How Brett Seybold’s Career Journey Led to the CFO Role at USAA
For some executives, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role is an unexpected career milestone, while for others, it is a lifelong ambition. Brett Seybold, Executive Vice President and CFO of USAA, falls into the latter category. His passion for finance, numbers, and strategic decision-making dates back to his early childhood.
After two decades at USAA, Seybold was appointed CFO in July 2024, making him one of the younger finance chiefs in the Fortune 500. At 44 years old, he stands out in a field where the average CFO age was 53 in 2024, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.
In an exclusive discussion, Seybold shared insights into his career trajectory, leadership philosophy, and vision for USAA’s financial future.
Early Passion for Finance: The Foundation of a CFO
Seybold’s interest in finance started early, inspired by conversations with his father and his father’s friend, a banker.
“From an early age, I knew I liked math. I remember my dad teaching me the power of compound interest when I was in kindergarten.”
Born and raised in Dodge City, Kansas, Seybold sought opportunities beyond his hometown. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Finance at Kansas State University and, shortly after graduating, relocated to Texas for an opportunity at USAA.
“I got the hell out of Dodge… I literally grew up in Dodge City.”
His journey at USAA began as an intern and evolved over the next 20 years into a leadership role as the company’s top financial executive.
USAA’s Financial Growth Under Seybold’s Leadership
USAA, a private Fortune 500 financial services and insurance provider, specializes in serving military members and their families. The company has demonstrated consistent financial growth, with Seybold playing a pivotal role in its success.
📌 USAA’s 2023 Financial Performance
✔ Net income: $1.2 billion
✔ Net worth: $29.1 billion (a 6% YoY increase)
✔ Total revenue: $42.5 billion (up 17% YoY)
These figures highlight USAA’s strong financial position, reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality financial services and insurance solutions.
Career Lessons: Continuous Learning and Adaptability
Seybold attributes his career success to continuous learning and adaptability. Over his 20-year tenure at USAA, he experienced 19 different configurations of responsibilities, demonstrating his willingness to take on diverse challenges.
“Never get too comfortable. Growth comes from pushing yourself into new, sometimes uncomfortable, roles.”
The Importance of Rotation Programs
Early in his career, Seybold participated in USAA’s rotation program, where he was exposed to various finance, investment, and treasury functions.
One of the most formative experiences was his time on the investment team, where he had to present his weekly learnings to his team leader, who was also a professor.
“While it was excruciating, I knew I was getting extra learning in that group.”
This challenging but rewarding experience helped him build a strong foundation in investment management and financial decision-making.
Key Leadership Lessons from Seybold’s Career
1. Be Open to New Challenges
Seybold’s career growth at USAA was fueled by leaders who encouraged him to take on new roles—sometimes against his initial instincts.
📌 A pivotal moment in his career occurred when he was asked to transition to the treasury department. Initially, Seybold was hesitant, telling the Treasurer:
“I really like what I’m doing and I’m thinking about staying.”
However, just two hours later, he was informed that he was making the move—a decision that proved to be instrumental in broadening his expertise.
2. Mentorship is Key to Professional Growth
Seybold credits trusted mentors at USAA for guiding him through pivotal career transitions.
✔ Leaders encouraged him to make lateral moves that broadened his experience rather than focusing solely on promotions.
✔ Constructive challenges, like presenting investment strategies to senior executives, helped him develop confidence and financial acumen.
For young finance professionals aspiring to executive roles, seeking mentorship and embracing new experiences is crucial.
3. Finance Leaders Must Stay Agile in a Changing Market
As USAA’s CFO, Seybold emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of economic trends, leveraging data analytics, and adopting new technologies.
“Finance leaders must embrace digital transformation and innovative financial strategies to drive long-term business growth.”
With AI-driven financial analytics, evolving investment strategies, and shifting regulatory landscapes, modern CFOs must adapt quickly to ensure sustainable growth.
What’s Next for USAA? Seybold’s Vision as CFO
As CFO, Seybold’s priorities include:
📌 Strengthening USAA’s financial resilience by maintaining a strong balance sheet and efficient capital allocation.
📌 Expanding digital financial services to enhance customer experience for military families.
📌 Investing in AI-driven finance solutions to optimize risk management and decision-making.
Final Thoughts: A Rising CFO in the Fortune 500
At 44 years old, Brett Seybold represents the next generation of financial leadership in Fortune 500 companies. His journey from intern to CFO at USAA highlights the power of:
✔ Continuous learning
✔ Mentorship and leadership support
✔ Adaptability in a changing financial landscape
For aspiring finance professionals, Seybold’s career serves as a testament to the value of embracing challenges, expanding skill sets, and staying proactive in career growth.
As USAA continues to thrive financially, its leadership, under Seybold’s financial expertise, is well-positioned to drive sustained success in the evolving finance and insurance industry.
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