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Revisiting: Rita Kale (CFO @ Valo Health) On Why The Best CFOs Think Like Owners In this special re-release of The Growth-Minded CFO, Alex and Lauren revisit the very first episode of the podcast - featuring Rita Kale, now CFO at Valo Health.
At the time, we didn’t know what this show would become. Since then, we’ve spoken to so
Länge: 40:34
In this special re-release of The Growth-Minded CFO, Alex and Lauren revisit the very first episode of the podcast - featuring Rita Kale, now CFO at Valo Health.
At the time, we didn’t know what this show would become. Since then, we’ve spoken to some of the best finance operators in the world. But looking back, this conversation set the tone for everything that followed.
Rita brings a rare combination of global corporate experience - from companies like Roche Pharmaceuticals - and hands-on leadership in high-growth biotech startups. That mix makes this episode just as relevant today as it was when we first recorded it.
In this conversation, we explore what it really means to operate as a modern CFO:
Why the best CFOs act as owners, not observersHow moving from large corporates to startups forces a shift in mindset, speed, and accountabilityWhat it takes to navigate global complexity, from ERP implementations to scaling finance operations across marketsWhy investing early in systems and processes pays off long-termAnd how adaptability separates good finance leaders from great onesWe also get into something a bit unexpected, but now very familiar for this show.
Rita shares how running became a tool for reflection and decision-making. Creating mental space. Finding your own rhythm instead of copying others. It’s a reminder that performance isn’t just about output - it’s about sustainability, both professionally and personally.
Looking back, this episode captures what The Growth-Minded CFO is all about: going deep into the technical side of finance, while also exploring the mindset behind great leadership.
It’s a gem - and the perfect place to start if you’re new to the show.
Chapters:
03:25 Rita Global Career Path05:56 From Global To Local CFO08:28 No Copy Paste Solutions09:57 First 60 Days Playbook12:06 Stakeholders And Priorities13:46 ERP Planning Mindset18:54 Beyond Back Office CFO21:00 Financial Peace Foundation22:18 From Reporting to Impact22:46 Escaping Spreadsheet Chaos23:28 Right Tools Not ERP24:00 Why She Joined a Startup27:35 Founder Lessons in Finance29:06 Biggest Shift Leaving Corporate31:26 Work Life Balance as a CFO32:01 Running as a Reset Button34:42 Thinking Time Beats Hustle38:25 Culture Time Off and ClaritySubscribe for more conversations with growth-minded finance leaders shaping the future of the CFO role.
The Growth-Minded CFO podcast challenges the status quo and explores how the best CFOs approach their work and lives. Hosts Lauren Pearl (Fractional CFO, 3-time Founder, and Startup Finance Instructor at NYU) and Alex Louisy (FinTech CEO and Y Combinator graduate) speak with inspiring finance and business leaders about what it takes to support high-performing organizations.
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Want to get in touch? Reach out to our producer at joseph.sweeney@upflow.io
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GUID: 482c3a55-f006-48ba-afb6-5ae8da8f76a4
Erscheinungsdatum: 15.4.2026, 20:50:40
