Helping CFOs and Their Teams Build Influence, Not Just Report | Award-Winning CFO | Speaker | Author | Mentor
CFOs don’t talk about burnout. They talk about being in a “busy period” They say they’re “just trying to get through month-end/Forecast/Reforecast/Budget” They move strategic work to “next quarter.” They still deliver. Still lead. Still show up sharp on the investor call. But behind the scenes? They’re running on endless cups of coffee. Here’s what I’ve learned: Before they crash. They just get buried. Not all at once. Slowly. Over time. Buried under: • Reporting loops that never end • “Quick” requests that turn into full days • Meetings that take up thinking time • Interuptions that disrupt deep work. • Goals that feel further away every week These CFOs aren't underperforming. They’re overloaded. And the funny thing is? CFOs spend so much time holding the business together.. they stop moving it forward. If this sounds familiar, try this: 1. Audit your week, not your strategy What are you actually spending time on? 2. Protect 90 minutes a week for strategic progress No meetings. No admin. Just one high-leverage problem. 3. Start subtracting what no longer serves Reports, routines, recurring distractions. Because no one will protect your time for you: Not the board. Not the business. Not your team. That part is on you. And if it feels hard to justify? Remember: You don’t need more hours. You need more traction. #CFO #StrategicLeadership #LinkedInFest25
This wisdom is not just for CFOs ;-)
Good points. I’d add to train your team and delegate your work. The “it’s easier if I do it myself” mindset will only lead you down a bad path.
So true! As CFOs, our value isn’t just in keeping the lights on; it’s in driving strategic outcomes. Protecting dedicated time for high-leverage work isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Without it, we’re trapped in motion, not momentum.
I love #2 Matthew - when I was managing a large customer service team, I made sure everyone got two, one-hour slots each week (we called them "Golden Hours") where they could not be disturbed and could work on whatever they needed to get done. It was only 5% of the working week, but we saw signficant efficiency improvements that were sustained for years, and the team loved the set-up, so it engagement lifted too. We underestimate the power of ”focus time” at our peril!
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2moTruth. Boards won’t guard your time, and neither will the business, traction only comes when you actively carve it out Matthew