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.
by GordonKJ | Apr 11, 2025 | Accountability, Board Responsibility, Ethics and Integrity
When the boardroom becomes a toy box, oversight turns into ornament — and the cost can be staggering.
In the wake of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s $40 million embezzlement scandal, the real failure wasn’t just one individual — it was a breakdown in governance, accountability, and internal controls.
This post explores the warning signs every organization should watch for, the role of the board in safeguarding resources, and the structural changes that could prevent the next crisis before it starts.
by GordonKJ | Apr 4, 2025 | Accounting, Finance
Accounting and Finance are often lumped together, but they serve very different — and equally vital — roles in a business. Accounting looks backward, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Finance looks forward, charting the course for growth and decision-making. In this post, I share a simple but powerful metaphor that highlights their differences, a personal story from my time at GMAC, and why successful businesses need both functions working in sync. If your company is relying on just one, you might be steering without direction — or driving blind.
by GordonKJ | Mar 21, 2025 | Leadership
The relationship between a CEO and CFO is more than a reporting structure—it’s a strategic partnership that drives the success of an organization. While the CEO provides vision and direction, the CFO ensures financial sustainability and strategic execution. When aligned, they create a powerhouse of leadership, fueling growth, stability, and investor confidence.
In this post, we explore the key dynamics of a successful CEO-CFO relationship, from open communication and mutual trust to strategic alignment and financial stewardship. Discover why this partnership is essential for long-term organizational success.
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