Key insights

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1. Interim Roles are "Golden Opportunities" for Growth.

Taking on a role like interim CFO allows a GC to move from being an advisor to a core operator. While terrifying at first, it provides a 360-degree view of the business—understanding cash flow, unit economics, and investor relations—that a traditional legal role rarely offers.

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2. Legal and Finance Share an Analytical DNA.

Vanessa notes that while the subject matter differs, the skills of a GC—problem-solving, risk assessment, and meticulous detail—translate effectively to finance. A GC doesn't need to be the best accountant in the room; they need to be the best strategic navigator of the information provided by the experts.

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3. Trust is Built Through Transparency.

Successfully stepping into a non-legal executive role requires being upfront about what you don't know. By positioning yourself as a supporter of the existing finance team rather than a "replacement," you earn the loyalty and insights needed to keep the department running smoothly during a search for a permanent hire.

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4. The GC as the Organization's Stabilizer.

In moments of executive turnover, the GC often serves as the "concience" and stabilizer of the C-suite. Stepping into the interim CFO seat demonstrates a commitment to the company's survival and growth that goes beyond the "legal box," cementing the GC's position as a true business partner.

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5. Detach via High-Fantasy and Fiction.

To sustain a "double day job," mental health is paramount. Vanessa advocates for reading fiction as far removed from reality as possible (e.g., wizards and fairies) to allow the brain to fully reset after a day of managing complex corporate fires.
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6. Closing insight

The leap from GC to interim CFO is less about numbers and more about your willingness to "relax into the journey" and solve problems that have no clear owner. By stepping into the void, you transition from the company's lawyer to its primary strategic navigator.