C-Suite Secrets

Heather Parsons

C-Suite Secrets is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs ready to scale smarter and lead stronger. Hosted by Heather Parsons—Fractional CFO, business strategist, and real estate investor—each episode features candid conversations with high-performing founders and C-suite executives. Get real-world strategies on cash flow, operations, leadership, and growth from experts who’ve been in the trenches. It’s not just theory—it’s the secrets behind sustainable success.

  1. 4D AGO · VIDEO

    How to Turn Recruiting Into a Revenue Driver with Perfect Hire

    In this episode of C Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Matt Schalsey, founder of Perfect Hire, to break down what is actually broken in recruiting and how founders can rethink hiring, headcount strategy, and ROI. Matt shares his journey from entrepreneurial kid selling pencils to HR tech founder building a next generation applicant tracking system. The conversation dives into why recruiting has historically been treated as a cost center, how AI should actually function in HR, and what founders get wrong about culture, hiring, and talent planning. This is a tactical discussion for operators who want clarity, efficiency, and measurable impact from every hire.   Bio:   Matt Schalsey is the CEO and founder of Perfect Hire, the people-first talent platform helping companies hire smarter and faster with AI-powered tools and human-first processes. A lifelong sales and recruiting leader, Matt’s on a mission to fix broken hiring systems and put people back at the heart of talent acquisition.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: http://www.theperfecthire.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-schalsey/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-perfect-hire https://www.instagram.com/the.perfect.hire/   Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    37 min
  2. FEB 17 · VIDEO

    Inside the Boardroom: How Lenders Really Evaluate Your Business

    Show Notes:   In this special episode of C Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons announces the launch of OneRoom, a joint venture created in partnership with commercial lending expert Jen West, founder of Wild Fig Commercial Lending. For the first time, listeners are given an inside look at the boardroom, where financial clarity, capital strategy, and executive level decision making come together. Heather and Jen break down a recurring issue they both observe from different sides of the table. Profitable and growing founders are often operating reactively, without a defined capital strategy, without true financial clarity, and without understanding how lenders assess risk. This episode explores the difference between reactive operators and financially minded CEOs, and why clarity, structure, and mindset ultimately determine whether capital becomes a strategic advantage or a financial burden.   Bio:   Jen West is the CEO and founder of Wild Fig Commercial Lending, a commercial lending strategist, real estate investor, and creative finance expert with more than a decade of experience.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WildFigFinancial/ Website:  http://www.wildfigcommerciallending.com   Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    28 min
  3. FEB 11 · VIDEO

    Think like a CFO: You’re Not Bad at Business — You’re Asking the Wrong Questions

    Most business owners think profit will tell them if things are working. CFOs know better. In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons breaks down what it actually means to think like a CFO — even if you don’t have a finance background. Because here’s the truth: You don’t need to “fix everything.” You need to see clearly. Heather explains why profit is a result, not a strategy — and why most founders can’t outwork a broken model. If everything runs through you, you don’t have a scaling problem… you have a structure problem. This episode will help you shift from reacting to numbers to interpreting them — so you can make decisions that actually make your business easier to run. This is the identity shift from operator to Financially Minded CEO. 🔑 What You’ll Learn Why profit is the result of effective management — not hustle Why most founders become the bottleneck (without realizing it) The difference between looking at numbers and interpreting them Why you don’t need a financial background to run a strong business The one question that simplifies everything: “What decision would make this business easier to run?” How CFOs see outcomes before they show up Why it’s not about the numbers — it’s about the quality of your questions How to recognize early warning signs before profit drops ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to C-Suite Secrets 00:45 – Understanding Business Finances Like a CFO 01:43 – Money Is More Than Accounting 03:41 – The Emotional Weight of Financial Decisions 05:11 – The Real Role of a CFO 07:23 – Numbers Tell a Story (If You Know How to Read It) 09:02 – Future-Focused Decision Making 11:42 – Profit vs. Result: The Critical Shift 14:14 – The Decisions That Drive Profitability 15:48 – Recognizing Early Warning Signs 16:04 – Thinking Like a CFO 18:53 – Profit Is a Lagging Indicator 💬 Connect with Heather LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ All Links: https://heatherparsons.com/links 👥 Join the C-Suite Insiders Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁 Free Resource Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth Investment Readiness Checklist: https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    20 min
  4. FEB 3 · VIDEO

