Accessibility
At Six Degrees Executive, we are dedicated to supporting ambitious professionals as they navigate their career progression. Our recent 'Pathway to CFO' breakfast event, hosted by Rohan McMaster, Senior Manager of Accounting and Finance, offered an exclusive opportunity for finance professionals to learn from successful CFOs and connect with peers on the same path.
Held at our Melbourne office, the event featured discussions led by industry experts, designed to inspire and provide actionable insights for aspiring CFOs.
The event welcomed two accomplished speakers—Andrew Yee, CFO of Walkinshaw Group, and Adrian Bongiorno, CFO of Forty Winks. They shared their experiences, challenges, and the skills necessary to navigate the journey from finance executive to CFO, offering invaluable guidance to attendees looking to advance in their careers.
We asked Rohan - What inspired you to host the 'Pathway to CFO' event, and what do you hope attendees gained from it?
Key trends and insights discussed
Commit to lifelong learning
Andrew and Adrian both stressed the importance of continuous learning for aspiring CFOs. Whether it’s acquiring new skills or adapting to shifting industry demands, staying updated is critical for success in senior finance roles.
Hire specialists to fill skill gaps
The speakers highlighted that no CFO can master every skill. Instead, they emphasised the importance of surrounding yourself with specialists who can fill technical gaps, allowing the CFO to focus on financial management and driving overall business strategy.
Build trust through authentic leadership
Trust is built through authenticity. Both CFOs shared how being genuine in their leadership styles has helped them gain trust from their teams and stakeholders, which is vital for effective leadership.
Adaptability in the CFO role
The responsibilities of a CFO can vary significantly depending on the company and industry. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to different business environments and challenges are essential qualities for CFOs.
Download our Key Takeaways document for further key insights discussed, and practical action steps towards becoming a successful CFO
We asked our guest speaker Andrew Yee - Can you share your biggest piece of advice when looking to become a successful CFO?
A platform for growth and connection
The 'Pathway to CFO' event was more than just an exchange of ideas—it was an opportunity for finance professionals to build meaningful connections and expand their networks. The discussions sparked thought-provoking conversations and provided attendees with practical tools to apply in their journey to the CFO seat.
We asked one of our guests Katherine Hun, a successful General Manager in the finance space - Can you share your top two insights from the event that you found most valuable?
For additional guidance on your career journey or to discuss how Six Degrees Executive can support you on your finance career, connect with our accounting and finance team here.
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