In this episode, CJ interviews Ross Grainger, the CFO of Paradox, to discuss work-life integration (instead of balance), why the corporate ladder is less like a ladder and more like a jungle gym, and the hallmarks of a great CFO/FP&A/controller relationship. He starts by sharing his own unconventional career journey and talks about the importance of the hustle, giving examples from his own life of periods when things were weighted towards life or work and how this benefited him. He also describes why the career ladder is more like a jungle gym and gives examples of times when he had to step backwards or sideways to get ahead. He sheds light on the value of investing in work relationships outside of finance, such as product marketing and sales, before discussing the hallmarks of a good CFO/controller/FP&A relationship. With a team in Vietnam, he gives advice on how to expand internationally. The episode includes an explanation of why Ross doesn’t believe in annual planning, what he does instead, and how he justifies this to the board.

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SPONSORS:

Operators Guild is where the best CEOs, CFOs, VPs of finance, and BizOps leaders in the business connect, network, and grow together. Built by operators for operators, this members-only community is home to more than 1000 of the most elite high-growth operators in the world. Experience connection and knowledge share with professionals who understand you like no one else does. Learn more and apply at operators-guild.com.

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Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust®; Members FDIC.

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Preview and Intro

(02:08) Sponsor – Operators Guild | Maxio

(06:00) Work-Life Integration Versus Work-Life Balance

(09:15) The Importance of the Hustle

(10:53) Periods of Ross’s Life That Were Weighted Towards Life or Work

(12:54) Why It’s Not a Career Ladder but a Jungle Gym

(16:38) Sponsor – RemoFirst | Mercury | NetSuite

(20:27) Examples of Downward Career Moves That Got Ross Ahead

(25:17) The Value of Work Relationships Outside of Finance

(29:30) The Hallmarks of a Good CFO/Controller/FP&A Relationship

(32:38) Paradox’s Team in Vietnam and How to Expand Internationally

(37:11) Ross’s Views on R&D Spend and Advice on Payback Periods

(39:27) Why Ross Doesn’t Believe in Annual Planning

(42:18) Justifying This Flexibility to the Board

(43:51) Communicating Bad News

(45:20) Long-Ass Lightning Round: Career Regrets

(46:41) Advice to Younger Self on the Hustle

(47:12) Finance Software Stack

(47:46) Craziest Expense Story

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