The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards were announced March 17, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person May 10.
Next is Chief Financial Officer finalist in the Private Company: Annual Revenue <$100M category Amy Wood, CFO of Intelligent Waves. Here, she talks about proud organizational moments, career turning points, taking professional risks and more.
What was a turning point or inflection point in your career?
Stepping into the Mergers & Acquisitions arena was certainly an inflection point. Dealing with so many competing priorities and interested parties while ensuring our financials were sound was a new challenge.
In 2017, I was in charge of brokering the sale of a Federal Government Contractor while at the same time overseeing internal change management, customer relationships, and transition was a very interesting process.
Moving from seller to operator at our new firm meant continuity, consistency, and operating with a bias for action. It was important to be proud of the organization we sold and to operate it as a larger platform going forward.
What are you most proud of having been a part of in your current organization?
Being part of an effective team that allows me to guide both the tactical and strategic financial operations of the company is most rewarding. Over the last year, we’ve worked hard to focus the company on strong financial performance and discipline around financial processes and procedures.
I am honored to have what I consider one of the most talented groups of financial professionals in the business. Together, we have made meaningful strides and improvements in the market posture and viability of Intelligent Waves.
How do you help shape the next generation of industry leaders?
Patience, persistence, and an even, predictable temperament are key. Offering thought and guidance versus direction is one way to help the next generation understand and learn the industry. Keeping an open mind is very important. Employees need to not only feel heard, but to know that their perspectives and opinions matter and are considered.
There is a lot to learn in the GovCon space. Making sure that knowledge is passed on through servant leadership is an effective way to shape the next generation. Building trust-based relationships fosters not only learning technical material, but builds character too.
What’s the biggest professional risk you’ve ever taken?
In 2015, I took a risk to leave a more senior individual financial support role to take on a much broader financial leadership role which also included a significant operations component. It was my first step towards C-level leadership and helped build the foundation for my current role. The move required me to fill in some personal gaps, learn some new things, and challenged myself to broaden my view about successful organizational leadership.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
I’ve always been most proud of my ability to work effectively at all levels of the organization. Collaborating with colleagues and building trust-based relationships has been a cornerstone of sound leadership and organizational success. Being viewed as a trusted business partner while seeing those around me continue to advance in their career has a special place for me.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Be tenacious. Always move forward. The very best people are those who maintain a continuous mindset of introspection and learning. Practical goal setting is important. Measuring progress and ensuring you never lead too far from the front. Embrace diversity of thought and action. Everyone has something to offer and everyone has something to learn. If everyone is thinking the same way, somebody isn’t thinking.