As a CEO, who can you turn to for objective advice? Some sensitive business issues are not appropriate for employees, family members or outsiders. An experienced CFO has probably seen these situations before.

Your CFO knows you, your goals and the business inside out. Rarely does your CFO have an agenda different from yours. Most CFOs are not angling for your job or protecting territory.

Someone suggested I’m similar to a consigliere.

Borrowing generously from Wikipedia: “The consigliere is an adviser or counselor to the boss. The position is equal in prestige to the company’s vice presidents, but not nearly as well understood. The consigliere is a close, trusted friend and confidant, a version of an elder statesman. He dispenses disinterested advice.”

I’ve filled that role many times helping CEOs think through some tough decisions.