By Christopher Argent, Founder & MD, GENCFO
Jasmine Ahmed
From navigating post-9/11 chaos in New York to driving transformation across global finance teams, Jasmine Ahmed’s journey has been anything but linear. With a unique blend of financial discipline and creative instinct, she’s redefined what it means to lead with purpose in the transformation space.
We sat down with Jasmine to hear how a lifelong hunger for improvement, a mindset for change, and a bold approach to risk have shaped her path—across industries, borders, and business models.
The road to transformation
Jasmine’s foundation was in finance, driven by a love of numbers—but that was only half the story. Equally drawn to creativity and innovation, she found herself constantly looking for ways to improve, evolve, and challenge the status quo—even before "transformation" became a buzzword.
That instinct led her through a variety of industries and roles, where she consistently sought out the biggest challenges—even without a formal change mandate. Whether working in government consulting, pharma, or financial services, Jasmine built a reputation for turning complexity into opportunity.
Today, she works in private equity, where the pace of change is relentless and the need for innovation is just as vital for mid-market companies as it is for global giants.
Leading with curiosity—and courage
Jasmine’s transformation philosophy is rooted in asking “why”—not just to challenge norms, but to uncover untapped value.
“I’m not just learning the script—I’m always probing the why. And once you understand that, you start to see possibility everywhere.”
That curiosity is paired with calculated risk-taking—a muscle she’s strengthened over the years, especially in moments of uncertainty. One of her most defining experiences? Relocating to New York City on September 11, 2001, for a new role: "That moment taught me resilience. I didn’t let fear hold me back—and I’ve carried that mindset into every big decision since.”
Transformative thinking, every day
For Jasmine, transformation isn’t reserved for job titles—it’s a mindset: "Don’t wait for someone to give you a transformation brief. Wherever you are, look for value, seek learning, and create stories you’ll take with you.”
At Dentsu, Jasmine built one of her proudest teams—high-performing, sought after, and trusted across the organization. For her, the legacy isn’t just about systems changed or numbers improved—it’s about people empowered.
“I wasn’t just proud of the work—we built something meaningful together. That’s what stays with you.”
Culture, curiosity, and calculated risk
Jasmine’s transformation lens sharpens inside enterprise organizations—especially those with legacy cultures and governance structures that struggle to keep pace: "Governance is necessary, but it shouldn’t become a vehicle for resistance. Culture is what makes or breaks agility.”
In fast-moving environments like private equity, she sees change executed with greater speed and clarity. But she believes enterprise can replicate that success—by fostering curiosity, empowering teams, and staying focused on outcomes over optics: "The best leaders today take disciplined risks. They’re comfortable with ambiguity and focused on learning—not perfection.”
The real competitive advantage? People
As AI and automation reshape the finance landscape, Jasmine sees a dual imperative: embrace technology—but elevate humanity: "Everyone will have access to AI. Your competitive advantage will be your people. The talent you attract—and how empowered they feel—will define your success.”
She believes future-ready finance teams will blend left-brain analytics with right-brain creativity, creating space for both structured decision-making and transformative thinking.
“We need to stop choosing one side of the brain. Innovation lives in the balance.”
Power Profile
What most inspires you about transformation?
" “It lets me stretch my wings—to be creative, to learn, to build something that outlasts me.”"
Do you think innovation should be part of every role?
" “Absolutely. At Dentsu, every person had innovation built into their objectives. It became our edge.”"
Your hero or heroine?
" “I don’t have just one. I look for sparks in everyone—whether it’s a colleague, a neighbour, or someone from history. I draw inspiration from the best in people.”"
Your walk-on song?
" “Something nontraditional—music by Rabindranath Tagore. Growing up in the U.S., his lyrics gave me confidence to embrace my authentic self.”"
Most important leadership trait?
" “Empowering others. My goal isn’t to be the smartest person in the room—it’s to create space where others thrive.”"
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.
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