Shows
Business Habitat with Sam DeanGrowing Your Brand with Impact, with Angela Tsai + Cristina CastroIn Episode 124 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by Angela Tsai, Chief Marketing Office and CEO, and Cristina Castro, Chief Commercial Advisor of GYBWI – Grow Your Brand with Impact (GYBWI). Together Sam, Angela and Cristina have a fascinating conversation about entrepreneurship, doing work that you love, and finding your identity outside the corporate framework.
With a long career in management consulting and on the fast track for the C-suite, Angela came to realise she’d lost her passion. Through a series of fortuitous events, Angela found herself working in her own business, but with the same...
2023-01-251h 04
Business Habitat with Sam DeanTurbo-Charging Your Efficiency by Automating Your Client Data, with James RoseIn Episode 123 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by James Rose, Co-Founder of Content Snare, a company designed to help businesses overcome the endless back and forth emails with their clients, both when onboarding and throughout the relationship, and the inevitable data loss that ensues when inadequate processes are in place.
More than just another automation system, Content Snare was initially intended to work with web design clients but then found a high demand for their offering in the professional services, most notably accounting firms. There was wide recognition that accountants were spending far too...
2022-12-0144 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanLeaving a Legacy and Leveraging Your Knowledge Into Recurring Revenue, with Harvee PeneIn Episode 121 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by Founder of Life-Changing Accountants and The Greater Good Publishing Company, Harvee Pene, to talk about purpose-driven businesses, and leveraging your time and experience to generate recurring revenue, so your work can continue to do the work, for you.
Harvee Pene had bought an accounting firm, had just met his wife-to-be, and was halfway through writing his first book, when he was struck down by testicular cancer at the age of 30. Blindsided, and feeling like his world was crashing down, Harvee was faced with the real possibility...
2022-11-0755 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanHow Data Can Help You Build a Better Company and Workplace, with Maite GrisardIn Episode 120 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by Maite Grisard, Founder of Marketrotters, a field consulting company that “goes in, shakes thing up, gives perspective, and gets out”.
Today Sam and Maite are talking about data, and how it can help you and your team steer your company in the right direction. More than just a conversation about numbers, this compelling discussion covers the disconnect between business leaders, teams, and the knowledge and information that are inherent in a company.
Sam and Maite delve into how this valuable property can be captured, and...
2022-10-2851 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Role of Learning and Development in Driving Business Outcomes, with Sarah StoneIn Episode 119 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by Executive General Manager of Ab2 Institute of Accounting, Sarah Stone, to talk about the impact of education in the workplace and how the right training framework can boost business performance and attract the best talent to your organisation.
With close to twenty years’ experience in the education industry, Sarah draws on her background in the tourism and media sectors, where she worked for the likes of Foxtel and Austar in the learning and development space. This involvement stirred Sarah’s interest in understanding the role of educ...
2022-10-1952 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanManaging Time to Reduce Stress and Achieve What Matters, with Brad AeonIn Episode 118 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by time management researcher and expert on time, Brad Aeon, to delve into the philosophy of time and how it can be better managed by aligning to your personal goals.
In his 2017 TEDx Talk, “The Philosophy of Time Management”, Brad urges the audience to reflect on their relationship with time and live more mindfully by focusing on what’s really important to them as individuals. In this conversation, Sam and Brad explore this concept further by considering what time management really means, and Brad explains that how we use...
2022-10-0639 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanFinding the Best Version of You, with International Best-Selling Author Hilary DeCesareIn Episode 117 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by award-winning international business expert and executive coach, Hilary DeCesare to talk about the importance of treating yourself as one of the greatest assets in your business, and what that looks like in terms of managing your energy and getting out of your own way.
With reference to Hilary’s latest #1 International Best Seller & #1 New Release “Relaunch! Spark your Heart to Ignite your life”, Hilary and Sam talk about the prevalence of burnout in the corporate and professional spheres, and why the traditional business model isn’t working...
2022-09-2947 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanBridging the Gap Between Business and Expert Knowledge, One Vet at a Time, with Chris TurnerIn Episode 116 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam takes a closer look at the topic of the expert paradox and the disparity between the knowledge and expertise needed to become a leader in a chosen field, and the specific set of management skills required to successfully run a thriving business. Sam is joined by Chris Turner, founder of Vet Services Australia, to discuss how his company is addressing this problem by providing much needed administration and management support to time poor professionals in the animal services space.
Chris took a non-linear path to the company he now...
2022-09-2639 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanHow Facial Profiling Leads to Better Relationships, with Alan StevensIn Episode 115 of The Business Habitat podcast, Alan Stevens returns to the show once again, this time to talk with Sam on the topic of facial profiling and how learning to read a person’s face can give you an instant insight into their personality.
