Technology's Impact on Decision-Making: Zane Rowe from Workday Discusses Transformations
Interview with Zane Rowe, Workday's Finance Boss
Zane Rowe, a seasoned finance chief with nearly two decades of experience across various industries, shares his insights on the shifting landscape of the finance world, the impact of technology, and crafting a successful leadership journey.
A Q&A with Adam Zaki:
Adam Zaki: Throughout your long career, what aspects of the finance chief role have remained consistent?
Zane Rowe: The fundamentals have stayed put. We've always prioritized value creation and preservation, fostered relationships, and maintained a commitment to integrity and smart decision-making based on solid data. Finance chiefs have always been catalysts for collaboration and served as the backbone of connections with stakeholders, the board, and fellow execs. Despite the expanding toolkit and industry changes, the core elements of the role endure.
Adam Zaki: And what elements have evolved over the years?
Zane Rowe: Technology and data have revolutionized the way we do business, shaping interactions with stakeholders and customers. Today, we can utilize advanced tools to handle more data and employ them strategically to make better, more informed decisions. Back in the day, change took years. Now, it happens in mere months. Regardless of industry or tenure, change is the key constant in every career journey.
Adam Zaki: In your experience, has the "evolving role of the finance chief" narrative persisted throughout your career?
Zane Rowe: Yes, I believe it comes from the unpredictability that often characterizes market fluctuations. The rapid technological advancements of recent years have resulted in a more frequent and swift pace of change. While it may seem daunting, I think it's more about embracing change rather than fearing its impact or the potential consequences of newer technologies like AI.
Adam Zaki: At Workday, how have you harnessed the power of data to drive change effectively?
Zane Rowe: Our product is packed with innovative technology that constantly evolves, enabling us to leverage data for more accurate forecasting and smarter decision-making across our business. By gaining valuable insights into our teams, customer usage trends, and future demands, we've transformed decision-making from estimation to informed, data-based decisions.
Adam Zaki: When starting new roles and pushing for changes, how have you tackled the challenge of doing so without coming off as dismissive of established practices?
Zane Rowe: Fostering transparency and open communication is essential. I always make a point of sharing my strengths, taking on areas where I need to learn, and engaging with others. Finance is about more than just numbers—it's about embracing what's happening in the business, collaborating, and keeping an open mind. Becoming a more effective leader is about creating an environment where people want to collaborate, support one another, and drive the company forward.
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Want to see more stories in People? Read More ➔
- Zane Rowe, noting the reshaping of the finance world, emphasized that the core elements of a finance chief's role, such as value creation, collaboration, and integrity, remain unchanged.
- As technology and data continue to advance, Zane Rowe underlined their significant impact on the way businesses interact with stakeholders and customers.
- In light of the rapid pace of change, Zane Rowe believes it's crucial for finance chiefs to embrace, rather than fear, the impact of newer technologies like AI on the industry.
- At Workday, Zane Rowe harnesses data's transformative power to drive change, enabling more accurate forecasting and informed decision-making.
- When navigating changes, Zane Rowe stressed the importance of fostering transparency, open communication, and collaboration to create an environment where people push the company forward together.
- In the year 2025, 54% of CFOs foresee worsening forecasts according to Trial Balance's predictions.
- Learning from accountants' licensure changes, Workday's CFOs are adapting and evolving to stay ahead in the ever-changing personal-finance landscape.
- To stay informed about the latest finance trends and insights, consider subscribing to our newsletter for the freshest updates on the finance and business industries.
