The Long Game: Leadership, Growth & Career Success

The Long Game: Leadership, Growth & Career Success

What does it take to grow from a finance professional into an executive leader? In this episode, I sit down with Chris Forrey, Executive Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations at Boise Cascade, to discuss his career journey, leadership lessons, and the value of building a long-term career within one organization. We dive into common mistakes professionals make as they advance, what changes at the executive level, and how AI is transforming the future of finance and business. Chris shares practical insights on leadership, adaptability, and the skills that will matter most in the years ahead. Whether you're early in your career or leading a team of your own, this conversation offers valuable perspective on growth, leadership, and long-term success.

Mentoring Through Leadership

In this episode of Beyond the Balance Sheets, Amanda Timm sits down with Taylor Kraynak to explore how leadership is truly developed, not just through results, but through experience, challenges, and the people who shape us along the way. Taylor shares his career journey in accounting and finance, the defining moments that stretched him as a leader, and the lessons he learned, both the hard way and through mentorship. The conversation dives into the impact of both strong and ineffective leadership, how those experiences influence leadership style, and what it really means to grow over time. They also unpack the concept of mentoring through leadership, what it looks like in practice, where leaders often miss the mark, and how anyone can start developing others more intentionally. Whether you are an emerging leader or an experienced executive, this episode offers practical insight into building a leadership style that lasts. Taylor will also be speaking at the upcoming A&F Leadership Connection event on May 14th, where he will expand further on mentoring through leadership.

People-Centric Leadership in a Performance -Driven World

This episode explores what it really takes to lead high-performing organizations without losing sight of the people behind the numbers. Featuring executive Michael Zeigler, the conversation dives into the intersection of finance, operations, and HR, and how leaders can break down silos, build strong cultures, and still deliver measurable results. Listeners will gain practical insights on evolving from technical expertise to strategic leadership, aligning teams across functions, and redefining what it means to drive performance in today’s business environment.

Blindspots in the Boardroom

Episode 2: Blindspots in the Boardroom In accounting and finance, technical excellence often leads to promotion. Strong operators become Controllers. Strong Controllers become CFOs. But leadership is more than operational strength. In this episode of Beyond the Balance Sheet, I sit down with Crystal Sittser to talk about the blindspots that can quietly shape — and sometimes damage — finance teams from the top down. We unpack: • The real dynamics between CFOs and Controllers • Where alignment breaks down and why • How control can unintentionally replace empowerment • The subtle behaviors that push high performers away • Why strong finance teams on paper still struggle with retention Most leadership blindspots are not intentional. They show up in communication patterns, decision-making styles, feedback habits, and how authority is exercised. The truth is, finance leaders are rarely given direct feedback on their leadership impact. And without awareness, even high-performing executives can unintentionally create disengagement or tension at the top. This conversation is for CFOs, Controllers, and emerging finance leaders who want to build high standards and healthy culture at the same time. Because sometimes the biggest risk in the boardroom isn’t strategy. It’s the blindspot you don’t see. Let us know your biggest takeaway.

Episode 1: Beyond the CFO Seat with Alex Barros

In the first episode of Beyond the Balance Sheets, host Amanda Timm sits down with CFO Alex Barros to explore what it really takes to succeed in today’s finance leadership roles. Alex shares insights from his journey to the CFO seat, including what he prioritizes in the first 30 days of a new role, how long-term strategy shapes decision-making, and what the modern CFO role looks like in an increasingly complex environment. The conversation covers executive leadership, partnering with CEOs, navigating acquisitions, and how AI is changing the future of finance. This episode goes beyond the numbers to highlight the leadership mindset, judgment, and real-world experience behind the CFO title.