Dec 09 2024 40 mins
Today, I'm connecting with Emma Seymour, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Deputy. Emma is no stranger to navigating big transitions—whether steering a company through acquisitions, adapting through CEO leadership changes, driving profitable growth in uncertain post-pandemic times, or achieving unicorn status. Known for her "throw the ball to me" mindset, I hope Emma's story reminds all of our female-identifying listeners of the power of stepping up before you feel ready.
In today’s episode, we discuss:
- Her CFO leadership journey: From public practice to JobAdder to Deputy, where she became the youngest female CFO of an Australian tech unicorn
- Emma’s reflections on becoming a first-time mum while managing a "big job"
- Deputy's rise to profitability and unicorn status (for market context, Deputy is the 15th Australian-founded tech company to achieve this milestone)
- How Deputy’s 80% female leadership team drives business outcomes, enriches company culture, and brings them closer to the customer
- Clocking in every day to help customers build a better world for shift workers
- Why you should always "throw the ball to me"
- Alternative strategies for raising capital at different stages of growth
- What’s next for the future of the CFO role in tech.
Find Emma Seymour:
Emma Seymour’s Northstars and Frameworks:
ANZ Operators—Ones to Watch:
- Mel Perkins (CEO and Co-founder at Canva)
Other Folks Mentioned in the Episode:
- Silvija Martincevic (CEO at Deputy)
Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show?
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A note from your host, Laura:
My goal for Calling Operator 2.0 is to open-source stories with startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people tackling similar challenges. I want this podcast to open a line for operators in Australia and New Zealand to learn from each other—diving into the execution behind big ideas, pivotal career moments, successes, failures, lessons and personal stories.