Accounting Talent Podcast

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/bkcp0JFm_Iw

In this Talent Special bonus, "Understanding the Needs of Your Talent", host 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 organizations 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 emphasize 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 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.

Robyn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynrclark/

WinningWise LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/winningwise/

Website: www.winningwise.com

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If you like the show, we'd truly appreciate a review on whatever platform you listen. We'd love to get to know you!

Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

For announcements of published shows, tagging guest so you can build your network and offer feedback on the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

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

https://www.instagram.com/accinfluencers

https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

https://www.facebook.com/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

Accountex. Accountex will return to ExCeL London UK on the 10-11 May 2023. Bringing together 250+ top fintech companies and cutting-edge start-ups, visitors can browse new software and stay up to date with the latest technology, tools and ideas in accountancy and finance. Alongside the exhibition, attendees will take away actionable tips from the CPD-accredited seminar programme, led by 200+ thought leaders shaping the profession.

Accountex is Europe’s largest annual event for the accounting and finance profession. It attracts 8,000+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors. Attendees can get up to 16 CPD hours with 200+ free seminar sessions across 12 theatres.

https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

In this Talent Special bonus, "Accounting Leaders & Their Problems" Rob chats with Katie Best, a leadership coach and consultant. He discusses the challenges faced by professional services firms and their leaders and how coaching, consultancy and leadership development can help in overcoming these challenges. Katie explains that some common problems firms face include recruiting and retaining top talent, adapting to the hybrid work model, and staying ahead of the curve with new technology.

Katie emphasises the importance of having a distinct culture and unique flavour to appeal to potential employees while acknowledging the commonalities across different sectors. She also discusses her upcoming book on messy leadership problems and a framework that leaders can use to solve problems they face.

Katie highlights the challenges faced by individual leaders, especially the link between the work that an individual leader does and the more comprehensive corporate strategy, and how coaching can be used to overcome these challenges. Finally, she discusses the importance of engagement, culture, and personal relationships in leadership, especially in the current climate where work-life balance and mental health are becoming increasingly important.

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

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

Guest Bio

Dr Katie Best is a renowned leadership coach, consultant and Visiting Fellow at LSE and King's College, with a passion for helping leaders and their firms navigate complex and challenging situations. With years of experience in coaching, consultancy and leadership development programmes, Dr Best has helped partners and senior leaders from top-tier firms such as EY, KPMG and RSM to tackle their most challenging leadership dilemmas.

Dr Best's expertise in leadership has also made her a sought-after speaker at events, where she shares insights and perspectives on leadership in today's ever-changing business landscape. She is also working on a book about messy leadership problems, which will be a valuable resource for leaders looking to improve their leadership skills.

Outside of work, Dr Best is an avid fan of competitive socialising, flea market hunting and travelling. Her love for sports has led her to attend the Women's Euros final, where she nearly passed out from excitement. Dr Best lives in North London with her husband and daughter, where she inspires and supports leaders to achieve their full potential.

www.linkedin.com/in/drkatiebest

www.katiebest.com/sign-up

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If you like the show, we'd truly appreciate a review on whatever platform you listen. We'd love to get to know you!

Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

For announcements of published shows, tagging guest so you can build your network and offer feedback on the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

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

https://www.instagram.com/accinfluencers

https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

https://www.facebook.com/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

Accountex. Accountex will return to ExCeL London UK on the 10-11 May 2023. Bringing together 250+ top fintech companies and cutting-edge start-ups, visitors can browse new software and stay up to date with the latest technology, tools and ideas in accountancy and finance. Alongside the exhibition, attendees will take away actionable tips from the CPD-accredited seminar programme, led by 200+ thought leaders shaping the profession.

Accountex is Europe’s largest annual event for the accounting and finance profession. It attracts 8,000+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors. Attendees can get up to 16 CPD hours with 200+ free seminar sessions across 12 theatres.

https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday and Thursday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

The episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast hosted by Rob Brown features Trisha Daho, who talks about culture building, talent acquisition and retention in accounting firms.

Trisha explains that firms are struggling to find conventional talent to fill the needs of their growing businesses, and high performers are leaving early because they need to see the accounting space as an innovative career path. To address this, firms must create a culture of inclusion that provides a custom experience for each employee. They also need to develop an employer brand that is compelling, authentic, differentiated, and feeds into the client brand.

