Last Wednesday, we were thrilled to host a dynamic and insightful webinar with guest speaker Elodie Guillaumond, CFO Retail of Ampol Australia. With over 20 years of global experience spanning retail, FMCG, and distribution, Elodie shared her strategic approach to navigating career progression, mental health, and building mentor relationships. Her advice was geared toward those looking to enhance their leadership journey to C-Suite, especially aspiring CFOs.
Development plans matter for career progress
We began the event by polling participants: Do you have a development plan agreed with your line manager? The results were telling with 58% responding no. This highlighted a significant opportunity for professionals to engage more actively with their career trajectory by having these crucial conversations.
Elodie emphasised the importance of creating a clear career plan. Without one, the ideal opportunities won’t come to you. She encouraged attendees to identify gaps in their skill set and actively work on filling them while making their aspirations known to management.
Self-confidence is a key leadership trait
In another poll, participants were asked to rate their self-confidence. Interestingly, only 35% of respondents rated their confidence as high. Elodie reflected on her own journey, explaining that self-confidence was a key development area for her. Despite her impressive career trajectory, she admitted to sometimes being seen as a perfectionist due to spending extra time on tasks to avoid mistakes.
Elodie advised it is important to reflect on the positive points and feedback throughout your career, and to embrace the learning process rather than rushing to the top. Elodie recommended that professionals give themselves around 18 months in a role to truly learn and master it before taking on more responsibilities. She also spoke about the fear of rejection and to consider what is the worst that can happen.
Navigating promotions and salary conversations
Discussing promotions and salary increases can often feel awkward or intimidating, but Elodie encouraged attendees to approach these conversations confidently. “If you’re applying for a raise or promotion,” she advised, “make sure you are clear on why you deserve it. Highlight the extra responsibilities you’ve taken on and the value you bring.”
Additionally, she stressed the importance of open and honest communication with management, and making your ambitions known across the business, not just to your immediate supervisor. When taking on a new role or more responsibility, Elodie emphasised the importance of establishing the support you may need and how you are going to adjust.
Managing mental health and wellbeing in high pressure roles
Elodie also touched on the importance of mental health in high-pressure roles. She advocated for mental health days and emphasised the need to recognise signs of burnout before reaching a breaking point. Her suggestion? Block out time in your calendar for critical thinking and self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Mentors and coaches are catalysts for career growth
Elodie also discussed the impact of mentors, coaches, and sponsors on her career. She advised participants to seek out mentors who can offer a fresh perspective and help with long-term thinking. Her parting words were particularly empowering: “Don’t let anyone tell you you’re incapable of doing those jobs.”
Final words
Elodie’s insights offered guidance for those looking to elevate their careers to the C-Suite level. Whether it’s through building self-confidence, navigating career changes, or managing mental health, her advice resonated deeply with the attendees. For anyone aspiring to become a CFO, Elodie left them with this piece of wisdom: broaden your thinking, know the business inside and out, and don’t be afraid to ask questions because in leadership, asking the right questions can often lead to the best answers.
If you have any recruitment needs in your team on a permanent or a temporary basis, we would be delighted to assist. Contact us here.
Moir Group is a specialist finance, accounting and ESG recruitment company. We cover temporary and permanent roles from Assistant Accountant to CFO level. We also recruit Sustainability / ESG Manager roles to Chief Sustainability Officer roles across all industry sectors.
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