In this special re-release of The Growth-Minded CFO, Alex and Lauren revisit the very first episode of the podcast - featuring Rita Kale, now CFO at Valo Health.
At the time, we didn’t know what this show would become. Since then, we’ve spoken to some of the best finance operators in the world. But looking back, this conversation set the tone for everything that followed.
Rita brings a rare combination of global corporate experience - from companies like Roche Pharmaceuticals - and hands-on leadership in high-growth biotech startups. That mix makes this episode just as relevant today as it was when we first recorded it.
In this conversation, we explore what it really means to operate as a modern CFO:
- Why the best CFOs act as owners, not observers
- How moving from large corporates to startups forces a shift in mindset, speed, and accountability
- What it takes to navigate global complexity, from ERP implementations to scaling finance operations across markets
- Why investing early in systems and processes pays off long-term
- And how adaptability separates good finance leaders from great ones
We also get into something a bit unexpected, but now very familiar for this show.
Rita shares how running became a tool for reflection and decision-making. Creating mental space. Finding your own rhythm instead of copying others. It’s a reminder that performance isn’t just about output - it’s about sustainability, both professionally and personally.
Looking back, this episode captures what The Growth-Minded CFO is all about: going deep into the technical side of finance, while also exploring the mindset behind great leadership.
It’s a gem - and the perfect place to start if you’re new to the show.
Chapters:
- 03:25 Rita Global Career Path
- 05:56 From Global To Local CFO
- 08:28 No Copy Paste Solutions
- 09:57 First 60 Days Playbook
- 12:06 Stakeholders And Priorities
- 13:46 ERP Planning Mindset
- 18:54 Beyond Back Office CFO
- 21:00 Financial Peace Foundation
- 22:18 From Reporting to Impact
- 22:46 Escaping Spreadsheet Chaos
- 23:28 Right Tools Not ERP
- 24:00 Why She Joined a Startup
- 27:35 Founder Lessons in Finance
- 29:06 Biggest Shift Leaving Corporate
- 31:26 Work Life Balance as a CFO
- 32:01 Running as a Reset Button
- 34:42 Thinking Time Beats Hustle
- 38:25 Culture Time Off and Clarity
Subscribe for more conversations with growth-minded finance leaders shaping the future of the CFO role.
The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations.
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