For Cyrus Lam, the aspect of the CFO role that sets it apart from all others is the weight of non-negotiable priorities. Despite years spent closely collaborating with CFOs as an investment banker, Lam tells us he quickly discovered a new lesvel of accountability in the role. Managing cash flow and ensuring payroll, he says, are unyielding priorities. “If you can’t make payroll, that’s a big, big issue. It destroys trust,” he reflects. While this hands-on responsibility was not unexpected, Lam tells us he’s learned to enthusiatically embrace it, finding enjoyment in understanding financial details down to the dollar.
Read MoreLam’s career began in India, where KPMG had recently opened an office. “I was the third person to join them as an article clerk and the first among them to qualify as a chartered accountant,” he explains. Lam’s drive and capabilities propelled him through the ranks quickly. His fascination with technology eventually led him to KPMG’s technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) group in the UK, where he developed a reputation for his work with IT service companies and tech firms.
In 2006, Lam relocated to New York to lead KPMG’s global TMT corporate finance team. Over two decades, he honed his expertise in mergers and acquisitions, valuation, and strategic advisory, collaborating with CFOs on transformative deals. However, stepping into the CFO role at CDI, one of his clients, presented him with new and uncharted challenges.
Now CFO of Orion Innovation, Lam draws on lessons from his investment banking years while embracing the operational demands of finance leadership. Balancing strategic oversight with tactical precision, he demonstrates that leadership thrives at the intersection of experience and adaptability.
“My advice to aspiring CFOs is to always prioritize teamwork and empowering your people. The philosophy I hold is simple: we win together or lose together, and it’s never about throwing anyone under the bus. It’s about fostering trust, supporting your team, and ensuring everyone has a path to thrive.” – Cyrus Lam, CFO, Orion Innovation
Made Possible By
CFOTL: Tell us about Orion Innovation. What does the company do, and what are its offerings today?
Lam: Orion is a technology firm, but there are countless technology firms out there. So, I like to break things down into simpler terms—the way I’d explain it to my parents, for example. Essentially, technology impacts every business. Take what we’re doing right now: we’re using software to record this conversation. The fact that we don’t have to travel to meet, set up equipment, or deal with other logistical hurdles is all thanks to technology. It transforms how businesses operate, enabling greater productivity.
It’s the same across industries, whether you’re manufacturing golf carts, running an airline, or harvesting blueberries—technology touches everything, whether through hardware or software. The question is, how do businesses choose to deal with that impact? Do they want to stay ahead as leaders, or let others dictate the pace of change?
Read MoreOur clients are absolute household names—Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies, as well as large private firms. While I can’t name them, I can say everyone listening to this podcast would recognize them. What we do is help these companies design and evolve their digital transformation strategies.
And this is about helping companies figure out where and how to harness technology, and how to allocate their limited resources effectively to implement their plans. Even the largest organizations face constraints, so prioritizing the right technology investments is key.
For example, we develop software to help clients transform manual processes into streamlined, technology-driven workflows. Think about how airline check-ins have evolved over the past 10 or 15 years. What used to be a manual, time-consuming process is now intuitive and effortless. You can check in via an app, track your bags, and even see real-time weather updates for your destination. But while the interface seems simple to the user, there’s a tremendous amount of backend work required to make it all happen.
That’s what we do. We help companies build, evolve, and manage these platforms, ensuring they run smoothly. And if something goes wrong, we’re there to fix it.
We aim to build long-term, trusted partnerships with our clients. We’re not just about one-off projects; we’re about helping companies integrate technology into their business strategies for sustained success. Whether it’s designing new platforms, managing existing systems, or troubleshooting issues, we’re committed to being a reliable partner throughout their digital transformation journey.
Orion Innovation | www.orioninc.com | Edison, NJ