Chris & Mike Look Back: Unsung Heroes and Passion-Driven Paths
"I've never had a piece of feedback from someone which wasn't telling me how to be more like them."
In this reflective episode, Chris and Mike take a break from hosting external guests to look back at memorable conversations from previous episodes. They highlight powerful insights from Rob Jackson, who spoke on the importance of “steady Eddies” — team members who stay in their comfort zone but consistently deliver — and how not everyone needs to be chasing promotion to be valuable. This sparks a thoughtful discussion about performance culture, the undervaluing of institutional knowledge, and the danger of overlooking dependable performers in favor of more vocal, ambitious employees. They also tie this into broader themes around automation, AI, and the irreplaceable nature of lived experience in organizations.
The second half shifts focus to Olga Rudikova, whose story of turning a passion for data storytelling into a business captures the power of following unexpected opportunities. Starting out in finance and Toastmasters, Olga’s journey underscores the value of curiosity, enthusiasm, and being open to serendipitous success. Chris and Mike discuss the importance of humanizing technical subjects like data visualization, and how storytelling, personality, and mindset play a critical role in influencing and engaging others. The episode weaves together key leadership themes: valuing different working styles, nurturing personal growth, and recognizing that purpose and passion can lead to profound professional transformation — if you're open to it.
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Author
“Chris Argent isn’t here to play by finance’s old rulebook - he’s here to rewrite it.” From challenging outdated corporate thinking to rallying finance leaders around a more connected, adaptable future, the founder of GENCFO is leading a quiet revolution in how CFOs and finance leadership work, think, and influence. Chris Argent, founder of GENCFO, is a finance leader redefining the role beyond business partnering. A self-described “reluctant accountant,” he’s built a global community for progressive accounting and finance leaders who value connection over competition and action over tradition. Chris believes the greatest risk to the profession is clinging to outdated norms, and that mindset and adaptability outpace any technological change. His work champions leaders who turn new ideas into real-world change, blending people-centred strategies with new ways of working and technology. In conversations, he challenges, provokes, and inspires - proving that the future of finance belongs to those ready to lead it together.