This episode is part of FEI’s Icons series and supports the virtual replay of the ICONS: Leaders in Finance event on April 22, 2026. Learn more and register here:
https://www.financialexecutives.org/icons2026-virtual

Special Guest: Dana Bober.

In this compelling episode, Heather Cole, Executive Coach and Business Analytics Advisor at Lodestar Solutions, interviews Judy Wright, CFO of BTM Global Consulting, LLC, FEI Board Member, and incoming 2026 President of FEI Twin Cities.

Judy’s journey is anything but conventional. Early in her career, she quit her job to test her resilience—borrowing inventory from her father and becoming a street vendor in China. Carrying merchandise by bus, negotiating for market space, and building a wholesale network from scratch, she proved to herself that she could survive—and thrive—under pressure.

Today, she brings that same entrepreneurial instinct and composure to the CFO role at a global IT consulting firm.

In this episode, Judy shares:

• Why being an “Icon” means paying it forward and mentoring the next generation of financial leaders
• The real ROI of networking—and why waiting until you need a job is too late
• Why finance professionals must develop emotional intelligence to lead effectively
• How to stay calm when everyone else is panicking (“If finance loses its cool, everyone does.”)
• The foundational skills future finance professionals must build in an AI-driven world
• The power of slowing down, finding purpose, and leading with intention

Judy speaks openly about mentorship, faith, service, and the importance of personal development beyond the day job. Her message is clear: careers are built not just on technical skill, but on resilience, relationships, and the courage to lead with heart.

This conversation is a must-listen for financial leaders who want to elevate their impact—professionally and personally.

Special Guest: Judy Wright.

In this special ICONS: Leaders in Finance edition of the FEI Podcast, Heather Cole – Executive Coach and Business Analytics Advisor at Lodestar Solutions – interviews Amber Kinney, Chief Financial Officer of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Amber’s career path is anything but traditional. From a background in the performing arts to executive leadership in nonprofit organizations with life-saving missions — including Mothers Against Drunk Driving — Amber shares how conscious career choices, grit, and faith shaped her leadership journey.

In this conversation, Amber and Heather dive into:

• Taking bold career leaps even when you feel “in over your head”
• Reframing imposter syndrome as a growth signal
• The power of networking, mentoring, and asking for help
• Leading with purpose in nonprofit and healthcare organizations
• Silencing negative voices and protecting your confidence
• The importance of balance, self-care, and resilience in high-impact roles

This episode kicks off a series spotlighting past speakers from Financial Executives International’s ICONS: Leaders in Finance event, designed to inspire finance leaders and build momentum toward ICONS 2026, taking place on March 25, 2026 at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, CA and virtually on April 22, 2026.

Learn more at www.financialexecutives.org/icons2026.

Special Guest: Amber Kinney.