I’ve had the privilege of knowing Iveta Cabajova for over 20 years, and in that time, she’s consistently impressed me with her brilliance, determination, and ability to lead from the front. As CFO and COO of 1E, Iveta doesn’t just oversee finances or operations – she supports the company with a clarity of vision and a relentless drive to deliver results.
Her leadership is as strategic as it is empathetic, balancing operational efficiency with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative culture. From navigating the complexities of private equity-backed growth to building SheSaaS – a network designed to support and empower women in leadership – Iveta has spent her career breaking barriers and setting new standards.
1E is built on the belief that automation has the power to transform how organisations operate. By anticipating and resolving IT issues before they can disrupt the workforce they ensure businesses run smoothly and efficiently.
Given the company’s deep expertise in automation, I was keen to explore how these principles are applied within their own finance function.
“We don’t just automate the IT side of things – it’s embedded in every part of our business, including finance,” Iveta explains.
Iveta outlines how 1E’s integrated tools create seamless workflows. “For example, as soon as we close a deal, our revenue operations system, built on Salesforce, communicates directly with our accounting platform to raise invoices automatically,” she says. Other tools record and analyse customer calls, enabling teams across IT, HR, and finance to access a unified, 360-degree view of the customer.
Naturally, any discussion about automation inevitably leads to AI, so I was eager to hear Iveta’s perspective on the topic.
For her, AI isn’t a threat – it’s an enabler “AI can pre-draft marketing campaigns or answer simple customer queries, leaving engineers to focus on more complex issues. In finance, it can handle initial data analysis, freeing up time to delve into insights and execute on the information,” Iveta explains. By taking on routine tasks, AI creates space for creativity and strategic thinking, leading to a more engaged and motivated workforce.” she explains.
Iveta is clear that AI’s role isn’t to overhaul businesses overnight or replace entire workforces. “I don’t believe AI is going to solve every problem, transform our business entirely, or mean we’ll fire all our people—absolutely not,” she says. Instead, she sees AI as a critical tool for success, one that enhances productivity and allows teams to work further up the value chain.
However, Iveta also cautions against making AI the sole focus of an organisation. “AI shouldn’t become the core of your business—it’s a tool to help you run your business better,” she says. For Iveta, the key lies in balance: using AI to support operations and empower people, not overshadow them.
I asked Iveta whether the skill set required for CFOs and finance teams has changed, given the growing emphasis on data in decision-making.
“I think it already has,” Iveta reflects. “Pure financial data no longer solves business problems. Today, it’s about enriching financial data with insights from HR, sales operations, and even marketing. It’s the combination of these data points that drives real value in a business.”
Iveta highlights the broader scope of the modern CFO role. “Twenty-five years ago, when I started my career, we were focused on producing data. Now, the key is reading it -understanding where trends are coming from, interpreting what the data is telling us, and making the right decisions to drive the business forward.”
For Iveta, it’s not about drowning in data but being able to filter and act on what matters most. “We have all these great technologies to produce the data for us, but the value lies in the ability to interpret it and execute effectively,” she explains. “A CFO today must understand the data in front of them and use it to steer the business in the right direction.”
The workplace has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, and Iveta is no stranger to the challenges and opportunities that come with it. “The way we work has completely transformed,” she begins. “It’s no longer just about being present in the office from 9 to 5. People want flexibility – they want to grab a Frappuccino at 10 a.m. without being judged and then log back on at 7 p.m. to finish their work.”
For Iveta, this evolution isn’t about less work – it’s about different work. “It’s about trusting people to deliver outcomes rather than micromanaging their time,” she explains. “We need to meet people where they are, whether that’s at home, in a café, or in the office.”
The hybrid model has become an essential part of maintaining both productivity and culture. Iveta believes the balance lies in creating an environment where people feel connected and motivated, regardless of their physical location. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” she says. “But what’s clear is that companies that ignore this shift will struggle to retain talent, especially younger professionals who expect flexibility as standard.”
This new reality is also shaping leadership. “As leaders, we need to adapt. We need to be more empathetic, more inclusive, and more open to different ways of working,”
Iveta Cabajova has always been passionate about breaking down barriers, and her work with SheSaaS exemplifies that commitment. Co-founding the network was driven by her desire to create a community where women in SaaS and private equity-backed companies could connect, share experiences, and address common challenges.
“SheSaaS is about building a stronger, more supportive community,” Iveta explains. “Leadership roles, particularly in these industries, can feel isolating for women. We wanted to create a space where female leaders could not only network but also mentor and empower each other.”
The network addresses shared concerns – from navigating career progression in male-dominated industries to tackling the challenges of work-life balance in leadership roles. Events, workshops, and a forthcoming podcast provide practical tools and inspiration for women striving to break through glass ceilings. “We’re fostering a culture where collaboration, not competition, leads to growth,” she says.
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of SheSaaS’s mission. Iveta is particularly passionate about seeing more women in boardrooms. “Diversity isn’t just a checkbox—it’s critical to better decision-making,” she emphasises. “Different perspectives lead to more robust strategies, and it’s something that every organisation should prioritise.”
For Iveta, this initiative is about more than just gender equity – it’s about redefining leadership for the modern world. “The new way of work gives us the opportunity to create leadership that’s inclusive, empathetic, and forward-thinking,” she says. “And it’s not just about women; it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has a voice and a seat at the table.”
Over the course of her career, Iveta Cabajova has consistently challenged the status quo, setting new standards in leadership, innovation, and inclusion. Her ability to balance operational excellence with empathy and forward-thinking strategies has made her a standout leader in the SaaS and private equity-backed sectors.
Perhaps most inspiring is Iveta’s vision for the future of work and leadership: a world where collaboration replaces competition, where flexibility and inclusion are priorities, and where organisations thrive by embracing diverse perspectives. As Iveta aptly puts it:
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