We created this podcast in order to celebrate the lives and work of people who have transformed communities, businesses, and the wider world, making a real diff...
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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42:10
From Zimbabwe to Perth: Tinashe's trailblazing career in Chartered Accounting
Explore the fascinating journey of Tinashe Kamangira, a trailblazer in the accounting world, who takes us from his roots in Zimbabwe to a thriving career in Perth, Australia. As the outgoing President of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and a Director at Deloitte, Tinashe offers a unique perspective on leadership and the cultural transitions that shaped his path. He shares anecdotes about the golden era of his upbringing and the pivotal role sports and university life played in his integration into the Australian community, all while maintaining a strong connection to his heritage and family spread across the globe.Uncover the challenges and triumphs of Tinashe's leadership journey, where resilience and encouragement became his guiding forces. His experience as the youngest chair of the Western Australian Council sheds light on the fresh insights young leaders bring to pressing issues like cost of living and housing. We also delve into the evolving landscape of the accounting profession, discussing initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and the introduction of non-degree routes into Chartered Accountancy, which aim to broaden access and attract talent from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.Tinashe's passion for philanthropy and work-life balance shines through as he recounts his volunteering adventures with organizations like St Vincent de Paul and a charity in India. Through these experiences, he illustrates the vital role accounting skills play in supporting meaningful change and governance. He also shares the joys and challenges of fatherhood, emphasizing how quality time with his children enriches both his personal and professional life. This episode is a testament to the power of empathy, strategic thinking, and the profound impact of giving back to the community.
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34:43
DMD Live - Integrating Finance, Fashion, and Family: Michelle Shuttleworth’s Inspiring Journey
Meet Michelle Shuttleworth, a trailblazer in finance and a passionate advocate for purpose-driven work. From her beginnings at PwC to her dynamic roles at Virgin Entertainment and Burberry, Michelle's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She shares candid stories of her transition from corporate to creative environments, including memorable encounters with influential figures like Richard Branson. Her experiences highlight the importance of adaptability and passion in carving out a unique path in the finance world.Journeying through her career, Michelle shares insights from her time at the BBC, where she refined her skills in finance transformation and governance. Her role emphasized maximizing value and achieving success within public, philanthropic contexts, solidifying her belief in mission-led organizations. Michelle's reflections reveal how aligning personal values with professional pursuits can enhance both engagement and satisfaction, especially for those driven by purpose beyond mere profit.Beyond her impressive corporate achievements, Michelle balances her role as a mother of four with her entrepreneurial venture, Boa Wool. Fueled by her love for fashion and commitment to sustainability, she founded this clothing line championing British craftsmanship and environmental responsibility. Her story underscores the significance of work-life balance and pursuing personal passions, offering listeners a wealth of inspiration to integrate purpose into their careers and personal lives.
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45:35
DMD Live - From Adversity to Achievement: Thembeka Maseko on Resilience, Education, and Leadership
What if the adversities you faced could become the foundation for your success? This episode features Thembeka Maseko, head of finance and value management at Standard Bank personal and private banking, and a non-executive director at Standard Trust. Raised by her grandparents in Cape Town's informal settlements after being abandoned by her parents, Thambeka's journey is a compelling testament to resilience and the transformative power of education. Listen as she shares how her grandfather's unwavering belief in her potential shaped her academic and professional achievements, and why she believes storytelling is a crucial leadership tool.Thembeka opens up about the pivotal lessons she learned from her grandfather, whose wisdom and positive reinforcement fueled her determination to excel academically. She explains how these early lessons on self-belief and resilience have informed her leadership style, particularly the use of storytelling to simplify complex ideas and inspire her team. Thembeka also recounts her profound connection to faith during moments of extreme adversity, revealing how a compassionate teacher who became a mother figure provided the emotional support she needed to navigate her challenging childhood.This episode also delves into Thembeka's insights on the importance of auditing relationships and the courage to make decisive life changes. She discusses the delicate balance between independence and accepting care, emphasizing the impact of empathy and mentorship on personal growth. As she shares her journey from overcoming childhood hardships to becoming a nurturing mother and a dedicated leader, Thambeka leaves us with an inspiring message about embracing our brilliance and potential. Tune in for an uplifting story of resilience, empowerment, and the incredible impact of education and compassion.
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45:59
Difference Makers Discuss Special Edition - Driving Global Sustainability: The Role of Chartered Accountants in Shaping a Sustainable Future
Have you ever wondered how the accounting profession can drive global sustainability? In this special edition of Difference Makers Discuss Live, join us for a fascinating conversation between Ainslie van Onselen, Chair of CAW & CEO of CA ANZ, and Jessica Fries, Executive Chair of A4S and a leading authority in sustainability and integrated reporting. Jessica offers a compelling look at the transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability practices, driven by global standards like those from the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). She discusses the potential pitfalls of fragmentation and the crucial role that chartered accountants play in shaping frameworks, providing strategic guidance, and ensuring that social and environmental factors are comprehensively analyzed.But that's not all. We also unpack how authenticity and purpose are vital in attracting new talent to the accounting profession, showcasing inspiring examples like Julie Brown, CFO of GSK.Gain insights on the importance of networking, continuous learning, and taking bold risks as a leader, along with practical advice for small and medium practices on enhancing their sustainability capabilities. Tune in for a richly informative conversation designed to inspire and inform, as we navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability within accounting careers.
We created this podcast in order to celebrate the lives and work of people who have transformed communities, businesses, and the wider world, making a real difference in the lives of others. We call them "Difference Makers". Some overcame great personal adversity in their journey. They all showed the knowledge, perspective, skills and capabilities to lead, to achieve, and to make real change when it is needed most. Oh, and by the way... they are all Chartered Accountants! Find out more at https://www.charteredaccountantsworldwide.com