Accounting Talent Podcast

Welcome to the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

Good vs Great Leadership in Today's Accounting Firms with former Allinial CEO Terry Snyder

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown welcomes Terry Snyder, a seasoned expert in accounting firm growth. Terry emphasizes the significance of cultivating a growth mindset in accounting and shares practical strategies for expanding your accounting firm. He delves into branding and provides tips on creating a strong brand, including defining your unique value proposition, identifying your ideal client, and creating a consistent visual and verbal identity.

Moreover, Terry sheds light on the future of accounting and how firms can brace themselves for the technological changes ahead. He predicts that automation and AI will continue to play a significant role in the industry. He also highlights the importance of maintaining a personal touch and building strong relationships with clients. Tune in to the Accounting Influencers Podcast to learn more and to get valuable insights and tips from the industry's top influencers.

Terry Snyder, a growth, strategy, and culture consultant, formerly served as the Head of Allinial Global, one of the largest accounting alliances in the world. He currently advises BOKS International, large accounting firms, and software vendors on their growth strategies. He started his career in 1970 - interning with (Deloitte) Haskins & Sells before joining Arthur Andersen. In 2006, he stepped out of the profession and became the president of a bank for 2 years before joining Allinial Global as the CEO and President. He spent 12 years with AG, overseeing growth from from $600 million (NA focused) to over $4.3 billion (globally focused). Now retired, Terry lives living in Charlotte North Carolina and consulting with BOKS International on growth and strategy as well as individual firms. 

Key Takeaways

➤ Having a growth mindset is essential for accounting firms to thrive, and it's crucial to be open to new ideas and seek out opportunities to learn and improve constantly.

➤ Developing a strong brand is a key strategy for accounting firm growth, and a strong brand is more than just a logo or tagline. It's about creating a clear and compelling message that resonates with your target audience.

➤ To build a strong brand, it's important to define your unique value proposition, identify your ideal client, and create a consistent visual and verbal identity.

➤ Automation and artificial intelligence will continue to play a growing role in the accounting industry, but maintaining a personal touch and building relationships with clients is still essential.

➤ To stay ahead of the curve in the accounting industry, it's important to invest in technology, develop new skills, and embrace change.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

Welcome to the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

Resilient Accounting Leadership in Tough Times with CEO Sensei John Fenton

John Fenton speaks with host Rob Brown about his experience as a managing partner at BDO and his passion for leadership. Fenton draws upon his background in athletics, particularly in football and martial arts, to emphasise the importance of mindset, self-awareness, and intentionality of ineffective leadership. He stresses the need for leaders to take a step back, breathe deeply, and create white space on their calendars to centre themselves, make better decisions, and build deeper relationships with their employees and clients.

John also touches on the power of active listening and focusing on what is most important. He believes that allowing oneself to be more centred leads to deeper, more meaningful relationships with employees and clients. John shares his personal experience with goal setting and how it changed his life, motivating him to work towards achieving his potential as an athlete and ultimately leading him to a successful career in accounting. This episode offers valuable insights into effective leadership strategies for accountants looking to grow their firms.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

Welcome to the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

Soft Skills Mastery for Accountants in a VUCA World with Bailey Parnell

Bailey Parnell", owner of Skills Camp, emphasises the importance of soft skills in the workplace, particularly in high-pressure professions like accounting. She stresses that grit is just one element of resilience and that soft skills are often the skills that characterise our relationships with ourselves and others. Bailey also explains how the VUCA acronym, Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity, applies to the current workplace environment and how soft skills are crucial in navigating it.

Bailey and Rob discuss the need for a growth mindset and being open to continuous learning and development. They emphasise the importance of seeking feedback and auditing one's skills to identify areas that require action, especially with the increasing automation of some roles. The speakers differentiate between optimists and pessimists and explain how having an optimistic mindset, particularly in times of change and stress, is crucial. The conversation concludes by emphasising the need for a learner-centric approach to teaching soft skills that prioritises the learners' interests and learning styles over serving the institution.

Key Takeaways

➺ Soft skills are essential in accounting, as they play a significant role in building relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

➺ Resilience is a critical soft skill, but it's not enough. Other essential skills include stress management, empathy, and cross-cultural communication.

