Episodios
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Host James Mason interviews Stephen Grant, partner at Azets, UK about his journey in business advisory and the launch of the Boost Business Advisory Initiative, which aims to enhance client performance through tailored advisory services. He discusses the challenges of balancing existing responsibilities with new initiatives, the importance of internal training and mindset transformation, and the future of advisory services in the accounting industry. Stephen emphasises the need for accountants to evolve into true advisors, focusing on delivering value and solving client issues rather than just compliance.
Takeaways
Pick the right people who are passionate about business advice. Create time for learning and internal promotion. Support from external training organisations is crucial. Encourage a culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. Demonstrate capability to build internal referrals. Focus on deeper conversations with clients during compliance meetings. The future of accounting lies in advisory services. Accountants must evolve to meet client expectations. Internal champions are essential for driving change. Continuous improvement is key to success in advisory.Timecodes
00:10 Introduction to Business Advisory Services
04:46 Stephen Grant’s Business Advisory Journey
08:07 Launching the Boost Business Advisory Initiative
12:51 Balancing Advisory with Existing Responsibilities
16:55 Transforming Internal Mindsets
25:28 The Future of Advisory Services
28:02 Key Takeaways for Success in Advisory
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In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason discusses competitive advantage with Jonathan Coles and Iain Good from Premiumisation Partners. They explore the importance of understanding customer value, defining competitive advantages, and aligning team perspectives to enhance business success.
The conversation emphasises the need for businesses to engage with their customers, challenge internal perceptions, and continuously adapt their strategies based on customer insights.
Key Insights
The best competitive advantage is what customers truly value. Understanding customer perceptions is crucial for defining advantages. Engaging with customers helps identify what they value most. Alignment within teams can significantly impact profitability. Research doesn't have to be expensive; simple conversations can yield insights. Identifying what not to do is as important as knowing what to do. Continuous alignment with customer values is essential for success. Facilitating discussions can help bridge gaps in understanding. Investing time in understanding customer needs is vital. A strong business DNA drives innovation and customer loyalty.Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Premiumisation Partners
03:01 Defining Competitive Advantage
06:35 Understanding Customer Value
11:06 Identifying Competitive Advantage
15:10 Aligning Team Perspectives
18:46 Challenging Internal Perceptions
22:28 Cascading Strategy into Business
24:54 Final Tips for Advisors
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In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason and Shabir Ladha discuss insights on networking for success and how too much can be just as bad as not enough. Shabir shares his journey to becoming an advisor and the importance of networking in his role, emphasizing the need for authenticity, meaningful conversations, and setting goals when networking. James & Shabir discuss the pitfalls of selling too early and the importance of maintaining a positive personal brand. The conversation concludes with practical tips for networking effectively as an advisor.
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In this episode, James Mason interviews Kim Marshall from WK Advisors and Accountants in Christchurch, New Zealand, about her insights on cutting through with business advisory services in a regional market. Kim shares her background and journey to becoming an advisor, including her experience managing a sheep and beef farm while doing advisory work. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in regional areas, such as poor vintage and droughts, and how she helps clients focus on customer needs to improve their businesses. Kim also talks about the importance of being authentic, investing in oneself, and having a growth mindset.
Key Take Aways
Building a successful business advisory service in a regional market requires authenticity and a focus on customer needs.
Regional businesses often face challenges such as poor vintage and droughts, but there are also opportunities for improvement.
High cadence sprints, where quick catch-ups are combined with longer sessions, can be effective in addressing immediate challenges and driving progress.
Collaboration and sharing ideas with other businesses in workshops can lead to valuable insights and solutions.
Investing in oneself, being open to learning, and having a growth mindset are key to personal and professional development as an advisor.
Chapters
00:10 Introduction and Background
03:34 Challenges and Opportunities in Regional Areas
08:02 High Cadence Sprints: Addressing Immediate Challenges
10:11 Collaboration and Idea Sharing in Workshops
13:57 Investing in Oneself: The Key to Advisory Success
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Peter Longhurst, a long-time Mindshop advisor, shares his wisdom on the keys to happiness and success in business and life with Mindshop’s James Mason. He discusses his journey from accounting to advisory, the impact of his book 'A Simple Thank You,' and the importance of core values and client-centricity. He emphasises the power of listening, simplicity, and the concept of 'value to others' in business.
Takeaways
The importance of core values and client-centricity in business success. The power of simplicity and 'value to others' in business relationships. The impact of listening and the role of authenticity in building trust with clients.Chapters
00:00 The Keys to Happiness and Success in Business and Life
03:04 The Journey from Accounting to Advisory
08:13 The Impact of Core Values and Client-Centricity
14:44 The Role of Core Values in Business Success
25:12 Final Tips for Advisors
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Chris Black, a Director of Advisory Business, Purpa, shares insights on mental health challenges and leadership. He discusses the impact of mental health on business, the role of leaders in addressing mental health, and practical strategies for mitigating negative impacts. The conversation emphasises the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and creating a safe space for conversations around mental health.
Takeaways
• Mental health challenges have a direct impact on business performance, including absenteeism and presenteeism.
• Leaders play a crucial role in creating a safe space for conversations around mental health and promoting a culture of empathy and vulnerability.
• Practical strategies for mitigating negative impacts of mental health challenges include building emotional intelligence, setting boundaries, and creating a third space for mental well-being.
• Investing in mental health awareness and well-being programs within organisations can have a positive return on investment, both financially and socially.
Chapters
00:45 The Journey of Purpa and Understanding Mental Health Challenges
03:45 The Impact of Mental Health on Business Performance
06:31 Drivers of Mental Health Challenges and Accelerating Factors
09:19 The Role of Leaders in Addressing Mental Health Challenges
11:45 Practical Strategies for Mitigating Negative Impacts of Mental Health Challenges
23:06 Future Outlook: Mental Health Challenges in usiness Leadership
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Kirsty Bullen, a director at Campbell Tyson, discusses how she has been accelerating internal referrals and greater advisory success in the firm. Around for over 100 years, Campbell Tyson is based in Pukekohe, New Zealand and has a varied client base, including the agricultural, commercial, and investment sectors. Mindshop tools have been used in the firm to bring consistency to the advisory services with a focus on workshops and business health checks to provide value to their clients. In this podcast Kirsty talks about how they cultivate referral relationships and focus on storytelling to deliver services.
Chapters
00:10 Introduction and Background of the Firm
06:35 Getting Others to Refer the Firm
13:05 Cultivating Super Referrers
Takeaways
Internal referrals and word-of-mouth are key for business growth. Using Mindshop tools brings consistency to advisory services. Workshops and business health checks provide value to clients. Cultivating referral relationships and storytelling are effective strategies for accelerating referrals. -
Neal Morrison, partner at McInerney Saunders in Dublin, Ireland, shares insights on successfully selling an accounting firm. He discusses the background of his firm and the factors that led to their decision to sell. Neal emphasises the importance of culture, succession planning and alignment when choosing a buyer and highlights the benefits of partnering with a private equity firm. He also advises practitioners to get their own house in order before considering a sale and to ensure that key team members are incentivised. Neal concludes by offering his tips for others considering selling.
Takeaways
Culture and alignment are crucial when choosing a buyer for your accounting firm.
Partnering with a private equity firm can provide opportunities for growth and a second exit.
Get your own house in order before considering a sale, including working capital management and debtors.
Ensure that key team members are incentivised and motivated to stay after the sale.
Consider the long-term vision for your firm and whether remaining independent or selling is the best path forward.
Chapters
00:20 Introduction and Background
09:20 Choosing a Buyer: Culture and Alignment
13:39 Preparing for the Sale: Getting Your House in Order
27:42 Final Tips for Selling Your Accounting Firm
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In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason interviews Tony Szczepaniak, the global CEO of LEA Global, about the pathway to partner in accounting firms. They discuss the challenges faced by firms, the attributes of high-performing leaders, programs for developing future partners, building business advisory skills, and tips for building a strong pathway to partnership.
Takeaways
The biggest challenge for firms is attracting, developing, and retaining talent.
High-performing leaders focus on culture, visualization, and execution.
Firms should have clear career paths and development programs for employees.
Building business advisory skills is crucial for future partners.
A people-first culture and clear alignment with organizational goals are essential for a strong pathway to partnership.
