Episodes

Send a text 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 sto…

Send a text Episode # 152: We show how finance becomes a real partner to operations by translating numbers into drivers, embedding FP&A in decisions before they are made, and aligning metrics and incentives to strategy. The result is faster execution, fewer surprises, and teams that own outcome…

Send a text Episode # 151: Start the year with leadership that actually moves the needle. We walk through the strategic actions that make teams faster, clearer, and more resilient—without adding noise. We begin with the culture you model when pressure hits, because people copy what you do, not what…

Send a text 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 t…

Send a text Episode #149: Month-end doesn’t have to feel like a rolling emergency. We walk through a proven, blame-free framework—the U.S. Army’s After Action Review—to turn your close into a reliable, data-driven process that gets faster and more accurate every cycle. If your calendar is packed an…

Send a text Episode #148: Comfort feels safe, but it quietly taxes our careers and our teams. We take on complacency head-on and show how alignment, clear standards, and better conversations can turn routine finance work into strategic results. From setting the pace as a leader to running meetings …

Send a text 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…

Send a text Episode 146: What if your accounting team did more than close the books—what if they helped shape outcomes before the month even ends? We explore how to evolve accounting from a reporting function into a true strategic partner that translates numbers into decisions. From building busine…

Send a text 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…

Send a text Bonus Episode #97: Ever wonder if your relentless optimism is actually harming your team? Drawing from Mita Mallik's Harvard Business Review article "Does your Boss Practice Toxic Positivity," this eye-opening episode explores how excessive positivity can become a manipulative weapon in…

Send a text Bonus episode #96: This episode delivers a concise, actionable guide to the three most crucial learning priorities for finance leaders in the coming year: 1) using artificial intelligence to elevate your analysis,...

Send a text 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 Ham…

Send a text 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…

Send a text Episode 144: Dive into the fascinating world of financial detective work as we explore the specialized field of forensic accounting. Ever wondered who tracks down financial criminals or how complex fraud schemes are uncovered? This episode pulls back the curtain on a career path that co…

Send a text Episode 143: Financial integrity isn't optional—it's essential. That's why developing a structured, effective audit plan stands as one of the most critical responsibilities for finance leaders today. This episode unveils a nine-step framework for creating audit plans that deliver genuin…

Send a text Find the downloadable skills guides here: Finance Leader Academy Episode 142: Financial risk assessment stands as the cornerstone of effective auditing—the crucial process that separates calculated risk-taking from reckless decision-making. This deep dive into organizational risk manage…

Send a text 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 vis…

Send a text Episode 140: Financial integrity isn't just about compliance—it's the cornerstone of organizational trust and success. In this thought-provoking exploration of the audit function, we dive deep into how forward-thinking CFOs are transforming what's often viewed as a necessary evil into a…

Send a text Bonus episode #93: Leadership isn't about mastering spreadsheets—it's about transforming information into strategic action. In this preview of Season 20 of the Finance Leader Podcast, Stephen McLain unveils an exciting five-episode journey exploring audit, risk, and independence through…

Send a text 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 …

Send a text Bonus Episode #91: Ever feel like time is slipping away while your biggest goals remain unfulfilled? You're not alone. The difference between dreaming and achieving often comes down to one critical factor: your ability to stay focused in a world designed to distract you. We explore thre…

Send a text Episode 139: Are you responsible for coaching your team's effort level? The question struck me after hearing WNBA Coach Becky Hammon's bold post-game declaration following a tough loss: "I will not coach effort." Her philosophy is clear—professional athletes must bring 100% effort or ri…

Send a text Episode 138: Are you giving your absolute best, or just enough to get by? That comfortable routine might actually be your biggest career threat. The silent killer of professional excellence is complacency – that subtle shift from passionate engagement to simply going through the motions…

Send a text Episode 137: What if the key to transforming your business lies not in adding more resources, but in simply understanding how your employees move through their workspace? In this eye-opening conversation with Service Physics co-founders Brian Reece and Steve Crowley, we uncover the hidd…