Inspiring the Next Generation of Female C-Suite Leaders – Interview with Leslie Edwards

In the second installment of our series highlighting trailblazing female executives to inspire the next generation of female C-Suite leaders, we feature Leslie Edwards, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Colas Inc., a leader in infrastructure construction and maintenance focused on providing safe, innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for its customers.

Leslie’s career journey spans multiple industries and continents. From stepping into a key finance role at the age of 24 to breaking barriers in male-dominated sectors, Leslie’s path has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and a strong belief in the power of people.

In this candid conversation with Margaret Jaouadi, Leslie Edwards shares her career-defining moments, the importance of mentorship, her vision for supporting future female leaders, and advice to other female leaders aspiring to reach the C-Suite.

Margaret Jaouadi
Please describe your career journey and highlight the key steps leading to your current C-Suite position.

Leslie Edwards
I started my career in France and was fortunate to have a remarkable female mentor early on. During my master’s program, I interned at a company where the Director of Finance saw potential in me. Before I graduated, she offered me a plant controller role in Northern France—a job no one else wanted. She believed in me, and I took the opportunity.

At 24 years of age, I was one of only ten women in a plant with 500 employees who sat on the board of directors. The company faced challenges, including an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation and a long-vacant controller position. Eager and determined, I stepped in to help. Despite the remote location, the team was incredibly supportive. I quickly learned that success isn’t just about effort. You cannot achieve success alone; it’s about the people around you.

After three years, I was ready for more. My boss offered me an internal auditor role in Switzerland, where I spent two years auditing subsidiaries across Europe and Argentina. It expanded my perspective, reinforcing the importance of adapting to different cultures while maintaining a shared company vision.

The company needed support in implementing the same ERP system in the U.S., so I assisted while continuing my audit work. Traveling between Switzerland and the U.S., I visited every plant, trained employees, and helped integrate the system. When the CFO of Europe moved to the U.S., he recognized my expertise and offered me a local contract. Seeing it as a growth opportunity, I accepted.

In the U.S., I advanced quickly from cost controller to finance manager within six months, overseeing 13 plants. But I hit a glass ceiling. My direct French communication style didn’t always translate well, and I learned that perception matters as much as language. Coaching helped me refine my approach.

I met my husband and stayed in the U.S., but my growth potential stalled. A recruiter introduced me to a Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager role at a Swiss-French company. With no FP&A experience but a drive to learn, I took the challenge. I spent three years in Ohio, gaining insight into Swiss-German and French business cultures and their dynamics.

Then, life shifted. My daughter’s health issues made my long commute unsustainable. Remote work wasn’t an option, so I found a Director of Finance role at a solar panel manufacturer, overseeing operations in the U.S., Malaysia, and Vietnam. Managing global teams meant long hours, handling U.S. operations by day and Asian operations by night. After three years, I gained a deep knowledge of Malaysian and Vietnamese work cultures.

Pregnant again, I knew 18-hour workdays weren’t feasible. A recruiter connected me to a CFO role at a Swiss-German company expanding in Mexico. Drawn by its very complex tax model, I relocated to Philadelphia, PA. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, remote integration was complex, and cultural misalignments surfaced. The company’s values didn’t align with mine, particularly their lack of employee support.

Again, a recruiter introduced me to a CFO role at a French construction company. I instantly connected with the leadership and moved to New Jersey. As an outsider and a woman new to construction, I knew I had to prove myself and get accepted internally to succeed in this role.

Thankfully, my predecessor stayed on for six months to support the transition, allowing me to visit all the plants, meet employees, and assess the finance organization’s strengths and gaps. This time was invaluable in building relationships and establishing a vision. A year and a half later, my 360-degree feedback was overwhelmingly positive. People valued my energy, openness, and support.

There’s still work to do, but I’ve built a strong foundation. Every challenge has shaped me, reinforcing that leadership is about people, adaptability, and staying true to your values.

Margaret Jaouadi
For a moment, I felt like I was speaking to a Chief Human Resource Officer rather than a CFO. You don’t often hear someone in your role being so people-oriented rather than solely focused on the numbers.

