Drawing on stories from firms around the world, in this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Abu Bakkar, Chief Innovation Officer at HLB International, about the critical role of innovation in professional services. They discuss innovation as a continuous journey, the balance between pushing boundaries and maintaining client relevance, and the impact of AI and ESG on the industry.
Abu shares insights on implementing innovation through best practice frameworks, building a culture that embraces risk-taking, and the importance of consulting clients during the innovation process. The conversation highlights the need for firms to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing landscape.
Takeaways
• Innovation is a continuous improvement process.
• Standing still isn't an option for organisations.
• Innovation should be part of the culture.
• Always consult your clients in innovation.
• Don't be afraid to try something new.
• Innovation is not a special event.
• AI is ingrained in what we're starting to do.
• We need to redefine roles in advisory services.
• Make innovation practical for everyone.
• Risk-taking is essential for innovation
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Innovation in Professional Services
02:35 The Continuous Journey of Innovation
05:42 Balancing Innovation and Client Relevance
07:52 Trends in Innovation: AI and ESG
10:05 Implementing Innovation: Strategies and Frameworks
12:12 Building a Culture of Innovation
15:13 Staying Grounded: External Insights and Trends
18:57 The Role of AI in the Future of Advisory
24:14 Avoiding Innovation Traps and Embracing Risk
In this powerful episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason is joined by Mindshop founder Dr. Chris Mason, who challenges the conventional notion of retirement for business advisors. At nearly 76, Chris is not slowing down - he’s accelerating ahead, and with purpose.
Together, they explore why the traditional "on one day, off the next" retirement mindset may no longer serve modern advisors, especially those still thriving in their 60s and 70s.
Chris shares practical insights on how to stay relevant, energised, and curious, while evolving one's role in work and life.
The conversation explores:
Maintaining momentum and avoiding the "crash-and-burn" of retiring too soon.
Blending purpose, flexibility, and enjoyment through “seamless living”.
How Chris has refired his career by building future-ready skills like change success and AI.
Creating space for the next generation while continuing to offer value and wisdom.
Setting meaningful personal KPIs and incorporating sabbaticals into your lifestyle.
Chris also unpacks the power of why wisdom is becoming more valuable than ever in the age of cheap knowledge, and how advisors can navigate their next chapter with clarity and impact.
If you’re an advisor or leader contemplating your next move, or simply seeking more balance while staying professionally sharp, this is a must-listen.
Unlocking human potential takes more than performance hacks - it demands a mindset shift. Samantha Shaw, Director, The Anderson Partnership and James Mason, Managing Director, Mindshop cut through the noise, exploring how today’s most effective advisors and coaches are moving beyond “peak performance” toward a more balanced, human-centred approach.
From building trust and using curiosity as a coaching tool to tailoring strategies and navigating imposter syndrome, this conversation is packed with sharp insights and practical takeaways to help advisors elevate their impact.
Dan shares his real-world experience leading six-figure programs that combine group workshops, one-on-one coaching, and digital learning.
Dan unpacks what works (and what doesn’t) when trying to engage busy professionals, why starting with time management is critical, and how to tier program intensity to match participants’ capabilities and roles.
In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Dan Gabbett, Director at Robertson Scannell, on how to build and run high-impact blended learning programs that transform client teams and drive tangible business outcomes.
Perfect for senior accounting partners aiming to scale advisory beyond traditional models and deliver measurable value.
Offshoring is no longer just a strategy - it’s a leadership challenge. Establishing a team overseas takes more than logistics and cost calculations; it demands cultural awareness, intentional leadership, and a long-term vision. This episode explores the journey of building an offshore team in the Philippines, why the move was made, the growing pains along the way, and how deep integration became the difference-maker.
You’ll hear hard-earned insights on managing remote teams with purpose and ensuring offshore employees feel like full members of the organization, not just extensions of it.
Key Takeaways
Herbein CPAs has grown from $30 million to $60 million in five years.
The offshore team in the Philippines supports all service lines of the firm.
