing up in the southeast of Sweden, playing every sport imaginable - from tennis and handball to table tennis and volleyball - and how that foundation in teamwork and competition shaped his approach to leadership.

From navigating the entertainment industry during Disney’s acquisition of Fox, to steering an ecommerce business through the chaos of COVID-19, and now leading financial strategy at Orro Group, this episode is a masterclass in leading through change, staying curious, and building a global career without losing your roots. 

Whether you're a finance professional, an aspiring leader, or just love a good origin story - this episode will inspire you to think bigger, stay agile, and never stop learning.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Lorenz Haefeli, the CFO of Bailey Nelson, a finance leader whose journey has taken him from Sydney’s Northern Beaches to the fast-paced world of automotive giants like Tesla and onto international optical retailer Bailey Nelson.

Starting his career in audit at KPMG before making the leap to London, he’s since held finance roles across insurance, automotive distribution, and innovative retail. Along the way, he’s combined a passion for cars with a sharp commercial mindset to lead high-impact finance teams in both established and scaling businesses.

Key highlights include:

• How an early foundation in audit built strong analytical and strategic thinking
• What transitioning from insurance to automotive taught him about adaptability
• Lessons from working at Subaru and Tesla—where passion meets precision
• The value of international experience early in a finance career
• His approach to aligning finance with business goals in a high-growth retail environment

This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals interested in navigating cross-industry careers, leveraging personal passions, and driving strategic impact across global markets.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Paul Bertie, a finance and operations leader who’s navigated a dynamic career across Australia and South Africa from growing up in the wine region just north of Cape Town, to leading transformational change in retail, ecommerce, and consumer goods.

With a career that started in finance roles at Puma and Sunglass Hut, and evolved into high-impact leadership across global markets, Paul shares how embracing change, staying grounded, and thinking commercially have shaped his journey.

Key highlights include:

• How his early roles in retail finance built the foundation for operational leadership
• The mindset shift from functional expert to business transformer
• Lessons learned from working across wholesale, ecommerce, and retail media
• Why cross-market experience (South Africa & Australia) sharpened his strategic edge
• His passion for purpose-driven leadership and building high-performance teams

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating a career in finance or operations and looking to lead with both clarity and impact.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sat down with Shihara, who spent 14 years at Unilever and worked across an incredible 17 roles—rising from graduate to CFO.

We explored what it takes to build a meaningful career and the mindset that helped her grow through every opportunity.

Key highlights include:

• The power of saying yes to opportunities—even when they stretch you.
• Why she believes in “doing things that put you on the map.”
• Her mission to “leave behind a legacy” in every role she takes on.
• The importance of mentors and sponsors—especially those outside of finance.
• How embracing change and staying curious helped her navigate a dynamic career path.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration for anyone looking to grow their career with intention and impact.

🎙️ It’s an energising listen—tune in now!

In this episode of Go To CFO, we’re joined by Cameron Mostyn, Head of Finance at Blackmores, for a conversation that blends technology, leadership, and purpose.

Cameron shares how AI is reshaping the finance function, his approach to leading change through strategic storytelling, and why crafting your message to your audience is the key to making an impact. We also dive into his passion for supporting mental health initiatives, including his fundraising work for the Black Dog Institute.

Packed with practical advice and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for finance leaders, change-makers, and anyone striving to lead with both head and heart.

If you’re able, please consider donating to the Black Dog Institute and help make a real difference: Black Dog Institute - RLT EXPEDITION TEAM Completing The World's Hardest Events For Mental Health Research

In this special episode of the podcast, [axr] Finance & Accounting recruiters, Kunal Gupta and Dave Goldbach sat down to talk all this jobs, market trends, skills in demand and more! 

It's packed full of insights, as they talk through what will be the top skills in demand for accountants in 2025 and what you can do to level up in your career and make your next career move, the right one! 

It's a fantastic listen - tune in now!  

Back by popular demand - our review of the [axr] 2025 Salary Guide! 

In this episode, Dave Goldbach & Kunal Gupta give you a deep dive into our latest salary guide, including: 

• What to expect from Finance & Accounting roles in 2025 
• How we’ve categorised the salaries and what the numbers mean
• Skills in demand for 2025 for finance and accounting professionals   
• What we are looking for as recruiters when recruiting these roles and how we refer back to this guide 
•  How to level up in your career and make great career decisions

It's a great listen, so tune in now, and don't forget to download our 2025 salary guide here: https://bit.ly/2025-salary-guide

In the latest epsiode of [axr]'s 'How To' career series Amanda Dinte, Zara Church and Amelia Kettle sat down to share their top tips for resigning effectively. Highlights include: 

• The main reasons why someone leaves a role, including: access to opportunities they are not getting in their current role, lifestyle factors, along with company culture and a misalignment with management. 
• Advice they would give to people wanting to make a move and why it’s important to explore all your options first before taking that leap of faith. 
• The best way to have that conversation with your manager if you have decided to leave – approach the conversation rationally and level-headed. Be prepared. 
• How to navigate a counteroffer and what it really means.

If you're looking to make your next move, listen in now for some great advice! 

In the latest epsiode of [axr]'s 'How To' career series, Nick Constain, Andrew Cannock and Kunal Gupta sat down to discuss what you can do to get yourself interview ready. Highlights include: 

• First impressions matter 
• Demonstrate your interest in the business – do your research 
• Be authentic about who you are as a person, and your career history
• The best way to approach the strengths vs weaknesses question 
• Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or CAR method (Context, Action, Result) 

If you're looking to nail your next interview, tune in now! 

In the latest epsiode of [axr]'s 'How To' career series, Nick Constain, Amanda Dinte and Zara Church sat down to discuss the elements that make up a good resume and what will get you noticed. Highlights include: 

• Keep it simple - don't overly complicate the message 
• Treat your first page as your elevator pitch 
• Context is important 
• The value add to your resume is your achievements and how you measure those achievements 
• Is a cover letter required? 
• Get noticed online by optimising your LinkedIn profile - make sure it matches your resume. 

If you're looking to refresh your resume and get noticed, tune in now!

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.