Firms must intentionally discover what makes them unique and different and what compels people to stick around. Firms must align their vision with their employees' personal visions to create a sense of purpose and meaning and focus on the onboarding experience to appeal to various people. To retain highly motivated employees, firms need to measure the impact of their leaders on their people and create a culture of open communication and mentorship that fosters growth and development.

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

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

Guest Bio

Trisha Daho is a former Big 4 Accounting and Advisory partner turned into a culture, talent, and DEI expert. She founded Empowered, partnering with leadership teams to create sustainable and measurable people results. With laser-focused strategies, she built thriving practices in four regions and created growth businesses that have expanded exponentially. Trisha writes and speaks regularly on authenticity in leadership, creating growth cultures, diversity and inclusion, and more. She is also a kickboxing instructor, dog fosterer, and avid traveller.

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

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If you like the show, we'd truly appreciate a review on whatever platform you listen. We'd love to get to know you!

Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

For announcements of published shows, tagging guest so you can build your network and offer feedback on the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

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

https://www.instagram.com/accinfluencers

https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

https://www.facebook.com/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

Accountex. Accountex will return to ExCeL London UK on the 10-11 May 2023. Bringing together 250+ top fintech companies and cutting-edge start-ups, visitors can browse new software and stay up to date with the latest technology, tools and ideas in accountancy and finance. Alongside the exhibition, attendees will take away actionable tips from the CPD-accredited seminar programme, led by 200+ thought leaders shaping the profession.

Accountex is Europe’s largest annual event for the accounting and finance profession. It attracts 8,000+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors. Attendees can get up to 16 CPD hours with 200+ free seminar sessions across 12 theatres.

https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday and Thursday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast hosted by Rob Brown, the guest Dr Juana Bordas discusses the importance of intergenerational and intercultural leadership in the accounting industry. Bordas explains that elders play a crucial role as a bridge between generations, sharing their experiences and perspectives. She emphasises the need for diversity in leadership to create a multicultural global world that taps into the talents of all different cultures, ethnic groups, and nationalities.

Juana also discusses the impact of women in leadership roles, noting that women CEOs can help the bottom line by bringing their people skills and relationship orientation with them. She suggests that leaders should think about the future and prepare for trends such as the increasing youthfulness, multiculturalism, globalisation, and digitisation of the world. Bordas explains that young people today value work-life balance, meaning and purpose in their careers and want to connect with others, including getting to know their stories and narratives. She argues that intergenerational and intercultural leadership is vital for enriching organisations and enhancing humanity.

Guest Bio

Juana Bordas is a renowned thought leader and pioneer in leadership, diversity, and organisational change. She is a celebrated author of award-winning books, including "Salsa, Soul, and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age" and "The Power of Latino Leadership, Second Edition, Revised and Updated: Culture, Inclusion, and Contribution."

As an immigrant from Nicaragua, Dr Bordas embodies the resilience and determination of the immigrant spirit. She is recognised for her expertise in multicultural and inclusive leadership, which includes the contributions of Latinos and communities of colour. She has worked with various organisations, including Google, Microsoft, and Chevron, to prepare them for the multicultural age.

Dr Bordas also receives several awards and recognitions, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from The International Leadership Association and being named one of 100 Top Latino Leaders in the U.S. by The National Diversity Council. Her upcoming book, "The Power of Latino Leadership," explores how Latinos can be positioned to be leaders in this century through expanding demographics, intergenerational leadership, economic power, international connections, and workforce participation.

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If you like the show, we'd truly appreciate a review on whatever platform you listen. We'd love to get to know you!

Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

For announcements of published shows, tagging guest so you can build your network and offer feedback on the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

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

https://www.instagram.com/accinfluencers

https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

https://www.facebook.com/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

Accountex. Accountex will return to ExCeL London UK on the 10-11 May 2023. Bringing together 250+ top fintech companies and cutting-edge start-ups, visitors can browse new software and stay up to date with the latest technology, tools and ideas in accountancy and finance. Alongside the exhibition, attendees will take away actionable tips from the CPD-accredited seminar programme, led by 200+ thought leaders shaping the profession.

Accountex is Europe’s largest annual event for the accounting and finance profession. It attracts 8,000+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors. Attendees can get up to 16 CPD hours with 200+ free seminar sessions across 12 theatres.

https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday and Thursday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

Trisha Daho, the founder of Empowered, shares insights on culture, people strategy, and DEI strategy for accounting and law firms. Trisha explains that accounting firms are easier to work with than law firms as they are less hierarchical in decision-making. However, accounting firms' culture and people stuff is more complicated and essential as their people are the product.

