The path to a C-suite role is rarely straightforward, but the wisdom of those who have navigated it can light the way. In this article, three accomplished finance leaders share their core values, decision-making approaches, and pivotal lessons that have shaped their careers. They emphasize that modern leadership favors empathy, openness, and care over a command-and-control style, and that balancing personal and professional lives is essential for true success.
Caroline Spencer FCPA
Auditor General for Western Australia and chair of the State Records Commission / Former founding partner, Vista Advisory
Which leadership traits do you believe are indispensable? Self-awareness, resilience, sound judgement, decisiveness, and an openness to consult with colleagues and be accountable. The ability to drop the ego and laugh at ourselves is crucial too.
Can you describe a pivotal decision that significantly shaped your organisation’s culture or success? During COVID-19, I emphasized serving the public interest, making it an explicit value. We issued early guidance on governance and provided rapid assurance on health-system preparedness, which served the public sector and community well.
How do you stay ahead of emerging trends and new technologies? Endless curiosity, reading widely, and engaging with a diverse network. Recognize that tools change, but human nature remains constant.
How do you identify top talent? Look for attitude, aptitude, and alignment of values. If in doubt, keep the seat vacant. Use probationary periods or secondments to "try before you buy."
What single piece of advice would you give aspiring executives? Know thyself. Understand your values to know what you will stand for.
Melisa Hendrawati CPA
CFO, Superbank / Former head of credit risk and COO, DBS Bank Indonesia
Can you tell us about a formative leadership experience? My first role taught me that leadership is about empowerment, not control. It's about unlocking the collective power of people and building a resilient "super team."
What core philosophies have influenced your leadership approach? A growth mindset—believing intelligence can be developed through hard work. Challenges are staircases to the next level.
How do you perform your role effectively while coping with highly stressful corporate environments? Embrace "good stress" by finding fulfillment in the impact I create. Focusing on our mission to serve the underbanked recharges my energy.
Can you describe a pivotal decision that significantly shaped your organisation’s culture or success? Making our mission to accelerate financial inclusion the core of our strategy. This unified our team and guided every decision.
How do you identify the best talent when recruiting? Seek individuals with a founder’s mentality—drive, passion, ownership, and a high adversity quotient to bounce back from setbacks.
What advice would you give aspiring executives? Cultivate a growth mindset and embrace continuous learning. Build a strong network and find your "why"—a purpose bigger than yourself.
Wayne Stokes FCPA
Non-executive director, Port Authority of New South Wales and City West Housing / Former CFO and senior vice-president of business development Asia, Carnival Corporation Australia
What core values or traits have most influenced your leadership approach? Openness, curiosity, and care. Openness builds trust, curiosity helps guard the business, and care balances firmness with fairness.
How do you perform your role effectively while coping with highly stressful corporate environments? Balance professional focus, personal relationships, and health. Treat feedback as a gift and don't take it to heart.
What advice do you have regarding staying ahead of emerging trends and new technologies? Find time for professional development and join industry committees to connect with thought leaders.
How do you convey challenging feedback to an employee without damaging morale? Build rapport and trust first through one-to-ones. Then, feedback will be received with more openness.
What mentors have influenced you? Albert Aiello and Ann Sherry helped improve my thought processes and encouraged me to champion my skill set.
Do you have any other advice you’d like to share? Be your authentic self, be astute in interactions, and bring care and ethics to the table.
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