How I Developed A Key Relationship That Helped Me Handle A Tough Situation

Lisa J. Haynes, CPA, MBA, CPRC is the CFO and the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the Mortgage Bankers Association. Before her current role, she held senior positions in accounting & finance for Fannie Mae and John Hancock. Lisa is retiring in September. In her second act, she plans to focus on board service and assisting  companies as a fractional or interim CFO.

You were promoted several times until you ended up as a CFO. What role did business relationships play in your career?

Building relationships has been crucial. Initially, I believed hard work alone would advance my career. It wasn't until my first management role that I realized the importance of being part of broader conversations. Business school didn’t stress that networking—like having lunch with colleagues—was as vital as maintaining accurate financial statements. It was experience that taught me that fostering relationships at all levels is essential for success.

Is there one person who made a real difference? How did you develop that relationship? How did they help your career?

No single person has been pivotal in my career; instead, various individuals have made significant impacts at different stages. For instance, during my time in public accounting, I learned a crucial lesson from a partner about the importance of owning your mistakes. This insight has been a cornerstone of my professional philosophy. I observed her closely, and when she provided me feedback on the importance of self-accountability—discovering and admitting one's own errors—I took it to heart.

I've always preferred relationships that evolve naturally rather than through forced networking. For instance, when a female director joined our board, I wanted to learn from her, but I wasn't comfortable making a direct ask right away. Instead, I allowed our interactions to build into more meaningful conversations gradually, and then asked if I could get on her calendar for 30 minutes a month. We started these calls four years ago, and they've been incredibly beneficial. One pivotal moment was during a tough budget discussion with the board. she was sitting beside me, and she whispered to me, “don’t get defensive.” I took a deep breath and relaxed my tone. I will never forget that moment. Thank you, Kristy Williams Fercho .

Is there anything you would have done differently? 

I wish I had mastered networking earlier. As an introvert, networking can be draining—it 'uses up all my nickels.' Over time, I've realized its importance and found ways to network that align with my personal style. While I may never work a room at a cocktail party, I can connect meaningfully with a few individuals in an event.