Following on from episode 109 where Alan and Sam discussed The Campfire Project and how first understanding the self is the fundamental foundation for leadership training, today’s conversation focuses in on Alan’s skill as an International Profiling and Communications Specialist.
Described as the Mentalist meets Dr Phil, Alan explains how he...
2022-09-0832 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanCreating Businesses that Inspire and Thrive, with Steve SandorIn Episode 114 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by Steve Sandor, Business Performance Strategist and CEO of Inspiring Business, to talk about the importance of intentionality when it comes to creating the type of businesses that help us grow, both in wealth and in ourselves.
With a background in the financial services industry, Steve shares his early career experiences and displaying real vulnerability, explains how making mistakes in his professional life ultimately led to his understanding of his strengths. With time spent in PNG and working with Australian businesses, Steve developed his passion for helping b...
2022-08-2559 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanElevate Your Client Experience with Tech that Gets Personal, with Mike LiuEpisode 113 of The Business Habitat podcast takes a bit of a different slant this week, as Sam is joined by Co-Founder and CEO of FreeFuse, Mike Liu. Headquartered in Los Angeles, FreeFuse is an interactive video platform which allows the user to build personalised digital communication, for a multitude of purposes such as corporate training and education, digital content and videography or sales and marketing activities and product demonstrations. In this conversation, Sam and Mike discuss the origins and inspiration behind FreeFuse, as well as the benefits of this type of technology in promoting both client and employee engagement.
2022-08-1845 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanUnderstanding Our People By First Understanding Loss and the Self, with Karen ChastonIn Episode 112 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by International best-selling author, speaker and Beyond Loss Expert, Karen Chaston, to talk about understanding loss, the self, and how we can benefit from looking after ourselves first. In this inspiring and through-provoking conversation, Karen shares how a family tragedy was the catalyst for her own journey of self-discovery and the realisation of how few people really understand loss and how to move forward with it. As CFO of a publicly listed company, Karen knew that she was outwardly successful. She had the great salary, the house, the car...
2022-07-0138 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanCreating a Magnetic Brand through Authentic Communication with Irene EmilyIn Episode 110 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by Irene Emily, Brand Consultant and Director of Branded and Demanded, a fast growing brand, design and marketing agency focused on inspiring and empowering purpose-driven businesses. In this conversation, Irene and Sam discuss the importance of congruency in marketing and why understanding yourself is fundamental to ensuring that your message and your purpose are aligned to your brand. With a previous background in graphic design and by her own admission "making things pretty", seven years in business has taught Irene to think more strategically about how to position people...
2022-06-1833 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanTrue Leadership Training Starts with the Self, with Alan StevensIn Episode 109 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by Alan Stevens, International Profiling and Communications Specialist and Founder of the Campfire Project, a group dedicated to creating a safe space for people, and particularly men, to come together to support each other as they work to build stronger relationships, families and community. In this thought-provoking conversation, Sam and Alan delve into the silent epidemic of mental health disorders and how it connects into business. They discuss the evolution of the corporate world and recognise the importance of accepting that people are emotional beings, rejecting the traditional belief...
2022-06-0952 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Impact of Ignoring Unintentional LeadershipIn Episode 108 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam identifies the issue facing so many businesses in the current climate, of attracting and retaining the right staff. She also looks at the question of leadership and emphasises the importance of tackling issues early and head on, for the benefit of all parties. As we emerge from the last couple of years overshadowed by the global pandemic, we are faced with a relatively new phenomenon of The Great Resignation. Sam considers what this really means for both the business and the individual, and why people are reassessing both their professional and...
2022-06-0315 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Brutal Truth about Employee Engagement with Geoffrey WadeIn Episode 107 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by business performance specialist Geoffrey Wade for a thought-provoking conversation around the importance of embracing emotions and the merits of employee engagement. From a background in engineering, robotics and computer science, Geoffrey became fascinated by people and in particular how they interacted in the workforce. Likening businesses to cybernetics, Geoffrey refers to the principles of complex systems, with multiple people and stakeholders, often with conflicting goals and drivers. In discussing the human factor, Sam and Geoffrey turn their attention to emotions and the growing understanding that employees cannot be...
2022-05-2850 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanBuilding Enduring Customer Loyalty by Focusing on the People with Aveline ClarkeIn Episode 106 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by Aveline Clarke, Customer Journey and Marketing Growth Architect, Founder of Journey Point and host of the 6 Star Business Podcast. Together they talk about the importance of building customer loyalty through alignment of values and authentic communication. With a background in marketing and human resources, Aveline realised there was a gap in the customer process, with businesses more focussed on lead generation and conversion without truly understanding who their customers are. Initially managing the Executive Resource function for Australia Post before moving onto roll out a best practice onboarding...
