Shows
The Diary of a CFOThe Art of Becoming a Strategic CFO, with Dr. Tamer AlsayedIn this episode of The Diary of a CFO, Wassia Kamon speaks with Dr. Tamer Alsayed, CFO at the Future Investment Initiative and author of The Art of Becoming a Strategic CFO. With over two decades of experience across industries and regions, Dr. Tamer offers a clear-eyed view of what today’s finance leaders need to succeed.The discussion covers:How the CFO role has evolved beyond reporting and complianceWhat it means to think and lead strategically in financeLessons from working on IPOs, M&A deals, and international startupsWhy transparency matters more than polish in investor re...2025-06-2635 min
The Diary of a CFOThe #1 Mistake Keeping Controllers from Becoming CFOsWelcome to Season 2 of The Diary of a CFO. In this kickoff solo episode, Wassia Kamon shares behind-the-scenes highlights from Season 1, why some careers stall at the executive door, and what actually opens it.You’ll hear:The real reason technical skills alone won’t get you promotedThe 3-digit P.I.N. code to executive leadershipWhat separates great CFOs from the restWhy work-life harmony beats balanceWhat’s new in Season 2?🎥 Full-video episodes on YouTube🗞 A brand-new Substack called Off the RecordJoin the conversation at: https://wassiakamon.substack.com/2025-06-1928 min
The Diary of a CFOWhat I Wish Finance Professionals Knew Sooner, with Syed NadeemIn this episode, Syed Nadeem shares the lessons he wishes more finance professionals learned early on. He talks about why certifications alone won’t get you promoted, and why your mindset, human skills, and personal brand matter just as much as your technical skills.Syed also shares how losing his job became a turning point. He built a global brand and started helping others grow in their careers. From business partnering to leadership, this episode is full of insights that can help you stay relevant and move forward, no matter where you are in your finance journey....2025-06-1134 min
The Diary of a CFOSolving Revenue Recognition Nightmares for SaaS Companies, with Apurv BansalIf you’ve ever lost sleep over complex contracts, usage-based pricing, or revenue schedules that live in hundreds spreadsheet tabs, this episode is for you.I’m joined by Apurv Bansal, co-founder and CEO of Zenskar, to talk about how AI is helping SaaS companies automate billing and revenue recognition end-to-end. We unpack why legacy tools can’t keep up with modern pricing models, what finance teams really need from automation, and how to avoid the most common implementation mistakes.Special thanks to Zenskar for sponsoring this episode. Visit zenskar.com/upgrade to learn...2025-06-0538 min
Better Finance: CFO Insights podcastHow finance leaders in mission-driven organizations can create valueIn this episode of the EY Better Finance podcast, Myles Corson interviews Wassia Kamon, CFO of Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE). Wassia discusses how finance leaders in mission-driven organizations can create value for entrepreneurs through open communication and strategic financial planning. Wassia emphasizes that value creation for entrepreneurs should be measured not just in financial terms but also in creating long-term sustainable growth. She also elaborates on the importance of finance leaders helping entrepreneurs carry out their vision while aligning on the balance sheet. © 2025 Ernst & Young Global Limited2025-06-0435 min
The Diary of a CFOBeyond Compliance: Kendra LaFleur on Becoming a Trusted AdvisorAudit Director at FORVIS Mazars and board treasurer for Girls on the Run Georgia, Kendra LaFleur opens up about her journey from intern to partner, how she grew into strategic leadership, and how she navigates the evolving role of finance in mission-driven organizations.2025-05-3032 min
Business Partner - Conseils finance corporate et contrôle de gestionTravailler en Finance aux USA : avantages, risques et conseils pour les DAF ambitieux avec Wassia KamonDans cet épisode, je reçois Wassia, CFO formée en France et propulsée au sommet d’entreprises américaines. Ensemble, nous décortiquons la fonction finance de l’autre côté de l’Atlantique : responsabilités, culture managériale, évolutions de carrière et rapport au risque. Wassia explique d’abord ce qu’elle attend d’un business partner digne de ce nom : une immersion totale dans le quotidien des équipes, la capacité de poser les bonnes questions et l’art subtil de transformer des chiffres en décisions qui changent le terrain.Nous plongeons ensuite dans...2025-05-2559 min
