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Lessons in Leadership: What It Takes to Be a Future CFO

​Last Thursday we had the pleasure of hosting an insightful and inspirational Future CFO-focused event, where we explored their experiences and journeys. ​All attendees had the privilege of hearing from three fantastic senior finance leaders - Nick Shaw, Kayleigh Wright and James Wenninger, each bringing a unique perspective shaped by their own career journeys — with the consensus across all speakers and focus of: driving meaningful, strategic value across their organisations. ​Each leader shared personal experiences of navigating challenges, leading transformation, and elevating the role of finance from a back-office function to a true business partner and value creator. ​Each speaker offered valuable perspectives, and several key takeaways stood out: Build a team that compliments you : Great leadership means recognising and embracing the skills you don’t have. All three CFOs emphasised the strength of surrounding themselves with good people and team members whose strengths contrast their own — creating well-rounded, agile finance functions. Embrace the unknown with confidence: Whether navigating new industries, acquisitions, or rapid change, one message was clear: lean into the uncertainty and trust your ability to adapt. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. Blend experience from big & small companies : The synergy of experience from both large-scale corporations and nimble, fast-paced environments is invaluable. The ability to scale thinking and apply structured processes in leaner settings was a recurring theme. Identify and align with key business needs : Strategic finance leaders go beyond numbers. They seek out synergies and align with business-specific needs — from systems integration to cultural alignment — to ensure long-term value add. Own your decisions…fully! : True ownership means standing by your decisions and being accountable for their outcomes. Openly discussed and demonstrated how conviction and responsibility can elevate leadership and trust across the organisation with a wider impact! ​A huge thank you again to Nick Shaw, Kayleigh Wright & James Wenninger who were incredible speakers and all who contributed to making this event a success. It was a timely reminder of the evolving, multi-dimensional role of today’s Finance leaders. ​Huge thanks as well to all attendees for bringing openness in their points / questions , and energy to the room. Looking forward already to next year!​To hear about future events, contact Jack Curtis!​

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ASK THE EXPERT – HOW DO I EXPLAIN WHY I WANT TO LEAVE MY CURRENT ROLE?

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I find it hard to explain why I want to leave my current role and worry about what the interviewer will think about my reasons – are there ‘good’ reasons for looking for a new job?

This is a very common worry for candidates. Sometimes the reason is nice and straight-forward – such as relocation to a new area – and requires little further explanation. However, in most cases, it is more likely that you have simply reached the end of the road with your current employer – and this can be for any number of reasons – and finding the right way to articulate that to someone you are trying to impress as a potential new boss can be tricky.

First of all, remember that the interviewer is not asking this to try and catch you out. It is more about trying to get an understanding of your motivations for moving, career ambitions and to assess if there is synergy between what you are looking to achieve and the direction in which the company is heading 

As part of your interview preparation, you should give real consideration as to why you want to move and think about how you can communicate these reasons in a positive manner that demonstrates to the interviewer that you have thought carefully about the next step in your career.

There are many valid reasons why somebody will be looking to secure a new role; gaining new responsibilities, desire for a new challenge and the opportunity to develop and learn new skills are all acceptable reasons for making a move and will show your potential new employer that you have the drive to further your career.You can deliver a compelling answer by including further information about your understanding of how the new skills, responsibilities and opportunities will enable you to help the company meet its own objectives.

There are of course, some definite no-no’s which will raise red flags with an interviewer. You should avoid complaining about your current organisation or your manager and colleagues. Yes, you may have been overlooked for promotion, you might find the management or leadership too overbearing, you could be picking up the slack for weaker team members, the working hours are too long or the salary and rewards too little – however this is not the time to be painting your employer in a bad light. If anything, it shows the interviewer that you may not be particularly tactful, or you could be someone that finds reasons for complaints and could be difficult to manage.

If there are problems that you cannot avoid mentioning, outline how you have tried to address the matter and what steps you have taken which will show a potential new boss that you are solutions-focused and not simply sitting back and waiting for somebody else to solve the problem.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals.  With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT UStoday to find out more.