Serving With Compassion, Leading With Numbers: Melissa Kennebrew’s CFO Philosophy

In this episode of Conversations: Beyond the Brand, host Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with fractional CFO and financial strategist Melissa Kennebrew of MBK Financial Services. Melissa brings a refreshing blend of empathy and expertise to business finance. Melissa shares how she helps entrepreneurs move from confusion to clarity, lead with confidence, and build businesses that are both purpose-driven and profitable.

You’ll hear her philosophy on why numbers tell a story, how to pay yourself without guilt, and why financial leadership should never feel intimidating. This conversation is packed with insight for founders who want to lead with heart and build a sustainable foundation for growth.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome + Episode overview
02:45 – Melissa’s path to becoming a CFO
05:15 – What it means to lead with compassion and strategy
08:40 – The biggest financial mistakes business owners make early on
12:00 – How to pay yourself consistently as a founder
16:10 – Why clarity is more important than hustle
19:45 – The right time to bring in a CFO
23:30 – What’s stopping founders from looking at their numbers
26:55 – The emotional side of financial decision-making
30:00 – Melissa’s go-to tools and mindset tips
33:10 – Final reflections on legacy, leadership, and faith

📣 Ready to build a business rooted in strategy, clarity, and authentic relationships?

At Beyond Business Solutions, we help women-led businesses grow with confidence through marketing and brand strategies that drive results. Learn more at https://beyondsolutions.biz.

📬 Connect with Melissa Kennebrew:
https://mbkfinancialservices.com/
  / mbkfinancialservices  
  / mbk.fin.svcs