➺ The VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) acronym is a helpful way to describe the current workplace environment, and developing soft skills is crucial in navigating it.

➺ To develop soft skills effectively, a learner-centric approach should be taken that prioritises the learners' interests and learning styles over institutional needs.

➺ Having a growth mindset, seeking feedback, and auditing one's skills are essential to continuous learning and development.

➺ Being optimistic is crucial, especially in times of change and stress. Optimism isn't necessarily about being positive or negative, but rather how one views oneself about what happens.

Bailey Parnell is a 2x TEDx speaker, Founder & CEO of SkillsCamp, and named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women. She is an internationally-recognized entrepreneur, an active humanitarian, and an expert in soft skills training. Bailey has nearly 4 million views on her TEDx talks, and her work has been featured in Forbes, Good Morning America, CBC, and other notable media outlets. She completed her Masters in Communications and Culture at Ryerson University with research on social media's impact on mental health. This research led to the creation of her signature 5 Steps Towards #SafeSocial and a connected non-profit of the same name. Bailey is known for her skilful storytelling, confidence, research, and humour. She frequently speaks on social media and mental health, soft skills, intergenerational understanding, and being a woman in business.

Bailey's company SkillsCamp is a soft skills training company that works with businesses and educational institutions to help their staff and students develop the essential skills needed for personal and professional success - personal branding, stress management, emotional intelligence, and public speaking. Bailey's engaging and informative presentations have reached over 4 million people worldwide. Bailey enjoys wine, cheese, good TV, and "thought experiments" when she's not working.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

Welcome to the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

Mental Health Awareness in Accounting - What Works with Lucy Cohen

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Lucy Cohen discusses the unintentional journey of becoming an influencer in the accounting profession. She emphasizes the importance of substance and expertise when sharing insights. Lucy also highlights the impact of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, on accountants. She encourages professionals to prioritize their mental health, seek support, and take preventive action against burnout.

Lucy shares her own experiences and encourages open discussions about mental health to reduce stigma within the industry. Overall, the episode promotes self-awareness and well-being among accountants.

Lucy, the co-founder of Mazuma, is a passionate innovator and disruptor in the accounting industry. With over 20 years of experience, she leads Mazuma forward through innovation, marketing, and business development. Her inspiration for creating Mazuma came from her childhood experiences witnessing the challenges self-employed creatives face with tax and accounting. Lucy's expertise and contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades and awards, including being shortlisted for Director of the Year (Innovation) and Practice Pioneer. She is also involved in powerlifting, mentoring start-up businesses, and advocating for important causes such as improved pain relief in medical procedures. Lucy's commitment to the accounting profession and her outstanding contributions have earned her prestigious awards and acknowledgments, further solidifying her role as an industry leader.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

Welcome to the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

"Embrace the human side of professionals! John Garrett, CPA-turned-comedian, shares insights on valuing hobbies, cultivating culture, and creating better workplaces."

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, guest John Garrett shares his journey from being a CPA and stand-up comedian to becoming a keynote speaker and organizational culture catalyst. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the human side of professionals and valuing their multifaceted lives outside of work.

John's research reveals that 92% of professionals have other dimensions to their identity beyond their job title. He encourages accountants to embrace their hobbies and passions, as these aspects not only enhance their well-being but also make them more relatable and valuable in their roles. By celebrating the unique qualities of individuals, organizations can create better workplaces and foster deeper connections with clients.

John Garrett is a thought provoker, author, and CPA who champions the human side of professionals. He consults with organizations to create better workplaces and develop productive cultures. With a background in stand-up comedy, he brings humor and insights to his work. John is an award-winning author, two-time Emmy nominee, and has performed on over 2,000 stages. He currently resides in Denver and is a college football fan. ◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

Welcome to the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

For today's show "Strategies for accountants to grow their firms by focusing on employee value proposition, personal growth, and career development with Robyn Clark."

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown engages in a one-sided conversation with guest Robyn Clark, focusing on strategies for accountants looking to grow their firms. The discussion centers around creating a great employee value proposition and understanding the importance of employee needs in driving engagement and retention.

They highlight the significance of aligning organizational goals with individual aspirations and leveraging personal growth and career achievement as key drivers for success. The conversation emphasizes the role of confidence, both in oneself and how others perceive them, and the need for self-awareness, feedback acceptance, and personal change in driving career development.

