PC WORLD – Feb 20 - Jon Pedersen joined Snap Interactive late last year as its CFO.
Q: Where did you start in finance and what experiences led you to the job you have today?
A: I started my career as an accountant with Price Waterhouse. After two years with Price Waterhouse, I spent ten years in banking where the main lesson I learned is high-level financial professionals need to be skilled in both the technical accounting and broader finance aspects of the businesses they run.
Q: Who was an influential boss for you and what lessons did they teach you about management and leadership?
A: Steve Macri, whom I worked for at Warner Music Group. Over the six years we worked together, I learned a great deal about how to manage and lead large and diverse groups of people over multiple geographies.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing CFOs today?
A: Dealing with internal versus external priorities. Communication strategy is critical. In a complicated business environment, having a proper and coordinated IR / PR strategy is key to getting your message across.
Q: What is a good day at work like for you?
A: A good day for me is a busy day. I love to be in the mix, solving problems and adding value.
Q: How would you characterize your management style?
A: I'm focused more on results and less on process.
Q: What strengths and qualities do you look for in job candidates?
A: Smart, motivated people can learn what they need in order to be successful.
Q: What are some of your favorite interview questions?
A: I really want to know what's on their mind and why they are interested in a particular opportunity.
Q: What is it about your current job, at this particular company, that sets it apart from other chief finance positions?
A: I think that CFO jobs are each unique in their own way. You need to react to the situation that you are in, and work with senior management to build a plan that is accretive to both the organization and the shareholders.
Q: What do you do to unwind from a hectic day?
A: Spend time with my family, enjoy a great meal, or catch the UConn Huskies or the Green Bay Packers in action.
Q: If you weren't doing this job, what would you be doing?
A: I come from a long line of educators, and I've often thought about getting involved in higher education as my career winds down. A mix of teaching and philanthropy would probably keep me busy enough.
by Nancy Weil
See full article at PC World
See all posts on Snap Interactive