Finance as the co-pilot for CXO’s

Have you thought - "How CXO’s can use financial data for strategic decisions"

Imagine this - You're flying a jet at 30,000 feet. Would you ignore the cockpit dashboard and fly by gut alone?

Sounds reckless, right?

Yet I have noticed many CXO’s who I coach, rely more on intuition than financial insights when steering their companies.

The fact is finance is your co-pilot.

And learning to leverage on finance grows business profitability.

A strong leader sees ahead, detects turbulence, recalibrates the route, and ensures the fuel (i.e cash) lasts till you land safely and ready for next take off.

While navigating through the challenges, they also focus on business profitability.

So how do you shift finance from the back office to the cockpit?

3 Moves to make finance your strategic co-pilot:

 1. Reframe financials as future indicators & not rear view mirrors

Most dashboards focus on what has happened.

Instead be proactive.

Ask: “What is this number trying to tell me about tomorrow?”

Example: If revenue is growing but receivables are ballooning—your “growth” might be cash-poor.

2. Use data for decisions - not just discussions

A CXO meeting can end with a question like this:

“What financial insight can help us take the right business decision today?”

Drive decisions. Be strategic.

Example – Choose between investing in product innovation vs. market expansion as per your business growth plans.

3. Focus on business led finance conversations

Turn financial reviews into business solution rooms. Involve cross-functional heads.

Think about financial solutions.

Example - Instead of debating “Why are margins dropping?” ask, “What are 3 levers to lift gross margin? What actions can be taken this quarter?”

From Numbers to Narratives

Great leaders listen to what the numbers are whispering.

They spot patterns. They ask powerful questions. They make bolder, smarter moves.

So, dear CXO, it’s time to slide finance into the co-pilot seat to shape the business strategy.

Activity:

Pick one strategic decision you're making this month.

Check with your CFO: “What financial metrics should I be factoring in before we proceed?”

Let your next bold move be backed by data and not just instinct.

Share a insight you gained recently.

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#leadership #finance #coaching