Zylo

CFOs are no longer just financial gatekeepers. They’ve evolved into strategic advisors that drive impact and alignment across the organization. Today, three-time CFO Russell Lester is living and breathing this elevated role. In this episode, Russell shares his secrets to leveling-up as a CFO, what it takes to build a successful partnership with IT, and how he’s driving business results with SaaS management.Key Takeaways:<ul><li>[00:00&nbsp;-&nbsp;01:56] Introduction to Russell Lester, CFO at Versapay</li><li>[02:04&nbsp;-&nbsp;06:14] Driving change in the business as a CFO in the macroeconomy</li><li>[06:13&nbsp;-&nbsp;09:05] The people and tools that put information in context</li><li>[09:06&nbsp;-&nbsp;11:37] The skills financial and procurement professionals need to thrive</li><li>[11:41&nbsp;-&nbsp;15:43] Identifying SaaS management as a business priority</li><li>[15:44&nbsp;-&nbsp;18:46] How Russell works with IT as a CEO</li><li>[18:53&nbsp;-&nbsp;21:15] SaaS management's shift from IT to finance, working together</li><li>[22:16&nbsp;-&nbsp;24:05] The hardest part about building a relationship with IT</li><li>[24:06&nbsp;-&nbsp;26:09] Fear and lack of understanding about bringing partners into SaaS management</li><li>[26:10&nbsp;-&nbsp;28:22] Compelling business investments and looking for what supports the company plan</li><li>[28:29&nbsp;-&nbsp;30:55] Russell's role as the final approval for SaaS purchases</li><li>[30:56&nbsp;-&nbsp;34:03] Tools and processes that support procurement responsibilities</li><li>[34:04&nbsp;-&nbsp;35:44] What indicates your team is ready for procurement?</li><li>[35:45&nbsp;-&nbsp;37:36] "Assimilating my neural network"</li><li>[37:35&nbsp;-&nbsp;42:10] Rapid fire</li><li>[39:10&nbsp;-&nbsp;40:11] Russell's favorite SaaS apps</li></ul>

Russell Lester

Chief Financial Officer at Versapay

CFOs are no longer just gatekeepers but strategic advisors that drive business impact. Learn how CFO Russell Lester is leveling up and getting results.


Russell Lester: From Gatekeeper to Strategic Advisor – How a New Breed of CFO Is Driving Business Impact

How a New Breed of CFO Is Driving Business Impact with Russell Lester

CFOs are no longer just financial gatekeepers. They’ve evolved into strategic advisors that drive impact and alignment across the organization. Today, three-time CFO Russell Lester is living and breathing this elevated role. In this episode, Russell shares his secrets to leveling-up as a CFO, what it takes to build a successful partnership with IT, and how he’s driving business results with SaaS management.


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SaaS has taken over the world – and your organization. Skyrocketing innovation. Empowering workforces. Embracing flexibility. The future of software is here. But with it comes new challenges.SaaSMe Unfiltered brings you uncensored, real-life advice on what it takes to conquer SaaS management and optimization. For the IT, software asset management, and procurement professionals knee-deep in SaaS every single day. SaaS superheroes just like you.SaaSMe Anything brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, where Zylo Co-founder Ben Pippenger breaks down your burning questions about SaaS and how to manage it.Brought to you weekly by Zylo, the industry leader in SaaS Management and experts that help organizations of all sizes manage, measure, and maximize the value of their SaaS.For free resources to help you on your SaaS management journey, visit <a href="https://zylo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">zylo.com</a>.