Be the CFO of the Future: Elevate Your Leadership with Books by Alena Bennett

CFO of the Future

The trusted guide for CFOs to lead with IMPACT and create VALUE

The Rate of Change for CFOs isn't Slowing Down

Over the last 20 years the remit of the CFO has transformed from that of a scorekeeper/cost controller to one of a value creator. Coupled with the continued volatility of the context organisations now operate in (think Global Financial Crisis (GFC), COVID-19 pandemic, corporate frauds, industry disruption, technological advancements and the increasing importance of ESG factors) the CFO now needs to wear more hats than ever.

Not only that, the need for the CFO to step up, take the helm and help companies survive and thrive means that they are firmly in the spotlight. Boards, Investors and CEOs are looking to their CFO for the guidance and strength to drive performance now and into the future.

Beyond Business Partnering: CFOs are focused on the wrong goal

On a day to day basis, CFOs struggle with the reality of having to balance many different spinning plates and the fear that one is going to drop. One of the few executive roles that to an extent by design must operate in Dr Stephen Covey's "important/urgent" quadrant, the need to be 'on' all the time to manage the different stakeholders and priorities results in a gradual deterioration of a CFOs' performance.

On the other side of the spectrum, CFOs that have their spinning plates under control and have worked hard to position themselves as trusted business partners are wondering, "Is that all? What's next?"

What's going on here is that we've made "Business Partnering" the end game for CFOs. We've created an upper limit that acts as a ceiling and it's this invisible ceiling that limits our potential and over time creates instability.

It's Your Time to Shine

It's time to level up as a community of CFOs. For everyone in the CFO community to raise the bar of what's possible for a CFO. To shift the expectations and experience of your stakeholders.

You know the value you can add. It's time to elevate and amplify your value.

This book covers the 12 key skills needed to be a CFO of influence in a way that allows you to walk away feeling confident in your current role and empowered to create your next.

Literary Titan book review

In CFO of the Future, Alena Bennett delves into the transformative journey of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in the ever-evolving world of business. Over recent decades, the conventional CFO persona has seen monumental shifts. Bennett shares the myriad challenges and relentless pressures CFOs face in juggling diverse responsibilities, which, if not navigated with finesse, could impact their performance.

At the heart of this thought-provoking read is an earnest call to arms for CFOs. In a world characterized by economic fluctuations, groundbreaking tech innovations, and heightened socio-environmental consciousness, CFOs stand at the crossroads, wielding the power to steer organizations and unlock unparalleled value for stakeholders. Bennett's work serves as a compass for CFOs aiming to amplify their influence and leave an indelible mark on their institutions. Particularly compelling is the book's challenge to the traditional paradigm of "Business Partnering," urging CFOs to redefine and elevate their roles.

Crafted with impeccable rigor and substance, the book offers a renewed lens through which to view the dynamic role of today's CFOs. Bennett's writing is both assertive and persuasive, exuding a rare blend of academic prowess and rich field experience. Her authentic narrative style, peppered with evocative anecdotes, ensures accessibility and relevance even to those outside the finance realm.

Targeting a spectrum of readers, from seasoned CFOs to budding financial enthusiasts poised to make their mark, this book is an unspoken induction manual to the intricate corridors of financial leadership. It is the quintessential guide that many in the domain might not openly discuss but is indispensable nonetheless.

CFO of the Future serves as a beacon for finance aficionados striving to navigate the tumultuous waters of contemporary business. Through Bennett's expertise, palpable passion, and captivating eloquence, the book emerges as an enlightening testament to the possibilities that lie ahead for the modern CFO. It's not just an informative treatise—it's an inspiring call to action.

Rating: 5 stars

Products

Resources

Events

Let's Connect

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Darkinjung people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work and pay our respects to the Elders both past, present & emerging.