Finance+ Insights podcast: Recent Episodes
Finance+ Insights podcast
Thought leaders and industry experts explore the key issues and opportunities for today’s finance professional.
Listen to industry leaders and sustainability experts explore ways to accelerate the changes needed to save our planet at this year's ICAS Sustainability Summit, in association with A4S. Hosted by Dr Vanessa Collingridge, this panel 2 session recording offers insights on the role of business and technology in the climate transition. Speakers include Peter Norton CA (Group Director of Finance at the NatWest Group), Dr Marc Lepere (Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer at Omnevue) and Alison Cornwell CA (Group CFO at Vue International and ICAS President ).
Listen to industry leaders and sustainability experts explore ways to accelerate the changes needed to save our planet at this year's ICAS Sustainability Summit, in association with A4S. Hosted by Dr Vanessa Collingridge, this panel 1 session recording features discussion on how businesses can prepare for the demands of the sustainability reporting landscape. Speakers include Martina Tessari (Head of Europe and Global Reporting Lead at A4S), Hilde Blomme (Deputy CEO at Accountancy Europe), Ravi Abeywardana (Director of Strategic Affairs and Capacity Building at the IFRS Foundation) and Fiona Donnelly CA (ICAS' Director of Sustainability).
Listen to our latest ICAS podcast episode focusing on the support offered by the ICAS Foundation.Hazel Smith CA shares her journey from studying economics and finance at the University of Strathclyde to the present day, where she works in external audit for Bentley’s Chartered Accountants in Brisbane.Hazel has been able to fulfil a life dream of hers, moving to Australia. During her conversation with Indy, she talks of how the ICAS Foundation provided support in the form of mentoring, funding and networking opportunities in order to facilitate her move to Australia and work as a CA there.The ICAS Foundation has been providing bursaries and mentoring for 10 years, and during that period has supported over 300 young people from less advantaged backgrounds to study finance and accounting at University.
The theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is anxiety.Many of us experience feelings of anxiety. It's not uncommon to face many uncertainties and challenges in our lives, and anxiety is a natural response to such pressures.Listen to our latest ICAS podcast episode, hosted by Jonny Jacobs CA, Finance Director of Starbucks, ICAS Council member and Trustee Board Member of the Mental Health Foundation. Jonny is joined by Javed Bobat, Finance Recruiter at Fide - Ethical Finance Recruitment, who discusses the link between neurodivergence and anxiety while also sharing his experience of living with ADHD. Lianne Stewart CA, Founder of Flow by Season shares her experience of what anxiety feels like to her. Plus, Samantha Frost CA, Director of Think Consulting and member of ICAS Council and ICAS Members’ Board, details her experience of supporting businesses to deal with anxiety and the many forms it can take in the workplace.
Indy Singh Hothi CA, ICAS President speaks to Sharon Maina, Accounts and Audit Trainee, Martin Aitken & Co. In this episode, Sharon shares her experience of what it was like to study her ICAS qualifications during the pandemic and the many lessons she's taken away from that stage in her learning journey. Sharon also tells Indy about her experience in volunteering and her current role at a Glasgow-based accountancy firm.Sharon received support from the ICAS Foundation. Launched in 2012, the ICAS Foundation supports social mobility, ethnic diversity and gender diversity in students studying accountancy and finance at university.This podcast episode will be of interest to anyone thinking of becoming a CA and those wanting to find out more about the learning journey.
Listen to ICAS President, Indy Singh Hothi, ICAS President, talk to Ken Okoroafor CA. Ken and his wife Mary are the Founders of The Humble Penny. They aim to help others achieve financial independence and create financial joy in their lives. This podcast episode delves into the work of the Humble Penny, Ken's definition of an entrepreneur and the importance of financial independence.
Listen to the latest ICAS podcast episode to find out more about sustainability reporting and why it is so important. Indy Singh Hothi CA, ICAS President speaks to Carol Adams CA, Professor of Accounting at Durham University Business School and Chair of the ICAS Sustainability Panel about her extensive knowledge on how sustainability data reporting can lead to positive changes in our profession.
On this episode of the podcast, Indy is joined by Founder and Coordinator of 25x25, Tara Cemlyn-Jones.
Tara discusses the mission of 25x25 to have 25 women CEOs in the FTSE100 by 2025 and 25% of the FTSE thereafter, the power of data in driving diversity and how CAs can be champions for a balanced society. Tara is also Non-Executive Director at Crossword Cybersecurity plc and an expert in capital markets, M&A and digital transformation.
Tara has over 25 years experience raising capital in public and private markets and growing companies through acquisition and international expansion, as a founder and as an investment banker.
Carole Pyke shares her advice on what goes into making an authentic and successful personal brand.
