#12: How to Lead a Public Company Through a Strategic and Operational Reset with Joseph Sanborn, CFO of EverQuote

In this episode, Dan speaks with Joseph Sanborn, CFO of EverQuote, about leading a public company through a full strategic and operational reset. Joseph shares how EverQuote navigated a severe industry downturn, exited non-core initiatives, refocused on its data and technology strengths, and rebuilt discipline around cash flow, profitability, and decision-making.Drawing on his background in investment banking, corporate strategy, and M&A, Joseph explains how CFOs build credibility during uncertainty, why clarity beats optimism with investors, and how aligning teams around fundamentals ultimately drove a significant recovery in shareholder value. This episode is a practical look at what modern CFO leadership really looks like when conditions turn.Key Takeaways:How CFOs lead a reset during a downturn by simplifying strategy and doubling down on core strengths.Why credibility with investors matters more than optimism when navigating public market pressure.How aligning teams around cash flow and profitability changes behaviour across the organisation.Why the CFO’s real leverage is decision-making, not reporting, especially in volatile markets.Subscribe to the Next Exit podcast.Check out Dan’s Private Equity-Grade Forecasting software, Kluster, here: https://www.kluster.com/Send podcast guest pitches to: [email protected] out Dan’s Private Equity-Grade Forecasting software, Kluster, here: https://www.kluster.com/Send podcast guest pitches to: [email protected]