In this episode, Rob Brown delivers a wake-up call to accounting firms stuck in legacy thinking and explains why entrepreneurial mindsets are now mission-critical.

Accounting used to be about consistency, caution, and compliance. Today, it's about creativity, innovation, and commercial bravery. In this solo episode, Rob Brown unpacks why accounting firms must ditch their old ways of working and embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. Whether it’s the pressure from private equity, client expectations, or shrinking margins, the message is clear: evolve or get left behind.

This episode explores what entrepreneurial thinking looks like in a firm, how to identify intrapreneurs, and what leaders must do to create a culture of experimentation and growth. A must-listen for partners, managers, and future leaders who want to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry.

Key Takeaways:

➜ Traditional firm models are being disrupted by tech, client demands, and PE influence

➜ Entrepreneurial thinking isn’t optional, it’s survival

➜ Innovation doesn't happen in 6-minute increments

➜ Billable hours can kill creativity and change

➜ Firms must reward courage, not just efficiency

➜ Intrapreneurs are the untapped growth engine inside most firms

➜ Leadership must model risk-taking, not just manage it

Killer Quotes:

"Stability is no longer a growth strategy."

"Firms that can't innovate will quietly fade away."

"Billable hours are the enemy of entrepreneurship."

"Clients don’t want accountants. They want problem-solvers."

"Stop managing what is. Start imagining what could be."

"The future of accounting won’t be found in last year’s playbook."

"Entrepreneurial thinking is not a department. It’s a culture."

The Accounting Influencers Podcast (AIP) is aimed at accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally.

You can find this on youtube here:

https://youtu.be/7ZrBD_UmLoA

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format.

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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

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.

Even if your accounting firm’s brand is forgettable, your personal brand doesn’t have to be.

Most accounting firms have forgettable brands. Weak taglines, boring websites and zero personality. But the real problem? Most professionals inside these firms are invisible too. In this episode, Rob Brown shares how partners, managers and leaders can build their own standout brands, even inside bland firms. This is a practical masterclass in personal visibility, positioning and thought leadership. If you're ready to stop hiding behind your job title and start being seen, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• 93.5% of firms still use founder names. You can’t rely on the name to speak for you.
• Your personal brand matters more than your firm’s when it comes to trust and influence.
• Only 39% of top firms have a YouTube presence - a huge opportunity for individual video content.
• Your tagline should describe your impact, not your job title.
• LinkedIn is your personal website somake it sharp, human and clear.
• Visibility is not ego. It’s how opportunity finds you.
• Five things you can do this week to start building a memorable personal brand.

Killer Quotes:

“You don’t need your firm’s permission to be visible.”

“Your job title is not your personal brand.”

“People buy from people. Not logos.”

“If you’re not shaping your brand, someone else is.”

“Clients follow trust. Trust follows visibility.”

“Boring brands don’t get remembered.”

“Your firm might blend in. You don’t have to.”

You can find this on youtube here:

https://youtu.be/Z0AJaV38S88

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format.

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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

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.

In this episode, Rob Brown reveals what’s really going on with DEI in accounting firms. While some headlines suggest diversity efforts are being scrapped, the truth is more subtle. Across the UK, US and beyond, firms are not abandoning DEI. They are rebranding it. Quietly. Strategically. This is the new phase of inclusion work. Less noise, more integration. The focus has shifted from visibility to viability. From slogans to systems. From identity to opportunity. If you lead people, manage teams or shape firm culture, you need to understand where DEI is going next.

Key Takeaways:

➜ DEI is being reframed inside firms, not removed

➜ Political and legal risks are changing how firms communicate inclusion

➜ Smart firms are embedding DEI into talent, leadership and operations

➜ Talent still expects progress on fairness, access and culture

➜ PE firms are watching DEI through the lens of risk and return

➜ Rebranding DEI without substance creates confusion and mistrust

➜ Silence on inclusion sends the wrong message to staff and clients

You can find this on youtube here:

https://youtu.be/isvDG8dv4sA

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format.

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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

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.

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Rob Brown explores whether accounting is still a smart career choice. He speaks to professionals at every stage from new starters to seasoned partners and firm owners. The conversation tackles the realities of burnout, the rise of AI and automation, and the growing demand for leadership and strategic thinking in the profession. Rob also shares how accounting opens doors to other careers and why your qualification is never wasted even if you choose to pivot.

Key Takeaways:

• Why accounting is still one of the most stable and valuable careers
• How to navigate the impact of AI and automation on accounting jobs
• What mental health and burnout are telling us about the culture of the profession
• Practical advice for every stage of your career from entry level to firm owner
• The importance of building commercial awareness and a strong personal brand
• Why succession planning and leadership matter more as you progress
• How feedback and networking accelerate your professional growth
• Why accounting qualifications are highly transferable and respected
• What it takes to reignite your passion and stay engaged in your career
• How to future proof your role through continuous learning and adaptation

You can find this on youtube here:

https://youtu.be/I6KjyZsfOzQ?si=L1HePJerzcGrB_nU

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format.

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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

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.

Private equity is flooding into the accounting profession, transforming firm structures, governance models and leadership dynamics.In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, host Rob Brown breaks down the seismic impact of PE investment and what it means for accounting leaders, partners and rising stars.

