From Go to CFO

On this episode of From Go to CFO , Dave Goldbach sits down with Linda Benson, CFO of Kaplan, to trace a finance career that has run through bread, cars, construction, banking, gaming and now education. Linda talks candidly about the mentors who shaped her biggest decisions, the hardest conversation she's ever had (walking away from a role that wasn't right for her), and what it took to lead a finance team through COVID-19 while based in Las Vegas. She also shares blunt, practical advice for anyone, particularly women, who talks themselves out of putting their hand up.

Nimesh Shah has said yes to five CFO roles he wasn't entirely sure he was ready for, and it's paid off every time. On this episode of From Go to CFO, he joins Kunal Gupta for a properly candid look back at a career spanning newspaper finance floors, an ASX IPO at Isentia, eight years at ReadyTech, and his current seat at Storypark, backed by Potentia. Along the way he's helped structure more than fifty acquisitions, learned the hard way what makes an earnout work, and formed a clear view on the one relationship every CFO needs to get right. Key takeaways: Backing yourself matters more than having all the answers. Nimesh's biggest career moves came before he felt fully qualified for them, and he's candid about learning on the job each time. The CEO relationship is the one that counts. More than any board or investor tie, it's the working relationship with the chief executive that shapes a CFO's success. Willing buyer, willing seller. After fifty-plus acquisitions, Nimesh's clearest lesson is that a deal only works when both sides genuinely want it, not when one is talked into it. Agentic AI is already changing finance work day to day, from board reporting to accounts payable, freeing up time for the parts of the job that actually need a human.

A podcast special: two [axr] podcasts, one conversation. Andrew Cannock (Your Future in Sales and Marketing) and Dave Goldbach (From Go to CFO) sit down together with Chris Tucker, Sales Director, and Piyush Mittal, Finance Director at SC Johnson, to unpack what a genuine partnership between sales and finance looks like inside an FMCG business. Chris and Piyush trace very different paths to the top of their functions. Chris rose through a linear sales career at PepsiCo before moving into SC Johnson's Australian sales leadership, including a global customer marketing stint in the US. Piyush has spent 23 years at SC Johnson, moving from commercial finance in India, to supply chain in Malaysia, to finance leadership in Australia. Both land on the same lesson: breadth across functions, markets and cultures builds better decision-makers. The conversation moves into SC Johnson itself, a 140-year-old, fifth-generation family business behind brands including Glade, Raid, Ziploc, Drano, Windex and Sun Bum, and what it means to make long-term calls, on sustainability, on investment, without the pressure of quarterly reporting. Chris and Piyush are candid about where sales and finance pull in different directions, and what keeps that tension productive rather than destructive: shared visibility of the full P&L, finance in the room from the start of a proposal rather than at sign-off, and a habit of weighing 'the cost of doing nothing' alongside any ROI case. They close with the advice they'd give their younger selves: get broad experience early and surround yourself with people you can learn from. If this conversation has you thinking about your own next move, in sales, finance or leadership, get in touch with the team at [axr] Recruitment & Search.

Nick Barnes set himself a goal early in his career: become a CFO by 40. In this episode of From Go to CFO, he talks to [axr]'s Dave Goldbach about the winding path that got him there, from audit at EY in the UK, through PepsiCo, Suntory and SunRice, and into Australia's startup and scale-up world with Koala, MILKRUN and Vow, before landing as CFO of Karma Drinks. It's a career built on deliberate moves, but Nick is just as candid about what didn't go to plan. He talks through a gruelling SAP rollout he felt completely unprepared for, the culture shock of moving from a highly structured multinational into unstructured startup life, and the goal he eventually hit, though not in the way he expected. The most revealing part of the conversation is what happened next: how ten minutes a day of journaling and meditation changed his relationship with ambition, self-criticism and what actually drives performance. Along the way, Nick and Dave cover the real differences between big business and startup finance, why breadth of experience matters more than a straight line up the ladder, and how to keep pushing for more without letting it define your sense of self-worth. This one's for anyone building a career in finance, and for anyone quietly wondering whether the goals they set years ago are still serving them.

In this episode of From Go to CFO , [axr]'s Kunal Gupta sits down with Nick Williams, CFO of Tellus Holdings, Australia's only geological repository for hazardous waste. Nick's career took him around the world before it brought him home. Eleven years at BHP moved him from a graduate role in Melbourne to Adelaide, Houston, the Netherlands and Chile, building the kind of broad, hands-on experience most finance careers take twice as long to gather. A mentor he clashed with in his first week in Holland went on to shape the next decade of his career, encouraging him to make the leap to Brazil, and eventually back to Sydney. He talks candidly about the private equity stint at Pacific National that changed how he saw the numbers, and the reality of his first year as a first-time CFO at Tellus, refinancing debt on a business with no contracts behind it yet. Nick shares what he'd tell himself five years ago: get your team right before anything else, learn to sell the business you work for, and keep saying yes to the next hard thing. This episode is for finance leaders navigating their own path to CFO, and anyone weighing up a leap into industry or a new country.

