FLP, the Finance Leadership Podcast

Latest Episodes:

"Using data-analytics to drive today's businesses and train tomorrow's accountants" with Rich Fox of Apex Parks Group (San Diego, USA) Jun 26, 2019

Show notes

"Things are being constantly created...so it's very exciting to be not only in the finance area but in the data area."

GBD64. Rich Fox is Vice-President of Data Science and Analytics for Apex Parks Group, one of the USA's largest amusement park operators. Kyle Hannan (AICPA & CIMA, London, UK) talks to this 20-year analytics industry veteran and experienced thought leader, discussing how finance professionals can combine data, information, insights, action & results to improve businesses. Rich also shares some inside perspectives on how academia is working to train tomorrow's accountants in these new skills today.

WE DISCUSS:

* What is data analytics?

* What does it mean to be "data-driven"?

* When did data analytics become a 'thing'?

* Get started with the 5 step process: Data. Information. Insights. Action & Results.

* Does data-analysis offer an opportunity to EVERY business, or are there some that have more to gain than others?

* Where should a business begin? What are some practical steps a business-leader can take to turn new insights into effective action?

* How are academic institutions keeping pace with teaching these data-analytics skills to the CPAs and CMAs of tomorrow?

* Richard's presentation at this August's "Beta Alpha Sci" conference (the US educational accounting fraternity annual conference).

OUR GUEST

Richard Fox has held several leadership roles in analytics and finance including CFO and six years with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a frequent speaker at Analytics conferences and Universities, and in 2018, built the Executive Track for the AICPA's new Data Driven Leader program focusing on how analytics is changing the Office of Finance. He blends an analytical and data-driven strategy with a deep understanding of business and finance to drive business performance in a breadth of industries including e-commerce, restaurants, hotels, retail, distribution, manufacturing and real estate. Rich also teaches Analytics in a Master's program at San Diego State University and has a Graduate Certificate in Predictive Analytics from Northwestern University. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

LINKS

* AICPA & CIMA resources and certificate courses on Data Analytics

* Ashok Noah is Vice President, Managing Director Learning, Education & Development, for the AICPA. See a preview list of his CFO -related presentations here.

MORE ABOUT OUR PODCAST.

These conversations with expert guests are recorded by different members of the AICPA & CIMA team from our offices around the world. While the sound quality may vary, the insights will always be consistently useful.

Hear more. Get our shows every week automatically and free. Share them easily with colleagues and friends by using the icons on your app or media player.

Skill Up. Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.

Connect. #GoBeyondDisruption @AICPANews @CIMA_News

"The Power of 'No'" with Executive Coach Regan Walsh (Columbus, USA) Jun 19, 2019

Show notes

"It's important to learn how to say 'no' if you want to thrive...You need to be able to focus on what's essential to YOU and block out all the noise".

GBD63 In this Human Intelligence-focused episode, returning guest Regan Walsh shares more insights from her work as an executive and life coach. She talks to Jennifer Gardner (AICPA & CIMA, USA) about the professional benefits of one of the shortest words in the English language. Understanding and using 'no' can sound like putting yourself first but actually ends up helping you, your colleagues, your company and your career.

WE DISCUSS

* Why it's so hard to say "no".

* How saying "No" impacts one's career.

* Communicating it without having to say it.

* Different ways of saying it to your boss, your colleagues - and your clients.

* Fighting the need to be a 'pleaser'.

* Saying "no" to the idea, not the person.

* How to say "yes" to the right things.

OUR GUEST

Executive and Life Coach Regan Walsh is a returning guest to this podcast series. Featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes and Fast Company, she helps clients shed the "shoulds" in their lives, eliminating the non-essential to free up time to thrive. Regan previously spent 15 years working in corporate, nonprofit, and creative agencies. Connect with her on LinkedIn here.

LINKS

* The AICPA resource page on Work/Life Balance.

* CIMA Master Course on Workload Management for Busy Finance Professionals (London, 2018 and 2019)

* Read our review of "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown in 5 Books All Young CPAs Should Read.

* The Life Wheel (as recommended by our guest)

* Regan Walsh on Forbes.com and at www.reganwalsh.com

MORE ABOUT OUR PODCAST.

Hear more. Get our shows every week automatically and free. Share them easily with colleagues and friends by using the icons on your app or media player.

