Corporate finance that maximises business value with Stefan Galbo

Corporate finance is about creating value, not just closing deals. This article explores how strategic advice, succession planning and people skills drive long-term business outcomes. 

Corporate finance that maximises business value with Stefan Galbo

On the Finance Friends with Fabian Ruggieri podcast, Corporate Finance Partner Stefan Galbo shared an insightful look into the world of corporate finance, discussing his perspectives on business growth, business valuation, succession planning and exit strategies. With years of experience in corporate advisory at PKF, Galbo’s discussion highlighted why value creation, not just revenue growth, sits at the heart of successful mid-market businesses.

Maximising value for businesses  

Corporate finance is often misunderstood as simply raising capital. According to Galbo, the reality is far broader and more strategic.

“A lot of people always say, ‘What’s corporate finance? Are you funding businesses?’ But really, it’s about providing a total solution to a growing mid-market client across the entire business lifecycle.”

As a Corporate Finance Partner at PKF, Galbo works with business owners from early growth stages through to maturity and exit. His role spans mergers and acquisitions, business valuation, and strategic corporate advisory, helping clients understand not just how to grow, but how to grow value.

“It’s not about growing revenue, it’s about how you’re growing value. That maximising value concept is where valuation advisory work becomes so important.”

This value-focused mindset underpins every major decision a business makes, from capital allocation to long-term strategy and exit planning.

We’re talking more about succession planning than ever before

One of the dominant themes Stefan discussed was succession planning, particularly in Australia’s family-owned business landscape. With fewer next-generation leaders stepping into ownership roles, many founders are faced with difficult decisions about the future of their businesses.

“Succession is a big thing right now. Sitting back with owners and asking, ‘What is our succession plan?’ is critical; whether that’s private equity, a trade sale, or another solution.”

Stefan emphasised that the “right” exit is not universal. Options such as management buyouts, trade sales, private capital involvement or IPOs must align with the owner’s goals, risk appetite and desire to remain involved post-transaction.

This nuanced approach is a hallmark of strong corporate advisory work, ensuring that financial outcomes and personal objectives are aligned.

The corporate finance world requires grit

Despite the technical complexity of his role, Galbo described corporate finance as anything but predictable. No two days are the same, and that uncertainty is exactly what keeps the work engaging.

“I love the unknown. Is a new transaction going to come in? Is a deal going to fall over? Are there challenges where you’ve got to put everything aside and find a solution straight away?”

Balancing this intensity with family life requires discipline. Early mornings, structured calendars and clear boundaries help Galbo manage the demands of senior leadership while staying present at home, a reality many professionals can relate to.

From accounting student to Corporate Finance Partner

Galbo’s career path was not linear. Originally drawn to accounting for its broad exposure to business, he began his professional journey during the Global Financial Crisis, a period that limited traditional graduate opportunities.

Early experience in insolvency proved formative, teaching him how to make decisions quickly and manage emotionally charged situations, skills that continue to serve him in high-stakes transactions today.

His interest in markets, valuation and strategy deepened through self-directed learning, particularly reading widely on investing and business fundamentals.

“The technical skill set can be gained through reading. I still sit down and read investor presentations. Understanding how a business articulates itself to the market is incredibly valuable.”

This curiosity eventually led him to corporate finance at PKF, where he could apply valuation expertise across a wider range of clients and transactions.

People skills are at the forefront of adding value to our clients and their businesses

While technical competence is essential, Galbo believes the most critical skills in corporate finance have remained unchanged for decades.

“The principles of most corporate jobs haven’t changed; it’s about dealing with people. You need to communicate, and you need a network.”

From working in hospitality to attending networking events where he knew no one, Stefan credits uncomfortable experiences with building confidence and perspective. His advice to aspiring corporate finance professionals is simple but powerful: put yourself out there.

“You can’t teach soft skills. You have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations, that’s where you really learn.”

Markets evolve; it’s our role to evolve with them

Stefan Galbo’s appearance on Finance Friends with Fabian reinforced a critical lesson for business owners and professionals alike: sustainable success is built on value creation, strong relationships and strategic clarity.

In a world of rapid change, Galbo’s grounded approach to corporate finance, business valuation and corporate advisory serves as a reminder that while markets evolve, the fundamentals of good business, and good advice, remain timeless.