Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Aspiring CFOs: What Boards Really Want from Their CFOs (ft. Catherine O’Connell, Audit & Supervisory Board Member, FUJITSU & Board Mentor, Criticaleye)

Episode 25: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Aspiring CFOs: What Boards Really Want from Their CFOs

 

In this episode, Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, speaks with Catherine O’Connell, a seasoned Board professional and Criticaleye Board Mentor. Catherine currently serves on the Audit & Supervisory Board at FUJITSU and recently completed a historic term on the board of TOYOTA as its first foreign female outside board member. She is also the CEO of her own boutique law firm in Tokyo, where she provides fractional general counsel services to global businesses.

 

Drawing on her extensive Board experience, Catherine shares valuable insights into how CFOs can meet rising expectations in the Boardroom. She explores what Boards truly value in their CFOs today, how the role is evolving, and what aspiring leaders need to focus on to have real strategic impact at Board level.

 

Discussion points include: 

• What qualities and capabilities are Boards in Asia prioritising in their CFOs today?

• How can CFOs build trust, credibility and influence with the Board?

• What role do CFOs play in shaping non-financial strategy?

• How can aspiring CFOs prepare for Board interactions and avoid common pitfalls?

• How can CFOs stay ahead of evolving Board expectations and add value as strategic leaders?