My Story and Core Values
My Story: My Why
My story is a journey of leadership, resilience, and reinvention that began in public accounting at Grant Thornton in South Africa, followed by CFO roles for some of Africa’s largest businesses in manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and music.
In 1999 I immigrated to the United States to become CFO of Jackson Marketing Group, where I helped lead a private equity–backed acquisition and subsequent sale to Maritz, contributing to one of four successful exits in my career (three post‑1999).
A divorce and my role as primary caregiver to three children, including a special‑needs eldest, prompted a pivot from traditional C‑suite roles into outsourced (fractional) CFO work, giving me the flexibility to support both clients and family.
After an early chapter with B2B CFO, I founded Business CFO for Hire to bring decades of hands‑on CFO and M&A experience to owners who need a seasoned partner to navigate complexity, drive value, and prepare for meaningful exits.
In May 1999, I immigrated to the United States, stepping into a new chapter of life filled with both opportunity and challenge. This move followed a dynamic and richly varied career in Africa, where I had built a strong foundation as a financial and operational leader across multiple industries. My story is one of professional growth, personal resilience, and ultimately, reinvention – navigating complex transitions while staying true to my commitment as a parent and a business leader.
Before arriving in the U.S., I served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for some of Africa’s largest and most influential companies:
- My career began at Grant Thornton South Africa, where I spent seven years specializing in auditing and taxation, the foundational skills that informed my entire career.
- I was the CFO of the continent’s largest vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor, operating multi-location wholesale and retail facilities and handling imports and exports across Africa. Now a wholly owned subsidiary of Trodat GmbH, a globally recognized group headquartered in Austria specializing in stamping and laser technology.
- Prior to that, I held the CFO position at Metcash Subsidiary – Metro Zaire, Africa’s largest wholesale food distributor, where I pioneered the creation of the company’s International Division in Zaire. This ground-up venture spanned operations, logistics, construction, foreign exchange and financial management, demanding hands-on leadership to establish a robust, scalable division in a challenging hyperinflation environment.
- Additionally, I served as CFO for the largest private label music and entertainment company, managing financial strategy in a highly competitive and fast-moving sector. (music Industry)
In 1999, I joined the Jackson Marketing Group as CFO. Under my financial leadership, the company underwent an important private equity-backed acquisition and was subsequently sold to Maritz. The deal was followed by a two-year management agreement, which was renewed for an additional two years. This transition marked a significant professional milestone within the US market.
However, life soon presented new challenges. Following a difficult divorce, I found myself as the primary caregiver for three children aged 3, 12, and 15; with the added responsibility of supporting my eldest child who has special needs. This personal turning point required me to completely rethink my career and lifestyle to ensure I could be there for my family while maintaining my professional momentum.
Recognizing that traditional corporate roles would no longer fit my new family situation, I pivoted to become an Outsourced CFO – known today as Fractional. A role that gave me the flexibility to serve multiple clients, support growing companies with expert financial guidance outside the limits of full-time corporate life, and, above all, be present for my greatest achievement – my children.
I began by joining B2B CFO, a platform that connects businesses with fractional CFO services, where I gained valuable experience in this emerging model. After 18 months, I founded my own firm, Business CFO for Hire, which I continue to lead today as the longest-serving Fractional CFO in the Greater Atlanta market. Through this venture, I leverage decades of CFO experience to advise companies on financial strategy, operations, and growth, all while balancing the demands and rewards of being a devoted parent.
I measure success first and foremost by the kind of people my children have become. However, let’s be honest – you’re not reading this to learn about my family.
From a professional standpoint, my successes are reflected in the companies I’ve helped grow, the value I’ve unlocked through multiple exits, and the leaders and teams I’ve supported along the way.
- In 1999, I exited a vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor with multi-location wholesale and retail operations and active import–export channels, demonstrating my ability to synchronize complex supply chains with commercial strategy.
- In 2002, I helped grow and exit one of the top regional event management companies, sharpening my expertise in service-based, relationship-driven businesses.
- In 2021, I completed the exit of the largest regional costume company serving the film industry,
- In 2023, I exited an executive national franchise networking business holding four franchises, showcasing my capability to scale, professionalize, and monetize multi-unit, franchised operations.
Our Core Values
Responsibility
Always striving to elevate ourselves, our teams, and our clients
Collaboration
Fostering flexibility, positivity, and a service-first mindset in every interaction
Innovation
Leveraging data to design smart, sustainable solutions for long-term success
Mindfulness
Fostering empathy, respect, and compassion toward ourselves, our clients and others
Integrity
Cultivating lasting partnerships through trust, transparency, and accountability
Customer Centric
Empowering businesses with data-driven insights, enabling informed decisions, and building one partnership at a time, nurturing sustainable growth and financial well-being with care and dedication
Does this align with what you’re seeking in a partner — someone experienced, tenured, and committed to always doing what’s right? With over 18 years in the fractional CFO space, I bring proven expertise and unwavering integrity to every engagement. Interested in partnering for growth and success? Let’s connect now!
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