Skill Up. Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.

Connect. #GoBeyondDisruption @AICPANews @CIMA_News

"Reality Bytes: Demystifying Digital Transformation" with Waqqas Mahmood of BakerTilly (Washington, USA) Jun 12, 2019

Show notes

"First figure out the 'why', not from a organisational perspective but 'why' for a particular business process, and THEN figure out what technology - if any - will be needed to transform and automate that."

GBD62. Waqqas Mahmood leads Advanced Technology & Intelligent Automation at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP. He tells Kyle Hannan (AICPA & CIMA, UK) about the basic jargon of RPA and AI, why you should understand the tech before you put it all together, and how to identify the goals of the digital transformation. He also outlines his "3 Fs" process for fighting the factors of failure.

TALKING POINTS:

RPA and AI: the jargon, the risks and the 'gotchas'.
Don't chase the bots (the tech). Understand it before you put it all together.
From AI and RPA to IA 'Intelligent Automation'.
How does innovation rise above the red tape?
How to innovate in a profession that's often perceived as having a change-averse internal culture?
What the jargon means, not just in the correct technical abbreviations but in the potential opportunities for a company.
Why there are times you should NOT put the customer first (not when you're testing). Start with the back-end and get that right before you roll it out to clients.
Digital anxiety (personal and team's)
Identifying the goals of the digital transformation (think about the 'Why? T" rather than just the IT!
Understand the 3 Fs so that teams can Fight The "Factors of Failure"

OUR GUEST:

Waqqas Mahmood is head of Advanced Technology & Intelligent Automation at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (Washington) and was previously their Director of Innovation. Prior to that, he was Manager, Advisory - Digital & Emerging Technologies for EY in New York, a co-founder and Board Member of Cambridge Global Advisory, and even worked as a Senior Manager for Research In Motion, makers of the corporate world's original favourite mobile device The Blackberry. A PEO-qualified Engineer, he has an MBA in General Management from Harvard University, where he was Vice-President of their E-Business Society. Connect with him on LinkedIn, or Twitter as @waqqas_mahmood.

LINKS:

Waqqas mentioned BakerTilly's corporate 'Insights' page here.
Read about navigating digital transformation on the AICPA blog page.
Find out more about the CGMA's analysis of the digital skills gap facing today's finance professionals.

MORE ABOUT OUR PODCAST.

Hear more. Get our shows every week automatically and free. Share them easily with colleagues and friends by using the icons on your app or media player.

Skill Up. Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.

Connect. #GoBeyondDisruption @AICPANews @CIMA_News

"Seize The Day: How Rihanna Helped Make Accounting Relevant" with Peter Brill of NetMentor (Bristol, UK). Jun 05, 2019

Show notes

"It's about that human connection, and HOW they are offering their advice in a way that's relevant, topical and timely to their clients".

GBD61. Peter Brill is MD of Netmentor (a content marketing consultancy based in Bristol. He's also a former Director of NWN Blue Squared, specialist accountants to the music and creative industries. He talks to Kyle Hannan (AICPA & CIMA, London) about using context to power a business' social media content, outlining practical new ways that today's professionals can raise their own profiles, promote their expertise in new ways, and help boost the visibility of the accounting profession in non-traditional niches. He shares several interesting examples of how accountants and finance professionals can adapt this to drive their own business forward. We also touch on the difficult question of WHO actually does the work (hint: you may not have to look far).

TALKING POINTS:

How to attract attention to your accounting business using context as well as content.
How to define the 'story' of your organisation.
Knowing your clients better.
When the press is full of bad headlines, how do you turn negatives into positives?
Balancing humour and personality with professionalism.

OUR GUEST:

Peter Brill is MD of Netmentor and a former non-executive Director of NWN Blue Squared, specialist accountants to the music and creative industries. A trained journalist, he was a media conference team leader at the 2012 London Olympics, lectured in PR at Cambridge Marketing College, headed the PR teams for RAC Motoring Services , one of the UK's leading motoring organisations, and was PR Manager for the motorsport division of Toyota here in the UK. He also works closely with several non-profits in the UK and beyond. Peter focuses on helping organisations find new ways to get noticed in a world of shorter attention spans but increasing amounts of digital content. Connect with him on LinkedIn and on Twitter as @Brill_Mentor

LINKS:

Digital Mindset pack (free for members).
The power of No! How to get rid of the good things in life to make room for the great.
The path to creating work-life harmony.
If you're an AICPA Store-user, search for Digital Mindset resources here.

