John Mahoney.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen M.
• Position: BalanceSHEET

Growing up as the oldest of eight children in a very active family, John Mahoney says some of the most memorable moments of his life center on the accomplishments of others in his family--his brothers, sisters, parents, wife or children--all of whom have successes that he enjoys sharing.

Title: Executive Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer/CFO

Company: Staples, Inc., retailer

Born: May 15, 1951

Spouse: Rose, married 30 years

Children: Michael, 27; Alison, 24; and Elizabeth, 14

Education: The College of the Holy Cross, 1969-73, A.B., English; Northeastern University, 1973-75, MBA

Career: I began my career as a staff accountant at Ernst & Ernst in Boston, where I enjoyed spending about 20 years at [what became] Ernst & Young, including three years in the national office following the activities of the Securities and Exchange Commission. I joined Staples as CFO in 1996 and have added to my responsibilities.

FEI Chapter: Boston

Leisure: I find many activities enjoyable, including community activities, like the New England Province of Jesuits and local town government, as well as the golf club. Most of these are interests that our family has shared. We all love to play golf. I also enjoy running (have run two marathons), and I also run with my children. I come from a family of seven brothers and sisters, so many of our activities include sports, and I have become a mediocre participant in many family sports activities.

Time Management: Given the time required for all of us in financial jobs, particularly with the recent challenges of Sarbanes-Oxley and the greater attention from boards, time management is very important. I find that trying to do the most important things first is critical and most effective. I also try to manage time in relatively large blocks, allocating time within those blocks, including trying to make time for activities outside of my job.

Stress Management: There is nothing that relieves stress like physical activity, and I get that from running. Going on a nice hard run or sometimes a bike ride relieves stress and rejuvenates me.

Favorite book/s: I enjoy reading business books, but novels make up more of my reading. Perhaps my favorite book of all time is The Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand. Her philosophy and view of the world are very appealing. Recently, I've enjoyed John Adams' biography, because it keeps the life we lead in the 21st Century in perspective. Immediate communication via email and rapid travel via jet...