Joining the Dots

Lets sit down with Jess Harcourt, Finance Manager at Social Chain, to talk about her unconventional journey to leadership, the lessons she’s learned, and the challenges she’s overcome along the way.

💡 In this episode, we dive into:
✅ How Jess climbed the career ladder in just 5 years
⚡ The biggest challenges she faced on her way to Finance Manager
📢 Why she prioritises personal branding on LinkedIn
👩‍💼 The lack of female representation in finance leadership—and what needs to change
⚖️ The importance of work-life balance and how to juggle it all

🎧 If you're an ambitious finance professional, want to grow your career fast, or are curious about the realities of leadership in finance, this episode is a must-listen.

📩 We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a message at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn!

We're joined by Gordie Smyth, Founder and Director of Flower Accounting, to talk about the highs, lows, and mindset shifts needed to build a business from scratch.

After leaving a secure role to set up his own firm in February 2020—just before a global pandemic—Gordie shares what it really takes to go from employee to entrepreneur in the finance world.

💡 In this episode, we cover:
✅ The pressures & excitement of going solo
✅ The financial reality of earning little in Year One after leaving a steady salary
✅ Hiring your first employees and building a strong team
✅ How to win clients & grow a business from the ground up
✅ Gordie’s leadership style and what’s worked best for him
✅ His future goals—personally & professionally

🎧 If you’re considering starting your own firm, growing a business, or just curious about what it takes to succeed as a finance entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights!

📩 We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a message at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn!

In Episode 6 of Joining the Dots, hosts Phoebe Stowe-Forbes and Sofia Merraoui share expert advice to help hiring managers and interviewers get the most out of every interview—and secure top talent before the competition does.

💡 In this episode, we break down:
✅ How to prep for an interview to make every minute count
🧠 Who should be in the room (it’s not always who you think!)
💬 Why selling your company is just as important as assessing the candidate
⏳ How offering promptly (and giving candidates space) makes a huge difference

🎧 If you’re hiring and want to attract and secure the best talent, don’t miss this one!

📩 Got questions? Drop us a message at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn!

🎯 Interview Coming Up? Here’s How to Nail It!

In this episode we break down exactly how to smash your next interview—whether you're a seasoned pro or feeling totally unprepared.

💡 In this episode, we cover:
✅ The basics you should NEVER overlook
❌ Common interview blunders (we’ve seen them all!)
💬 How to handle tricky questions with confidence
📅 The must-do’s the night before to set yourself up for success

🎧 If you or someone you know has an interview coming up, this is a must-listen. Feel free to share!

📩 We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a message at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn!

In Episode 4 of Joining the Dots, host Sofia Merraoui sits down with Neil Ormesher, MD at Danbro Accounting, to uncover what it really takes to go from Trainee to Managing Director over a 20-year career.

💡 In this episode, we dive into:
✅ The sacrifices & challenges that come with climbing the career ladder
📈 How Neil navigated unexpected struggles along the way
🎓 The qualifications & skills that helped him progress
🔍 What he looks for in top talent when hiring
🏡 Why working for a family-run business shaped his career in ways he never expected

🎧 If you’re an ambitious finance professional or aspiring leader, this episode is packed with insights on what it really takes to reach the top.

📩 Got thoughts or questions? Drop us a message at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn!

In Episode 3 of Joining the Dots, hosts Phoebe Stowe-Forbes and Sofia Merraoui tackle one of the trickiest career conversations—money.

💡 In this episode, we break down:
✅ How to ask for a pay rise (without the awkwardness)
💬 The best way to approach salary negotiations in a new role
📑 What prep you need before asking for more money
🤝 How your recruiter can help you get the best offer

🎧 If you want to boost your salary but don’t know where to start, this episode is a must-listen!

📩 Got thoughts or questions? Drop us a message at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn!