Knowledge Hub

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Nelson Mandela Often described as the capacity to recover from setbacks and maintain a positive mindset, resilience is more than just a personality trait, it is an underrated and underdeveloped skill that we, as leaders, must possess. In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to bounce back, adapt, and lead with purpose has become a crucial differentiator.

While much attention is given to the questions asked during interviews, the format of the interview itself can be equally important in determining recruitment success. Whether structured or unstructured, choosing the right format is more than just a logistical decision, it’s fundamental to ensuring that you find the right balance between technical competency and cultural fit. This balance is crucial to hiring a candidate who not only performs well in their role but also integrates well into your company’s values, processes, and long-term goals.

For May’s Mental Health Awareness Week, the spotlight was on Movement. The theme, "Moving More for Our Mental Health," highlights the synonymous connection between physical activity and mental well-being. It's a timely reminder for many of us office workers, who spend up to 80% of the time sitting down (BMC Public Health, 2024). This far-too-familiar sedentary lifestyle not only poses risks to physical health but also undermines mental wellness, with prolonged sitting linked to increased anxious and depressive symptoms (Rebar et al., 2014).

In this edition we discuss Waiting for the All Clear, stepping from CFO to CEO and lots more.

A third of CEOs in the FTSE 100 have previously served as CFO, a trend reflected across businesses of all sizes, scales, and complexities. Tim Hedger, COO and founder at HedgerWay spoke with Liam Conway who has made the transition, having joined Equiti Capital during its startup phase as CFO and now leads the UK business as CEO.

Climbing the corporate ladder to become a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a challenging yet rewarding journey that demands a diverse skill set and strategic mindset. In a recent discussion hosted at Langan’s in Mayfair, we welcomed 13 CFOs and Finance Directors from across the energy, natural resources and infrastructure industries to share their experiences and insights, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of the role, the importance of skill development, and strategies for success.