Welcome to Season 2 of The Diary of a CFO.

In this kickoff solo episode, Wassia Kamon shares behind-the-scenes highlights from Season 1, why some careers stall at the executive door, and what actually opens it.

You’ll hear:

• The real reason technical skills alone won’t get you promoted
• The 3-digit P.I.N. code to executive leadership
• What separates great CFOs from the rest
• Why work-life harmony beats balance
• What’s new in Season 2?

🎥 Full-video episodes on YouTube

🗞 A brand-new Substack called Off the Record

Join the conversation at: https://wassiakamon.substack.com/

In this episode, Syed Nadeem shares the lessons he wishes more finance professionals learned early on. He talks about why certifications alone won’t get you promoted, and why your mindset, human skills, and personal brand matter just as much as your technical skills.

Syed also shares how losing his job became a turning point. He built a global brand and started helping others grow in their careers. From business partnering to leadership, this episode is full of insights that can help you stay relevant and move forward, no matter where you are in your finance journey.

Today’s episode is brought to you by BILL, a leading financial operations platform for small and midsize businesses. I’m also hosting a free webinar on June 24th, 2025 at 1pm ET. Click here to learn more.

In this solo episode, I answer 4 questions from my newsletter subscribers:

1. Is the climb and reach to CFO worth it?
2. Do you enjoy the work and people?
3. Do you have work-life balance?
4. What helped you get there?

If you’ve got questions about leadership, your team, or growing in your role, the best way to ask is through my newsletter. Subscribe at thediaryofacfo.com.

In this episode of the Diary of a CFO podcast, Edwine Alphonse shares her journey from a work-study student in Canada to a senior controller at Ramp, discussing her experiences in startups, the importance of accounting, and how to build a high-performing finance team. She emphasizes the critical role of accounting in business operations and the necessity for finance leaders to advocate for adequate technology for their teams.

Finance leaders are under pressure to move faster, stay accurate, and be more strategic. But not every challenge can be solved with technology.

In this episode, John Glasgow, Founder and CEO of Campfire, shares issues technology can help solve, like improving audit trails and enforcing controls, and the ones that require stronger business partnerships, like getting finance involved in the right conversations early.

We also get into why some teams over-engineer their processes, how to scale without adding unnecessary complexity, and what it really takes to grow as a leader in today’s business environment.

Sindy Wilson didn’t plan to be in finance. She was headed for med school until dissecting a rat and a cat made her rethink everything. That switch led her to a career in finance, where she’s led transformation at Kickstarter, Lyft, and AutoTrader. In this episode, she breaks down how to stand out, get on big projects, and lead major change in any organisation.

Six months as a CFO has taught me a lot about leadership, decision-making, and what it really takes to succeed in this role. In this solo episode, I share my biggest takeaways so far: why managing a board is nothing like just presenting to one, how to lead when there’s no playbook, and why staying plugged into the right circles is non-negotiable.

Most people assume nonprofits just need to balance donations with expenses. But in reality, nonprofit finance comes with its own set of complexities. In this episode, Stephen Newland shares what leaders need to understand about nonprofit financial management, and how to make better long-term financial decisions.

After 25 years as a CFO, Jeremy Earnshaw transitioned from managing numbers to mentoring leaders. He shares what he wishes he knew earlier, the common leadership mistakes CFOs make, and how coaching can accelerate career growth. We also talk about the shift from technical expertise to strategic influence, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and the mindset changes that separate good CFOs from great ones.

What if the problem isn’t the numbers, but everything around them?

Beverly Davis has spent years helping businesses fix their financial blind spots. From misaligned strategies to communication breakdowns, she knows why execution often fails before it even starts. In this episode, we dive into what really makes or breaks a company’s financial success and how to spot the non-financial issues slowing your business down.

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Meyers, CFO of Plurilock, to talk about what it really takes to lead in today’s fast-changing business world. From navigating financial landmines to handling the unexpected, Scott shares real-world lessons (and some great punchlines) about what it really takes to be a modern CFO.

We dive into the realities of the CFO role, including how to think strategically, communicate effectively with the board, and ensure your team is set up for success. A must-listen for finance leaders looking to balance strategy, risk, and a few good laughs along the way!

What happens when you don’t have a clear career roadmap? You build one. Janice Stucke never set out to become a CFO, but by embracing growth, saying yes before she felt ready, and leaning into big challenges, she made it happen. We talk about career pivots, digital transformation, and the mindset that helped her succeed.

This episode is brought to you by Datarails, sponsor of The Office of The CFO Bootcamp program. It's a 3-Week Leadership Accelerator program for aspiring VP of Finance, CAOs and CFOs. Click here to learn more.

If you’ve ever lost sleep over complex contracts, usage-based pricing, or revenue schedules that live in hundreds spreadsheet tabs, this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Apurv Bansal, co-founder and CEO of Zenskar, to talk about how AI is helping SaaS companies automate billing and revenue recognition end-to-end. We unpack why legacy tools can’t keep up with modern pricing models, what finance teams really need from automation, and how to avoid the most common implementation mistakes.

