In the heart of a bustling paper mill, where the scent of fresh pulp intermingled with the hum of machinery, Bob Houghton kicked off his finance career. Fresh out of college and a number of states removed from his Minnesota roots, Houghton understood the intricate dance of departments working in unison to produce everyday paper essentials. It was here, in the domain of plus-size machines, that he began to embrace the value of stepping beyond comfort zones for growth. His journey from starting within the paper mill’s diligent production ethic to becoming finance leader at Pivot Bio is a testament to the power of diverse experiences. At a later stint at General Mills, he navigated through nine roles in 15 years, each a stepping-stone that would hone his strategic vision and leadership skills. It was a role in investor relations, however, that would mark a turning point ultimately unlocking the path to the CFO office. Today, as the CFO of Pivot Bio, Houghton is focused on driving the company toward profitability while maintaining a sustainable business model. He emphasizes the importance of having financial acumen across the organization, allocating capital strategically, and articulating a clear value proposition to stakeholders. Meanwhile, Pivot Bio’s CFO doesn’t hesitate to blend his finance leadership with the company’s greater mission. Says Houghton: “We’re not just providing a product—we’re providing a more profitable, predictable, safer, and sustainable solution for growers.”