The Diary of a CFOFrom Combat Zones to Corporate Finance: Stephen McLain on Leading in High-Stakes EnvironmentsStephen McLain led 250 soldiers as an Army Commander. He built internal controls in Iraq to fight fraud and misuse of funds. And, he defended military budgets in front of NATO.Now, he helps corporate finance and accounting teams fix problems with their internal processes, financial modeling, and strategy development.In this episode, he shares what finance professionals can learn from leading in high-stakes environments. We talk about strategic thinking, transitioning from military to corporate finance, and the leadership gaps most companies overlook.2025-05-2340 min
The Diary of a CFOWhy Treasury is More Than Managing Cash, with Matthew HarlanTreasury often works behind the scenes, but Matthew Harlan shows why it should be a key player at the table. We cover what treasury leaders bring to IPO readiness, how to rethink working capital, and how finance teams can collaborate better across functions.2025-05-1537 min
The FP&A Guy NetworkThe Influence Skills for FP&A Pros to Build Boardroom Trust Without the CFO Title with Wassia KamonIn this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Wassia Kamon, the Chief Financial Officer at Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), about her journey from financial planning and analysis (FP&A) to leading as a CFO. Wassia opens up about the challenges, surprises, and growth she's experienced, particularly in learning to navigate the boardroom and building strategic influence within her organization. Along the way, she shares valuable insights into leadership, trust-building, and why it's essential for finance professionals to expand beyond the numbers.Wassia Kamon is a finance powerhouse with over 15 years of...2025-05-1552 minFP&A TomorrowThe Influence Skills for FP&A Pros to Build Boardroom Trust Without the CFO Title with Wassia KamonIn this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Wassia Kamon, the Chief Financial Officer at Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), about her journey from financial planning and analysis (FP&A) to leading as a CFO. Wassia opens up about the challenges, surprises, and growth she's experienced, particularly in learning to navigate the boardroom and building strategic influence within her organization. Along the way, she shares valuable insights into leadership, trust-building, and why it's essential for finance professionals to expand beyond the numbers.Wassia Kamon is a finance powerhouse with over 15 years of...2025-05-1552 min
The Diary of a CFOLeading Finance with Curiosity and Cultural Intelligence, with Jenny FussJenny Fuss has led finance teams in Germany, China, and the United States. Each move meant learning a new way of working. In this episode, she shares how working and living in three different countries shaped her leadership style and helped her lead major transformations with clarity and confidence.2025-05-0931 min
The Diary of a CFOFrom School Teacher to CFO: Tamica Williams on Grit and LeadershipTamica Williams went from relying on food pantries as a kid to leading the largest food bank in Georgia as CFO. She shares how she made the jump from teaching to accounting, built her career and why leadership is about showing up 100% no matter where you start. 2025-05-0140 min
The Diary of a CFOSecrets of Rockstar CFOs: Jack McCullough on Developing the Next Generation of CFOsJack McCullough has spent decades in the CFO seat, but his biggest impact may be what he’s done for the next generation of CFOs.He’s the founder of the CFO Leadership Council, a global community of over 2,500 senior finance leaders, and the author of three books including Secrets of Rockstar CFOs and MBA for Lunch.In this conversation, Jack opens up about:What companies really look for in a CFO,Why some controllers get stuck (and what to do about it),How one rejection led him to create the CFO Leadership Council,The...2025-04-2336 min
The Diary of a CFOMeet The CFO Who Went Viral on TikTok: Professor Bee NanceWhat do you get when a CFO, CPA, and accounting professor starts teaching on TikTok?42,000 followers and a new way to make accounting finally click.In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, I sit down with Professor Bee Nance to talk about her multi-hyphenate career, from leading a multimillion-dollar nonprofit to becoming a viral content creator and author of Sunny Gets Money, a financial literacy book for kids.We cover:What it takes to thrive as a nonprofit CFOWhy even seasoned finance pros struggle with personal moneyHow Bee’s classroom ex...2025-04-1828 min
The Diary of a CFOIs the Climb to CFO Worth It?In this solo episode, I answer 4 questions from my newsletter subscribers:Is the climb and reach to CFO worth it?Do you enjoy the work and people?Do you have work-life balance?What helped you get there?If you’ve got questions about leadership, your team, or growing in your role, the best way to ask is through my newsletter. Subscribe at thediaryofacfo.com.2025-04-0432 min
