Ask A CFO podcast series

In this episode, Sophie Jackson talks to Sonam Donkar, Chief Financial Officer at Canadian real estate organisation, Rohit Group. They explore Sonam's story, from challenging beginnings to her current role, and discuss timing versus planning, the power of mentors and what it really means to take on a CFO role.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson speaks with Emilia Bunea, a former CFO turned accomplished academic and author. They discuss key insights from Emilia’s new book, Leadership for the CFO, a must-read for anyone aspiring to become a CFO or excel in a finance career. They also explore Emilia’s career journey, experiences and advice for finance professionals.---Leadership for the CFO: Influence. Motivate. Inspire. - Emilia's book Leadership for the CFO is available to buy online.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson talks to Nigel Glenday, Chief Financial Officer at art investment platform Masterworks. They explore Nigel's journey to the CFO role, the importance of learning by doing, and looked at how emerging technologies, in particular AI, are reshaping the finance function.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson talks to Svetlana Boldina, Executive Director and CFO for Nestlé South Asia Region. They explore Svetlana’s career journey, experiences working and moving abroad, the evolving skillset needed in the CFO role, and much more.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson talks to Gordon Kihuguru, Vice President of Finance at Habitat for Humanity. They explore Gordon’s unconventional path to the CFO role, his approach to handling crisis situations, how to leave a lasting impact, and much more.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson talks to Aidana Zhakupbekova, CFO at global expense management company Rydoo. They discuss Aidana’s career journey, her move into the start-up and scale-up world, and the unique challenges of being a Chief Financial Officer in a fast-growing company.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson talks to Caroline Bailes, CFO at Koa Health. They reflect on Caroline’s career journey, as well as discussing the importance of working in organisations that share your values and some of the unique challenges for Chief Financial Officers in the healthcare sector.

In this episode Sophie Jackson talks to Han Leong, former CFO of AEM Holdings Ltd. Han has served as the CFO of three listed companies on the Singapore Stock Exchange and has decades of leadership experience across Fortune 200 multinationals across Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Europe. Their discussion explores Han’s vast career journey, as well as the role of CFO and benefits of working abroad.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson talks to Billie O’Conner, Founder of Nova Community – a senior female leadership network. They explore Billie’s career journey and discuss the importance of adapting plans and the power of your network.This episode was recorded towards the end of 2024, since the time of recording Billie is now CFO at Mulberry.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson talks to Chad Wellman, CFO for Africa and the Middle East at General Motors. They explore Chad’s career journey through different roles within General Motors, as well as how a creative background can be a powerful asset for achieving success as a financial leader.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson talks to Terhi Sipilä, CFO for Nestlé Professional Zone LATAM. They explore Terhi’s unique career journey and experience gained from working across LATAM for 13 years, as well as what changes to the CFO function are front of mind in LATAM and much more.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson is joined by Colleen Healy, Board Director at Enerpac Tool Group.  They look at Colleen’s career journey, reflecting on her 19 years at Microsoft and various Chief Financial Officer roles, as well as exploring her current role as a board member.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson is joined by EeLain Ong, CFO at Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. They explore EeLain’s career journey, particularly her roots in accounting and time as Chief Financial Officer at DHL. They also discuss the importance of creative problem solving, hiring the right people and the relationship between the CFO and CEO.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson talks to Omar Choucair, Chief Financial Officer at financial software provider Trintech. They explore Omar’s career journey and the payoff that can come from well-timed risks, as well as the importance of embracing new technology. 

In this episode, Sophie Jackson talks to Honnus Cheung, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at On-us. They explore Honnus’ career journey and progression into the role of Chief Financial Officer at Travelzoo and the skills needed to be a CFO, as well as her move into being a Co-Founder.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson concludes her discussion with Emmalene Maxwell, CFO at The Fold. They talk about the responsibility of managing people and the importance of networks and community, as well as exploring the role of Chief Financial Officer itself and how it is evolving.

In the first half of this two-part special, Sophie Jackson talks to Emmalene Maxwell, CFO at The Fold. They explore Emmalene’s experiences at Charlotte Tilbury during a period of mass growth and how this led the way for her current role.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson interviews Adam Boukadida, CFO at Riyadh Air, learning about his career move from banking into the role of Chief Financial Officer. Their conversation explores how to become a successful CFO, as well as the importance of soft skills and how to develop them.

In this episode, Sophie Jackson is joined by Katherine Tan, CFO at Wearnes Automotive. They discuss Katherine’s journey to become Chief Financial Officer for the company and the challenge of learning the automotive industry, as well as sharing advice for aspiring future CFO’s.  

In this episode, Sophie Jackson speaks with Rajendra Shreemal, CFO at engineering service provider Quest Global. They discuss Rajendra’s career journey and the importance of building relationships, as well as how to be adaptable and learn to ask the right questions.