In today’s dynamic business environment, CFOs are expected to go far beyond financial reporting — they must master storytelling, strategic influence, and boardroom leadership. This session brings together two seasoned finance leaders, Dan Shonfeld, CFO of ApprovalMax, and Kevin Appleby, COO and Podcast Host at GrowCFO, to explore what truly sets exceptional CFOs apart. The discussion dives deep into the mindset and methods that help finance leaders move from being number crunchers to becoming trusted strategic partners in the boardroom.
Dan shares his unique perspective shaped by his diverse career spanning law, consulting, private equity, and SaaS leadership. Together, Dan and Kevin unpack the art of linking financial data with strategic insights, building boardroom credibility, and communicating with clarity and confidence. The session emphasizes how effective CFOs combine operational excellence with human connection — mastering the “why” behind the numbers to shape better business decisions and influence outcomes at the highest level.
From handling tough board questions to using AI and automation to create strategic headroom, this masterclass offers practical insights that every finance leader can apply to elevate their impact and drive business performance beyond the balance sheet.
Highlights:
- Why CFOs must evolve from financial reporters to strategic storytellers in the boardroom.
- How to blend facts with narrative to create insight-driven, action-oriented discussions.
- The importance of transparency and timely communication when delivering bad news.
- Strategies for building influence through boardroom relationships and pre-meeting preparation.
- The critical role of trust, delegation, and team strength in freeing up strategic capacity.
- How automation and AI tools like ApprovalMax can enhance data integrity and decision quality.