AI is not currently shifting the strategy for the offshore team.
Cultural understanding is crucial for successful integration.
Regular visits to the offshore team help break down barriers.
The offshore team works US hours during tax season to stay integrated.
Legal registration in the Philippines was a lengthy process.
Clients generally respond positively to the offshore team concept.
Cultural differences must be acknowledged and respected.
Leasing employees to smaller firms is a growing opportunity.
Chapters
00:03 Introduction to Offshore Teams
01:49 The Journey of Herbein CPAs
02:26 Building the Offshore Team
04:39 AI and Its Impact on Strategy
06:12 Challenges of Setting Up an Offshore Team
09:42 Cultural Integration and Team Alignment
12:30 Choosing the Philippines for Offshore Operations
14:10 Common Pitfalls in Offshore Team Setup
16:01 Future of Offshore Teams in the Firm
Facilitating your own firm’s strategic planning retreat can present some unique challenges & opportunities.
In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason interviews Dianna Larkin, a partner at McCay Duff, about her journey in strategic planning and advisory services. Dianna shares her entrepreneurial background, the culture at McCay Duff, and her experience transitioning to a DIY approach for strategic planning retreats. She discusses the challenges and successes of facilitating her own firm’s retreat, the importance of a structured framework, and offers valuable advice for other advisors looking to enhance their strategic planning skills.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:10 Introduction to Strategic Planning Insights
03:12 Dianna's Entrepreneurial Journey
06:05 The Role of McCay Duff and Its Culture
08:59 Transitioning to DIY Strategic Planning
12:22 Implementing the Strategic Planning Framework
15:23 Challenges of Facilitating Your Own Retreat
18:06 Reflections on the Experience and Future Directions
21:15 Advice for Advisors on Strategic Planning
Taking a deep dive into the evolving landscape of talent acquisition and retention, James Mason is joined by Andrew Thoseby, CEO at 1st Executive to discuss emerging trends, innovative technologies, and the importance of engagement in leadership roles. They explore how organisations can adapt to the changing expectations of candidates, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, and provide insights into effective strategies for retaining top talent.
Family businesses play a vital role in the economy, and face unique challenges. In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason speaks with Catherine Sayer, CEO of the Family Business Association, about how advisors can effectively support them. Catherine shares her journey, the importance of communication and trust in family businesses, and the critical need for succession planning. The conversation highlights the unique dynamics of family businesses and the essential skills advisors must possess to navigate these complexities successfully.
In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, Lindsay Thomas and James Mason discuss the concept of building a 'Second Brain' and its importance for business advisors. They explore how this framework can enhance productivity and innovation by capturing and organising ideas effectively. The conversation delves into the practical implementation, including the CODE method (Capture, Organise, Distill, Express) from the book 'Building a Second Brain' by Tiago Forte and offers actionable tips for advisors to integrate this approach into their daily routines. The discussion also touches on the impact of technology and AI on personal branding and the necessity of maintaining authenticity in a cluttered information landscape.
00:10 Introduction to the Second Brain Concept
01:12 Understanding the Need for a Second Brain
07:02 Implementing the Second Brain Framework
09:15 The CODE Method: Capture, Organise, Distil, Express
17:39 Practical Tips for Advisors
22:33 Final Thoughts on Productivity and Innovation
In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason and Andrew Cooke discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in business advisory services. Andrew shares his journey from technology to business advisory, emphasising the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and limitations. The conversation covers practical applications of AI, common misconceptions, necessary skills for advisors, ethical considerations, and the evolving role of advisors in an AI-driven landscape. Andrew also recommends various AI tools and resources for advisors to enhance their practice and stay relevant in a rapidly changing environment.
Host James Mason interviews Stephen Grant, partner at Azets, UK about his journey in business advisory and the launch of the Boost Business Advisory Initiative, which aims to enhance client performance through tailored advisory services. He discusses the challenges of balancing existing responsibilities with new initiatives, the importance of internal training and mindset transformation, and the future of advisory services in the accounting industry. Stephen emphasises the need for accountants to evolve into true advisors, focusing on delivering value and solving client issues rather than just compliance.