2022-05-1239 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanEnabling Growth Through Collaboration with Chris BantockIn Episode 105 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined from the UK by marketing expert and Founder of Agency Local, Chris Bantock, to talk about the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing by peers and industry colleagues. With a background in corporate sales and marketing in the technology sector, Chris initially set out to build a business in response to client demand for website design and support. He later collaborated with partners with complementary skillsets, resulting in the formulation of a full-service marketing agency. Fast forward twelve years to 2018 and Chris and his partners sold out of the...
2022-05-0543 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanAligning Your Business to Drive Your Wealth Goals, with Wendy BrookhouseIn Episode 104 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined all the way from Canada by Wendy Brookhouse, Founder and CEO of Black Star Wealth. Sam and Wendy are united in their passion for knowing your numbers and catch up today to discuss the interconnection between business and wealth, and the obstacles that often stand in the way of growing both.
Having created Black Star Wealth over 16 years ago, Wendy is on a mission to change lives by improving people's money consciousness and emboldening them with an holistic approach to numbers and growing wealth. In this conversation, Wendy breaks down...
2022-04-1448 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Power of Copywriting to Engage with Your Audience, with Adil AmarsiEpisode 102 - Naming his website the Greatest Copywriter Alive may be a bold claim but Adil Amarsi has the numbers to back it up. Generating over $821 million in sales for his clients between 2008 and 2021, Adil is living proof that loving your numbers is paramount when it comes to growing your business. You can't help but be impressed by Adil's grasp of his own metrics and how he employs them to promote his mastery. Adil joins Sam in episode 102 to talk about the magic of copywriting and how to better engage with your audience.
With over twenty years' experience as a...
2022-03-2751 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanTreating Yourself as Your Best AssetEpisode 101 of The Business Habitat Podcast, Sam pauses for a moment to reflect on how we should be treating ourselves as our biggest asset. Using the metaphor of our material assets to demonstrate the priorities we place on external factors, Sam illustrates how our attention is sometimes misplaced, often to the detriment of our values and boundaries.
In the current climate of volatility at both a domestic and international level, now more than ever it is important to be looking after ourselves and managing our time and energy to best serve our own needs and those around us. As leaders...
2022-03-1720 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanScaling Your Business Through Alignment and Support with Eleanor BeatonEpisode 100 - In this very special episode, Sam is joined by world-renowned Business Coach, Founder of Safi Media, and Host of top-rated podcast, Power + Presence + Position, Eleanor Beaton. Sam and Eleanor share an inspiring conversation centered around business scalability and the importance of support and lived experience in an often overwhelming world.
As Founder of Safi Media, Eleanor shares her mission to double the number of female founders who sustainably scale past $1M in annual revenue by 2030, through entrepreneurship, education, business coaching and story-telling. This dovetails nicely with Sam's own business goals which she shares with Eleanor and together they...
2022-02-2436 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanBuilding Better Relationships with Yourself and Others by Aligning Your Body and Nervous System with Jay FieldsEpisode 98 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by Jay Fields, Somatic Coach and LinkedIn Educator, dialing in all the way from California to discuss the mind/body connection and how being true to yourself and aligning your is fundamental to living a more fulfilling life. In her game-changing work, Jay helps people leverage their nervous system and body to shift their thinking, and have better relationships with themselves and others.
Kicking off this important conversation, Sam talks to why she is so passionate about this topic and how exploring this field has benefitted her personally in her own...
2022-02-0946 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanGetting Unstuck and Hitting GoalsEpisode 97 - As we head in to the second month of 2022, when many of us are wrangling with our intentions for the year, Sam explores the challenge of getting unstuck and making clear progress towards our goals. In her first solo podcast for the year, Sam shares her insights and the lessons she has learned around goal-setting.
With reference to James Clear's "Atomic Habits", Sam looks at why we get stuck and how improving our systems could be the answer to overcoming any obstacles in the path to our desired outcomes.
Many of us have had the experience of setting...
2022-01-3116 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanRe-Release: Living your WHY in Life and Business, with Troy MorganEpisode 95 - In this re-release, Troy Morgan shares his WHY around helping people engage with change, and the reason the internal personal work needs to come before any business change work that we do.
Troy is a wellbeing specialist, CEO of Willows Health Group, Director and Shareholder of health companies Well360 and SpringDay. He is also a sought after speaker in the areas of wellbeing, leadership and culture.
His corporate health work has seen him launch wellbeing and change strategies and initiatives, not only here in Australia, but New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Troy is also a professional...