Carole Pyke is the Sparkle Navigator. Fresh from her fantastic session at the CA Summit, Carole is a personal brand evangelist who believes that your personal brand is the key to unlocking the door to success.
Carole works with determined leaders, entrepreneurs and business owners who are ready to own their brilliance, embrace their imperfections and stand out in the crowd.
As the COP26 draws closer, Indy sat down with Mardi McBrien, the Managing Director of the CDSB, to hear her predictions for the conference, the considerations companies need to make to reach ‘net zero’, and how CAs can help save the planet.
Mardi has played a leading role in driving the integration of climate and environmental information into corporate reporting with the same rigour as financial information globally for almost a decade.
Prior to CDSB, Mardi has enjoyed an eclectic career which has seen her lead flagship environmental campaigns for WWF, working on the United Kingdom’s carbon market policy for their Department for Energy and Climate Change and public-private partnership management for the UK timber supply chain.
Mardi is a member of the FRC Advisory Panel, a fellow of the RSA, and has participated in a number of industry-related advisory boards and committees as part of her role at CDSB.
Originally qualifying as a forester and environmental scientist and an agricultural economist, her volunteer activities include being a trustee of one of the oldest environmental NGO’s in the world, the International Tree Foundation, and a founding Board member of WOCAN – Women Organising for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management.
Matthew Halstead, Trustee and Co-Creator of sidekick, joins Indy for an open discussion about mental health, the importance of community and reaching a 'career pivot'.
Matt lives in Hampshire with his wife and daughter. Previously a Samaritans volunteer, he loves an open and honest mental health chat which lead him to co-create the sidekick charity, because he believes mental health support should be accessible to all.
He runs Noctis, a small consultancy offering commercial advisory services to non-profits & small businesses and investigation work focussing on the issues faced by communities as a result of oil extraction in the Niger Delta where he used to work.
Matt is also a trustee of Catch22 supporting people across the welfare cycle and is currently undertaking a part-time PhD in Quantum Chemistry.
Links to resources discussed in this podcast sidekick - www.sidekick.org.uk Papyrus - www.papyrus-uk.org Samaritans - www.samaritans.org Mind - www.mind.org.uk Shout - www.giveusashout.org
This Mental Health Awareness Week Indy chats to Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Mental Health Foundation Aisha Sheikh-Anene about reconnecting with nature, the importance of communicating and the effect the pandemic has had on mental wellbeing.
Aisha trained as a Chartered Accountant with the National Audit Office, auditing the UK Government and then later the Audit Commission. She now works with the Ford Motor Company within Commercial Vehicle Product Development and Program Management. Aisha works in a cross-functional team on global regulatory emissions programs; including electrified powertrain solutions.
Aisha is an advocate for positive mental wellbeing and is currently the chair of the board of trustees at the Mental Health Foundation. Since 1949, the Mental Health Foundation has been the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health. With prevention at the heart of what the organisation does to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.
Aisha’s involvement with the Mental Health Foundation started in 2016 where she undertook the role of treasurer. During this time the organisation had undergone a transformation which has culminated in a renewed vision and strategy for the organisation. At the time when Aisha accepted the role of Chair, the world had started to change in response to the global pandemic.
With Mental wellbeing becoming one of the defining topics of the global pandemic, the Mental Health Foundation has been at the forefront of evidence-based research and its priorities within its strategy remain relevant and more important than ever as we transition from a full lockdown over the coming weeks and months.
Through her work with the Mental Health Foundation, Aisha is a committed to ensuring better mental health for all.
Links to resources discussed in this podcast:
Brene Brown – Daring versus Armoured Leadership Dare to Lead https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Oo3T5ryR3i005ocQwtkyB?si=HEOHhrigSjOd5hDkkL4C7w&utm_source=whatsapp&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1DX8IO88mYkbqN
Stephen Park, Executive Coach Park.stephen@btinternet.com
Gillian Neish http://www.neishtraining.com/
Mental Health Charities – service providers
Papyrus https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ Rethink https://www.rethink.org/ The Mix https://www.themix.org.uk/ CALM https://www.thecalmzone.net/ Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ Mind https://www.mind.org.uk
Black Thrive - https://blackthrive.org/ Colourful MInds - https://colourfulminds.co.uk/
Mental Health at Work - WorkMentalHealthatWork@org.uk Therapy Yoga - https://therapyyoga.co.uk/
Craig Brice CA, Chief Information Officer at PwC Canada, joins Indy from Toronto to discuss how the Big Four firm adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, the lasting effects the pandemic will have on technology and his predictions for key trends in emerging tech.
Craig started his career as a Chartered Accountant in Scotland before moving into information technology and spending the next 30 years with PwC in the UK, US and Canada.
As PwC Canada’s Chief Information Officer, he provides strategic vision for the firm's internal technology team as it evolves to be an enabler of the business and provide technology at scale.
