From Partnerships to Productivity: How Hitachi Digital Proves Soft Skills Still Win in Treasury’s AI Era

How do you lead a global treasury team, navigate tech-driven transformation, and still stay grounded in human connection?In this episode, Cathy Fields, VP Treasurer of Hitachi Digital, shares how her unconventional career path, people-first mindset, and deep-rooted love for forecasting helped her shape Treasury at one of the world’s leading digital companies.Cathy Fields is the VP Treasurer of Hitachi Digital. With over two decades of experience across credit, treasury, and corporate finance, Cathy shares her remarkable journey from exercise physiology to global finance, offering lessons in resilience, leadership, and the power of saying “yes.”Her approach to building strong teams, driving results, and leveraging soft skills in a tech-driven world is both inspiring and practical.This episode explores modern treasury leadership - from navigating AI and global banking to building empowered remote teams. Cathy shares career-shaping decisions, the value of mentorship, and why people skills matter as much as finance. Expect practical insights for treasury professionals at any stage.What We Cover in This Episode:Cathy’s surprising shift from exercise physiology to corporate treasuryHer philosophy of saying "yes" and embracing risk throughout her careerThe importance of early financial education and how STEM outreach fuels future talentHow Cathy built and leads a high-functioning, remote treasury teamThe evolving role of AI in treasury - what’s real vs. what’s hypeWhy soft skills and analytical thinking often outweigh technical experience in hiringHow to build productive and transparent banking relationshipsThe power of mentorship and networking in career developmentForecasting as a “simple math” passion and its role in treasury leadershipCathy’s approach to work-life balance and empowering parents in her teamYou can connect with Cathy Fields on LinkedIn.---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode!Subscribe on your favourite platform:CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify PodcastsCLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts🎓 Exclusive discount on CTP & FPAC – Visit our AFP partner page to find out how much you can save: https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/afp/💡 Earn CTP credits just by listening – Selected episodes of the Treasury Career Corner are AFP-accredited. Listen, take a short quiz, score 80% or more, and we'll send you your free certificate.🌍 EuroFinance International Treasury Management – September 16th-18th 2026, Barcelona – The world's largest treasury event. Save 10% with our exclusive discount code, visit here - https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/eurofinance/👉 Find out more about all our partners: https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/