2021-12-2233 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanLeveraging Your Social Capital to Monetize Your Network, with Ungenita PrevostEpisode 94 - In this week's inspiring episode, Sam welcomes networker extraordinaire, Ungenita Prevost, host of podcast Billion Dollar Rolodex, and Founder of FEMME 500 Global Feminine Leadership Network and Networking in Stilettos. Calling in from London, Ungenita shares her passion for networking and explains how women are missing the mark when it comes to building their own social capital.
Success didn't come easy for Ungenita. A child of the foster care system in the US, Ungenita's natural ability for building rapport with people led to her first job in a real estate office at the age of 15. Sacrificing weekends in an...
2021-12-1039 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanSimple Solutions to a Global Problem with Evannah JayneIn Episode 93 of The Business Habitat podcast, Sam is joined by Evannah Jayne, Founder and CEO of Terran Industries, a business dedicated to helping companies and individuals reduce their environmental footprint in new and creative ways.
With a goal to tackle global sustainability, Evannah believes that every object can have a second life, and that with just a little bit of research, everyone can make better decisions with regard to the impact they leave on the world around them. Evannah explains the concept of 'green washing', comments on the 2050 Net Zero target and explains why time is running out for...
2021-12-0127 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanBreaking the Taboo of Money Conversations with Tracey Bissett - Love your Numbers SeriesIn Episode 90, Sam embarks on a special "Love your Numbers" series with her first guest, Tracey Bissett, joining all the way from Toronto, Canada. This conversation focusses on a topic very close to Sam's heart, exploring the importance of financial literacy for business owners.
Tracey Bissett is a Canadian based Financial Coach, and President of Bissett Financial Fitness, a company focused on educating and empowering individuals, and in particular, young adults and business owners, to take control of their financial lives. A former banking executive at TD Bank, one of Canada's Big 5 Banks, Tracey is well placed to dispel the...
2021-11-1129 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanRe-Release: The Art of Difficult ConversationsIn this throwback to a popular episode (Episode 4), Sam dives deep into the art of having difficult conversations. Beginning with first discussing what conversation is and why it's important, Sam then drills down on two types of conversation that many people find difficult: value conversations and difficult feedback conversations.
There's two main aspects to why accountants and other professional services providers find conversation difficult: the mindset piece and the training piece. Sam covers both of these, and shares practical advice on how to build conversation muscles in business and in life.
Sam shares a number of examples and questions you...
2021-11-0426 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanAvoiding the Emotional and Financial Pitfalls of Ineffective Networking and TechnologyIn Episode 88, Sam brings together the ostensibly distinct topics of networking and technology and notes how the two subjects are in fact intertwined. Sam draws on her conversations with Matt Kreis and Avon Collis and outlines the similarities between these two critical business activities.
Having been down the exhausting path of networking for the sake of networking, Sam shares her learnings and how she came to define the problem she was trying to solve, in order to take a strategic approach to building her tribe.
Sam then considers the efficacy of the standard approach to technology and the under-utilisation of...
2021-10-2226 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Mindset Shift Towards Value Pricing, with Filip FucicIn Episode 86, Sam digs deeper into value pricing, a topic close to the heart of anyone in business. She is joined in this discussion by Filip Fucic, a value pricing expert based in Croatia, who has helped business leaders around the world improve their pricing by 15 to 50% within a two month timeframe, by shifting how they think about the value they provide.
In this follow up episode to Episode #58, Sam and Filip explore further the Expert Paradox and why pricing on a dollar per hour basis does not always reflect the expertise and value provided to clients. Recognising the need...
2021-09-3030 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanPeople Centred Success Metrics are Key to Getting ResultsIn Episode 85, Sam looks at how changing our mindset around success metrics, moving away from the traditional benchmarks of revenue and productivity and closer to people centred KPIs, is key to getting better results
Walking the talk by heading off to the State Dressage Championships, Sam explores how we can align our own personal goals to those of our businesses, and how looking after ourselves and our health will stand us in better stead to deliver on the goals and outcomes that we set for our businesses.
Using the analogy of weight as a lag indicator of our health, so...
2021-09-1610 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanWhy You Need to Fall in Love with Your NumbersEpisode 84 - Did you know that 25% of people would rather get a root canal than visit their Accountant, according to research out of the US.
In this episode, Sam explores why this is the case. Are Accountants bad people? Or is it more the reason that numbers tell a story and oftentimes it's easier to ignore the facts than to deal with the situation head on. But ignorance comes at a cost.
There are many reasons why people, especially non-accountants, might choose to avoid close examination of their financial statements. Some might think that numbers are hard, or you need...