The Diary of a CFOThe Critical Role of Accounting in Business Success, with Edwine Alphonse In this episode of the Diary of a CFO podcast, Edwine Alphonse shares her journey from a work-study student in Canada to a senior controller at Ramp, discussing her experiences in startups, the importance of accounting, and how to build a high-performing finance team. She emphasizes the critical role of accounting in business operations and the necessity for finance leaders to advocate for adequate technology for their teams.2025-03-2843 min
The Diary of a CFOWhat Technology Can (and Can’t) Fix for Finance Teams, with John GlasgowFinance leaders are under pressure to move faster, stay accurate, and be more strategic. But not every challenge can be solved with technology. In this episode, John Glasgow, Founder and CEO of Campfire, shares issues technology can help solve, like improving audit trails and enforcing controls, and the ones that require stronger business partnerships, like getting finance involved in the right conversations early. We also get into why some teams over-engineer their processes, how to scale without adding unnecessary complexity, and what it really takes to grow as a leader in today’s business environment.2025-03-2140 min
The Diary of a CFOHow to Get on High-Impact Projects and Lead Major Change, with Sindy WilsonSindy Wilson didn’t plan to be in finance. She was headed for med school until dissecting a rat and a cat made her rethink everything. That switch led her to a career in finance, where she’s led transformation at Kickstarter, Lyft, and AutoTrader. In this episode, she breaks down how to stand out, get on big projects, and lead major change in any organisation.2025-03-1438 min
The Diary of a CFOWhat I’ve Realized After Six Months as CFOSix months as a CFO has taught me a lot about leadership, decision-making, and what it really takes to succeed in this role. In this solo episode, I share my biggest takeaways so far: why managing a board is nothing like just presenting to one, how to lead when there’s no playbook, and why staying plugged into the right circles is non-negotiable.2025-03-0617 min
Financial Management (FM) magazineWhat International Women’s Day means for an ascending accountantWassia Kamon, CPA, a member of AICPA & CIMA’s Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee (WIEC), emphasises the interplay between gender equity, representation, and establishing yourself as a leader in this podcast episode celebrating International Women’s Day. Kamon discloses how seeing gender representation early in her career helped her find her voice at work while balancing study and family commitments. She also explains why women often endure “subconscious” doubts when it comes recognising their worth as a leader. International Women’s Day this year is on Saturday 8 March. What you’ll learn from this episode:2025-03-0510 min
The Diary of a CFONonprofit Finance Isn’t as Simple as You Think, with Stephen NewlandMost people assume nonprofits just need to balance donations with expenses. But in reality, nonprofit finance comes with its own set of complexities. In this episode, Stephen Newland shares what leaders need to understand about nonprofit financial management, and how to make better long-term financial decisions.2025-02-2727 min
The Diary of a CFOLeadership Lessons from a CFO-Turned-Coach, Jeremy Earnshaw After 25 years as a CFO, Jeremy Earnshaw transitioned from managing numbers to mentoring leaders. He shares what he wishes he knew earlier, the common leadership mistakes CFOs make, and how coaching can accelerate career growth. We also talk about the shift from technical expertise to strategic influence, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and the mindset changes that separate good CFOs from great ones.2025-02-2040 min
The Diary of a CFOAligning Strategy and Execution, with Beverly DavisWhat if the problem isn’t the numbers, but everything around them?
Beverly Davis has spent years helping businesses fix their financial blind spots. From misaligned strategies to communication breakdowns, she knows why execution often fails before it even starts. In this episode, we dive into what really makes or breaks a company’s financial success and how to spot the non-financial issues slowing your business down.2025-02-1436 min
The Diary of a CFOBalancing Strategy, Risk & Leadership as a CFO, with Scott MeyersIn this episode, I sit down with Scott Meyers, CFO of Plurilock, to talk about what it really takes to lead in today’s fast-changing business world. From navigating financial landmines to handling the unexpected, Scott shares real-world lessons (and some great punchlines) about what it really takes to be a modern CFO.
