Gordon Organization Insights and Articles
Welcome to Insights, your go-to resource for strategic financial guidance. Whether you’re a business owner, executive, or finance leader, this blog delivers practical expertise on corporate financial strategy, fractional CFO services, and navigating complex financial challenges. From cash flow management to growth planning, Insights equips you with the knowledge to make informed, confident decisions. Explore expert perspectives, industry trends, and actionable strategies designed to help your business thrive.
What CFOs Can Learn from Great Storytellers
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.
The Art of Delegation
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.
When the Boardroom Becomes a Toy Box
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.
Accounting Closes – Finance Opens
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.
The CEO and CFO Partnership
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.
The Power of Integrity
The Power of Integrity in Business: More Than Just a Buzzword
Integrity isn’t just a corporate buzzword—it’s the foundation of trust, reputation, and long-term success. In today’s competitive landscape, businesses that operate with honesty, accountability, and ethical decision-making build stronger relationships with customers, employees, and partners. But integrity isn’t just about actions—it’s about perception. Even the most ethical companies must actively communicate their values to maintain trust. Learn how integrity can become your competitive advantage and why perception matters just as much as reality.
Read the full post to discover how integrity fuels business success!
Top Three for Succesful Finance Leadership
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, leading a finance team requires more than technical know-how. To succeed in 2025 and beyond, CFOs must master three essential ingredients: strategic foresight, technological agility, and collaborative leadership. Discover how these traits can transform your finance team from reactive to visionary—and position your organization for long-term success.
What Support Does Your Business Need
Businesses often reach a point where financial expertise is essential—but which kind? A fractional CFO provides ongoing financial leadership, an interim CFO fills temporary gaps during transitions, and a financial strategy consultant offers project-based insights. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right financial expert at the right time, ensuring your business stays financially strong and future-ready.
When to Engage a Financial Strategy Consultant
Financial strategy isn’t just about numbers — it’s about making the right decisions at the right time. Whether your business is preparing for expansion, struggling with cash flow, or needing data-driven financial insights, a financial strategy consultant can offer fresh perspectives and expert solutions. If you’re at a crossroads and unsure how to proceed, engaging a consultant could be the smartest financial decision you make.
When Should You Hire an Interim CFO
When financial leadership is suddenly missing or a company faces a major transition, an interim CFO can step in to provide stability. Whether it’s due to a CFO’s unexpected departure, an impending merger, or financial distress, hiring an interim CFO ensures your business stays on track. These experienced professionals offer immediate expertise, crisis management, and financial oversight—bridging the gap until a long-term solution is in place.