Breaking Through the Ceiling: How Fractional CFOs Help Businesses Grow with John Stevens

In this insightful episode of It’s Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast, Sharon welcomes back John Stevens, Managing Director of Camilla Advisory Group, for a powerful conversation about fractional CFO services and why they’ve become a game-changer for growing businesses. Drawing on decades of experience as a CFO, CEO, and advisor involved in more than 100 acquisitions, John explains the difference between traditional accounting and strategic financial leadership. He shares how fractional CFOs help entrepreneurs move beyond simply reviewing historical numbers and instead focus on forecasting, cash flow management, profitability, financing, operational efficiency, and long-term business strategy. Throughout the conversation, Sharon openly shares the real-life struggles many entrepreneurs face—seasonal cash flow swings, uncertainty around expansion decisions, and the overwhelming nature of financial statements. John explains how fractional CFOs provide clarity, guidance, and confidence by helping owners understand their numbers, build forecasts, prepare for growth, and make informed decisions around scaling locations, hiring, acquisitions, and succession planning. He also discusses how AI is rapidly changing forecasting and financial modelling, making strategic financial guidance more accessible and efficient than ever before. The episode also dives into mergers and acquisitions, employee ownership, and preparing a business for eventual succession or sale. John explains how his team helps businesses navigate acquisitions, due diligence, strategic buyers, and growth opportunities across Western Canada. Whether you’re a small business owner trying to gain control of your finances or an entrepreneur preparing to scale, this episode is packed with practical insights on how the right financial strategy can reduce stress, improve profitability, and position your business for long-term success. **About John Stevens** John Stevens is the Managing Director of Camilla Advisory Group and a seasoned executive with extensive experience in financial leadership, mergers and acquisitions, employee ownership, and strategic business growth. Throughout his career as both a CFO and CEO, John has participated in more than 100 acquisitions across Western Canada and has developed a deep passion for helping businesses scale sustainably while preparing for long-term success. Through Camilla Advisory Group, John and his team provide fractional CFO services, employee ownership advisory, and M&A support to businesses of all sizes. Known for his practical, forward-thinking approach, John helps entrepreneurs move beyond day-to-day operations and focus on strategic financial planning, profitability, forecasting, succession planning, and growth opportunities. His mission is to help business owners build healthier, stronger businesses that can thrive well into the future. **Resources discussed in this episode:** - Poor Charlie’s Almanack - Charles T. Munger — **Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:**  - Website: itpromo.ca - LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning - Facebook: It’s Time Promotions - Google: It’s Time Promotions **Contact John Stevens | Camilla Advisory Group:** - Website: camillaadvisory.com - LinkedIn: John Stevens - LinkedIn: Camilla Advisory Group