Books To The Boardroom

Hosted by Sumith Dissanayake

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Episodes

127

Latest episode

Oct 2025

Language

EN-AU

About the show

Are you interested in how Australia’s best leaders grew into the professionals they are today? The journey from University (Books) to Leadership positions (Boardroom) can take many different forms. Listen in as we interview CEO’s, CFO’s, and Executives, on how they ascended to leadership positions, made critical career choices, and overcame adversity throughout their career. The Books To The Boardroom podcast is co-hosted by Sumith Dissanayake, a CFO turned Business Owner based in Brisbane, Australia, who is fascinated by all things leadership and career development.

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60 recent

October 22, 2025Episode 1629 min

An Unconventional Path to CFO: Scott Drummond's Story

Most CFOs don't start their careers directing Shakespeare. Scott Drummond did. Now CFO at REIQ, Scott sits down with Sumith to unpack his unusual journey from theatre to finance. He reckons the skills that made him a good director – proper listening, bringing out the best in teams, seeing the big picture – are exactly what CFOs need today. They also dig into what finance transformation actually looks like in a membership organisation, how to manage AI without the panic, and why Scott sees his role as "the backstop in baseball." Worth a listen if you're interested in how people end up where they are.Thanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🔔 Never miss an episode—follow us on LinkedIn and your favourite podcast platform 📱 Share your takeaways with #CFOCatalystAre you a CFO with insights to share or know someone who is? We're always looking for financial leaders to join us on the show—reach out at hello@ctcnow.co to discuss featuring your expertise on a future episode.Until next week, keep reading, keep listening!

September 13, 2025Episode 1531 min

Rebecca He: The Modern CFO's Journey – AI, Transformation, and Beyond

In this episode, host Sumith talks with Rebecca He, founder of RHCFO Consulting in Brisbane. Rebecca shares her unique journey from door-to-door sales in Shanghai at age 14 to becoming a transformational CFO with 25 years of experience across ASX-listed companies and startups.Rebecca's early sales background gives her a distinct advantage – understanding that business is about human connections, not just numbers. This has made her exceptionally effective at collaborating with sales teams where many CFOs struggle.She discusses her practical approach to AI and automation, including developing the Dental Online Voucher Exchange for Queensland Health – a $20,000 solution that saved 184,000 patient wait days in its first year. Rebecca addresses fears about AI replacing accountants, arguing this is actually the best time to enter the profession as AI handles mundane tasks, freeing finance professionals for strategic work.The conversation covers fractional CFO services, ESG reporting, outsourcing strategies, and Rebecca's personal passions including competitive fencing (she's now a national medallist). Her advice for CFOs in the AI age? Stay open-minded, curious, and have fun with the journey.This episode offers practical insights for finance leaders looking to embrace transformation while maintaining the human touch that makes great CFOs effective Thanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🔔 Never miss an episode—follow us on LinkedIn and your favourite podcast platform 📱 Share your takeaways with #CFOCatalystAre you a CFO with insights to share or know someone who is? We're always looking for financial leaders to join us on the show—reach out at hello@ctcnow.co to discuss featuring your expertise on a future episode.Until next week, keep reading, keep listening!

July 5, 2025Episode 1434 min

Journey from BP to CFO with Andrew Edwards

In this episode, Books to the Boardroom had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Edwards, CFO at Perfection Fresh Australia, who shared his remarkable journey from aspiring tradesman to finance leader. Andrew's career path took him through BP's global operations, where he developed the communication skills and inquisitive mindset that became his defining strengths.We explored how Andrew navigated becoming a management accountant by 24, his philosophy of "don't avoid the risk, manage the risk," and why he believes the future of finance lies in moving beyond traditional accounting into data interpretation and business partnership. Andrew also shared practical insights on leading offshore teams, choosing the right technology, and why being uncomfortable is essential for growth.What really struck us was Andrew's approach to developing his team - he wants people who "come into work wanting to be better today than they were yesterday." His emphasis on curiosity, understanding operations beyond the numbers, and taking on projects outside your comfort zone offers valuable guidance for anyone aspiring to senior finance roles.Thanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🔔 Never miss an episode—follow us on LinkedIn and your favourite podcast platform 📱 Share your takeaways with #CFOCatalystAre you a CFO with insights to share or know someone who is? We're always looking for financial leaders to join us on the show—reach out at hello@ctcnow.co to discuss featuring your expertise on a future episode.Until next week, keep reading, keep listening!