And that Rihanna video? Search for 'BBHMM' on your website of choice. Just be warned that the original version contains explicit lyrics though there are 'clean' edits out there too.

MORE ABOUT OUR PODCAST.

Hear more. Get our shows every week automatically and free. Share them easily with colleagues and friends by using the icons on your app or media player.

Skill Up. Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.

Connect. #GoBeyondDisruption @AICPANews @CIMA_News

"Asking the way: Making Technology Work for You" with Kate Watson, CEO of CMLW Consulting (Newcastle, UK) May 29, 2019

Show notes

"People are going to look more to accountants from a SOFTWARE point of view, in how they communicate and in how their taxes are managed".

GBD60. Kate Watson, CEO of CMLW Consulting, joins us from Northeastern England. She talks to Kymberley McAdam (AICPA & CIMA, London, UK) about tech perspectives on GDPR and wider data privacy, cloud accounting, and the importance of effective communication in an increasingly automated profession. She shares some useful and practical suggestions about how finance and accounting professionals can up-skill themselves as things change.

TALKING POINTS:

* how asking questions and doing research helps deliver results for accounting professionals

* GDPR and data privacy

* cloud accounting

* effective communication

* technology adoption and strategies

* information governance

* Making tax digital

OUR GUEST:

Kate Watson is CEO of CMLW Consulting, a technology broker and trainer who's been working with clients around the world, assisting them with technology and business for more than 30 years. She helps them make the most of the digital world through best use of technology. Connect with her on Linkedin here. She's also on Twitter using the hashtag #AskMrsWatson.

LINKS:

* Using the CGMA Store? Search for these privacy-related learning materials and resources.

* If you're an AICPA Store-user, search its list of technology and data privacy resources here.

MORE ABOUT OUR PODCAST.

Hear more. Get our shows every week automatically and free. Share them easily with colleagues and friends by using the icons on your app or media player.

Skill Up. Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.

Connect. #GoBeyondDisruption @AICPANews @CIMA_News

"How Data Science Can Transform Your Business" with Elaine McVey of TransLoc (Durham, USA) May 22, 2019

Show notes

"Data Science can help companies optimise how they're carrying out their business... to give the company a much clearer picture of what's valuable and what's problematic".

GBD59. Elaine McVey directs the decision science function at TransLoc, a rapidly growing mobility technology company based in the Eastern USA. She tells Jennifer Gardner (AICPA & CIMA, Durham, USA) how business and finance leaders can collaborate with data scientists to tackle real-world business issues. They explore some best practices any large business can adopt when using data science to reveal actionable insights that transform their decision-making.

TALKING POINTS:

* how finance and business leaders can transform their operations by making data and analytics readily available,

* the differences - and overlaps - between data science and decision science (human behaviour),

* how Elaine's management experience makes her such a powerful advocate for the application of Agile principles to data science work,

* about the best practices any large business can adopt when using data science to reveal actionable insights that transform their decision-making,

* just what IS Data Science?

* as a business leader, do you NEED to understand it before your business can benefit from it?

* ways that business and finance leaders can partner with data scientists,

* the differences between 'data science' and 'decision science',

* what's holding companies back from making full use of their data?

* and, how to make effective use of the data resources a business already has.

OUR GUEST:

Elaine McVey is Director of Data Science at TransLoc, a fast-growing mobility technology company based in Chapel Hill, USA. She leads the team that creates quantitative tools for mobility decision making. A recurring theme throughout Elaine's career has been improving the processes by which statistics and data science work is done.

A data scientist and author of several patents, Elaine has improved the lives of thousands by helping create an innovative type of transportation technology that gives citizens more accessibility to public transport.

In early 2019 she was selected for a "Women in Business Award" from the Triangle Business Journal, a leading provider of business news for Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Elaine received the "Leader in STEM Award", honouring women who have improved the lives of others by helping start a business, product or service in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

Connect with her at www.linkedin.com/in/eamcvey and on Twitter at @eamcvey

LINKS:

* Using the CGMA Store? Explore these data-related learning materials and resources.

