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The Agency’s Sandy Knell Nominated for LABJ’s 2024 CFO of the Year Awards

by | Sep 25, 2024

We’re thrilled to announce that The Agency’s Chief Financial Officer Sandy Knell has been nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2024 CFO of the Year Awards. This recognition highlights Sandy’s remarkable contributions as a financial leader and her positive impact on our corporate environment. Congratulations, Sandy—we appreciate you!

“Sandy exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose,” says The Agency’s President, Rainy Hake Austin. “Her dedication, innovative spirit, and commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace have strengthened our financial foundation and inspired us all to approach our roles with care and confidence. She is so deserving of this recognition from the Los Angeles Business Journal.  Well done, Sandy!” 

In celebration of her nomination, we spoke with Sandy about her journey as a female leader in finance, the challenges she’s faced, her approach to work/life balance, and her vision for empowering future generations. 

What challenges did you face as a female CFO, and how did they shape your leadership style?

As the first female manager in the Grant Thornton San Jose office, I quickly understood the explicit and implicit biases women in the workforce faced. In the early years of my career, we had clients who informed our partners that they preferred not to have women overseeing their accounts. Fortunately, I had a supportive manager who championed my inclusion on those accounts, reinforcing my belief in the critical role of allies in overcoming institutional biases.

I strive to distinguish between what I can influence and what I must accept.
This perspective allows me to engage wholeheartedly in my work while prioritizing what truly matters.

Working with those clients actually helped to shape my leadership philosophy, by instilling a resilient spirit and a commitment to advocacy—not just for myself but for others facing similar hurdles. I learned that effective leadership thrives on collaboration; by surrounding myself with individuals who possess diverse skills and perspectives, I have created a strong team capable of navigating complex roadblocks together.

 

What strategies do you use to balance work and personal life, and how do you support your team in this?

Striking a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life has always been important to me, especially given my large, extended family and the early loss of my mother when I was 16. During her illness, she placed the serenity prayer on our kitchen wall for support. It serves as a guiding principle for me to this day: I strive to distinguish between what I can influence and what I must accept. This perspective allows me to engage wholeheartedly in my work while prioritizing what truly matters.

I envision a future where women occupy more leadership roles within
finance—not merely as symbols of progress but as influential decision-makers.

 

To support my team in achieving a similar balance, I advocate for open communication and flexibility. By fostering an environment of trust and understanding, I empower my team members to manage their personal commitments without sacrificing their professional contributions. A culture that values work-life integration ultimately enhances overall performance and morale.

 

What changes do you want to see for women in leadership roles in finance, and what can organizations do to help?

 

There is an inexcusable division between where we are and where we need to be with regard to the representation of woman CFOs in our companies. According to a 2023 study by Crist Kolder Associates, 18.5% of CFOs in the Fortune 500 and S&P 500 were women.

I envision a future where women occupy more leadership roles within finance—not merely as symbols of progress but as influential decision-makers. To facilitate this transformation, organizations should implement mentorship programs that connect emerging female leaders with seasoned professionals. Additionally, creating flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance can be especially beneficial for women managing both career and family responsibilities.

 

What advice do you have for women seeking leadership roles in finance?

My advice for anyone seeking leadership roles in finance is to embrace your unique perspective and strengths. Build a strong network of mentors and allies who can support you on your journey. Don’t shy away from taking calculated risks; they often lead to the greatest opportunities. Advocate for yourself—know your worth and be confident in your contributions. 

Finally, prioritize continuous learning and be open to feedback; the finance landscape is always evolving, and staying adaptable is key to long-term success. 

 

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