The CFO role has shifted decisively from financial steward to strategic co-pilot of growth. Today’s finance leaders must deliver more with fewer resources, balance permanent uncertainty with long-term value creation, and lead teams through cultural and technological transformation. Drawing on perspectives from Advisory Board members, this panel explores how CFOs are building influence across the C-suite and beyond, developing the leadership skills that matter most, and preparing finance organisations for the next decade.

Discussion themes:

• CFO as co-pilot: Building trust and influence with the CEO, board, and executive peers

• Doing more with less: Leading with credibility under budget, talent, and technology constraints

• Always-on crisis mode: Balancing short-term performance with courageous long-term investments

• CFO as coach: Inspiring teams, modelling behaviours, and embedding growth mindset cultures

• Stakeholder management excellence: Leading across IT, operations, and business units

• Trust and values-driven leadership: Meeting ESG and regulatory expectations while maintaining investor and employee confidence

• Leadership development: Soft skills, resilience, and communication as differentiators for CFOs preparing for CEO-level roles