In this episode of It Comes Back to People, Netysha Santos from Avion Consulting sits down with Ken Hickey, CFO coach at Ken Advisory and a finance leader with over 30 years of experience, including 16 years at Microsoft, to discuss the evolving role of the CFO. Ken explains why technical expertise alone is no longer enough and how CFOs must develop strategic leadership skills to navigate ambiguity, influence stakeholders, and drive business value.

He shares insights on executive presence, the human role of CFOs as a signal to boards and investors, and how finance can be the starting point for AI and digital transformation initiatives within organizations.

Expect to Learn:

• How the CFO role has evolved from technical reporting to strategic leadership
• Key leadership skills CFOs need for influencing boards, CEOs, and investors
• Why executive presence and personal authority are critical for CFO success
• How to manage ambiguity while maintaining professional rigor
• The role of finance in driving AI adoption and digital transformation

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [00:00] - Introduction to Ken Hickey & his career background
• [02:55] - Transition from corporate finance to executive coaching
• [05:12] - Challenges of the CFO role and high turnover
• [09:30] - Gap between technical training and strategic leadership needs
• [12:48] - Executive presence and communicating effectively with stakeholders
• [15:18] - Risks of not developing strategic CFO capabilities
• [21:05] - Moving from control to influence; operational to strategic focus
• [25:55] - Learning leadership through experience and self-development
• [32:15] - Managing ambiguity and decision-making frameworks
• [35:04] - AI and innovation: finance as a starting point for digital transformation

Follow the Guest, Ken Hickey:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-hickey/
• Website: https://www.kenhickeyadvisory.com/
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ken-hickey-advisory/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/netysha-santos-laborbe/

More for Avion Consulting:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avionconsulting/
• Website: http://www.avionconsulting.com/