Episode 31: From Temp to CFO of a Billion-Dollar Enterprise: Lessons from Helix Electric’s Michael Stone

Podcast Notes

In this episode of The Business Compass podcast, Richard Coulthard speaks with Michael Stone about his journey from Leeds to leading a billion-dollar construction firm in the United States. The conversation explores strategic finance, operational risk, talent development, and the evolving role of CFOs in modern business.

• Michael’s Early Career & Move to the US (00:00:29)
• Starting at Helix Electric as a Temp (00:02:40)
• Becoming CFO & Scaling to $1 Billion (00:03:38)
• Reflections on South Africa & Resilience (00:04:17)
• Managing a Nationwide Workforce (00:06:44)
• Union vs Non-Union Dynamics in US Construction (00:07:13)
• Strategic Role of the CFO Today (00:11:48)
• Cash Flow & Contract Negotiation (00:13:33)
• AI in Finance & Recruitment (00:19:04)
• Internal Controls & Cybersecurity Concerns (00:20:41)
• Forecasting with Historical Job Data (00:30:34)
• Managing Risk Across Job Sites (00:32:44)
• Leadership Development & Breaking Ego Barriers (00:35:48)
• Difference Between Managers and Leaders (00:38:49)
• Economic Reflections: US vs UK (00:41:26)
• Cost of Living & Wealth Disparities (00:46:44)
• Final Reflections & Advice to Younger Self (00:50:08)

Guest Speaker:
Michael Stone, CFO of Helix Electric
helixelectric.com