What Accounting Leaders Say to Destroy Their Influence

In this episode, Rob Brown explains how accountants are sabotaging their authority by being too nice, too humble and too silent.

What makes someone respected in today’s accounting profession? Rob Brown explores five subtle behaviours that quietly destroy professional authority and credibility. From downplaying your presence to chasing approval, these hidden habits often go unnoticed. But they’re costing you influence, impact and opportunity.

This episode is a wake-up call for accounting leaders, managers and anyone trying to build presence in hybrid or high-pressure environments. Rob lays out the new rules of respect, and how to lead with clarity, calm and self-assurance—without losing your humanity.

Key Takeaways:

➜ Being composed is more powerful than being casual

➜ Likability is not the same as trust or respect

➜ Authority grows when you raise standards, not adapt to them

➜ Saying nothing when boundaries are crossed trains people to ignore you

➜ Minimising your presence for humility leads to being overlooked

➜ Calm, direct communication is the new executive superpower

➜ Your personal brand is built one boundary and one presence cue at a time

Killer Quotes:

"Respect doesn’t come from agreeing with everyone. It comes from standing for something."

"Calm people get listened to. Calm people get trusted."

"You train people how to treat you by what you tolerate."

"Humility is not the absence of confidence. It’s the presence of accuracy."

"Being liked is not a leadership strategy."

"Your standards should raise the room, not blend into it."

"If you don’t own your space, someone else will."

The Accounting Influencers Podcast (AIP) is aimed at accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally.

You can find this on youtube here:

https://youtu.be/UihPj5XUmAA?si=YSd5I3EmL0YA2Wb7

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format.

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

Thanks to our sponsors:

ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.com

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.