"It feels like we were out at sea. We got washed overboard by a big wave and we're floating around in life vests, and wave after wave of transformation is washing over us."

Those were the words of a corporate finance leader a few years back to Tom Hood, CPA/CITP, CGMA, executive vice president–Business Growth & Engagement for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.

The feeling of being knocked back by seemingly nonstop changes in the business environment is a common one — so common that it's a recurring theme for a group of finance leaders Hood formed about five years ago.

In this episode, Hood explains more about the "learn to surf" mantra and the top challenges facing finance leaders today. In a December JofA podcast appearance, he summarized the fourth Future of Finance Summit.

What you'll learn from this episode:

· The best way to handle the "intense" waves of transformation.

· How a philosopher's words have helped Hood and colleagues work with hundreds of corporate finance teams on transformation.

· Some of Hood's favorite summer leisure activities.

· The top challenges facing finance leaders.

· His advice for creating more engaging LinkedIn posts.

· A shout-out to a retiring colleague.