Finance Leadership Episodes

Send us Fan Mail Episode # 153: Strategy rarely changes because of a perfect variance report. It changes when someone connects the numbers to what customers feel, what operations can deliver, and which levers will protect margin and growth. We dig into how FP&A analysts and staff accountants can stop just reporting results and start shaping what happens next by diagnosing drivers, partnering across functions, and communicating like executives. We start with a mindset reset: reporting per...

Send us Fan Mail Episode # 150: Leadership in finance isn’t a title—it’s a practice. We dive into what turns any role in accounting, FP&A, or audit into a force for strategic impact, starting with the four pillars that anchor meaningful change: influence, grow your people, deliver results, and see the future. Along the way, we unpack how to turn data into decisions, build trust with senior leaders, and convert operational friction—like a chaotic month end—into a reliable, learning-driven ...

Send us Fan Mail Episode #147: Too many finance teams are stuck formatting data while the decisions fly by. We tackle a smarter way to work: build capacity by aligning effort to strategy, automating the grind, and developing the skills that turn reports into results. Stephen walks us through a practical approach for FP&A and accounting leaders who want to shield their teams from noise, prioritize what matters, and partner with IT to unlock automation without a costly tech overhaul. The fo...

Send us Fan Mail Episode # 145: What happens when your FP&A team operates in isolation from the people actually running your business? Nothing good. The gap between finance and operations isn't just an organizational issue—it's a strategic vulnerability that could be costing your company significant competitive advantage. Bridging this divide creates transformative opportunities. When finance professionals develop deep partnerships with operations teams, forecasting becomes dramatically ...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode #95: What happens when a leader stops coaching effort and starts demanding it? The transformative power of high expectations takes center stage in this eye-opening exploration of leadership principles that transcend industries. Drawing inspiration from WNBA coach Becky Hammond's bold approach with the Las Vegas Aces, we examine how her refusal to "coach effort" led to an impressive turnaround - from a mediocre record to eleven consecutive victories and a secure...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus Episode #94: Change isn't just knocking at your door—it's already in your house, rearranging the furniture. As finance leaders, our ability to navigate and drive transformation determines whether our organizations thrive or merely survive in today's dynamic business landscape. The most dangerous position for any finance professional is complacency. That comfortable position you've worked so hard to reach? It could disappear tomorrow if you're not constantly evolving yo...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 141: Curious about what makes audit teams tick? Dive into the crucial yet often misunderstood world of audit team management where leadership goes far beyond checking boxes and finding faults. Audit managers stand as guardians of financial integrity, straddling the strategic vision needed to align with business objectives while directing teams to investigate transactions that might reveal weaknesses in controls. These professionals aren't just looking to catch mistak...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode #92: Leadership is the bridge between resources and results, between data and decisions. While many finance professionals focus intensely on technical skills, the truly exceptional ones recognize that leadership development must come first. This episode makes a compelling case for prioritizing leadership skills as the foundation upon which all other finance competencies build. Through an examination of both effective and ineffective leadership examples, we expl...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode # 87: Where are your 2025 goals right now? If you've stalled or need to recalibrate, you're not alone. Sometimes life shifts dramatically after we set our annual targets, requiring us to adjust without abandoning our aspirations. Remember—adjusting your plan isn't quitting; it's strategic adaptation that keeps you moving forward while acknowledging your current reality. Leadership excellence forms the heart of this episode, with a deep dive into five critical f...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode #86: When was the last time your finance team truly worked as a single unit rather than a collection of individuals? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore how leadership transforms independent contributors into high-performing teams that accomplish seemingly impossible goals. Trust forms the bedrock of exceptional team performance. We delve into how leaders can cultivate environments where team members take calculated risks, collaborate effectively, and...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 135: Are you a finance leader eager to enhance your team's performance? This episode dives deep into the essential coaching techniques that can elevate your leadership game. We explore the vital distinction between coaching and teaching, emphasizing that coaching is not about providing answers but rather about listening and facilitating self-reflection. Building trust is a crucial element discussed, as it lays the foundation for open communication and collaboration. ...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 134: Unlock the secret to mastering situational awareness—a skill that sets exceptional leaders apart. Ever wondered how some leaders effortlessly anticipate market shifts and team dynamics? In this episode discover how being attuned to your surroundings can prevent awkward moments and enhance your strategic decision-making. Join me as I break down real-world examples that illustrate the power of reading the room and anticipating industry trends. From subtle team cue...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 133: Unlock the secrets to maintaining razor-sharp focus as a leader, especially when chaos reigns. Discover the transformative power of strong habits and routines to keep distractions at bay and propel your team toward success. By crafting a vision board and setting SMART goals, you'll learn to structure your ambitions with precision, ensuring both personal and team growth. As leaders, our deliberate use of time and energy is crucial to fostering a productive environ...