Takeaways
Timecodes
00:10 Introduction to Business Advisory Services
04:46 Stephen Grant’s Business Advisory Journey
08:07 Launching the Boost Business Advisory Initiative
12:51 Balancing Advisory with Existing Responsibilities
16:55 Transforming Internal Mindsets
25:28 The Future of Advisory Services
28:02 Key Takeaways for Success in Advisory
In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason discusses competitive advantage with Jonathan Coles and Iain Good from Premiumisation Partners. They explore the importance of understanding customer value, defining competitive advantages, and aligning team perspectives to enhance business success.
The conversation emphasises the need for businesses to engage with their customers, challenge internal perceptions, and continuously adapt their strategies based on customer insights.
Key Insights
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Premiumisation Partners
03:01 Defining Competitive Advantage
06:35 Understanding Customer Value
11:06 Identifying Competitive Advantage
15:10 Aligning Team Perspectives
18:46 Challenging Internal Perceptions
22:28 Cascading Strategy into Business
24:54 Final Tips for Advisors
In this episode of The Authentic Advisor, James Mason and Shabir Ladha discuss insights on networking for success and how too much can be just as bad as not enough. Shabir shares his journey to becoming an advisor and the importance of networking in his role, emphasizing the need for authenticity, meaningful conversations, and setting goals when networking. James & Shabir discuss the pitfalls of selling too early and the importance of maintaining a positive personal brand. The conversation concludes with practical tips for networking effectively as an advisor.
In this episode, James Mason interviews Kim Marshall from WK Advisors and Accountants in Christchurch, New Zealand, about her insights on cutting through with business advisory services in a regional market. Kim shares her background and journey to becoming an advisor, including her experience managing a sheep and beef farm while doing advisory work. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in regional areas, such as poor vintage and droughts, and how she helps clients focus on customer needs to improve their businesses. Kim also talks about the importance of being authentic, investing in oneself, and having a growth mindset.
Key Take Aways
Building a successful business advisory service in a regional market requires authenticity and a focus on customer needs.
Regional businesses often face challenges such as poor vintage and droughts, but there are also opportunities for improvement.
High cadence sprints, where quick catch-ups are combined with longer sessions, can be effective in addressing immediate challenges and driving progress.
Collaboration and sharing ideas with other businesses in workshops can lead to valuable insights and solutions.
Investing in oneself, being open to learning, and having a growth mindset are key to personal and professional development as an advisor.
Chapters
00:10 Introduction and Background
03:34 Challenges and Opportunities in Regional Areas
08:02 High Cadence Sprints: Addressing Immediate Challenges
10:11 Collaboration and Idea Sharing in Workshops
13:57 Investing in Oneself: The Key to Advisory Success
Peter Longhurst, a long-time Mindshop advisor, shares his wisdom on the keys to happiness and success in business and life with Mindshop’s James Mason. He discusses his journey from accounting to advisory, the impact of his book 'A Simple Thank You,' and the importance of core values and client-centricity. He emphasises the power of listening, simplicity, and the concept of 'value to others' in business.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 The Keys to Happiness and Success in Business and Life
03:04 The Journey from Accounting to Advisory
08:13 The Impact of Core Values and Client-Centricity
14:44 The Role of Core Values in Business Success
25:12 Final Tips for Advisors
Chris Black, a Director of Advisory Business, Purpa, shares insights on mental health challenges and leadership. He discusses the impact of mental health on business, the role of leaders in addressing mental health, and practical strategies for mitigating negative impacts. The conversation emphasises the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and creating a safe space for conversations around mental health.
Takeaways
• Mental health challenges have a direct impact on business performance, including absenteeism and presenteeism.
• Leaders play a crucial role in creating a safe space for conversations around mental health and promoting a culture of empathy and vulnerability.
• Practical strategies for mitigating negative impacts of mental health challenges include building emotional intelligence, setting boundaries, and creating a third space for mental well-being.