* If you're an AICPA Store-user, see its list of Data Analytics courses here.

MORE ABOUT OUR PODCAST.

Hear more. Get our shows every week automatically and free. Share them easily with colleagues and friends by using the icons on your app or media player.

Skill Up. Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.

Connect. #GoBeyondDisruption @AICPANews @CIMA_News

"Fix The Weak Language That Holds You Back" with Julie Holunga of Chinook Executive Solutions (Denver, USA) May 15, 2019

Show notes

"It is very important to use that (strong) language. It's such a competitive arena out there. Why give anyone a reason to NOT buy what you are selling?"

GBD58. Julie Holunga is a leadership trainer, speaker and coach who works with CPAs, attorneys and other professional women. She tells Jennifer Gardner of AICPA & CIMA(Durham, USA) about the way we're perceived by others. They unpick how communication is not simply the way we speak but the way we 'show up', how we present ourselves at meetings and in our interactions with others.

WE DISCUSS:

how what you say can influence your 'brand',
identifying the weak words that undermine the way you're perceived by colleagues and clients,
choosing leadership language that helps - not hinders - your career progression,
and changing the words that you didn't realise could be holding you back.

OUR GUEST

Julie Holunga is an executive leadership coach who trains and develops corporate women, primarily in the legal, accounting, technology, and professional services fields, who are striving to bring direction, focus, leadership and impact to their careers.

Julie started her career working at Harvard University in the Capital Gifts group. She has built relationships with leaders at Wall Street firms leading the efforts to advance women into positions of leadership. Certified as an associate through Emergenetics, Julie spent seven of her formative years living and attending school in France, India, and Hong Kong. Connect with her on Linkedin here.

LINKS.

JustNotSorry is a Chrome Extension for Gmail will warn you when you use phrases that might be undermining your message.

MORE ABOUT OUR PODCAST.

Hear more. Get our shows every week automatically and free. Share them easily with colleagues and friends by using the icons on your app or media player.

Skill Up. Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.

Connect. #GoBeyondDisruption @AICPANews @CIMA_News

"The Promise of Technology" with David Cieslak, EVP of RKL eSolutions (Simi Valley,USA). May 08, 2019

Show notes

"Are you looking for incremental improvement, or are you REALLY trying to become a future-oriented organisation?".

GBD57. Jennifer Gardner (AICPA & CIMA, Durham USA) talks digital disruption with CPA Technologist David Cieslak aka "Inspector Gadget". Frequently recognised as one of the top 100 most influential figures in the industry, David recently presented a session at the AICPA's CFO 2019 Conference in Chicago. Here, he outlines the drivers of change in today's digital world.

WE DISCUSS:

How the finance function is changing.
The price of digital illiteracy.
The mindsets that will help us survive in the digital world.
What other skills will finance professionals need beyond just the tech?
How do we create our vision for 2025?

OUR GUEST:

David Cieslak is Chief Cloud Officer and EVP with RKL eSolutions, a leading business process automation consulting firm with offices across the US. In his role, he is responsible for helping companies grow strategically with cloud-based solutions and industry-specific service expertise for ERP, CPM, CRM, AP Automation, and other critical business processes. He is a frequent speaker for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA) and other state accounting societies as his alter ego "Inspector Gadget." He is a SAGE Intacct Certified Consultant and holds the GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC). He is the past Chair of the AICPA IT Executive Committee and past president of the California CPA Education Foundation. Awards include Accounting Today's "Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting" (2001, 2002, 2005 – 2018) and CPA Technology Advisor's "Top 25 Thought Leader" (2011-2018).

Connect with him here or on Twitter.

LINKS:

Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.
David Cieslak is EVP of RKL eSolutions.

MORE ABOUT OUR PODCAST.

Hear more. Get our shows every week automatically and free. Share them easily with colleagues and friends by using the icons on your app or media player.

Skill Up. Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.

Connect. #GoBeyondDisruption @AICPANews @CIMA_News

"Questions Today's CPAs Need To Ask About Tomorrow's Blockchain" with Kirk Phillips, the 'Bitcoin CPA' (Philadelphia, USA) May 01, 2019

Show notes

"For CPAs who know about the space already, you've already got the trusted advantage. Now all you need is the blockchain knowledge".

