A Review of Personal Accountability to Continue Your Pathway Towards Success

04/01/25 • 16 min

Bonus episode #89: A powerful accountability framework can be the difference between another year of unfulfilled potential and remarkable achievement in your finance career. Whether you're aiming for the CFO chair or seeking to level up your leadership skills, this episode unveils the three critical components of a personal accountability strategy that actually works.
We begin by examining the mindset shift required for genuine accountability. As finance professionals, we're excellent at holding others accountable through metrics and performance reviews, but often struggle with personal accountability. I explore why 99% of failures stem from excuse-making and how developing a no-quit attitude creates the persistence needed to overcome inevitable obstacles.
Beyond mindset, effective accountability requires a structured methodology. The SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) provides the architectural blueprint for transforming vague aspirations into concrete achievements. But even the best-designed goals require tactical implementation tools—the practical mechanisms that keep you on track daily. I share my personal accountability toolkit, including written plans, calendar systems, accountability partnerships, and environmental cues that have helped me consistently achieve my professional objectives.

Please connect with me on:
1. Instagram: stephen.mclain
2. Twitter: smclainiii
3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant
4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiii
For more resources, please visit Finance Leader Academy: financeleaderacademy.com.

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Outdated Processes: The Silent Killer of Company Growth

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Bonus episode #88: Your internal business processes are either empowering your team or quietly sabotaging your organization's success. As finance leaders, we must ensure our systems add value rather than create obstacles to growth and profitability.
Monthly close procedures provide a perfect example of process challenges. While the goal remains consistent across organizations—producing accurate financial statements and comprehensive business performance snapshots—execution varies dramatically. Many finance teams struggle with inefficient sequences, excessive approval layers, and outdated methodologies that transform what should be a streamlined operation into a dreaded monthly ordeal. The growing interest in "day zero close" reflects this widespread frustration with traditional approaches.

Episode outline:

Do your processes cause frustration?
Are your senior leaders receiving what they need?
Do your processes encourage long-term growth?
Are you reviewing your processes?

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Challenging Your Thought Process

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Bonus episode #90: Mindset forms the bedrock of effective leadership. The way we think shapes our decisions, influences how we solve problems, and determines the trajectory of our professional journey. But how often do we examine our own thought processes?
In this bonus episode, I explore the critical connection between mindset and leadership effectiveness. Your thought patterns affect everything—from how you allocate resources and prioritize tasks to how you motivate yourself and others during challenging times. I share three powerful strategies to challenge and improve your thought processes: paying attention to your thoughts (are they predominantly positive or negative?), breaking free from comfortable routines that stifle innovation, and rededicating yourself to authentic leadership. When was the last time you or your team generated fresh ideas or improved a process? If you can't remember, you might be trapped in complacency.
The most successful finance leaders consistently challenge their thinking patterns, embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth, and execute their leadership vision with renewed purpose. This mindset-focused approach doesn't just transform how you lead—it revolutionizes the results you achieve and the impact you have on others. Are you ready to elevate your leadership by transforming how you think?

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The Finance Leader Podcast - A Review of Personal Accountability to Continue Your Pathway Towards Success

Transcript

Stephen McLain00:00:00.540

Hi. This is Stephen McLain of the finance leader podcast. This is bonus episode number 89 I am back with another bonus episode this week. I have one more to share next week before I am back to sharing my usual episodes. I am working on a few things right now that will be very special to this community. And I am also interviewing a few special guests, so I can't wait to share those episodes and an update on my special projects. Now this week,