Coworking is a weekly segment where we talk to CFOs and other leaders in the finance space about their experiences, their companies, and the larger economy. Let us know if you are—or you know—a CFO we should interview.
Neha Krishnamohan is CFO and EVP of corporate development, at Kinnate Biopharma Inc., a company that develops targeted treatments for cancer.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in finance?
The CFO is an integral senior leader who makes important financial decisions with a strategic impact on the organization. They oversee and drive financial operations and plan for the future of the business including raising capital and informing capital allocation decisions to drive the company’s growth.
How do you think the CFO role has changed over the past five to 10 years, both for you, and in general?
The role of CFOs has undergone a remarkable transformation in response to the ever-changing and intricate macro business environment. In particular, CFOs have shifted gears from solely concentrating on operational finance to becoming strategic business partners and master storytellers. Nowhere is this more evident than in the biotech sector, where storytelling plays a vital role in conveying the investment thesis and showcasing what differentiates your company within the context of the competitive landscape. As a CFO in biotech, you weave scientific narratives to help your key stakeholders understand the future potential of the company.
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Other aspects of the expanded CFO role involve taking on additional areas such as business development and investor relations and working closely with leaders of key business units to make strategic decisions. Overall, the evolving CFO role encompasses strategic leadership, technology adoption, risk management, and sustainability advocacy.
What advice do you have for future CFOs?
Invest in and inspire your team to become true business partners. Encourage a mindset that puts the company and its business units first. Change is inevitable, especially in drug development. Have a plan but be prepared to pivot. Know when to walk away from an investment. This requires a balanced assessment of the potential benefits and drawbacks, plus clear understanding of the organization’s priorities.
Who’s a CFO you admire or you try to model yourself after?
AstraZeneca CFO Aradhana Sarin. From what I know, she’s navigated multiple career transitions proving her adaptability in different professional domains.
If you weren’t a CFO, what would you be?
It’s been a while since I last polished up my dancing shoes or took center stage in a scripted play, but I would consider venturing into the creative arts sector. What I like about performing is the ability to embrace a whole new persona, like stepping into a different skin. There’s an adrenaline rush that comes from practicing and nailing a performance.