Best Stephen McLain Podcasts (2025)

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From Comfort To Excellence: Aligning Finance Teams For Real Impact 13:30

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4d ago13:30

13:30

Send us a text Episode #148: Comfort feels safe, but it quietly taxes our careers and our teams. We take on complacency head-on and show how alignment, clear standards, and better conversations can turn routine finance work into strategic results. From setting the pace as a leader to running meetings that actually remove blockers, we break down the…

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From Reporting to Relevance: Building Capacity through Alignment, Automation, and Development 11:29

18d ago11:29

11:29

Send us a text Episode #147: Too many finance teams are stuck formatting data while the decisions fly by. We tackle a smarter way to work: build capacity by aligning effort to strategy, automating the grind, and developing the skills that turn reports into results. Stephen walks us through a practical approach for FP&A and accounting leaders who wa…

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Strategic Accounting, Not Just Reporting 15:05

1M ago15:05

15:05

Send us a text Episode 146: What if your accounting team did more than close the books—what if they helped shape outcomes before the month even ends? We explore how to evolve accounting from a reporting function into a true strategic partner that translates numbers into decisions. From building business acumen and storytelling skills to inserting a…

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FP&A and Operations: Creating Powerful Partnerships for Strategic Growth 16:33

1M ago16:33

16:33

Send us a text Episode 145: What happens when your FP&A team operates in isolation from the people actually running your business? Nothing good. The gap between finance and operations isn't just an organizational issue—it's a strategic vulnerability that could be costing your company significant competitive advantage. Bridging this divide creates t…

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Manipulative Leadership: When Positivity Becomes a Weapon 14:45

2M ago14:45

14:45

Send us a text Bonus Episode #97: Ever wonder if your relentless optimism is actually harming your team? Drawing from Mita Mallik's Harvard Business Review article "Does your Boss Practice Toxic Positivity," this eye-opening episode explores how excessive positivity can become a manipulative weapon in the workplace. Find the article here: "Does You…

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Finance Leader Learning Priorities Now 3:38

2M ago3:38

3:38

Send us a text Bonus episode #96: This episode delivers a concise, actionable guide to the three most crucial learning priorities for finance leaders in the coming year: 1) using artificial intelligence to elevate your analysis, 2) performing a sensitivity analysis to make better strategic decision, and 3) applying financial risk management. Please…

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Revisiting Coaching Effort: How Did the Las Vegas Aces Perform? 9:03

2M ago9:03

9:03

Send us a text Bonus episode #95: What happens when a leader stops coaching effort and starts demanding it? The transformative power of high expectations takes center stage in this eye-opening exploration of leadership principles that transcend industries. Drawing inspiration from WNBA coach Becky Hammond's bold approach with the Las Vegas Aces, we…

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Change Is Not Just Inevitable—It's Your Competitive Edge 15:58

2M ago15:58

15:58

Send us a text Bonus Episode #94: Change isn't just knocking at your door—it's already in your house, rearranging the furniture. As finance leaders, our ability to navigate and drive transformation determines whether our organizations thrive or merely survive in today's dynamic business landscape. The most dangerous position for any finance profess…

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Forensic Accounting: The World of Financial Detectives 13:21

2M ago13:21

13:21

Send us a text Episode 144: Dive into the fascinating world of financial detective work as we explore the specialized field of forensic accounting. Ever wondered who tracks down financial criminals or how complex fraud schemes are uncovered? This episode pulls back the curtain on a career path that combines investigative prowess with accounting exp…

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Developing an Effective Audit Strategy to Support Business Objectives 12:44

3M ago12:44

12:44

Send us a text Episode 143: Financial integrity isn't optional—it's essential. That's why developing a structured, effective audit plan stands as one of the most critical responsibilities for finance leaders today. This episode unveils a nine-step framework for creating audit plans that deliver genuine value. From understanding your business enviro…

