Over the last several years, successful CFOs have evolved from traditional financial stewards into strategic co-leaders who drive transformation with vision and discipline. In the era of artificial intelligence, they are taking the next step in corporate leadership integrating AI thoughtfully, championing agile practices, building data-driven cultures, and balancing innovation with robust governance to deliver measurable business impact.

Divya Kumar exemplifies this new breed of finance leader. With over two decades of experience scaling businesses and leading large-scale digital transformations across diverse industries and geographies, she has earned multiple CFO and executive leadership awards. As a board member, keynote speaker, and author of the 2026 book CFO AI Compass, Divya empowers finance leaders to co-lead their organization’s AI agenda while transforming the finance function itself.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, join us in this PodChats for FutureCFO as she reveals her approach to leadership as well as her secrets to leading finance in the era of AI.

Part I

1.     In your career, what have been the key success factors that led you to senior leadership roles? 

2.     What mindset shifts prepared you to lead digital and business transformations across Fortune 500s, startups, Capgemini, IKEA, and now Decathlon (no company name)? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

Part II

3.     In your book, "CFO AI Compass", you've described CFOs shifting from financial stewards to strategic AI co-leaders. What practical steps and lessons from your IKEA (Digital CFO + Chief Data Officer) and Decathlon roles helped you make this transition and which framework or chapter from your book have you applied the most?

4.     Your early ideas on agile budgeting and analytics-driven FP&A were forward-thinking. How have they evolved with today's AI?

5.     How do you balance rapid innovation adoption h governance, risk, and measurable value across multinationals which operate in numerous countries, like the ones you have worked for? What guardrails or metrics work best in your experience?

6.     With your board experience at IKEA and Decathlon, how has your strategy-finance-analytics experience given you an advantage? (connecting the dots) What's your top advice for finance leaders to gain a seat at the AI table?

Part III

7.     You stress balancing humility with inspiration to foster curiosity and courage. What helps leaders and teams embrace (not fear) innovation?

8.     In your journey as a leader and mentoring women/students, what one key learning do you want emerging women leaders to internalize?

9. IWD thoughts (115 years)?