Career growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you take the stretch role, nurture your network, and build resilience along the way.
In this episode, Ann Bordelon shares how she went from advising Fortune 100 companies to leading finance at Sam’s Club and Walmart Asia, and now guides the University of Arkansas as Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration.
Ann opens up about saying yes to opportunities that scared her, how building genuine relationships became her secret weapon, and why self-care is non-negotiable for leaders at every level.
Tune in to discover how to transform fear into fuel, build a network that supports your ambitions, and take ownership of your career, one bold step at a time.
Key Takeaways:
- Why saying yes to stretch roles can redefine your potential
- The difference between mentorship and sponsorship and how to earn both
- Practical ways to build confidence while managing fear and self-doubt
- The role of self-care and reflection in building clarity and resilience
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Highlights
The key moments in this episode are:
[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast
[00:27] Embracing Failure and Leadership
[00:56] Meet Ann Bordelon: Career Highlights
[02:42] Ann's Journey at Walmart
[05:47] The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship
[11:01] Navigating Career Twists and Turns
[18:00] Building Confidence and Resilience
[20:56] Decision Making and Input
[21:28] Daily Habits and Self-Care
[22:43] The Joy of Cycling
[25:59] Facing Fear and Uncertainty
[30:21] The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship
[32:57] Evolving Work Environments
[37:55] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts -
Lightning Round
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: The First Rule of Mastery by Michael GervaisQ: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: If you're the smartest person in the room, you're probably in the wrong roomQ: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: Candid but fair
Q: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: Commitment to exercise
Q: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: Beautiful day by U2 -
Quotes
Sometimes you have to go sideways to go up. Sometimes you might even have to go back to go up.
Ann Bordelon
You have to own your career. No one else is sitting around and thinking about you and what your career is gonna be.
Ann Bordelon
Relationships are the key to everything in life. Not just in work, but they are a two-way street.
Ann Bordelon
Failure doesn't define you, but how you respond to failure says everything about you.
Ann Bordelon
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About
Ann Bordelon is seasoned financial leader with nearly 30 years of global experience in all areas of finance.
Ann serves as the Executive Vice Chancellor of Finance & Administration at the University of Arkansas. In this role, she oversees all financial operations of the University as well as the operations of most non-academic support functions including information systems, human resources, facilities management, campus safety, etc.
Ann serves on the boards of America’s Car-Mart (NASDAQ: CRMT) and Portillo’s (NASDAQ: PTLO). CRMT is one of the largest publicly held automotive retailers in the United States focused exclusively on the integrated auto sales and finance segment of the used car market. Portillo’s is beloved Chicago-based fast casual restaurant known for its hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and chocolate cake shakes. Ann serves as chair of the audit committee of both companies.
Ann has nearly 13 years of broad financial experience in the executive ranks of Walmart coupled with experience in early-stage venture capital and medium-sized enterprises. She held several executive finance roles during her career at Walmart. Most notably, Ann served as CFO of Sam’s Club ($50B+), CFO of Walmart Asia ($20B+) based in Hong Kong, and Global Chief Audit Executive. Ann held other operationally focused executive roles in the US store operations and real estate functions.
Ann began her career in public accounting at EY where she advised enterprises of all sizes including two Fortune 100 companies. While most of her client portfolio was focused on retail and consumer products, Ann also has experience with manufacturing, agriculture and financial services industries.
Ann is an avid sports fan. You can usually find her riding her bike on the rural gravel roads of the Ozark Mountains.