Episode 157

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

Published on: 3rd June, 2021

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 Voices Podcast
Accounting Voices helps people in the accounting world stay relevant visible and vocal. Host Rob Brown interprets trends reshaping the profession and gives listeners insight to build authority influence and a stronger voice in firms and markets.
Accounting Voices, hosted by Rob Brown, helps decision makers and leaders in accounting and finance stay relevant, visible and vocal in a profession being reshaped by technology, private equity, regulation and shifting client expectations. Each episode interprets the trends disrupting accounting and finance such as AI, automation, M&A, talent and the move to advisory and translates them into practical insight that strengthens authority and influence.
Accounting Voices is also a platform for the wider ecosystem of networks, associations, educators, consultants, software vendors and technology experts who serve accountants and finance professionals worldwide. It extends into regular Accounting Voices networking sessions that connect this audience and amplify ideas that move the profession forward. With its international reach and long shelf life the show delivers credibility and commercial value for listeners and sponsors alike. Search for "Accounting Voices" on YouTube for all episodes and connect with Rob Brown on LinkedIn to find out more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

About your host

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Rob Brown

ob Brown is the creator and host of the Accounting Voices Network, a media platform that includes the flagship solo podcast Accounting Voices and the panel shows Accounting M&A and Accounting Tech. He chairs conferences, panels and virtual events worldwide and is recognised as a leading advocate for the accounting profession.

He is an accomplished speaker and authority on trust, reputation, employer brand, talent, succession, executive presence and the forces shaping the future of accounting. Rob is the author of the bestselling book Build Your Reputation (Wiley) and his TEDx talk The Personal Brand of You has been viewed more than 400,000 times.

A former co-founder of the Accounting Influencers Roundtable, Rob now focuses on amplifying the voices of leaders, firms, networks, vendors and influencers across the global accounting ecosystem.

Outside of work he is a stroke survivor, lives with epilepsy, holds a black belt in kickboxing and is based in Nottingham, UK. He plays chess and backgammon, loves orange chocolate and is allergic to grapefruit.