The Finance Leader Podcast
By Stephen McLain
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Category: Management
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Episodes: 257
Description
What separates finance professionals who influence strategy from those who only report the numbers?
The answer isn't better spreadsheets. It's developing the judgment, leadership, and business acumen to become a trusted strategic advisor.
The Finance Leader Podcast helps finance and accounting professionals, FP&A teams, controllers, CFOs, business owners, and executive leaders strengthen the connection between finance, operations, and strategy. Episodes provide practical insights, proven frameworks, and real-world lessons to help you improve decision making, develop executive presence, build stronger partnerships across the organization, and create measurable business value.
Hosted by Stephen McLain, a retired U.S. Army Finance Officer and corporate FP&A and accounting consultant, the podcast combines military leadership experience with practical corporate finance expertise to help finance professionals lead with greater confidence and strategic impact.
Start with the trailer, then subscribe so you never miss an episode. Thank you!
| Episode | Date |
|---|---|
|
Small Business Series - Why Profitable Businesses Still Run Out of Cash (Ep 2)
|
Aug 11, 2026 |
|
Small Business Series - Why Sales Growth Can Still Feel Like Struggle (Ep 1)
|
Aug 06, 2026 |
|
Developing the FP&A Training Plan - Building a More Strategic Finance Capability
|
Jul 29, 2026 |
|
SWOT Analysis for a Competitive Strategic Advantage
|
Jul 21, 2026 |
|
Overcome the AI Overwhelm
|
Jul 14, 2026 |
|
How Agile Strategy Can Transform FP&A from a Reporting Function to a Strategic Business Partner
|
Jun 30, 2026 |
|
Start Shaping Strategic Decisions Instead of Only Reporting Financial Results, Deliver Real Impact to Senior Leaders
|
Mar 03, 2026 |
|
When FP&A Translates Drivers, Strategy Finally Moves
|
Feb 03, 2026 |
|
How Clear Priorities, Trust, And Timely Decisions Transform Performance
|
Jan 13, 2026 |
|
Finance Leadership, Beyond The Numbers
|
Nov 12, 2025 |
|
Month-End Close Procedures Improvement by Using the Army's After-Action Review Process
|
Nov 04, 2025 |
|
Aligning Finance Teams For Real Impact
|
Oct 28, 2025 |
|
Building Strategic Finance Capacity through Alignment, Automation, and Development
|
Oct 14, 2025 |
|
Strategic Accounting, Not Just Reporting
|
Sep 30, 2025 |
|
FP&A and Operations: Creating Powerful Partnerships for Strategic Growth
|
Sep 23, 2025 |
|
Manipulative Leadership: When Positivity Becomes a Weapon
|
Sep 17, 2025 |
|
Finance Leader Learning Priorities Now
|
Sep 09, 2025 |
|
Revisiting Coaching Effort: How Did the Las Vegas Aces Perform?
|
Sep 02, 2025 |
|
Change Is Not Just Inevitable—It's Your Competitive Edge
|
Aug 26, 2025 |
|
Forensic Accounting: The World of Financial Detectives
|
Aug 19, 2025 |
|
Developing an Effective Audit Strategy to Support Business Objectives
|
Aug 12, 2025 |
|
Protecting Financial Health Through Strategic Risk Analysis
|
Aug 05, 2025 |
|
The Audit Team Manager: How Audit Leadership Drives Organizational Success
|
Jul 29, 2025 |
|
The Audit Blueprint: CFO's Guide to Financial Integrity
|
Jul 22, 2025 |
|
Audit & Risk: Season 20 Preview - Internal Controls, Accountability, and Strategy
|
Jul 15, 2025 |
|
The Bridge Builder: Leadership as Your First Priority
|
Jul 08, 2025 |
|
Focus Over Distraction: A Check-in on Our 2025 Goals
|
Jul 01, 2025 |
|
Lessons on Coaching Effort: a Las Vegas Aces Leadership Case Study
|
Jun 17, 2025 |
|
Breaking Free from the Performance Rut: How Leaders Can Overcome Complacency
|
Jun 03, 2025 |
|
Transforming Business without Sacrificing Employee Satisfaction: Interview with Service Physics Co-Founders, Brian Reece and Steve Crowley
|
Apr 29, 2025 |
|
Building the Future of Contract Management - Interview with the CEO of Concord Worldwide, Matt Lhoumeau
|
Apr 15, 2025 |
|
Challenging Your Thought Process
|
Apr 08, 2025 |
|
A Review of Personal Accountability to Continue Your Pathway Towards Success
|
Apr 01, 2025 |
|
Outdated Processes: The Silent Killer of Company Growth
|
Mar 26, 2025 |
|
Leadership Essentials Revisited
|
Mar 18, 2025 |
|
Building High-Performance Teams Through Leadership and Communication
|
Mar 12, 2025 |
|
Are Competitors Affecting Your Customer Traffic?
