Title: CFO
Company: Rally Development LLC, the parent company of Derby Lane
Length of time you’ve been an FEI member: 4 years
What is one piece of information you wish someone had told you when you first started your finance career?
It’s been 20+ years since I started my career, so I’m not sure anyone knew at the beginning how much knowledge I would need around IT, data structure, systems, etc., but I wish I had known so I could have been more prepared. Fortunately, I have had wonderful opportunities to learn through hands on experience. I have had a few missteps over the years, but my advice to others is to not shy from diving into something new. The key is to acknowledge your weaknesses and supplement your team with those who can fill the gaps. Keep learning and evolving!
What do you love most about working as a financial executive?
What drives me every day is working with great leadership teams to set strategies, then follow through with execution by collaborating with my team and the broader company workforce. I love to see the direct impact these strategies have on the success of the company. I have also loved learning about so many things outside of finance. For instance, software and hardware development, operations, etc. It is amazing how finance is integrated with every department, whether it be systems or setting and exceeding KPIs.
What is your best networking tip?
I was recently called a “yes girl,” meaning that when able, I accept all invitations to meet new people and learn.
I highly recommend building relationships throughout the ecosystem of business. This can include investors, bankers, lawyers, insurance agents, audit/tax individuals, consultants, recruiters, etc. - The opportunities are endless.
When you are new to networking, whether it be in general, or in a new market, it can be intimidating to see where you can provide value to others. Everyone has experienced this! My advice is to recognize that there is value to others when you share what issues you are having. You don’t need to come with all the answers.
How did you discover your passion for finance?
It all started when I was a kid. I loved figuring out how things work and being in charge because that is how my childhood brain determined I could control my own success. As a result of this drive, I always wanted to run a business. I grew up in a very small rural town in southern MO with no real exposure to the corporate world, so it took me until college to figure out how I was going to achieve this. I determined that my best opportunity was through the accounting/finance side of the business. These skills are transferable across industries and lead to an open field of opportunity. As my career has progressed, my goals continue to evolve.
Becoming CFO used to be my ultimate goal, but now that I am here and have experienced what it takes to run a successful business, my new goal is CEO. Continuing to take my financial background and evolving it into broader knowledge and experience with managing the company as a whole will ultimately lead me there.
The biggest thing I have learned and how I have built my confidence is by recognizing that having the responsibility does not mean I can singlehandedly control my success. I must build and rely on teams and collaborate across a company. One of the ways I have achieved this is by putting emphasis on coaching/mentoring. Watching individuals become successful during and beyond their time at a company brings me such joy.