What Makes a Great CFO in 2025? Insights from the Frontlines of CFO Hiring, with Dav Masaon
The Growth-Minded CFO · 2025-04-29 · 38 min
Episode notes
Bringing on a CFO is one of the most critical decisions a startup can make—but how do you know when it’s the right time? And more importantly, how do you find someone with the right skills to drive growth, manage complexity, and scale alongside your company? In this episode of The Growth Minded CFO, hosts Alex and Lauren sit down with Dav Masaon, Co-Founder of executive search firm Zanda, to explore what it really takes to hire the right CFO in today’s fast-changing startup landscape. Together, they dive into: When and why to bring on your first CFO The biggest hiring mistakes founders make How the role of the CFO is evolving in the age of AI and automation Why financial discipline is more important than ever What differentiates a great startup CFO from a corporate one Dav shares expert insights into the traits to look for in finance leaders—from scrappiness and stage-fit to international hiring nuances—offering practical tips for founders, investors, and finance leaders alike. Whether you’re scaling a startup or refining your leadership team, this episode is packed with must-know advice for building a high-performing finance function in 2025.