Business Technology, HR, and Embracing Entrepreneurship with Former Paychex CFO

Rising to the C-Suite takes more than just an MBA. Host Gene Marks has a conversation with recently retired Paychex CFO and current senior advisor to the CEO, Efrain Rivera, about his interesting career path and the crucial aspects he sees as being essential in business. This episode of Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, also shares insights on financial literacy, strategic decision-making, hiring, technology, professional relationship building, and more, and how leveraging that knowledge to create innovative solutions and strategic investments can promote a company’s overall growth.

Topics Include:

00:00 – Welcome, Efrain Rivera

00:56 – Introduction to Rivera

03:12 – Pivoting in your career

05:03 – The role and value of an MBA degree

09:27 – Challenges and decisions during major change

13:12 – Risk-taking vs. gambling in business

16:01 – Hiring for attitude not aptitude and the challenges

21:35 – How to motivate a team

24:09 – Discussion on current state of business

25:01 – Safe investments in present economy

30:02 – Balancing indicators from Wall Street and Main Street

31:38 – Small businesses in the current economic state

35:10 – What makes a potential startup appealing for investment

36:20 – Balancing an entrepreneur’s skill set

44:35 – Wrap-up

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.