He is also responsible for providing robust, innovative and secure information technology infrastructure, and has been integral to PwC’s cloud adoption.
Craig is also a member BCS, the Chartered Institute of IT (formerly The British Computer Society).
This International Women’s Day, Sumati Sharma CA, Partner – Aviation at Oliver Wyman, joins Indy to discuss her work to improve gender equality, the importance of transparency in business and founding the Women in Aviation & Aerospace Charter, which is committed to creating a more balanced and fair industry for women.
Prior to joining Oliver Wyman, Sumati qualified with EY in 2001 before moving on to join Virgin Atlantic. Over the course of 16 years, Sumati took on a variety of roles at Virgin across finance, strategy, commercial, and HR, covering both the airline and tour operator, Virgin Holidays.
Sumati successfully led the design and implementation of the $13 billion expanded joint venture with Delta Air Lines and Air France KLM, creating the pre-eminent transatlantic aviation joint venture that commands a quarter of airline capacity between the UK/Europe and the US. The programme was a success thanks to Sumati’s ability to form strong, meaningful relationships at the most senior levels. Most recently, she led Virgin Atlantic’s COVID-19 cost restructuring program.
Beyond her extensive work across strategy and finance, Sumati is a champion for diversity and inclusion in the travel industry, speaking regularly on diversity topics, including at the House of Commons and the Aviation 2050 Conference. She is the Founder and Board Co-Chair for the Women in Aviation & Aerospace Charter. With more than 220 companies listed as signatories and supported by the UK Government, the Charter is committed to creating a more balanced and fair industry for women.
Notes: The Women in Aerospace and Aviation Charter Resource Hub - https://www.wiaacharter.com/resource-hub/
Oliver Wyman - Making the Invisible Visible - https://www.oliverwyman.com/our-expertise/insights/2021/jan/women-in-leadership-making-the-invisible-visible.html
ICAS Vice President Indy Hothi CA is interviewed by ICAS Deputy President Bruce Pritchard CA about his humanitarian work, his year as Vice President and keeping active during lockdown.
Indy Hothi CA is currently the co-founder of Upside Projects, a consultancy and venture builder which provides strategic advice on digital transformation, innovation and sustainability to public and private sector clients. Prior to Upside Projects, Indy was a senior economist with EY in London. He worked across a number of high-profile economic impact studies which influenced public policy and included clients such as the Premier League and Rugby World Cup.
Indy was confirmed as Vice President for 2020/21 at the 2020 ICAS Annual General Meeting.
Through his passion for social and humanitarian causes, Indy was a trustee of Khalsa Aid International, a charity which provides humanitarian aid in disaster areas and civil conflict zones. His work has led him to the frontline on a number of projects including Iraq, DR Congo, Lebanon, Nepal and Haiti.
Indy was recognised as One Young CA in 2015 and joined ICAS Council in 2016, representing the England and Wales area and supporting engagement with Members under 35s and the broader London community (through the London Area Network).
Notes: For CAs thinking about volunteering, visit https://www.afid.org.uk/
ICAS President Catherine Burnet joins Indy to discuss how ICAS has served Members during the pandemic, her passion for diversity in the profession and her predictions for 2021.
Catherine, who is also a member of the Financial Services Advisory Board to Scottish Government, was confirmed as President for 2020 at the ICAS Annual General Meeting on Friday 24 April 2020.
Catherine’s career at KPMG spans more than 20 years and she has held roles in Edinburgh, London and the United States. Catherine trained as a CA with KPMG in Edinburgh, qualifying in 1997. She became a partner at KPMG in 2009 and subsequently spent two years in KPMG US working on global banking clients. After returning to Scotland in 2011, Catherine led the KPMG Financial Services team and became Regional Chair of KPMG Scotland in 2016.
Catherine has been involved with ICAS since 2011, first as Chair of the Audit Committee, then Chair of Oversight Board. She has also been a member of the ICAS Council since 2011 and served as Vice president (2018/19) and Deputy President (2019/20).
Indy sits down with Suzy Kerton CA for a conversation about starting a business from scratch and having the courage to reach high.
Suzy trained with Baker Tilly where she cut her teeth as an Audit Supervisor before joining accounting software provider Clear Books as their CFO.
It was during her time here that Suzy saw the vast potential that cloud accounting has to change the way accountants work for the better.
Building on that appreciation for the technology, her executive-level experience, and spotting a gap in the market, Suzy went on to co-found Zyla accountants where she is currently CEO.
Indy Hothi CA is joined by Vue International CFO Alison Cornwell CA to discuss the future of talent in the profession, the importance of 'soft skills' and enduring allure of a trip to the cinema.
