#270 Why Almost Every New CFO Feels Like a Fraud, Alan Scholnick, GrowCFO Mentor

Episode notes

.entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } In this episode, Kevin Appleby speaks with GrowCFO Mentor Alan Scholnick , a finance leader with over 30 years’ experience at IKEA, to explore why so many newly appointed CFOs struggle with imposter syndrome and feelings of fraudulence. Drawing on his journey from accounting roles to VP of Finance and later into executive coaching, Alan explains how the leap into the CFO role magnifies expectations around leadership, communication, and people development, often faster than new CFOs feel ready to handle. He frames these doubts not as weaknesses but as predictable responses to heightened responsibility and visibility. The conversation highlights practical strategies new CFOs can use to navigate these pressures: building trust with stakeholders, improving communication and active listening, and grounding confidence in past achievements.