Career Growth at ESW | CFO JJ Cahill’s Leadership Journey
When our new Chief Financial Officer, JJ Cahill, reflects on the career journey that brought him here, his advice is simple:
Don’t wait for the next opportunity. Create it.
Over the last five years, JJ has grown from a Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) role into one of the most senior leadership roles at ESW. But his career path wasn’t carefully mapped out from the start. Instead, it was built by embracing challenges, taking ownership, and stepping outside his comfort zone.
Career Growth at ESW Starts Outside Your Comfort Zone
JJ joined ESW in a role that was familiar to him. But he credits much of his development to taking on responsibilities beyond his original area of expertise.
“The place where I’ve learned the most has been taking on areas outside my comfort zone.”
Over the years, he expanded his experience across treasury, onboarding, and broader finance leadership responsibilities. Each new challenge came with a steep learning curve, but also an opportunity to grow.
“That’s where you learn the most about yourself.”
It’s an approach that reflects how careers often develop at ESW. People are encouraged to try new things, build new skills, and take ownership of meaningful work. For JJ, having the trust and support of colleagues and leaders along the way made all the difference.
Leadership Starts Before the Title
Ask JJ what it takes to become a leader, and he doesn’t talk about job titles. He talks about impact.
“Leadership isn’t about sitting and waiting for a promotion. It’s about making things happen.”
Whether it’s taking ownership of a project, helping a colleague, or stepping in to solve a problem, leadership can be demonstrated at every level of the organisation.
His advice aligns closely with one of ESW’s core values: Own It.
“If you own your area and do a best-in-class job, it’s only a matter of time before that’s noticed.”
In a world where changing jobs has become increasingly common, what motivates someone to continue building their career in the same business?
For JJ, it comes down to two things: the people and the pace.
“There’s incredible talent across ESW, both within finance and across the wider business.”
Working alongside talented colleagues has been one of the most rewarding parts of his journey. Equally important has been the variety of work.
“No two weeks are the same.”
From supporting retailer growth and driving efficiencies to improving margins and managing cash flow, the work is constantly evolving. Operating in the fast-moving ecommerce industry means finance teams are regularly exposed to new opportunities, technologies, and challenges.
“As a finance professional, that’s incredibly exciting.”
Looking Ahead
As he steps into the CFO role, JJ is optimistic about the future.
“We’re fortunate to operate in an industry that’s growing year after year.”
With a best-in-class product, world-class talent, and opportunities created by advancements in AI and automation, he believes the future is bright for ecommerce.
His own story is proof that careers aren’t defined by a single role or function. They’re shaped by curiosity, ownership, and the willingness to take on something new. Sometimes, the biggest career move isn’t applying for the next job. It’s saying yes to the opportunity already in front of you.
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