Supporting a Strategic CFO: Why CFO Direct Reports Matter More Than Ever
Executive Summary Many CFOs are hired to be strategic, but their direct reports spend most of their time on transactions and compliance. Thi...
Behind the Scenes of Modern Finance Leadership
The Diary of a CFO Podcast
If you’re a CFO, on the path to the role, or leading a finance team in a growing organization, this podcast is for you.
Hosted by award‑winning CFO Wassia Kamon, the show dives into how real finance leaders make capital decisions, handle boardroom pressure, build strong teams, and carry the weight of the CFO role without burning out in the process.
"A podcast for CFOs and finance leaders in growing companies"
This is for you if:
– You are a CFO or senior finance leader in a growing company.
– You want honest stories about capital decisions, boards, and teams, not theory.
– You care about doing the job well without burning yourself or your people out.
New here? Start with these episodes:
What CEOs Want from Today’s CFO, with Executive Recruiter, Mark Johnson
In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, executive recruiter Mark Johnson shares insider perspectives on what CEOs are really lookin...
Agentic AI for CFOs, with Vivienne Wei, COO of Salesforce Unified Agentforce Platform
In this episode, Vivienne breaks down the realities and myths of AI in the finance function, from predictive models to generative ...
The CFO Playbook for Handling Crises and Building FP&A Functions, with Mike High
Mike High (CFO, NAIT; ex-Shell Deep Water CFO) shares leadership lessons from the Army to corporate finance: why the “platinum rul...
The Role of Treasury in M&A and Business Strategy, with Summa Simmons
In this episode, Summa Simmons, Associate VP of Treasury at Victoria’s Secret & Co., shares what most people get wrong about treas...
Former Caterpillar Group CFO on The Leadership Skills Finance Professionals Must Master to Reach the Top
In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, we examine what it actually takes to build a 30-year career at a Fortune 50 company and reach the Group CFO seat. Dave DeFreitas, retired Group CFO of Caterpillar Inc., shares the career moves, leadership frameworks, and operational mindset shifts that shaped o...
Building an AI-Ready Finance Team Without Losing the Human Side, with Tariq Munir
In this episode of The Diary of a CFO Podcast, host Wassia Kamon sits down with Tariq Munir, digital transformation advisor and author of Reimagine Finance, to explore what it actually takes to build an AI-ready finance team.
The First‑Time CFO Playbook: The First 90 Days, Imposter Syndrome and Leading the Business
In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, we explore what truly separates a good finance team from a great one and what it takes to grow into the full scope of the CFO role. Kevin Appleby, Head of Partnerships at GrowCFO and host of the GrowCFO Show, brings 25 years of management consulting experience ...
Prefer to read? Here are recent posts on modern finance leadership:
The Strategic CFO vs. the Transactional Finance Function: How to Close the Gap
Executive Summary Many CFOs are hired to be strategic, but their finance function remains transactional. This article explains the “evolutio...
How to Prepare for a Difficult Board Conversation as a CFO
Executive Summary Difficult board conversations become manageable when preparation removes surprise and clarifies the decision. Strong prepa...
3 Board Conversations Every New CFO Pre-Game (With a Reusable Script)
No matter the industry, and no matter how healthy the business looks today, three board conversations show up sooner or later. A number gets...
What Do CEOs Really Look For When Hiring a CFO?
Hiring the wrong CFO rarely blows up in public. It fails quietly, then expensively. The damage shows up over time: missed opportunities, los...
The First 90 Days as CFO: How to Quickly Build Credibility and Take Charge
Executive Summary A new CFO’s first 90 days should leave the company feeling, “We can finally trust the numbers and the finance leader behin...
How to Do Strategic Work When You're Swamped
3 Simple Ways You Can Do More Strategic Work in Finance, Despite a Packed Schedule Practical methods to add value without adding hours If yo...
Controller vs Head of FP&A: Which Path Leads to CFO Faster?
Controllers are seen as the safe hands. FP&A professionals, the strategic business partners. But which path actually gets you closer to the ...
How to Become a CFO: What Research and CFOs Say Works
The complete guide about the career paths most CFOs take, the myths to ignore, and the skills that set future CFOs apart, whether they come ...
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What The Listeners Say
Apple Podcasts
Director, Finance
As a finance leader committed to continuous growth, The Diary of a CFO has become one of my favourite podcasts. Wassia covers a broad range of finance and leadership topics that are relevant, actionable, and inspiring. The quality of guests she brings on is truly top-notch. Wassia has been a great mentor in my own journey, and I highly recommend both this podcast and following her on LinkedIn.
Apple Podcasts
Commuter Friendly
Diary of a CFO is one of the few finance podcasts that feels both insightful and refreshingly human. Wassia Kamon brings the perfect balance of strategy, vulnerability, and sharp questioning to every episode. As a fellow finance leader, I appreciate the candor, the diverse perspectives, and the real-talk about what it actually takes to lead from the C-suite. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about mindset, decision-making, and navigating the messy middle. This is a must-listen if you care about leading with both excellence and intention.
Beamly
Sr. Business Operations Manager
Wassia's podcast feels like chatting with a friend who truly understands you. It's authentic, down-to-earth, and always leaves me feeling motivated. I appreciate how natural and unfiltered it is—no scripts or forced moments, just real stories and inspiration that resonate exactly when I need it most. If you're after something that lifts you up while staying completely real, this is it. I just listened to the first episode, and I’m already excited to catch up on more!
