Former Big 4 accountant Andy Salkeld shares his story of stress, depression, attempted suicide and subsequent recovery with podcast show host Rob Brown... - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 83

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Published on:

29th Dec 2021

Depression & Mental Health in the Accounting World

Episode 3. On today's show, Former Big 4 accountant Andy Salkeld shares his story of stress, depression, attempted suicide and subsequent recovery with podcast show host Rob Brown.

Andy Salkeld is a former accountant (Big 4), corporate financier and business intelligence specialist who seemed to have it all. But Andy lives with depression and has been suicidal. Now an investor co-owner of a small business, he speaks and writes openly about mental health and depression in professional life. Key takeaways from this interview include:

➜ how accountants and CPAS often introduce themselves as what they do, not who they are, and why this is bad

➜ how the perceived stigma of mental health affects professionals like accountants

➜ the competitive 'Darwinian' nature of professions that involve the mind - the survival of the fittest

➜ the huge pressures accountants are under in building their career, and why any sign of weakness can be detrimental

➜ how good or not accountants are at handling change, disruption and pressure

➜ much of a professional's self worth, identity and acceptance is wrapped up in what they can do, not who they are

➜ how accountancy is like football in being a performance business with massive pressure to get results

➜ how accounting firm leaders and cultures are rarely equipped to deal with admissions of mental health and stress

➜ why in a data driven industry, it's hard to make decisions about complex emotions inherent in mental health

➜ how a greater acceptance of mental health and liberation of views has led to a better understanding of the impacts

➜ how accounting leaders do genuinely care but don't always know how to help staff with mental health

➜ the importance of sharing your struggles and vulnerabilities in work situations, especially if you're in a leadership role

➜ why nobody has all the answers to mental wellbeing, especially in times of great disruption and uncertainty

➜ an example of the chain of events that might lead someone to take their own life

➜ the song lyric that turned a suicidal depressive's life around to now helping other professionals deal with mental health

➜ the role of therapists and counsellors in helping you articulate complex emotions and situation

When not working, Andy loves playing board games, listening to ska and pop-punk music and cooking. He lives with his cat Pika – named after a Pokémon – in Leeds, UK. Recently he has been teaching himself music from no prior knowledge using only a GameBoy. You can reach him here...

Website https://andysalkeld.com/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andysalkeld/

NOTE TO LISTENERS:

The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a daily show with four segments coming out every Monday Martin which are repeated on the other 4 weekdays as standalone episodes, plus a bitesize highlights digest or bonus episode on Saturdays . On Sundays, listeners get a 2 min trailer for the coming week's episodes.

Every Tuesday the show gives you a relevant news topic from the accounting and fintech world with a direct application to accountants, CPAs and bookkeepers. Great to stay informed and build your commercial acumen.

Every Wednesday and Thursday, we feature an uncut interview with top authors, leaders, thinkers and performers in the accounting and fintech world.

Every Thursday the show gives you a practical 'here's what works' tips concerning a key challenge, need or strategy for accountants, CPAs and bookkeepers. Great to stay current and keep your skills topped up.

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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.