Episode description

Back in the mid 1990s–when Russ Keefe decided it was time for a career pivot–he got behind the wheel. With a Jeep packed full of his belongings, he drove from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco, father riding shotgun, to explore fresh opportunities in Silicon Valley. He had just completed a stint at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he gained a deep respect for transparency and learned the importance of full disclosure.

Eager to drive business outcomes, Keefe immersed himself in tech, soon discovering a passion for FP&A and leadership. Early roles exposed him to sales operations, giving him a front-row seat to understand revenue streams and product strategies. “That was when I realized finance is so much more than keeping score—it’s about guiding strategic decisions,” Keefe tells us.

Today, as CFO of cybersecurity innovator Corelight, Keefe applies a forward-looking mindset to navigate hypergrowth markets. His background at the SEC informs his ethos of communicating frequently and candidly with stakeholders. Meanwhile, his operational experience shapes his focus on customer satisfaction, product differentiation, and consistent value delivery.

Keefe tells us Corelight’s Net Promoter Score sits in the mid-60s, underscoring the company’s commitment to serving high-stakes clients in government, finance, and critical infrastructure. He believes finance leaders should be business people first—professionals who leverage financial expertise to power innovation and adaptability. His journey—beginning with a cross-country leap of faith—demonstrates that calculated risks, paired with diligent career building and leadership insight can yield results.