Send us Fan Mail You can find the article here: "Does Your Boss Practice Toxic Positivity" by Mita Mallick Episode 132 - What if the optimism you thought was boosting your team is actually holding them back? This episode uncovers the fine line between constructive positivity and its toxic counterpart, revealing how excessive optimism can manipulate teams, cause burnout, and lead to frustration. Drawing on insights from Mita Mallik, we explore how leaders can fall into the trap of weapon...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 130: Are you ready to transform your approach to leadership and steer your organization to success? Unlock the secrets of proactive change management in this riveting episode of The Finance Leader Podcast. We promise you'll discover how turning risk into opportunity can revolutionize your business strategy. Learn from the visionary insights of Steve Jobs and the strategic prowess found in military leadership, as we offer a roadmap to cultivate a culture of innovation ...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus Episode #83: This is a great time to do a leader reset before the new year begins, so please rest and reset, because the new year brings new challenges and new opportunities. I want you rested and ready once January 1st gets here. Enjoy your family time. Enjoy some time to chill and get ready for another year of hard work. Please connect with me on: 1. Instagram: stephen.mclain 2. Twitter: smclainiii 3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant 4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiii...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode #82: Unlock the secrets of leadership excellence and transform your team's performance with insights that promise to elevate your leadership journey. This special bonus episode of The Finance Leader Podcast, hosted by Stephen McLain, revisits transformative leadership principles that inspire greatness just in time for the new year. Stephen draws on personal experiences from his time in the Army, emphasizing the importance of elevating others and setting the pace...

Send us Fan Mail Episode # 119: In the episode, Wassia talks about her work with H.O.P.E - Helping Other People be Empowered: you can find the link here. This is an amazing organization doing work that matters and changing lives for the better. Embark on a transformative journey through the dynamic world of finance with Wassia Kamon, Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller from the Low Income Investment Fund, as she unpacks the essence of value beyond the numbers. Was...

Send us Fan Mail You can have a great Impact as a Leader in your organization. In this episode, I talk about why I love to lead, and the positive impacts we get to make in our organization. While we perform our Finance and Accounting duties, we can get overwhelmed while delivering financial projections, completing our journal entries, and conducting monthly close procedures, but we also have a great responsibility to create an environment where our team can grow and thrive. As leaders,...

Send us Fan Mail Episode #2: Leadership can be your defining characteristic to help advance your career. In this episode, I talk about the four key areas of responsibility that Finance Leaders must be doing every day: 1) influencing, 2) growing your people, 3) achieving results, and 4) seeing the future. Influencing is about achieving buy-in about a big idea you have or creating positive change in your organizationWe continually grow our people to mentor our team members to achieve thei...

Send us Fan Mail Episode #1: This podcast is for Finance and Accounting professionals to develop and enhance leadership skills. You are working in a complex and critical organizational function with very tight deadlines and most likely a hectic monthly close process. You are forced to use old accounting and finance systems that do not work to serve the current needs of the business. We are going to build a great community so we can all grow! In this premiere episode, we will lay the groundwo...