Key Takeaways

• Over $2 billion of PE has poured into US accounting in
• three years
• Traditional partner models are being replaced by corporate governance
• PE firms demand efficiency, speed and profitability at scale
• Audit independence is under regulatory threat with PE ownership
• PE backed firms attract top talent with better pay and faster progression
• Cultural clashes are inevitable in the shift to PE style management
• By 2030, most top 100 firms could have external investment

You can find this on youtube here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMLvDyi465c

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format.

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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

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.

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Rob Brown exposes the biggest weakness in most accounting firm leaders - the inability to let go. He explores the five levels of leadership influence and explains why context, not content, is what truly drives performance, accountability and culture inside firms.

If you’re stuck in reviews, decisions, and approvals, this episode is a wake-up call. Rob gives practical scripts and real-world examples to help partners, managers and future leaders delegate more effectively, empower others and lead with clarity.

Key Takeaways:

• The five levels of leadership influence inside accounting firms
• Why micromanagement kills scalability, culture and sanity
• What to say when delegating outcomes, not just tasks
• The difference between content and context in firm leadership
• How to coach with questions instead of giving fixes
• How to create “mile marker” visions your team can follow
• Why letting go is a sign of strength, not weakness

Check out Mark Fritz here: https://www.markfritzonline.com

You can find this on youtube here: https://youtu.be/1pnI9QFzsbU

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format.

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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

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.

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Rob Brown breaks down the different types of accounting podcasts and why they matter. From industry news and exam prep to tech trends and personal stories, podcasts now serve every level of the profession. Rob explains how to choose the right shows for your stage of career and how smart listening can sharpen your thinking and raise your influence. Whether you are a student, manager or firm partner, the podcasts you follow shape how you show up as a professional.

Key Takeaways:

• The main types of accounting podcasts and who they serve
• Why different shows suit different levels and roles in the profession
• How to use podcast content to build your authority and presence
• The mistake most professionals make when choosing what to listen to
• What makes the Accounting Influencers Podcast different from other shows
• Why podcasting is a leadership tool for smart professionals.

You can find this on youtube here: https://youtu.be/BQf-np6LSaw

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format.

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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

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.

In this solo episode Rob Brown explores the major podcast trends shaping 2025 and why they matter for busy accounting professionals. With more shows, noise and content than ever, the winners are not just the loudest, they are the smartest. Rob breaks down what to listen for, why AIP leads the pack and how the right podcast can build your credibility and strategic value inside and outside your firm. This is your roadmap to smarter listening, sharper insight and more influence.

Key Takeaways

• Podcasts are more powerful than ever for building leadership and visibility
• The most successful shows in 2025 are short, sharp and community-driven
• Leaders are choosing podcasts with more intention and strategy
• Video is now critical for discoverability and impact
• Accounting professionals crave practical advice and relevant stories
• Listening habits are shifting toward shorter content and background consumption
• AIP positions itself as a top-tier show for strategic accounting professionals

You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/r8S_aR7BnK4

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers.

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

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

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Grads aren’t ready for the world of work. Schools aren’t helping. And accounting firms are paying the price. In this episode, Rob Brown breaks down the skills crisis facing employers, especially accounting firms. Why are so many graduates, interns and junior hires entering the workforce unprepared? What’s going wrong in the education system? And what can firm leaders do about it?

Rob explores the mismatch between academic learning and real-world performance, and lays out concrete strategies for firms to build better talent pipelines from the inside out.

Whether you're hiring your next intern or building your future partner team, this episode will make you rethink your assumptions and give you tools to build real talent.

Key Takeaways:

-Only 11% of leaders think grads are ready for work

-Soft skills matter more than technical knowledge at junior levels

-Schools prioritise exams, not workplace performance

-Career guidance in schools is outdated and ineffective

-Firms must stop assuming education will develop soft skills

-Better onboarding, mentoring, and training is critical

You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/eJAKKRbWVgs

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, serves accounting professionals looking to strengthen their leadership presence, stay informed on disruptive forces in accounting and build credibility within their firms. Geared toward firm leaders, managers, partners and influencers, the show covers key topics like career development, influence, personal branding and interpreting the evolving trends impacting the accounting world.

Rob brings his expertise to each episode, offering insights and guidance on how to grow your personal brand and stay strategically important in a rapidly changing profession. Whether you're aiming to influence within your firm or expand your reputation outside of it, this international podcast offers practical advice and forward-thinking insights that will keep you informed and prepared for the future.

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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

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.

Gen Z has entered the accounting profession — and they’re calling time on toxic leadership. In this episode, Rob Brown outlines the five most damaging behaviours driving young talent away from firms. From micromanagement to presenteeism, he explains why these outdated habits are no longer tolerated, and what leaders must do to retain the future of the profession.

Key Takeaways:

-Toxic behaviours are a firm’s biggest risk

-Gen Z won’t wait around for change — they’ll leave

-Culture must prioritise trust, feedback and transparency

-Partners need leadership training, not just technical skills

You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/l7cA-RB5rMw

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, serves accounting professionals looking to strengthen their leadership presence, stay informed on disruptive forces in accounting and build credibility within their firms. Geared toward firm leaders, managers, partners and influencers, the show covers key topics like career development, influence, personal branding and interpreting the evolving trends impacting the accounting world.

Rob brings his expertise to each episode, offering insights and guidance on how to grow your personal brand and stay strategically important in a rapidly changing profession. Whether you're aiming to influence within your firm or expand your reputation outside of it, this international podcast offers practical advice and forward-thinking insights that will keep you informed and prepared for the future.

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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

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.