2021-09-1418 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanAddressing Leadership Fatigue Syndrome is an Internal ProcessIn Episode 81, Sam highlights the epidemic of leadership burnout that has been prevalent for decades and now with COVID is increasing exponentially. Sam draws on her own experience to discuss this important topic with compassion and honesty.
While there appears to be widespread recognition that burnout is real and impacting both individuals and businesses at an alarming rate, there is little agreement on how to reverse this trend beyond corporate training and better technology. Quoting a recent Forbes article, Sam notes the statistics are clearly on the rise and yet the proposed solutions fall far short of addressing the real...
2021-08-1914 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanWorking Smarter to Build Your Business, in Conversation with Paul JanszIn Episode 80, Sam talks to Paul Jansz of The Professional Partners, an accounting network collaborating with accounting firms and financial advisory firms to offer niche opportunities to their clients, disrupting the traditional client service model.
With a background in coaching and training accountants, and a strong track record of dealing with more than 120 accounting firms internationally, Paul is well placed to talk to the gaps and opportunities of building dynamic businesses. Sam draws on this experience to encourage broader thinking around varying business models beyond conventional structures.
Based on the premise of finding out what people want and then delivering...
2021-08-1226 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanBridging the Expert to Business Mindset GapIn Episode 79 of the Business Habitat (formerly The In Demand Accountant), Sam identifies the missing link between having a business built on expert knowledge alone, and building a thriving business designed on your own terms.
If the purpose of business is to solve a problem, and that problem is created by the need for compliance to government or financial regulations, as it often is in the case of accounting, then the demand for services is automatically created.
The situation changes when you provide services that add value beyond legal requirements. When you're defining a problem that isn't immediately obvious and...
2021-08-0524 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanBuilding Business Freedom with Joshua LewisEpisode 78 - In this first episode with the new podcast name - The Business Habitat, Sam chats with Joshua Lewis, business efficiency expert and Director of Dorks Delivered, a Brisbane-based IT company helping small businesses optimise their operations by building better processes and leveraging their systems.
From early days outsourcing the making of licence plate brackets to his school friends on the weekend, to the ability to leave his business for months at a time due to the implementation of solid processes, Joshua talks to Sam about his experiences along the way to business freedom.
Acknowledging that not everything is...
2021-07-2632 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanIntroducing the Business HabitatIDA Episode 77 - Sam lets us in on an exciting new name for the In Demand Accountant podcast.
With an ever growing audience and topics that extend beyond the professional services realm, Sam and the team at BlueprintHQ have decided to change the name of the podcast to one more reflective of the diverse subjects and listeners it encompasses.
Explaining the reasons for the change, Sam gives the listener a quick insight into what can be expected from future episodes. Aligning with Sam's vision to create a safe space for future minded business leaders who think differently, the BUSINESS HABITAT...
2021-07-1507 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanProfessional and Personal Fulfillment is Not Mutually ExclusiveIDA Episode 76 - In this raw and authentic account, Sam shares the journey that led her to walk away from a successful leadership position in a multi-million dollar accounting practice, and regain control of her professional life in a way that resonated with her own personal goals.
In 2014, feeling depressed, unfit and burnt out, Sam made the brave decision to turn her back on her corporate career and instead seek out a future on her own terms. Despite achieving success by societal standards, Sam found herself disenchanted with the typical business model and felt in her heart there had to...
2021-07-0717 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanWhy Empowering Your People is a Win/Win StrategyIDA Episode 74 - Having explored the three stages of Strategic Planning, Sam wraps up the series by discussing how business leaders can achieve greater results and save time and money, by empowering their people to be involved in the Strategy development.
With all the time and effort expended by leaders in developing strategies for their business, it can be frustrating when people are not engaged or go back to their old ways. Sam examines how this can be overcome by involving teams in the strategic process and considers the positive outcomes to be gained by starting with engagement workshops.
Taking...
2021-06-1716 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Crucial Step of Executing the PlanIDA Episode 73 - Sam examines the third element of Strategic Planning and explains why Execution is arguably the most crucial of the three phases. With the Strategy and Plan put in place, Sam talks the listener through the steps to complete this final phase in order to drive optimal results.
"A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week". This quote by General George Patton of the US military reinforces Sam's point that it's better to execute a plan sooner, even though it may not be perfect, rather than to continue to delay. Sam examines...
2021-06-0911 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Critical Steps Commonly Missed in Planning and BudgetingIDA Episode 72 - Sam continues the conversation from eipsode 71 on Strategic Planning, delving into the second stage of planning and budgeting. With a practical approach and clear language, Sam challenges the listener to rethink the budget process and drive change through more effective planning.
It's often said that the only thing that is constant is change. In a world of disruption, this have never been more true and yet in most corporate entities the annual business plan aims to set the next year's targets based on what's gone before. Sam breaks down the elements of planning and questions how we...
