What is one essential skill or trait that you believe is often overlooked in CFOs, but is critical for success? Why do you think it's so important and how did it benefit you in your career?

Question

Delve into the critical skills that every Chief Financial Officer must master, as this article unpacks the wisdom of seasoned professionals. Learn how emotional intelligence and clear communication can redefine financial leadership and decision-making. Expert insights guide readers through the transformative power of EQ and data literacy in the complex world of finance.

Victor Santoro · Answer

Emotional intelligence is often overlooked in CFOs but is crucial for success. In my career, especially during my venture into diagnostic imaging, leading a team through expansion in São Paulo, empathy and understanding played a key role. They helped me foster a collaborative environment, essential for driving strategic decisions that boosted revenue by 50% year-over-year.
With the rise of AI in business operations, I co-designed HUXLEY, Profit Leap's AI advisor, and integrate emotional intelligence into AI-centric environments. Understanding team morale and easing tech transitions impact strategy execution. Such skills transform how financial leaders, like CFOs, align human resource dynamics with technological advancements for sustained growth.

Emily Tran · Answer

In my experience, one essential skill that is often overlooked in CFOs but is critical for success is storytelling-the ability to transform complex financial data into a compelling narrative that resonates with stakeholders. While technical expertise and analytical skills are rightly emphasized, the power to articulate the "why" behind the numbers often makes the difference between a CFO who informs and a CFO who inspires. 
I realized the importance of storytelling early in my career during a challenging period when our company faced declining profitability. As CFO, I had the data to pinpoint the causes: rising operational costs and shifts in customer behavior. However, simply presenting these figures to the leadership team wasn't enough to galvanize action. To drive change, I crafted a narrative that connected the numbers to the company's larger mission and future. I explained how inefficiencies in certain processes were draining resources that could otherwise fuel innovation, and I highlighted customer trends as opportunities rather than threats. 
This approach transformed the conversation. By framing the financial data within a relatable story, I gained buy-in from the executive team and the board, leading to swift decisions that realigned operations and reinvested in customer engagement. The result was not only a turnaround in profitability but also stronger alignment across departments. 
In industries like gambling, where volatility and fast-moving trends are common, storytelling is even more critical. Whether justifying investments in customer retention programs or advocating for new compliance measures, a CFO who can weave financial insights into a strategic narrative can inspire confidence and drive meaningful action. It's not just about knowing the numbers; it's about making them matter.

Shehar Yar · Answer

One essential trait often overlooked in CFOs is emotional intelligence (EQ). While technical skills in finance and strategy are crucial, the ability to understand and manage emotions—both one's own and others'—can significantly enhance decision-making, team collaboration, and stakeholder relationships. I've found that a high EQ allows for better communication, especially when discussing complex financial information with non-financial stakeholders, enabling them to make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
In my own career, focusing on emotional intelligence has helped me navigate challenging situations, such as dealing with clients or partners who may not fully understand the technical aspects of our services. It has also allowed me to create a more collaborative and supportive work environment within my team, improving productivity and morale. Ultimately, EQ empowers a CFO to lead with empathy and understanding, ensuring that both financial success and team cohesion go hand in hand.

Clayton Johnson TCM · Answer

One essential skill often overlooked in CFOs is the ability to leverage data-driven insights for strategic decision-making. I honed this skill while leading The Guerrilla Agency, where analyzing competitors' backlinks provided a breakthrough strategy that increased our clients' organic traffic by 30% over six months. By focusing on data analysis, I was able to pinpoint overlooked growth opportunities and implement successful SEO strategies.
At TWINCITY.COM, I foster a culture of data-driven decision-making through AI integration in our content creation processes. AI tools streamline workflows, cutting content production time by half while enhancing quality, as evidenced by improved engagement metrics and reduced bounce rates. This approach ensures that strategic financial planning is informed by real-time data, aligning objectives with market realities and enhancing overall business performance.
Understanding and utilizing structured data has also been critical, especially for increasing visibility in voice search. Implementing FAQ schema markup on product pages helped answer common voice queries, directly boosting our clients' visibility in voice search results. CFOs with the ability to integrate such data-driven solutions into their financial strategy offer significant value by enhancing both short-term outcomes and long-term growth potential.

Mike Wall · Answer

In my 23 years flipping homes and managing rentals, I've found that emotional intelligence is actually the most overlooked but crucial skill for CFOs in real estate - it's not just about numbers, but understanding people's dreams and fears around housing decisions. When I started actively listening to my tenants' concerns and property owners' aspirations instead of just focusing on spreadsheets, it completely transformed how I structured deals and managed properties, leading to much stronger long-term relationships and better financial outcomes for everyone involved.

