In this monthly 'Leaders Special', Accounting Influencers podcast host Rob Brown interviews David Whitson-Black, Global Head of Talent Development at Azets Founder of Upward Spiral Professionals... - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 157

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Published on:

3rd Jun 2021

David Whitson-Black: Global Head of Talent Development at Azets

Once a month, the Accounting Influencers podcast is featuring a prominent accounting leader. This month we interview David Whitson-Black, Group Head of Talent Development at Azets, an international business and one of the UK's top 10 accountancy firms. Starting his career in people development 18 years ago, David now leads Azets Talent development team across the UK & Europe.

David has strong experience in people development and has managed learning and development teams in the financial and professional service sectors. He is passionate about developing the best talent no matter where they are on their journey from early careers right through to senior management. His expertise ranges from leadership development to succession planning, talent strategy, coaching and mentoring, career pathing and performance management. Shownotes:

  • The symptoms of an accounting firm that require a learning and development function
  • Why there is more to an accounting role than technical competence
  • The reasons why many accountants stop their learning and developing (beyond technical) after they've achieved qualification
  • Why some accountants struggle to know what career they want or what's achievable with an accounting firm
  • The role of a career coach or mentor for accounting professionals to show them what's possible and take them on a journey they'll be fulfilled by
  • What it takes to launch an L&D function in an accounting firm and what components make up a strong L&D program
  • Why it's important to remain coachable and teachable if you want to inspire and mentor others in your role
  • The issue of boardroom or executive level influence for non-partners and heads of functions like HR and L&D in an accounting firm
  • The role of values in a strong accounting firm culture and why collaboration throughout the firm to shape them is critical
  • The frustration of motivating traditional accountants to change, upskill and adapt
  • How soft skills like business development and relationship building are vital in successful accounting firms
  • Why there are more challenges for accountants to win business now than ever before
  • What best practice recruitment looks like to bring the right kind of talent into your accounting firm
  • Insights into how good recruitment leads to a successful succession plan for accounting firms
  • How to best support the older, more experienced professionals in a growing accountancy firm
  • Words to inspire new recruits to your accounting firm and setting their expectations
  • A strong driver of corporate executive presence in a profession like accounting.

When not working David likes spending time with his family, records music (singing) and has an interest in graphic design.

Contact David on LinkedIn

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About the Podcast

Accounting Influencers Podcast
Host Rob Brown shows accounting professionals and leaders how to be more influential, grow their personal brand and be more authoritative, relevant and high profile in their roles..
The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is a must-listen for accounting professionals looking to strengthen their leadership presence, stay informed on disruptive forces in accounting and build credibility within their firms. Geared toward firm leaders, managers, partners and influencers, the show covers key topics like career development, influence, personal branding and interpreting the evolving trends impacting the accounting world. Rob brings his expertise to each episode, offering insights and guidance on how to grow your personal brand and stay strategically important in a rapidly changing profession. Whether you're aiming to influence within your firm or expand your reputation outside of it, this international podcast offers practical advice and forward-thinking insights that will keep you informed and prepared for the future.
Accounting leadership
Executive presence for accountants
Building influence in accounting
Accounting industry trends
Personal branding for accountants
Accounting firm strategy
Accounting business models
Leadership in accounting firms
Talent management in accounting
Authority in accounting profession
Career development for accountants
Accounting firm growth strategies
Influencers in accounting
Accounting firm management
Disruptive forces in accounting
Accounting leadership strategies
Accounting career success
Accounting firm decision-makers
Accounting business trends
Building credibility in accounting

About your host

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Rob Brown

Rob Brown hosts the multiple accounting podcast and chair conferences, panels and events globally for the accounting and fintech profession. He is co-founder of Accounting Influencers Roundtable (AIR) which helps vendors, experts and influencers serve the accounting and finance world. He is a dynamic speaker and accomplished expert on trust, reputation, employer brand, talent, career development, succession, gen z/generations, employee advocacy and executive presence. Rob is author of the bestselling book Build Your Reputation (Wiley) and his TEDx talk ‘The Personal Brand of You’ has been viewed 400,000 times on YouTube. He is a stroke survivor, has epilepsy, is a committed Christian and has a black belt in kickboxing. He is based in Nottingham UK, home of Robin Hood, plays chess and backgammon, loves orange chocolate and is allergic to grapefruit.