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In the spotlight: Chris Kondou, Virtual CFO

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Chris Kondou

Chris Kondou is a virtual CFO. He has spent the past 25 years assisting business owners, soloists and company directors to build the finance and operational functions they need to succeed. A self-described bean counter, Chris says he has no doubt that there are just three things businesses need for success in 2021: numbers people and technology. He sat down with us to answer the hard questions.

You’ve got a free half-hour during your workday. What do you do?

Put on my headphones and listen to a good business coaching book. Right now I’m listening to Jim Collin’s Good to Great. It says a lot about being honest about your business, almost brutal about it which off course rings true right now with Covid and lockdowns.

When did you know you wanted to start your own business?

The day after by 50th birthday celebration dinner, before that I never gave it a second thought.

I woke up and wanted to wear my heart on my sleeve and help as many people as I could.

What’s your proudest business moment?

Meeting and connecting with some fascinating people that I otherwise would never had if I hadn’t gone gone down the soloist road. I’m talking about not only clients but associates and people who have helped me grow in a way that’s not only made me better in business but made me a better man.

What’s your number one way to wind down?

Take off for a 20km run usually early in the morning. Running through the Opera House and Circular Quay. At that time my harbour city is so peaceful and serene, really makes you feel gratitude, I highly recommend it.

What’s the best thing about being a soloist? And the worst thing?

Best thing is the sense of accomplishment from helping my customers succeed, it makes up for so many of the worst things like having to wear “so many hats” all the time ; you are part office manager part supervisor part cleaner in a lot of ways.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success “ by Alexander Graham Bell.

This is my motto – never go into a meeting without having done preparation. It doesn’t have to be an essay but go in knowing something about the topic or person you will be speaking to.

I’ve had so many meetings with people that do not do this and it shows, needless to say I haven’t done business with them again.

Where and when do you have your best ideas?

When I’m feeling positive and ready to take on the world, that’s when I think outside the square and let it take over me.

What would be your advice to aspiring soloists?

Do it for the right reasons, look after your customers and put in the hard work. Do that and you will succeed.

What would your mum say is your greatest strength? And weakness?

Well mum’s aren’t very impartial but she would say my greatest strength is my compassion for others and doing the right thing by them.

As for weaknesses probably my decision to become a soloist, I don’t think as an immigrant she will quite understand it but to her defence I will never understand what it’s like to come to a foreign country like she did with no money, so I’m very fortunate.

What do you wear to work?

Business attire on most days. I follow the mantra that dress like the person you want to be.

The only exception to this is would be during the current Sydney lockdown, it’s the middle of winter and yes I’ve succumbed to sweat pants !

What do you do? Who for? And how does it benefit them?

I’m a Virtual C.F.O or in other words, a 25-year bean counter who has built finance and operational functions needed for a thriving business to succeed. Along the way I’ve coached Owners and Directors on their People and Technology and have learnt to give my all to customers and help them as best I can.

I have no doubt these are the 3 things that spell success in 2021

Numbers, People and Technology

I’m a Virtual C.F.O

Where can we find out more about your business?

Spotlight profiles are exclusively for selected Flying Solo Business Class members.

Already a Business Class member? Simply log in, head to your account area where you’ll find the link to the guidelines under the ‘Spotlight’ heading.

Not yet a Business Class member? Find out more about the best value offering in town.

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About the author

Cec has been telling stories and chasing headlines for more than 25 years. These days, she’s editor of Private Media’s Business Builders and Flying Solo, and the voice behind the Flying Solo and First Act podcasts. She kicked off her editing career as the founding editor of Sydney street press The Brag and has since worn the editor’s hat across a stack of titles – from SX and CULT to Better Pictures, Total Rock, MTV, fasterlouder, mynikonlife and Fantastic Living. Cec’s reporting runs the gamut. She’s covered small business, politics, health and LGBTQIA+ issues with equal passion. And when she’s not in print or online, you might have caught her behind the mic at FBi Radio or in front of the camera on OutTV.

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Chris Kondou
Virtual CFO

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