In this episode, we speak to Jim Leeves, Co-Founder and Head of Numbers at Shapes, about design thinking and how this can be used by accountants and businesses more broadly. Some of the topics we cover include:

- Success stories and lessons learned

Jim also mentions the following books, if you're interested in checking them out:

- The Design thinking Playbook by Michael Lerwick, Patrick Link and Larry Leifer

- The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni

Happy new year to all our listeners! Today, we are looking at the hidden power of administration in accounting practices. Our guest speaker is Susan van der Valk, a Partner at MGI Bass Gordon and Xero's MVP of the Year 2024.

We'll cover topics including:

In this episode, we are joined by Bongi Mokoena, a Senior Manager at Sage who has over 10 years of experience in software and SaaS sales. We discuss Bongi's personal and career journey as a woman in tech, what the landscape looks like for women in the field, especially in South Africa, and how tech and innovation impact opportunities for the future.

We also consider the role of mentorship in leading the way for women in management positions in the future and consider what the future of tech - and women in tech and data analytics - might look like.

Variety is the spice of life - it's a well-known phrase but not necessarily something you may immediately associate with accountants. Yet, here we are - speaking to an accountant about the importance of variety.

In this episode, we spoke to Johann Goree, Managing Director at Onpoint Accounting Group, Chief Growth Officer, Head of Community & Co-founder at Engager.app. about his experience wearing many different hats and making his way from accounting to software and entrepreneurship.

We cover ways to bridge the gap between accounting and tech, Johann's lessons in entrepreneurship, and how software can empower small businesses.

You can learn more about Engager.app here.

In this episode, we are joined by Willem Haarhoff, the founder of DoughGetters Accounting. Willem's team is spread across South Africa, embracing remote and flexible work. With many companies returning to in-office models, we wanted to speak to Willem about his views on remote work post-pandemic and where he sees the future of work, especially for accountants.

You can find out more about DoughGetters here: https://www.doughgetters.co.za/

What does it mean to systemize your business and why should business owners do so? How do you decide which accounting or payroll software to implement? How do you know when to upgrade, when should you outsource a task? These are some of the questions we address in this week's episode of Beyond Insights, featuring Travis Sinclair, a Systems Consultant based in Durban, South Africa.

Travis specializes in many different software solutions and is one of our more prolific students on Syft Campus. He is primed to recommend the best products for an organization and to help and sell, install and give training these products. He can also set up products in order to optimize efficiencies and provide ongoing support.

Find out more about Travis's services at Trailblazer Systems by visiting the website here: https://www.trailblazersystems.co.za/consulting/

In this episode, we talk about strategies to overcome adversity. We speak with Jameel Khan, one of SAICA's Top 35 Under 35 winners from 2023. Jameel is a CA (SA), mentor, business coach, and recovering addict committed to inspiring entrepreneurs with his story of hope and purpose. We cover:

Find out more about Jameel and his work at the Unconventional CA by visiting their website: https://www.theunconventionalca.org/

In this episode, we are joined by Lisandra Gonzalez, the CFO of The Transition House, a US-based residential, non-profit organization dedicated to providing hope and healing. We discuss the importance of The Transition House's work and the role that financial literacy can play in the lives of those recently released from prison, as well as more that Lisandra has learned as CFO at the organization.

To find out more about The Transition House, you can visit their support page at: https://www.thetransitionhouse.org/join-our-cause/

In this episode, we interview Vanessa Ugatti, an expert on charging what you’re worth, with her own unique story. She is here to share her True Worth methodology to enable you to create a solid foundation to take charge and get paid what you’re worth confidently.

Some of the topics we cover include:

To learn more, you can visit Vanessa's website.

We stand on the precipice of the next evolution of the human experience. Disruptive technology threatens to affect our very existence, from personal and family to work and our very definition of humanity. With an ever-increasing onslaught of technology-driven tools such as Generative AI, robo assistance, and always-on awareables, how can you not only survive but thrive in an algorithmic world?

This episode will discuss this technological revolution and what it means to be human in this algorithmic world. I’m joined today by Dr. Craig Wing, a global speaker, AI company founder, and your tour guide to tomorrow.