Michelle Reynolds backpacked solo through Europe while her friends signed up for two-year stints working in London. It's the kind of call that sums up her whole career: take the path most people skip, and see where it leads. That path has since taken her through insurance, construction, rail and a hydrogen startup to the CFO chair at CIP Construction. In this episode, she joins Dave Goldbach, Director of [axr]'s Accounting & Finance practice, to talk about: How she picked up technical finance skills without a big-four background or a formal mentoring system to rely on Why she deliberately tries to make her own role redundant, and what she does with the time that frees up The board-paper lesson from her time under private equity ownership that still shapes how she reports to leadership today What it actually takes to run a startup's entire finance function alone, from payroll to capital raises There's no single route to the top of finance, just the one you're willing to take.

Dave Goldbach and Kunal Gupta continue [axr]'s relaunch of From Go to CFO with a look at how the finance leadership market is shifting, and what it means for anyone building toward a CFO seat. They cover three areas: what's changing in the roles [axr] recruits for, the bigger market trends behind those changes, and what candidates should be doing about it. In this episode, listeners will: Get a clear read on why technical finance skills are now the baseline, not the differentiator, for senior roles. Understand how AI is reshaping day-to-day finance work, and where it's freeing up time for higher-value strategic input instead of replacing people. Hear why businesses are increasingly rewarding adaptability and range across a career, rather than long, unbroken tenure in a single role. Learn what kind of experience (transformation, M&A integration, ERP projects) is becoming genuinely valuable on a CV, and why. Come away with practical steps for building commercial and influencing skills, whatever finance role they're in today.

Season 4 of From Go to CFO is here. Dave Goldbach and Kunal Gupta are kicking things off with [axr]'s 2026 Finance and Accounting Salary Guide, including why it was built differently and how to get the most out of it. This episode covers: Why [axr] structured the guide around role scope and skills, not just job titles and salary bands How compensation varies significantly across large, mid-tier and small businesses, and why segment matters Why STI and LTI data becomes increasingly important from manager level upwards How roles have evolved, and why the title tells you less than it used to The mid-tier accounting market and common pathways from practice into commercial finance Where transformation is heading in 2026, from ERP and process improvement through to AI capability in finance Download our [axr] 2026 Finance and Accounting Salary Guide here: [axr] Salary Guide; Sales, Marketing, Category, Finance, Accounting

