Episodes

Send us Fan Mail Please download the Goal Setting Workbook that follows this episode: here Episode #115: 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 year. We'll revisit the SMART method, aligning our career and personal aspirations, even as life’s curveballs come our way. By main...

Send us Fan Mail Please download the free workbook that goes with this episode. Bonus Episode #74: This episode will empower you with the insights to pinpoint your ideal customer, refine your services, and secure your competitive edge. We'll navigate through a SWOT analysis and discuss the significance of core values before crafting a strategic statement that's as robust as your ambition. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting, you'll leave with a clearer direction and th...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus Episode # 73: Do you remember why you chose a career in finance and accounting? Rekindle your passion as we revisit Episode 98 and deeply contemplate the reasons that drew us towards this exciting field. This episode is a rallying cry for all finance leaders, urging you to reconnect with the joy of number-crunching, the thrill of forging strategy, and the ambition of leadership. Remember, a true finance leader isn't just technically proficient, they use this mastery to ...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus Episode # 72: Pause for a moment. What if you could go beyond mere technical skills and grow into an inspiring leader, radiating strength of character and integrity? That's what we're exploring in this special bonus episode of the Finance Leader Podcast. As we wrap up the year, we invite you to celebrate not just your professional success, but also the personal milestones that make life truly meaningful. Please connect with me on: 1. Instagram: stephen.mclain 2....

Send us Fan Mail Bonus Episode # 71: Imagine unlocking the full potential of your finance team with the right leadership and engagement tools. We kick things off by venturing into the realm of leadership, exploring its intricate responsibilities, and stressing the significance of setting the vision, maintaining high standards, and becoming a role model for your team. As we move forward, we dive deeper into the nuances of team engagement, demonstrating how your actions can mold your tea...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode #70: Financial Planning & Analysis provides one of the most critical and powerful functions in the business. Are you resourcing and employing your FP&A Team properly? You need to be continually planning the team’s functions and capabilities as technology changes and the business grows. The FP&A function cannot remain static. It must be growing and changing as conditions change. Your pathway to understanding the key metrics of the business AND if you ...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 114: 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 changing conditions. Sometimes this lies in processes, but often it can be with leaders who are not able to see change indicators which also means that ...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode #69: I dedicate this special episode of the Finance Leader Podcast to share my journey of gratitude. Walk with me as I delve into the profound gratitude I have for my inner circle, the joy of serving others through this podcast, and the path of self-improvement I am navigating each day. Happy Thanksgiving!!! Please connect with me on: 1. Instagram: stephen.mclain 2. Twitter: smclainiii 3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant 4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiii For m...

Send us Fan Mail 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'll explore the fine line between making excuses and owning up to failures, and how the right mindset can encourage us to take more risks, essential for a thri...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode # 68: Are you ready to end the year on a high note and kick off the next one with renewed vigor and clarity? Join me in this bonus episode of The Finance Leader Podcast as we delve into key activities to focus on as the year draws to a close: from prepping for year-end close and getting the 2024 budget approved, to planning for your Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and setting goals for the upcoming year. But it's not all work, work, work. A crucia...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode # 67: Imagine supercharging your team's performance and productivity, while simultaneously improving their daily work experience. This episode promises to hand you the keys to that transformation. In the episode, I will discuss five key actions that revolve around enhancing your communication skills, scheduling routine 1:1 meetings, eliminating roadblocks, developing Individual Development Plans, and sculpting unique pathways for success. Please connect with m...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode # 66: We'll be revisiting one of our most impactful episodes from Season 13 where we unpack the significance of these professional credentials and guide you on where to lay your focus. The finance and accounting landscape is forever shifting and evolving - so how do you stay ahead of the curve? Professional credentials are more than badges of technical prowess; they serve as a testament to your unwavering dedication to learning, growth, and adaptability. T...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode # 65: Facing an unpredictable change at work can be daunting, can't it? Especially when it's a major shift like mass layoffs, new leadership, or a different company strategy. As finance and accounting professionals, we are not immune to these whirlwinds of change. So, how do we adapt? Fear not, for this bonus episode of the Finance Leader Podcast is here to guide you, offering a process to make wise and calculated decisions when faced with significant changes. ...

