Kaplan‘s Learn Better Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Tania Martin, founder of PegSquared and an award-winning neuro-inclusion consultant. Drawing from her own ADHD diagnosis and extensive corporate experience, Tania demystifies neurodiversity.  We explore the unique strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to a team, the importance of language and labels, and what ‘reasonable adjustments’ really mean. 

In this episode, Caron and Lee are joined by academic activist Dr. Iwi Ugiagbe-Green, Lead Education Innovation Scholar for Differential Outcomes and founder of STRIVE, an award-winning student success programme at Manchester Metropolitan University. Together, they explore the challenge of differential outcomes for minoritised students in higher education. The conversation unpacks key terms like equity vs. equality and minority vs. minoritised, while also analysing the data that highlights systemic gaps. This is a challenging but essential discussion on how we can all take steps, individually and collectively, to ensure education fulfills its promise of opportunity for every learner.  

In this episode, Caron and Lee are joined by Chiraag Swaly, Head of Data and Technology Curriculum at Kaplan.  We explore how data is transforming the finance world, and what it means to be a data-driven accountant. We dive into the essential skills you need to succeed and discuss the critical role of ethics when handling sensitive information.  Discover how to leverage data to provide deeper insights, make smarter decisions, and add more value than ever before. If you're looking to future-proof your career and stay ahead of the curve, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 

Meet our new hosts: Caron Betts (Learning Technologies Manager) and Lee Rowlandson (Content Specialist and seasoned tutor).  Together, they speak about their fascinating career paths, from Lee’s dreams of being a radio DJ to Caron’s passion for making complex topics accessible. They preview upcoming discussions on topics such as AI, diversity in finance, and the unique challenges women face in the industry.  Whether you're studying for professional qualifications or advancing your career, this episode sets the stage for conversations designed to help you seize opportunities and truly understand what you're learning.

This bonus episode of our Learn Better Podcast features Kaplan’s very own, Zoë Lister.  Zoë has worked at Kaplan for 17 years and worked her way up throughout her career to become the curriculum manager for our ICAEW courses. As part of her role, she focuses on the skills and behaviours our learners can gain throughout their studies.  However, since hitting a ‘bump in the road,’ and finding out she has breast cancer, Zoë has used her personal experiences to provide techniques and advice on how to recover from your own hurdles - no matter what they are.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host and Head of Learning at Kaplan, Stuart Pedley Smith, talks all about Making Tax Digital.  Our guest is the director of Making Tax Digital for HMRC, Craig Ogilvie. His experience and passion for this initiative puts Craig in a perfect position to explain what Making Tax Digital is, and why it’s so important.   

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host and Head of Learning at Kaplan, Stuart Pedley Smith, talks about managing a diverse workforce. Our guest is Rob Brown, who is the co-founder of Accounting Influencers Roundtable, and the host of Accounting Influencers Podcast. Because of this experience, he is extremely knowledgeable about the accounting industry as a whole, as well as talent management, diversity, different generations, and remote working.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host and Head of Learning at Kaplan, Stuart Pedley Smith, talks all about outsourcing and offshoring accountancy services. Our guest is Arun Mehra, the founder and CEO of Samera - a Surrey-based accountancy practice. Arun started his practice 25 years ago with just one client, and now talks about why offshoring is something to consider.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host and Head of Learning at Kaplan, Stuart Pedley Smith, talks all about using social media to advance you business.  Our guest is Samantha Mitcham, who built her own accountancy practice from nothing, with a very intentional social media strategy. She now has around 19,000 LinkedIn connections - significantly more than the average.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, takes a peak into the hidden world of money laundering and financial crime. Our guest is Joe Fisher, who at the time of the recording worked as the Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) at Raisin UK.