Growth is an easy word to say, but a difficult thing to steward. It’s measured in acquisitions, expanded global teams, deeper expertise, and within the daily operational decisions that shape what the company becomes. For CoreX, sitting at the center of that forward motion is CFO Matthew Malek (let’s just call him “Matt”), whose view of leadership blends financial discipline with operational awareness and a long memory for the lessons that shaped him.
“Leading a growth enterprise calls for a clear understanding of the business environment as well as strong alignment across teams. It requires forward-thinking coupled with humility, ensuring that leaders remain adaptable and open to input from all areas of the organization.”
Indeed, humility is not a soft trait. Leaders who listen, especially to what’s not being said directly, are better equipped to anticipate risk before it becomes visible on a dashboard.
“An effective leader listens closely to stakeholders, paying attention to both what is explicitly stated and what may be left unsaid. This attentiveness allows leaders to anticipate needs and respond to potential issues before they arise.”
Where Finance and Operations Meet
Matt is clear that the CFO role, particularly in a company like CoreX, cannot live in a silo. Instead, unity is what allows a company to forecast realistically, respond proactively, and pursue opportunities without losing its footing. In a high-growth organization, the temptation is often to look backward at trailing metrics or forward at ambitious targets without connecting the two. Matt prefers a different stance.
“Rather than focusing solely on past results, the emphasis remains on preparing for the future and supporting sustainable growth.”
Earlier in his career, Matt had a conversation that continues to guide how he thinks about leadership. Over dinner with his company’s CFO, he received advice that has stayed with him ever since.
The message was simple. Do not lead from a narrow lane. Be part of how sales happen and understand what it is like to hold a quota. Learn how strategy is built. Spend time in operations. See how engineering thinks. Matt took that guidance seriously.
“To be an effective partner and leader, whether in finance or operations, it is essential to truly experience the business firsthand. Over the past two decades, I have intentionally sought out opportunities to lead and contribute in a variety of roles, spanning sales, marketing, operations, alliances, strategy, finance, and sourcing.”
Investing Boldly, With Eyes Open
One of the most delicate responsibilities of a CFO in a growth enterprise is deciding when to push forward and when to preserve. Matt frames it with clarity.
“The key is to invest boldly in the future, but to do so from a position of strength rooted in awareness, alignment, disciplined financial management, and empowered leadership.”
Boldness without awareness becomes recklessness. But at the same time, caution without vision leads to stagnation. The real work is protecting the business that exists today while building the one the organization aspires to become.
“Balancing growth and risk means protecting the business today while simultaneously building the organization you aspire to lead tomorrow.”
What Partnership Really Looks Like
In the C-suite, Matt sees his role far beyond the usual expectations of a CFO. Instead, he sees himself as a true partner and confidant, contributing to broader leadership conversations and shared problem-solving.
“An effective partnership between the CFO and the rest of the executive team is grounded in communication, respect, and trust. A strong partnership is evident when colleagues actively seek each other’s input and support, creating a dynamic of mutual reliance and shared leadership within the executive team.”
In a company scaling as quickly as CoreX, this type of cohesion matters. Alignment at the top translates to clarity across the organization. In turn, Matt feels the last decade reshaped expectations of the C-suite.
“The marketplace is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Business plans and strategies are only as strong as a leader’s ability to adapt. In the current era of hybrid work, the need for leaders to engage and connect with their teams has never been greater.”
Why CoreX? Why Now?
Matt speaks about CoreX with the energy of a new hire.
“It is a remarkable period for anyone working within the ServiceNow ecosystem, and I am energized by the unique opportunities this presents.”
He believes strongly in the long-term vision of the ServiceNow platform and sees CoreX as an essential contributor to that vision. This conviction is reinforced by his background in AI and machine learning companies, where he has seen how technology and talent combine to create change.
“I have seen firsthand how the combination of innovative technology and talented people can fundamentally transform a business. This experience reinforces my belief in the direction CoreX is heading. The commitment to innovation at CoreX, driven by a clear and compelling vision, is what excites me most about the company’s future.”
Beyond the Numbers
Outside of CoreX, Matt’s life is as active as his professional one. He is a dedicated and involved family man who finds tremendous value in all his family’s moments, whether it’s sharing a quiet meal, catching a game, or embarking on an elaborate family vacation.
Matt has recently been appointed to the Please Touch Museum (Philadelphia) Board of Directors, where he looks forward to serving one of Philadelphia’s iconic destinations for youth.
“These moments are incredibly important to me and provide a sense of balance and connection.”
Matt is also highly dedicated to wellness, training daily and incorporating boxing, high-intensity interval workouts, running, and weight training into his routine.
Music, too, is a constant. His playlists move easily from hip hop to classic rock, from country to blues. There is something fitting about that range, since it effectively mirrors the way he approaches business. Broad exposure. Varied influences. A willingness to learn across disciplines.
As CoreX has continued to demonstrate over the last few years, growth is structured, disciplined, and ambitious. Behind the scenes, helping ensure that ambition is matched with resilience, is a CFO who believes that the future belongs to organizations that listen closely, invest thoughtfully, and stay aligned around what truly matters.
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