Send us Fan Mail Episode # 112: What if you, as a finance professional, had the power to shape the future of your organization and influence more positive outcomes? Imagine being the driving force that transforms your team into better versions of themselves! We're going to explore these possibilities in today's episode. With our unique perspective in assessing and measuring key data, we discuss how our daily tasks are not just about crunching numbers but are pivotal in making strategic decisi...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode # 64: Ever puzzled over how your career skills need to evolve as you climb the ladder in your financial and accounting career? Join us as we delve into the transformation from mastering technical skills to becoming an effective communicator, strategist, and organizational leader. Also, as the year-end approaches, it's time to review your 2023 accomplishments and begin strategizing for 2024. Please connect with me on: 1. Instagram: stephen.mclain 2. Twi...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever stopped to consider the gravity of your role as a finance or accounting professional? We're the guardians of our organizations' critical resources, the moral compass guiding our teams, and the defenders of ethical conduct. In this thought-provoking episode of the Finance Leader Podcast, we explore the significance of character and integrity in our field. We delve into the crucial expectations of high ethics, the importance of trustworthiness, and the vital syste...

Send us Fan Mail We kick off by shedding light on how cultivating leadership qualities can propel your career ahead while catalyzing remarkable transformations in your team and the broader organization. We delve deep into the strategy of excellence, putting a spotlight on the power of clear communication, high expectations, and accountability. We also underscore the significance of trust, character, integrity, and equality in creating an environment that breeds excellence. Episode outline: ...

Send us Fan Mail Looking to level up from a finance professional to a Treasury Manager? We lay out the key tasks of a Treasury Manager, from cash management and forecasting to compliance, and explore the impact of banking relationships on business operations. Tune in as we dissect the importance of cash position and the growth opportunities within this role. Episode outline: Key responsibilities and tasks of the Treasury function,What this role means for the organization, and&nb...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode # 63: Ever made a professional mistake that kept you up at night? Trust me, we've all been there. Each day brings new challenges and mindset battles, and sometimes, we falter. But, what defines us isn't the falter, but how we recover from it. Join me as I take you through the reality of professional mistakes in this bonus episode. Get ready to transform a bad situation into a positive one. I'll be sharing some effective steps to address and overcome professiona...

Send us Fan Mail Ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of numbers and metrics in finance? Imagine how your audience feels! Join me as I briefly explain the art of providing high-value, simple yet powerful financial analysis. Guaranteeing clarity, I will guide you to focus on the fundamentals, stripping back unnecessary complexity and enhancing the impact of your communication. We all know how counterproductive overloading information can be. It's high time we learned to deliver top-notch...

Send us Fan Mail Are you ready to skyrocket your finance and accounting career? We've got the tips and insights you need to gain a competitive edge in the workplace. This bonus episode is packed with valuable advice on adopting a growth mindset, dressing to impress, and participating in high visibility projects. You'll also learn the importance of having a written plan, taking risks, developing soft skills, earning professional credentials, and being part of the community at work. Please con...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to level up your goal-setting game and achieve more than ever before? Discover the power of the SMART Goal-Setting Technique in our latest episode, where we break down how to set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals that will lead to greater success. But why stop there? In the second half of this episode, we dive into strategies for personal and professional improvement, guiding you through mindset shifts, leadership development, and goal c...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode # 59: As we approach the halfway mark of the year, it's time to take stock of our progress and challenges in becoming better finance leaders. Join me in this bonus episode of the Finance Leader Podcast, where we'll discuss goal achievement, prioritization, and making the best decisions to maximize our time, energy, and resources. Send me an email about your progress and challenges, and let's work together to make 2023 a year of incredible growth and accomplishme...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 108: Do you ever find yourself obsessing over your work, doubting your competency, or struggling to stay productive? What if you could harness your obsessive-compulsive tendencies to supercharge your career in finance and accounting? In this eye-opening episode, we explore the traits of the obsessive-compulsive accounting and finance professional and discuss how sometimes, our OCD can be our superpower! Listen in as we share our experiences with obsessing over perfect...