by GordonKJ | Sep 8, 2025 | Clarity, Interim
When a CFO leaves, it’s natural for companies to panic. Too often they rush to hire, promote someone unprepared, or plug the gap with an interim insider without a clear plan. The cost of that misstep can run into the millions.
But what if a departure wasn’t just a problem to fix, but a chance to reset? An interim CFO can provide independent assessment, clarity on what your company truly needs, and a smoother handoff to the next leader. With the right approach, you don’t just survive the gap — you come out stronger on the other side.
by GordonKJ | Jul 11, 2025 | Nonprofits
Many nonprofits are reimbursed for outsourcing services but denied reimbursement when delivering the same service in-house. This outdated funding model inflates costs, undermines equity, and punishes efficiency. Here’s why it happens and what needs to change.
by GordonKJ | Jun 19, 2025 | Interim, Leadership
Stepping in as an interim CFO means leading through uncertainty. You inherit not just a team, but their culture, habits, and hopes for what’s next. This field guide explores how to lead with clarity, curiosity, and care, stabilizing the team while setting the stage for the next permanent leader. Because interim leadership isn’t about holding down the fort. It’s about being the First Pancake.
by GordonKJ | Jun 13, 2025 | Communication, Finance, Leadership
In today’s data-heavy business environment, the most effective CFOs are more than just financial stewards. They are strategic storytellers. In this article, I reflect on insights shared by Alan Haughie, CFO of Louisiana-Pacific Building Solutions, at a recent CFO Leadership Council event. We explore how financial presentations can move beyond charts and dashboards to deliver clear, compelling narratives that drive alignment and action.
Learn why great CFOs must be deliberate, craft a narrative arc, and show up with authenticity. Storytelling is the skill that shifts financial leadership from simply reporting results to influencing decisions.
by GordonKJ | May 23, 2025 | Accountability, Leadership
Moving from individual contributor to leader requires more than a title change. It demands a mindset shift. Delegation becomes essential, but doing it well means more than handing off tasks. In this article, we explore the delicate balance of empowering others, developing team-wide capability, and staying close enough to catch issues before they become consequences. True leadership, especially in finance, means learning how to let go without losing connection.
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