The Balanced Mind: Unconventional Accounting – Being More You

Welcome to "The Balanced Mind," where we bridge the gap between minds and spreadsheets. In this insightful episode, co-hosts Kim Searle and Richard Brewin explore the unconventional path in accounting.

Richard shares his journey from traditional accountancy to building a practice centered on human connection and mutual respect, moving away from billable hours to fixed fees and client relationships. He reveals how prioritising personal happiness, working with aligned clients, and building a supportive team led to unexpected success and the realisation that being authentically different is your greatest differentiator.

We delve into the idea that success isn't about following rigid systems or someone else's blueprint, but about doing more of what you love. Kim highlights how working from a place of values and vision reduces effort and allows things to flow naturally. The conversation addresses the "void" in professional development around the human side of business—client relationships, team management, and personal well-being—which is more crucial than ever in an age of increasing automation and AI.

Richard emphasises that starting with what feels right for you—your personality, values, and vision—is the easiest and most powerful way to build a thriving firm. We discuss the importance of authentic connections, recognising that not every client or opportunity is the right fit, and the power of simply "being yourself on a good day." It's about enjoying your work, having fun, and attracting those who resonate with your genuine approach.

Join us to discover how prioritising your well-being and embracing your unique self can lead to a more fulfilling and successful professional life.

Join Richard and Kim as they explore:

• Knowing you have a decision to make
• Being aware of the decisions you haven’t taken is key to peace of mind
• The Procrastination Trap & The "Play It Safe" Brain: Uncover how avoiding decisions and primitive fears keep you stuck, leading to predictable but unfulfilling paths.
• Decisions as Next Steps: Learn why even choosing to do nothing is a decision, and how to make it a productive step forward, rather than a stall.
• Head, Heart, or Gut? The Ultimate Showdown: Navigate the internal tug-of-war between logic, intuition, and passion. What happens when your heart shouts "I'm done!" and you just go for it?
• The Inner Knower & Your Unique Process: Tap into a deeper consciousness beyond your thinking brain and understand the beliefs, values, and emotions that truly influence your choices.
• Bad vs. Wrong Decisions: Grasp the crucial difference and why "mistakes" are powerful learning opportunities, not reasons to beat yourself up.

Whether you're a meticulous tick-lister or someone who trusts their intuition, this episode offers practical insights to help you make stronger, more confident decisions in your professional and personal life. Stop stressing about perfection and embrace the power of "Just Do It"!

Tune in now to master the art of decision-making and propel yourself off that hamster wheel!

#TheBalancedMind #DecisionMaking #Mindset #HeadHeartGut #Productivity #PersonalGrowth #BusinessTips #PodcastInsights #Accountants #Bookkeepers #JustDoIt

In this episode of The Balanced Mind, Kim Searle and co-host Richard Brewin from Progress dive deep into one of the most pressing challenges facing accountants today: getting clients to value their time, expertise, and boundaries.

From managing unresponsive clients to addressing those who ignore professional advice, Kim and Richard explore:

• 🚩 The red flags to spot when onboarding new clients
• 💬 How to lead difficult conversations with existing ones
• 📜 The power of setting expectations early with client charters and clear terms
• ⏳ Why it’s time to stop absorbing clients' poor time management and lack of accountability
• 🔄 How shifting your mindset and setting non-negotiables can transform your practice
• 📆 What MTD (Making Tax Digital) means for your client relationships going forward

Whether you're tired of chasing paperwork, dealing with last-minute tax return scrambles, or working with clients who just don’t listen – this episode is for you.

✅ It's time to raise the bar, reassert your value, and build the kind of relationships that actually work.

Listen now and start reclaiming your time, your boundaries, and your business.

#TheBalancedMind #AccountingLife #ClientBoundaries #KnowYourWorth #MTD2026 #Progress #KimSearle #RichardBruin #AccountantsOfInstagram #Accountability #SmallBusinessSupport #TaxSeasonTips #ProfessionalBoundaries

In this episode, we unpack how to stay grounded when the world feels chaotic. With Political shenanigans happening, war and economy challenges when so much seems wrong it can see that there is little we can do.

💭 From pricing your services with confidence, to not letting social media or global events hijack your mood — it’s a reminder that your decisions are yours, and that’s powerful.

💡 We dive into:

• Why other people’s choices aren't your failure
• The importance of human connection in a digital age
• Rebuilding trust — in others and in yourself
• How self-awareness can be your superpower

👣 It’s not about becoming the “perfect” version of yourself — just a peaceful one.

🎧 Tune in now — and let’s start with you.

#Podcast #Mindset #Leadership #SelfAwareness #Trust #DigitalWellbeing #AuthenticLiving #StartWithYou

Accountant-Tech Dilemma – Bridging the Gap

In this episode, we dive into the evolving relationship between accountants and tech providers.

Are software companies truly supporting accountants, or are they bypassing them to sell directly to SMEs?

We explore the challenges accountants face in adopting technology, from underutilised software to implementation struggles, and discuss how better communication and collaboration with tech companies can drive real change.

Featuring insights on CRM systems, AI, and practice management software, we ask: Is tech making life easier, or are we just using it because we feel we have to?

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on making tech work for accountants, not the other way around.