Special thanks to Zenskar for sponsoring this episode.

Visit zenskar.com/upgrade to learn more.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome my first international guest, Basem Waheed, CFO of Golden Chicken Farms Co. in Saudi Arabia. Basem shares his inspiring journey from accounting to modern finance leadership, including how he spearheaded a digital transformation that reduced month-end close to just one day for the large conglomerate.

Tune in to hear his insights on balancing technical expertise with communication, fostering trust across teams, and embracing lifelong learning to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced business world.

In this inspiring episode, Jessica McClain, CFO of Girl Scouts Nation's Capital, talks about her transition from public accounting to the nonprofit sector and the leadership lessons learned along the way. She shares practical insights on managing teams, building meaningful connections, and staying adaptable in a constantly evolving professional landscape.

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. Bryan talks about the importance of gaining breadth early in your career, the role of rotations, and why stepping outside of finance can make you a better leader. Tune in to learn how to take charge of your professional development and stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape.

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.

Learn how recruiters evaluate candidates, the power of a strong LinkedIn profile, and why networking isn’t optional.

Amy offers practical tips, including how to find hiring managers’ emails, the right way to follow up, and how to avoid common pitfalls that keep great candidates from landing their dream roles.

As the year ends, it’s time to refocus on your career goals. In this episode, I share the steps, mindset shifts, and strategies that can help you break through to executive leadership in the year ahead.

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.

Resources to Support Your Journey:

• 14-Day Email Guide: Master The Executive PIN Code with daily insights and actionable tips. Sign up here.
• Strategic Influence Quiz: Discover how others see you and where you can grow. Take the quiz.
• Office of the CFO Bootcamp: A cohort program for mastering executive-level skills. Learn more.

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

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.

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

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

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!

Audit Director at FORVIS Mazars and board treasurer for Girls on the Run Georgia, Kendra LaFleur opens up about her journey from intern to partner, how she grew into strategic leadership, and how she navigates the evolving role of finance in mission-driven organizations.

In Part 2 of the "What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO" series, we dive into one of the biggest surprises for new CFOs:

Most of your time will be spent speaking with people outside the finance department.

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 is a must-listen for finance and accounting leaders aiming to enhance their communication and influence outside of finance.

This episode kicks off the series 'What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO.' We explore why CFOs are never hired to maintain the status quo and how to prepare for the challenge. Learn how to quickly build trust, understand the business beyond the numbers, and step into strategic decision-making.

In this introduction to 'The Diary of a CFO,' I share a glimpse into my journey as a finance and accounting executive. You'll learn why I'm launching this podcast and what's coming up as we dive into the realities of reaching and thriving in the C-suite.

Stephen McLain led 250 soldiers as an Army Commander. He built internal controls in Iraq to fight fraud and misuse of funds. And, he defended military budgets in front of NATO.

Now, he helps corporate finance and accounting teams fix problems with their internal processes, financial modeling, and strategy development.

In this episode, he shares what finance professionals can learn from leading in high-stakes environments. We talk about strategic thinking, transitioning from military to corporate finance, and the leadership gaps most companies overlook.

Treasury often works behind the scenes, but Matthew Harlan shows why it should be a key player at the table. We cover what treasury leaders bring to IPO readiness, how to rethink working capital, and how finance teams can collaborate better across functions.

Jenny Fuss has led finance teams in Germany, China, and the United States. Each move meant learning a new way of working. In this episode, she shares how working and living in three different countries shaped her leadership style and helped her lead major transformations with clarity and confidence.

Tamica Williams went from relying on food pantries as a kid to leading the largest food bank in Georgia as CFO. She shares how she made the jump from teaching to accounting, built her career and why leadership is about showing up 100% no matter where you start.

Jack McCullough has spent decades in the CFO seat, but his biggest impact may be what he’s done for the next generation of CFOs.

He’s the founder of the CFO Leadership Council, a global community of over 2,500 senior finance leaders, and the author of three books including Secrets of Rockstar CFOs and MBA for Lunch.

In this conversation, Jack opens up about:

• What companies really look for in a CFO,
• Why some controllers get stuck (and what to do about it),
• How one rejection led him to create the CFO Leadership Council,
• The most underrated career move finance professionals can make.

This is a must-listen for finance professionals at every stage.

What do you get when a CFO, CPA, and accounting professor starts teaching on TikTok?

42,000 followers and a new way to make accounting finally click.

In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, I sit down with Professor Bee Nance to talk about her multi-hyphenate career, from leading a multimillion-dollar nonprofit to becoming a viral content creator and author of Sunny Gets Money, a financial literacy book for kids.

We cover:

• What it takes to thrive as a nonprofit CFO
• Why even seasoned finance pros struggle with personal money
• How Bee’s classroom experience helped her go viral online
• The disconnect between accounting education and real-world finance
• How to make accounting relatable in the age of AI