|
Mar 04, 2025 |
|
Want to Boost Team Performance? Here’s How to Coach Better!
|
Feb 25, 2025 |
|
Become a Proactive Leader with Situational Awareness
|
Feb 20, 2025 |
|
Leaders Must Set a Great Example of Focus During Times of Unpredictability
|
Feb 11, 2025 |
|
Mastering Genuine Positivity Without the Pitfalls
|
Feb 04, 2025 |
|
Stay on Track for Long-Term Success - Our First Check-in for 2025
|
Jan 29, 2025 |
|
Embracing Change and Driving Success for Finance Leaders
|
Jan 22, 2025 |
|
Empower Your Career by Building More Confidence
|
Jan 15, 2025 |
|
Personal Accountability Strategy for Success in 2025
|
Jan 08, 2025 |
|
On to 2025: What Are You Planning in the Upcoming Year?
|
Dec 31, 2024 |
|
Plan a Leadership Reset and Rest Before the New Year
|
Dec 24, 2024 |
|
From Challenges to Opportunities in Leadership
|
Dec 17, 2024 |
|
Using Leadership to Turn the Year-End Chaos into Achievement
|
Dec 10, 2024 |
|
Transforming Leadership: Developing Leader's Eyes to Identify and Solve Problems
|
Dec 03, 2024 |
|
Empowering Leadership: Overcoming Team Frustrations and Building Confidence
|
Nov 12, 2024 |
|
Mike Manalac, Accounting Manager at Google Interview - Navigating Career Changes in Accounting
|
Sep 24, 2024 |
|
Building a Successful and Healthy Work Environment: An Introduction to Helping Your Team Thrive
|
Sep 18, 2024 |
|
Leadership is the Most Important Skill to Develop: Empower Your Team for Innovation and Success
|
Aug 22, 2024 |
|
Transform Your Success in 2024: Mastering SMART Goals with a Growth Mindset
|
Jun 25, 2024 |
|
Customer Traffic Considerations During Competitor Disruptions
|
Jun 18, 2024 |
|
Revisiting the Importance of Finance Agility and Digital Transformation.
|
May 07, 2024 |
|
Building a High-Performance Finance Team: A Strategy for Effective Recruitment and Talent Development
|
Apr 23, 2024 |
|
SMART Goal Planning for Finance Leaders
|
Apr 16, 2024 |
|
Leading with Accountability: A Call to Action for Finance Professionals
|
Apr 10, 2024 |
|
Lessons in Strategic Communication for Finance Professionals
|
Mar 14, 2024 |
|
Uniting Individuals with Leadership: A Discussion on Improving Team Performance
|
Feb 27, 2024 |
|
Inspiring Greatness: Transformative Leadership Principles
|
Feb 13, 2024 |
|
Wassia Kamon Interview - VP of Finance and Corporate Controller, How to Emphasize Your Value
|
Feb 06, 2024 |
|
Mastering Strategic Decision-Making: Aligning Business Strategy with Finance and Accounting Systems
|
Jan 30, 2024 |
|
Interview with Mark McMillion - A Discussion on Growing Our Leadership and Mastering Conflict Management
|
Jan 23, 2024 |
|
Stay Focused and Avoid The Usual Distractions To Achieve Success
|
Jan 17, 2024 |
|
Setting SMART Goals
|
Jan 09, 2024 |
|
Elevate Your Small Business and Solopreneur Journey with an Accounting and Finance System that Supports Business Growth
|
Jan 02, 2024 |
|
Rediscover the Excitement of a Career in Finance and Accounting
|
Dec 26, 2023 |
|
A Reflective Journey into Leadership and the Spirit of December Celebrations
|
Dec 19, 2023 |
|
Finance Team Success: A Journey of Leadership and Engagement
|
Dec 12, 2023 |
|
Transforming Your Business with an Effective FP&A Team