Overall, the episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for accountants seeking to foster growth within their firms.

Robyn Clark is the Founder and President of WinningWise, Inc., a company dedicated to developing leadership and driving sustainable change and growth. With over 30 years of experience in talent management, transformational change, and culture building, Robyn brings energy, positivity, and innovative thinking to her work. She has worked with top-tier organizations such as The Federal Reserve Bank, L'Oreal, and Discover Financial Services, helping leaders and teams achieve new outcomes. Robyn's exceptional facilitation skills, commitment to learning, and personal investment in her clients' success make her a trusted partner in driving individual and organizational capability.

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Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, dropping every Monday to 40,000 accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

For today's show "Best Practice for Talent Recruitment in Accounting with Jeremy Hyman"

In this Talent Special, Jeremy Hyman shares valuable insights for accountants looking to grow their firms. He emphasizes the changing recruitment landscape due to technology's increasing influence. While recruitment may not be their area of expertise, Hyman believes that the resource needs of accounting firms will change as more technologies become mainstream.

He highlights that the pressure points for firms lie in delivery rather than sales or winning clients. To address this, firms need to provide more enablement at lower levels within the organization or automate lower-level tasks. By doing so, they can unlock growth potential, reduce costs, and improve profitability. Hyman also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on firms, including increased demand for assistance and a backlog of work.

The conversation delves into the role of automation in removing drudge work and improving efficiency. By automating tasks like data transformation or pushing certain work back to clients through cloud accounting, firms can free up resources and enhance client satisfaction. Hyman warns against relying solely on offshoring as a short-term solution, highlighting potential cost increases and client objections.

Regarding recruitment, Hyman emphasizes that job quality is crucial. Firms need to showcase the use of technology, offer modern tools and systems, and provide meaningful and fulfilling work to attract top talent. Technology can enhance the job specification and improve the perceived value of the role for potential recruits and clients.

Key Takeaways

➤ The pressure points for accounting firms lie in delivery, not sales or winning clients. Firms should focus on enabling lower-level employees and automating tasks to reduce costs and improve profitability.

➤ COVID-19 has increased the demand for assistance from state bodies, and firms are struggling to keep up with a backlog of work.

➤ Remote work and changing client needs require firms to adapt their technology requirements and work patterns.

➤ Automation can remove drudge work from the stack, benefiting clients and staff by saving time and increasing satisfaction.

➤ Strategies like pushing work back to clients through cloud accounting can alleviate workload and improve efficiency.

➤ Offshoring may provide short-term cost benefits but can increase costs and client objections in the long run.

➤ When recruiting, the quality of the job, including technology and fulfilling work, plays a crucial role in attracting top talent and enhancing client perception.

➤ Growth opportunities for accounting firms lie in remaining independent and impressing clients through innovative approaches rather than relying on consolidation.

➤ Technology can enhance job specification and be perceived as valuable by both recruits and clients, leading to a more successful and proactive firm.

You can also watch this on YouTube -https://youtu.be/9KHkwh0BxWA

Guest Bio

Jeremy Hyman is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the professional services sector. With a background in law and expertise as an IT manager, partner, software developer, and management consultant, Jeremy brings a wealth of technical, practical, and commercial skills to the table.

Having started his career at a prominent London-based accounting firm, Jeremy made significant contributions by chairing the UK200 IT Group, developing a document management system for accountants, and establishing an IT business within the firm. He later ventured into operating an IT services business before returning to his consulting roots and founding Jeremy Hyman Associates in 2017.

Jeremy is highly regarded for his comprehensive understanding of professional firms, technical expertise, and pragmatic approach. He provides IT leadership and guidance to more than 20 of the top 60 accountancy firms in the UK. Known and respected among larger accounting firms, Jeremy is recognized for his solution-oriented advice, strategic planning, team leadership, system design, and dispute-resolution skills. He also excels in vendor management and appointment.

Overall, Jeremy Hyman is a trusted professional who combines his extensive industry knowledge with a proactive and practical approach to support the IT needs of leading accountancy firms.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

Welcome to the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

Understanding the Needs of Your Accounting Talent with Robyn Clark

Rob Brown welcomes Robyn Clark, the founder of WinningWise, an HR/Talent Management company, to share her expertise and insights on talent management and organisational success.

