Difference Makers Podcast

• Young Difference Makers S03 Ep 04 From Accounting to Sustainability: Lavanya Ramanujan's Inspiring Journey

  Discover the remarkable journey of Lavanya Ramanujan, an accountant at Google, who defied expectations by turning an unexpected leap into the field of accounting into a fulfilling career intertwined with her passion for sustainability. Lavanya shares her insights on the profound impact of skills-based volunteering and advisory roles, particularly with the Ground Up Initiative in Singapore. Her story is a testament to the power of community involvement and purpose-driven work, as she recounts how a dedicated team of volunteers laid down the foundation to support GUI's mission with standard operating procedures, further reinforcing her commitment to sustainability through her involvement with ICAEW.We also engage in a thoughtful discussion about the importance of understanding individual differences in communication. Moving beyond the golden rule, Lavanya champions a more personalized approach to interaction—treating others as they wish to be treated. This perspective has not only fueled her personal growth but has also inspired her to pursue excellence in her professional role and sustainability efforts. Lavanya's tale is a powerful reminder of how the pursuit of passion and dedication to community-focused initiatives can drive both personal and professional success, offering valuable insights into the intersection of career and personal growth.

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• Young Difference Makers S03 Ep 03 Empowering Communities: Senzo Ndlangamandla's Advocacy for a Better Future

  What if you held the key to transforming your community, one person at a time? Join us as we hear from Senzo Ndlangamandla, the inspiring head of the Department of Accounting Sciences at Walter Sisulu University. Senzo's journey from a hopeful auditor to an award-winning chartered accountant is a testament to the power of mentorship and quality education. He credits his high school teacher for setting him on a path that balances professional excellence with community service. Senzo's commitment shines through his work with students from disadvantaged backgrounds in rural South Africa, empowering them to become future stars in the accounting profession. Recognised as SAICA's Top 35 Under 35, Senzo is not just an educator but a beacon of hope and change.We dive into the profound impact of personal responsibility in community change. Senzo shares his belief that no matter our job or status, we all have the power to create positive ripples in the lives of others. He inspires young professionals to take actionable steps, emphasising that focusing on uplifting one individual can lead to monumental change over time. As the accounting landscape evolves, Senzo envisions a future where Chartered Accountants are versatile, collaborative, and technologically savvy. This conversation is filled with motivation and practical insights, offering a blueprint for those eager to contribute to a more equitable world.

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• Young Difference Makers S03 Ep02 Evan O'Donnell: From Math Enthusiast to Advocate for Accounting and Sustainability

  Evan O'Donnell's journey from a math enthusiast to a passionate advocate for accounting and sustainability is nothing short of inspiring. Embark on this episode as we unravel Evan's path to becoming a chartered accountant, a voyage ignited by an enlightening experience with an accounting teacher in secondary school and nurtured through his education at University College Cork. Evan's professional growth took root at PwC Ireland, where beyond honing his accounting skills, he became a mentor for aspiring accountants and a pioneering force in sustainability initiatives. His commitment to using his voice for positive change shines through his active involvement in waste reduction efforts and his mentorship role with the Irish Consulting Student Group.Evan's experiences at the One Young World Summit are a testament to his dedication to effecting change. Representing Ireland as the flag bearer, he connected with global delegates, drawing inspiration from diverse voices like that of Jamad Fiin, a trailblazer for young women in sports. As Evan reflects on his journey, he shares his aspirations of climbing the corporate ladder to make a substantial impact on business and society, fostering a culture of mentorship for young accountants. With insights from role models such as Caroline McGroary and the wisdom of Margaret Atwood, Evan's story is a compelling reminder of the power of courage, networking, and perseverance in reshaping industries and communities.

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• Young Difference Makers S03 Ep 01 Inspiring Paths: Eryn Paterson on Audit, Social Mobility, and Career Growth

  Eryn Paterson, an inspiring Audit Assistant Manager at KPMG, unravels her path from a budding interest in business to becoming a chartered accountant in this episode. Listeners gain insight into how a supportive teacher and her studies at the University of Glasgow fueled her ambition, leading to a career at KPMG. Eryn's journey doesn't just stop at professional achievements; her dedication to promoting social mobility within the industry shines through as she mentors students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and actively participates in initiatives like KPMG's social mobility network and the One Young World Summit in Montreal.The episode also highlights the vast opportunities that exist in the audit profession, especially for those at the start of their careers. Erin emphasizes the value of obtaining a Chartered Accountant qualification, which she describes as a global passport to diverse career roles. By sharing her experiences and insights, she encourages young professionals to seize every opportunity for learning and growth, underscoring the supportive community eager to aid their development. Get ready to be inspired by Eryn's commitment to breaking down barriers and her vision for the future of audit and social mobility.

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• Special Episode: Resilience in the Accountancy Profession: Insights and Strategies with Dee France, Brad Hook and Declan Scott

  Unlock the keys to resilience and well-being in the accountancy profession with this special episode of Difference Makers Discuss.  This episode is hosted by Dee France of Chartered Accountants Ireland's CA Support. In this episode we reveal the results of a groundbreaking global report with our esteemed guests, Brad Hook and Declan Scott of The Resilience Institute. With insights gathered from nearly 700 chartered accountants, we explore how curiosity, altruism, and creativity serve as the backbone of resilience and professional triumph. Declan shares his decades-long journey, demonstrating the transformative power of creativity in problem-solving and the essential role of trust in cultivating lasting client relationships. Join us in dissecting the common misconception where busyness is mistaken for productivity, a pitfall many professionals face. Drawing from personal experiences, we challenge the norm of constant multitasking and discuss practical strategies for achieving clarity and focus. Learn about initiatives like PwC's Focus Friday, which promote digital boundaries and intentional time management, helping to cultivate a more balanced and sustainable work culture.Finally, we delve into the evolving values within the accountancy profession, highlighting a shift from financial incentives to a broader quest for belonging and growth among younger professionals. We emphasize the critical role leaders play in fostering resilience and well-being, providing tools and insights that prevent burnout and attract talent. This episode not only offers a blueprint for creating a vibrant workplace but also encourages exploration of additional resources to continue this vital conversation.

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