June 29, 2025Episode 1327 min

From Submariner to CFO: A Journey of Leadership and Operational Excellence

"Understanding the problem puts you 50% of the way to addressing it."In this episode of Books of the Boardroom, Season Three of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith welcomes Simon Turner, CFO and ELT member with nearly three decades of experience in finance. Simon shares insights from his unique career path, from serving on nuclear missile submarines in the Royal Navy to becoming a CFO. They discuss leadership, the importance of addressing problems head-on, the evolution of data analytics, the role of ESG in modern business, and the potential impact of AI on SMEs. Simon also offers practical advice for upcoming finance professionals and underscores the significance of integrating operational focus within the CFO role.Thanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🔔 Never miss an episode—follow us on LinkedIn and your favourite podcast platform 📱 Share your takeaways with #CFOCatalystAre you a CFO with insights to share or know someone who is? We're always looking for financial leaders to join us on the show—reach out at hello@ctcnow.co to discuss featuring your expertise on a future episode.Until next week, keep reading, keep listening!

June 23, 2025Episode 1329 min

Navigating Finance and Entrepreneurship: Insights from Andre Luchesi

In this episode of 'Books of the Boardroom' podcast, Sumith chats with Andre Luchesi, Group CFO at Westpork and DBC in Western Australia. Andre's got a really interesting story - from corporate life to running his own ice cream business in Brazil and back to the CFO world.Andre talks about how economic cycles really work, why understanding the big picture macro stuff matters so much for CFOs, and how scooping ice cream taught him more about business empathy than any boardroom ever could.The conversation covers some great ground - AI and digital finance, why ESG reporting is becoming crucial, and what it's really like to juggle entrepreneurship with corporate finance. Andre's advice for aspiring CFOs? Follow your passions and keep adapting because the finance world never stops changing.This one's packed with practical insights and some pretty genuine reflections on what it takes to succeed in finance leadership today.Thanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🔔 Never miss an episode—follow us on LinkedIn and your favourite podcast platform 📱 Share your takeaways with #CFOCatalystAre you a CFO with insights to share or know someone who is? We're always looking for financial leaders to join us on the show—reach out at hello@ctcnow.co to discuss featuring your expertise on a future episode.Until next week, keep reading, keep listening!

June 8, 2025Episode 1231 min

Strategic Financial Leadership: Winston Abeyeratne on Succeeding Down Under

In this episode of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith welcomes Winston Abeyeratne, CFO at Conference Group in South Australia. Winston shares his immigration journey, starting 12 years ago, and his career transition from audit trainee at KPMG in Sri Lanka to various roles in the finance sector in Australia. He discusses the importance of backing statements with numbers, the challenges of working with high-net-worth individuals, and provides advice for new migrants and aspiring CFOs on building a career in finance. The conversation also delves into the evolving role of CFOs, the impact of AI and machine learning on the finance industry, and the significance of continuous learning and process review. Winston offers his insights on earning respect in new roles, mentoring younger professionals, and the benefits of embracing flexibility and creativity in financial leadership Thanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🔔 Never miss an episode—follow us on LinkedIn and your favourite podcast platform 📱 Share your takeaways with #CFOCatalystAre you a CFO with insights to share or know someone who is? We're always looking for financial leaders to join us on the show—reach out at hello@ctcnow.co to discuss featuring your expertise on a future episode.Until next week, keep reading, keep listening!

