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

Catherine O’Connell, Audit & Supervisory Board Member at FUJITSU, shares her perspective on how CFOs can meet rising expectations in the Boardroom, highlighting what Boards truly value in their CFOs today, how the role is evolving beyond financial stewardship and what aspiring leaders should focus on to deliver real strategic impact at Board level.

Hosted by Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, the conversation draws on Catherine’s extensive Board experience, including her historic term as the first foreign female outside Board member at TOYOTA, as well as her role as CEO of a boutique law firm in Tokyo. Together, they explore how CFOs can strengthen Board relationships, influence strategy, and position themselves as trusted leaders in an increasingly complex environment. 

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?