THE TRANSFORMATIONAL CFO
A podcast series designed for finance executives navigating complex growth and change. Join co-founders Landen Williams and Jon Marston as they delve into the latest industry trends with influential finance leaders.
Our Latest Episode
THE TRANSFORMATIONAL CFO SERIES
View all episodes on Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music.
Episode 1 – Matt McLaughlin, CFO of HealthEdge
Matt McLaughlin, a healthcare technology CFO, discusses leading from the CFO seat – navigating complex transactions, integrations, and preparing businesses to scale.
Episode 2 – Brett Kaplan, COO of Climb Bio
Brett Kaplan, COO of Climb Bio, shares lessons learned from leading through industry shifts and the importance of aligning finance and strategy for long term success.
Episode 3 – Melanie Payne, CFO & CBO of Syniti
Melanie Payne, CFO and CBO of Syniti, discusses how finance leaders drive digital transformation, including the role of data and AI in modern financial strategy and the value of building a resilient, agile finance team.
Episode 4 – Patrick Hayes, Founder & CEO of Mukala Partners
What truly sets top CFOs apart in the world of private equity? In this episode, Patrick Hayes, Founder and CEO of Mukala Partners, says it’s not technical skills – it’s influence.
Episode 5 – Brian Shortsleeve, Founder of M33 Growth
Drawing from his experience in the Marine Corps, public service, and private equity, Brian shares straightforward advice on building strong finance teams, leveling up CFOs, and helping founder-led companies clear operational hurdles.
Episode 6 – Alison Connors, CFO Third Rock Ventures
In this episode, Alison discusses her journey to the CFO seat and the inspiration she gains from seeing the direct impact venture capital has on the lives of patients and their families.
Episode 7 – Richard Puccio, EVP & CFO of Analog Devices
Richard Puccio, EVP and CFO of Analog Devices and former CFO of Amazon Web Services, shares how his years at PwC prepared him for the breadth and complexity of CFO leadership—navigating volatility in the global economy, how finance teams can increase speed and insight, and the importance of listening slowly in a fast-moving world.
Episode 8 – Ed Breen, Executive Chairman of DuPont
In this episode, Ed Breen, Executive Chairman of DuPont, shares lessons from leading some of the most high-profile transformations in modern corporate history, from his turnaround at Tyco to architecting the DowDuPont merger. Ed also reflects on the evolving CEO–CFO partnership and why strategic risk-taking often creates the greatest opportunities for growth.
Episode 9 – Jim Kroeker, Former Vice Chairman – FASB & Former Chief Accountant – SEC
In this episode, WilliamsMarston Strategic Advisory Board Member Jim Kroeker draws on his unique experience in both policy and practice to discuss today’s evolving SEC and FASB priorities and the interplay between regulation and innovation.
Episode 10 – Steve Howe, Retired EY Chairman & Managing Partner
In this episode, Steve shares insights on leading through times of crisis, navigating evolving regulatory and market pressures, and why trust, clear communication, and disciplined execution remain the foundation of effective leadership in professional services.
Episode 11 – Jim Campbell, Former CAO and Corporate Controller – Google & WM Strategic Advisory Board Member
In this episode, Jim shares lessons from decades of leading through disruption, reinforcing that change is the only constant. The conversation explores ERP transformation, the evolving impact of AI on the CFO and controller role, and the leadership mindset required to stay ahead in an era of continuous change.
LEARN ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOSTS
Co-founders Landen Williams and Jon Marston interview influential finance leaders who share their experience driving transformation and navigating critical periods of growth and change.
Landen C. Williams
Co-Founder & Co-Chairman
As Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Landen Williams shapes the strategic direction of WilliamsMarston. Since founding the firm, he has established himself as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives of public companies, guiding them through their complex financial transformations.
Prior to WilliamsMarston, Landen was a Managing Director in the Accounting Advisory Services practice at KPMG LLP, where he counseled Fortune 100 companies on the accounting and reporting implications for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, restatements, revenue recognition, and other transactions.
Previously, Landen was a Managing Director at FTI Consulting, Inc., advising distressed companies on restructuring strategies, liquidity management, and cash flow modeling. He began his career in the Audit and Advisory practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, rising to the level of Manager, where he worked with large SEC registrants in the technology, software, and life sciences sectors.
Landen brings broad industry expertise spanning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, software, technology, telecommunications, manufacturing, and financial services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston College, with concentrations in Accounting and Finance.
Jonathan T. Marston
Co-Founder & Co-Chairman
As Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Jon Marston shapes the strategic direction of WilliamsMarston while maintaining a hands-on approach to client service. His expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, finance effectiveness and process improvement.
In addition to driving value-added outcomes for many of the Firm’s private equity clients, Jon routinely advises the C-suite and investors at large private equity firms, private equity-backed companies, and public companies with revenues ranging from $200M to $10B.
Prior to founding WilliamsMarston, Jon was a Director in PwC’s Transaction Services Advisory practice, where he provided due diligence and related services on M&A transactions from $5M to over $20B.
Throughout his career, Jon has worked with SEC registrants, foreign public companies, private companies, private equity, and VC firms, advising on US GAAP, IFRS, SEC reporting, IPOs, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and other complex financial matters. His industry experience spans software, technology, telecommunications, healthcare, industrial products, and consumer retail across the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Boston College.
BRING US YOUR CHALLENGES
Gain the insight to drive transformational outcomes. WilliamsMarston’s accounting, tax, technology, transaction and valuation advisory services will help you navigate your most complex challenges and see you through to success.
