Rising Woman in Business Molly Shahan
From small-town curiosity to fractional CFO expertise, discover how one young professional is redefining financial advisory through education, partnership, and genuine care for her clients.
Growing Up Inspired: How Molly Shahan Turned Curiosity Into a Career of Helping Others
Growing up in Winterset, Iowa, Molly Shahan didn't dream of becoming an athlete, celebrity, or entrepreneur. Instead, she had a much simpler goal: She wanted to be like her dad.
"My dad has always been my idol," Shahan says. "Watching him build his career allowed me to see that path in myself."
As the daughter of an accountant, business conversations were a normal part of everyday life. Her father, a partner at Shahan Walsh, not only introduced her to the world of finance but also instilled in her a love of learning and problem-solving at an early age.
One of her favorite memories involves the daily drive to school.
"I remember when we would be driving to school and he would ask me problems. It started with simple things like 2+2 and eventually turned into long financial word problems. To this day, I'll still call him to discuss different scenarios. What's fun now is that sometimes we're learning together. Everyone can still learn."
Growing up surrounded by a supportive family, close friends, and a tight-knit community gave Shahan a strong foundation. Those relationships taught her the importance of kindness, hard work, and helping others—values that continue to guide both her personal and professional life today.
A Career Built on Curiosity
Shahan's first professional experience came earlier than many of her peers.
The summer after her junior year of high school, she began working at American State Bank. There, she gained exposure to banking, personal finance, and relationship-building while working alongside professionals who took the time to answer her endless questions.
One individual, in particular, left a lasting impression.
"There was a financial advisor there who was always willing to help me understand anything I asked. His kindness really inspired me. It made me want to help other people understand their finances the same way he helped me."
That curiosity became a defining characteristic throughout her education and career.
While pursuing her education in accounting and finance, Shahan discovered that traditional accounting wasn't necessarily where she found the most fulfillment. Instead, she was drawn to understanding the bigger picture behind the numbers.
After graduation, she entered the world of fractional CFO services, a career path that wasn't heavily discussed during her college years but quickly became the perfect fit.
"I really enjoyed seeing businesses from start to finish throughout the year. You get to see all the questions, challenges, decisions, and opportunities they face in between. Seeing how many questions business owners had, and realizing I could help answer them, really inspired me."
More Than Just Accounting
Today, Shahan serves as a fractional CFO and consultant with a mission that extends far beyond financial statements and reconciliations.
What she enjoys most is helping people grow.
Whether she's helping an entrepreneur better understand cash flow, solving a reporting challenge, or walking a business owner through a difficult financial decision, her focus remains the same: education, communication, and partnership.
"Any problem a client throws my way, I'm happy to tackle," she says. "The most important thing is being thorough in your research and presenting solutions in a way that helps the client understand."
That client-centered approach is what she believes differentiates modern advisory services from traditional accounting relationships.
"We don't just talk to clients a few months out of the year. We're continually communicating, growing with them, and helping them move toward their goals."
Rather than focusing solely on compliance and historical reporting, she sees her role as helping clients build confidence and make informed decisions.
For Shahan, the greatest reward isn't a completed project or a perfectly balanced set of financial reports.
"It's when a client says thank you. Those moments truly make my day."
Navigating Leadership at a Young Age
One of the biggest surprises people have when meeting Shahan is her age.
Having entered the professional workforce at a young age, she quickly learned that earning credibility often required proving herself before assumptions could be set aside.
"Being a young woman entering the professional workforce was definitely challenging," she says. "But I've found that if you prove yourself and consistently provide value, people will take you seriously."
That belief continues to shape her perspective on leadership.
Her advice to other young women entering accounting, finance, or entrepreneurship is straightforward:
"Stay curious and don't give up."
Those few words reflect the same principles that helped her navigate school, launch her career, and continue growing professionally today.
Rooted in Community
Outside of work, Shahan remains deeply connected to the values and community that shaped her.
She and her fiancé, whom she met in Winterset, have been together since their freshman summer and recently purchased a home together. Throughout the early stages of her career, she credits him as a constant source of encouragement and support.
The couple also shares a love of animals, caring for their three cats and supporting local animal welfare efforts.
In addition to her professional work, Shahan volunteers her financial expertise for a cat shelter in Warren County, combining two passions: helping organizations succeed and supporting animals in need.
When she's not working, volunteering, or tackling home improvement projects, you can often find her on a pickleball court enjoying time with family and friends.
Looking Toward the Future
As she reflects on her career so far, Shahan is quick to point out that she still considers herself to be in the early stages of her professional journey.
Her goals aren't tied to titles, accolades, or specific milestones.
Instead, she focuses on continual growth.
"I'm excited about growing with ExecOne and continuing to develop both personally and professionally."
Above all else, the legacy she hopes to leave is surprisingly simple.
"I just want to help as many people as I can."
It's the same mindset that began in a small Iowa town, inspired by a father who taught his daughter how to solve problems one question at a time.
Today, that curiosity, combined with a genuine desire to serve others, is allowing Molly Shahan to make an impact on business owners, organizations, and communities across Iowa and beyond.
As her career continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: The little girl who wanted to be like her dad has become a trusted advisor in her own right, helping others navigate their financial journeys with confidence, clarity, and kindness.