    From Features to Outcomes: How Leaders Should Rethink Software Development

    Show Notes:   In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons sits down with J. Daks, founder of Hexagon IT Solutions, for a candid conversation on how software development has evolved and what leaders must prioritize to drive real business outcomes. Jay shares why successful technology initiatives start with a deep understanding of client needs and why the industry is moving away from feature-driven builds toward outcome-based solutions. He unpacks the growing role of AI in modern software development, the critical importance of compliance in regulated industries, and the key metrics executives should focus on to measure success. The discussion also explores leadership at scale, the long-term cost of technical debt, and why properly vetted contracts are essential for protecting both growth and innovation. Jay closes by reflecting on the lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey and the insights that continue to shape his approach to building sustainable, high-impact technology solutions.   Bio:   Daks J is a technology entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Hexagon IT Solutions, a global software and AI-driven technology company headquartered in Utah, USA. With over 16 years of experience, he specializes in building scalable, business-focused software platforms that help organizations modernize operations and execute with clarity.   Founded in 2007, Hexagon IT Solutions was created to move beyond one-size-fits-all systems and deliver custom, outcome-driven software solutions. Under Daks’s leadership, the company has evolved into a multi-entity technology group delivering CRM platforms, AI solutions, enterprise integrations, and custom applications across industries including construction, finance, healthcare, and professional services.   Daks is known for his hands-on product leadership, deep technical understanding, and ability to bridge strategy with execution. He works closely with enterprise clients and teams across the US, UK, UAE, and India to turn complex requirements into practical, scalable systems. Through his thought-leadership initiative “Innovate with Daks/Hexagon,” he shares insights on AI adoption, product execution, and building systems that create real business impact.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daksj/ Website:  https://hexagonitsolutions.com/ https://linqhive.com - We are providing a 90 days free usage. Connect with me:  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links     Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    34 min
  5. JAN 27 · VIDEO

    Why Product Focus Drives Startup Growth More Than Sales

    Show Notes:   In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Amber Field, COO of Strudel AI, to unpack what truly drives execution, focus, and scalability inside early-stage and growing technology companies. With a career spanning IBM, National Geographic, Capital One’s Innovation Lab, and multiple venture-backed startups, Amber brings a rare blend of technical depth, operational rigor, and practical leadership insight. She shares how her background in project management shaped her leadership style, why focus often matters more than hustle, and how founders can avoid common operational and financial missteps before they become painful. The conversation dives deep into how early-stage companies should think about product versus sales, how to run discovery calls that actually inform growth, and why many founders overinvest in tools too early. Amber also offers a grounded, real-world perspective on using AI as a force multiplier without losing human judgment, critical thinking, or institutional knowledge. Listeners will walk away with actionable frameworks for prioritization, time management, agile execution, budgeting decisions, and team development, along with a refreshing reminder that strategy, not shiny tools, is what sustains long-term value creation.   Bio:   Amber Field is the Chief Operating Officer at Strudel AI, a Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and author of the book, Agile Discovery & Delivery: A Survival Guide for New Software Engineers & Tech Entrepreneurs. She has been an executive leader in tech, agile proponent, and engineer for her entire career at a number of organizations including IBM, National Geographic, Oracle Utilities (formerly Opower), Capital One, and Singlewire Software. Amber frequently speaks at conferences and blogs at amberrfield.com. She lives in Madison, WI.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://amberrfield.com/  https://www.strudelbots.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-field-3ba796b/ Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    36 min
  6. JAN 20 · VIDEO

    The Future of Sales Leadership in an AI-Driven World

    Show Notes:   In this episode of C Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with serial entrepreneur, sales strategist, and SaaS founder Charles Bernard for a focused conversation on leadership, revenue growth, and the evolving role of AI in modern businesses. Charles shares his journey from growing up in the UK to building and leading two interconnected companies in the U.S., a sales consultancy and a SaaS platform designed to improve collaboration across revenue teams. Together, Heather and Charles explore what it takes to manage multiple businesses, why managing up is essential for scaling leaders, and how delegating responsibility rather than tasks can dramatically improve organizational effectiveness. They dive into how AI is reshaping sales, customer experience, and internal decision making. Charles shares real world examples of AI driving measurable ROI through improved customer satisfaction and operational scalability, while addressing concerns about AI replacing human roles. Instead, he reframes the conversation around the need for leaders and sales professionals to evolve toward deeper subject matter expertise, consultative selling, and buyer centric engagement. Heather and Charles also unpack leadership under pressure, discussing scarcity versus growth mindsets, the importance of honest communication during uncertainty, and why trust and transparency outperform false optimism. Charles draws on two decades of experience in a peer advisory group, highlighting the value of outside perspective, accountability, and avoiding the echo chamber that often traps founders. The episode closes with practical guidance for struggling sales teams, including simplifying pipelines, addressing goal fatigue, and removing unnecessary complexity. Charles leaves listeners with a core entrepreneurial lesson: err on the side of action, avoid becoming the bottleneck, and empower your team to lead. This episode is a must listen for founders, executives, and operators navigating growth, AI adoption, and leadership in an increasingly complex business environment.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesbernard1/ www.collavia.com Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    50 min
  7. JAN 13 · VIDEO

