From CEO to CFO: Unexpected Leadership Insights

A while back, I made an unconventional move from CEO to CFO. This transition got me thinking about how our varied experiences shape us as leaders. I wanted to share some insights I've gathered along the way that apply to any career transition or leadership role:

1. The Big Picture View: Exposure to different aspects of a business helps in making more holistic decisions. It's like having a secret decoder ring for boardroom discussions.

2. Cross-Functional Communication: The ability to "translate" between departments is crucial. Better understanding on your colleague challenges will be beneficial for the overall results

3. Balanced Risk Management: Diverse experience teaches you to spot both risks and opportunities others might miss. It's like being a tightrope walker, but with spreadsheets.

4. Strategic Planning: Understanding various perspectives allows you to create strategies that don't just look good on paper, but actually fuel growth.

5. Continuous Learning: Every role teaches you something new. Learning is never ending!

Here's the thing - careers aren't always a straight climb up the corporate ladder. Sometimes, a step in a different direction can open up a whole new world of opportunities. It's all about how you frame it.

So my key learning is don't get too hung up on titles. Think about the unique value you bring to the table. You'd be surprised how skills from one role can come in handy in the most unexpected places.

Leadership is all about adapting to new challenges. That's what keeps it exciting for me .Each experience adds new tools to our leadership toolbox, making us more versatile and effective