2021-06-0216 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanLet's talk Strategy - for Propelling your Business and CareerIDA Episode 71 - Sam examines the confusion between Strategic Planning and Strategy, and why so many businesses struggle when it comes to differentiating the two activities.
Following on from recent podcasts and conversations around Purpose, Vision and Values, this podcast is a natural progression into Strategy and why it's critical to separate this business stage from Planning.
Strategy guru, Roger L Martin, penned an article in 2014 for the Harvard Business Review entitled "The Big Lie of Strategic Planning". Sam explains how this article clarified the difference for her when she was struggling to meet her vision and goals, most of...
2021-05-2720 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanLaying the Foundation with Clearly Defined ValuesIn Episode 70 of the In Demand Accountant podcast, Sam delves further into the need for clearly defined values to drive both individual and business success. As one of the biggest learnings on her own path, Sam looks at why values are more than just a marketing ploy to hang on the wall.
Values and mission statements have long been an important part of business strategy in the corporate world. Typically these values are the product of a leadership seminar or conference, disseminated throughout organisations with minimal thought into the connection to people's lives.
As businesses inevitably evolve into more people...
2021-05-1921 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanDefining Your Vision with the Future in MindIDA Episode 69 - Sam follows up on her recent conversation with Ryan Lazanis around lifestyle businesses, bringing together the topics of disruption and agility. In this succinct episode, Sam deals with the question, how do we create businesses of the future that will be able to not only withstand changing dynamics, but grow and prosper for the benefit of everyone involved.
Historically, services firms have been built on traditional business goals such as turnover and the bottom line. More often than not, these goals rely heavily on owner input, with a mission that often clashes with personal goals, resulting in...
2021-05-1313 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanUsing Technology to Build a Business Life You will Love with Ryan LazanisIDA Episode 68 - Sam talks to Ryan Lazanis, whose Canadian based business Future Firm is designed to help business owners fast track a modern scalable firm that they love working in.
Disillusioned with the traditional accounting firm model, Ryan put his entrepreneurial mind to work to create a technology forward mode of working. He now helps businesses all around the world through his coaching, podcasts and newsletters providing collaboration and assistance for people running modern firms.
Finding herself burnt out in a bigger firm, Sam applied similar concepts to her own business enterprises. Here she and Ryan discuss how shifting...
2021-05-0627 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Untapped Value of Knowing Your Property Numbers with Mike MortlockIDA Episode 67 - Sam delves deep with Mike Mortlock of MCG Quantity Surveyors into the benefits of working collaboratively with other professional services providers to deliver a more holistic customer experience. Their conversation today provides a compelling take on two technical property related topics, demonstrating the value that often gets left behind and what to do about it.
Based in Newcastle and with offices and representation around the country, Mike, with his business partner Marty Sadlier, joined the ranks of the AFR Fast 100 in 2018. Mike's comprehensive approach and detailed knowledge of property investment is clear as he shares the insights...
2021-04-1540 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanUsing Data to Grow Your Business, with Dan BeckIDA Episode 63 - Sam interviews non-traditional In Demand Accountant, Dan Beck from PT2.0. Dan and Sam discuss his background and about PT2.0, plus why you need to use data to grow your business and measure behaviour change in your firm.
Dan explains the real value for accounting businesses in the data we already have, plus some problems in the industry that can be solved using data better. He gives some examples from clients he's worked with at PT2.0.
Dan and Sam discuss costing versus pricing and getting it right for advisory work, plus why you need a technology strategy, not...
2021-03-1738 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanGetting Clear on Your WhyIDA Episode 62 - Sam explores how we can get clear on the 'why' that drives us personally and professionally. This episode follows on from Episode 61 featuring Troy Morgan, so if you haven't listened to the previous episode go and do that first.
Sam shares her takeaways from the interview with Troy, and then dives into why it's so important to have clarity around your 'why' both personally and professionally.
Sam explores how having a clear 'why' helps engage people in change processes, and what she's noticed about clients who can clearly articulate their 'why'.
Sam then shares some of the...
2021-03-0917 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanLiving your WHY in life and business, with Troy MorganIDA Episode 61 - Sam interviews Troy Morgan, a wellbeing specialist, CEO of Willows Health Group, Director and Shareholder of health companies Well360 and SpringDay. Troy is also a sought after speaker in the areas of wellbeing, leadership and culture.
His corporate health work has seen him launch wellbeing and change strategies and initiatives, not only here in Australia, but New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Troy is also a professional touch football player and a long-time client and friend of Sam.
Sam and Troy discuss his background in Exercise Science and fitness/health businesses, the business model Troy is...
