In this insightful episode, Kevin Appleby sits down with Michael O’Reilly, a seasoned executive coach and former CFO with a diverse career spanning global finance, digital transformation, and leadership development. Together, they explore “The Three Hidden Traps That Stall New CFOs” — a candid discussion about the unseen challenges finance leaders face as they transition into enterprise leadership roles.

Michael shares his own experiences across companies like Citibank, Gap Inc., and PepsiCo, highlighting how curiosity, empowerment, and trust play crucial roles in a CFO’s success. He also explains how imposter syndrome, reluctance to delegate, and overreliance on technical mastery can prevent new CFOs from thriving in their roles. With AI reshaping the finance landscape, Michael emphasises the growing importance of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and creating psychological safety for teams navigating disruption.

The conversation goes beyond professional growth, touching on personal fulfilment and energy management — understanding what “charges or drains your batteries” as a leader. Drawing from his coaching practice and experiential leadership retreats in Ireland, Michael reveals how rediscovering purpose and flow can reignite a CFO’s impact, both in business and in life.

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