GBD56. "TheBitCoinCPA" himself, Kirk Phillips, joins the AICPA & CIMAs's Kyle Hannan to share his passionate interest in how blockchain will transform accounting. Kirk has a niche consulting practice in the crypto blockchain space in addition to pioneering many other projects. He authored the Ultimate Bitcoin Business Guide, The AICPA's Blockchain Fundamentals program, shares his expertise as a tech blogger, and contributes to yBitcoin Magazine and Coindesk.

WE DISCUSS:

The trust premium
Understanding risk and recognising reward.
The crypto myths that need shattering.
Thoughts on the recent crypto bear market.
Dealing with the naysayers

OUR GUEST:

Bitcoin-super-user and entrepreneur, Kirk Phillips (CPA, CMA, CFE & CPB) is based in Philadelphia in the USA. As an author and educator, he's also an ICO advisor with a deep understanding of blockchain and cryptocurrency. He has recently produced the "Ultimate Bitcoin Business Guide: For Entrepreneurs & Business Advisors" Follow him on social media using @TheBitCoinCPA and on LinkedIn here.

LINKS:

Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.
Discover more about TheBitCoinCPA.

CONNECT:

Share on social using these suggested links and hashtags. #GoBeyondDisruption #Podcast @AICPANews @CIMA_News

MORE ABOUT OUR PODCAST.

These conversations with our expert guests are recorded by different members of the AICPA & CIMA team from our offices around the world. While the sound quality may vary, the insights will always be consistently useful.

Hear more. Get our shows every week automatically and free. Share them easily with colleagues and friends by using the icons on your app or media player.

Skill Up. Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.

Connect. #GoBeyondDisruption @AICPANews @CIMA_News

"The Little Dominoes That Can Topple The Empire State" with Jo-Ann Pohl, Group CFO of Bowmans Law (Johannesburg, South Africa) Apr 24, 2019

Show notes

"We operate better when we engage. Look up, meet the people and understand the human being behind things".

GBD55. As the AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference begins in Chicago, we talk to the Group Chief CFO of Bowmans Law, Jo-Ann Pohl. A qualified chartered accountant and professional banker (PBSA), in 2014 she was named by Euromoney as one of Africa's top 20 rising stars. Jo-Ann is part of the 2013 South Africa Boss of the Year alumni and member of the African Leadership Network (ALN).

WE DISCUSS:

The growing role of women in corporate and finance positions across fast-developing economies in Africa and beyond.
Going beyond the IT: from EQ to MQ - the 'meaningfulness quotient'
Practical tips for successful implementation of RPA in corporate finance.
The maths of accumulated impact: Creating the "little monsters, the 'little dominoes that can topple the empire state".
African proverbs and the 5 truths at the heart of what makes us better leaders, better colleagues, better role models, and better business-people.

OUR GUEST:

Jo-Ann Pohl has held several CFO, Executive, and Non-exec Director roles in the banking and investment world. These include C-suite positions at Telesure Investment Holdings, Standard Chartered Bank Africa and a senior role heading up the Finance and Shared Services team for Barclays Africa and the Middle East.

Her work with start-ups and global corporates has built pivotal expertise in change management, leadership and strategic direction, governance, oversight and external stakeholder management. Jo-Ann also chairs the Board of the Charities Aid Foundation Southern Africa, is a member of the 30% Club Southern Africa Steerco, adjudicates the Technology Top 100 (TT100) and Accenture Innovation Index and Gender Mainstreaming Awards.

In addition, she counsels cancer patients and mentors young entrepreneurs and women in business.

Connect with Jo-Ann via LinkedIn here.

LINKS:

Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.
Visiting the Chicago area this Spring? Join us on the ground or online for the AICPA & CIMA "CFO Conference" in Chicago this April 24-26th 2019.
Participate in the 2019 AICPA Women's Global Leadership Summit this November — and experience the support of your women colleagues along the way.

CONNECT:

Share on social using these suggested links and hashtags. #GoBeyondDisruption #Podcast #AICPAWomenLead @AICPANews @CIMA_News

MORE ABOUT OUR PODCAST.

Hear more. Get our shows every week automatically and free. Share them easily with colleagues and friends by using the icons on your app or media player.

Skill Up. Find related CPD/CPE resources at the AICPA Store and the CGMA Store.

Connect. #GoBeyondDisruption @AICPANews @CIMA_News

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