Episode description

On behalf of the Accounting Influencers Podcast Network, this is the "Success in Accounting" show, going live every Monday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

This new panel series includes prominent and influential female leaders and voices in the accounting and fintech world. We have invited female leaders of large accounting firms, global networks, associations and alliances, plus senior figures in accounting fintech companies.

Accounting and fintech has traditionally been a male dominated profession but times are changing. There are now more women than men in accounting generally but they are under-represented in leadership roles. Diversity and the DEI agenda has also risen to prominence as a hot topic.

The two objective of these panels are

1. To inspire women in the accounting/fintech profession with career insights, mistakes and lessons learned, mental resilience tips and thoughts on work balance/meaning and leadership.
2. To move diversity, inclusivity and culture further up the agenda for all leaders with real life stories and examples of best practice.

In today's episode 17, "Inspirational Women Leaders in Accounting Panel 1" features

• Emma Roberts, CEO of Creaseys (top 100 UK firm) https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaroberts-creaseys/
• Kirsty McGregor, founder of The Corporate Finance Network https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstymcgregor/
• Pamela Baker Managing Partner at Barbacane, Thornton & Company LLP (top 200 US firm https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelawbaker/
• Samantha Louis Chief Executive at Praxity Alliance https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-louis/

Topics addressed in these panels:

1. OPENING REMARKS

What makes DIVERSITY important in the accounting and fintech world, particularly as a woman in a male dominated environment? (talent, perspectives, what women and minorities 'bring to the table', challenges for under-represented groups, prejudice - 'having to work twice as hard as more entitled people', is accounting and fintech becoming more 'woke' and 'gender-blind? etc)

2. YOUR OWN CAREER

What pivotal points or obstacles have marked your journey 'to the top'? (barriers, prejudices, expectations, your role models, seeing people like you in leadership roles, champions, influencers or even saboteurs along the way etc)

3. LEADERSHIP STYLE

Who have you admired as a leader and why? What did they teach you? What's your own style? A more 'feminine' compassionate, authentic and vulnerable leader seems popular. Is that you? Have you learned 'how not to lead' under some people?

4. CULTURE

What works for leaders in setting a culture that embraces a more diverse workforce and greater inclusiveness? Is it easier or harder to lead in today's...