From Center Stage to the Front Lines: CFO Leadership on a Life-Saving Mission

Nobody becomes an icon by staying comfortable. In this special ICONS: Leaders in Finance edition of the FEI Podcast, Heather Cole – Executive Coach and Business Analytics Advisor at Lodestar Solutions – interviews Amber Kinney, Chief Financial Officer of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Amber’s career path is anything but traditional. From a background in the performing arts to executive leadership in nonprofit organizations with life-saving missions — including Mothers Against Drunk Driving — Amber shares how conscious career choices, grit, and faith shaped her leadership journey. In this conversation, Amber and Heather dive into: Taking bold career leaps even when you feel “in over your head” Reframing imposter syndrome as a growth signal The power of networking, mentoring, and asking for help Leading with purpose in nonprofit and healthcare organizations Silencing negative voices and protecting your confidence The importance of balance, self-care, and resilience in high-impact roles This episode kicks off a series spotlighting past speakers from Financial Executives International’s ICONS: Leaders in Finance event, designed to inspire finance leaders and build momentum toward ICONS 2026, taking place on March 25, 2026 at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, CA and virtually on April 22, 2026. Learn more at www.financialexecutives.org/icons2026.Special Guest: Amber Kinney.