Trisha also emphasises that trust is a crucial factor for service providers. Clients buy services not just because the work is done but also because they trust the service provider and want to work with them. Millennials and Gen Zs are more interested in culture and work-life balance, and clients now demand that firms focus more on these issues. Firms also need help acquiring and retaining talent due to a shortage of skilled people entering the accounting industry.

Trisha notes that the pandemic has taught firms to look more expansively for talent and that firms are making crossroads decisions about their path, with younger people coming in and wanting to own their own companies. The conversation around how accounting firms do their work and create career paths for people is changing, and firms that can differentiate themselves through employer branding will win the talent war.

Key Takeaways

➤ Culture and people strategy are crucial for accounting firms and their success. As people are the product, firms must ensure that their culture is correct and consistent with their brand.

➤ Trust is a significant factor for service providers, and clients buy services because they trust the service provider and want to work with them.

➤ Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Zs, are interested in work-life balance, culture, and DEI issues. Clients are also demanding firms have a greater focus on these issues.

➤ Accounting firms struggle with talent acquisition and retention due to a shortage of skilled people entering the industry. Firms are reimagining the skills they need and how they can expand the talent pool.

➤ Employer branding is crucial for accounting firms to win the talent war. Firms that can differentiate themselves through employer branding and innovative ways of engaging with clients and employees will succeed.

Guest Bio

Trisha Daho is a former Big 4 Accounting and Advisory partner turned into a culture, talent, and DEI expert. She founded Empowered, partnering with leadership teams to create sustainable and measurable people results. With laser-focused strategies, she built thriving practices in four regions and created growth businesses that have expanded exponentially. Trisha writes and speaks regularly on authenticity in leadership, creating growth cultures, diversity and inclusion, and more. She is also a kickboxing instructor, dog fosterer, and avid traveller.

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

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If you like the show, we'd truly appreciate a review on whatever platform you listen. We'd love to get to know you!

Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

For announcements of published shows, tagging guest so you can build your network and offer feedback on the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

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

https://www.instagram.com/accinfluencers

https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

https://www.facebook.com/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

Accountex. Accountex will return to ExCeL London UK on the 10-11 May 2023. Bringing together 250+ top fintech companies and cutting-edge start-ups, visitors can browse new software and stay up to date with the latest technology, tools and ideas in accountancy and finance. Alongside the exhibition, attendees will take away actionable tips from the CPD-accredited seminar programme, led by 200+ thought leaders shaping the profession.

Accountex is Europe’s largest annual event for the accounting and finance profession. It attracts 8,000+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors. Attendees can get up to 16 CPD hours with 200+ free seminar sessions across 12 theatres.

https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/

Rob Brown features Lee Frederiksen, a behavioural scientist and researcher at Hinge Marketing, discussing marketing and growth opportunities for accounting firms.

Lee talks about the importance of marketing and the need for the right talent and skills to implement effective marketing strategies. He highlights the role of digital marketing techniques such as search engine optimisation, consultations, and blog posts in high-growth firms. In contrast, traditional techniques like business development and networking are used by no-growth firms. The episode also covers the importance of being flexible and adaptive to changes and gathering client data to understand their needs and anticipate changes in the market. The focus should be on leveraging technology and talent to develop innovative solutions and stay ahead of the competition. Frederiksen concludes by emphasizing the evolving role of accounting firms, which includes strategy development, branding, and marketing services.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

➤ why employer branding is a critical topic for accounting firm leaders to understand

➤ the three things you need to build a successful professional services firm

➤ the biggest growth challenge for many accounting firms

➤ why the accounting profession has the lowest number of actively looking job-seekers in the whole professional services sector

➤ what exactly job seekers are looking for in new roles depends on where they are in their career

➤ the importance of being able to work remotely for talent looking for accounting roles

➤ why accounting firms who have not responded well to covid will suffer most in losing top talent

➤ the number one factor in creating a really strong employer brand for your accounting firm

➤ the futility of your accounting firm having more than 3 core values

➤ the number one thing job seekers who are actively looking for a new position actually want

➤ the prime times or triggers that make people restless in wanting to leave an accounting firm or role

➤ explaining the trend of people thinking of their career as a series of gigs vz jobs