In this episode of From Go to CFO , we sit down with James Mitchell - an experienced CEO and CFO whose career spans professional services, financial services, hospitality, and property. James shares his journey from his early days at Deloitte, where he built the technical and professional foundations of his career, through international experience in London and senior finance leadership roles including at Westpac. He reflects on his progression into CFO roles, and ultimately his transition to CEO at Baycorp in 2018, a pivotal shift that required him to let go of functional finance responsibilities and step into broader organisational leadership. Today, as CFO at Redcape Hospitality Group, he brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective shaped by his experience leading organisations as both CFO and CEO. He speaks candidly about the mindset shift from leading the numbers to leading the entire organisation, and what it takes to set the tone as CEO, particularly when driving change and transformation. James also reflects on whether becoming a CFO was always part of his plan, and how his ambitions and definition of success evolved over time. A passionate mentor and experienced executive, James shares thoughtful insights into leadership growth, the importance of perspective, and the responsibility leaders have to invest in the next generation. This episode offers valuable perspective for aspiring CFOs, CEOs, and finance leaders navigating career progression and the transition from CFO to CEO.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Chris Allenby, CFO of Lewis Land, one of Australia’s largest privately owned property groups, to unpack a career defined by ambition, adaptability and leadership under pressure. Chris’s journey began early - joining KPMG as a cadet at just 18 and rising to partner by 32. Over a 12-year tenure as partner, he advised private and mid-cap companies, family businesses and high-net-worth individuals across a diverse range of industries, developing particular strength in property. But in March 2020, at the onset of COVID-19, Chris made a pivotal shift - from trusted advisor to in-house decision maker - stepping into the CFO role at Lewis Land. What followed was more than a career move; it was a mindset transformation. Chris shares the realities of transitioning from chartered accounting into a high-net-worth family group, where influence gives way to accountability and strategy must be paired with execution. He reflects on reshaping the finance function, strengthening culture through decisive hiring, and balancing creativity with discipline within what he describes as a true collective. This episode explores the nuances of leading in a private family business environment, the resilience required during periods of rapid change, and how Chris continually evaluates both his own capabilities and those of his team to stay ahead. It’s a candid conversation about leadership evolution, navigating uncertainty, and what it really takes to go from advisor to CFO.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Gareth Sprainger, CFO of V2Food, to unpack a career defined by curiosity, resilience, and transformative leadership. Gareth began his journey straight out of high school, diving into chartered accounting while working full-time - a foundation that shaped his disciplined, hands-on approach to finance. His path took him through a 12-year tenure at Coca-Cola Amatil (now Coca-Cola Europacific Partners), where he worked across multiple divisions and played a key role in a joint venture with SAB Miller, culminating in the build of a $120 million brewery. Seeking global experience, Gareth took a leave of absence to work in London, where he led a major financial transformation across Europe at Monster Worldwide. Returning to Australia, Gareth continued to broaden his commercial lens through senior roles at Coca-Cola before stepping into finance leadership as Finance Director at William Grant & Sons. Today, he sits in a venture-capital-backed CFO role at V2Food, spanning finance, legal, property, and operations as the business scales. This conversation blends hard-earned lessons in adaptability and resilience with insights into leading through change - showing why staying curious and open to transformation is one of the most powerful competitive edges a modern CFO can have.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we’re joined by Jean-Baptiste Naudet, CFO at Australian Red Cross and a finance leader with a 30-year career spanning global powerhouses including Thales, Flight Centre, Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson. After decades in senior finance and commercial leadership roles across APAC, JB made a pivotal shift into purpose-led leadership, bringing deep corporate discipline into the not-for-profit sector. JB shares how he has led large-scale transformation at St Vincent de Paul and now at Red Cross, navigating organisational turnarounds, modernising reporting and planning, and reframing performance from traditional ROI to a powerful “return on impact” lens. We explore what it really takes to translate profit into surplus, lead finance teams through change, and build trust and collaboration in complex, mission-driven environments. We also unpack JB’s personal career pivots between corporate and for-purpose organisations, his perspective as a board member of Karitane, and the practical tools CFOs can use to drive sustainable impact while staying commercially sharp. A must-listen for finance leaders thinking about purpose, transformation, and what modern CFO leadership looks like beyond the balance sheet.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, Nick is joined by Mike Dickson, Host of Your Future in Sales and Marketing for a special episode of the How to series. Nick and Mike break down the real-world strategies behind getting promoted. From demonstrating value beyond your job description to navigating conversations with leadership, they share practical advice, personal experiences, and actionable steps listeners can apply immediately. Whether you’re aiming for your next title or simply want to position yourself for growth, this episode offers a straightforward guide to standing out and moving your career forward.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we speak with Andrew Just, Chief Financial Officer of Inghams Australia, about leading finance at scale and navigating change across some of the world’s most complex business environments. Andrew reflects on a remarkable 30+ year career at Nestlé, which he joined straight after college and where he held senior leadership roles across Australia, Fiji, Switzerland, and Singapore. Andrew shares firsthand insights into steering organisations through transformation, driving cultural change, and delivering results in diverse and often challenging markets. A key focus of the conversation is his transition from being a long-tenured “Nestlé lifer” to stepping into a new organisation as CFO - what it takes to reset, adapt, and quickly build credibility as the new kid on the block. The episode also explores the human side of finance leadership: how to build trust and collaboration within teams, lead through uncertainty, and develop the personal resilience required to sustain an international career. Packed with practical leadership lessons, this conversation offers aspiring finance leaders a candid look at what it truly takes to go from graduate to CFO.

In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Mike Charter - former international CFO and Chief Strategy Officer, now the visionary founder of AVAALER, an executive coaching platform built to elevate senior finance leaders into aligned, influential, high-performing executives without burning out . Mike brings more than 30 years of global finance and strategy leadership, having held senior roles across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Listeners will hear how Mike’s entrepreneurial drive ultimately led to the creation of AVAALER, where he now coaches top finance leaders around the world. He opens up about the patterns he sees in today’s CFOs, what holds many of them back from their full influence, and the mindset and leadership shifts required to thrive at the top without sacrificing wellbeing. He also founded Gotcha4Life Foundation who focus on supporting individuals through mental health challenges. If you're interested in getting involved please click below: https://www.gotcha4life.org/ This episode is a must-listen for aspiring and current finance leaders looking for tangible insights on strategic leadership, sustainable performance, and navigating the path from technical expert to influential C-suite leader.

