Steve Vigliotti was told he would be an accountant before he had much say in the matter. A childhood aptitude test, a cousin named Joseph and a Long Island neighborhood that ran on plumbing routes and stickball did the rest.
Steve joins host
Jenny Bain to talk about becoming a CPA, making partner at BDO by his early thirties and walking away to take his first CFO position at a bond brokerage inside the World Trade Center (
07:13).
On September 11, 2001, a late train saved his life. Sixty of his colleagues never made it home (
10:23). Steve shares how that day changed the way he lives and leads, the survivor’s guilt he worked through (
21:40) and why he still holds a daily standup with his team (
37:09).
Now the first CFO in Octus history, Steve also reflects on the acquisition he is proudest of (
33:20) and the one relationship he wishes he had prioritized sooner (
44:56). It is a conversation about responsibility, perspective and what leaders owe the people who count on them.
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- (00:00) - Cold open with Jenny Bain
- (01:30) - Meet Steve Vigliotti
- (04:00) - The aptitude test that picked his career
- (06:00) - From BDO partner to first-time CFO
- (09:30) - September 11 at the South Tower
- (19:00) - Rebuilding a company and calling every family
- (24:00) - Coming to Octus as the first CFO
- (30:00) - How he decides what gets a yes
- (37:00) - The daily standup and what it taught him
- (44:00) - What he wishes he'd figured out sooner
What is People You Should Know?
Inside Octus: People in Focus” is a deep dive into the stories, challenges, and successes of the people shaping Octus. Hosted by Jenny Bain, this podcast brings authentic conversations with employees, leaders, and industry voices who drive innovation and culture at Octus. Expect transparency, real talk, and behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to build a dynamic, fast-growing company. Join us each month as we uncover the personal and professional journeys that define Octus.