    Adaptability Over Perfection: The Real Key to Scaling a Business

    Show Notes:   In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons sits down with Paul Price, owner of Argyle Executive Forum and a seasoned CEO with deep experience in private equity, marketing services, and executive leadership. Paul shares his journey from working as an operating CEO for private equity-backed companies to acquiring and scaling his own executive events business. The conversation explores the realities of ownership, the weight of decision-making when it’s your own capital on the line, and why adaptability, not perfection, is the defining trait of successful entrepreneurs. Key topics include leadership styles and avoiding bottlenecks, aligning with investors and boards, and the importance of clear goals, communication, and organizational alignment. Paul offers candid insights into what separates strong exits from failed ones, the hidden challenges of working with private equity partners, and the dangers of delaying hard decisions. Heather and Paul also discuss why cash flow and balance sheet literacy matter more than vanity revenue metrics, how marketing and sales must be treated as systems, and why focus and speed have become non-negotiable in today’s business environment. The episode closes with practical advice on scaling sustainably, raising capital before you need it, and leading with clarity in times of uncertainty. This conversation is a must-listen for founders, executives, and operators navigating growth, capital, and leadership at scale.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn.com/in/paulnprice www.argyleforum.com Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    56 min
  8. JAN 6 · VIDEO

    Letting Go of Perfectionism Without Losing Your Edge

    Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Cara Kuhn, former corporate talent acquisition leader turned healer and coach, to explore the intersection of ambition, identity, and sustainable success. Cara shares her journey from a 20+ year corporate career to founding a purpose driven healing and coaching practice for high performing women. Together, Heather and Cara unpack what happens when external success no longer feels fulfilling, and why many driven professionals reach a point where staying the same feels riskier than changing. The conversation dives deep into themes that resonate strongly with founders, executives, and senior leaders, including perfectionism, imposter syndrome, burnout, control, boundaries, and the difference between healthy drive and trauma driven ambition. Cara explains how nervous system regulation and self awareness play a critical role in leadership, decision making, and long term performance, especially for analytical thinkers who may be skeptical of “woo” concepts. Heather and Cara also discuss practical ways leaders can apply this work in real life, from pausing before reacting, to celebrating small wins, setting boundaries without guilt, and letting go of control to enable team and business growth. They address common misconceptions in the healing space, including quick fix promises and spiritual bypassing, and emphasize that true growth requires both inner work and intentional action. This episode is especially relevant for women navigating midlife transitions, entrepreneurship, leadership roles, and periods of personal and professional reinvention. Cara leaves listeners with actionable guidance on clarity, intention setting, mentorship, and trusting yourself enough to take the first step before you feel “ready.” Listeners will walk away with a grounded, practical understanding of how healing and self leadership directly impact confidence, pricing, boundaries, and the ability to scale both life and business.   Bio:   Cara Kuhn is a Talent Acquisition Leader and Business Owner. She turned her love of coaching and developing high performing teams over the past two decades into her own business. Now she helps guide women to achieve more clarity, confidence, and conviction in who they are so they can feel more connected to their purpose and experience abundance in their lives.  To connect with our guest, click on the links below: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/carakuhnhealing https://carakuhnhealing.com/awakentoabundance   Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    44 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

C-Suite Secrets is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs ready to scale smarter and lead stronger. Hosted by Heather Parsons—Fractional CFO, business strategist, and real estate investor—each episode features candid conversations with high-performing founders and C-suite executives. Get real-world strategies on cash flow, operations, leadership, and growth from experts who’ve been in the trenches. It’s not just theory—it’s the secrets behind sustainable success.