From Partnerships to Productivity: How Hitachi Digital Proves Soft Skills Still Win in Treasury’s AI Era

How do you lead a global treasury team, navigate tech-driven transformation, and still stay grounded in human connection?

In this episode, Cathy Fields, VP Treasurer of Hitachi Digital, shares how her unconventional career path, people-first mindset, and deep-rooted love for forecasting helped her shape Treasury at one of the world’s leading digital companies.

Cathy Fields is the VP Treasurer of Hitachi Digital. With over two decades of experience across credit, treasury, and corporate finance, Cathy shares her remarkable journey from exercise physiology to global finance, offering lessons in resilience, leadership, and the power of saying “yes.”

Her approach to building strong teams, driving results, and leveraging soft skills in a tech-driven world is both inspiring and practical.

This episode explores modern treasury leadership - from navigating AI and global banking to building empowered remote teams. Cathy shares career-shaping decisions, the value of mentorship, and why people skills matter as much as finance. Expect practical insights for treasury professionals at any stage.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Cathy’s surprising shift from exercise physiology to corporate treasury
• Her philosophy of saying "yes" and embracing risk throughout her career
• The importance of early financial education and how STEM outreach fuels future talent
• How Cathy built and leads a high-functioning, remote treasury team
• The evolving role of AI in treasury - what’s real vs. what’s hype
• Why soft skills and analytical thinking often outweigh technical experience in hiring
• How to build productive and transparent banking relationships
• The power of mentorship and networking in career development
• Forecasting as a “simple math” passion and its role in treasury leadership
• Cathy’s approach to work-life balance and empowering parents in her team

You can connect with Cathy Fields on LinkedIn.

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