Beyond Spreadsheets: The Science, Art, and Soul of the CFO Role

This article is a guest post by Stacey Ryan-Cornelius, Global Chief Financial Officer of Ogilvy. The views expressed are solely those of the author.

In the creative industry, financial leaders are often seen as obstacles—accountants skilled with numbers, guardians of budgets, or the storm of reality that shatters creative fantasies. Perhaps it's because I didn't follow the traditional CFO career path, or perhaps it's because I embrace being different, but my actual role is far from that stereotype.

Of course, every good CFO knows that numbers must hold up to scrutiny. However, my experience in the creative industry shows that effective financial leadership requires not only analytical rigor, but also a subtle blend of science, art, and soul. Here are the valuable leadership lessons I've learned from these three elements.

Science: Seeing humanity in the balance sheet

I am by no means the only one who views financial leadership as a science. After all, our work is rooted in concrete outcomes and key performance indicators, guiding overall performance with measurable results. But science goes beyond that, because in my view, numbers tell nuanced stories.

As the CFO of a company serving major global clients, I bear the responsibility of safeguarding the financial health of over 10,000 employees and thousands of clients who depend on our stability. To fulfill this role effectively, I must go beyond technical skills to understand human behavior—the clues that reveal morale, anxiety, doubt, vulnerability, motivation, and more.

My growing interest in behavioral science (inspired by Ogilvy's leading practices in this field) has deepened my belief that being an effective financial leader hinges on understanding the 'why' behind people's actions. This perspective helps me evaluate business cases in a balanced way. When making decisions based on numbers, my team also considers hidden agendas, underestimated timelines, costs, and unforeseen complexities.

Ultimately, our work is a deeply human endeavor that requires more than just a good grasp of numbers. A large part of my role is bringing people along. When the company makes investments, my job is not only to build the financial case, but also the emotional one. Building relationships, having honest conversations at a human level, and ensuring we align with the right business goals allows us to solve problems more clearly and communicate decisions transparently.

While it's impossible to please everyone, truly listening and considering diverse perspectives helps uncover common goals and drive collective success. Even if not everyone gets exactly what they want, it fosters belief in the vision—which is more valuable than any line item on a balance sheet.

Art: Infusing vision and belief into shared goals

Art is highly personal, whether in creation or interpretation. Each piece reflects the creator's imagination, drive, and emotions, making every artistic expression unique. Just as every artwork is unique, so too is each of our leadership styles. I've learned that there is no single right path.

With this in mind, I realized that embracing the artistry in my role has had a tangible impact on the business, most notably in client partnerships.

Ogilvy serves some of the world's largest brands, and when clients are that large, financial leadership must go beyond traditional finance. To ensure relationships are truly valuable, I focus on the products we create for them and how it drives their growth. By immersing myself in the process—collaborating with internal teams and client stakeholders to shape the business positioning alongside the creative—I gain a deeper understanding of client needs. As a result, when it comes time to align on financial decisions, we are already in sync.

My experience in both my own business and our clients' businesses reinforces a view shared by many artists: not everyone sees things the way you do. But true leadership, like great art, requires conviction. Over time, I've learned to stand firm on vision while embracing feedback, engaging in difficult discussions with an open mind, and focusing on the shared goals that drive progress.

Soul: Embracing self-affirmation in service of a greater mission

Most importantly, I believe the greatest asset I bring to my work is my soul—my whole self. One of my mottos is: 'No one in this world can be me.' This doesn't mean I'm the best, but rather that my self-belief supports me in staying confident during difficult decisions, even when others may not immediately see the vision.

As a Black woman, I know I am in the minority in this role. My uniqueness is a strength, but it also means navigating challenges others don't face and proving myself in different ways. Such inequalities are unacceptable, yet they are the reality for many.

Perhaps that's why I've struggled with impostor syndrome—that lingering feeling of 'I don't belong here.' Over time, I've learned to counter it through self-affirmation rather than seeking validation from others. This includes repeating the phrase 'I know the truth' to myself, which helps me stay grounded when I waver. In fact, I have a plaque with this phrase in my office as a constant reminder. Additionally, I try to keep a weekly journal of 'what went well'—these are key methods for managing self-doubt.

This shift has made me stronger and ultimately a better leader, which is crucial because I don't view my role merely as a financial responsibility, but as an emotional and personal one. By using my soul as a source of strength, I help set an example for people from any background, at any level, proving that difference is not a barrier but an opportunity.

Reflecting on the science, art, and soul of financial leadership in today's world, I can see how each has become central to my leadership philosophy—and in turn, my ability to drive impact on multiple levels. Finance, like any field, may have established archetypes and adages, but that doesn't mean they are the only path. By going beyond the traditional boundaries of the discipline, I've learned that financial success lies not only in sustainable growth and lasting impact, but also in fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and genuine human connection.