No Boxes: Just Verses
No Boxes: Just Verses is where inspiring leaders reveal the songs and stories that shaped their journey. Join host Shannon Nash, a global C-suite leader, attorney, and CPA, as she goes beyond titles and trophies to explore the moments that truly defined today's top executives, entrepreneurs, and artists.
Each episode is a deep dive into a guest's personal "Leadership Playlist," uncovering the pivotal lessons and life-changing moments tied to the music that moved them. From career breakthroughs to personal reinvention, we explore the authentic, unboxed stories behind extraordinary success.
This isn't your typical leadership podcast. It's a rich blend of leadership development, personal storytelling, and musical discovery. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or simply a music lover, you'll find powerful insights and a vibrant community here.
Come for the stories, stay for the playlist. Subscribe now and join us as we redefine leadership, one verse at a time.
No Boxes: Just Verses
Jack McCullough on Inspiring Change Through Community
In this powerful episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we sit down with financial leadership expert Jack McCullough, founder of the CFO Leadership Council. Are you a leader battling imposter syndrome, navigating personal setbacks, or trying to build a career that goes beyond the numbers? Jack’s story is a masterclass in turning personal challenges into empathetic leadership. From being a wimpy kid (his words!) to leading a global network of thousands, he reveals how his journey forged a deep commitment to community, mentorship, and building a safe space for others.
Jack McCullough is a recognized financial leadership expert and the founder of the CFO Leadership Council, a global network of over 2,500 senior financial executives. A former CFO for multiple organizations, he has played a key role in helping CFOs expand their influence beyond finance to become strategic business leaders. Jack has published three books, including MBA for Lunch earlier this year, and serves a senior contributor to the Forbes CFO Network, and host of the Secrets of Rockstar CFOs podcast. His insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, and he has appeared on Fox Business Network and Your World with Neil Cavuto. Jack earned his MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Key Takeaways:
- The Scars That Build Empathy: Jack shares how being a bullied, socially awkward kid gave him a lifelong mission to stand up for others and taught him that niceness is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Learn how Jack, despite his achievements, felt like an admissions error at MIT Sloan. He discovered that his unique background was a valuable asset that his classmates respected and sought advice from.
- From Personal Pain to Purpose: Hear how the defining challenge of his life—raising two autistic sons—made him a more patient, kinder, and empathetic leader, inspiring him to mentor others going through similar struggles.
- Building a Community from Rejection: Discover the origin story of the CFO Leadership Council, which was born after Jack was rejected by another professional group. He created the network he needed, fostering a judgment-free community of operators.
Jack’s story proves that a leader's true strength is not in a perfect background, but in the lessons they learn from their personal journey.
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Theme Song: Pedal to the Medal by Martin Luther (Spotify | Apple Music)