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Protecting Financial Health Through Strategic Risk Analysis 10:41

3M ago10:41

10:41

Send us a text Find the downloadable skills guides here: Finance Leader Academy Episode 142: Financial risk assessment stands as the cornerstone of effective auditing—the crucial process that separates calculated risk-taking from reckless decision-making. This deep dive into organizational risk management provides finance leaders with a strategic f…

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The Audit Team Manager: How Audit Leadership Drives Organizational Success 15:02

3M ago15:02

15:02

Send us a text Episode 141: Curious about what makes audit teams tick? Dive into the crucial yet often misunderstood world of audit team management where leadership goes far beyond checking boxes and finding faults. Audit managers stand as guardians of financial integrity, straddling the strategic vision needed to align with business objectives whi…

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The Audit Blueprint: CFO's Guide to Financial Integrity 16:27

3M ago16:27

16:27

Send us a text Episode 140: Financial integrity isn't just about compliance—it's the cornerstone of organizational trust and success. In this thought-provoking exploration of the audit function, we dive deep into how forward-thinking CFOs are transforming what's often viewed as a necessary evil into a strategic advantage. The most effective finance…

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Audit & Risk: Season 20 Preview 3:23

4M ago3:23

3:23

Send us a text Bonus episode #93: Leadership isn't about mastering spreadsheets—it's about transforming information into strategic action. In this preview of Season 20 of the Finance Leader Podcast, Stephen McLain unveils an exciting five-episode journey exploring audit, risk, and independence through the lens of leadership development. Drawing fro…

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The Bridge Builder: Leadership as Your First Priority 16:18

4M ago16:18

16:18

Send us a text Bonus episode #92: Leadership is the bridge between resources and results, between data and decisions. While many finance professionals focus intensely on technical skills, the truly exceptional ones recognize that leadership development must come first. This episode makes a compelling case for prioritizing leadership skills as the f…

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Focus Over Distraction: A Check-in on Our 2025 Goals 16:32

4M ago16:32

16:32

Send us a text Bonus Episode #91: Ever feel like time is slipping away while your biggest goals remain unfulfilled? You're not alone. The difference between dreaming and achieving often comes down to one critical factor: your ability to stay focused in a world designed to distract you. We explore three powerful approaches to maintaining laser-like …

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Lessons on Coaching Effort: a Las Vegas Aces Leadership Case Study 7:00

5M ago7:00

7:00

Send us a text Episode 139: Are you responsible for coaching your team's effort level? The question struck me after hearing WNBA Coach Becky Hammon's bold post-game declaration following a tough loss: "I will not coach effort." Her philosophy is clear—professional athletes must bring 100% effort or risk being benched. But how does this translate to…

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Breaking Free from the Performance Rut: How Leaders Can Overcome Complacency 12:22

5M ago12:22

12:22

Send us a text Episode 138: Are you giving your absolute best, or just enough to get by? That comfortable routine might actually be your biggest career threat. The silent killer of professional excellence is complacency – that subtle shift from passionate engagement to simply going through the motions. As we explore in this episode, complacency doe…

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Transforming Business without Sacrificing Employee Satisfaction: Interview with Service Physics Co-Founders, Brian Reece and Steve Crowley 45:36

6M ago45:36

45:36

Send us a text Episode 137: What if the key to transforming your business lies not in adding more resources, but in simply understanding how your employees move through their workspace? In this eye-opening conversation with Service Physics co-founders Brian Reece and Steve Crowley, we uncover the hidden costs of inefficient processes that might be …

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Building the Future of Contract Management - Interview with the CEO of Concord Worldwide, Matt Lhoumeau 43:17

7M ago43:17

43:17

Send us a text Episode #136: Matt Lhoumeau, CEO of Concord Worldwide, takes us on his extraordinary journey from founding his first company at 17 to revolutionizing how businesses handle their contracts. Connect with Matt Lhoumeau and Concord: 1) Matt Lhoumeau: Matt's LinkedIn 2) Website: concord.app Matt's revelation will surprise you: contract ma…

