Ilana Esterrich is the Chief Financial Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, a nonprofit that provides sexual and reproductive health care and education nationwide. Ilana previously served as CFO at the American Coatings Association and the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. A recognized voice in national CFO networks and advisory councils, she actively advances innovation and best practices in financial leadership. Ilana holds degrees from the Wharton School and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

In this episode…

In today's complex business environment, technical skills alone aren't enough for CFOs who want to drive long-term success. The real differentiator comes down to leadership, specifically, how you lead people.

According to Ilana Esterrich, a seasoned finance executive and leadership voice, people-first leadership is what defines modern CFO success. She explains that numbers can be corrected quickly, but mishandling people creates lasting scars on trust and morale. Ilana highlights the importance of building resilient teams, nurturing networks, and understanding individual motivations rather than projecting one-size-fits-all career paths. By combining strategic vision with human insight, leaders can create an environment where people thrive and organizations adapt more effectively.

In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Ilana Esterrich, Chief Financial Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, to discuss how people-first leadership defines CFO success. They explore why trust and team morale matter more than flawless spreadsheets, how bold career moves can reset your leadership trajectory, and why narrative intelligence is becoming a must-have skill for finance leaders. Ilana also shares advice on building resilient teams and leading with both head and heart.