Fractional CFO Chris Ortega on Navigating Challenges and Embracing Growth

Chris Ortega, the CEO and fractional CFO at Fresh FP&A, is a proponent of the philosophy that attitude, personal brand-building, and the acceptance of failure are key to professional growth. From his base in McCordsville, Indiana, Ortega, a former amateur boxer, employs his competitive spirit to inspire finance teams with vigor and passion. Despite their local roots, Ortega and his team harbor global aspirations, a testament to their ambitious nature. The Power of Personal Brand and Embracing Failure Ortega is a firm believer in the significance of a strong personal brand, often speaking to students about the importance of cultivating their unique image. His ‘secret sauce’ for professional advancement is an unlikely one: failure. He views failure not as a setback, but as a critical component for learning and expansion of one’s comfort zone. This mindset has played a fundamental role in shaping his approach towards challenges and opportunities alike. Challenges for CFOs in a Volatile World Ortega identifies three major hurdles for CFOs in the current year. First, the global economic volatility, which needs to be navigated with strategic foresight and agility. Second, the intricacies of hybrid work and office space management, a direct consequence of the ongoing pandemic and the shift in work patterns it has instigated. Lastly, the need to embrace and implement generative AI to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive business landscape. These challenges, Ortega suggests, are not mere obstacles but opportunities for innovation and growth. Staying Rooted in Indiana Despite the globalized nature of his work, Ortega chooses to remain in Indiana, attributing his decision to the state’s cost-effective living, accessibility, and the community that has played a pivotal role in his personal and professional journey. Ortega is dedicated to bringing his global experiences back to his home state, not just for the benefit of his clients and business, but to contribute to the community that has been instrumental in his success. His story is a reminder of the importance of retaining one’s roots while embracing and adapting to global trends and challenges.