➤ why loyalty to an accounting firm increases for both staff and clients once a critical time has passed

➤ the disruptive effect of mergers and acquisitions on workforce stability of accounting firms

➤ why making people stay with 'golden handcuffs' can cause resentment and lowered productivity in accounting firm staff

➤ the two stages in developing a compelling 'employer brand' in an accounting firm

➤ a strong accounting firm brand in the marketplace may attract talent to you, but there's one vital thing it won't do

➤ the differences in professional services sectors when it comes to how they attract and retain top talent

➤ the importance of time horizons for restless employees - vital to know for retaining your best people

➤ why it's inevitable in tough times that accounting firms will lose people

➤ how the business model of 'needing a local and regional presence' has changed for accounting firms

➤ what do accounting firms can do to attract employees that are not actively looking to move

➤ questions accounting firm leaders should be asking in shaping a strong employer brand

➤ two top tips for accountants who want more career capital and greater profitability

Lee Frederiksen is an award-winning marketer, Visible Expert®, and business strategist. As the Managing Partner of Hinge, he uses his PhD in behavioural psychology and CEO experience to help professional service firms achieve high growth and profitability. Lee is a recognized industry name, having authored several books and conducted extensive research on marketing and business growth. He is a regular speaker at major industry events and quoted in mainstream publications.

Discover growth strategies for accounting firms in this Accounting Influencers Podcast episode. Learn the importance of research-based approaches and digital marketing to stay competitive.

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This show was initially aired as season 0, episode 116, on 20 Aug 2022. It was entitled "Employer Branding Strategies for Growing Accounting Firms". With the current focus on employer branding for accounting firms, Lee Frederiksen's research shows the importance of talent attraction and retention for accounting practices.

When he’s not travelling to speaking engagements or working at the Hinge headquarters, you’ll find Lee pursuing his interest in hot rods or watching movies with his wife, Candace. You can reach him here...

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

https://twitter.com/leefrederiksen

http://www.hingemarketing.com

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to 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.

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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

Thanks to our sponsors:

ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

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, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

In this Talent Special bonus, "The Under-Used Brain of Accountants", Rob Brown chats to Dawn Goldberg, a mindset coach for accountants and shares how understanding and managing your brain can transform your personal and professional life. She discusses the universal application of the mindset mastery tool she teaches, explaining how it can improve relationships and every other area of life. She also shares her experience applying the tool to tax season and how it improved her experience with reduced stress.

Dawn highlights the importance of mastering time management for accountants and explains that managing the brain and time go together. She stresses the significance of taking ownership of our thoughts, creating intentional change, and sharing how getting everything out of our brains and onto paper can help in this process, allowing us to separate the facts from our thoughts about the facts. She emphasises that our thoughts are optional, and we can think intentionally to achieve better results.

Key Takeaways

➤ Mindset mastery is a universal tool that can be applied to every area of our lives.

➤ Circumstances are neutral and our thoughts create our reality.

➤ Better time management for accountants involves understanding how to manage our brains, not just relying on external tools.

➤ Taking ownership of our thoughts and understanding that our thoughts about our jobs create our feelings is crucial for creating intentional change.

➤ Getting everything out of our brains and onto paper can help with the process of mastering our mindset.

➤ Our thoughts are 100% optional and intentional thinking can lead to better feelings and better results.

You can also watch this on YouTube.

Guest Bio

Dawn Goldberg is an accomplished CPA with over 30 years of experience in public accounting, having worked for notable firms such as Deloitte and Ernst & Young. She is also a Professional Certified Coach for Accountants, passionate about teaching accountants how to optimise their skills and become more competent professionals.

Dawn's interest in learning led her to study life coaching, through which she learned powerful tools that positively impacted her life, including stress-free tax seasons. Her passion for helping accountants led her to write the book "The Smarter Accountant" and create two 6-week coaching programs - The Smarter Accountant Program and The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program.

Dawn aims to empower accountants to become more efficient and productive, preventing burnout, stress, and frustration. She achieves this by sharing her coaching and tools, helping accountants become more intelligent, productive, and ultimately more fulfilled in their profession.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Dawn.Goldberg.CPA

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-g-11366717b/

Website https://thesmarteraccountant.com/

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If you like the show, we'd truly appreciate a review on whatever platform you listen. We'd love to get to know you!

Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

For announcements of published shows, tagging guests so you can build your network and offer feedback on the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

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

https://www.instagram.com/accinfluencers

https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

https://www.facebook.com/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

Accountex. Accountex will return to ExCeL London UK on the 10-11 May 2023. Bringing together 250+ top fintech companies and cutting-edge start-ups, visitors can browse new software and stay up to date with the latest technology, tools and ideas in accountancy and finance. Alongside the exhibition, attendees will take away actionable tips from the CPD-accredited seminar programme, led by 200+ thought leaders shaping the profession.

Accountex is Europe’s largest annual event for the accounting and finance profession. It attracts 8,000+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors. Attendees can get up to 16 CPD hours with 200+ free seminar sessions across 12 theatres.

https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

In this Talent Special bonus, "What Motivates Accountants & CPAs" Rob Brown features Ashley Miller, an executive coach. Ashley shares insights into leadership, team dynamics, and influence. She discusses the importance of the human element in accounting and how firms can add value by understanding what motivates their employees. Ashley also describes creating emotional connections in the workplace and inspiring employees through communication and empathy. She suggests building trust by being vulnerable and creating a sense of belonging for employees. Furthermore, Ashley notes the unique opportunity for accounting firms to expand globally by recruiting diverse individuals. She concludes by challenging leaders to be self-aware and advocate for their own careers while being accountable.

You can also watch this on youtube here: https://youtu.be/jrprBPjKU_g

Key Takeaways

1.       Accounting firms are uniquely positioned to help businesses grow and succeed, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. Firms can expand globally and seek diverse talent to support their clients.

2.      People crave human connection, even in their work lives, and accountants need to remember that clients and colleagues are people, not robots. Leaders can motivate and retain talent by understanding what motivates each individual and providing value beyond just salary.

3.      Self-awareness is crucial for both leaders and team members. Leaders need to be aware of their impact on others and seek feedback to improve, while team members must advocate for their careers and take personal accountability for their actions.

4.     Trust and vulnerability are essential for building relationships with colleagues and clients. People are likelier to follow leaders they trust and buy from organizations they like. Accountants can build trust and create deeper connections by being vulnerable and sharing their human side.

Guest Bio

Ashleigh Miller is the founder of Amplify Excellence LLC, a certified executive coach, and a business leader with over 20 years of experience in professional services organizations such as EY and Accenture. She is passionate about the human element within the business environment and empowers others by helping them realize their unique strengths as a catalyst for personal and team success. Ashleigh facilitates workshops and coaches on the art of emotional intelligence and its impact on business development, leadership skills, and team dynamics. She also serves as the President of the Board of Ballet Excel Ohio (BXO). In her free time, Ashleigh enjoys consuming hours of audiobooks and exciting podcasts, playing cards, laughing with friends, and engaging with her teenage children.

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If you like the show, we'd truly appreciate a review on whatever platform you listen. We'd love to get to know you!

Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

For announcements of published shows, tagging guests so you can build your network and offer feedback on the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

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

https://www.instagram.com/accinfluencers

https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

https://www.facebook.com/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

Accountex. Accountex will return to ExCeL London UK on the 10-11 May 2023. Bringing together 250+ top fintech companies and cutting-edge start-ups, visitors can browse new software and stay up to date with the latest technology, tools and ideas in accountancy and finance. Alongside the exhibition, attendees will take away actionable tips from the CPD-accredited seminar programme, led by 200+ thought leaders shaping the profession.

Accountex is Europe’s largest annual event for the accounting and finance profession. It attracts 8,000+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors. Attendees can get up to 16 CPD hours with 200+ free seminar sessions across 12 theatres.

https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/

"Private Equity Impact in Accounting: Gary Shamis"

Rob Brown talks to Gary Shamis about his experience in the accounting industry, from working for one of the Big Eight accounting firms to growing his own accounting firm and eventually selling it to BDO. He also discusses private equity in the accounting industry and the challenges facing the industry.

Key Takeaways

➤ Private equity firms increasingly invest in various industries, including accounting and financial services. As a result, many accounting firms are shifting their focus to represent private equity and portfolio companies to maintain business and grow their revenue.

➤ Private equity partners often have a controlling interest in the companies they invest in and their primary focus is on a return on investment. This can create tension with managing partners trying to implement growth strategies and manage the company's complex operations.

➤ Private equity deals between young and old partners are critical, as there may be differences in goals and priorities. It's important to consider these differences and how they may impact the partnership's success.

