Leading with Vision: Monica‑May Dunn Talks Growth, Grit, and Escrow on Her Table, Her Rules

In a recent episode of the Her Table, Her Rules podcast, Monica May-Dunn, CEO and owner of Arizona Escrow & Financial Corporation (AEF), joined host Juliet Peters to share her story of rising from CFO to full ownership and the lessons learned through decades of leadership, growth, and grit.

From CFO to CEO: A Long Game with Purpose

Monica walked listeners through her 35-year journey at AEF, beginning as an assistant in 1990 and culminating in 2023 with her full ownership of the company. The conversation unpacked the three-year process of buying AEF, including business valuation, owner financing, and the mindset shift required to move from employee to executive.

“You have to know your numbers, understand your value, and be bold enough to lead,” Monica shared. “Taking ownership means betting on yourself.”

She also reflected on the challenges of navigating business transitions during COVID-19, including the temporary sale and recent relaunch of AEF’s account servicing division with upgraded software and renewed client demand.

Key Leadership Takeaways

• Mindset matters: Journaling and self-awareness helped Monica make the mental shift to owner

• Delegation is essential: “You can’t do everything,” she emphasized, sharing how her recent hires brought needed balance

• Financial readiness is critical: Clean, organized financials made AEF’s transition smooth and successful

• Culture is everything: Monica built a workplace where collaboration is natural and people want to show up

“Leadership for me is about integrity, precision, and creating a place where people feel proud of the work they do.” – Monica May-Dunn.

She also gave practical advice for future business buyers, including securing valuations, managing tax implications, and preparing documentation well in advance.

Listen to the Full Episode: