Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Sm
Search every verified A. Pursell interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. A. Pursell, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at SM Energy, appeared on the podcast "The Generous Business Owner" on September 17, 2024. During the episode, Pursell discussed his career and personal approach to leadership. He described being caught in a conflict between a CEO and executive chairman at a previous company, which led to his departure in June 2008. Pursell stated that he was able to sell company stock at high prices just before the September 2008 financial crisis, calling the timing "a huge blessing." He said that after leaving that role, he was recruited to become CFO of SM Energy. Pursell said his personal mission is to "love God and love others" and that he prays about opportunities to ensure they align with that mission. He recommended starting each morning with a brief time in scripture and praying for people he will interact with during the day. Pursell noted that he has been able to give appreciated stock to his church on a disciplined basis, and that giving stock has not attracted the same scrutiny from investors as selling stock. He stated that at SM Energy he has worked with executive teams of "very high integrity" and has been able to teach biblical principles "in a creative way within the public company environment without being overt."
“Most of my compensation point forward became stock and that's just the way it works, and the benefits of being able to give stock to the church has been a great thing for me. I've just on a very disciplined basis once or twice a year trimmed that, and it's been a wonderful way to give, especially when the stock is appr...”
“When we sell stock, everyone sees it immediately and it's never a comfortable question from an investor. But the ability to give it away has been a big positive because no one has ever asked me why I gave away stock versus selling it. Giving looks very different and people appreciate that you're giving something away.”
“I was caught in the middle of a very ugly breakup between a CEO and executive chairman with different strategic views, which led to the firing of the CEO. It became clear it was best for me to move on as well, which was painful because I loved the company and people, but financially I was taken care of and it turned ou...”
“After leaving my previous company in June 2008, oil was $140 and I was able to sell all my stock at very high prices just before the financial crisis hit in September 2008. That timing was a huge blessing I don't deserve.”
How can I be a steward of God in my organization? In this episode, Jeff and Wade discuss: - Seeing God's hand in our decisions ...
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