How New Finance Leaders Navigate Transition and Build Confidence with Kevin Appleby, Head of Partnerships at GrowCFO
January 20, 2026
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Kevin Appleby, Head of Partnerships at GrowCFO and host of the GrowCFO Show podcast, joins Megan Weis to explore how new CFOs can successfully navigate their critical first hundred days, drawing from his extensive experience mentoring finance leaders through the challenging transition from technical finance roles to strategic enterprise leadership.
In this episode of CFO Weekly, Kevin Appleby, Head of Partnerships at GrowCFO and host of the GrowCFO Show podcast, joins Megan Weis to explore how new CFOs can successfully navigate their critical first hundred days in the role. Kevin brings extensive experience mentoring finance leaders through one of the most challenging career transitions, drawing from his years supporting aspiring and newly appointed CFOs as they shift from technical finance roles to strategic enterprise leadership.
With his deep background in management consulting and finance education, Kevin shares how new CFOs can overcome imposter syndrome, build effective peer networks, and establish credibility while managing the overwhelming demands of business-as-usual operations. Currently serving as Head of Partnerships at GrowCFO, Kevin oversees programs that help finance professionals develop the strategic thinking, leadership presence, and operational expertise needed to thrive in the CFO seat.
What You'll Learn:
- Why the transition from finance director to CFO represents such a significant cultural shift
- How to structure your first hundred days for maximum impact and credibility
- Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and building genuine confidence
- The importance of peer networks and mentorship for isolated finance leaders
- How to balance strategic planning with immediate operational demands
- Why filling the "blank sheet of paper" on team culture matters from day one
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Previous guests include: Tom McDermott, CFO at Career Certified, Claire Bramley, CFO at Teradata, Chris Miles, Founder of Money Ripples, Ranil DeSilva, CFO & COO at CARE, Jordan Grumet, Financial Independence Expert & Host of Earn & Invest & William Washington, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie
Check out some of our most recent episodes:
- Driving Value Beyond Finance with Tom McDermott
- Why CFOs Are the Chief Everything Officers with Claire Bramley
- Why Traditional Financial Advice Fails and What To Do Instead with Chris Miles
- NGO Finance Secrets: CARE’s $900M Strategy with Ranil DeSilva
- What Lights You Up? with Jordan Grumet
- Become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with William Washington
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