Why Good Work Isn’t Enough Anymore
There’s a familiar piece of career advice many professionals still hear: keep your head down, work hard, and your efforts will speak for themselves.
According to networking expert Kingsley Aikins, that advice is badly outdated.
In a recent discussion featured by Chartered Accountants Worldwide, Aikins argues that “good work does not speak — people do.” In today’s professional world, visibility matters just as much as competence. If colleagues, clients, and decision-makers do not understand the value you bring, opportunities can easily pass you by.
That does not mean becoming loud or self-promotional. In fact, one of the most interesting insights from Aikins is that introverts often make excellent networkers. Why? Because strong networking is less about talking and more about listening, asking thoughtful questions, and building genuine relationships.
The message is especially relevant in professions like accounting, where technical expertise is often prioritised above all else. Hard skills may get you through the door, but communication, relationships, and emotional intelligence are what help careers progress over time.
The wider update also highlighted another important shift happening within the profession: greater openness around workplace wellbeing. Research from ICAS explored women’s experiences around menstruation, menopause, and miscarriage — topics historically overlooked in many workplaces despite affecting countless professionals throughout their careers. Bringing these conversations into the open is an important step toward building more supportive and inclusive environments.
Finally, with exam season underway for many students, the concept of “flow state” was explored as a practical way to improve revision. Rather than forcing endless hours of study, flow comes from focused, distraction-free work at the right level of challenge. When achieved, studying becomes more productive — and significantly less draining.
Taken together, the themes are connected by one idea: professional success is no longer just about technical performance. Relationships, wellbeing, communication, and sustainable ways of working are becoming equally important parts of a successful career.
