What do you do?

Fundamentally, my role breaks down into being either a problem solver or second-guessing issues my clients are likely to face as they scale their high growth businesses. I act as a tax soundboard for either VC or PE-backed businesses in relation to raising finance, scaling overseas operations, R&D tax credits, implementing share option and remuneration policies, shareholder considerations and buying and selling businesses to generate growth. I take a holistic view of a business and work with the key stakeholders to mitigate risk and drive value for the shareholders on future fundraise/liquidity events.  

Why do you do it?

One of my clients once said that working as a CFO in a high growth company is like being in a constant state of chaos, never knowing what is around the corner and what to anticipate next! My role is to bring some sense of calmness to the chaos. I have worked with high growth businesses for over 15 years, so I have either supported with issues that keep people up at night, or I can second guess when they are likely to appear around the corner and assist before they become an issue. I do this job partly because I like to be involved in the chaos but also because I like to fix problems and work alongside brilliant people in brilliant businesses. 

What kind of projects have you been involved in?

High growth businesses, by their nature, constantly have a multitude of ongoing projects which are driven towards fundraising or liquidity events.  I am constantly working on projects that support businesses gear up for future events by assisting to mitigate risk and maximizing value for stakeholders/shareholders or alternatively support businesses as they are going through either a fundraise, sale process or IPO.

What’s on top of your bucket list?

I have been fortunate enough to have travelled so much of the world, experiencing so many different cultures and trekking/diving/climbing across so many different climates and terrains.  I will never get bored of throwing on a backpack and searching for the next pristine beach, the perfect view across the mountains or diving down to experiencing another world.