➤ There has been consolidation within the accounting industry due to the rise of alternative practice models and rollups, which have been the subject of lawsuits and controversy. Large companies such as American Express, H&R Block, and CBIZ have been involved in this consolidation trend.

Gary Shamis is a former top 40 US accounting firm managing partner who sold to BDO in 2015. He is now CEO of Winding River Consulting, a high-level strategy consulting for the Restaurant, CPA, and professional services industries. Gary won EY Entrepreneur of the Year and is a Top Ten Managing Partner Elite (Accounting Today), among many other accounting accolades. He was called the “very model of the modern managing partner. He was awarded Most Admired Peer (INSIDE Public Accounting) and has over a dozen appearances on the Most Influential list (Accounting Today). He has served within the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ranks. He co-authored How to Manage Your Accounting Practice: Taking Your Firm from Chaos to Consensus.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to 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.

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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

Thanks to our sponsors:

ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.com

ACCOUNTEX. Join us at Accountex London, the pinnacle of fintech innovation, May 15-16, 2024! Discover ground-breaking solutions from 295+ brands and gain invaluable insights at our CPD-accredited sessions. Connect with 10,000+ finance professionals. Elevate your practice – attendance is free, plus earn up to 16 CPD points! https://www.accountex.co.uk/london

DEXT. Streamline your accounting practice with Dext! Our cutting-edge tools, Dext Prepare, Commerce, and Precision, revolutionize data handling, saving you precious time and ensuring accuracy. Connect seamlessly with leading software like Xero and QBO. Join 500,000+ customers transforming their practices. Start your free trial and embrace efficiency today! https://dext.com

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, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

In this Talent Special bonus, "Digital Wellbeing for Busy People" Rob Brown interviews Bailey Parnell, an expert in digital culture, social media, and mental health. In this episode, they discuss the skills needed to thrive in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world. Bailey emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, optimism, and resilience, as well as the interconnectedness of individuals and organizations.

The conversation then shifts to the impact of digital culture on work and personal life, with Bailey discussing the dangers of social media addiction and the negative effects of screen culture on physical, sociological, and psychological health. She highlights the importance of accountants being mindful of their social media and screen usage and incorporating practices such as mindfulness and digital detoxing into their lives.

Bailey also talks about her company, Skills Camp, which focuses on soft skills development and the importance of mental health responders and counsellors for stressed employees. The episode offers a cautionary tale to accountants looking to grow their firms, urging them to be vigilant about social media usage and prioritize their well-being over digital engagement.

Overall, this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast provides valuable insights into the skills and mindset needed to succeed in today's VUCA world and practical tips for maintaining mental health and well-being in a digital culture. Don't miss this informative conversation between Rob Brown and Bailey Parnell!

You can also watch this on youtube here: https://youtu.be/JKSTI6UeB0c

Key takeaways

➔ To thrive in a VUCA world, individuals need a growth mindset, optimism, resilience, and the ability to adapt and embrace change.

➔ Digital culture significantly impacts work and personal life. Accountants must be mindful of their social media and screen usage to combat the adverse effects on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

➔ Companies need to create a culture that supports mental health and well-being, especially in a hybrid work environment, by training leaders to manage crises and promoting a human-centric workplace.

➔ Soft skills development, such as interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence, is crucial for business professionals to succeed in today's world, and mental health responders and counsellors can help support stressed employees

Guest Bio

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 Master's 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. You can follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook at @BaileyParnell or @baileytaylorparnel. For more information, visit her website at baileyparnell.com or contact her at [email protected]

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If you like the show, we'd truly appreciate a review on whatever platform you listen. We'd love to get to know you!

Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

For announcements of published shows, tagging guest so you can build your network and offer feedback on the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

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

https://www.instagram.com/accinfluencers

https://twitter.com/accinfluencers

https://www.facebook.com/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

Accountex. Accountex will return to ExCeL London UK on the 10-11 May 2023. Bringing together 250+ top fintech companies and cutting-edge start-ups, visitors can browse new software and stay up to date with the latest technology, tools and ideas in accountancy and finance. Alongside the exhibition, attendees will take away actionable tips from the CPD-accredited seminar programme, led by 200+ thought leaders shaping the profession.

Accountex is Europe’s largest annual event for the accounting and finance profession. It attracts 8,000+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors. Attendees can get up to 16 CPD hours with 200+ free seminar sessions across 12 theatres.

https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/