Leslie Edwards
My diverse experiences and exposure to different cultures unlocked a key lesson: Success is about people. Finance is technical, and anyone can learn the numbers, but nothing truly gets done without strong relationships and building strategic partnerships.

Looking back, I’ve grown tremendously. The Leslie from 15 years ago was a different person. Maturity and experience have shaped my leadership style; now, prioritizing people is a core part of my identity. That’s why I love my current company; it genuinely values its people, which aligns with what I believe leadership should be about.

Margaret Jaouadi
What was the most pivotal moment or decision in your career that significantly impacted your leadership path?

Leslie Edwards
One of my most significant career pivots was realizing I had spent over a decade in one company without real growth. I had to take control of my own path. Despite negative feedback and doubts from others, I believed in myself and took the leap. Having the courage to say, ‘I know I can do this,’ and taking ownership of my future was a defining moment in my career.

Margaret Jaouadi
Who are your career’s most influential allies or mentors, and how did they support your growth and advancement?

Leslie Edwards
Throughout my career, my biggest allies have been those who believed in me. My first boss was instrumental. She was an aspirational, people-oriented leader who took a chance on me as a plant controller, a role unheard of for someone at my level. Her trust set the foundation for my career.

My husband has also been a crucial support system. He encouraged me at every step and even paused his career to care for our family while I travelled extensively.

In my current role, my CEO and Parent Company CFO hired me despite some uncertainty, proving once again that having the right people in your corner can make all the difference in career growth.

Margaret Jaouadi
As a woman in leadership, what unique challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Leslie Edwards
Having spent my career in male-dominated industries, I’ve learned that one of the biggest challenges for women is finding the right leadership style. The traditional expectation of leadership, to be charismatic, firm, and directive, is often differently perceived when exhibited by a woman. The key is striking a balance: being assertive and confident while staying true to your style and values.

Another major challenge is self-doubt. I often see women hesitate unless they meet 100% of a job’s requirements, while men jump in with just 20% knowledge. The truth is, no one ever knows everything. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having confidence in your vision, inspiring and motivating others, and bringing people along with you. The biggest hurdle is believing in yourself.

Margaret Jaouadi
How do you see your role in supporting the next generation of female leaders, and what initiatives or changes are you championing from your current position?

Leslie Edwards
I care deeply about supporting the development of women, especially in a male-dominated industry. Most of the CFOs and counterparts on my team are men. I was the first female CFO for a major region of the company. That’s why I believe in mentorship and elevating other women.

My company has a mentorship program dedicated to women, and I serve as a mentor. I also coach and support women within my team, helping them grow in their careers—whether that means reaching the C-Suite or advancing professionally.

I remind them that careers and life move in phases—sometimes, the focus is on work, other times on family, and that’s okay. A temporary setback doesn’t mean you can’t continue progressing later.

To drive change, I’ve also launched a rotation program where I encourage women to participate in order to help them gain broader experience. I always feel I could do more, but leading by example is powerful. When I visit our subsidiaries, I see how my position as a female CFO in a male-dominated industry inspires others—it shows them that leadership at the highest level is possible.

Margaret Jaouadi
What advice would you give to other female leaders aspiring to reach the C-Suite?

Leslie Edwards
I’d encourage them to seek a mentor or ally. The path to the C-Suite is often exclusive, and having someone advocate for you makes the journey easier.

Focus on building confidence. Women need to be comfortable taking a stand and voicing their ideas.

It’s also essential to align with a company that values diversity and supports your growth. Once there, find your leadership style and stay true to yourself.

Margaret Jaouadi
What message about the future of women’s leadership would you like to share on International Women’s Day?

Leslie Edwards
Women need to keep pushing toward their dreams. Progress takes time, but we are making our mark. Companies are realizing that diversity drives success, and that shift is happening. So, perseverance is key.

Margaret Jaouadi
Thank you, Leslie, for sharing your career journey, your inspirational insights, and your support and encouragement for the next generation of female leaders.

For a confidential chat about how Pacific International can assist you with your Talent Acquisitions and Diversity challenges, please contact David Howells or one of our Executive Search Consultants specialising in your sector.