The Authentic Advisor

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

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

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.

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 

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

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

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 

Tony Szczepaniak, CEO of LEA Global, shares insights on the pathway to partner in accounting firms. Topics include challenges in talent attraction, traits of high-performing leaders, career development programs, building business advisory skills, and creating a strong pathway to partnership through a people-first culture and alignment with organizational goals.

Learn the secrets of turning around underperforming businesses with insights from Peter Lucas. Discover key topics like early warning signs, conducting waste audits, involving the team, and maintaining cash flow. Get tips on insolvency laws, avoiding time-based billing, and offering upfront payment for advisors to help troubled clients.