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#232 The CFO’s Guide to Creating a High-Impact Global Team with Benyam Hagos, CFO, Form3
Manage episode 480849530 series 2953650
#232 The CFO’s Guide to Creating a High-Impact Global Team with Benyam Hagos

The role of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in building and scaling a high-performance global finance team is critical to an organization’s success. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, CFOs must navigate complex challenges of team development, international expansion, and cultural transformation while maintaining strategic alignment and operational excellence.
In this insightful podcast episode, Benyam Hagos, CFO of Form3, shares his comprehensive approach to creating a dynamic and adaptable finance function. The discussion explores the intricate process of transforming a startup finance team into a sophisticated, globally-oriented strategic partner, emphasizing the importance of talent development, cultural fit, and strategic recruitment.
Key topics covered:
- Strategic Team Transformation
- Deliberate restructuring of finance team with 75% new talent
- Focus on specialist roles over generalist positions
- Emphasis on cultural alignment and professional development
- International Expansion Strategy
- Structured approach to building finance capabilities across multiple geographies
- Careful consideration of compliance and local market requirements
- Gradual, strategic hiring in new markets
- Leadership and Team Development
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
- Transparent communication about organizational expectations
- Creating a flexible, remote-friendly work environment
- Recruitment and Talent Management
- Two-way interview process focusing on cultural compatibility
- Proactive approach to identifying and nurturing talent
- Encouraging internal mobility and career progression
Links
Timestamps
- 0:07:05 – Discussion on learning and development challenges
- 0:11:09 – Background exploration of professional experiences
- 0:11:34 – Career trajectory and consulting background
- 0:12:29 – Insights into professional growth and partner dynamics
- 0:13:12 – Exploration of career progression challenges
- 0:15:44 – Podcast introduction and guest background
- 0:16:54 – Company overview and strategic positioning
- 0:22:03 – Personal challenges in transitioning to CFO role
- 0:26:18 – Team structuring and international expansion approach
- 0:48:10 – Building team cohesion in a remote work environment
Find out more about GrowCFO
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.
GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here.
You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net
232 episodes
Manage episode 480849530 series 2953650
#232 The CFO’s Guide to Creating a High-Impact Global Team with Benyam Hagos

The role of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in building and scaling a high-performance global finance team is critical to an organization’s success. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, CFOs must navigate complex challenges of team development, international expansion, and cultural transformation while maintaining strategic alignment and operational excellence.
In this insightful podcast episode, Benyam Hagos, CFO of Form3, shares his comprehensive approach to creating a dynamic and adaptable finance function. The discussion explores the intricate process of transforming a startup finance team into a sophisticated, globally-oriented strategic partner, emphasizing the importance of talent development, cultural fit, and strategic recruitment.
Key topics covered:
- Strategic Team Transformation
- Deliberate restructuring of finance team with 75% new talent
- Focus on specialist roles over generalist positions
- Emphasis on cultural alignment and professional development
- International Expansion Strategy
- Structured approach to building finance capabilities across multiple geographies
- Careful consideration of compliance and local market requirements
- Gradual, strategic hiring in new markets
- Leadership and Team Development
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
- Transparent communication about organizational expectations
- Creating a flexible, remote-friendly work environment
- Recruitment and Talent Management
- Two-way interview process focusing on cultural compatibility
- Proactive approach to identifying and nurturing talent
- Encouraging internal mobility and career progression
Links
Timestamps
- 0:07:05 – Discussion on learning and development challenges
- 0:11:09 – Background exploration of professional experiences
- 0:11:34 – Career trajectory and consulting background
- 0:12:29 – Insights into professional growth and partner dynamics
- 0:13:12 – Exploration of career progression challenges
- 0:15:44 – Podcast introduction and guest background
- 0:16:54 – Company overview and strategic positioning
- 0:22:03 – Personal challenges in transitioning to CFO role
- 0:26:18 – Team structuring and international expansion approach
- 0:48:10 – Building team cohesion in a remote work environment
Find out more about GrowCFO
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode.
GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here.
You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net
232 episodes
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