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“There’s no way I’m going to be an accountant, this is an absolute snore-fest”
 Those were the words of today’s podcast guest as a young accounting graduate. 
Thankfully for the industry, he changed his mind after a stint managing a toy store. He snubbed an offer from one of the big 4 to join a small, humble village accountancy practice. As our first guest of the series who isn’t a firm-owner, Stuart Hurst shares his heartening story of how he got head-hunted and became a huge influence within the industry.
Stuart is a testament to the impact an employed accountant can make on their practice, their clients, the whole industry, and most importantly, their own career when they become attuned to their ‘why.’
So, what made Stuart so driven to change his industry and why is he so fiercely opposed to ‘once a year, dinosaur accountants’?
Listen now and learn:


How a loving, but tumultuous childhood taught Stuart the importance of good finance management
What happened in one week that changed the trajectory of his career forever
The famously cheesy, but effective sales training all his staff go through
Why he had to ‘get the knife out and get bloody’ to save his most recent accountancy practice

Don’t forget to share this one with your team - it’s bound to spark their motivation.

Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/YBqdZHYEEPQ

It isn’t often you meet someone who started their accounting career at the tender age of 13. But then again, it isn’t often you meet someone with a story as interesting as the brilliant Eriona Bajrakurtaj. 
From landing in a UK school aged 6 with no knowledge of English, she went on to study at Oxford, become a mum of 2, and build a property development portfolio, all the while taking over and revolutionising the family’s accounting firm!
She’s already achieved what most people don’t achieve in a whole lifetime, but it hasn’t been an easy ride.
In this chat with Heather, Eriona opens up about how she was repeatedly underestimated by her team, and her family, and how her strong will enabled her to turn her firm around by bringing it into the digital era, despite opposition.
Through Eriona’s story, you’ll learn:


  Why she stood her ground and digitised the firm, against her dad’s wishes, and in the face of a mass team walk-out
How she brought the firm into the digital era, even though her team shrugged off her early efforts as ‘cute’
What she did to reduce her client base from 3000 to 1,200 and INCREASED turnover
What happened when she tripled and even quadrupled some client fees, expecting them to leave

If you aren’t already, you’re sure to be in awe of Eriona’s tenacity and drive by then end of this episode. So grab a pen, take notes, and enjoy learning from one of the top 50 Women in Accounting.
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/KcppwHEYcPw

Lucy Cohen’s decision to train as an accountant was a rebellious one from the norm she grew up in.
Born into a creative family, Lucy surprised everyone when she quit dancing for data, but she never looked back.
Founding her own company, Mazuma, at just 23, she went on to become one of the most successful female firm owners there is, winning prestigious awards and make numerous television appearances for her sought after expertise.
In this generous chat, Lucy opens up to Heather about some major life events, and how they shaped her ethos not just in business, but her approach to life.
 
Hit play now to find out:


The importance of embracing change without making change for changes sake
How a life-threatening health scare helped her overcome anxiety
Why she still seeks advice even at the top of her game
What unusual hobby Lucy has, and why you should have a focus outside of your business

Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/CWxP8XEtYSI

Johann Goree's path to success is far from ordinary.
From his humble beginnings gardening for his keep, to successfully acquiring multiple accountancy firms, he shares his original approach to growth in this thought-provoking chat with Heather Elkington.
Highly respected in the industry, Johann has never made a redundancy, and still has every team member he's acquired.
Clear in the fact he's not an accountant or bookkeeper, but a business owner who runs accounting firms, this episode isn't one to miss if you want to learn:


Why you don't need to be a marketing expert to grow your accountancy practice
How Johann got his first acquisition 'by accident', picking up 50 new clients as a result
What's the biggest killer for a firm owner looking to sell

Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/5QWTvpnFxxM

She's the most followed accountant on social media in the UK and has had her fair share of controversy over the last few years.
But no one can deny Jeri Williams has been an absolute powerhouse in the accounting industry.
Since starting her first firm from her garage back in 2016 with 2 babies in tow, to successfully running two firms across two different continents, how does she do it all?
Heather digs deep in today's episode to find out, and some of her strategies might surprise you.
Hit play to learn:


Jeri's upbringing around money and her inspiration to launch The Accountants Wealth Academy
The importance of taking the admin out of every day as a practice owner
How she stopped taking client calls completely
Why you should eat, sleep and breathe marketing if you want to scale your business
Jeri's master plan to work fewer hours, for more money

Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/8ThtXWswCqk

The Accountants Wealth Academy:
Website - www.accountantswealthacademy.co.uk
Email - help@accountantswealthacademy.com

Smooth Accounting:
https://smoothaccounting.co.uk/

Rachel Harris is on a mission to disrupt the accounting industry.​
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With a 7-figure firm already under her belt that she built HER way, we think she's doing pretty well.​
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But her experience hasn't been all plain sailing...​
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In this chat with Heather, she shares how she built a thriving business from the ground up, despite being constantly underestimated.​
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Prepare to be inspired as Rachel generously shares her story and what she believes to be the keys to her success, including:​
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Reframing thinking around 'people with money'​
The value of apprenticeships​
Spotlighting core values​
The StriveX 'engine'​
How to get started on social media​
Why personal branding is so important

Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/aFw2fMjA8wA