Case Study: Irina Went From “Checkbox Rejections” to a High-Impact Controller Role on the CFO Track
Irina is a senior finance leader with CFO ambitions who kept getting screened out by recruiters and lowballed despite a powerhouse background. She didn’t want a tiny-startup CFO title with equity-heavy comp—she wanted a real path to a substantial CFO seat.
Through my coaching and framework, she shifted from proving she matched job-posting checklists to leading with impact, forward capability, and value. She clarified her story, held firm on compensation, and targeted decision-makers who hire for what she can do next, not just what she’s already done.
Result: Irina accepted a Controller role at a $2B company, reporting to a CFO she respects, at the high end of the salary range—despite not having the “Controller” title previously and with limited industry experience. It’s the exact stepping stone she wanted: credibility, compensation, and direct learning from a strong CFO—a clear runway to a substantial CFO role next. The inner shift (confidence, language, strategy) also lifted the rest of her life—more calm, stronger relationships, and renewed momentum.
Major Quotes & Takeaways
Quotes
“I signed the offer last week—Controller at a $2B company—and it’s at the high end of the range.”
“Recruiters weren’t moving me forward because I didn’t ‘check all the boxes.’”
“I knew I had value—I just hadn’t formulated it. Your process validated what I suspected.”
“They didn’t even negotiate once. I held my number—and they met it.”
“They weren’t hiring a checklist; they were hiring for what I can do in the future.”
“This role lets me learn directly from a strong CFO and position for a real CFO seat next.”
“When career clicks into place, the whole life wheel improves—family, confidence, everything.”
Takeaways
Ditch the checklist trap. Recruiters optimize for past tasks; executives hire for future impact.
Lead with outcomes. Tell stories of what you change, not just duties—this unlocks senior decision-makers.
Price with conviction. When your value is positioned correctly, your number stands.
Choose the right stepping stone. A big-company Controller role under a strong CFO can be a faster path to CFO than a tiny-startup CFO title with weak comp.
Mindset → language → outcomes. Align belief and articulation, and closed doors open.
If you’re a senior finance leader stuck in recruiter filters, underwhelming offers, or startup-only CFO options, let’s reposition you as the obvious high-impact hire and target roles that create a real runway to CFO with the compensation and credibility you deserve.
Option 1: Leadership Presence
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Apply now for a Leadership Presence Audit Strategy Session and start making the powerful change that sets you apart.
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Option 2: Career Momentum & Offers
It’s time for your career breakthrough.
Book a Career Momentum Strategy Session today and let’s build the opportunities and offers that have been waiting for you.