THE FINANCE CHIEF INTERVIEW
WHEN
WE TALK ABOUT THE EARLY BETS OF TECHNOLOGY, you think of the likes of Peter Thiel, Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. Having a knack for investing in tech is a somewhat hidden talent, one which for those three, has been the foundation for a career.
For Barbara Larson, CFO of Workiva, it was actually a skill realised in retrospect. Starting a career in finance with a typical degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Arizona, Barbara took the plunge to move a few years later to the Bay Area in San Francisco. Known better to some as Silicon Valley, California is a notable tech hub, home to giants such as Meta, Apple and Google.
It was completely outside my lane as a finance executive, and it made me a much better one
Barbara Jason Larson Desentz Chief Chief Financial HR Officer Workiva Toshiba Americas
When Barbara moved to the area, she reminisces that“ this was a time when enterprise technology was really taking off. I wanted to be closer to where that was happening. That move ended up defining my career”.
Barbara’ s career spans just over two decades as she gracefully ascends the leadership ladder. She was part of the senior financial leadership team at Symantec, in addition to TIBCO Software and then VMware.
Barbara notes that“ early in my career, a CFO gave me advice that stuck with me:‘ Put as many tools in your toolbox as possible.’
“ It sounds simple, but it shaped a career choice I made at Workday that I might not have had the confidence to pursue otherwise. I took a two-year rotation as General Manager for Financial Management, leading product strategy, management and development. It was completely outside my lane as a finance executive, and it made me a much better one.”
Spending almost a decade at Workday, Barbara ultimately ended up as CFO before she left for Workiva. Her advice rings true by her lived experience:“ Follow your curiosity and embrace the detours. The rotations, the stretch assignments, the roles that feel uncomfortable are what ultimately prepare you to lead. You’ ve got your whole career to climb up the ranks. Use the early years to fill your toolbox.”
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