We dive into the realities of the CFO role, including how to think strategically, communicate effectively with the board, and ensure your team is set up for success. A must-listen for finance leaders looking to balance strategy, risk, and a few good laughs along th...2025-02-0735 min
The Diary of a CFOSaying Yes Before You Feel Ready, with Janice StuckeWhat happens when you don’t have a clear career roadmap? You build one. Janice Stucke never set out to become a CFO, but by embracing growth, saying yes before she felt ready, and leaning into big challenges, she made it happen. We talk about career pivots, digital transformation, and the mindset that helped her succeed.
This episode is brought to you by Datarails, sponsor of The Office of The CFO Bootcamp program. It's a 3-Week Leadership Accelerator program for aspiring VP of Finance, CAOs and CFOs. Click here to learn more.2025-01-3126 min
The Diary of a CFOLearning and Leading as a Modern CFO, with Basem WaheedIn this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome my first international guest, Basem Waheed, CFO of Golden Chicken Farms Co. in Saudi Arabia. Basem shares his inspiring journey from accounting to modern finance leadership, including how he spearheaded a digital transformation that reduced month-end close to just one day for the large conglomerate.
Tune in to hear his insights on balancing technical expertise with communication, fostering trust across teams, and embracing lifelong learning to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced business world.2025-01-2338 min
The Diary of a CFOThe Human Side of Finance Leadership, with Jessica McClainIn this inspiring episode, Jessica McClain, CFO of Girl Scouts Nation's Capital, talks about her transition from public accounting to the nonprofit sector and the leadership lessons learned along the way. She shares practical insights on managing teams, building meaningful connections, and staying adaptable in a constantly evolving professional landscape.2025-01-1631 min
The Diary of a CFOHow to Build a Well-Rounded Finance Career, with Bryan LapidusIn this episode, Bryan Lapidus, Director of FP&A Practice at AFP, shares invaluable insights from his unique career journey—from starting as a history major to leading in finance. Bryan talks about the importance of gaining breadth early in your career, the role of rotations, and why stepping outside of finance can make you a better leader. Tune in to learn how to take charge of your professional development and stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape.2025-01-1029 min
The Diary of a CFOExecutive Job Search Strategies, with Amy SulgroveEver wondered what happens after you hit "submit" on a job application?
In this episode, executive recruiter Amy Sulgrove takes you behind the scenes of the hiring process.
Learn how recruiters evaluate candidates, the power of a strong LinkedIn profile, and why networking isn’t optional.
Amy offers practical tips, including how to find hiring managers’ emails, the right way to follow up, and how to avoid common pitfalls that keep great candidates from landing their dream roles.
2025-01-0228 min
The Diary of a CFOYour Roadmap to Executive LeadershipAs the year ends, it’s time to refocus on your career goals. In this episode, I share the steps, mindset shifts, and strategies that can help you break through to executive leadership in the year ahead.
You’ll learn:
Why traditional strategies like hard work and getting more credentials aren’t enough.
How to develop executive presence that sets you apart.
The importance of building influence and relationships to unlock opportunities.
Resources to Support Your Journey:
14-Day Email Guide: Master The Executive PIN Code with daily insights and actionable tips. Sign up here.
Strate...2024-12-2724 min
The Diary of a CFOMaking Bold Moves, with Brenda Hodo-IddrisMaking bold moves is what defines Brenda Hodo-Iddris. With over 20 years of experience spanning public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Brenda has mastered the art of adaptability and strategic influence. In this episode, she shares:
How she carved out a niche as a "fixer" in nonprofit finance and operations.
The importance of building trust and relationships across all levels of an organization.
Why stepping beyond financials is key to becoming a strategic influencer.
Brenda’s advice isn’t just for CFOs—it’s for anyone navigating leadership challenges, balancing strategy with execution, or aspiring to make a bigger impact.2024-12-1231 min
The Diary of a CFOBehind the Scenes of My First 90 Days as CFOBecoming a CFO is an exciting milestone, but those first 90 days can be a whirlwind of learning, decisions, and adjustments. In this episode of Diary of a CFO, I reflect on my journey through my first three months in the role—what I got right, what I wish I had done differently, and the lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The key advice from my mentor and executive coach that set me up for success before day one.
How to build meaningful relationships with your team and...2024-11-2925 min
The Diary of a CFOStarting Strong as a New CFO, with Matt ZieglerIn this episode of Diary of a CFO, I sit down with Matt Ziegler, CFO of GovExec, to unpack what it really takes to hit the ground running in a new CFO role.
