Inside the Minds of Top CFOs: Takeaways from the F Suite Executive Summit

 I recently attended the 2023 F Suite Executive Summit “Seizing Opportunities and Defying Downturns” in San Francisco, an invitation only event that brought together CFOs from some of the fastest growing tech companies and venture funds. Together we explored the current challenges faced by CFOs, how to navigate disruption in these challenging times by leveraging technology, data analytics, and by developing key relationships and partnerships.

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

Cash runway and your company’s ability to perform should be your 100% focus!

Preservation of cash is key. As a CFO you need to be looking at all aspects of your business and exploring opportunities to preserve cash and extend your cash runway. Even companies doing well with 24 months of cash runway, are looking at ways to get to 30 months.

With that focus comes your ability to balance growth and profitability. The growth at all costs mindset is in the past. You don’t need to grow at 50% if you can grow at 20% and be on the path to profitability. In the eyes of investors and other stakeholders, that’s more appealing. Do the work to build a better company and make strong, strategic decisions to get your company through.

CFOs today are trying to find a way to move from “CF-No” to “CF-Yes”.

As CFO it is your job to help the company find the right investments. Many CFOs are pushing projects back and being more selective about transformational initiatives to preserve cash and focus on executing on core business goals. Don’t be afraid to make the hard decisions to invest in what makes sense and take the others off the table. You have to find ways to better leverage your team and tools available to be more efficient and maximize ROI.

Now is a great time to build trust with your partners and within teams. Be clear in what you do know and what you need. Don’t speak in absolutes. As a leader, it’s key that CFOs help their team understand what they’re thinking and bring as much transparency to others as possible (within reason). This will help you stay engaged and build strong communication and trust from your team.

The Tech CFO community is strong! 

Not even halfway through 2023, we’re experiencing uncertainty with RIFs, the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and it’s rippled effects. At times like this it’s vital to have a strong community like that of F Suite. Joining communities like F-Suite where CFOs can come together, share thoughts and gain perspectives on how their peers are approaching similar situations is essential. #ForCFOsbyCFOs

Big props to Kiran Lingam , Greg Raiten , Anthony Thomas , Nikki Mor for another day of learning, community, and impact!