As President and CEO of the 2nd largest association of independent accounting firms across the globe, Mark Koziel is in a unique position to provide insights into future trends and opportunities for accounting firms.

In this wide-ranging discussion with James Mason, Mark shares his thoughts on how firms can address increasing client demands, strategies for growth in the face of capacity issues, and his thoughts on the 'compliance is dead' narrative.

Helen’s story is an unusual one and what sets her apart from other accountancy practice leaders is her background of more than 30 years in Human Resources. With a belief that culture is what sets apart great professional service firms she's gone about guiding WR Partners through a time of intense change. Generously sharing her approach to driving strategy implementation across the business, Helen talks about how to tap into discretionary effort to boost business and personal performance and tips on how to tackle 'cave dwellers'. A not to be missed episode for senior leaders looking for a playbook on how to drive firmwide performance.

What's the secret to creating leverage in an advisory business? Mindshop's James Mason talks to Sean Martyn about the approach he's taking with Business by Design, taking a 'done for you' approach based on great systems and processes, why systemisation 'kills waste' and the importance of not 'winging it' when selling. Listen in to hear a wealth of insights from somebody with 25 years' experience.

As an established business owner and entrepreneur, Adrian Romero has been on a rapid growth trajectory, now employing over 500 employees across a range of businesses. In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason sits down with Adrian to discuss the secrets to his growth success and how a focus on return on time is crucial to allowing him to stay productive and juggle his many commitments. A must listen for advisors wanting to get an entrepreneur's perspective on achieving business success and helping clients.

Attracting great staff is more challenging than ever and employers are finding they're no longer in the box seat. With less people in the market expecting more money, plus work from home flexibility, wellbeing support, career progression and great social activities, how can employers hope to get it right? James Mason talks to Suzanne Whitmarsh, Managing Director at 1st Executive about the importance of 'getting your house in order' before starting the recruitment process and why just writing up a position description is no longer going to cut it. Listen in to learn about employee expectations in today's market, workforce planning for a robust business and why people really leave a role.

Often for the head of a family business, work is intrinsic to their sense of self, the foundation of their relationships, status and position in the community and the question of succession planning is one that's avoided until too late. Harry Kras has been facilitating in the challenging but rewarding family business niche for over 25 years and he shares his story, approach and insights with Mindshop’s James Mason in this fascinating podcast. Listen to Harry's thoughts on what it takes to be a great family business facilitator, why trust and communication are key and what a great opportunity advisors have to make a difference in this space.

Attraction and retention of good staff is already a challenge. Then add an alleged post-pandemic 'great resignation' and it's looking insurmountable. One firm going against the tide is US firm Herbein + Co, Inc enjoying low turnover rates and high levels of unsolicited employment applications in contrast to many in the accounting world. In this podcast, Herbein's Managing Partner David Stonesifer shares the strategies and culture making a difference in their firm with Mindshop Founder and Chairman Dr Chris Mason. Dave talks about the importance of mutual respect, having an understanding that sometimes life gets in the way and why being a 'destination employer' is about giving employees a voice, getting professional accountants to do the talking and maybe handing out a swag or two.

For Neil Sinclair and the team at WK Advisors and Accountants based in New Zealand's South Island, the concept of community purpose is more than 'ticking a box' as part of their strategic plan, it's part of who they are and is in the firm's DNA. Talking to Mindshop's Managing Director, James Mason, Neil shares how the 'WK Effect' evolved from a genuine desire to help the local community to becoming a lighthouse guiding everything they do, and every decision they make.

Paul Hopwood hasn't had a face to face meeting in 18 months and that's the way he (and his clients) like it. Mindshop Expert, chartered accountant, and independent advisor of over 20 years, Paul talks to Mindshop's James Mason about the lack of downsides to working virtually, (apart from the toll on your eyesight). Working with over 60 retainer-based clients, Paul reveals how he has increased his productivity 400% and suggests virtual training and coaching are actually better than face to face. Learn what technology, tools and processes Paul uses and what he's going to revert to (or not) when we get back to 'normality' in this thought-provoking podcast.

Business advisory conversations come naturally to some. But bringing a wider accounting team with differing levels of interest and aptitude on an advisory journey requires structure, tenacity and planning to successfully turn informal chats into commercialised services. Wendy Davies, Director Business Advisory at Nexia Perth, Australia talks to Mindshop's Managing Director about busy accountants, why 'taking your own medicine' is key to confidence and how to enthuse and educate your team. Sharing tips on building problem solving skills, Wendy talks about blending advisory into compliance delivery at the individual level to accelerate referrals, ensure authenticity and engage with clients on a deeper level.