- 14
- Episodes
- 1
- Ratings
- Monthly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About CFO FOCUS LIVE!
What’s going on in the hurly burly world of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) jlockhart.substack.com (https://jlockhart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
- Publisher
- CFO Focus
- Category
- business · news
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 23 May 2025
- Latest episode
- 30 Jul 2026
Latest episodes
14 episodes in the feed.
30 Jul 2026
CFO Focus Live! With Adam Townsend and Van Lai-DuMone
The next episode of CFO. Focus Live! video podcast features former Vizio CFO & Chief People Officer Adam Townsend in conversation with Van Lai-DuMone, TEDx speaker and CEO of Worksmart Advantage CFO Focus Live!, the video podcast series for finance executives, takes on a cost every CFO knows well but few talk about publicly: the “second check” written every month — payroll — and everything that goes into finding, recruiting, and retaining the talent behind it. The episode features a conversation with Adam Townsend, the former Chief Financial Officer and Chief People Officer of Vizio, the television and soundbar company, interviewed by Van Lai-DuMone, TEDx speaker, author, and CEO of Worksmart Advantage, an expert on building teams that work well together. Townsend and Lai-DuMone will discuss how CFOs and Chief People Officers can think about payroll not just as a fixed cost, but as the primary lever for attracting, developing, and keeping the people who drive a company’s performance — drawing on Townsend’s experience leading both finance and people functions at a public company through an IPO, a pandemic, and a multibillion-dollar acquisition. CFOs and Chief People Officers (CPOs) are especially encouraged to attend. The session will run as an interactive roundtable on Zoom, with attendees invited to join on camera and participate in the discussion. Those who can’t attend live are welcome to watch or listen to the video podcast afterward, at their convenience. Registration: www.cfofocus.org About Adam Townsend Adam Townsend built his finance career at CBS and Showtime before joining Vizio, the television and soundbar company, as Chief Financial Officer and Chief People Officer. In that dual role, he led Vizio through its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange during the COVID-19 pandemic, and later helped guide the company through its multibillion-dollar sale to Walmart. After completing the post-acquisition integration and declining a relocation to Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, Townsend is now exploring his next opportunity. About Van Lai-DuMone Van Lai-DuMone is a TEDx speaker, author, and the CEO of Worksmart Advantage, where she works with executive teams on how to collaborate and perform well together. She is the host of the “Second Check” conversation series on CFO Focus Live!, interviewing finance and people leaders about the human side of running a company. About CFO Focus CFO Focus produces intimate gatherings and engaging conversations with CFOs in most major cities in the US and Canada. Led by leading business journalists like former CNBC correspondents Jane Wells, Bertha Coombs and Aditi Roy, CFO Focus features CFOs from large public companies, M&A companies and “hot growth” companies fueling their growth with excellent finance leaders. More at www.cfofocus.org This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jlockhart.substack.com (https://jlockhart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
24 Jun 2026
CFO Focus Live! A Deep Dive on Location
CFO Focus Live! Returns with an Interview of Salt & Straw CFO Karissa Aleskus This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jlockhart.substack.com (https://jlockhart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
23 Jun 2026
AI and Nonprofits
AI is bringing efficiency to business. But where it's really helping is in nonprofits. Using AI, nonprofits are engaging donors more frequently, finding more lapsed donors and helping nonprofit leaders deliver on their missions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jlockhart.substack.com (https://jlockhart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
21 May 2026
CFO Focus Live! 4 Under 40 CFOs
CFOs are making a bigger impact every day. And they’re arriving in the C-Suite even earlier. Some even before they’re 40 years old. Join us when CNBC alum Aditi Roy interviews: Hiral Patel, age 37, CAO, Pep Boys Daniel Gabel, age 38, CFO, OSS (NASDAQ: OSS) Peter Preston, age 38, CFO, Paloma Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ: PALOU) Mike Chiv, age 35, Managing Partner, Proven Recruiting, who helps build their teams How are they prepared to take on these high pressure jobs? Over 90% of all CFOs are over 40, average age – 53. Join CNBC’s Aditi Roy when she asks “how did you get here so fast?” We’re livestreaming on LinkedIn, YouTube and podcasting on your favorite platforms. Just register for free. You can watch live or listenor at your leisure. Register at www.cfofocus.org This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jlockhart.substack.com (https://jlockhart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
