In The Slipstream

Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Andrew Jago about joining the Slipstream Coaching team as our latest business coach.

Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how financial planners can engage with clients about their business and his views about accountants providing business advisory services. Andrew also shares some interesting aspects about his time practising both as an accountant and as a financial planner.

We finish off the discussion with Andrew’s well considered views on how the Wallabies can win the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and relate that back to building a successful team in a professional services business.

During the interview Andrew mentioned a number of resources, details of which appear below –

The Joe Rogan podcast – readily accessed on the major podcast platforms

The podcast interview Andrew mentioned – Nick McArdle speaking with Liz Ellis – can be found on the podcast The Playmaker’s Playbook. The interview with Liz Andrew refers to was published in July 2020

Andrew mentioned a valuation resource in the context of small business clients, from Divest Merge Acquire. For more details, please refer to www.divestmergeacquire.com/resources

The book that Andrew recommended and Scott endorsed is “The Energy Bus. 10 rules to fuel your life, work and team with positive energy”

And finally, the beer receptacle Andrew mentioned during the interview is a Kegerator, details of which can be found at www.kegerator.com

Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Brent Charlton and James Mills about some impressive systems that they have implemented in their multi-disciplinary firm, Altitude Advisers.

Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss the impressive infrastructure Brent and James have implemented which enables Altitude to deliver a great multidisciplinary experience to clients. Helpfully, this discussion includes the software tools they use in their firm and how they have got these applications working together.

We also cover the internal system they have developed to foster team member development and performance, along with how they report on their business internally across the various divisions.

Brent also shares that through their division Altitude Innovations, he and the Team are making this impressive technology available to other professional services firms. Further details on their technology services can be found at www.altitudeinnovations.com.au Also, by completing a short questionnaire at http://slipstream.altitudeinnovations.com.au, they have kindly agreed to share a copy of their extensive ‘Integrations Map’ which visually explains how all the systems in use throughout the firm pass data between each other, as well as offering up any other insights they have on integrating the applications you currently use within your firm.

In the interview James also mentioned that he is a fan of Steven Colbert, who hosts The Late Show, a humorous current affairs television program based in the USA. Clips of this show can be readily found on YouTube, and recently aired episodes can be seen on the ‘10 play’ streaming service.

Contact details for Brent and James are:

Brent’s email: [email protected] James’ email: [email protected]

Phone: 07 3209 2300

Brent’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/BrentCharlton/ James’ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/MillsJA

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music, which is featured on the episode:

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.) Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Thanks for tuning in!

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Positivity, Passion and The Profession: An absorbing discussion with Tim Munro Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Tim Munro of Change GPS about Positivity, Passion and The Profession.

Tim shares some interesting views about the future of the accounting profession - the role technology will play, what the leading firms will be doing and the relevance of the accounting professional bodies.

In the interview there were several items that Tim mentioned which you may be interested in following up –

· The book he’s read lately that he’s learned from: “Never split the difference. Negotiating as if your life depended upon it” by Chris Voss

· Tim’s favourite podcast: Chicane Sun:Sets

· The free resources available from Change GPS can be found at changegps.com.au/resources

Tim’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0400 162 253 

Web: changegps.com.au

Twitter: twitter.com/Timothy_Munro

Linked In: linkedin.com/in/timothymunro

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Linked In: linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music, which is featured on the episode:

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Podcast with Paul Little Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Slipstream Coaching’s Paul Little regarding how he has found his first nine months as a Slipstream coach.

Amongst a range of interesting topics, Paul outlines what he brings to the table as a business coach, having been a successful practitioner himself. Paul discusses the process that he goes through when commencing a new coaching relationship, by which he explores what the firm is looking to achieve.

Paul’s story about the very positive impact that one of his business planning workshops had upon a financial planner participant is particularly heart warming.

Paul also shares some interesting aspects about one of his favourite topics, proactively generating client referrals. It’s something that he was particularly adept at during his time as a practitioner himself and here he shares some tips about what made him so successful.

Free download of the client referral diagnostic

As mentioned on the podcast, Paul has developed a diagnostic to determine whether a professional services firm is ready to proactively generate client referrals.

You can download this at: https://slipstreamcoaching.com.au/nov-podcast-guide/

Complimentary Business Performance Review

As mentioned during the Coach Corner segment of the podcast, if you are interested in working with Slipstream Coaching and/or would like an independent review of your firm please take advantage of our complimentary Business Performance Review.

This is an introductory 90 minute consultation to understand your firm and the future you want to create. We will look at some KPIs from your past years with a view to identifying areas for improvement. The thought-provoking discussion which ensues will range from internal matters such as your engine room, team and the composition of your client base through to outward facing issues such as your growth opportunities and appropriate marketing strategies.

Post this consultation, you will be sent a summary of the discussion and the major recommendations arising, along with a 12 month revenue, profit and growth plan based on your objectives.

To arrange a Business Performance Review please email us at [email protected] or call 0473 491 976.

Paul’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0408 523 711

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/paul-little-a289721a/

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music, which is featured on the episode:

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Podcasts mentioned or referred to on this episode

From Paul: Philosophize this!

From Scott: Barbell Logic

Achieving through others – leading your financial services firm Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Jacqui Sherlock of Sherlock Wealth and Irma Bantjes of Stratus Financial Group about leadership in professional service firms. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss engaging managers from a non-technical background to the role of CEO and the areas of the business that receive more attention as a consequence of the leader not having a client caseload.

