Depression & Mental Health In the World of Accountancy - Accounting Voices Podcast

Episode 111

Depression & Mental Health In the World of Accountancy

Published on: 16th July, 2020

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. Shownotes:

  • How we often introduce ourselves as what we do, not who we are, which doesn't always create honest conversations
  • 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
  • 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
  • In accounting firms, people (and leaders) do genuinely care but don't always know how to help with mental health
  • The importance of sharing your struggles and vulnerabilities in work situations, especially if you're in a leadership role
  • Nobody has all the answers, especially in times of great disruption and uncertainty
  • One 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...

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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.