Be More Optimistic in 2024 - Practical Tips from The Practical Optimist - Accounting Influencers Podcast

Episode 50

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Published on:

15th Jan 2024

Practical Optimism: Tools for Tackling Tough Times

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, dropping every Monday to 40,000 accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

For today's show "Ken Schmitt, Founder of TurningPoint Executive Search and 'The Practical Optimist' author, discusses practical optimism tools for accountants in tough times."

In this inspiring episode, host Rob Brown interviews author and executive recruiter Ken Schmitt about cultivating practical optimism. They discuss how leaders can create engaged, empowered teams by trusting employees and giving them autonomy. 

Schmitt emphasizes taking "baby steps" to make changes sustainable, whether it's becoming more optimistic personally or reaching big goals professionally. He suggests limiting doomscrolling on social media and following more uplifting accounts instead. 

Schmitt also stresses the importance of transparency and open communication when mistakes inevitably happen, noting that optimism enables resilience and perseverance. With tips for improving mental health, nurturing relationships, and achieving work-life balance, this episode provides an optimistic roadmap to start the new year off right.  

Overall, Schmitt makes the case that optimism is an attainable mindset, not pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking. 

Key Takeaways:

- Optimism is a mindset and a frame of reference. It's about believing you can make a positive difference, even amidst uncertainty.

- Leaders who empower and trust their teams create more engagement and satisfaction. Micromanaging squashes innovation.

- Transparency about company culture and clear communication of expectations helps attract and retain the right talent.

- Limit doomscrolling on social media. Follow accounts that bring you joy and inspiration instead.

- Mental health challenges are surmountable. Seeking help is a sign of strength and agency, not weakness. 

"If you're too optimistic, you may take big risks that don't pay off. If you're too practical, you won't take many risks at all."

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Thanks to our sponsors:

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If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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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

Profile picture for Rob Brown

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.