16 Apr 2026
CFO Focus Live! April 2026
Who's the bio major? That’s Adam Townsend, the former UCLA bio major turned Showtime CFO, turned Vizio CFO, turned Wal-Mart executive. Learn about Adam’s rapid rise on our next CFO Focus Live! with Ravi Kumar. Adam Townsend, CFO at Vizio who took it public during Covid on NYSE and sold to WalMart for billions. Latha Vairavan, new CFO at Arcutis Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ:ARQT) who left Amgen for what was then an unknown biotech startup. Chithra Rajagopalan, Head of Finance at Obsidian Security and a next gen philanthropist in Silicon Valley Host: Ravi Kumar from Connor Group and (along with Adam) one of People Talent Agency’s most sought after moderators and panelists. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jlockhart.substack.com (https://jlockhart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
19 Feb 2026
CFO Focus Live! February Show
CFO Focus Live! returns for our monthly show featuring Aditi Roy interviewing Peter Cuneo and Joe Garner on their new book "Superhero Leadership" This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jlockhart.substack.com (https://jlockhart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
22 Jan 2026
CFO Focus Live! with Aditi Roy & Ravi Kumar
CFO Focus Live! – our LinkedIn Live, YouTube and Substack podcast show – kicks Off January 22, 2026 and monthly after that – the Third Thursday of each month.So you can watch or listen from anywhere. Featuring our favorite CFOs from last year and those upcoming for this year, including:Anna Gomez, longtime CFO at ad giant Leo Burnett, now CFO at Inspired Thinking Group (ITG). We met Anna when she was featured at CFO Focus Chicago with Jane Wells last October. She's a five time best selling romance novelist -- as well as a leading CFO!We also have a special segment called India People - focused on Indians and South Asians in the CSuite – co-hosted by Aditi Roy and Ravi Kumar and featuring EnergyX CFO Mayank Sharma and others. Mayank was featured at CFO Focus Austin in November.Peter Cuneo, known worldwide as a leader in turnarounds, helping turn around Marvel Entertainment and selling it to Disney for billions a few years ago. He's also on several public company boards, and the board of the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Peter has a new book out with New York Times best selling author Joe Garner, and he's here to tell us a little more about it. The book is available in pre order now and will be out next month, when Peter will join for a more extensive interview . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jlockhart.substack.com (https://jlockhart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
17 Dec 2025
ICONS OF LA FIRESIDE CHAT & COMEDY NIGHT
If you missed attending last night’s ICONS OF LA Show featuring Eric Bing Chin, CPA moderating and Van Lai-DuMone Florence Chung Wlodarski and Nancy Gale in the hot seats, tune in to watch this recap or listen to the podcast version on Apple and Spotify. Bonus: the comedians following the amazing interviews with Van, Nancy and Florence #ICONS #LA This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jlockhart.substack.com (https://jlockhart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
8 Dec 2025
Executive Security - A Year After the United Healthcare Brian Thompson Murder
It’s lonely at the top. But is it dangerous? Why are CFOs and other C-Suiters worrying about their bottom line – and their lives? It’s been one year this week since the Dec 4, 2024 murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare – sending a chill through C-Suites around the world. What’s changed? Is there a target on your back as a CEO, CFO or GC? Find out Monday, Dec 8, 2025 when we gather Secret Service, CIA, FBI and other operatives who know how to protect high value targets – and are now working to protect C-Suite executives. FOX NEWS anchor and reporter Anita Vogel drives the online, livestreamed and podcast conversation. In real time at 4 PM ET on Monday, Dec 8 by We’ll take your questions. Save the executive = Protect the brand, culture, valuation, jobs and future of the enterprise. United Healthcare lost $63 billion in valuation in the days following the Thompson murder. A shareholder lawsuit filed in April drove its valuation even lower. Former FBI and Boeing Chief Security Officer Dave Komendat joins the conversation with Steve Ricciardi, former US Secret Service and former Senior Director of Global Security, Medtronic Larisa Ivy, former Walmart Global Security Leader and former U.S. Secret Service Special Agent CFO Focus Co Producer Jeremy Baumann, CEO of Minneapolis and Chicago based Corporate Security Advisors (CSA) co-anchors. According to the 2025 Allied Universal “World Security Report,” about 42% of U.S. chief security officers report a significant increase in threats of violence toward executives, In certain sectors — especially technology — the threat is even higher: among U.S.