June 1, 2025Episode 1131 min

CFO Conversations: Ben Edmonds on People, Strategy, and Finance Transformation

Navigating the People-Centric Transformation in FinanceIn this episode of the Books to the Boardroom, season three of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith is joined by Ben Edmonds, CFO at Alberts in Sydney. The conversation covers Ben's career journey from an early interest in tourism management to becoming a CFO, highlighting the influence of his father and his practical experiences in various financial roles. Ben emphasises the transformative nature of the CFO role, the importance of people and leadership in business, and the evolving landscape of accounting. He also discusses the significance of digital transformation, ESG initiatives, and the challenges young CFOs face today. Ben provides insights into managing change, maintaining professional development, and balancing technical skills with human interaction. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring finance professionals on building a successful career in accounting.Thanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🔔 Never miss an episode—follow us on LinkedIn and your favourite podcast platform 📱 Share your takeaways with #CFOCatalystAre you a CFO with insights to share or know someone who is? We're always looking for financial leaders to join us on the show—reach out at hello@ctcnow.co to discuss featuring your expertise on a future episode.Until next week, keep reading, keep listening!

May 15, 202531 min

From Backpacking to Boardrooms: A CFO's Journey with Christina Temme

Leadership Insights: Navigating the Modern CFO Role with Christina TemmeIn this episode of the Books to the Boardroom CFO Catalyst podcast, we speak with Christina Temme, CFO at AC3 in Sydney. Christina shares her extensive experience in finance, legal, and compliance, discussing the evolving scope of the CFO role and the importance of logic, decision-making, and embracing change. She highlights her journey through a solo backpacking adventure, her passion for mathematics, and her strategies for managing teams and implementing change. Christina also delves into critical issues like digital and finance transformation, ESG requirements, and offers valuable advice for young finance professionals.Thanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🔔 Never miss an episode—follow us on LinkedIn and your favourite podcast platform 📱 Share your takeaways with #CFOCatalystAre you a CFO with insights to share or know someone who is? We're always looking for financial leaders to join us on the show—reach out at hello@ctcnow.co to discuss featuring your expertise on a future episode.Until next week, keep reading, keep listening!

May 7, 2025Episode 828 min

Navigating the Modern CFO Role with David Hill

In this episode of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith welcomes David Hill, CFO of Mosh. They delve into the unchanging fundamentals of business and the evolving tools and skills required for successful financial leadership. David shares his unique journey from childhood entertainer to top finance executive, discussing the importance of critical thought, communication, and problem-solving in the CFO role. They also explore the democratisation of finance, the impact of AI and digital transformation, and the need for a nimble organisational structure. Tune in for insights on how CFOs can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape.Key takeaway from SumithWhat struck me most was his "rear-view mirror, front windscreen, and peripheral vision" approach to financial leadership. As he says, "CFOs of the future have to be engineering level digital savvy to navigate the businesses of the future."David's non-linear career path has given him unique insights on bridging theory with practice - something I believe makes the best finance leaders.Tune in this Sunday!Thanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🔔 Never miss an episode—follow us on LinkedIn and your favourite podcast platform 📱 Share your takeaways with #CFOCatalystAre you a CFO with insights to share or know someone who is? We're always looking for financial leaders to join us on the show—reach out at hello@ctcnow.co to discuss featuring your expertise on a future episode.Until next week, keep reading, keep listening!

April 29, 2025Episode 726 min

Navigating Change: Luke Howes on Recruitment and Technology

Adapting to Change: Lifelong Learning and Technological Advancement with Luke Howes In this episode of the Books of the Boardroom podcast, season three of CFO Catalyst, the host interviews Luke Howes, CFO at Six Degrees Executive. They discuss the importance of lifelong learning and curiosity in both personal and professional development. Luke shares insights into the values-led and relationship-driven approach of Six Degrees Executive, as well as the significance of serving all stakeholders, including clients, candidates, and employees. The conversation also delves into Luke's unique career journey, from studying classical languages at Oxford University to his immersion in Japanese culture. They touch upon the challenges and strategies involved in technology advancement and data quality in the finance sector. Luke emphasises the need for a growth mindset, strategic planning, and maintaining data accuracy to leverage AI effectively. He also discusses the critical role of empathetic leadership and mentorship in shaping successful finance professionals. Finally, they explore the evolving role of the CFO over the next decade, highlighting the necessity of data literacy and strategic thinking.Thanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🔔 Never miss an episode—follow us on LinkedIn and your favourite podcast platform 📱 Share your takeaways with #CFOCatalystAre you a CFO with insights to share or know someone who is? We're always looking for financial leaders to join us on the show—reach out at hello@ctcnow.co to discuss featuring your expertise on a future episode.Until next week, keep reading, keep listening!