2021-02-1733 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanBoundaries to Empower Your Business and YourselfIDA Episode 60 - Sam explores the concept of boundaries and how you can use them to empower yourself and your business. This is a follow up from Episode 59, which was about rethinking our capacity for personal and business success, and boundaries are a part of how we can increase our capacity individually, in business and with our teams.
Sam explains the two questions you must ask yourself to have clearer boundaries and how they impact almost every aspect of life and business: time, thinking, lack of rest, work-life balance, offerings, pricing, scope of work, marketing, customer services, employee productivity and...
2021-02-1017 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanRethinking Capacity for Personal and Business SuccessIDA Episode 59 - Sam dives into why the accounting and and professional services industries need to rethink the way we approach our individual and collective capacity. Sam explores what 'capacity' is and why individual and business capacity matters for both individual and team success.
Sam touches on some things that may increase or decrease individual emotional and physical capacity, and why you have to treat your individual capacity as the most important of all.
Sam then discusses going beyond the hours-for-dollars mindset when thinking about capacity, how to become aware of what drives and depletes capacity, and what happens when...
2021-02-0418 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Value Pricing Revolution We NeedIDA Episode 58, Sam explores the value pricing revolution we need to have in accounting and professional services industries. This is a conversation that has been around for at least three decades, and still 90% of firms are stuck in hours-for-dollars pricing models.
Sam explains why it's so hard for firms to shift from those pricing models and the story of pricing in our industries around this. Plus, the mindset shift we need in order to have the pricing revolution we must have.
Sam shares the biggest reasons she sees why this hasn't shifting yet, including the fears that are keeping us...
2021-01-2719 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Fixed Vs Growth MindsetIDA Episode 57 - Sam dives deep into one of the fundamental missing pieces in efficiency, effectiveness and success and that is the mindset shift from a fixed to a growth mindset. This comes from Carol Dweck's research and hugely popular book 'Mindset'.
Sam explains what fixed and growth mindsets are, and then shares a personal story about how this fixed versus growth mindset shift really became obvious to her.
Even more than that, Sam explores why this is so crucial to the accounting industry and why it's fundamental to the work BlueprintHQ does with firms.
Sam covers the five aspects...
2021-01-2023 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanRenovating our Firms and Careers in 2021IDA Episode 56, Sam explores the renovations we need to make as accountants in our day to day, and as an industry. She touches on what 2020 highlighted for us as changes that are needed in our industry, and how we can use what we've learned to be a catalyst to renovate our practices and our businesses going forwards.
Sam explores what we can learn from outside our industry about the drivers of efficiency and productivity, and why BlueprintHQ focuses on the foundational behaviours and soft skills that underpin systems, processes and technology when we are working on Renovating with firms.
Sam...
2021-01-1422 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanTime to Celebrate and Re-energise!In Episode 55, Sam explores the power of celebration and how we can use it to re-energize ourselves. As it's Christmas and you hopefully are getting a little break, now is the perfect time to make some space to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. It has been a tough year and we are exhausted, but this concept of celebration can be so powerful in helping recharge and re-energise.
Sam explains why it's important to celebrate achievements always, but especially now at the end of 2020. She also clarifies what she means by the term 'celebration' and why it matters in these tough...
2020-12-2315 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanReviewing the Way We do ReviewsIDA Episode 54, Sam follows on from previous episodes by reviewing the way we do reviews in our industry. This episode follows on from Episodes 51 - 53 about the way we plan for, engage and retain staff in our businesses, so if you haven't listened to the previous episodes go and do that first.
Sam explores why we need to rethink some of the everyday processes around our job reviews and the different kinds of reviews we have to do, as well as some of the ways reviews are approached in our industry.
Sam then covers how to reduce the amount of...
2020-12-1609 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanHow We Can Inspire and Keep Our TeamsIDA Episode 53, Sam explores how we can inspire and keep our staff, both in our firms but also in our industry. This episode follows on from Episodes 51 and 52 about the problem with strategic planning and making sure we have the right people involved in our businesses, so if you haven't listened to the previous episodes go and do that first.
Sam discusses why the industry needs to pay attention to the attrition of Millennial staff and some of the actions we can take as leaders that either retain them or drive them out.
She covers some of the reasons people...
2020-12-0913 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe People Problem: Why having the right people on the bus will make or break your businessIDA Episode 52, Sam extends on last week's topic about strategic planning to dive into one of the most overlooked aspects of this process, which is the people involved. If you haven't yet listened to Episode 51 about the problems with strategic planning, go back and do so.
Two of the biggest blocks that come up in this area are having engagement from the people involved in the planning process, and also having 'the wrong people on the bus'. There is a reason staff engagement is a key element of all our programs here at BlueprintHQ.
