By Weld Royal
CFOs today are called on to not only oversee a company’s financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, but also corporate strategy, data analytics, and environmental, social and governance obligations. Many CFOs also focus on M&A, tech integrations, and risk management. Globally some 82% of CFOs say their job responsibilities are growing, according to Egon Zehnder.
With such a broad and increasing purview, CFOs are exposed to a tremendous number of ideas, and those ideas, coupled with the ability to share expertise on them, make CFOs an often untapped reservoir of executive thought leadership.
It’s time for CFOs to be heard. A CFO who builds an online presence and becomes a recognized thought leader has an opportunity to elevate their views and influence opinion among new constituencies. Here are thoughts on how to do it.
Why show up online
CFOs who build a thought leadership presence can help an organization in many ways, such as bolstering a company’s reputation, help to attract talent, gather insights, and show readiness to lead the next strategic transformation.
CFOs can start to shape their online presence by answering these questions:
- What’s your unique value proposition?
Reflect on your career, skills, and expertise. Are you a change agent known for leading turnarounds? Do you have a knack for navigating complex regulatory situations or leveraging technology to drive financial transformation? Your unique value proposition will serve as the foundation of your online brand.
- Are you accessible?
Visibility is key to building a strong online presence. Engage with your network regularly, both online and offline. LinkedIn is a powerful platform for CFOs to share insights, comment on industry trends, and connect with peers.
- Cultivate a thought leadership presence
CFOs have significant knowledge and experience that can be used to establish a thought leadership presence. Share your perspectives on industry developments, financial trends, and strategic challenges. Thought leadership can take many forms, from writing articles, to participating in podcasts, and serving as a source for journalists. The key is to consistently deliver value by providing insights that are both timely and relevant.
In short, developing a thought leadership online profile as a CFO is not just about self-promotion—it’s about establishing yourself as a knowledgeable leader and an influential voice beyond the financial community and your company. Is it time to take the next step?
Weld Royal is a Senior Director at RooneyPartners. Weld has held senior corporate communications and content roles developing strategy and teams for global brands including Panasonic NA, the NYSE, and Northwestern Mutual. She spent the early part of her communications and content career in Juneau, Alaska, at the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.