Episodes

Episode # 30: We need to transition to a Trusted Business Advisor so we help leaders from around the company to grow and develop the business. As Finance and Accounting professionals, we have insights that others often do not have. Episode outline: Tell a story with the numbers, Work with your IT team to make reporting better, and, Partner with leaders at all levels around the company. Please connect with me on: 1. Instagram: stephen.mclain 2. Twitter: smclainiii 3. Facebook: stephenmclainc...

Episode # 29: Leaders make decisions every day. You must become comfortable making decisions. There are many types of decisions, and it's critical that as leaders, we make timely decisions so we can move forward. We should not dwell on "what-ifs" or have regret. Make the decision and move on. In the episode, I discuss the following steps to overcoming indecisiveness: Change your mindset, Know what kind of decision you are making, Write down the details of the decision, Consult with your expe...

Episode #28: We must continue to improve the monthly close process so we add value and help our senior leaders do their jobs better with valuable insights about the business. Monthly close isn't only to close the books, but to really figure out what happened so we can determine if the business met expectations and we can make necessary adjustments. Monthly close requires leadership to improve the process. Episode outline: Map out the process - does it make sense? Let analysts be analysts, and ...

Episode # 27: Understanding Emotional Intelligence is our ability to be self-aware of our own words, actions, and attitude and how it affects others. We need to know ourselves so we can become a better leader who can inspire and create a positive environment where our team can thrive. Episode outline: Our actions and words affect others so we must become self-aware Understanding and caring for others Stay humble, continue to learn, and set the example, and We still set the bar high, but how ...

Episode # 26: Collaboration done right can help solve problems by using the expertise and knowledge around the organization. When you collaborate with others, you get the benefit of the insights that you may have missed when working alone. Episode outline: How collaboration can solve a problem You need to build trust and set clear expectations Getting the right people involved Communicate the results across the company Please connect with me on: 1. Instagram: stephen.mclain 2. Twitter: smc...

Episode #25: Growing your influence is a key step in your journey in becoming a senior leader. You have a unique role, because you have the opportunity to speak with many leaders across the organization. This provides a chance to talk about how to best support the strategy and to share ideas where the organization should be going in the future. Episode outline: 1) Our ability to influence others begins with us, 2) Understand your potential impact, 3) Continue to make connections. Please conne...

Episode # 24: We are obligated to speak up about a decision if it's not in the best interest of the organization. In this episode, I discuss four steps to professionally disagree with your supervisor about a pending decision, Be in the proper mindset,Our approach and method,Bring data, analysis, and options to discuss,If your recommendation and concerns are dismissed, then we fully support the decision. Please connect with me on: 1. Instagram: stephen.mclain 2. Twitter: smclainiii 3...

Episode # 23: Your habits often define who you are, and what you can accomplish. In the episode, I recommend five habits that you can incorporate into your day, Improve your morning and evening routines, How can you reduce your mid-day stress, Better time management, Written goals, and, Team communication. Here is the blog post on scheduling time on your calendar for thinking. Please connect with me on: 1. Instagram: stephen.mclain 2. Twitter: smclainiii 3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsult...

Episode # 22: You need a well-trained team behind you, because you can't get all the work done alone. To go to a higher level, you need an empowered and trained team ready to take on challenges. In Finance and Accounting, we deal with a hectic list of tasks, reports, additional analysis, and monthly close. We need a team ready to help us get all the requirements done. Episode outline, You need to set the team culture you need to achieve excellence,Take risk and better understand the risk / r...

Episode # 21: You must set yourself apart from your peers so you get recognized by senior leaders and advance your career. Just doing your job every day will not get you promoted. Only completing tasks that have been assigned to you won’t help you advance. Episode outline: Grow your leadership skills and abilities, Make sure you make your boss's priorities your priorities, Get things done without being told and get it done with little guidance, Achieve results, and Professionalism and devel...