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It\u2019s unlikely that this is the first sentence ever to include the phrase \u201ceven-keeled\u201d alongside the name Robin Gantt, but this is a pairing that bears repeating here to reveal not only an obvious character trait of our latest guest, but also one that frequently sets apart CFO leadership at large.

Gantt, already a seasoned finance leader, arrives at Northwest Pipe as an advisor to the CEO, who is seeking to better align finance with the steel pipe manufacturer\u2019s overall strategy. We don\u2019t learn all of what needs to get done, but Gantt\u2019s subsequent advance to the CFO office makes clear that the alignment is being achieved as the organization responds and is placed on a more even keel.

Listeners will enjoy hearing Gantt offer a short, concise overview of the uncommon business of manufacturing steel pipe that ranges from 2 feet to 13 feet in diameter. Meanwhile, her modest appraisal of both her early career and communication abilities informs finance newcomers that they too can learn and achieve along the finance career track.

Along the way, Gantt refuses to sugarcoat the inbred challenges that the business faces. \u201cThis is a very heavy working capital-intensive business, with a long cash flow cycle. Anyone who works with governments and municipalities knows that you\u2019ll get paid, but sometimes it can be quite a while,\u201d she explains. Just like the pipe Northwest manufacturers, Gantt\u2019s words run deep beneath the surface.\xa0\u2014 Jack Sweeney\xa0

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