In this episode, CJ talks to Jessica Lanier, CFO of Restaurant365 and the first CFO guest on the podcast who has firsthand experience as a founder. On top of this, every company she has worked for has been acquired, so she has a wealth of knowledge on all things M&A. She talks about what makes a great CEO-CFO relationship and why a good relationship with the CRO is also so important. She also explores the benefits of operating a company at scale and whether private and public companies require different skills. Jessica shares her most extreme experience of M&A, what finance leaders should expect after their companies are acquired, and the role of trust and credibility in this process. She also discusses her framework for evaluating a company you may want to work for, before offering profound advice on recognizing when you’re ready for your next role.

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@cjgustafson222 (CJ)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Preview and Intro

(03:00) Sponsor - NetSuite | Maxio

(05:44) How Being a Founder Makes You a Better CFO

(10:37) The CFO’s Role in Supporting the CEO

(13:07) The Hallmarks of a Good CFO-CRO Relationship

(17:00) Skills for Private Companies Versus Public Companies

(20:34) The Benefits of Operating a Company at Scale

(22:52) Sponsor - Leapfin | Planful | Mercury

(26:28) Important Qualities for Operating at Scale

(27:57) Re-interviewing for a Job After Being Acquired

(31:22) Jessica’s Most Extreme Experience of M&A

(34:45) Fairness, Trust, and Credibility in M&A

(39:07) What a CFO Should Expect After Their Company is Acquired

(43:22) Jessica’s Framework for Evaluating a Company

(50:08) How You Know You’re Ready for Your Next Role

(52:59) Long-ass Lightning Round: Hiring Mistakes and Other Advice

(57:02) Finance Software Stack

(58:16) Craziest Expense Story

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From Founder to CFO: Jessica Lanier on Leadership, Acquisitions, and Career Growth

Run the Numbers