In this episode, Dai Shi, SVP and CFO of Mission Square Retirement shares her journey from a literature major to a successful finance executive, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, strategic thinking, and effective communication in the CFO role.

Meet Stuart Pasternak, an executive coach and fractional CFO with 30+ years of experience leading finance across industries. He sits down with Matt to explain why finance is the true language of business and shares tips for CFOs to balance rigor with people-first leadership. Tune in for actionable advice on embracing AI, strengthening processes, and mentoring the next generation—plus reflections from Stuart’s work with the CFO Leadership Council and his approach to sustainable, scalable business growth.

Dan Fletcher, CFO of Planful, shares how trust, tech fluency, and soft skills shape modern finance leadership. A must-listen for today’s finance pros.

What’s next after the CFO seat—and how do you evolve your impact beyond a single company? Diana Saadeh-Jajeh, former CFO of GameStop and now a fractional CFO and board advisor, joins Matt to share how she built a dynamic career across finance, operations, and executive leadership. She reflects on the values that shaped her journey, the importance of staying curious, and why investing in your reputation is one of the smartest career moves you can make.

Scott Page, CFO of Precision Aviation Group, shares his unconventional path from pre-law student to finance leader. With experience spanning industries like private equity, distribution, and aviation, Scott talks about the lessons he’s learned, the importance of continuous growth, and how strategic thinking and hands-on leadership have shaped his career. Whether navigating private equity roll-ups or embracing new challenges, Scott’s story offers inspiration and insights for anyone aspiring to take their career to the next level.

Ever wonder what it takes to manage the finances of a legendary MLB team? Tim Zue, CFO of the Boston Red Sox, sits down with Matt to share his journey from engineering student to finance leader in one of baseball’s most iconic franchises. From navigating player payrolls to finding new revenue streams, Tim offers a behind-the-scenes look at balancing tradition with innovation in the world of sports business.

Natalie Quan, CFO of CalCPA, joins Matt to share her unique journey through nonprofit finance, from the San Francisco Ballet to mentoring at San Jose State. Natalie discusses how her passion for community and curiosity have shaped her leadership style, why relationships are key to professional growth, and how nonprofit finance offers deeper meaning beyond the numbers. With insights on adaptability, networking, and balancing mission with margins, this conversation provides a fresh perspective on what it means to lead as a CFO.

In this episode, Ted Bartlett, CFO of Vermeer Mountain West, shares his journey from the Navy to leading one of the country’s fastest-growing industrial equipment dealerships. Ted explores the role of culture in driving successful mergers and acquisitions, the value of soft skills like storytelling and relationship-building, and how finance leaders can confidently manage growth. Packed with actionable advice and candid insights, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to succeed as a modern CFO.

Eric Nakamura, CFO at Journal Technologies, joins Matt to discuss his unique, people-first approach to leadership and why today’s CFOs need to think beyond the numbers. From his early days auditing dot-com startups to building teams at Roofstock and Orange Comet, Eric shares stories and lessons that shaped his career. They dive into the power of EQ, creating a culture that attracts top talent, and how finance leaders can grow their impact across the business. Whether you’re a finance pro or just curious about what makes a great leader, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

What makes a CEO-CFO partnership truly work? In this episode, Planful CEO Grant Halloran joins Matt to share his perspective on this critical relationship and why it’s the key to driving business success. They’ll explore how CFOs can communicate more effectively, navigate tricky decisions, and invest in the right tools to scale their impact. This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to strengthen their CFO partnerships and enhance collaboration across teams.