CFO Focus launches monthly series on recurring finance decisions

CFO Focus is launching a new monthly digital series that starts June 24 with a live Zoom roundtable on rent checks, leasing strategy and real estate decisions for CFOs. The first episode features Salt & Straw CFO Karissa Aleskus, and July’s follow-up will shift to payroll, compensation and talent investment. Why it matters: - CFOs are being asked to make high-stakes monthly decisions on real estate, payroll and talent costs while companies grow and markets shift. - CFO Focus is positioning the series as a peer-learning forum for finance leaders dealing with those recurring commitments. What happened: - CFO Focus announced the launch of CFO Focus Online!, a new monthly digital series for chief financial officers. - The first episode, “Checks CFOs Write Every Month,” will stream live on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT on Zoom. - The debut session centers on rent and leasing decisions. - Aditi Roy, a former CNBC correspondent and veteran technology and business journalist, will interview Karissa Aleskus, CFO of Salt & Straw. - The live roundtable also includes commercial real estate professionals from CBRE and JLL. The details: - The roundtable panel includes Jami Savage-Gray of CBRE in Phoenix, Clark Evans of JLL in Chicago, Cayla Wardenburg of JLL in Portland and Eddie Rymer of JLL in Minneapolis. - The discussion will focus on lease negotiation strategies, office and retail footprint trends, and what CFOs should watch when evaluating real estate commitments. - Salt & Straw’s CFO will discuss how the company’s rapid growth has shaped market selection, lease terms and the balance between premium locations and disciplined financial management. - CFOs and finance leaders can register at cfofocus.org to receive a personal Zoom link. - Registrants can join the live discussion or watch the recording later. - Each registrant will receive a $10 Salt & Straw gift certificate. - The company’s announcement also describes Salt & Straw as known for freshly baked waffle cones and chef-driven flavors. Between the lines: - CFO Focus is using a practical, recurring expense as the hook for broader conversations about operating discipline. - The format mixes operator perspective with outside experts, which can make the series more useful for CFOs facing similar decisions in different industries. - John Lockhart of CFO Focus said the series is built around the real decisions CFOs make every month and was designed to launch with a prominent consumer brand. What’s next: - CFO Focus says the series will continue in July with a session on payroll and talent investment. - That follow-up event will bring together CFOs and chief people officers to discuss recruiting, retention and compensation in 2026. - Former Vizio CFO Adam Townsend will be a featured panelist. - Townsend will join TEDx speaker and author Van Lai-DuMone, who focuses on using curiosity to build teams, growth and resilience. - CFO Focus says both Townsend and Van Lai-DuMone are part of People Talent Agency for speaking and panel bookings. The bottom line: - CFO Focus is turning everyday finance obligations into a live content series aimed at giving CFOs practical insight on the decisions that shape growth, margins and hiring.