|
Dec 05, 2023 |
|
Unlocking Finance Agility and Digital Transformation in Today's Unpredictable Business Environment
|
Nov 28, 2023 |
|
The Power of Thanksgiving: An Exploration into Growth and Gratitude
|
Nov 21, 2023 |
|
Embrace Intense Accountability: Transform Your Finance and Accounting Career
|
Nov 14, 2023 |
|
Closing the Year Strong: Planning, Budgeting, Professional Development and Self-Care Tips for Finance Leaders
|
Nov 08, 2023 |
|
The Key to Team Transformation - Help Your Team Members to Become Better
|
Oct 31, 2023 |
|
Exploring the Impact of Professional Credentials in Finance and Accounting Careers
|
Oct 24, 2023 |
|
A Guide for Preparing for Unpredictable Change in the Workplace
|
Oct 17, 2023 |
|
Communicate To Your Team How They Positively Impact the Organization
|
Oct 03, 2023 |
|
Mastering Evolving Career Skills in the Financial and Accounting Profession
|
Sep 14, 2023 |
|
The Vital Role of Character and Ethics in Finance Leadership
|
Sep 05, 2023 |
|
A Deep Dive into Leadership and Excellence for Finance and Accounting Professionals
|
Aug 24, 2023 |
|
Elevate Your Career Potential as a Treasury Manager: Key Responsibilities, Skills, and Certifications
|
Aug 08, 2023 |
|
Overcoming Professional Mistakes: Building Resilience and Strengthening Leadership Skills
|
Jul 11, 2023 |
|
Bonus Episode 62: Making Sense of Numbers: Simple Communication in Finance is Best
|
Jul 04, 2023 |
|
Bonus Episode 61: Empower Your Finance and Accounting Career through Growth and Visibility
|
Jun 20, 2023 |
|
Bonus Episode 60: From Goals to Growth: The SMART Technique for Personal Achievement
|
Jun 13, 2023 |
|
Bonus Episode 59: Reviewing Your Finance Leadership Goals Mid-Year
|
Jun 07, 2023 |
|
Managing Your OCD to Succeed in Your Accounting and Finance Career
|
Jun 01, 2023 |
|
Team Member Engagement Tools You Can Easily Apply
|
May 17, 2023 |
|
Stay Curious to Grow Your Potential as a Finance Leader
|
May 03, 2023 |
|
Finance and Accounting Trends for 2023
|
Apr 20, 2023 |
|
Bonus Episode 58: Finance Leaders Provide Key Insights to Assist Senior Leaders in Executing the Strategy
|
Apr 11, 2023 |
|
Bonus Episode 57: Leadership Tools for Better Team Engagement
|
Apr 04, 2023 |
|
Protect Your Time - Don't Let the "Task Monkey" Jump on You
|
Mar 21, 2023 |
|
Bonus Episode 55: Let's Talk About Leadership
|
Mar 14, 2023 |
|
Bonus Episode 54: Earning a Promotion
|
Mar 07, 2023 |
|
Earning Your Professional Credentials
|
Feb 21, 2023 |
|
Achieve Your Goals
|
Feb 07, 2023 |
|
Use the SMART Goal Setting Method for Better Goal Planning
|
Jan 24, 2023 |
|
Be BOLD in 2023 With Your Goal Setting
|
Jan 10, 2023 |
|
Bonus Episode 53: Be Bold in 2023
|
Jan 03, 2023 |
|
Bonus Episode 52: Project Team Oppportunities
|
Dec 28, 2022 |
|
Bonus Episode 51: Learn to Enjoy Your Time Off
|
Dec 20, 2022 |
|
Inspire Your Team to Win - Leading By Example To Bring Out Their Best
|
Dec 13, 2022 |
|
Bonus Episode 49: Know Your Self-Worth
|
Dec 06, 2022 |
|
The Impact of Finance and Accounting Leadership
|
Dec 02, 2022 |
|
Take More Risk in Your Career
|
Nov 23, 2022 |
|
Why Did You Choose a Career in Finance and Accounting?