With over 30 years of experience working with renowned companies such as L'Oreal and the Federal Reserve Bank, Robyn brings a wealth of knowledge in designing and delivering solutions in talent management. In this episode, Robyn will delve into various topics essential for organisations and individuals.

From an organisational perspective, Robyn will discuss the importance of succession planning and how to grow a strong bench of talented individuals within a company. She will shed light on employees' evolving needs and what people seek in their professional lives today. Furthermore, Robyn will emphasise the significance of building a positive organisational culture and why it matters for long-term success.

Switching gears to an individual perspective, Robyn will provide valuable insights on how employees can navigate their career growth effectively.

Listeners will gain practical advice on securing promotions, obtaining more rewards, and taking charge of their career trajectories. Robyn will also address the challenges that arise when disagreements occur and share strategies to align with one's boss for greater harmony and success.

Guest Bio

Robyn Clark is the Founder and President of WinningWise, Inc., a company dedicated to developing leadership and driving sustainable change and growth. With over 30 years of experience in talent management, transformational change, and culture building, Robyn brings energy, positivity, and innovative thinking to her work. She has worked with top-tier organisations such as The Federal Reserve Bank, L'Oreal, and Discover Financial Services, helping leaders and teams achieve new outcomes. Robyn's exceptional facilitation skills, commitment to learning, and personal investment in her clients' success make her a trusted partner in driving individual and organisational capability.

• Robyn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynrclark/
• WinningWise LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/winningwise/
• Website: www.winningwise.com

Your Host

Host Rob Brown is a renowned presenter, facilitator, and chair for high-level conferences and events in the accounting and fintech profession worldwide. He's an expert on trust, reputation, talent, career development, and more.

Author of Build Your Reputation and a TEDx speaker with over 300,000 YouTube views: stroke survivor, a committed Christian, and a black belt in kickboxing. Based in Nottingham, UK, he enjoys chess, backgammon, and orange chocolate but is allergic to grapefruit.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/
• Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

AdvanceTrack sponsors talent in Accounting

Could you get to know us better?

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on your preferred platform.

• Website: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Through expert interviews and high-level panels, Talent in Accounting explores talent, culture, recruitment, leadership, mental well-being, and more with expert interviews and high-level discussions.

Developing Talent in Accounting Firms: Mark Fritz

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, guest Mark Fritz shares valuable insights for accountants looking to grow their firms. Mark emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of ownership and achievement among team members, rather than just focusing on activities. He discusses the drawbacks of micromanagement and encourages leaders to enable their teams, coach them, and act as enablers rather than dictators.

Mark also highlights the significance of creating the right experience for clients in service-based businesses. He suggests that it's not just about the details of the service but also about the feeling and impression it leaves on clients. Additionally, he explores the concept of work-life integration and the need for flexibility in allowing individuals to balance their personal and professional lives effectively.

The episode delves into the role of leadership in fostering growth and development within organizations. Mark stresses the importance of helping individuals tap into their potential, providing opportunities for them to grow, and involving them in improvement projects to enhance engagement and satisfaction.

Lastly, he emphasizes the value of offering choices and options for personal development, recognizing that not everyone develops in the same way. Mark encourages leaders to listen to their team members and tailor development opportunities to their preferences and needs. He also underscores the significance of creating environments that foster understanding and support, both internally among team members and externally with clients.

Overall, this episode offers practical advice and strategies for accountants to enhance their leadership skills, create positive experiences for clients, and promote growth within their firms.

Guest Bio

Mark Fritz is an accomplished leader with a focus on leading change across distances and cultures. With an extensive international career, Mark has led enterprise-level change programs in diverse markets such as Egypt, Netherlands, Italy, and Japan. He has excelled in driving transformation and reengineering efforts, successfully leading virtual organizations and building strong, diverse teams.

As a leadership specialist, Mark has worked with executives and organizations worldwide, helping them transform their leadership habits and achieve better results. With mentoring and masterclasses delivered in over 50 countries, Mark brings his expertise to prestigious business schools, including IE Business School and HEC, teaching courses on leadership and influence. He also designs bespoke leadership programs within organizations to strengthen leaders and equip them with the tools for growth and success.

