Books To The Boardroom
Are you interested in how Australia’s best leaders grew into the professionals they are today? The journey from University (Books) to Leadership positions (Boardroom) can take many different forms. Listen in as we interview CEO’s, CFO’s, and Executives, on how they ascended to leadership positions, made critical career choices, and overcame adversity throughout their career. The Books To The Boardroom podcast is co-hosted by Sumith Dissanayake, a CFO turned Business Owner based in Brisbane, Australia, who is fascinated by all things leadership and career development.
Books To The Boardroom
Rebecca He: The Modern CFO's Journey – AI, Transformation, and Beyond
In this episode, host Sumith talks with Rebecca He, founder of RHCFO Consulting in Brisbane. Rebecca shares her unique journey from door-to-door sales in Shanghai at age 14 to becoming a transformational CFO with 25 years of experience across ASX-listed companies and startups.
Rebecca's early sales background gives her a distinct advantage – understanding that business is about human connections, not just numbers. This has made her exceptionally effective at collaborating with sales teams where many CFOs struggle.
She discusses her practical approach to AI and automation, including developing the Dental Online Voucher Exchange for Queensland Health – a $20,000 solution that saved 184,000 patient wait days in its first year. Rebecca addresses fears about AI replacing accountants, arguing this is actually the best time to enter the profession as AI handles mundane tasks, freeing finance professionals for strategic work.
The conversation covers fractional CFO services, ESG reporting, outsourcing strategies, and Rebecca's personal passions including competitive fencing (she's now a national medallist). Her advice for CFOs in the AI age? Stay open-minded, curious, and have fun with the journey.
This episode offers practical insights for finance leaders looking to embrace transformation while maintaining the human touch that makes great CFOs effective
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Until next week, keep reading, keep listening!