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Challenging Your Thought Process 4:44

7M ago4:44

4:44

Send us a text Bonus episode #90: Mindset forms the bedrock of effective leadership. The way we think shapes our decisions, influences how we solve problems, and determines the trajectory of our professional journey. But how often do we examine our own thought processes? In this bonus episode, I explore the critical connection between mindset and l…

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A Review of Personal Accountability to Continue Your Pathway Towards Success 16:55

7M ago16:55

16:55

Send us a text Bonus episode #89: A powerful accountability framework can be the difference between another year of unfulfilled potential and remarkable achievement in your finance career. Whether you're aiming for the CFO chair or seeking to level up your leadership skills, this episode unveils the three critical components of a personal accountab…

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Outdated Processes: The Silent Killer of Company Growth 5:42

7M ago5:42

5:42

Send us a text Bonus episode #88: Your internal business processes are either empowering your team or quietly sabotaging your organization's success. As finance leaders, we must ensure our systems add value rather than create obstacles to growth and profitability. Monthly close procedures provide a perfect example of process challenges. While the g…

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Leadership Essentials Revisited 5:15

8M ago5:15

5:15

Send us a text Bonus episode # 87: Where are your 2025 goals right now? If you've stalled or need to recalibrate, you're not alone. Sometimes life shifts dramatically after we set our annual targets, requiring us to adjust without abandoning our aspirations. Remember—adjusting your plan isn't quitting; it's strategic adaptation that keeps you movin…

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Building High-Performance Teams Through Leadership and Communication 15:08

8M ago15:08

15:08

Send us a text Bonus episode #86: When was the last time your finance team truly worked as a single unit rather than a collection of individuals? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore how leadership transforms independent contributors into high-performing teams that accomplish seemingly impossible goals. Trust forms the bedrock of exception…

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Are Competitors Affecting Your Customer Traffic? 7:26

8M ago7:26

7:26

Send us a text Bonus episode #85: In this engaging episode of The Finance Leader Podcast, we explore the intricate dynamics between competitor disruptions and customer traffic patterns. Social changes in a business’s environment can deliver unforeseen challenges and opportunities, making it vital for finance leaders to stay informed and prepared. T…

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Want to Boost Team Performance? Here’s How to Coach Better! 6:26

8M ago6:26

6:26

Send us a text Episode 135: Are you a finance leader eager to enhance your team's performance? This episode dives deep into the essential coaching techniques that can elevate your leadership game. We explore the vital distinction between coaching and teaching, emphasizing that coaching is not about providing answers but rather about listening and f…

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Become a Proactive Leader with Situational Awareness 15:50

8M ago15:50

15:50

Send us a text Episode 134: Unlock the secret to mastering situational awareness—a skill that sets exceptional leaders apart. Ever wondered how some leaders effortlessly anticipate market shifts and team dynamics? In this episode discover how being attuned to your surroundings can prevent awkward moments and enhance your strategic decision-making. …

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Leaders Must Set a Great Example of Focus During Times of Unpredictability 16:25

9M ago16:25

16:25

Send us a text Episode 133: Unlock the secrets to maintaining razor-sharp focus as a leader, especially when chaos reigns. Discover the transformative power of strong habits and routines to keep distractions at bay and propel your team toward success. By crafting a vision board and setting SMART goals, you'll learn to structure your ambitions with …

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Mastering Genuine Positivity Without the Pitfalls 14:00

9M ago14:00

14:00

Send us a text You can find the article here: "Does Your Boss Practice Toxic Positivity" by Mita Mallick Episode 132 - What if the optimism you thought was boosting your team is actually holding them back? This episode uncovers the fine line between constructive positivity and its toxic counterpart, revealing how excessive optimism can manipulate t…

