What if your financials are the single biggest factor in whether your business survives growth? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Debbie Stewart to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Debbie Stewart: Debbie Stewart is a seasoned fractional CFO who partners with growth-minded CEOs to bring financial clarity, discipline, and strategy into businesses that have outgrown the bookkeeper stage but are not ready for a full-time CFO. In this conversation, you will learn: - What it really means to build a financially sound business - Financial hygiene for growth-minded CEOs - Scaling with the right finance and leadership team - How to make your business sell-ready, even if you are not selling - Understanding your numbers as a CEO, not a bookkeeper - When to bring in a fractional CFO - The financial red flags that most owners miss too late Who this episode is for: CEOs and founders who feel blurry about their financials and want a trusted framework for cash flow, forecasting, and scaling with confidence. Connect with Debbie Stewart: Website: https://www.financefuelinggrowth.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbierstewart/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/