What time do you usually wake up on weekdays?  

Waking up at 5 a.m. gives me a head start on the day and uninterrupted time to focus on what matters most. With fewer distractions and a refreshed mind, those early hours are perfect for planning, working on goals, or even getting in some exercise. It’s about setting a positive tone for the rest of the day and maximizing productivity before most people have even started!  

How do you spend the first hour of your day?    

In my first hour of the day, I focus on setting a productive tone. I start with a cup of coffee. I then go to the gym and after that I set my goals for the day. By the end of this hour, I’m refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead with clarity and purpose.  

What sparked your interest in finance?  

My interest in a career in finance was sparked by a fascination with how financial decisions shape businesses and economies. I was drawn to the idea that strategic financial planning can drive success and growth, whether on a corporate or personal level. The challenge of analyzing data, identifying trends, and making informed decisions based on complex factors inspired me to learn more. The constant evolution of the financial world and the opportunity to help others manage and grow solidified my passion for pursuing a career in this dynamic field. 

Can you share some career highlights and defining moments?  

One of my career highlights has been establishing my own accounting practice, which has allowed me to bring dedicated, personalized service to my clients. Offering fractional CFO services has given me the chance to make a real impact on the financial health and strategic growth of various businesses. Partnering with clients in this capacity has been rewarding, as I’ve been able to tailor financial strategies to their unique needs and support them on their journeys to long-term success.  

How do you handle professional challenges?  

When faced with professional challenges, I approach them with a solution-oriented mindset and a commitment to continuous learning. First, I take a step back to assess the situation, gathering all relevant information to understand the root cause of the issue. I then prioritize tasks and break down the challenge into manageable steps. Collaboration is key for me, so I seek input from colleagues or mentors when needed, valuing diverse perspectives. I stay adaptable, ready to adjust my strategies as new insights emerge. Finally, I view each challenge as an opportunity for growth, reflecting on the experience afterward to refine my skills and improve my approach for the future.  

What future goals are you excited about?  

Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing my accounting practice into a leading provider of fractional CFO services, expanding our capacity to serve clients across diverse industries. I aim to build a team of skilled professionals who can offer deeper financial insights, strategic planning, and operational efficiencies that empower our clients to achieve sustainable growth. By integrating advanced financial technologies and data-driven decision-making, I plan to deliver even more comprehensive, impactful solutions that support our clients’ long-term success and adaptability in a changing market.  

Have you had any international or different cultural experiences in your career?   

Throughout my career as an accountant, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Each experience has enriched my understanding of how cultural differences influence financial practices and business decisions. For instance, collaborating with international clients has taught me the importance of adapting my communication style and accounting methods to align with their expectations and values. Embracing these cultural experiences has not only enhanced my professional skills but also fostered deeper relationships with my clients, allowing me to provide tailored solutions that respect their unique perspectives. This journey has truly broadened my horizons and deepened my appreciation for the global nature of our industry.  

What key skills should a newly qualified accountant develop on their path to becoming a CFO?    

As a newly qualified accountant on the path to becoming a CFO, developing a blend of strategic and technical skills is crucial. Start with deepening your understanding of financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and forecasting to support data-driven decisions. Leadership and communication skills are also essential, as you’ll need to clearly convey financial insights to both financial and non-financial stakeholders. Building business acumen and risk management capabilities will help you align financial goals with broader company strategy. Embracing technology and data analytics tools will streamline processes, while fostering strong relationships across teams and with external stakeholders will support a collaborative, strategic approach. These skills will create a strong foundation for a successful transition to a CFO role.  

How do you balance your personal and professional life?  

Balancing work and life are about setting clear boundaries, prioritizing effectively, and making time for what truly matters. I start by planning my day with dedicated time for work and personal activities. I say no to extra tasks that could interfere with my personal time, and I don’t hesitate to delegate when needed. Scheduling downtime, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or family time, is essential for recharging. Always remember that a balanced approach helps you perform better at work and enjoy life more fully.  

What are your interests outside of work?  

I love the energy and focus that comes from hitting the gym, as well as the peace and fresh perspective I get from spending time outdoors. Whether it’s a challenging workout or a hike in nature, these activities keep me feeling balanced, recharged, and ready for anything. 

How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?  

I’m committed to helping others grow in the accounting field by sharing insights, offering mentorship, and providing guidance on both technical skills and career paths. Whether through formal training sessions, one-on-one coaching, or simply being a resource for questions, I aim to support and inspire emerging professionals to reach their potential and stay passionate about their work.  

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a CFO?  

If you’re aspiring to become a CFO, my key advice would be to focus on building a strong foundation in both finance and leadership. Gain diverse experiences across different functions such as financial planning, analysis, and risk management to understand the full scope of business operations. Develop your strategic thinking skills, as a CFO needs to align financial decisions with the company’s long-term goals. Additionally, invest in your communication skills to effectively convey complex financial concepts to various stakeholders. Lastly, seek mentorship from experienced leaders in the field to gain insights and guidance on your journey.  

What’s your favorite quote or mantra?   

“Accountants are the architects of the financial world.” – Sir John A. T. Smith  

Share your favorite leadership lesson.   

My favorite leadership lesson is the importance of leading by example.

Demonstrating the values and work ethic you expect from your team fosters trust and respect. 

What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your business bio?  

Something surprising about me that isn’t in my business bio is my passion for music and playing piano. While my professional life focuses on numbers and strategies, I find joy in expressing my creativity through listening to music and playing piano.  

What’s your favorite non-business app on your phone?   

Playing Plants vs. Zombies on my phone is a great way to unwind and engage my brain at the same time. The game combines strategy and problem-solving as I plan my defenses against quirky zombies while managing resources. It’s not only entertaining but also provides a fun escape that helps me relax after a long day. 

If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?   

If I could choose any superpower to help me in my job, it would be the ability to instantly analyze and interpret vast amounts of data. This superpower would allow me to quickly identify trends, discrepancies, and insights from complex financial information, streamlining my decision-making process.  

What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?   

My go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays is to break my tasks into manageable chunks and incorporate regular short breaks. By using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where I work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break, I can maintain my focus and energy levels throughout the day. Additionally, I make sure to prioritize my tasks, tackling the most important ones first. This approach helps me stay organized, reduces overwhelm, and keeps my productivity high, even during the longest of workdays.  

If you could relive one day from your professional career, which day would it be and why?  

If I could relive one day from my professional career, it would be the day I opened my own accounting practice. That day was filled with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation as I finally brought my vision to life. Setting up my office, meeting my first clients, and feeling the freedom to implement my own ideas were incredibly fulfilling. It was a pivotal moment that marked my transition from employee to entrepreneur, and it reminded me of the passion that drives my work. Reliving that day would reignite my motivation and enthusiasm for the journey ahead.