The Finance Leader Podcast
Leadership development can lead to greater promotion potential. This podcast is hosted by Stephen McLain, a U.S. Army-Retired Finance Officer. After retirement, Stephen transitioned to working as a Business Consultant in Corporate Finance and Accounting. Topics will be dedicated to leadership and strategic mindset development for Finance and Accounting professionals, where we will focus on the four key Finance Leader responsibilities: 1) influence, 2) developing our team, 3) achieving results, and 4) seeing the future . Please listen to the trailer so you can check it out. Thank you!
Episodes
Episode 141: Curious about what makes audit teams tick? Dive into the crucial yet often misunderstood world of audit team management where leadership goes far beyond checking boxes and finding faults.
Audit managers stand as guardians of financial integrity, straddling the strategic vision needed to align with business objectives while directing teams to investigate transactions that might reveal weaknesses i...
Episode 140: Financial integrity isn't just about compliance—it's the cornerstone of organizational trust and success. In this thought-provoking exploration of the audit function, we dive deep into how forward-thinking CFOs are transforming what's often viewed as a necessary evil into a strategic advantage.
The most effective finance leaders understand that auditing isn't about hunting for...
Bonus episode #93: Leadership isn't about mastering spreadsheets—it's about transforming information into strategic action. In this preview of Season 20 of the Finance Leader Podcast, Stephen McLain unveils an exciting five-episode journey exploring audit, risk, and independence through the lens of leadership development.
Drawing from his compelling experiences as an internal review officer in Iraq,...
Bonus episode #92: Leadership is the bridge between resources and results, between data and decisions. While many finance professionals focus intensely on technical skills, the truly exceptional ones recognize that leadership development must come first. This episode makes a compelling case for prioritizing leadership skills as the foundation upon which all other finance competencies build.
Through an examina...
Bonus Episode #91: Ever feel like time is slipping away while your biggest goals remain unfulfilled? You're not alone. The difference between dreaming and achieving often comes down to one critical factor: your ability to stay focused in a world designed to distract you.
We explore three powerful approaches to maintaining laser-like focus. First, you'll learn how to identify and change the habits th...
Episode 139: Are you responsible for coaching your team's effort level? The question struck me after hearing WNBA Coach Becky Hammon's bold post-game declaration following a tough loss: "I will not coach effort." Her philosophy is clear—professional athletes must bring 100% effort or risk being benched. But how does this translate to finance leadership?
Unlike professional sports, we lead ...
Episode 138: Are you giving your absolute best, or just enough to get by? That comfortable routine might actually be your biggest career threat.
The silent killer of professional excellence is complacency – that subtle shift from passionate engagement to simply going through the motions. As we explore in this episode, complacency doesn't arrive with fanfare, but rather creeps in through routine tasks and...
Episode 137: What if the key to transforming your business lies not in adding more resources, but in simply understanding how your employees move through their workspace? In this eye-opening conversation with Service Physics co-founders Brian Reece and Steve Crowley, we uncover the hidden costs of inefficient processes that might be quietly draining your profits and customer satisfaction.
Website: www.servicephysics.co...
Episode #136: Matt Lhoumeau, CEO of Concord Worldwide, takes us on his extraordinary journey from founding his first company at 17 to revolutionizing how businesses handle their contracts.
Connect with Matt Lhoumeau and Concord:
1) Matt Lhoumeau: Matt's LinkedIn
2) Website: concord.app
Matt's revelation will surprise you: contract management has fundamentally transformed. While traditionally the exclusive d...
Bonus episode #90: Mindset forms the bedrock of effective leadership. The way we think shapes our decisions, influences how we solve problems, and determines the trajectory of our professional journey. But how often do we examine our own thought processes?
In this bonus episode, I explore the critical connection between mindset and leadership effectiveness. Your thought patterns affect everything—from how you...
Bonus episode #89: A powerful accountability framework can be the difference between another year of unfulfilled potential and remarkable achievement in your finance career. Whether you're aiming for the CFO chair or seeking to level up your leadership skills, this episode unveils the three critical components of a personal accountability strategy that actually works.
We begin by examining the mindset sh...
Bonus episode #88: Your internal business processes are either empowering your team or quietly sabotaging your organization's success. As finance leaders, we must ensure our systems add value rather than create obstacles to growth and profitability.
Monthly close procedures provide a perfect example of process challenges. While the goal remains consistent across organizations—producing accurate financial...
Bonus episode # 87: Where are your 2025 goals right now? If you've stalled or need to recalibrate, you're not alone. Sometimes life shifts dramatically after we set our annual targets, requiring us to adjust without abandoning our aspirations. Remember—adjusting your plan isn't quitting; it's strategic adaptation that keeps you moving forward while acknowledging your current reality.
Leade...
Bonus episode #86: When was the last time your finance team truly worked as a single unit rather than a collection of individuals? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore how leadership transforms independent contributors into high-performing teams that accomplish seemingly impossible goals.
Trust forms the bedrock of exceptional team performance. We delve into how leaders can cultivate environments whe...
Bonus episode #85: In this engaging episode of The Finance Leader Podcast, we explore the intricate dynamics between competitor disruptions and customer traffic patterns. Social changes in a business’s environment can deliver unforeseen challenges and opportunities, making it vital for finance leaders to stay informed and prepared. Triggered by the closure of a popular retailer, we dissect how such events ripple throu...
Episode 135: Are you a finance leader eager to enhance your team's performance? This episode dives deep into the essential coaching techniques that can elevate your leadership game. We explore the vital distinction between coaching and teaching, emphasizing that coaching is not about providing answers but rather about listening and facilitating self-reflection.
Building trust is a crucial element discuss...
Episode 134: Unlock the secret to mastering situational awareness—a skill that sets exceptional leaders apart. Ever wondered how some leaders effortlessly anticipate market shifts and team dynamics? In this episode discover how being attuned to your surroundings can prevent awkward moments and enhance your strategic decision-making.
Join me as I break down real-world examples that illustrate the power of read...
Episode 133: Unlock the secrets to maintaining razor-sharp focus as a leader, especially when chaos reigns. Discover the transformative power of strong habits and routines to keep distractions at bay and propel your team toward success. By crafting a vision board and setting SMART goals, you'll learn to structure your ambitions with precision, ensuring both personal and team growth. As leaders, our deliberate use...
You can find the article here: "Does Your Boss Practice Toxic Positivity" by Mita Mallick
Episode 132 - What if the optimism you thought was boosting your team is actually holding them back? This episode uncovers the fine line between constructive positivity and its toxic counterpart, revealing how excessive optimism can manipulate teams, cause burnout, and lead to frustration. Drawing on insights from Mita ...
Episode 131: Chart your course for 2025 with insights that could redefine your approach to goal setting. Inspired by the legendary race car driver Mario Andretti, this episode steers you toward maintaining focus amidst life's inevitable distractions. Discover how to craft a process to achieve what's truly important, sidestepping the petty interruptions that threaten to derail your progress.
As Janu...
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