In this episode, I sit down with Dan DeGolier, CEO of Ascent CFO Solutions, to explore why Hiring Right is truly everything when building a thriving business. Ascent CFO Solutions, ranked No. 2813 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, has scaled successfully by being relentless about recruiting talent who align with both competence and culture. Dan shares how Hiring Right impacts every level of the organization—from financial strategy to team engagement—and why one mis-hire can hinder progress. You’ll gain practical guidance on how to interview, vet, and onboard team members who can elevate your company’s performance. Tune in to learn how making time for Hiring Right now can save time, money, and frustration later.
- Introduction to Hiring Insights
- The Importance of Communication Skills
- Testing Technical Skills
- Learning from Hiring Mistakes
- The Realities of Job Expectations
- Leadership Principles for Growth
Mastering the Art of Hiring for High-Growth Consulting Success
The interview features Dan DeGolier, founder of Ascent CFO Solutions, a fractional CFO firm based in Boulder and Denver, Colorado. The conversation centers around the critical role of hiring in the growth of businesses, particularly in professional services where the quality of personnel directly impacts the company’s reputation and ecosystem. Ascent CFO Solutions employs a team of skilled professionals who provide financial guidance and strategic assistance to high-growth companies, emphasizing the importance of hiring individuals who excel not just in technical skills but also in communication and adaptability. Dan DeGolier explains that successful consultants must thrive in chaotic environments, as their team members juggle multiple clients at once, typically between four and seven. This requirement calls for strong communicators who can set and manage expectations while consistently delivering outstanding results. The interview highlights the importance of under-promising and over-delivering, a principle that ensures both client satisfaction and project success. Dan DeGolier details how the hiring process at Ascent CFO Solutions includes rigorous questioning and meticulous diligence to find candidates who can handle the dynamic nature of consulting.
Hiring for the Unpredictable World of Fractional CFO Consulting
Gene Hammett, the host of Grow Think Tank, probes further into the unique attributes necessary for candidates to thrive in such an environment. Dan DeGolier underscores that it’s crucial to hire not only for technical skills but also for the temperament needed to manage multiple projects and client relationships effectively. He shares insights about the interview techniques used, including questions that reveal a candidate’s self-awareness and understanding of their strengths, exemplified by asking potential hires about their “superpower.” Throughout the discussion, Dan DeGolier reflects on his own journey in establishing the firm and the lessons learned from previous hiring mistakes, emphasizing how valuable it has been to identify what truly makes a great fractional CFO. He acknowledges that many candidates, despite possessing the right experience and qualifications, may not be suited for consulting roles due to the unpredictable nature of the work. This recognition has led to more in-depth assessments during the hiring process.
Raising the Bar: Strategic Hiring and AI in Fractional CFO Services
The conversation also touches upon the importance of technical skills assessments for accounting positions, where candidates are required to complete accounting and Excel tests to gauge their proficiency. For CFO roles, the focus shifts toward understanding candidates’ previous experiences, particularly in strategic roles, fundraising, and exits. Dan DeGolier reinforces that the caliber of hires directly correlates with the company’s ability to deliver on its promises, underscoring the stakes involved in the hiring process. Gene Hammett and Dan DeGolier also explore the integration of AI technologies in the consulting and financial services landscape. Dan DeGolier acknowledges that while they are experimenting with AI solutions for research and project management, there is much still to be developed in the accounting software space.
Building Resilient Consulting Teams Through Integrity-Driven Hiring
Towards the end of the interview, Dan DeGolier emphasizes that integrity and strong communication are the cornerstones of effective leadership in a consulting environment. He articulates that businesses in the professional services space are inherently reliant on their people, making hiring the right candidates paramount. Dan DeGolier’s insights provide not just a framework for hiring effectively but also a deeper understanding of how to build a resilient and responsive consulting firm that can adapt to the fast-paced demands of its clients. In conclusion, the discussion highlights the significance of a structured and thoughtful hiring process, particularly in industries where service delivery hinges on human talent. Dan DeGolier’s experiences serve as a guide for other leaders and organizations in navigating the complexities of recruiting the right individuals to drive growth and foster a strong culture.
