After my recent experience and some self reflection, I asked Jim - how much time does a new CFO really get to learn the business and get ready to pitch it?
Jim responded - typically, a CFO will get 3-5 months to learn about the business and get ready to pitch it. That may seem like not a long time, but that's what one gets. It is therefore critical to approach each conversation with a lens of investor relations and pitching, even while working to setup the machinery. For operational CFOs like Jim and I, setting up the machine will always be a lure given it's ease and direct tangible impact. But that's the challenge of the job.
When I countered with me being outside the industry and covid environment, he acknowledged the hurdles. He commented that the remote environment definitely slow the learning process, but CFO job is unforgiving that way. Also, that this is the reason why companies prefer bringing in CFOs from within the industry - because it's easier to ramp.
No comments:
Post a Comment