Silvia Angeloro · Answer

I remember sitting in a boardroom, watching as our former CFO spent endless hours poring over spreadsheets. That event profoundly confirmed that numbers are more than just data; they are stories ready to tell.
My perspective on financial reports transformed into a narrative. Rather than merely presenting numerical data, I started narrating our company's financial journey, encompassing its obstacles, opportunities, and objectives. One critical presentation detailing our startup's growth trajectory did more than just show figures; it built a picture of possibility that motivated everyone to move forward.
A CFO's true power comes from translating complex financial landscapes into human experiences, not calculating earnings. By being a storyteller, I went from being a numbers cruncher to a strategic visionary. Financial leadership is about connecting people to a compelling future in which they can believe, rather than impressing them with complexity.

Ruben Remy · Answer

For me, the most underrated leadership skill is what I call "productive silence" - the art of strategically staying quiet in high-stakes moments. While everyone focuses on commanding voices and decisive actions, I've found that consciously creating 7-second pauses during crucial discussions unlocks breakthrough solutions. Last month, during a tense product launch meeting, instead of jumping in with my opinion, I remained silent after a junior team member's unconventional suggestion. Those seven seconds of uncomfortable quiet gave them confidence to fully explain their idea which ended up increasing our conversion rates by 42%. Most leaders rush to fill every silence but I've learned that these micro-moments of pause create psychological safety that transforms team dynamics.

Shane McEvoy · Answer

A CFO who actively learns about operations, marketing, and sales can make better decisions. I prioritized understanding marketing metrics alongside financial ones. This helped us experiment confidently with campaigns, knowing the potential return on investment. CFOs who remain curious can uncover inefficiencies and opportunities that might be missed when they focus solely on financial analysis.

Corina Tham · Answer

One critical skill that is often overlooked in CFOs is the ability to communicate complex financial data in a clear and relatable way to non-financial stakeholders. This skill is essential because financial insights are the backbone of strategic decision-making, and without effective communication, key initiatives can falter. Early in my career as a Finance Director, I learned that precise numbers alone don't drive action-it's the tailored narrative behind those numbers that resonates. By translating financial analysis into actionable stories, I was able to align cross-functional teams with organizational goals and build stronger collaboration. For instance, during a major budget realignment, simplifying forecasts into visual reports allowed department heads to spot challenges quickly and contribute to innovative solutions. Strong communication builds trust and ensures that financial intelligence is accessible and impactful at every level of the organization. Ultimately, it transforms the CFO role from a gatekeeper of numbers to a driver of growth and strategy.

Dhari Alabdulhadi · Answer

Emotional quotient (EQ) is a crucial skill that is often overlooked by CFOs but is critical for success. The ability to understand their own and others' emotions is also important, along with technical financial expertise. See how it is important: High emotional intelligence helps CFOs to build strong relationships with stakeholders. Emotional intelligence also aids in effective communication to present complex financial data to non-financial audiences. It also helps CFOs to navigate through conflicting situations, such as budget allocations diplomatically. It helps CFOs to change its strategies and operations with changes in the business landscape.
In my career, emotional intelligence has significantly enhanced my effectiveness as a CFO. During the restructuring of an organization, I used my EQ to assess the emotions and concerns of team members. I actively listened to them and addressed their issues to encourage open communication. This eased the entire transformation process.

Fawad langah · Answer

One essential skill that is often overlooked in CFOs but is critical for success is emotional intelligence (EI). While technical expertise in financial management is essential, the ability to understand and manage emotions—both your own and others'—is equally important for navigating complex business environments. Emotional intelligence helps CFOs lead teams, manage stress, and build strong relationships with stakeholders. 
In my career, emotional intelligence has allowed me to communicate effectively with employees, clients, and partners, especially during times of financial uncertainty. By recognizing and responding to the emotions of others, I've been able to build trust and maintain morale, even when making tough financial decisions. This has been especially valuable when discussing financial strategies or delivering challenging news. 
EI also helps in conflict resolution. As a leader, understanding different perspectives and managing emotions can prevent misunderstandings and foster a collaborative environment. 
Incorporating emotional intelligence into financial leadership has greatly benefited my career, allowing me to maintain strong relationships while achieving organizational goals. It is this balance between technical and emotional skills that has helped me navigate the challenges of growing an organization like Best Diplomats.

Ahmed Yousuf · Answer

One critical yet often overlooked skill for CFOs is communication. Think of it as the party wizard's spell that unites the entire team-transforming dense financial data into clear, actionable insights for every department. Early in my career, I leveraged this skill to align marketing, operations, and IT during budget reviews. By presenting financial insights in relatable terms, I turned what could have been mind-numbing sessions into rally points for collaboration.
This ability not only breaks silos but also fosters trust and alignment, making financial strategies accessible to everyone. In my experience, a CFO who communicates well empowers the entire organization to move forward with clarity and purpose.