Chapters
01:00 Introduction and Background
04:54 Challenges Faced by Firms
11:38 Attributes of High-Performing Leaders
13:07 Programs for Pathway to Partner
22:28 Building Business Advisory Skills
24:33 Tips for Building a Strong Pathway to Partnership
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In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason interviews Peter Lucas from Kestrel Solutions about turning around underperforming businesses. They discuss the challenges faced by business owners and managers, the early warning signs of a troubled business, and the use of technology for early identification.
Peter shares his approach to starting the turnaround process, including conducting waste audits and involving the team. He also shares a case study of a successful turnaround in the timber windows and doors industry. The episode concludes with Peter offering final tips for advisors seeking to help their clients in similar situations.
Takeaways
Cash flow is the number one factor to focus on in turning around a business. Advisors should have knowledge of insolvency laws and directors' duties. Implementing waste audits and involving the team can help identify areas of improvement. Constant involvement and evolution, along with constructive guidance, can prevent businesses from slipping back into bad habits. Advisors should consider requesting upfront payment and avoiding time-based billing to maintain trust and accessibility.Chapters
01:10 Introduction and Background
03:20 Challenges for Business Owners and Managers
05:45 Early Warning Signs of a Troubled Business
10:22 Using Technology for Early Identification
12:23 Starting the Turnaround Process
16:00 Waste Audits and Involving the Team
21:01 Case Study
22:43 Constant Involvement and Evolution
25:58 Final Tips for Advisors
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Business Health Checks are a great foot-in-the-door business advisory offering for professional service firms wanting to add client value and bridge the gap between 'the numbers' and more intensive advisory services such as strategic planning workshops & implementation.
But where do you start? Sharing her playbook, Lisa Wilson talks about how professional service firm Morrows design, price, deliver, promote and resource business health checks and why using Mindshop diagnostics, the Now-Where-How methodology and one page plans are integral to their success. Touching on how to generate internal referrals, Lisa also talks about capacity issues, reveals the power of 'BAMFAM' and shares ideas on how to use business health checks as a springboard into further advisory work.
Time Codes
00:00:51 Lisa's background and business advisory journey
00:02:40 Morrow's business advisory service range
00:03:41 Maturity of client base wanting business advisory services
00:04:47 Who's delivering business advisory services at Morrows?
00:05:38 Types of Business Health Checks
00:06:15 Pricing Business Health Checks
00:08:13 Weaving in financial insights
00:09:27 Internal referrals & marketing
00:12:22 Getting further advisory work
00:15:38 Managing capacity
00:16:33 Emerging demand for advisory services
00:18:47 Final tips & thoughts
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Can a business get away with operational deficiencies if they're run by a passionate group of people? Jason Langford-Brown shares his experience as a senior business advisor and coach as to whether culture is a bigger contributor to success than a winning strategy (as the well-known aphorism suggests).
Do most organisations have an accidental culture? How is it businesses with seemingly toxic cultures still succeed?
Jason and James Mason discuss what problems arise if a business holds onto staff that don't align with core values and how culture can be fit for purpose, ultimately posing the question, 'can culture be too perfect?'
Time Codes
00:00:42 Jason's background and business advisory journey.
00:02:27 Is culture a bigger contributor to success than a winning strategy?
00:04:54 Can you succeed with an amazing culture but poor strategy?
00:06:17 Can having a deep passion for what you do compensate for a lack of execution?
00:07:24 What are the keys to a high performing culture?
00:10:26 Is culture the fashionable silver bullet?
00:12:13 Poor performance v bad behaviour.
00:13:22 What are the first steps an advisor should take with a client when addressing culture and strategy?
00:19:17 Aligning core values throughout an organisation.
00:20:32 Can a culture be too perfect?
00:23:22 Does culture eat strategy for breakfast?
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Should a business seek growth at any cost, or has there been a greater shift towards profitability and purpose in recent years?
Independent advisor Rod Willers and Mindshop's James Mason debate the assumption that growth means more revenue, and profit. Talking about growth strategy from a business advisor's perspective, they discuss the impact of purpose, business values and economic sustainability on client growth strategies.
What's the difference between high and low growth organisations?
Is it okay to follow a strategy of consolidation?
How does one balance operational efficiency with strategic evolution? And importantly,
What tips does Rod have for advisors when helping clients sustain a passion for growth and change?