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Stay on Track for Long-Term Success - Our First Check-in for 2025 6:06

9M ago6:06

6:06

Send us a text Episode 131: Chart your course for 2025 with insights that could redefine your approach to goal setting. Inspired by the legendary race car driver Mario Andretti, this episode steers you toward maintaining focus amidst life's inevitable distractions. Discover how to craft a process to achieve what's truly important, sidestepping the …

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Embracing Change and Driving Success for Finance Leaders 14:38

9M ago14:38

14:38

Send us a text Episode 130: Are you ready to transform your approach to leadership and steer your organization to success? Unlock the secrets of proactive change management in this riveting episode of The Finance Leader Podcast. We promise you'll discover how turning risk into opportunity can revolutionize your business strategy. Learn from the vis…

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Empower Your Career by Building More Confidence 9:40

10M ago9:40

9:40

Send us a text Episode 129: Unlock the secret to career success with confidence as your guide. Do you often find yourself trapped in self-doubt or hesitating to step beyond your comfort zone? Tune in to learn how to transform that hesitance into courage and expertise. This episode of the Finance Leader Podcast reveals practical strategies for build…

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Personal Accountability Strategy for Success in 2025 15:19

10M ago15:19

15:19

Send us a text Episode #128: Kickstart your 2025 with a potent strategy that ensures your goals don't end up as forgotten resolutions! We promise to guide you through a personal accountability process that transforms dreams into achievable milestones. What if we told you the secret to success lies not just in setting goals, but in how you hold your…

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On to 2025: What Are You Planning in the Upcoming Year? 3:35

10M ago3:35

3:35

Send us a text Bonus Episode #84: As we close out 2024, I invite you to take a journey with me where we transform the notion of annual resolutions into meaningful, actionable strategies for 2025. Have you ever felt like you're just treading water, waiting for that magical moment to launch into success? Let’s turn 2025 into a year of remarkable prog…

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Plan a Leadership Reset and Rest Before the New Year 2:00

10M ago2:00

2:00

Send us a text Bonus Episode #83: This is a great time to do a leader reset before the new year begins, so please rest and reset, because the new year brings new challenges and new opportunities. I want you rested and ready once January 1st gets here. Enjoy your family time. Enjoy some time to chill and get ready for another year of hard work. Plea…

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From Challenges to Opportunities in Leadership 13:23

11M ago13:23

13:23

Send us a text Bonus episode #82: Unlock the secrets of leadership excellence and transform your team's performance with insights that promise to elevate your leadership journey. This special bonus episode of The Finance Leader Podcast, hosted by Stephen McLain, revisits transformative leadership principles that inspire greatness just in time for t…

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Using Leadership to Turn the Year-End Chaos into Achievement 6:27

11M ago6:27

6:27

Send us a text Bonus Episode #81 - Unlock the secrets to finishing the year with confidence and clarity as we guide you through the essential strategies for finance leaders. What if you could transform your year-end chaos into a streamlined process that sets the stage for success? Join me as I share my insights on balancing the myriad personal and …

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Transforming Leadership: Developing Leader's Eyes to Identify and Solve Problems 4:10

11M ago4:10

4:10

Send us a text Bonus Episode #80: What if you could transform your leadership style by simply changing the way you see problems? On this special bonus episode of the Finance Leader Podcast, I, Stephen McLean, bring the concept of "leader's eyes" to life, an invaluable lesson I learned during my service in the United States Army. Through an engaging…

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Empowering Leadership: Overcoming Team Frustrations and Building Confidence 11:51

12M ago11:51

11:51

Send us a text Episode 127: Unlock the secrets to overcoming team frustrations and boost productivity like never before. Have you ever wondered why some teams thrive while others struggle with barriers like poor communication and micromanagement? This episode promises to transform your leadership approach by providing actionable strategies to creat…

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Navigating Career Changes in Accounting with Insights from Mike Manalac, Accounting Manager, Google 44:38