Tomasz Lewandowski · Answer

Adaptability. A CFO who can roll with the punches and pivot strategies without getting stuck in traditional methods is gold. In my e-commerce business, things change constantly—supply chain hiccups, platform updates, customer trends. My CFO's ability to shift gears quickly, analyze real-time data, and find creative solutions kept us ahead. It's not just about numbers; it's about foresight and flexibility. Without that, we'd have missed out on opportunities and wasted time trying to fit old strategies into new challenges. If your CFO can't adapt, they'll hold your growth back—simple as that.

Brandon Thor · Answer

One essential skill that is often overlooked in CFOs is emotional intelligence. While technical expertise is important, the ability to understand and manage emotions, both personally and within the team, is equally crucial. A CFO must be able to communicate effectively, navigate difficult situations, and make decisions that impact the organization in a way that fosters trust and collaboration.
From my experience, emotional intelligence has been key in building strong relationships and handling challenges. It helps create an environment where people feel heard and understood, which can lead to more effective teamwork and problem-solving. This skill is especially important when dealing with high-pressure moments or difficult decisions, as it allows for a balanced approach that considers both the numbers and the people behind them. A CFO who can manage emotions well is more likely to lead a team successfully and drive positive outcomes for the organization.

Lawrence Guyot · Answer

In my experience at ETTE, one often overlooked skill in CFOs is an understanding of IT and cybersecurity's strategic importance. This is crucial as it affects financial decisions, risk management, and operational efficiency. Having a strong grasp on technology helps CFOs make informed decisions, aligning tech investments with business goals and ensuring maximum ROI.
A prime example is when a client faced challenges choosing the right cloud solutions. Our IT strategy formulation enabled them to align their needs with technology solutions, leading to a 30% reduction in operational costs. This strategic use of IT not only supports financial efficiency but also acts as a shield against costly data breaches.
Understanding tech allows CFOs to better communicate cross-departmental strategies, enhancing the alignment of technology and financial goals. Additionally, IT insights enable proactive financial planning against cyber threats, safeguarding the bottom line and boosting stakeholder confidence.

Joseph Passalacqua · Answer

When people think of a CFO, they often imagine someone with an impeccable command of numbers, a sharp mind for forecasting, and an ability to manage risk. While these technical skills are undeniably important, there's one trait that is often overlooked but, in my experience, critical for success in this role—EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ).
As the CEO of Maid Sailors, I've learned that a CFO with high emotional intelligence can transform not just the financial health of a company but also the culture and team dynamics. A CFO with strong EQ possesses the ability to understand, empathize with, and effectively manage both their emotions and the emotions of others. This means they can make difficult decisions—like implementing cost cuts or reallocating budgets—with a level of compassion that retains the team's trust and morale. Additionally, someone with high EQ is far better at cross-departmental collaboration, which ensures financial strategies align with the broader company goals.

Volen Vulkov · Answer

I discovered early in my career that emotional intelligence plays a crucial role for CFOs. During a key budget restructure, I found that technical abilities alone were insufficient; understanding team psychology was essential.
In one stressful case, I was in charge of a potential department downsizing. Instead of cold spreadsheet computations, I tackled the matter by sincerely listening to employees' concerns. We avoided morale damage during the restructure by building transparent communication channels and demonstrating genuine empathy. We also kept important talent.
The true value of emotional intelligence for CFOs is not simply in managing numbers but also in understanding human behavior. When financial leaders can identify subtle organizational tensions, translate complex financial tales into approachable language, and foster genuine trust, they progress from ordinary number crunchers to strategic organizational architects.

17 Essential Skills for CFO Success

17 Essential Skills for CFO Success

Emotional Intelligence Boosts Strategic Decisions

Storytelling Transforms Financial Data

EQ Enhances Decision-Making and Collaboration

Data-Driven Insights Drive Strategic Decisions

Listening Transforms Real Estate Deals

Narrating Financial Reports Inspires Action

Productive Silence Unlocks Breakthrough Solutions

Learning Operations Improves Decision-Making

Communicating Financial Data Clearly

EQ Enhances Stakeholder Relationships

Emotional Intelligence Builds Strong Relationships

Communication Unites Teams

Adaptability Ensures Growth

EQ Fosters Trust and Collaboration

Understanding IT Enhances Financial Decisions

EQ Transforms Financial Leadership

Emotional Intelligence Crucial for CFOs