Success without inner strength is not sustainable.
Hello, I am Christof Steinhauser —
former Group CFO and sparring partner for CFOs seeking clarity, strength and sustainable performance.
Over time, one thing has become clear:
true performance is not only about numbers — but also about the clarity, resilience and balance of the person behind them.
I work with CFOs under pressure — helping them to regain clarity, strengthen their leadership, and lead with confidence.
A brief overview of my journey
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Born in Germany, based in Switzerland since 2009, naturalized in 2024
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Degree in Business Administration and certified Controller, complemented by psychological training as an NLP Business Practitioner
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First CFO role in 2001 at a globally active German software company, with extensive operations in the United States
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Turning point in 2009: developing sustainable performance and mental stability under high professional pressure — beginning of my practice in traditional Taijiquan, which I have pursued continuously ever since
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Author of five books on health, personal development, and sustainable performance; speaker and coach on stress management and holistic performance
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More than 23 years of CFO experience in leading international companies across IT, software, automotive, high-tech, and medical technology
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Building international structures and subsidiaries, including executive leadership experience in Asia (Malaysia)
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Leading and developing organizations, strengthening performance, clarity, and decision-making
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Driving transformation programs, restructurings, and process optimizations to achieve sustainable performance improvements
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Leading and supporting M&A projects, including ensuring financing capability
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2025: Certification as an instructor in traditional Taijiquan by the ISCT (International Society of Chen Taijiquan)
What transformed me from a numbers-focused CFO into a leader of people
1
Low point
End of 2009. ERP implementation, constant ad-hoc projects, countless nights without sleep.
Exhausted, no energy, no joy — close to burnout.
Until one moment became clear:
This could not go on.
2
Turning point
I resigned — despite a promotion and higher salary.
I chose what mattered most: my health.
Shortly afterwards, I discovered Taijiquan — a practice that helped me regain clarity, energy and inner stability within weeks.
3
Impact
I returned with a different perspective.
Leadership as a CFO is not just about numbers —
but about trust, clarity and a genuine focus on people.
This fundamentally changed how I lead.
Today, I help CFOs under constant pressure to gain clarity, stability and real impact.
What you can expect from me
I combine over 23 years of CFO and leadership experience with sound coaching and methods for mental and physical strengthening. My focus is on measurable results – in business and in people.
Examples from my time as CFO:
Monthly closing
Reduced from 8 to 5 days
Operating costs
-7.4% without job cuts
Person
Team development & resilience