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Alexander Hampton
COMM 1010
26 February 2017
When people ask me what I want to do for work the answer is simple. I want to be the
man you answer to. I want to call the shots. Take the risks. Make the right decisions. Make the
mistakes. So, when presented with the task of interviewing someone from the field I have chosen
to pursue, I sought out the privilege of sitting down with 3CubeLifes Chief Financial Officer,
Brad Barham. Brad specializes in mergers and acquisitions. I had the opportunity to inquire
about his background a bit and was able to ask him about what some of his responsibilities are in
his position. I asked for his recommendation on what education I should pursue and any skills he
found to be invaluable that I should develop. Most importantly, I asked what advice on how to be
successful he had for an entrepreneur and someone planning to own and operate their own
business. The following is a brief overview of some things I learned as well as an assessment of
Brad had a few courses that he believed would be very helpful Unit Economics, Managerial
Accounting, and Financial Analysis. He advised these courses would be useful in developing
analytical and strategical skills which are essential to the position. He also said that becoming
proficient at using Microsoft Excel would be wise. Also, he expressed the importance of
objectives. He then assesses their assets, strengths, and weaknesses. Then using data, he makes
projections to determine and identify any obstacles or hurdles that may present themselves.
Finally, he develops strategies for ways the company can handle these challenges or jump the
hurdle when the time comes. He said he works an average of about seventy hours a week. Forty
of those hours being spent in meetings with clients whether over the phone or in person. The
other thirty spent doing computer work, things like making projections and developing strategies.
I learned that the role of a C.F.O. has been evolving. Brad shared with me that, Now we are
more of strategists than accountants... I am like a Chief Strategic Officer. He explained that now
typically they use whats called a controller to handle accounting and treasury which used to be
investee. You want to make sure the people you are doing business with values and integrity
One of the first things objectives when building a company is to build a team. When you are
building your team, Brad advised, To build a strong and successful team you need to align
employees in a role that fits with who they are as people. He addressed communication as the
single most challenge aspect of being a good leader and executive. A lot of people are scared to
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communicate with the executives. It is important to create an environment where your employees
feel safe communicating with the executives. Brad shared something with me that I found very
powerful and profound. He called them his, Four pillars. and said that if you can put these in
place your company will succeed. The four pillars are 1. A purpose driven vision. The Soul.
Meaning that your vision isnt about simply making money but serving a purpose that means
something and that you are passionate about. 2. A Creativity driven Culture. The Heart. When
you have a team that is working towards the same objective and shares the same passion and
values it becomes your culture. You want for your culture to be innovative and driven by
creativity.
3. Customer centered systems. The Body. You want for your strategies and your systems that
you put in place to be for the benefit of the customer. No business can operate without customers
and they should be the center of your focus. 4. Data driven decisions/Strategy. The Mind.
Sometimes in business people make decisions that are emotionally driven and that has the
potential to hinder the company. You want to be sure to make logical, data driven decisions as is
As I learn more about what it takes to own and operate your own company, I am reassured that I
have chosen the right career path. Something I like about gaining the skills of running a business
is not only can you help other people run and develop their business but you can also run a
business of your very own which presents endless opportunity. There will always be businesses
I learned to have a successful company you need to build a strong team of employees.
This is a challenge that I very much look forward to. I believe that my chosen career path will be
I had a very loose, laid-back approach to the interview and it worked well for me. I had some
questions prepared but I didnt try to force a structure on the conversation. I knew that it would
be more of an interactive conversation that an interview. I was sure to get through all the
questions I had prepared but mostly we casually conversed. We met at The Spaghetti Factory and
had lunch during the interview which I felt was an appropriate setting as it may be the setting for
executive business meetings. My goal was to have a causal conversation while also keeping
focus and directing the conversation to serve its purpose which I was able to accomplish rather
well. The casual setting I chose worked well for my relaxed approach. I didnt plan a definitive
introduction instead I allowed for a natural conversation to develop and eased into a business
I didnt run into any issues with controlling the interview or any of the process for that
matter. Brad complimented me on how I had done and expressed that he enjoyed being
interviewed by me. After we enjoyed our meal I kindly thanked Brad for meeting with me and
In the future, I could improve by preparing more or better questions so that the time can
be used more efficiently. I would also think about organizing and structuring the interview more
to where there was a specific amount of time I spent on each subject. I would be careful not to be
too forceful on a structure so that it takes away from the natural flow of a conversation.
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I learned many of the important skills you need and what it takes to build, own, and
operate your own company. I also learned some college courses that I can take that will help me
become a successful business executive. I gained reassurance that I have chosen the correct
career path. I had a wonderful experience and was given much advice that was very meaningful
to me, such as the 4 pillars, that I cherish and will carry with me as I venture through my career