Lynnet Conley
Lynnet Conley is an accomplished Chief Financial Officer and Audit Committee Chair with over 30 years of experience leading multinational teams across Europe, Asia, and the United States. She has held senior financial leadership roles in both large public companies and mid-sized private equity–backed firms, with a proven track record of driving business transformation, accelerating growth, and enhancing profitability. Lynnet brings extensive international M&A experience, including successfully leading the sale of a private equity–backed business on an accelerated timeline, and has completed three executive leadership expatriate assignments in Europe and Asia. Throughout her career, Lynnet has been recognized as a strategic and operationally minded business partner who excels in improving performance, professionalizing finance functions, and implementing growth initiatives. She emphasizes talent development, succession planning, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure organizations are positioned for long-term success. Her expertise spans CFO leadership, change management, human resources, and international finance, making her a trusted advisor to executive teams. Lynnet holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Babson College. She has been a dedicated mentor and coach to Babson students and a former member of the CFO Leadership Council in Boston. Her professional focus is on transforming businesses through strategic growth, acquisitions, efficiency optimization, and sustainable financial leadership.
• Honored Listee
• Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business
• Babson College
• CFO Leadership Council
• Babson College
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to embracing challenges and stepping into the unfamiliar, knowing that growth happens at the edge of comfort. My foundation in accounting and an MBA from Babson College opened doors to leadership roles around the world, including CFO positions in Paris and Hong Kong, where I learned the importance of empathy and cultural awareness in financial leadership. Above all, I’m proud of mentoring and developing teams, helping others gain confidence and take bold steps in their own careers.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering finance is to embrace challenges and not wait for the “perfect” opportunity. Take on assignments that stretch you, ask questions, seek mentors, and start mentoring others sooner than you think you’re ready. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone—listen, coach, work hard, and be willing to take smart risks.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity in finance today is balancing technology and AI advancements with the human side of leadership. While tools evolve rapidly, sound judgment, integrity, and strong listening skills remain at the heart of effective leadership.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in work and in life are respect, discipline, a strong work ethic, and organization. I prioritize developing good listening skills and being an effective coach and mentor. Outside of work, I’m passionate about animal welfare and staying active—OrangeTheory fitness keeps me grounded and energized.