Spreadsheets to Storytelling: Communication & EQ Tips for CFOs, with Erik Nakamura

Episode notes

Being great with numbers may open the door—but it’s your emotional intelligence that keeps you in the room. In this episode, Erik Nakamura—CFO of Journal Technologies—joins hosts Lauren Pearl and Alex Louisy to explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) is transforming the modern CFO role from number cruncher to strategic business partner. With 25+ years of experience across startups, public companies, IPOs, and CFO consulting, Erik shares real-world insights on how today’s finance leaders can lead with empathy, drive culture, and communicate with clarity. In this episode, you’ll learn: Erik’s three pillars for choosing the right company as a CFO. Why EQ matters more than IQ in building high-performing teams. How CFOs can become trusted communicators, not just financial enforcers. Why Erik says CFO should also mean Chief Feelings Officer. How coaching his kids in sports shaped his leadership style. The value of mentorship, humility, and curiosity in finance. “You want to treat people how they want to be treated. That takes emotional intelligence.