In this episode of From Go to CFO, Nick is joined by Mike Dickson, Host of Your Future in Sales and Marketing for a special episode of the How to series. 

Nick and Mike break down the real-world strategies behind getting promoted. From demonstrating value beyond your job description to navigating conversations with leadership, they share practical advice, personal experiences, and actionable steps listeners can apply immediately. 

Whether you’re aiming for your next title or simply want to position yourself for growth, this episode offers a straightforward guide to standing out and moving your career forward. 

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we speak with Andrew Just, Chief Financial Officer of Inghams Australia, about leading finance at scale and navigating change across some of the world’s most complex business environments. Andrew reflects on a remarkable 30+ year career at Nestlé, which he joined straight after college and where he held senior leadership roles across Australia, Fiji, Switzerland, and Singapore.

Andrew shares firsthand insights into steering organisations through transformation, driving cultural change, and delivering results in diverse and often challenging markets. A key focus of the conversation is his transition from being a long-tenured “Nestlé lifer” to stepping into a new organisation as CFO - what it takes to reset, adapt, and quickly build credibility as the new kid on the block.

The episode also explores the human side of finance leadership: how to build trust and collaboration within teams, lead through uncertainty, and develop the personal resilience required to sustain an international career. Packed with practical leadership lessons, this conversation offers aspiring finance leaders a candid look at what it truly takes to go from graduate to CFO.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Mike Charter - former international CFO and Chief Strategy Officer, now the visionary founder of AVAALER, an executive coaching platform built to elevate senior finance leaders into aligned, influential, high-performing executives without burning out.

Mike brings more than 30 years of global finance and strategy leadership, having held senior roles across Europe, Asia, and Australia. 

Listeners will hear how Mike’s entrepreneurial drive ultimately led to the creation of AVAALER, where he now coaches top finance leaders around the world. He opens up about the patterns he sees in today’s CFOs, what holds many of them back from their full influence, and the mindset and leadership shifts required to thrive at the top without sacrificing wellbeing. He also founded Gotcha4Life Foundation who focus on supporting individuals through mental health challenges. If you're interested in getting involved please click below:
https://www.gotcha4life.org/

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring and current finance leaders looking for tangible insights on strategic leadership, sustainable performance, and navigating the path from technical expert to influential C-suite leader.

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Broadhead, Executive Director of Finance, Property and Information Systems at Wesley Mission, to explore a career that seamlessly blends commercial acumen with purpose-driven leadership - and yes, plenty of Jimmy Vibes along the way.

Mark shares his journey from growing up in Wahroonga with three sisters to becoming a chartered accountant at Grant Thornton, before stepping into senior roles across engineering, manufacturing, and human services. His path spans a decade at RSL Lifecare and meaningful time with the Lowy Family Group supporting charitable foundations, all culminating in his current leadership at Wesley Mission.

We dive into the lessons learned from driving transformation, building high-performing teams, and balancing purpose with performance. Mark opens up about what it takes to lead with empathy, create environments where people feel valued, and how his diverse experiences have shaped a grounded, authentic leadership style.

Outside the office, Mark lives in Frenchs Forest with his wife Leanne, their three daughters, and their beloved dog Jimmy - whose lease of second life energy, inspires the “Jimmy Vibes” that anchor this conversation. From golf weekends and BBQ rituals to bagpipes, dog walks, and even becoming a yoga teacher, Mark shows how a full life informs a full heart.

A thoughtful, warm, and energising episode about leadership, purpose, family, and finding your own vibe - Jimmy or otherwise.

The First 90 Days:

The First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter - Watkins, Michael D. | 9781422188613 | Amazon.com.au | Books 

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Byron Bassett, Chief Financial Officer at Unilever, whose journey from a small farming town in Inverell, New South Wales, to the boardrooms of some of the world’s biggest companies is nothing short of inspiring.

Byron shares the leadership lessons that have shaped his career across global giants like GlaxoSmithKline, Woolworths, Johnson & Johnson, Dyon, and Key Pharmaceuticals, and reflects on how trust and accountability form the foundation of high-performing teams.

We explore why the modern CFO is evolving into a Chief Value Officer, balancing financial stewardship with purpose-driven leadership in a rapidly changing business landscape. Byron also offers his perspective on how finance professionals can stay relevant amid the rise of AI and automation, and what it takes to lead with clarity and authenticity in uncertain times.

Whether you’re an aspiring finance leader or simply curious about what it takes to rise from humble beginnings to the top of global business, this conversation with Byron Bassett offers invaluable insights on growth, adaptability, and the future of leadership.

