The Authentic Advisor

Drawing on stories from firms around the world, in this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Abu Bakkar, Chief Innovation Officer at HLB International, about the critical role of innovation in professional services. They discuss innovation as a continuous journey, the balance between pushing boundaries and maintaining client relevance, and the impact of AI and ESG on the industry.Abu shares insights on implementing innovation through best practice frameworks, building a culture that embraces risk-taking, and the importance of consulting clients during the innovation process. The conversation highlights the need for firms to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing landscape.Takeaways• Innovation is a continuous improvement process.• Standing still isn't an option for organisations.• Innovation should be part of the culture.• Always consult your clients in innovation.• Don't be afraid to try something new.• Innovation is not a special event.• AI is ingrained in what we're starting to do.• We need to redefine roles in advisory services.• Make innovation practical for everyone.• Risk-taking is essential for innovationChapters00:00 Introduction to Innovation in Professional Services02:35 The Continuous Journey of Innovation05:42 Balancing Innovation and Client Relevance07:52 Trends in Innovation: AI and ESG10:05 Implementing Innovation: Strategies and Frameworks12:12 Building a Culture of Innovation15:13 Staying Grounded: External Insights and Trends18:57 The Role of AI in the Future of Advisory24:14 Avoiding Innovation Traps and Embracing Risk

In this powerful episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason is joined by Mindshop founder Dr. Chris Mason, who challenges the conventional notion of retirement for business advisors. At nearly 76, Chris is not slowing down - he’s accelerating ahead, and with purpose. Together, they explore why the traditional "on one day, off the next" retirement mindset may no longer serve modern advisors, especially those still thriving in their 60s and 70s. Chris shares practical insights on how to stay relevant, energised, and curious, while evolving one's role in work and life. The conversation explores: Maintaining momentum and avoiding the "crash-and-burn" of retiring too soon. Blending purpose, flexibility, and enjoyment through “seamless living”. How Chris has refired his career by building future-ready skills like change success and AI. Creating space for the next generation while continuing to offer value and wisdom. Setting meaningful personal KPIs and incorporating sabbaticals into your lifestyle. Chris also unpacks the power of why wisdom is becoming more valuable than ever in the age of cheap knowledge, and how advisors can navigate their next chapter with clarity and impact. If you’re an advisor or leader contemplating your next move, or simply seeking more balance while staying professionally sharp, this is a must-listen. 

Unlocking human potential takes more than performance hacks - it demands a mindset shift. Samantha Shaw, Director, The Anderson Partnership and James Mason, Managing Director, Mindshop cut through the noise, exploring how today’s most effective advisors and coaches are moving beyond “peak performance” toward a more balanced, human-centred approach.From building trust and using curiosity as a coaching tool to tailoring strategies and navigating imposter syndrome, this conversation is packed with sharp insights and practical takeaways to help advisors elevate their impact.

Dan shares his real-world experience leading six-figure programs that combine group workshops, one-on-one coaching, and digital learning.Dan unpacks what works (and what doesn’t) when trying to engage busy professionals, why starting with time management is critical, and how to tier program intensity to match participants’ capabilities and roles.In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Dan Gabbett, Director at Robertson Scannell, on how to build and run high-impact blended learning programs that transform client teams and drive tangible business outcomes.Perfect for senior accounting partners aiming to scale advisory beyond traditional models and deliver measurable value.

Offshoring is no longer just a strategy - it’s a leadership challenge. Establishing a team overseas takes more than logistics and cost calculations; it demands cultural awareness, intentional leadership, and a long-term vision. This episode explores the journey of building an offshore team in the Philippines, why the move was made, the growing pains along the way, and how deep integration became the difference-maker. You’ll hear hard-earned insights on managing remote teams with purpose and ensuring offshore employees feel like full members of the organization, not just extensions of it. Key TakeawaysHerbein CPAs has grown from $30 million to $60 million in five years. The offshore team in the Philippines supports all service lines of the firm. AI is not currently shifting the strategy for the offshore team. Cultural understanding is crucial for successful integration. Regular visits to the offshore team help break down barriers. The offshore team works US hours during tax season to stay integrated. Legal registration in the Philippines was a lengthy process. Clients generally respond positively to the offshore team concept. Cultural differences must be acknowledged and respected. Leasing employees to smaller firms is a growing opportunity. Chapters 00:03 Introduction to Offshore Teams 01:49 The Journey of Herbein CPAs 02:26 Building the Offshore Team 04:39 AI and Its Impact on Strategy 06:12 Challenges of Setting Up an Offshore Team 09:42 Cultural Integration and Team Alignment 12:30 Choosing the Philippines for Offshore Operations 14:10 Common Pitfalls in Offshore Team Setup 16:01 Future of Offshore Teams in the Firm 

Facilitating your own firm’s strategic planning retreat can present some unique challenges & opportunities.In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason interviews Dianna Larkin, a partner at McCay Duff, about her journey in strategic planning and advisory services. Dianna shares her entrepreneurial background, the culture at McCay Duff, and her experience transitioning to a DIY approach for strategic planning retreats. She discusses the challenges and successes of facilitating her own firm’s retreat, the importance of a structured framework, and offers valuable advice for other advisors looking to enhance their strategic planning skills.TakeawaysMcCay Duff focuses on a people-centric culture to retain talent.The firm has a strong history of succession planning.Dianna transitioned to a DIY approach for strategic planning retreats.Using a structured framework helped guide the planning process.Pre-work and spaced sessions improved engagement and productivity.Facilitating her own retreat presented unique challenges.Dianna learned the importance of balancing facilitation and participation.The experience built confidence in her advisory capabilities.Continuous learning and applying tools is key for growth.Chapters00:10 Introduction to Strategic Planning Insights03:12 Dianna's Entrepreneurial Journey06:05 The Role of McCay Duff and Its Culture08:59 Transitioning to DIY Strategic Planning12:22 Implementing the Strategic Planning Framework15:23 Challenges of Facilitating Your Own Retreat18:06 Reflections on the Experience and Future Directions21:15 Advice for Advisors on Strategic Planning

Taking a deep dive into the evolving landscape of talent acquisition and retention, James Mason is joined by Andrew Thoseby, CEO at 1st Executive to discuss emerging trends, innovative technologies, and the importance of engagement in leadership roles. They explore how organisations can adapt to the changing expectations of candidates, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, and provide insights into effective strategies for retaining top talent. 

Family businesses play a vital role in the economy, and face unique challenges. In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Catherine Sayer, CEO of the Family Business Association, about how advisors can effectively support them. Catherine shares her journey, the importance of communication and trust in family businesses, and the critical need for succession planning. The conversation highlights the unique dynamics of family businesses and the essential skills advisors must possess to navigate these complexities successfully.

Explore the transformative concept of a 'Second Brain' and discover how it can supercharge productivity for business advisors. Learn about the CODE method—Capture, Organize, Distill, and Express—designed to streamline idea management. The discussion emphasizes the necessary balance between technology use and authentic connections. Gain insights on avoiding information overload and enhancing personal branding through a structured approach. Unleash creativity and innovation with practical tips for integrating these strategies into your daily routine.

In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason and Andrew Cooke discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in business advisory services. Andrew shares his journey from technology to business advisory, emphasising the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and limitations. The conversation covers practical applications of AI, common misconceptions, necessary skills for advisors, ethical considerations, and the evolving role of advisors in an AI-driven landscape. Andrew also recommends various AI tools and resources for advisors to enhance their practice and stay relevant in a rapidly changing environment.