The Difference Between Getting the CFO Job and Keeping It (My 2-Year Check-In)

The Diary of a CFO · Sep 17, 2026 · 11m · transcript

In this solo episode of The Diary of a CFO, I sit down halfway through the year to reflect on what I’ve learned during my first two years in the CFO seat, as well as the lessons I’ve gathered from speaking with more than 40 CFOs on this podcast.

I talk about the difference between strategic thinking and strategic leadership, and why most companies test for the first when the second is what ultimately keeps you in the seat.

I also explore why your relationship with your CEO and board can be the single most important factor in whether you succeed or get pushed out, including a real story from a…