Gary Golden on Thriving Through Change: Lessons for Modern CFOs

Asking Good Questions with Edward Roske

In this episode of Asking Good Questions, we explore the evolution of the CFO role with Gary Golden, CFO of Media Culture. Gary reflects on his experiences at Blockbuster, Kinko’s, and private equity-backed firms, sharing actionable insights on navigating disruptions, leveraging AI, and leading with strategy. Join us in sharing stories of transformation—from the untold history of Blockbuster’s missed Netflix opportunity to the challenges of adapting finance teams for the AI era. This is a must-listen for finance professionals looking to stay ahead in a data-driven world.
Takeaways

• It's not just about debits and credits; it's about interpreting data.
• The CFO's role has evolved to include strategic leadership.
• Understanding economics is crucial for financial decision-making.
• Cash flow management is essential, especially during economic changes.
• Companies must adapt to industry disruptions to survive.
• AI can streamline financial processes and presentations.
• Communication skills are vital for finance leaders.
• Outsourcing non-core functions can enhance efficiency.
• Finance leaders should be proactive in providing timely information.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success in finance.

Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Role of the CFO
12:01 The Evolution of Finance Leadership
21:58 Navigating Economic Changes and Challenges
33:34 Adapting to Change: Lessons from Industry Giants
41:20 The Future of Finance: Embracing Technology and AI
This episode of Asking Good Questions is brought to you by Caprus.Ai.
Check how we empower the office of the CFO to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and revolutionize their operations.