• Investing in mental health awareness and well-being programs within organisations can have a positive return on investment, both financially and socially.
Chapters
00:45 The Journey of Purpa and Understanding Mental Health Challenges
03:45 The Impact of Mental Health on Business Performance
06:31 Drivers of Mental Health Challenges and Accelerating Factors
09:19 The Role of Leaders in Addressing Mental Health Challenges
11:45 Practical Strategies for Mitigating Negative Impacts of Mental Health Challenges
23:06 Future Outlook: Mental Health Challenges in usiness Leadership
Kirsty Bullen, a director at Campbell Tyson, discusses how she has been accelerating internal referrals and greater advisory success in the firm. Around for over 100 years, Campbell Tyson is based in Pukekohe, New Zealand and has a varied client base, including the agricultural, commercial, and investment sectors. Mindshop tools have been used in the firm to bring consistency to the advisory services with a focus on workshops and business health checks to provide value to their clients. In this podcast Kirsty talks about how they cultivate referral relationships and focus on storytelling to deliver services.
Chapters
00:10 Introduction and Background of the Firm
06:35 Getting Others to Refer the Firm
13:05 Cultivating Super Referrers
Takeaways
Neal Morrison, partner at McInerney Saunders in Dublin, Ireland, shares insights on successfully selling an accounting firm. He discusses the background of his firm and the factors that led to their decision to sell. Neal emphasises the importance of culture, succession planning and alignment when choosing a buyer and highlights the benefits of partnering with a private equity firm. He also advises practitioners to get their own house in order before considering a sale and to ensure that key team members are incentivised. Neal concludes by offering his tips for others considering selling.
Takeaways
Culture and alignment are crucial when choosing a buyer for your accounting firm.
Partnering with a private equity firm can provide opportunities for growth and a second exit.
Get your own house in order before considering a sale, including working capital management and debtors.
Ensure that key team members are incentivised and motivated to stay after the sale.
Consider the long-term vision for your firm and whether remaining independent or selling is the best path forward.
Chapters
00:20 Introduction and Background
09:20 Choosing a Buyer: Culture and Alignment
13:39 Preparing for the Sale: Getting Your House in Order
27:42 Final Tips for Selling Your Accounting Firm
In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason interviews Tony Szczepaniak, the global CEO of LEA Global, about the pathway to partner in accounting firms. They discuss the challenges faced by firms, the attributes of high-performing leaders, programs for developing future partners, building business advisory skills, and tips for building a strong pathway to partnership.
Takeaways
The biggest challenge for firms is attracting, developing, and retaining talent.
High-performing leaders focus on culture, visualization, and execution.
Firms should have clear career paths and development programs for employees.
Building business advisory skills is crucial for future partners.
A people-first culture and clear alignment with organizational goals are essential for a strong pathway to partnership.
Chapters
01:00 Introduction and Background
04:54 Challenges Faced by Firms
11:38 Attributes of High-Performing Leaders
13:07 Programs for Pathway to Partner
22:28 Building Business Advisory Skills
24:33 Tips for Building a Strong Pathway to Partnership
In this episode of the Authentic Advisor, James Mason interviews Peter Lucas from Kestrel Solutions about turning around underperforming businesses. They discuss the challenges faced by business owners and managers, the early warning signs of a troubled business, and the use of technology for early identification.
Peter shares his approach to starting the turnaround process, including conducting waste audits and involving the team. He also shares a case study of a successful turnaround in the timber windows and doors industry. The episode concludes with Peter offering final tips for advisors seeking to help their clients in similar situations.
Takeaways
Chapters
01:10 Introduction and Background
03:20 Challenges for Business Owners and Managers
05:45 Early Warning Signs of a Troubled Business
10:22 Using Technology for Early Identification
12:23 Starting the Turnaround Process
16:00 Waste Audits and Involving the Team
21:01 Case Study
22:43 Constant Involvement and Evolution
25:58 Final Tips for Advisors
