The power of persuasion and how to channel it at work
Author Mike Drayton, a clinical psychologist and leadership coach at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, explores attributes professionals can build on to be more persuasive at work, key distinctions between persuasion and manipulation, and examples of coercion in the workplace. He also explains why expanding influence in the workplace is less about “clever words or phrases” and more about exhibiting expertise and reliability. On 8 May, Drayton is scheduled to speak on influencing and persuasion skills at AICPA & CIMA’s 2025 CPD 360 Annual Conference at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement in the UK. Last July on the FM podcast, he shared tips for managing burnout, including how to adopt firm boundaries to prioritise wellbeing. What you’ll learn from this episode: § Some differences between influence and persuasion. § Attributes and behaviours that can make us more persuasive. § Distinctions between persuasion and manipulation. § How to spot and respond to coercive tactics in the workplace. § Two fundamental traits that make us more respected at work. § Questions to help professionals identify their strengths and weaknesses.
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13:40
April FM: Gen AI adoption, use, and ethics; tips to avoid burnout
This episode features Oliver Rowe, FM’s editor-in-chief, detailing the contents of the magazine’s April digital edition. The discussion highlights articles on artificial intelligence (AI), including one that advises how finance can steer AI adoption. Rowe also details the key points of an article on understanding and avoiding burnout and discusses April’s regular columns. Also included: an explanation of how members can access the April digital edition as well as the issue library. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The edition’s focus on AI and explanation of three AI-related articles. · Advice from regular FM writer Rhymer Rigby on avoiding burnout. · A practical Excel article: How to create a chart template in Excel. · The other articles in the edition, including regular columns, a Q&A with Association CEO Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, and Institute News. · Ways to access the April edition.
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10:33
Decision-making: Why you shouldn’t rely on your gut
Andrew Pain, a motivational, mental health, and wellbeing speaker, explains why we should be cautious about using gut feelings to help us make decisions. Pain also explains psychological and environmental steps we can take to ensure our decision-making processes are fair and logical and offers ways organisations can make conversations around biases more comfortable and accessible. “If we want to make better decisions, then we need to understand these biases and how we relate to them,” Pain said. What you’ll learn from this episode: § Why our gut instincts are often flawed. § A mental checklist for working through problems effectively. § Resources to improve our awareness of biased thinking. § One way organisations can improve bias training courses. § Environmental factors and stimuli that can interact with cognitive processing.
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19:51
What International Women’s Day means for an ascending accountant
Wassia Kamon, CPA, a member of AICPA & CIMA’s Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee (WIEC), emphasises the interplay between gender equity, representation, and establishing yourself as a leader in this podcast episode celebrating International Women’s Day. Kamon discloses how seeing gender representation early in her career helped her find her voice at work while balancing study and family commitments. She also explains why women often endure “subconscious” doubts when it comes recognising their worth as a leader. International Women’s Day this year is on Saturday 8 March. What you’ll learn from this episode: Why more women are climbing the ladder in the profession. Gender representation’s impact on work culture. The relationship between hybrid work and equal opportunities. How the WIEC engages and empowers women in finance. The convergence of underrepresentation and impostor syndrome.
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10:02
Mind the gap: Two key steps for connection, team development
Clare Haynes, an organisational psychology specialist and leadership coach, explains why there is a disconnection between teams and leadership, and suggests some ways leaders can get meaningful feedback from their teams. Haynes also identifies some qualities and traits that can help leaders grow in their roles, and why it’s important for leaders to “have a sounding board” during times of stress and increased pressure. What you’ll learn from this episode: § Why teams and management are becoming more disconnected from each other. § The relationship between new working environments and skill loss. § Two ways leaders can elicit constructive feedback from their teams. § Notable traits and qualities that inspire better leadership. § Tactics to reduce stress and minimise burnout risks for leaders.
The Financial Management (FM) magazine podcast series features conversations with executives and thought leaders in management accounting. We discuss topics including governance, risk management, performance management, technology, corporate strategy, and leadership. Interviews are conducted by FM editors and contributors.
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