Great leaders lead with heart, not just rules

We often perceive the CFO of a company as heavily focused on the data, forecasts, and spreadsheets, and responsible for overseeing a company’s financial stability. It might also be tempting to make assumptions about their leadership styles, which, stereotypically speaking, might be viewed as analytical or even formulaic. While that may have been the case in the past, some of South Africa’s leading CFOs are demonstrating that to be a truly great leader, bringing your human side to the forefront of the role is key.

That being said, the difference between a good boss and a great leader is significant. A good boss is often concerned with process – ensuring tasks are completed on time, procedures are followed, and the office environment remains orderly. While these are undeniably important aspects of any managerial role, they are not the full extent of what today’s CFOs are expected to deliver. 

Today, finance leaders are far from the remote, detached figures they might have once been perceived as. They have evolved into trusted advisors who are closely involved with the broader business, providing guidance and support. Modern CFOs are embracing creativity, emotional intelligence, and a flexible approach, recognising that these qualities are essential for the well-being of their teams and the overall health of the business.

They also recognise that leadership goes beyond supporting others and are also placing a greater emphasis on their own well-being. As highlighted in the ‘How I Work’ series by SAICA and Finnivo®, several top CFOs shared insights into how they maintain balance outside of their demanding professional lives.

Bertie van Sittert, Chief Executive for Finance at PEP Stores, shares that going for a run is his way of managing stress and avoiding burnout. “Spending four to five kilometres a week on the road is how I manage stress, and it’s when a lot of new ideas come up,” he explains. Similarly, Deon Fredericks, Group Financial Director at Famous Brands, balances his responsibilities with his passion for Premier League football. “But above all else, what I enjoy most about my role is working with people,” he adds.

Both Van Sittert and Fredericks face the same challenges as many working professionals, finance or otherwise, such as the constant need to check emails or stay connected to their devices. These common struggles highlight that even at the top, CFOs are human too, navigating the same pressures, demands and expectations as the rest of us.

Ultimately, being just a good boss can often involve a mechanical approach, where a CFO checks all the boxes, manages tasks, and maintains order in a robotic manner. Great leadership, however, requires a more holistic perspective. It involves being adaptable, embracing change, and prioritising self-care. By leading with heart, today’s CFOs are proving that empathy, flexibility, and personal well-being are key ingredients to successful leadership.