Insights from a Fractional CEO Karen Demichelis
Insights from a Fractional CEO
I had the pleasure of chatting with Karen, a seasoned fractional CEO and advisor to C-suite executives. Our conversation was packed with valuable insights on business management, financial literacy, and strategies for driving company performance. Here are some key takeaways that I think you'll find intriguing:
Key Lessons and Ideas:
The Role of a CEO in Challenging Times:**
Karen steps into organizations during tough transitions, often uncovering hidden issues by listening for key phrases.
Financial Statements as a Business Health Indicator:**
Understanding financial statements is crucial. Karen starts by asking about labor costs and depreciation to gauge financial health.
She uses relatable examples, like a lemonade stand, to teach complex financial concepts.
Cash Flow Management and Debt Restructuring:**
"Cash is king." Karen focuses on liquidity and quick wins to optimize performance.
She warns against hasty cost-cutting, sharing a cautionary tale where excessive cuts led to dysfunction.
Boosting Sales Volume and Contract Management:**
Regularly review and renegotiate contracts to stay competitive.
Example: At Pepsi, Karen learned the importance of updating contracts to reflect market changes.
Building a Sustainable Business Legacy:**
Establish strong banking relationships and assess family aptitude for succession planning.
Curiosities and Strategies:
The Risks of Aggressive Cost-Cutting:**
Karen explains how aggressive cost-cutting can strip essential functions and skills, advocating for a balanced approach.
The Importance of P&L Management:**
Managing the profit and loss statement is critical for informed decision-making.
Karen emphasizes transparency and regular financial reviews to drive performance.
Educating Employees on Financial Impact:**
Monthly reviews with managers help them understand their roles' impact on the P&L, fostering accountability and performance.
Connect and Learn More:
Karen is passionate about helping businesses grow and scale. Connect with her on LinkedIn for more insights on transformational leadership and emerging trends, especially in AI.
I hope these highlights spark your curiosity and entice you to listen to the full episode. Karen's experiences and advice are invaluable for anyone navigating the complexities of business management and growth.
Stay curious and keep scouting for those deals!
P.S. Don't miss out on future episodes of "The Deal Scout." Subscribe now and stay ahead in the world of business and investment!
Next Steps
- Share your thoughts with a review - https://www.thedealscout.com/reviews/
- Let's connect on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
- Subscribe and Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQN_Y3nhDGClfMxCSBDjOg
Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Josh Wilson, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.
Josh Wilson is a licensed real estate broker and an investment banker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.
KAREN L DEMICHELIS
Strategic C-Suite Leader | Integrator of Innovation | Leadership Architect | Expert Storyteller
Karen Demichelis is seasoned C-Suite executive with a diversified career history of developing global financial and business strategies that enable high performance. She is experienced in all aspects of finance and strategy, including P&L management, corporate finance, management accounting, cash flow oversight, mergers and acquisitions, financial planning, and forensic auditing. Karen has worked in businesses ranging from $50M to $1.2B in revenue across a variety of capital structures in food, beverage, and equipment manufacturing, wholesalers, oil & gas and agribusiness. A poised, adaptable, and forward-thinking leader, she leverages technology-driven and generative Al solutions for efficiency, cost savings, progress, and differentiation. She has a track record of creating a progressive and transformative working culture by educating, upskilling, and engaging cross-functional teams in the adoption of emerging technologies.
Karen is a respected expert, encouraging mentor, and hands-on trainer in her space and serves as an adjunct professor for University of Arizona's School of Business (global campus, remote) and University of Phoenix's School of Business (remote) undergraduate and graduate courses with focus on Accounting, Finance, and Management Accounting. In 2024, she was recognized as a Linkedln Top Voice for influential thought leadership across management accounting and business analysis topics.
Karen is currently seeking her next C-Suite opportunity in the areas of CPG, oil & gas, fintech, and agtech.