In today’s complex business environment, CFOs are expected to deliver strong results while also maintaining the legitimacy and trust of their organizations. Paul Achleitner, former Deutsche Bank Chair and Goldman Sachs Partner, shares his unique perspective on the evolving demands of financial leadership. Achleitner emphasizes that while performance metrics remain crucial, the legitimacy dimension—how stakeholders perceive the organization’s actions and values—has become equally vital in an era of transparency and social media scrutiny.

Drawing from decades of boardroom experience, Achleitner discusses the risks of relying solely on past experience, the importance of judgment in a rapidly changing world, and the need for CFOs to manage both their own egos and those of their teams. He highlights the dangers of both underperformance and unsustainable overperformance, urging leaders to continuously evaluate whether they are truly adding value. Achleitner’s insights offer CFOs practical guidance on navigating the balance between delivering results and sustaining legitimacy, ensuring long-term organizational success in a world where both are under constant public review.

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