Leadership and Legacy: What Sets Exceptional CFOs Apart
Numbers tell a story, but people remember the person who gave those numbers meaning. The mark of an exceptional CFO is not only accuracy or technical mastery, but the ability to lift others through clarity, confidence, and purpose. Great financial leaders don’t just drive results; they move people to believe that better is always possible. […]
When Culture Becomes the CFO’s Greatest Asset: Why culture, purpose, and people drive financial performance
For decades, the CFO’s role was defined narrowly: keep the numbers accurate, manage compliance, secure funding, and protect the balance sheet. It was about discipline, order, and stewardship. Those responsibilities have not disappeared, but they are no longer enough. The modern CFO is not only a guardian of financial integrity but a catalyst for transformatio
South Africa’s CFOs Face a Warning Signal: Liquidations Surge as Small Businesses Buckle
The latest figures from July 2025 should give every chief financial officer in South Africa pause. Business liquidations rose sharply to 155 in the month, a 16.5% increase compared with July 2024. Close corporations carried the heaviest burden, with 26 more closures recorded than a year ago. On the surface this looks like another data […]
The CFO as a Builder: From Numbers to Legacy
When a company rises, it is rarely because of numbers alone. It is because someone dared to connect the numbers to people, culture, and possibility. The true measure of finance leadership is not in quarterly reports, but in what is built between them: the systems, the teams, and the momentum that keep an organisation […]
Unlocking Growth Where Numbers Alone Cannot Reach
When businesses face disruption, most instinctively turn to the numbers. Margins shrink, forecasts wobble, and cash flow models are pulled out to see where efficiencies can be found. But sometimes, the numbers alone are not enough. Real transformation often begins not in spreadsheets but in vision, trust, and bold collaboration. The recent partnership between
Women Leading in Male-Dominated Industries: Overcoming gender bias and leading with authority in finance and energy
It is no secret that industries like finance and energy have long been dominated by men. Boardrooms, executive committees, and industry conferences often reflect a gender imbalance that has barely shifted in decades. For women who step into these spaces, the challenges are not only about doing the job well. They are also about proving, […]
Mentorship That Moves the Needle: Practical Strategies for CFOs to Build Future Leaders in Finance
Mentorship That Moves the Needle: Practical Strategies for CFOs to Build Future Leaders in Finance Mentorship is not a feel-good extra or a nice-to-have. For a Chief Financial Officer, it is a leadership responsibility. When you mentor someone, you shape how they think, how they grow, and how they contribute to the organisation. You also […]
The CFO’s Secret Superpower: National Development
The CFO’s Secret Superpower: National Development Let’s cut to the chase. South Africa doesn’t need more economic theorists or padded panels of advisors. It needs CFOs who are willing to get their hands dirty and take charge. That’s right, you, the Chief Financial Officer, are the one person in the room who can actually help […]
Stakeholder Alignment Without Compromise
Stakeholder Alignment Without Compromise The CFO walks a tightrope. On one side, the board demands stronger financial returns. On the other, employees want better benefits. Regulators insist on compliance, while customers expect value and speed. Investors want growth, but operational teams need breathing room. This is the CFO reality: a role no longer defined
You’re Being Watched – and Judged – Every Day
You’re Being Watched – and Judged – Every Day We tend to think of promotions as something you apply for. You submit a CV, attend the interview, and get formally offered the new role. But in the world of finance leadership, many of the most important promotions begin long before you get the title and […]