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Broadhead, Executive Director of Finance, Property and Information Systems at Wesley Mission, to explore a career that seamlessly blends commercial acumen with purpose-driven leadership - and yes, plenty of Jimmy Vibes along the way. Mark shares his journey from growing up in Wahroonga with three sisters to becoming a chartered accountant at Grant Thornton, before stepping into senior roles across engineering, manufacturing, and human services. His path spans a decade at RSL Lifecare and meaningful time with the Lowy Family Group supporting charitable foundations, all culminating in his current leadership at Wesley Mission. We dive into the lessons learned from driving transformation, building high-performing teams, and balancing purpose with performance. Mark opens up about what it takes to lead with empathy, create environments where people feel valued, and how his diverse experiences have shaped a grounded, authentic leadership style. Outside the office, Mark lives in Frenchs Forest with his wife Leanne, their three daughters, and their beloved dog Jimmy - whose lease of second life energy, inspires the “Jimmy Vibes” that anchor this conversation. From golf weekends and BBQ rituals to bagpipes, dog walks, and even becoming a yoga teacher, Mark shows how a full life informs a full heart. A thoughtful, warm, and energising episode about leadership, purpose, family, and finding your own vibe - Jimmy or otherwise. The First 90 Days: The First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter - Watkins, Michael D. | 9781422188613 | Amazon.com.au | Books

In this episode of From Go to CFO , we sit down with Byron Bassett, Chief Financial Officer at Unilever, whose journey from a small farming town in Inverell, New South Wales, to the boardrooms of some of the world’s biggest companies is nothing short of inspiring. Byron shares the leadership lessons that have shaped his career across global giants like GlaxoSmithKline, Woolworths, Johnson & Johnson, Dyon, and Key Pharmaceuticals, and reflects on how trust and accountability form the foundation of high-performing teams. We explore why the modern CFO is evolving into a Chief Value Officer, balancing financial stewardship with purpose-driven leadership in a rapidly changing business landscape. Byron also offers his perspective on how finance professionals can stay relevant amid the rise of AI and automation, and what it takes to lead with clarity and authenticity in uncertain times. Whether you’re an aspiring finance leader or simply curious about what it takes to rise from humble beginnings to the top of global business, this conversation with Byron Bassett offers invaluable insights on growth, adaptability, and the future of leadership.

In this episode, we sit down with Vladen Potapenkov, Chief Financial Officer at Nutrano Produce Group, to explore his remarkable 20-year journey through the global food and beverage industry. Born in Ukraine and raised in Russia, Vladen’s story is one of adaptability, curiosity, and leadership across continents. Beginning his career in a comprehensive graduate program with Agrana Fruit, Vladen quickly rose through a series of finance and operational roles across Europe before relocating to Australia - where he ultimately became CFO for the region. After 15 successful years at Agrana, he took on a new challenge within a Private Equity-backed company, continuing to drive transformation and growth. In this conversation, Vladen shares his pathway to CFO, his approach to leadership beyond finance, and how he’s led large-scale system implementations that deliver lasting impact. He discusses his belief in team-based leadership, how he’s helped stabilize even the most challenging teams, and his deep passion for mentoring and developing young talent. Whether you’re an aspiring finance leader, a people-focused executive, or someone fascinated by global business journeys, Vladen’s insights reveal what it truly means to lead with purpose, resilience, and a belief in people as the ultimate driver of success.

In this episode, we sit down with Mats Weiss, the dynamic CFO of Orro Group - a Swedish country boy whose journey from the golf course to the global finance stage is nothing short of remarkable. Starting his career at PwC in Sweden while playing professional golf, his path has taken him through leadership roles at global giants like Nike, Philip Morris, 20th Century Fox, and beyond. Along the way, he’s worked across Europe, Australia, and Asia Pacific - building a career defined by resilience, adaptability, and relentless curiosity. We explore his early days growing up in the southeast of Sweden, playing every sport imaginable - from tennis and handball to table tennis and volleyball - and how that foundation in teamwork and competition shaped his approach to leadership. From navigating the entertainment industry during Disney’s acquisition of Fox, to steering an ecommerce business through the chaos of COVID-19, and now leading financial strategy at Orro Group, this episode is a masterclass in leading through change, staying curious, and building a global career without losing your roots. Whether you're a finance professional, an aspiring leader, or just love a good origin story - this episode will inspire you to think bigger, stay agile, and never stop learning.

In this episode of From Go to CFO , we sit down with Lorenz Haefeli, the CFO of Bailey Nelson, a finance leader whose journey has taken him from Sydney’s Northern Beaches to the fast-paced world of automotive giants like Tesla and onto international optical retailer Bailey Nelson. Starting his career in audit at KPMG before making the leap to London, he’s since held finance roles across insurance, automotive distribution, and innovative retail. Along the way, he’s combined a passion for cars with a sharp commercial mindset to lead high-impact finance teams in both established and scaling businesses. Key highlights include: How an early foundation in audit built strong analytical and strategic thinking What transitioning from insurance to automotive taught him about adaptability Lessons from working at Subaru and Tesla—where passion meets precision The value of international experience early in a finance career His approach to aligning finance with business goals in a high-growth retail environment This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals interested in navigating cross-industry careers, leveraging personal passions, and driving strategic impact across global markets.