Secrets of Rockstar CFOs

Jack McCullough

48 episodes Last Updated: Apr 24, 25

The role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has evolved from back-office support to strategic leader. It takes more than financial skills to master the responsibilities of this position successfully. Above all else, financial leaders need to know how to effectively plan for and execute in the face of the challenges and uncertainty inherent in their chosen industry. This begs the question, "What does it take to really excel in the role of chief financial officer?"

Whether you are a seasoned CFO or just starting out in the field, you will find something useful in this podcast. Welcome to Secrets of Rockstar CFOs, a practical and actionable resource for Chief Financial Officers seeking to advance their careers. This is your friendly and helpful guide to master the challenges and opportunities of financial leadership.

This podcast features the most successful CFOs in the world, from Silicon Valley startups to Fortune 50 multinationals. The host of this podcast, Jack McCullough, is the author of “Secrets of Rockstar CFOs,”

widely considered to be the definitive guide to the art of financial leadership.

Here you can find the resources you need to advance your CFO career or launch it for the first time. Inspiring interviews with prominent CFOs and other thought leaders are featured in each episode. Get educated by the best in the business, companies like 3M, AstraZeneca and Zoetis.

Listen in as these remarkable leaders discuss their career paths, the obstacles they have overcome, and the secrets they leveraged to achieve success. Get inspired to take your own strategic path to the next level by learning from the successes of these A-list CFOs. Master this field thoroughly to change the course of your career in a significant way. Explore new avenues you would never have considered before.

Not only does Jack have fantastic guests who offer invaluable advice, but he also brings his own unique brand of insight, energy, and humor to the show. He established a worldwide network for mentoring and developing chief financial officers as president and founder of the CFO Leadership Council. To prepare the next generation of CFOs, Jack and his team utilize cutting-edge professional development programs and unrivaled peer networking.

Combining his vast knowledge and experience with his lighthearted approach to interviews, Jack is the perfect person to serve as the show’s host. Before he founded the CFO Leadership Council, he served as chief financial officer for more than 25 different organizations. You can trust that he will steer the podcast in the same direction that he led CFO Leadership Council to become a leading organization in strategic and financial leadership.

Learning from elite financial leaders is the surest path to a successful career. This top-notch podcast was produced with that aim in mind. Whether you are already a CFO looking to improve your performance or aspire to be one and need some direction to get started, you have come to the right place.

Become the strategic leader you have always imagined by joining Jack and his guests in these lively and entertaining conversations full of empowering advice, encouraging lessons, and easy-to-emulate tactics. Use your exceptional abilities, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering focus to take over your field. Now is the time to take your professional life to a new and more satisfying level.

Listen to the Secret of Rockstar CFOs at www.strategiccfo360.com/podcast

Episodes

Apr 24, 2025

Powering Innovation: The World of Advanced Computing Chips with Shelagh Glaser

Advanced Computing Chips are the engines of our digital world, and in this episode, we go behind the scenes with a true industry leader. Host Jack McCullough welcomes Shelagh Glaser, CFO of Synopsys, a company at the forefront of this technological revolution. Forget the tech jargon; this conversation dives into the human side of innovation. How do you empower the brilliant minds designing these complex chips? What's the vision driving the future of computing? Shelagh Glaser offers a fascinating glimpse into the mission-critical work that shapes our world, one chip at a time. To book a demo with Planful, click here.

Apr 15, 2025

Inside GoFundMe: Greg Mrva on Innovation, Impact, and Purpose-Driven Leadership

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Mrva, CFO of GoFundMe, to explore what it takes to lead finance in a mission-driven organization. Greg shares his path from Wall Street to Silicon Valley, his pivotal career lessons, and how GoFundMe has raised over $30 billion to help people worldwide. He breaks down the platform’s unique business model — relying on voluntary tips — and the company’s major investments in trust, safety, and product innovation. Whether you're a finance leader or someone passionate about impact, this conversation reveals how purpose and profit can coexist to create lasting change. To book a demo with Planful, click here.

Apr 08, 2025

How Chargeback Gurus’ CFO Rebecca Beam is Winning with Data Science

Are chargebacks eating into your profits? You should take care of it before it exhausts your wealth. Jack McCullough sits down with Rebecca Beam, CFO of Chargeback Gurus, to demystify the complex world of chargebacks and reveal how to reclaim lost revenue. Rebecca brings a unique perspective to combating these disputed credit card transactions that lead to fund reversals. She also explains how they use an award-winning proprietary platform and data science to provide compelling evidence for their clients, helping them win disputes and prevent future chargebacks. Do not let this drain your bottom line, so tune in now!To book a demo with Planful, click here. 

