What 35 Years in Finance Taught Kelly’s CFO About Change

About This Episode

Career growth isn’t always a straight line, and sometimes the biggest leaps come from taking a step sideways.  

Troy Anderson, Chief Financial Officer at Kelly, shares the defining moments, pivotal decisions, and leadership lessons from his 35-year career spanning industries from telecom to education to talent solutions.  

He reflects on leading major turnarounds and public company transformations, navigating mergers and acquisitions, and building finance teams that act as trusted business partners. Troy also discusses how to communicate through change, the importance of listening before leading, and how AI is reshaping the role of today’s CFO.  

Discussed in This Episode:  

• The career pivots that shaped Troy’s path to CFO  
• How to lead transformation with conviction and clear communication  
• The power of listening and empathy in leadership  
• Balancing strategy with detail in a modern finance role  
• Preparing finance teams for AI and the next era of transformation  

Episode Resources:  

• 6 FP&A Interview Questions To Ask Your Candidates  
• AI in Finance: How Technology Is Shaping the Job Market  
• What Advice Would 6 Women in the C-Suite Give to Their Younger Selves?  
• How To Get on the Finance Leadership Track: 5 Pieces of Advice for Future CFOs  
• 13 Books Every CFO Should Read in 2025  
• Excelerate Finance Fest 2026   

Related Episodes:  

• The CFO as Compass: Navigating Turbulent Times with EY's Myles Corson  
• The Accounting Talent Crunch  
• Unlocking Excellence: Insights from Finance Leaders  
• Key Attributes of an A-Player Growth CFO  
• The Next Generation of Finance: Hiring and Retaining Young Talent