Matt shares his experience moving from FP&A to CFO, managing multiple functions, and finding his footing in a company with complex business models.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How to structure your first 90 days as CFO for maximum impact
The skills to shift from FP&A to a broader CFO role
Effective onboarding techniques and why pre-planning matters
The impo...2024-11-1446 min
Girls in FinanceCareer Compass: Wassia Kamon’s Guide To Finance In this episode, we talk with Wassia Kamon, CPA, CMA, MBA, a seasoned CFO with extensive experience in corporate finance and FP&A. We explore what inspired her to pursue a career in finance and why she chose to work at a not-for-profit like Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) to support entrepreneurial growth. Wassia opens up about how she’s tackled challenges throughout her leadership journey and shares valuable advice for young women aspiring to leadership roles in finance.We also discuss the key strategies she recommends for building resilience and thriving during times of change, dr...2024-11-1112 min
The Diary of a CFOBreaking Silos Between Marketing and Finance, with Elaine BenfieldIn this episode, Elaine Benfield, a seasoned marketing leader, shares her insights on how to bridge the gap between marketing and finance. We dive into the importance of aligning metrics, building collaborative relationships, and leveraging storytelling to drive business growth.
Whether you're in finance, marketing, or leadership, this conversation offers valuable strategies to break down silos and work more effectively across departments.Here's what you'll learn:
How to align marketing and finance metrics for shared success
The power of storytelling in making financial data impactful and engaging
Tips for marketing leaders to better collaborate with finance...2024-10-3139 min
The Diary of a CFOWhat They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO - Part 3 of 3Welcome to the final part of What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO. In this episode, I explore why being able to say no is a critical skill for any CFO and leader. Here's what you'll learn:
Why saying yes too often can damage your focus and leadership credibility
How overcommitting can hurt your personal brand and mental health
The importance of setting boundaries to protect your team
How the CFO sets the tone for risk management across the company
Navigating difficult conversations with CEOs while staying true to your role
Why developing "career insurance" th...2024-10-1726 min
The Diary of a CFOWhat They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO - Part 2In Part 2 of the "What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO" series, we dive into one of the biggest surprises for new CFOs:
Most of your time will be spent speaking with people outside the finance department.
Learn why understanding their priorities will help you simplify complex financial data into clear, actionable insights.
Plus:
The importance of connecting with people across the organization
How to adapt your communication style for non-finance audiences
Tips for presenting financials to investors, board members, and other external stakeholders
Why building a personal board of...2024-10-0329 min
The Diary of a CFOWhat They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO - Part 1This episode kicks off the series 'What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a CFO.' We explore why CFOs are never hired to maintain the status quo and how to prepare for the challenge. Learn how to quickly build trust, understand the business beyond the numbers, and step into strategic decision-making.2024-09-1831 min
The Diary of a CFOWelcome to The Diary of a CFO PodcastIn this introduction to 'The Diary of a CFO,' I share a glimpse into my journey as a finance and accounting executive. You'll learn why I'm launching this podcast and what's coming up as we dive into the realities of reaching and thriving in the C-suite.2024-09-1615 min
Journal of Accountancy PodcastBubble trouble: How leaders can identify and escape their biases Wassia Kamon, CPA, was a featured speaker at the Future of Finance Summit in Orlando late last year, and she joined the JofA podcast from the event to discuss how leaders can overcome their own biases to be more inclusive. Kamon, vice president of finance at the Low Income Investment Fund in Atlanta, points out that with social media and other commonly used applications, it’s very easy for us to choose our own news, friends, and interest areas — or have algorithms choose the focus areas for us. That can be detrimental to peopl...2024-02-2913 min
The Finance Leader PodcastInspiring Greatness: Transformative Leadership PrinciplesSend us a textEpisode #120: Ever wondered how leadership transcends mere management to truly inspire greatness? Join me as I reveal the transformative principles that can elevate not just your team's performance, but your very approach to leadership. Drawing from my own experiences in the Army, this episode promises to arm you with a mindset that not only lights a fire in others but also sparks the development of future leaders within your team.Last week, we gleaned incredible wisdom from Wassia Kamon, and now we're harnessing that momentum to challenge the status quo. Discover...2024-02-1311 min