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Winning the Accounting Talent Battle: John Fenton

Published on: 1st June, 2023

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday and Thursday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.

In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, guest John Fenton shares valuable insights on how accountants can attract and retain top talent to grow their firms. John emphasizes the importance of measuring success based on the quality of relationships with customers, employees, and vendors. He advises accountants to create white space on their calendars to reflect on their firm's direction, clients, and ongoing projects.

The conversation delves into the challenges faced by accounting firms in the current talent landscape. John discusses the battle for talent and the push and pull dynamics related to remote work and the return to office dilemma. He acknowledges the changing expectations and desires of the workforce, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and well-being. John also explores the concept of culture and its impact on the success of firms, emphasizing that the "soft" skills related to people, relationships, and culture are essential bedrocks for thriving businesses.

In addressing the talent challenge, John suggests that firms need to focus on creating an environment where individuals can contribute to something bigger than themselves and align their values with the firm's values. He emphasizes the need for critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in the profession, given the advancements in AI and technology.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into talent retention strategies, creating a positive work culture, and addressing the evolving needs of the workforce. John's expertise provides actionable advice for accountants looking to attract and retain top talent while positioning their firms for growth in a competitive industry.

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

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

Guest Bio

John Fenton is a seasoned executive coach, speaker, and author who specializes in helping leaders navigate tough and complex situations. With a black belt in tai chi and over two decades of experience as a managing partner at BDO USA, John brings a unique perspective to leadership development.

As the founder of John J Fenton Executive Coaching, John has worked with a diverse range of leaders, from managing partners at professional firms to board executives and CEOs. He understands the inner game of leadership, and his methodology focuses on developing the mindset, purpose, and culture necessary for success in today's rapidly changing world.

John is also the author of the best-selling book 5 Minute MasteryTM, which provides practical advice and strategies for leaders who want clarity and more freedom. He is an award-winning speaker on executive leadership excellence, having spoken at conferences and events around the world.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, John is a heart attack survivor and a strong advocate for wellbeing in the workplace. He is passionate about helping leaders overcome imposter syndrome, manage overwhelm, and develop emotional intelligence.

John's three specialty topics are leading in challenging times, winning the talent battle, and the top five challenges for modern-day leaders. In all of his work, he emphasizes the importance of purpose, culture, diversity, equity, and trust, and provides actionable insights for leaders who want to thrive in 2023 and beyond.

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Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: https://accountinginfluencers.com/podcast

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Thanks to our sponsors:

Accountex. Accountex will return to ExCeL London UK on the 10-11 May 2023. Bringing together 250+ top fintech companies and cutting-edge start-ups, visitors can browse new software and stay up to date with the latest technology, tools and ideas in accountancy and finance. Alongside the exhibition, attendees will take away actionable tips from the CPD-accredited seminar programme, led by 200+ thought leaders shaping the profession.

Accountex is Europe’s largest annual event for the accounting and finance profession. It attracts 8,000+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors. Attendees can get up to 16 CPD hours with 200+ free seminar sessions across 12 theatres.

https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/

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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.