The Modern CFO Nth Round

Join Dallas Clement, President and Chief Financial Officer of legendary Cox Enterprises, as he shares invaluable insights into his career journey, financial leadership, and how Cox's foundational values have been a beacon of success for 125+ years.
With over three decades of experience, Dallas emphasizes the importance of balancing culture, learning, and growth in any financial professional’s career trajectory. He also delves into Cox's ethos of embracing risk and innovation, even if it means competing with themselves, to stay ahead of technology and trends.
We were thrilled to have host Andrew Seski on-site at the wonderful Cox campus in Atlanta to record this episode, and we are grateful for Dallas’ contribution to the CFO conversation.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership, strategic vision, and the enduring legacy of Cox Enterprises.
Show Links
Connect with Dallas Clement on LinkedInConnect with Andrew Seski on LinkedInLearn more about Cox Enterprises

In this episode of The Modern CFO, Lauren StClair, CFO of NerdWallet, shares her unique career journey spanning across startups and large corporations like PayPal, eBay, and StubHub. She delves into the valuable lessons she's learned along the way, offering key takeaways for professionals in the finance and technology industries.
Lauren's journey began at a small early-stage startup, where she quickly learned the value of resourcefulness and urgency in business. This experience taught her to wear multiple hats and connect the dots across various aspects of the company, providing a solid foundation for her future roles. However, she also realized the importance of understanding how to operate at scale and the need for best practices, leading her to pursue opportunities at larger organizations.
During her tenure at eBay, Lauren had the opportunity to work in different functions, both within and outside of finance. She participated in a leadership development program, allowing her to complete multiple rotations across various departments. This experience not only expanded her functional skills but also taught her the importance of embracing change and humility.
As Lauren reflects on her career path, she shares valuable insights for professionals navigating the dynamic landscape of finance and technology:
Embrace change: Be open to new opportunities and challenges, as they provide valuable learning experiences and contribute to personal and professional growth.Develop a sense of resourcefulness: The ability to be resourceful and adaptable is crucial in today's fast-paced business environment.Learn to operate at scale: Understand the importance of implementing best practices and executing strategies that enable businesses to grow efficiently.Cultivate humility: Recognize when to ask for help, raise questions, and learn from others, as these traits are essential for continuous improvement and effective leadership.Lauren StClair's journey in the world of finance and technology offers a wealth of knowledge for individuals looking to build a successful career in these industries. Tune in to The Modern CFO podcast to hear the full conversation and gain inspiration from Lauren's remarkable story.
Show Links
Connect with Lauren StClair Waugh on LinkedInConnect with Andrew Seski on LinkedInLearn more about NerdWallet on their website

"Am I continuing to learn? Am I continuing to create value?”
These questions act as pillars for Eric Muhlheim, propelling his expansive career from studying mathematics to leading finance teams at one of the most dynamic tech organizations today.
In our first episode of 2024, Eric and host of The Modern CFO, Andrew Seski, explore Eric's formative experiences at Morgan Stanley, his impactful tenure at Disney, and his transition into the world of tech leading him to his current role at Mozilla. Eric shares insights into Mozilla's unique corporate structure, its mission-driven approach, and the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI revolution.
Listen in as Eric and Andrew discuss the importance of strategic implementation, the critical role of maintaining a strong, mission-aligned balance sheet, and Eric's personal approaches to leadership and relationship-building in the corporate world.
Show Links
Connect with Eric on LinkedInConnect with Andrew on LinkedInCheck out the 2023 State of Mozilla

From investor to public company CFO, BLADE's Will Heyburn shares his path to the selective role of leading a finance team from the private markets through an IPO and beyond.
In this episode of The Modern CFO, Will unpacks BLADE's unique evolution from passenger transportation to a leading medical organ transport provider and why they continue to focus on direct communication, data-driven decision-making, and building a customer-centric culture.
Will and host Andrew Seski discuss the intricate balance between risk management, client satisfaction, and staying adaptable, especially as a technology platform within the aviation industry.
Listen in for more secrets to BLADE's success and valuable lessons for aspiring CFOs navigating the future of technology within their own companies.
Want to give BLADLE a try? Listeners can use Will's promo code* available towards the end of the episode!
*Terms and conditions may apply
Show Links
Connect with Will Heyburn on LinkedInConnect with Andrew Seski on LinkedInLearn more about BLADE on their website

In today's fast-paced marketplace, distinguishing what is important and impactful is a challenging task, and when a crisis unfolds rapidly, the stakes reach unprecedented heights. Steven Kelly, Associate Director of Research at the Yale Program on Financial Stability, joins us to discuss how navigating the choppy financial waters requires CFOs to possess a keen sense of judgment, as well as a sharp appetite for risk.
Our conversation delves deep into financial stability, its critical tools for navigating fast-moving crises, its relationship with technology, and recent dynamics among banks, governments, and international markets.
Listen in as we uncover valuable insights on how CFOs can better understand, mitigate, and effectively manage risk, offering a lifeline for those seeking to fortify their financial strategies and bridge the gaps in tomorrow's balance sheets.
Show Links
Connect with Steven Kelly on LinkedIn and on Twitter/XConnect with Andrew Seski on LinkedInLearn more about Yale’s program on Financial StabilityDiscover more with the program’s knowledge base

In this episode, Mark Wilson, former CFO of iconic automotive brands McLaren and Aston Martin, reveals the keys to enduring success in an ever-changing industry. Now CFO at Verge, an electric motorbike company, he shares with us his strategy to marry cutting-edge performance innovations with an authentic human experience.
We discuss the fundamental values of financial management, especially in fast-paced environments. Mark emphasizes the importance of discipline, rigor, and transparency in all financial decisions. We also talk about the power of partnerships built on mutual goals, where the sum or parts is far more valuable, while also highlighting strategies he’s used for avoiding one-sided deals.
Listen in as we revel in Mark’s experiences at Aston Martin, where he successfully propelled the storied brand into the modern era—navigating great deals while also supporting legacy relationships, like that of the storied James Bond franchise
Show Links
Connect with Mark Wilson on LinkedInConnect with Andrew Seski on LinkedInDiscover Verge Motorcycles on their website