1y ago44:38

44:38

Send us a text Episode 126: Ever wondered how to transition from the demanding world of public accounting to a prestigious industry role? Join us as we sit down with Mike Manalac, Accounting Manager at Google and former PwC and Walmart accountant. Mike shares his incredible journey and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. From the rig…

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Building a Successful and Healthy Work Environment: An Introduction to Helping Your Team Thrive 11:33

1y ago11:33

11:33

Send us a text Episode 125: What if your workplace could be a source of joy and fulfillment rather than stress and dread? Join us this week on the Finance Leader Podcast as we uncover powerful strategies to transform your work environment into a thriving ecosystem where every team member feels valued and empowered. You’ll learn how to set realistic…

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Leadership is the Most Important Skill to Develop: Empower Your Team for Innovation and Success 14:16

1y ago14:16

14:16

Send us a text Episode 124 - Join me as I explore why leadership is the cornerstone of creating positive change and achieving extraordinary results in finance and accounting. Learn how to coach your team effectively, helping them present their findings with confidence and develop innovative solutions that stand out in today’s competitive landscape.…

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Transform Your Success in 2024: Mastering SMART Goals with a Growth Mindset 18:54

1+ y ago18:54

18:54

Send us a text Bonus Episode 75: Are you following our Mid-Year Goal Review Challenge: financeleaderacademy.com/Goalchallenge ? Ready to transform your goal-setting game and make 2024 your most successful year yet? Join us in this special bonus episode of the Finance Leader Podcast, as we reveal how setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achieva…

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Customer Traffic Considerations During Competitor Disruptions 6:00

1+ y ago6:00

6:00

Send us a text Episode 123: Could a major competitor's sudden closure transform your business landscape? Find out how unexpected changes in your competitive space can significantly impact your customer traffic and revenue. This episode takes you through a fascinating local case where a major retailer shut its doors—not due to poor performance, but …

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Revisiting the Importance of Finance Agility and Digital Transformation. 14:58

1+ y ago14:58

14:58

Send us a text Bonus episode #78: Does your organization have the ability to overcome a crisis or overcome rapidly changing business and economic conditions? Is decision making lagging due to financial systems that cannot adapt or because of legacy processes that don’t support change? Being agile means, you can quickly assess and adapt to rapidly c…

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Bonus Episode 77: Building a High-Performance Finance Team: A Strategy for Effective Recruitment and Talent Development 5:16

1+ y ago5:16

5:16

Send us a text As the NFL Draft ignites conversations about talent acquisition, we turn the spotlight on the universal principles of selecting and nurturing the right people for your finance squad. In this bonus episode, I explore the critical importance of soft skills, such as emotional intelligence and communication, and their role in creating a …

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Bonus Episode 76: SMART Goal Planning for Finance Leaders 18:09

1+ y ago18:09

18:09

Send us a text Please download the Goal Setting Workbook that follows this episode: here Imagine seizing opportunities as they arise, armed with a growth mindset that turns challenges into stepping stones for success. That's what we're unpacking today—how to nurture the mindset and habits that will steer us toward our most ambitious goals for the y…

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Leading with Accountability: A Call to Action for Finance Professionals 16:14

1+ y ago16:14

16:14

Send us a text Bonus episode # 75: In this episode, we're examining the transformative power of intense accountability in the realm of finance and accounting careers. We'll delve into how owning your mindset, setting clear goals, and establishing a chain of accountability can catapult you out of your comfort zone and propel you towards success. We'…

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Lessons in Strategic Communication for Finance Professionals 6:59

1+ y ago6:59

6:59

Send us a text Embark on a journey through the treacherous terrain of strategic messaging as we dissect the recent communication blunders of Kellogg's and Wendy's. It's a perilous world out there for finance and accounting leaders tasked with navigating their company's external narratives – one wrong word could spell disaster for your brand's reput…