https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFaDrJtO-KA

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The transition into a CFO role is one of the most significant steps in a finance leader’s career, bringing both opportunity and challenge. In this episode, Warren Wise—GrowCFO Mentor and Fractional CFO—shares his journey from a 22-year tenure at a manufacturing company to his current role supporting multiple organizations. Wise’s experience highlights the importance of adaptability, staff support, and the ability to manage new responsibilities beyond traditional finance functions.

Wise discusses the mindset shift required to move from a detail-oriented finance role to a strategic leadership position, emphasizing the need to trust and empower staff. He also addresses the common struggles of imposter syndrome and task overwhelm, offering practical advice for new CFOs to build confidence and maintain work-life balance. His insights are invaluable for finance professionals stepping into the CFO role, as well as for organizations seeking to support their finance leaders through this critical transition.

Key topics covered:

The importance of staff support and trusting your team as a new CFO

Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence in a leadership role

Managing task overwhelm and learning to delegate effectively

Adapting to new responsibilities beyond finance, including HR and operations

Gaining value from diverse industry exposure as a fractional CFO

Achieving work-life balance and flexibility in modern CFO roles

Links

Warren Wise on LinkedIn

Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn

GrowCFO Mentoring

Timestamps

0:00:59 Wise describes his initial hesitation and transition to a fractional CFO role

0:04:00 Insights from 22 years in manufacturing and progression to CFO

0:10:30 The mindset shift from detail-oriented finance to strategic leadership

0:12:12 Advice for new CFOs: staff support and trusting your team

0:14:39 Wise’s experience with imposter syndrome and building confidence

0:17:13 The value of mentoring and supporting new CFOs through challenges

Find out more about GrowCFO

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.

GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here.

You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net