In this episode, we sit down with Vladen Potapenkov, Chief Financial Officer at Nutrano Produce Group, to explore his remarkable 20-year journey through the global food and beverage industry. Born in Ukraine and raised in Russia, Vladen’s story is one of adaptability, curiosity, and leadership across continents.

Beginning his career in a comprehensive graduate program with Agrana Fruit, Vladen quickly rose through a series of finance and operational roles across Europe before relocating to Australia - where he ultimately became CFO for the region. After 15 successful years at Agrana, he took on a new challenge within a Private Equity-backed company, continuing to drive transformation and growth.

In this conversation, Vladen shares his pathway to CFO, his approach to leadership beyond finance, and how he’s led large-scale system implementations that deliver lasting impact. He discusses his belief in team-based leadership, how he’s helped stabilize even the most challenging teams, and his deep passion for mentoring and developing young talent.

Whether you’re an aspiring finance leader, a people-focused executive, or someone fascinated by global business journeys, Vladen’s insights reveal what it truly means to lead with purpose, resilience, and a belief in people as the ultimate driver of success.

In this episode, we sit down with Mats Weiss, the dynamic CFO of Orro Group - a Swedish country boy whose journey from the golf course to the global finance stage is nothing short of remarkable.

Starting his career at PwC in Sweden while playing professional golf, his path has taken him through leadership roles at global giants like Nike, Philip Morris, 20th Century Fox, and beyond. Along the way, he’s worked across Europe, Australia, and Asia Pacific - building a career defined by resilience, adaptability, and relentless curiosity.

We explore his early days growing up in the southeast of Sweden, playing every sport imaginable - from tennis and handball to table tennis and volleyball - and how that foundation in teamwork and competition shaped his approach to leadership.

From navigating the entertainment industry during Disney’s acquisition of Fox, to steering an ecommerce business through the chaos of COVID-19, and now leading financial strategy at Orro Group, this episode is a masterclass in leading through change, staying curious, and building a global career without losing your roots. 

Whether you're a finance professional, an aspiring leader, or just love a good origin story - this episode will inspire you to think bigger, stay agile, and never stop learning.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Lorenz Haefeli, the CFO of Bailey Nelson, a finance leader whose journey has taken him from Sydney’s Northern Beaches to the fast-paced world of automotive giants like Tesla and onto international optical retailer Bailey Nelson.

Starting his career in audit at KPMG before making the leap to London, he’s since held finance roles across insurance, automotive distribution, and innovative retail. Along the way, he’s combined a passion for cars with a sharp commercial mindset to lead high-impact finance teams in both established and scaling businesses.

Key highlights include:

• How an early foundation in audit built strong analytical and strategic thinking
• What transitioning from insurance to automotive taught him about adaptability
• Lessons from working at Subaru and Tesla—where passion meets precision
• The value of international experience early in a finance career
• His approach to aligning finance with business goals in a high-growth retail environment

This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals interested in navigating cross-industry careers, leveraging personal passions, and driving strategic impact across global markets.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Paul Bertie, a finance and operations leader who’s navigated a dynamic career across Australia and South Africa from growing up in the wine region just north of Cape Town, to leading transformational change in retail, ecommerce, and consumer goods.

With a career that started in finance roles at Puma and Sunglass Hut, and evolved into high-impact leadership across global markets, Paul shares how embracing change, staying grounded, and thinking commercially have shaped his journey.

Key highlights include:

• How his early roles in retail finance built the foundation for operational leadership
• The mindset shift from functional expert to business transformer
• Lessons learned from working across wholesale, ecommerce, and retail media
• Why cross-market experience (South Africa & Australia) sharpened his strategic edge
• His passion for purpose-driven leadership and building high-performance teams

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating a career in finance or operations and looking to lead with both clarity and impact.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sat down with Shihara, who spent 14 years at Unilever and worked across an incredible 17 roles—rising from graduate to CFO.

We explored what it takes to build a meaningful career and the mindset that helped her grow through every opportunity.

Key highlights include:

• The power of saying yes to opportunities—even when they stretch you.
• Why she believes in “doing things that put you on the map.”
• Her mission to “leave behind a legacy” in every role she takes on.
• The importance of mentors and sponsors—especially those outside of finance.
• How embracing change and staying curious helped her navigate a dynamic career path.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration for anyone looking to grow their career with intention and impact.

🎙️ It’s an energising listen—tune in now!