Matt welcomes Cheryl A. Heller to hear how she went from corporate executive to fractional CFO and strategic advisor. They explore the really hard times behind balancing a demanding career with family challenges, including how Cheryl supported her daughter through anxiety and personal growth. Cheryl shares insights for business owners, from understanding financial metrics to setting up KPIs that drive success. The conversation also touches on building resilience, managing burnout, and finding clarity in chaos. It’s an honest look at the lessons learned through challenges and how they shape leadership and life.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Where It All Begins
• 00:00:39 - Who Is Cheryl Heller?
• 00:01:06 - From Corporate Walls to New Horizons
• 00:02:08 - Numbers Tell a Story
• 00:02:41 - The Chaos We Carry
• 00:04:10 - Breaking Through Family Storms
• 00:13:03 - The Leap Into Entrepreneurship
• 00:15:41 - Inside the CFO Mindset
• 00:22:13 - Success Beyond the Spreadsheet
• 00:25:13 - Wisdom Worth Sharing
• 00:28:52 - Rapid Reflections and Closing Notes

Book Recommendations

• All books authored by Dan Sullivan
• The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

Links and Resources

• Cheryl on LinkedIn
• Cheryl on Instagram
• Demystifying Financial Jargon: 30 Terms You Need to Know
• Strategic Board Collective
• Pillar One Consulting

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!