The global pandemic, armed conflicts, political instability, and rapidly evolving technology are just some of the key challenges faced by financial leaders in today's economic climate. Nevertheless, they can also present opportunities for organizations to succeed. Today, Ali Firoozi provides practical insights to help navigate challenges like recent rate increases from the Fed and the recurring threat of a US government shutdown. With over two decades of expertise in finance, Ali serves as the CFO of The PAC Group, where he oversees the financial integrity and system accuracy for the company's $65 million global consulting and engineering management operations. Throughout his career, Ali has worked for companies like Logix Federal Credit, JPMorgan Chase, and Washington Mutual Bank. In this episode, we discuss: - The impact of Federal Reserve rate increases - Potential ramifications of a US government shutdown - Challenges and opportunities for financial leaders in today's economy - CFO strategies for turbulent times - The future of the US dollar as the reserve currency