|
Nov 15, 2022 |
|
Improving Our Productivity
|
Nov 08, 2022 |
|
Leading in a Challenging Environment
|
Oct 20, 2022 |
|
Bonus Episode 48: Believe in Yourself and Develop a Wellness Plan
|
Oct 11, 2022 |
|
Your Inner Circle Matters
|
Oct 04, 2022 |
|
Bonus Episode 46: Do You Have a Support System in Place?
|
Sep 27, 2022 |
|
Bonus Episode 45: Overcome a Challenge
|
Sep 13, 2022 |
|
Career Advancement - Build Your Professional Foundation
|
Sep 06, 2022 |
|
What is Quiet Quitting
|
Aug 30, 2022 |
|
Leading the Annual Budget Development Process
|
Aug 23, 2022 |
|
Problem Solving for Finance Leaders
|
Aug 15, 2022 |
|
Adopting Artificial Intelligence
|
Aug 09, 2022 |
|
Using Validated Data
|
Aug 02, 2022 |
|
The Financial Planning and Analysis Team
|
Jul 26, 2022 |
|
Bonus Episode 42: Team Culture
|
Jul 19, 2022 |
|
Bonus Episode 41: Using Financial Analysis to Grow the Business
|
Jul 12, 2022 |
|
Gain an Advantage By Becoming More Self-aware and Reading the Room
|
Jul 05, 2022 |
|
Bonus Episode 39: Our Habits Contribute to Our Success
|
Jun 28, 2022 |
|
What To Do First in a New Work Role Revisited - First Steps to Great Performance
|
Jun 21, 2022 |
|
Become a Startup Company CFO
|
Jun 14, 2022 |
|
Checking Your Bias Improves Your Overall Leadership Impact
|
Jun 07, 2022 |
|
Earning a Promotion to Manager of Finance Teams
|
May 31, 2022 |
|
Let's Talk About Your Self-Worth
|
May 24, 2022 |
|
Project Teams Provide Opportunities to Grow Your Skills and Enhance Your Career
|
May 17, 2022 |
|
Inspire Your Team to Win - Encourage Your Team to Great Performance
|
May 10, 2022 |
|
Do Finance and Accounting Professionals Need a Graduate Degree
|
May 03, 2022 |
|
Key Business Social Skills
|
Apr 26, 2022 |
|
Encore Episode - Learn Leadership
|
Apr 19, 2022 |
|
Finance and Accounting Professionals Becoming Leaders
|
Apr 12, 2022 |
|
Bonus Episode 37: What Leaders Do
|
Apr 05, 2022 |
|
Bonus Episode 36: Develop Your CFO Mindset
|
Mar 29, 2022 |
|
Bonus Episode 35: Own Your Career So You Accomplish Your Long-Term Goal
|
Mar 22, 2022 |
|
Achieve Your Goals in 2022 - A Review for Setting the Right Priorities
|
Mar 15, 2022 |
|
A Tough Conversation on Advocating for Yourself so you Advance Your Career
|
Mar 08, 2022 |
|
Create a More Positive Work Environment For Your Team
|
Mar 01, 2022 |
|
Leaders Should Publish to Help Grow Future Leaders
|
Feb 22, 2022 |
|
Five Pillars of Career Advancement for Finance and Accounting Professionals
|
Feb 15, 2022 |
|
How an Effective Individual Development Plan Can Help You Advance Your Career
|
Feb 08, 2022 |
|
How Our Habits Contribute to Our Success
|
Feb 01, 2022 |
|
What To Do First in A New Work Role
|
Jan 25, 2022 |
|
Finance and Accounting Career Trends for 2022
|
Jan 18, 2022 |
|
Leaders Keep a Daily Journal
|
Jan 11, 2022 |
|
Goal Setting in 2022 - This Will Be Your Best Year Ever
|
Jan 04, 2022 |
|
Bonus Episode 33: Thank You & Getting Ready for 2022
|
Dec 28, 2021 |
|
Bonus Episode 32: Holiday Message for 2021
|
Dec 21, 2021 |
|
Priorities for 2022 - Let's Review What's Important so We Accomplish Our Goals
|
Dec 14, 2021 |
|
Bonus Episode 30: Our Mental Fitness Checkup for the Holiday Season
|
Dec 07, 2021 |
|
Complete Your Continuing Professional Education Credits - Keep Your Certification
|
Nov 30, 2021 |
|
CFO Career Planning
|
Nov 23, 2021 |
|
The CFO and Technology Planning
|
Nov 16, 2021 |
|
The CFO and the Business Strategy
|
Nov 09, 2021 |
|
How CFOs Add Value to the Business
|
Nov 02, 2021 |
|
The CFO Skillset for a Complex Business Environment
|
Oct 26, 2021 |
|
The C-Suite Dynamic - How Senior Executives Partner Together to Lead the Organization
|
Oct 19, 2021 |
|
The CFO Mindset
|
Oct 12, 2021 |
|
Are You Ready For Your Future Senior Role? Prepare now!