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How did a firm of 500+ staff go about identifying £1.5m of potential savings by finding opportunities to increase productivity and reduce waste? Lynsey Light of Kreston Reeves takes James Mason on a step-by-step journey through a far-reaching efficiency project using Mindshop tools & resources combined with business advisory know-how. Resulting in not only process efficiency, but also building credibility, skills and confidence to roll waste reduction services to clients over time. With Lynsey's top tips on communication, getting senior buy-in and staff ownership and engagement.
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Why have a community purpose? What difference does it make to the culture, operations and success of a firm? Jack Edmonds, Crowe UK talks to James Mason about the power of having pervasive values fully embraced from the managing partner to the newest recruit. How a clear community purpose benefits the firm, clients, and the staff personally along with knock-on effects to wider society. Jack shares his tips on how to structure programs, communicate values, where to start and the importance of authenticity. An uplifting and positive podcast for those looking to make a real difference.
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What does it take to drive continuous improvement in an organisation? James Mason talks to Quinton Whitehead, Manager – Business Improvement about using Mindshop tools and processes at AG Coombs, Australia's leading specialist provider of building services.
There are numerous challenges for an organisation with over 1000 employees to successfully drive change. Quinton reveals what tools, processes and approaches he has taken to create a company-wide, consistent approach, overcoming change fatigue and creating a culture that embraces continuous improvement.
Listen in for insights on successful blended learning ideas, shifts in change management from AI, and how to coach and facilitate successfully for quality improvement and change success.
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Owning and operating a successful accounting / business advisory firm is challenging enough on its own. How does Matt Sharwood, Director, Advise Accountants find the time to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations whilst still maintaining excellent client outcomes?
Matt discusses with James Mason the insights, benefits, technology and planning approaches he uses to successfully juggle running a high performing firm while growing a diverse number of businesses in areas like Kitchen manufacturing, Tiling and Property development. Matt shares how he identifies each business opportunity and his tips to ensure each are successful. Finally he touches on the two strategies he embraces for greater work / life balance. A great podcast to listen to for advisors and accountants who want to take the next a step into investing in diverse opportunities. -
Why are Mindshop diagnostics so effective uncovering deep client insights and saving business advisor’s time? Simon Drum, Managing Director of PSVC Advisory talks to James Mason about how diagnostics are a cornerstone of his business advisory model, in workshops, for process performance and due diligence activities and as a key part of his sales cycle.
Simon talks at a granular level about how he uses Mindshop diagnostics, gathering comparison data prior to workshops from a broad set of respondents to supplement qualitative interviews to test if the ‘words and music’ match. Discussing how diagnostics allow advance incubation of ideas for richer discussions in the workshop, Simon talks about the benefits of understanding key issues rather than ‘going in blind’ so time is spent more effectively, with better client outcomes.
Listen in as Simon reveals how he goes beyond simple lead generation questionnaires to move prospects rapidly through the sales cycle, delivering immediate value to clients with diagnostics that address key questions relevant to the business advisory services offered.
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With vast amounts of content available through abundant channels it's easy to become overwhelmed when building capability. What's the best way to select, access and apply learning and development resources to meet your own current and future needs? If you're a business advisor or coach, how do you meet the changing learning needs of your clients?
JoAnn Labbie, Chief People Officer, Allinial Global and James Mason talk about shifts occurring in learning and development, the importance of creating a career success plan, and how to maximise time available for skill development in a busy schedule. In this podcast, JoAnn shares her opinion on the future of learning, and the importance of 'soft' skills such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence and listening. Don't miss JoAnn's tips on how advisors can effectively upskill clients in the current unpredictable environment.
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What are the latest shifts in leadership and culture? Nikita Tomlinson, Director at Sudburys Ltd, Northland, New Zealand talks to James Mason, Mindshop about what's working for successful clients, and the top challenges they currently face. Exploring the key elements essential to building a high-performing culture and the impact on leadership strategies as businesses shift their focus back to profitability by streamlining operations. A must-listen for independent advisors and firms looking to get cutting edge insights on today's leadership and culture consulting. Join Nikita and James as they reinforce the importance of developing a solid strategy in this area to help clients succeed.
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