How a CFO Built a Career Around Life, Not Just Work with Amy Tessmer (Ep. 9)
What does it mean to lead with both confidence and compassion, especially in a numbers-first industry?
In this episode of Living Beyond the Numbers, Jude Boudreaux and Caleb Arringdale sit down with Amy Tessmer, CFO of The Planning Center, to explore how values-driven leadership, intentional balance, and quiet influence are reshaping the financial services landscape. Amy opens up about walking away from the CPA track, why she embraced a flexible schedule even in an executive role, and how financial decision-making becomes more powerful when it’s grounded in personal purpose. She also discusses how women in leadership can become visible examples for others, even when they’re not trying to be.
What you can expect from this episode:
- What CFOs really do (and why it’s not just about spreadsheets)
- Why Amy rejected the traditional partnership track in accounting
- How flexible schedules can unlock high-performance leadership
- Practical advice for professionals seeking more alignment in their work
- And more!
Connect with Jude Boudreaux CFP®:
- The Planning Center
- LinkedIn: Jude Boudreaux
- jude@theplanningcenter.com
- Phone: (504) 717-4862
Connect with Caleb Arringdale:
- LinkedIn: Caleb Arringdale
- caleb@theplanningcenter.com
- Phone: (309) 797-4030
Connect with Amy Tessmer:
- LinkedIn: Amy Tessmer
- amy@theplanningcenter.com
- Phone: (309) 797-4030
About our Guest:
Amy Tessmer is involved in overseeing the accounting function, reviewing financial information, and planning and forecasting. Prior to joining The Planning Center, she spent more than a decade working for CPA firms as a financial statement auditor. Amy loves her role because she gets the opportunity to support the operations of the company so it can continue to grow and impact the lives of more families and individuals across the country.
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