🎧 Listen to the full FEI Podcast episode: https://feipodcast.fireside.fm/182
This special podcast series highlights past speakers from Financial Executives International’s ICONS: Leaders in Finance. As FEI continues to extend the impact of the event through its virtual replay on April 22, 2026, these conversations highlight the real-world experiences and insights of senior-level financial leaders shaping the future of finance.
In this episode, FEI Podcast host Heather Cole sits down with Brenda Zamzow, a seasoned financial leader who has spent more than 16 years overseeing finance, risk, IT, and operations for one of the most recognized nonprofit organizations in the world.
Staying Relevant in a Rapidly Changing World
For organizations with long histories, relevance is not guaranteed. Zamzow emphasizes that maintaining impact requires constant evolution.
At Girl Scouts, this means adapting to shifting societal dynamics, particularly the growing influence of social media and the increasing focus on mental health among young people. The challenge for leadership is not just responding to change, but anticipating it and aligning strategy accordingly.
The challenge for leadership is not just responding to change, but anticipating it and aligning strategy accordingly.
Her perspective reinforces a key takeaway for financial leaders: relevance is an ongoing discipline, not a one-time initiative.
Transforming Finance from Gatekeeper to Strategic Partner
Zamzow also addresses a common perception challenge within organizations: finance as the “no” function.
Drawing from her experience in audit and operations, she explains that building trust is essential to shifting that perception. By positioning finance as a partner rather than a policing function, teams become more collaborative and aligned with organizational goals.
Key to this transformation:
- Building trust through transparency
- Demonstrating a shared commitment to mission outcomes
- Listening and acting on feedback
Over time, this approach enables finance teams to move from compliance-focused to value-driving.
The Power of Relationships in Leadership and Career Growth
One of the most consistent themes throughout Zamzow’s career is the importance of relationships.
From early involvement in professional and community organizations to maintaining a robust network over decades, she credits much of her success to intentional connection-building. Her advice for other financial leaders is clear: relationships should be cultivated long before they are needed.
Equally important is depth over breadth. While large networks can be valuable, meaningful relationships built on trust and mutual support ultimately drive greater impact.
Resilience Through Challenge
Zamzow shares a deeply personal story of navigating multiple major life and professional challenges simultaneously, including health issues, legal pressures, and significant personal change.
Her experience underscores a critical leadership truth: resilience is not theoretical. It is built through experience, support systems, and the willingness to keep moving forward even in uncertainty.
For financial leaders operating in complex environments, this ability to remain grounded and focused is essential.
Small Actions, Lasting Impact
Among her many insights, Zamzow highlights a simple but powerful practice: handwritten thank-you notes.
In a digital-first world, taking the time to express gratitude in a personal, tangible way can strengthen relationships and set leaders apart. It serves as a reminder that leadership is often defined by small, consistent actions.
This episode is part of FEI’s special ICONS podcast series highlighting past speakers from the ICONS: Leaders in Finance virtual event. Join us on April 22, 2026, to hear from distinguished financial leaders shaping the future of finance.
Learn more about the ICONS: Leaders in Finance Virtual Replay here: https://www.financialexecutives.org/icons2026-virtual
🎧 Listen to the full conversation here: https://feipodcast.fireside.fm/182