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"Man, you're an absolute natural on stage!"
Someone teed up this compliment for me last week after The 2025 CFO Accelerator LIVE. But instead of pride, I felt a twinge of frustration because "natural" erased the real story behind those smooth keynotes:
Nothing "natural" about it. Excellence came after intentional (and expensive!) effort.
And it's a dangerous trap to fall into. If we label top performers as "born with it," we give ourselves permission to stay mediocre.
It's comforting—but corrosive.
The idea of raw talent is seductive for two reasons:
But my experience and the data tell a different story: mastery is engineered.
Here's a snapshot of the real costs behind "natural" stage presence:
• 4-day speaking course $30,000
• 2-day live stage presence workshop $5,500
• 12-week 1:1 coaching program $10,000
• Travel & lodging $12,000
• Cameras, mics, lighting, other gear $18,000
Total: $75,500
Add in the opportunity cost of nights and weekends spent writing and rehearsing instead of relaxing, and the figure breaks six digits.
That's what "natural" really costs.
Speaking isn't the only craft where mastery has a steep paywall.
It's similar in sports, music, art or just about any other discipline.
In fact, the best Fractional CFO firm owners I know treat their professional growth the same way.
• Sales skills
• Marketing training
• Leadership coaching
• Personal brand building
• Hiring and talent retention skills
Then you factor in the opportunity cost of testing, failing, and testing again.
When you tally time and money, the number often rivals (or surpasses) the tab I had to cover for speaking.
But the return?
Higher retainers, deeper impact, and massive brand reputations.
Worth it!
Over the years, I've come across countless studies that show that investing in yourself pays off exponentially.
Interestingly, of all the studies I've read, not a single one concluded that "some people are just natural born Fractional CFOs."
Maybe I need to keep looking?
When you see someone that truly excels at their craft, instead of saying, "You're a natural," try:
"You do such an amazing job at (x). I can tell you love the work but approach it with discipline. I'm curious: what did the road to that level of skill look like for you?"
This not only honors their journey but also opens the door for you to learn what it takes.
Whether you're looking at a professional pickleball player, an amazing speaker, or an uber-successful Fractional CFO firm owner, remember that the excellence you witness is the byproduct of significant investment (definitely time, probably financial).
I find it remarkably empowering knowing that I can close the gap between where I'm at and mastery if I choose to make the investment.
The only thing left is choosing to do something about it.
By popular demand, we've decided to launch a brand new mastermind for Fractional CFOs making at least $8k/month from CFO services.
We have limited seats, and they almost sold out at The CFO Accelerator LIVE.
We're dropping the details soon, but if you'd like to find out more (and potentially grab your seat!) before the big announcement, just text "MASTERMIND" to 1-469-515-8087.
The CFO Mastermind will sell out, so hit us up if you're even remotely interested!
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