We consider when such an appointment should be made and the important role that the CEO can play in developing the team – as Jacqui says, “Creating star makers not being the star”

Getting the best out of one’s team is a theme that features throughout the discussion. Both Jacqui and Irma share many terrific ideas from what they are doing in their respective firms to foster performance.

We also contrast traditional ways that firms have dealt with issues such as recruitment; performance reviews; team training and marketing with how these are dealt with by a professional manager. The differences are quite profound.

In the interview Jacqui and Irma also mentioned some books from which they have found insights, details of which appear below –

Mastering the Rockefeller Habits, Verne Harnish

Good to Great, Jim Collins

Follow this link to access the free download from Scott Charlton’s book, “The Bold Accountant”, being the chapter entitled, “Why an accountant shouldn’t be in charge”: slipstreamcoaching.com.au/the-bold-acc-20-download/

To purchase Scott’s book, “Your Professional Headspace”, which was mentioned during the Coach’s Corner segment, go to his website: www.scottcharlton.com.au/purchase/

Jacqui’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 02 8247 9900

Web: sherlockwealth.com

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-sherlock-9b962948/

Irma’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07 3007 2007

Web: stratusfinancialgroup.com.au

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/irma-bantjes-0729a1157/

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Linked In: linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music, which is featured on the episode:

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Attitude, Abundance & Action - an interview with Kath Orman Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Kath Orman of Goals & Dreams about running a financial services practice and her new book Attitude, Abundance & Action. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss Kath’s career in financial services and some particular challenges she’s faced and overcome. It makes for captivating listening.

Kath also shares some interesting aspects about her book, in which she has packed the wisdom she’s accumulated through a lifetime of aiming to be the best version of herself.

Kath’s book

In the interview Kath mentioned the way to register interest in her soon-to-be-published book, is via email to [email protected]

Download from Scott’s book

To access a complimentary chapter in Scott’s book Your Professional Headspace, follow this link: https://slipstreamcoaching.com.au/yph-download/

Kath’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07 3350 9595

Web: https://www.goalsanddreams.com.au/

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/kath-orman-30387569/

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music, which is featured on the episode:

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

The road to success can lead to interesting places, with Melissa Voss Show Notes

In this episode we talk with Melissa Voss of Fuseworks about her career in public accounting, the process whereby she became an owner in that business and her interest in process improvement.

Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how this interest in automating processes led Melissa to a significant career change.

Melissa is now in a business development role with Fuseworks, a company that provides automation solutions for professional practices. Melissa is in her element with this role because she is able to assist those in the profession she loves. As she shares with listeners, “The reward for automating processes is that you get to do more of the work you like to do”.

From being afforded the opportunity to speak with leading firms about their systems, Melissa observes what they have in common – a continual search for a better way.

Melissa also made mention of a new product during the interview called Fuse Sign, which has now been released. If you are interested in finding out more about Fuse Sign, go to www.fusesign.com

In the Coach’s Corner segment, Scott continues the episode’s theme of The road to success leading to interesting places. For some, this will relate to the direction their firm is taking. For others, it will be about taking a fresh look at their personal career.

During this segment, Scott poses a question for practitioners to consider which warrants some intense personal reflection. It’s a question that Scott has found helpful in his own career and in coaching others.

To find out more about Your Professional Headspace, the book Scott wrote for professional in practice, go to www.yourprofessionalheadspace.com.au

Melissa’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0402 067 277

Web: www.fuse.work

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-voss-9b6a8141/

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music, which is featured on the episode:

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)

Introducing Michael Spinks, our new Slipstream coach Show Notes

In this episode we get to know Slipstream Coaching’s latest coach, Michael Spinks. Michael brings a fascinating range of experiences to his role as a coach, including running his own professional services firm, being a senior executive in an AFSL and a distinguished career in the Navy.

Michael shares the history of Collins SBA, the firm he took from a very small accountancy practice focusing on individual tax returns to being a leading multidisciplinary firm with multiple owners. This leads on to Michael sharing his experience with respect business planning; succession and evolving to a corporate model. Michael’s thoughts regarding the client experience in a multi-environment (“Tell their story once”) are well worth listening to.

Other points we cover regarding the Collins SBA journey which are bound to be of interest include the role of technology, organisation structure and creating a “culture of innovation”.

At one point during this wide ranging discussion we canvass the role that Michael played in facilitating groups of managing partners of accounting firm across the Asia Pacific region during the COVID-19 crisis. These forums proved to be immensely valuable for the participants and underlined the importance of having a relevant peer group for support and to share ideas.

We finished by discussing the many and varied means by which Michael keeps fit, engaged and growing as a person, all of which will doubtless contribute to the energy and enthusiasm he brings to his coaching role.

All in all, this episode showcases the wonderful experience and attributes that Michael adds to the Slipstream Coaching team. Even more after this interview, we’re excited about the prospects for clients that Michael is going to be working with.

Michael’s contact details are

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0418 362 470

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelspinks1/

Scott’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0409 870 330

Web: www.slipstreamcoaching.com.au

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/scottcharlton

To take an interest in Tim Lane’s music, which is featured on the episode:

Facebook: The Backstick Agenda. (Please go and Like this page.)

Website: www.thebackstickagenda.com/

To see film clips and to hear Tim’s music: https://thebackstickagenda.bandcamp.com/

(To purchase Tim’s music, you need to register on Bandcamp before you can download.)