-based tech firms, 66% of security chiefs reported increased threats. If you’re a public company you have to have a plan to protect your executives, and include it in your SEC ESG filings. It’s all about business continuity and resilience. . Mr. Thompson was 50 years old, making $10 million+ a year, living with his wife and family in Minneapolis. He took a short walk on a brightly lit street in Midtown Manhattan, on his way to an investor meeting. He was allegedly gunned down by Luigi Mangione, a 26 year old with an agenda and 3D printed “ghost gun.” He didn’t deserve to die. What more could have been done to ensure his safety? The average public company CFO is making $1.2 million per year – CEOs about twice that –, often working most of a lifetime to get to that level. For their families, their co-workers and the companies they lead – let’s learn how we can do more to keep them safe.. Hope to see you next Monday, Dec 8 at 4 PM ET/ 1 PM PT! More information at www.cfofocus.org This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jlockhart.substack.com (https://jlockhart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
25 Sept 2025
CFO Focus Live! How's Your LinkedIn?
How’s your LinkedIn? Most CFOs, GCs and other C-Suite execs don’t think much about their LinkedIn. But having a good headshot, compelling profile and regular communication from your LinkedIn profile helps your team see you as a leader, builds your business’ category leadership and builds your personal brand — and maybe even land you your next role. Hear from the experts… * CNBC alum and Wharton MBA instructor Aditi Roy leads the discussion with LinkedIn/ executive comms expert Jess Jensen who has guided CSuite execs at Nestle, Adidas, Microsoft and Qualcomm * Gary Lu, CFO at Biomerica (and frequent LinkedIn contributor) and * Van Lai-DuMone, TEDx and Creative Leadership Keynote Speaker, CEO of Worksmart. Learn more about our panelist at www.peopletalentagency.com Why should you care? According to Jess Jensen: Three years ago, we thought LinkedIn was just a corporate social network where people posted job anniversaries and promotions. But today, it’s the #1 writing platform on the internet: LinkedIn passed 1.1B users in 2025, with 70M joining every year. Over half of users come from households earning $100K+. The algorithm prioritizes educational, conversational content (not trending memes). LinkedIn now drives the majority of our leads, puts us in front of Fortune 500 execs, and helps us attract both customers and employees with every post. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jlockhart.substack.com (https://jlockhart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
21 Aug 2025
CFO Focus Live! Sports & Automotive Edition
CFO Focus Live! Livestream & Podcast features CNBC alum Aditi Roy interviewing Mike Bufano, former Allbirds and Panera Bread CFO now CFO and President at League One Volleyball (LOVB), the fast growing pro volleyball and youth sports league. Joining Mike are San Diego Padres GC Terezka Zabka, and Cristian Torres, formerly at Nissan and Volkswagen, now GC at Visionary Automotive Group. Fascinating discussion! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jlockhart.substack.com (https://jlockhart.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
20 Jun 2025
CFO Focus Live! On Food
Aditi Roy interviews food and hospitality industry experts on CFO Focus Live, exploring current financial strategies and challenges within the food sector.
16 Jun 2025
CFO Focus Live!
Anita Vogel interviews Jeremy Baumann, Adrian Brown, Ann Buckingham, Doug Kooren, Ravi Kumar, Shannon Nash, Elizabeth Pagliarini, and Jenny West about networking and leadership, offering insights from various industries.
23 May 2025
CFO GC Focus Houston Was a Hit!
Jane Wells moderates a panel in Houston featuring Vanessa Allen Sutherland, Laura Fulton, and Angel Sanchez, who share insights on their roles as financial leaders in various industries in an interview.
Who has been a guest on CFO FOCUS LIVE!
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
- food and hospitality industry experts
- Jeremy Baumann
- Adrian Brown
- Ann Buckingham
- Doug Kooren
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- Apple Podcasts (US)
- 5.0 / 5
- 1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 3 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 7
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 0
- Engagement
- 0
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