Alison qualified as a CA with Coopers & Lybrand Glasgow in 1990 and spent 5 years in corporate finance in London before joining Disney’s International TV business where she was CFO responsible for content licensing to TV broadcasters, Disney Channel and a portfolio of equity investments - all across EMEA, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Canada - generating annual revenues of $2bn.In 2005, wanting to do something truly entrepreneurial, Alison joined a management team which diligenced, acquired, restructured and expanded an international broadcasting business.
The private equity-backed venture delivered significant growth and was sold to NBC Universal at the end of 2007.Following this, Alison was appointed CFO of the Goldman Sachs backed international film distribution company Alliance Films.
After six years and a number of corporate acquisitions, and the creation of a successful film financing unit which included titles such as The Woman in Black - Daniel Radcliff's first film post Harry Potter - Alison led the exit process and sale of the business to a FTSE 250 company in 2013.
During the integration process, Alison was approached to join Vue International as CFO.Alison has held a number of non-executive positions. She was a member of the Board of Governors of the British Film Institute from 2013 to 2018 and also chaired its Audit Committee.
In 2016 Alison joined the board of CMI, a Scottish charity which runs the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and in 2018 Alison became a member of the ICAS Council and the chair if the ICAS Oversight Board.
Indy Hothi CA sits down with ICAS CEO Bruce Cartwright CA to discuss trust in the profession, the work ICAS is undertaking to support global sustainability and the future of the CA qualification.
Bruce qualified as a CA in 1989 and spent the majority of his career operating within PwC’s restructuring team and across a diverse range of industries.
An experienced ICAS committee member and ICAS council member from 2008 to 2014, Bruce has chaired the Insolvency Committee, the Technical Committee, playing a leading role in many ICAS initiatives before joining the Institute as Executive Director of Policy Leadership in 2017.
Bruce assumed the role of ICAS Chief Executive in March 2018 and has led the Institute through a period of significant change on the road to position ICAS as a modern, leading-edge and technologically driven professional body.
In this wide-ranging interview, we hear Bruce discuss ICAS's work in the area of sustainability, the ongoing discussion around trust in audit and what the future holds for the CA qualification.
Indy Hothi CA is joined by One Young CA 2019 winner Hamisha Mehta CA to discuss diversity in the profession, the importance of a sustainable mindset in businesses and her OYCA win.
Hamisha qualified with EY before moving to United Biscuits as the company’s Group Financial Planning Manager.
Following the creation of pladis, which brought together brands such as McVitie's, Godiva and Ülker, Hamisha moved into the role of UK Project Lead before taking on her current position as Commercial Finance Manager.
Hamisha is also a trustee of spinal charity Aspire and Financial Advisor to virtual coaching company Know You More.
Hamisha was named One Young CA 2019 in September after she impressed the judges who recognised her as an inspiring role model for other young CAs due to her career success, enthusiasm and forward-thinking approach.
She has also taken an active role in helping to drive cultural change within her organisation through the Being Me initiative, aimed at promoting inclusivity and diversity.
CA Agenda host and ICAS Vice President Indy Hothi CA is joined by CEO of The Elders, David Nussbaum CA, to discuss his views on trust in the 'post-trust society' and how CAs can help to restore faith in 'the system'.
David qualified with PwC before moving into private equity with a role at 3i. From there he went on to become the Finance Director of manufacturing company Field Group plc through a management buyout and flotation.
It was after this that David’s career in the charity and humanitarian sector began when he was appointed the Finance Director of Oxfam in 1997.
Since then he has been the CEO of Transparency International and then of WWF-UK, and is currently the Chief Executive of The Elders Foundation, a group of global leaders founded by the late Nelson Mandela.
David is also the Senior Independent Director of FTSE 250 company Drax Group plc and Deputy Chair of the IIRC.
Indy sits down with Starbucks Finance Director EMEA Jonny Jacobs CA to discuss his work championing mental fitness in the workplace.
This episode was recorded in November 2019.
Jonny trained with KPMG where he first experienced working with clients in the food and drinks industry. He then moved on to spend time at Heineken and John Menzies before joining pladis, owner of such famous food brands as McVities and Carrs.
As the Executive Board sponsor for Mental Health, he led the Employee Mental Health & Wellbeing initiative across the UK and Ireland. This lead to the nationwide “Let’s Talk” partnership with McVitie’s and mental health charity Mind.
Indy is joined by ICAS President Mike McKeon CA to discuss trust in audit, the future of the profession and his time as President. This episode was recorded in December 2019.
Mike was confirmed as President for 2019 and is currently a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at National Express.
Mike has previously been Group Finance Director at Severn Trent plc and Novar plc, spending a total of 15 years in those roles.
Prior to that, he held various senior roles, both in the UK and internationally, at Rolls-Royce, CarnaudMetalbox, Elf Atochem and Price Waterhouse.