Business Agility in Finance: How CFOs Can Thrive in Volatility and Uncertainty

Business agility has become a defining capability for organizations operating in today’s environment of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). But while many companies focus on operational flexibility or technology investments, fewer understand the critical role finance plays in enabling true agility across the business.In this episode of The CFO Show, Melissa Howatson speaks with Mitch Max, founder of BetterVu and Executive in Residence for the Association of Financial Professionals, about what separates organizations that survive from those that thrive during disruption. Drawing on research and decades of experience in enterprise performance management, Mitch shares how agility is less about tools and more about culture, decision-making, and embedded finance leadership.Together, they explore:The difference between finance agility and true business agilityWhy only a small percentage of companies outperform during volatilityThe “sense, decide, act” model for faster, more effective decision-makingHow finance teams act as early warning systems and strategic partnersThe role of EPM systems in enabling real-time planning and collaborationHow to manage data overload and focus on actionable insightsWhere AI is delivering value today, from automation to advanced analyticsWhether navigating economic uncertainty, implementing new planning systems, or redefining the role of finance, this conversation offers practical guidance for CFOs and finance leaders looking to build more agile, resilient organizations.