|
Oct 05, 2021 |
|
Bonus Episode 27: Coaching Leads to Better Results
|
Sep 28, 2021 |
|
Bonus Episode 26: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
|
Sep 21, 2021 |
|
Stop Playing It Safe
|
Sep 14, 2021 |
|
Bonus Episode 24: Finding a Mentor
|
Sep 07, 2021 |
|
Self-Awareness and Reading the Room
|
Aug 31, 2021 |
|
What Leaders Do
|
Aug 24, 2021 |
|
Earning Your Annual Continuing Professional Education Credits
|
Aug 17, 2021 |
|
Partner with Senior Leaders to Execute the Strategy
|
Aug 10, 2021 |
|
Perfecting Your Presentation Skills
|
Aug 03, 2021 |
|
Building Your Professional Foundation
|
Jul 27, 2021 |
|
Own Your Career
|
Jul 20, 2021 |
|
Season 7 Introduction - The Finance Leader Podcast
|
Jul 13, 2021 |
|
David Fivecoat, Army Colonel (Retired) and Author, Interview - A Discussion About Grit
|
Jul 06, 2021 |
|
Bonus Episode 22: Our Mental Health
|
Jun 29, 2021 |
|
Becoming Coachable
|
Jun 22, 2021 |
|
Kevin Richie Interview, Talent Management Executive - Part 2, Taking Risk and Achieving a Successful Career
|
Jun 15, 2021 |
|
Kevin Richie Interview, Talent Management Executive - Part 1, How Team Culture Shapes Performance
|
Jun 08, 2021 |
|
Conducting a More Effective Weekly Team Meeting
|
Jun 01, 2021 |
|
Your Team's Task Workload
|
May 25, 2021 |
|
Returning Your Team to the Office
|
May 18, 2021 |
|
Learn Leadership to Bring a Greater Impact
|
May 11, 2021 |
|
Performance Reviews and Potential
|
May 04, 2021 |
|
Coaching Leads to Better Results
|
Apr 27, 2021 |
|
Setting Expectations for Your Team
|
Apr 20, 2021 |
|
The Importance of Team Culture on Performance
|
Apr 13, 2021 |
|
Recruiting and Hiring Team Members
|
Apr 06, 2021 |
|
Bonus Episode 20: Introduction to Team Culture
|
Mar 30, 2021 |
|
Bonus Episode 19: Self-Care
|
Mar 23, 2021 |
|
Bonus Episode 18: Goal Setting
|
Mar 16, 2021 |
|
Find a Mentor to Help You Navigate Your Career
|
Mar 09, 2021 |
|
Dealing with Conflict
|
Mar 02, 2021 |
|
Adopt a Wellness Life Philosophy to Maximize Your Total Well-Being and Goal Achievement
|
Feb 23, 2021 |
|
Bonus Episode 17: Your Morning Routine and Habits to Improve Your Day
|
Feb 16, 2021 |
|
Prepare Now for Your Future Senior Leader Role
|
Feb 09, 2021 |
|
Stop Playing It Safe in Your Career
|
Feb 02, 2021 |
|
Defeating Perfectionism
|
Jan 26, 2021 |
|
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs to Ensure Your Success
|
Jan 19, 2021 |
|
How Coaching Can Help You to Improve Your Performance
|
Jan 12, 2021 |
|
Goal Setting in 2021
|
Jan 05, 2021 |
|
Bonus Episode 16: New Years Day, Goal Setting, the 2020 Recap
|
Dec 29, 2020 |
|
Bonus Episode 15: A Message of Hope
|
Dec 22, 2020 |
|
A Leaders Guide to Spreadsheets
|