Apple Podcasts
Engaging, Insightful, Motivational
Wassia brings an incredible energy, making complex financial and leadership topics feel both real and relatable. Her ability to break things down with actionable advice, while keeping the conversation dynamic and engaging, makes you want to queue up the next episode immediately. It was an absolute pleasure being featured on the show!
Apple Podcasts
Real + Practical Advice
Any aspiring or current CFO should add Diary of a CFO into their podcast rotation! Every episode offers real, practical advice from people in the trenches. Questions are really insightful because they come from someone who is in the CFO seat!
Apple Podcasts
A Voice for the Highly Impactful but grossly underrepresented
This is truly a special and one-of-a-kind podcast. The idea to discuss the challenges that CFO’s face from all company types, and sizes is very futuristic, forward thinking and innovative. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation with Wassia, and the questions were very thought-provoking and I think are what the audience needs to hear, to share ideas and provide mentorship as well. Absolutely stellar and I would welcome the chance for additional conversations like these!
Beamly
Founder & CEO
If you're a CFO or finance professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, this podcast is a must listen. Insightful interviews, real world strategies, and tips on navigating the financial industry whether you're an experienced leader, or just starting your career in finance. Each episode provides actionable advice that can impact your approach and thought process, making it an essential resource. Tune in for a blend of thought leadership and practical knowledge that will elevate your financial game.
Apple Podcasts
Very insightful
A truly insightful and heartfelt conversation. She’s addressing one of the most overlooked and underrated gaps for aspiring and first-time CFOs.
Apple Podcasts
Very Informative!!
Thank you so much for sharing! So informative and your delivery was beyond amazing.
CFO Readiness Assessment
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Latest Episodes
- All
- c f o interviews
- solo episodes
- strategic finance partners
Former Caterpillar Group CFO on The Leadership Skills Finance Professionals Must Master to Reach the Top
In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, we examine what it actually takes to build a 30-year career at a Fortune 50 company and reach the Group CFO seat. Dave DeFreitas, retired Group CFO of Caterpillar Inc., shares the career moves, leadership frameworks, and operational mindset shifts that shaped o...
Building an AI-Ready Finance Team Without Losing the Human Side, with Tariq Munir
In this episode of The Diary of a CFO Podcast, host Wassia Kamon sits down with Tariq Munir, digital transformation advisor and author of Reimagine Finance, to explore what it actually takes to build an AI-ready finance team.
The First‑Time CFO Playbook: The First 90 Days, Imposter Syndrome and Leading the Business
In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, we explore what truly separates a good finance team from a great one and what it takes to grow into the full scope of the CFO role. Kevin Appleby, Head of Partnerships at GrowCFO and host of the GrowCFO Show, brings 25 years of management consulting experience ...
Wassia Kamon’s 15-Year Journey from Staff Accountant to CFO
In this solo episode, Wassia Kamon shares how she went from staff accountant to CFO in 15 years, including the moments that didn’t look like progress at all.
Beyond the Numbers: Leadership Lessons from Three-Time Nonprofit CFO, Teri Kozub
In this episode of The Diary of a CFO Podcast, host Wassia Kamon sits down with Teri Kozub, a three-time CFO with more than 33 years of experience in nonprofit finance and current CFO at Community Legal Services of Mid Florida. Teri shares how her non-linear career shaped her leadership style, why ...
Executive Presence Explained: Why Top Performers Still Get Overlooked, with Executive Coach, Jill Avey
Executive presence is often cited as the reason leaders don’t get promoted, but rarely explained. In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, Wassia Kamon sits down with executive coach Jill Avey to unpack what executive presence actually means, why high performers get stuck at the Director or VP level,...
About Wassia Kamon
Wassia Kamon is a CFO and the host of The Diary of a CFO. She has more than 15 years of experience leading finance teams in manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, and nonprofit organizations, and today serves as Chief Financial Officer of Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), a leading Community Development Financial Institution in Georgia.
Named the 2025 CFO of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and a two‑time CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 honoree, Wassia’s work on finance leadership and governance has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Accounting Today, Fast Company, and Strategic Finance. On the podcast, she talks with finance leaders about team leadership, boards, and the realities of the modern CFO role.
FAQs
Who is The Diary of a CFO for?
Current CFOs, finance leaders preparing for the role, and ambitious finance professionals who want to think at a higher level.
I’m not a CFO yet. Will this still be useful?
Yes. Many episodes and guides are designed to help you build the judgment and credibility required before you have the title.
What topics do you cover most often?
Board communication, capital discipline, CFO career progression, building finance teams, and practical AI in finance.
How should I start if I’m a first-time CFO?
Start with the First 100 Days as CFO playbook for practical guidance on earning trust and setting the right foundation.
Is this podcast only for large-company CFOs?
No. We feature CFOs across private equity–backed, founder-led, nonprofit, and mid-market organizations. The principles apply across environments and stages, especially small to mid-sized organizations.
How is this different from other finance podcasts?
We go beyond technical updates and news to focus on the real job behind the title: handling board and CEO pressure, making hard capital decisions, and building a sustainable CFO career through honest, story‑driven conversations.
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