Inside the Strategy Room 285. Keys to success for CFOs leading transformations
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Jan 7, 2026 In this insightful discussion, Kevin Carmody, Christian Grube, and Matt Maloney from McKinsey shed light on the pivotal role CFOs play in leading company transformations. They explore how CFOs can break free from traditional finance tasks to focus on strategic value drivers, emphasizing collaboration with the CEO. The trio discusses the importance of finance in setting realistic targets, orchestrating transformations, and empowering teams. They also highlight technology's role in enhancing transparency and accountability, ensuring successful execution and sustainability of change.
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Finance Translates Backward Data Into Forward Action
- Finance can convert backward-looking data into forward-looking KPIs that operations can use in real time.
- Teaching basic financial skills across functions helps frontline leaders make better cash and capital decisions.
Scale Capability Building Beyond The C-Suite
- Successful CFO-led transformations require building capabilities and empowering many more people than just the C-suite.
- The CFO must create fact-based teams who think differently and hold each other accountable.
Allocate CFO Time Deliberately
- Spend roughly half your time championing the program, a third on financial reporting, and 20% on pushing finance data into the business.
- Ensure every initiative traces to the financial statements and removes wasted frontline work.