Dec 15, 2020 |
|
Developing a Better Strategy for a World with Challenges
|
Dec 08, 2020 |
|
Becoming People Focused: Adapting to a People Focused Leadership Style
|
Dec 01, 2020 |
|
Turning Around a Failing Team
|
Nov 24, 2020 |
|
Building Long-Term Sustainable Businesses
|
Nov 17, 2020 |
|
Leveraging Financial Analysis to Grow the Business
|
Nov 10, 2020 |
|
Communicate Purpose and Vision to Your Team
|
Nov 03, 2020 |
|
Bonus Episode 12: Using Sports as a Leadership Laboratory
|
Oct 27, 2020 |
|
Bonus Episode 11: Professional Certification
|
Oct 20, 2020 |
|
Resiliency - Building Greater Career Potential
|
Oct 13, 2020 |
|
Becoming a Trusted Business Advisor
|
Oct 06, 2020 |
|
Overcoming Indecisiveness
|
Sep 29, 2020 |
|
Improving the Monthly Close Process
|
Sep 22, 2020 |
|
The Positive Impact of Understanding Emotional Intelligence
|
Sep 15, 2020 |
|
Effective Collaboration
|
Sep 08, 2020 |
|
Growing Your Influence
|
Sep 01, 2020 |
|
How to Disagree Professionally with Your Supervisor
|
Aug 25, 2020 |
|
Five Great Habits To Improve Your Day
|
Aug 18, 2020 |
|
You Need a Well Trained Team
|
Aug 11, 2020 |
|
Set Yourself Apart From Your Peers
|
Aug 04, 2020 |
|
Impacts of Leadership Revisited - Leading Positive Change
|
Jul 28, 2020 |
|
The Finance Leader Podcast Trailer
|
Jul 24, 2020 |
|
Micro-goals Can Help You Achieve More Faster
|
Jul 21, 2020 |
|
Mindset Determines Your Outcome - How You View Yourself Affects Your Career Potential
|
Jul 14, 2020 |
|
Leader Values
|
Jul 07, 2020 |
|
Becoming Your Best Self
|
Jun 30, 2020 |
|
Developing Executive Presence
|
Jun 23, 2020 |
|
Goal Setting
|
Jun 16, 2020 |
|
Taking Risk in Your Career
|
Jun 09, 2020 |
|
Becoming People Focused
|
Jun 02, 2020 |
|
Encore Episode Building Trust
|
May 26, 2020 |
|
Communicating Purpose
|
May 19, 2020 |
|
Earning a Certification
|
May 12, 2020 |
|
Critical Soft Skills
|
May 05, 2020 |
|
Building Resilience
|
Apr 28, 2020 |
|
Organizational Culture - Achieving Excellence
|
Apr 21, 2020 |
|
Recession Proof Your Business
|
Apr 14, 2020 |
|
Change Will Happen - Doors Will Close and Open Again
|
Apr 07, 2020 |
|
Not Business As Usual
|
Mar 31, 2020 |
|
The Challenges Ahead
|
Mar 24, 2020 |
|
Empower Your Team
|
Mar 17, 2020 |
|
Lifelong Learning-Invest in Your Development
|
Mar 10, 2020 |
|
Seven Key Leader Values
|
Mar 03, 2020 |
|
Success Focused Management Techniques
|
Feb 22, 2020 |
|
Defeating Complacency
|
Feb 18, 2020 |
|
Impacts of Leadership
|
Feb 11, 2020 |
|
Mindset Determines Your Outcome
|
Feb 04, 2020 |
|
Building Trust
|
Jan 28, 2020 |
|
Four Key Finance Leader Responsibilities
|
Jan 21, 2020 |
|
Developing Leaders in Finance and Accounting
|
Jan 05, 2020 |