#Accounting #Technology #FinTech #Automation #AI #BusinessGrowth #SoftwareSolutions #Accountants #SMEs #DigitalTransformation #CRM #PracticeManagement #Efficiency #FutureOfWork #Podcast

🚀 New Podcast Episode! 🚀

Are You an Accountant Running a Firm or a Business Owner Running a Practice?

This subtle mindset difference could be costing you time, money, and sanity!

In this episode, we dive into:

✅ Why many accountants undervalue their services

✅ The mindset shift from practice management to business operations

✅ How Kimozo helps firms identify profitable vs. unprofitable clients

✅ The power of data-driven decision-making for efficiency & growth

✅ Why automation should support, not replace, client relationships

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to get off the hamster wheel and run a more profitable, scalable firm!

📍 Catch Mark at Accountex (Stand 974) for a deeper dive into Komozo or reach out to him here E: [email protected]

#Accounting #BusinessGrowth #PracticeManagement #Profitability #Podcast

🎙️ Shattering Limiting Beliefs: Unlock Your True Potential 🎙️

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of limiting beliefs—those unexamined assumptions that have become our truths and which hold us back in life and work.

My name is Kim Searle and my co-host is and co-host Richard Brewin

We are joined today by sales coach David Erickson as we explore how these beliefs shape personal and professional growth, especially within structured professions like accounting

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

😎 What are limiting beliefs, and how do they form?

😎 The self-reinforcing cycle of doubt and how to break free.

😎 Challenges faced by accountants: confidence, imposter syndrome, and rigid thinking.

😎 Practical strategies to overcome limiting beliefs, including self-awareness, vulnerability, and peer support.

😎 The power of coaching to identify subtle mindset shifts that lead to breakthroughs.

😎 Why embracing risk and reframing challenges is essential for long-term success.

😎 Whether you're an accountant, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to unlock your potential, this conversation offers powerful insights and actionable advice for overcoming the barriers that hold you back.

💡 Takeaway: Limiting beliefs don’t define you—they’re just stories you tell yourself. By taking ownership, challenging assumptions, and leaning into growth, you can unlock your hidden potential and create the life you truly want.

🔗 Connect with Us:

David Erickson: Find him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidieriksson/

Richard Brewin on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/accountantonamission/

Kim Searle on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-searle-emotionalmasterycoach/

Let’s shatter those beliefs together and embrace a mindset of possibility! 🚀

Please remember to like and share, it helps with the algorithms!!

🎙️ Welcome to The Balanced Mind Podcast!

In this episode, we dive into the art of setting #goalsandobjectives—and why having a clear #vision is the key to achieving them. A vision is your long-term North Star, helping you focus on what truly matters while clearing the unnecessary distractions. Goals and objectives are the actionable steps that guide you toward that vision.

We also explore the power of aligning your goals with your #values to create a natural motivation for success. Language plays a big role too—whether you prefer the term "objective" or a softer alternative like "intention," the key is finding what resonates with you while staying committed to progress.

Flexibility is essential—life often forces us onto unexpected "B roads," but those detours can provide valuable lessons and new perspectives. Remember, it's not just about what you accomplish in the short term but also recognising the transformative power of longer-term goals.

Ready to reflect, adjust, and embrace the journey to your vision? Tune in and let us guide you through this essential topic!

🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, share, and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover next.

#BalancedMindPodcast #GoalsAndObjectives #VisionPlanning #MindsetMatters #PersonalGrowth #SuccessJourney #MotivationMonday #IntentionalLiving #FocusOnGrowth #ClarityAndAction #EmbraceTheJourney

💡 Tackling the Monday Mindset 💡

In our latest podcast, we explore how to overcome that dreaded "Sunday night sinking feeling" and approach Mondays with more energy and enthusiasm. Whether it's anxiety about the week ahead or the general malaise of a role you're not passionate about, we discuss actionable strategies to make the transition into the workweek smoother.

From reflecting on your week during a Friday round-up to redistributing tasks to avoid overloaded Mondays, we delve into practical steps to ease into your work rhythm. Strategies like starting your Monday in a relaxing environment or keeping Fridays free for strategic planning and downtime can help reframe the week. It's all about balance and mindset shifts! 🌟

🧠 Brain hacks like asking reflective questions or easing into tasks can help reduce overwhelm. We also touch on the importance of finding work you love and taking proactive steps to let go of the parts you don’t. Because when you start your week right, everything else can fall into place!

🚀 Let us know – what do you do to make Mondays better?

#MondayMindset #ProductivityTips #WorkLifeBalance #BrainHacks #PositiveMindset #FreedomFridays #CareerGrowth

Welcome to this episode of The Balanced Mind! Today, we’re diving into how high-pressure seasons, like tax returns and year-end accounts, can impact both personal and professional lives. Together, we’ll explore the ways sustained stress alters behaviors, influences relationships, and affects overall well-being.

Join us as we discuss practical strategies to regain control, manage overwhelm, and foster a proactive mindset even during the busiest times of the year. From handling late client submissions to addressing the ripple effects of stress, we’ll uncover how small mindset shifts can make a big difference.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with relatable experiences, expert tips, and actionable advice to help you navigate the chaos with confidence. Stay tuned to the end as we share a sneak peek of our upcoming episodes on changing the mundane mindset and setting goals and objectives. Let’s get started!