Mark's personal journey has taken him across the globe, living in various countries and working in over 50 countries. Currently based in London with his Japanese wife, Mark finds joy in playing golf and cherishes the opportunity to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds, recognizing the value of learning from such experiences.

Known for his focus on empowering leaders to stop micromanaging and instead foster a mindset of ownership and achievement, Mark helps leaders unlock their team's potential. Through impactful keynotes and masterclasses, he delivers inspirational experiences packed with practical advice and actionable steps.

With a dedication to driving performance, influencing others, and mentoring, Mark's thought-provoking sessions and ongoing support make him an integral part of any organization's growth journey. His unique blend of inspiration and practicality leaves audiences with clear actions and a desire to become the leaders they aspire to be.

Your Host

Host Rob Brown is a renowned presenter, facilitator, and chair for high-level conferences and events in the accounting and fintech profession worldwide. He's an expert on trust, reputation, talent, career development, and more.

Author of Build Your Reputation and a TEDx speaker with over 300,000 YouTube views: stroke survivor, a committed Christian, and a black belt in kickboxing. Based in Nottingham, UK, he enjoys chess, backgammon, and orange chocolate but is allergic to grapefruit.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/
• Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

Talent in Accounting is sponsored by AdvanceTrack

Get to know us better!

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on your preferred platform.

• Website: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Through expert interviews and high-level panels, Talent in Accounting explores talent, culture, recruitment, leadership, mental well-being, and more with expert interviews and high-level discussions.

Winning the Accounting Talent Battle: John Fenton

In the Accounting Influencers Podcast episode, guest John Fenton shares valuable insights on how accountants can attract and retain top talent to grow their firms. John emphasises the importance of measuring success based on the quality of relationships with customers, employees, and vendors. He advises accountants to create white space on their calendars to reflect on their firm's direction, clients, and ongoing projects.

The conversation delves into the challenges accounting firms face in the current talent landscape. John discusses the battle for talent, the push and pull dynamics related to remote work, and the return to office dilemma. He acknowledges the changing expectations and desires of the workforce, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and well-being. John also explores the concept of culture and its impact on the success of firms, emphasising that the "soft" skills related to people, relationships, and culture are essential bedrock for thriving businesses.

In addressing the talent challenge, John suggests that firms must focus on creating an environment where individuals can contribute to something bigger than themselves and align their values with the firm's values. Given the advancements in AI and technology, he emphasises the need for critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in the profession.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into talent retention strategies, creating a positive work culture, and addressing the evolving needs of the workforce. John's expertise provides actionable advice for accountants looking to attract and retain top talent while positioning their firms for growth in a competitive industry.

Guest Bio

John Fenton is a seasoned executive coach, speaker, and author specialising in helping leaders navigate challenging and complex situations. With a black belt in tai chi and over two decades of experience as a managing partner at BDO USA, John brings a unique perspective to leadership development.

As the founder of John J Fenton Executive Coaching, John has worked with diverse leaders, from managing partners at professional firms to board executives and CEOs. He understands the inner game of leadership, and his methodology focuses on developing the mindset, purpose, and culture necessary for success in today's rapidly changing world.

John also authorises the best-selling book 5 Minute MasteryTM, which provides practical advice and strategies for leaders who want clarity and more freedom. He is an award-winning speaker on executive leadership excellence, having spoken at conferences and events worldwide.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, John is a heart attack survivor and a strong advocate for well-being in the workplace. He is passionate about helping leaders overcome imposter syndrome, manage overwhelm, and develop emotional intelligence.

John's three speciality topics are leading in challenging times, winning the talent battle, and the top five challenges for modern-day leaders. In his work, he emphasises the importance of purpose, culture, diversity, equity, and trust and provides actionable insights for leaders who want to thrive in 2023 and beyond.

Your Host

Host Rob Brown is a renowned presenter, facilitator, and chair for high-level conferences and events in the accounting and fintech profession worldwide. He's an expert on trust, reputation, talent, career development, and more.

Author of Build Your Reputation and a TEDx speaker with over 300,000 YouTube views: stroke survivor, a committed Christian, and a black belt in kickboxing. Based in Nottingham, UK, he enjoys chess, backgammon, and orange chocolate but is allergic to grapefruit.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown/
• Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

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• Website: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers
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