The role of the CFO has evolved dramatically in recent years asthe business landscape has become more dynamic, competitive, andcomplex. It's no longer enough for a CFO to focus on thetraditional responsibilities of protecting the financial securityof the firm and identifying ways to foster growth. Today, CFOs areexpected to play a broader and more strategic role by helping todefine and shape the future vision of their companies, particularlyas new technologies create opportunities to transform marketsectors in the blink of an eye. Central to this is the need forCFOs to serve as champions of organizational innovation.

This emphasis on technology innovation tends to be uncharteredterritory for many CFOs. The topic is, by nature, somewhat nebulousand hard to measure—which means it can feel contradictory to ourresponsibilities as financial stewards of the business. However,CFOs are naturally equipped to find an appropriate balance betweenpromoting innovation and making 'safe' financial decisions byensuring that investments are connected to outcomes and that theoutcomes are focused on growth and an improved clientexperience.