In this special re-release of The Growth-Minded CFO, Alex and Lauren revisit the very first episode of the podcast - featuring Rita Kale, now CFO at Valo Health.

At the time, we didn’t know what this show would become. Since then, we’ve spoken to some of the best finance operators in the world. But looking back, this conversation set the tone for everything that followed.

Rita brings a rare combination of global corporate experience - from companies like Roche Pharmaceuticals - and hands-on leadership in high-growth biotech startups. That mix makes this episode just as relevant today as it was when we first recorded it.

In this conversation, we explore what it really means to operate as a modern CFO:

Why the best CFOs act as owners, not observers
How moving from large corporates to startups forces a shift in mindset, speed, and accountability
What it takes to navigate global complexity, from ERP implementations to scaling finance operations across markets
Why investing early in systems and processes pays off long-term
And how adaptability separates good finance leaders from great ones

We also get into something a bit unexpected, but now very familiar for this show.

Rita shares how running became a tool for reflection and decision-making. Creating mental space. Finding your own rhythm instead of copying others. It’s a reminder that performance isn’t just about output - it’s about sustainability, both professionally and personally.

Looking back, this episode captures what The Growth-Minded CFO is all about: going deep into the technical side of finance, while also exploring the mindset behind great leadership.

It’s a gem - and the perfect place to start if you’re new to the show.

Chapters:

03:25 Rita Global Career Path
05:56 From Global To Local CFO
08:28 No Copy Paste Solutions
09:57 First 60 Days Playbook
12:06 Stakeholders And Priorities
13:46 ERP Planning Mindset
18:54 Beyond Back Office CFO
21:00 Financial Peace Foundation
22:18 From Reporting to Impact
22:46 Escaping Spreadsheet Chaos
23:28 Right Tools Not ERP
24:00 Why She Joined a Startup
27:35 Founder Lessons in Finance
29:06 Biggest Shift Leaving Corporate
31:26 Work Life Balance as a CFO
32:01 Running as a Reset Button
34:42 Thinking Time Beats Hustle
38:25 Culture Time Off and Clarity

Subscribe for more conversations with growth-minded finance leaders shaping the future of the CFO role.

The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations.

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