Fractional Expert Melbourne, Australia

Sam - Fractional CFO, COO, NED, Advisor and Mentor

At Maestro, we know there’s more to life than work. In fact, it’s the experiences, relationships and pursuits we have outside of work that can often give us an edge in what we do each day. We host an interview series called “Meet the Maestro” where we interview our Maestros and get an insight to who they really are and what makes them tick - beyond the CV.

Sam has spent the last 15+ years right in the thick of building businesses, his own and alongside founders and CEOs doing the same. A Chartered Accountant by training (with early chapters at PwC, Arthur Andersen and GE’s global executive program), he quickly moved from big-company polish into the wonderfully messy world of start-ups and scale-ups. That journey includes running an ASX-listed company at just 32 and working across the full rollercoaster of growth, from idea stage through to private equity.

Today, Sam shows up as a true operating partner: a fractional CFO, COO and strategic side-kick who rolls up his sleeves, sits shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders and helps get things done. His superpower is what he calls “executive-level leverage”: bringing extra hands, feet and lived experience right where it matters most. He’s been through the sleepless payroll nights, board and shareholder pressure, M&A complexity and cross-border growth; and now he uses all of that hard-won perspective to help leaders move faster, make better calls and navigate the messy middle with clarity and confidence.

1. Tell us about a career highlight to date.

I’ve had the privilege of being involved with start-ups going from idea to exit, which is incredibly rewarding. But the standout was my four years in GE’s Executive Training Program (GE-CAS). It was an intense, world-class immersion in leadership, problem-solving and operational excellence - all while living in a new country every three months and making friends and working with 100s of people around the world. It shaped how I think, how I lead, and how I support others today, along with building lifelong friendships!

2. Talk us through an unusual career choice you’ve made along the way.

Leaving a high paying and stable “big corporate” career at 30 - right in the middle of the GFC - to build my own business. After 12 years of full-time work, starting as a trainee at Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC), I decided to have a shot myself.  It was a brutal dose of reality, but 15+yrs later it has set the foundation for what I do now.

3. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Ok… to be honest… When I was little… Superman… when I was a little older, an Olympic Swimmer.  In hindsight, the odds of achieving either were probably about the same !!!

4. What are your passions outside of work and how do you make time for them?

I’m married with two kids and a dog, which fills most of my time outside work (in a good way!). I’m rebuilding my fitness and recently took my guitar out of storage to re-learn it.  Finding time for myself is a work in progress, but early mornings - around 5:30–6:30am - are my best window before the house wakes up.

5. If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be and why?

Per the last question… The guitar . Either that, or becoming a Michelin-level chef!

6. What’s a personal value or belief that guides the way you live your life?

I don’t think there is just one… id go with Integrity, humility and generosity. And a belief that’s guided me for years: “Aim for the moon - if you miss, you’ll land in the stars.” In other words: aim high and run hard.

7. What’s a challenge you’ve overcome outside of work that shaped you?

Raising kids. They’re little mirrors - reflecting your best traits and you’re not-so-great ones. They give you unfiltered feedback and highlight your real development opportunities!#!@#!   I’ve learnt a lot more about myself in recent years from them, and I’m sure that learning curve isn’t over.

8. What do you think your job will look like in 10 years?

AI is already reshaping a lot, but I believe the demand for real-world experience, judgement and human connection will only increase. Boards, CEOs and founders will still need someone who can bring context, balance and lived experience - someone who can help them think clearly and act decisively. That’s where fractional executives and advisors will continue to play a critical role.

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and what would you do?

Maybe this is a cop-out, but I’d love to jump on an international mystery flight and see where I landed. Then I’d explore the off-the-beaten-track spots, meet locals, join a pick-up game of touch rugby or soccer, enjoy some home-cooked hospitality… and then do it all again the next day.

10. What does success look like to you?

Working because you love it, not because you have to. Creating a life where your family is supported, you work with great people and enjoy doing it, and still have the freedom to travel, give back, and enjoy the life you’ve built.