Beyond the Spreadsheet: Why Finance Leaders Must Translate, Not Just Analyze

Episode notes

In this episode of CFO Weekly, Derek Paulson, Vice President of FP&A at Pura Vida, joins Megan Weis to explore what it truly means to be a finance generalist in a world that often rewards specialization. Derek brings a grounded and practical perspective built across a diverse career that spans FP&A, strategy, supply planning, performance marketing, and even career coaching, with experience at companies including Honeywell, PepsiCo, and Rad Power Bikes. With an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a foundational start as a cost accountant walking the shop floor of a manufacturing plant, Derek shares how stepping outside of traditional finance roles early in his career shaped the way he sees business, builds partnerships, and drives impact. Currently serving as Vice President of FP&A at Pura Vida, a purpose-driven lifestyle brand and certified B Corp, Derek discusses how finance leaders can thrive as generalists inside highly specialized organizations, and why connecting the dots across teams is fast becoming one of the most valuable skills in the function.