Mar 25, 2025

How Philo’s CFO Julianna Hayes Leads With Innovation And Strategy In Streaming

Jack McCullough sits down with Julianna Hayes, CFO of Philo, to discuss the transformative role of financial leadership in the streaming industry. Julianna shares how Philo balances affordability and innovation while navigating the competitive landscape of live TV streaming. This episode dives into leadership strategies, building diverse teams, leveraging data analytics, and creating a finance-first approach that supports company growth. Whether you're a finance professional or simply curious about what makes a modern CFO thrive, this conversation offers practical insights and fresh perspectives. To book a demo with Planful, click here.

Mar 11, 2025

From Court To C-Suite: Lauren StClair’s CFO Playbook For Success

Public finance is more than just numbers – it is about vision, leadership, and building strong teams. Jack McCullough welcomes Lauren StClair, CFO of NerdWallet, to discuss how she led the company through its IPO while maintaining its core values of transparency and innovation. Lauren shares her unique journey from Stanford athlete to finance leader, highlighting the lessons learned along the way. Tune in as she dives into the evolving role of the CFO, the power of technology in scaling businesses, and practical advice for future finance leaders.To book a demo with Planful, click here.

Mar 04, 2025

CAVA CFO Tricia Tolivar: Leading Growth, Innovation, and a Blockbuster IPO

Dive into the exciting world of CAVA, the fast casual restaurant taking the Mediterranean by storm. Join Jack McCullough as he sits down with CAVA CFO Tricia Tolivar. In this episode, she shares her incredible journey from a childhood fascination with numbers to leading the financial charge at CAVA. Tricia reveals the secrets behind CAVA's innovative approach to menu creation and customer experience that keeps their guests coming back for more. She opens up how she navigated the challenges of motherhood, handled a demanding career, and dealt with an IPO while staying true to her values.To book a demo with Planful, click here.

Feb 25, 2025

Cultivating A Strong Financial Leadership With Amy Butte Of Navan

Strong financial leadership can shape the success of any organization, and Amy Butte, CFO of Navan, exemplifies this with her vast expertise and emboldened vision. She joins Jack McCullough in this conversation that dives into the evolving role of CFOs, the importance of mentorship, and various strategies for building world-class finance teams. Amy shares her career journey from working at Wall Street to leading a high-growth company, offering valuable insights on aligning financial planning with long-term strategy. Whether you are a current CFO, an aspiring leader, or a curious individual about the challenges and opportunities in today’s business landscape, this conversation provides practical takeaways and inspiration.To book a demo with Planful, click here.

Feb 11, 2025

How Rockstar CFOs Lead Transformation: Insights From Claire Bramley

Great CFOs don’t just crunch numbers – they shape strategies, build teams, and drive transformation. Jack McCullough welcomes Claire Bramley, CFO of Teradata, to explore the journey of a true rockstar CFO. From leading Teradata’s shift to cloud-based solutions to championing team diversity and breaking career barriers, Claire shares her insights on what it takes to excel in financial leadership. Whether you are a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, this episode dives into the power of communication, the importance of storytelling in finance, and how to embrace opportunities that push boundaries.To book a demo with Planful, click here.

Jan 28, 2025

Driving Payoneer Growth in a Changing World with CFO Bea Ordonez

Bea Ordonez, CFO of Payoneer, a leading financial technology company, joins Jack McCullough to discuss the exciting opportunities and challenges of driving Payoneer growth in today's dynamic global economy. Bea shares her insights on building a high-performing culture, fostering innovation, and navigating volatility in the fintech landscape. She also discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and offers advice for the next generation of finance leaders. Tune in to hear Bea's inspiring story and learn how Payoneer is empowering businesses around the world. To book a demo with Planful, click here.

Jan 14, 2025

Redefining Telecommunications with Pascal Desroches

AT&T has been a cornerstone of the telecommunications industry for decades. Join Jack McCullough as he sits down with AT&T CFO Pascal Desroches who takes a deep dive into the company's strategic evolution. He shares how AT&T streamlined its focus, invested in key areas like fiber optic infrastructure and 5G, and navigated the complexities of the modern telecommunications landscape. Learn about Pascal’s leadership philosophy on building teams, embracing diversity, and promoting open communication. This episode contains more than a business story – it is an inspiring journey of an immigrant who rose to the top echelons of Corporate America. Tune in to learn what it takes to lead with impact in today's dynamic tech market. 