Firstly, Sam covers the two main...
2020-12-0419 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Problem With Strategic Planning (and what to do instead!)IDA Episode 51 is another milestone for this podcast, being the 1 year anniversary of the beginning of the podcast! In this episode, Sam shares why planning is so critical for getting off the hamster wheel we're all on, as well as the mistakes our industry makes with how we traditionally do planning.
Sam covers the reason it's a mistake to wait until January to do planning, and the difference between the investigate skill and the strategic planning skill. Plus, she shares a real life example of how the Investigate framework was applied in starting this very podcast.
Sam also explores why...
2020-11-2523 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanHow to BE the Disruption (to avoid being disrupted)IDA Episode 50, Sam is in the hot seat being interviewed by Esther Ramdhari, Director of BlueprintHQ. Sam and Esther discuss their observations of how accountants are thinking and feeling at the moment, and why what's happened in 2020 isn't the first signal that the industry needs to change.
Sam and Esther explore the challenges facing the industry, from burnout of staff to people leaving the industry to being disrupted by technology, and the systems, business models and beliefs that are holding firms back.
Sam then shares more about the fundamental changes needed individually and collectively going forward, and why she wants...
2020-11-1836 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Importance of Integrating Business, Career and LifeIDA Episode 49, Sam shares candidly from her story of the significant changes she's been through going from being an accountant in a firm to starting and growing BlueprintHQ. Plus, Sam covers why we need to take some time to reflect individually and as an industry on what 2020 has taught us.
Sam explores the problem of looking at our business and personal lives separates, and the power of integrating business and personal into a whole person, as well as the very real challenges we are facing with physical and mental health right now.
Sam shares how we can leverage the time...
2020-11-1111 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Four Types of Cash Flow and Why It MattersIDA Episode 48, Sam explores the four types of cash flow work we can do as accountants, and why it's important to get clear on that for both us and for our clients.
This is the next stage after the series of Episode 41-46, which was about putting some habits in around your efficiencies particularly around end of year work, so listen to that if you haven't yet.
Sam covers the mindset shifts accountant need to make to take the next steps with cashflow advisory work with clients, what 2020 has taught us all about the need for cash flow and what...
2020-11-0422 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanHow to Use Efficiency Habits in End of Year ProcessesIDA Episode 47, Sam explains how to use efficiency habits in the End of Year processes. This episode follows on from Episodes 41 - 46 about the practical and powerful belief and habit changes we need to make to become more effective and efficient, so if you haven't listened to the previous episodes go and do that first.
Firstly, Sam explains why these efficiency habits are so powerful for EOY jobs, plus the planning mindset needed and how to set up the job for success. Sam covers the stages of the job and recaps knowing your efficiency magic.
Sam covers one big reason...
2020-10-2820 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanFinding Your Efficiency Magic and SuperpowerIDA Episode 46, Sam explores two non-practical but very powerful pieces of the efficiency puzzle: finding your efficiency magic and making time for your efficiency superpower. This episode follows on from Episodes 41 - 45 about the practical and powerful belief and habit changes we need to make to become more effective and efficient, so if you haven't listened to the previous episodes go and do that first.
Sam covers what our efficiency magic is and the mistakes accountants and partners often make with their efficiency magic, as well as the questions to ask to get out of your own way and be...
2020-10-2122 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanPractical Powerful Habit Changes that Improve EfficiencyIDA Episode 45, Sam dives into some practical and powerful habit changes that you can make to improve efficiency as a person and as a professional. This episode follows on from Episode 41 about the false beliefs we have, Episode 42 about our relationship with time, Episode 43 about our relationship with change, and Episode 44 about where you want to go, so if you haven't listened to the previous episodes go and do that first.
Sam covers why conversations are such a potential place for inefficiencies in our day and a simple framework to follow to have more effective and efficient conversations. Plus, where...
2020-10-1429 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanWhat's blocking you from going where you want to go?IDA Episode 44, Sam dives into what may be blocking you from getting what you want and going where you want to go as a person and as a professional. This episode follows on from Episode 41 about the false beliefs we have, Episode 42 about our relationship with time, and Episode 43 about our relationship with change, so if you haven't listened to the previous episodes go and do that first.
Sam explores the internal external blocks that may be keeping you from going where you want to go, including the fixation we have with external factors that prevent us from dealing with...
2020-10-0719 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanOur Relationship With ChangeIDA Episode 43, Sam dives into our relationship with change, individually and collectively as an industry. This episode follows on from Episode 41 about the false beliefs we have and Episode 42 about our relationship with time, so if you haven't listened to the previous episodes go and do that first.
Sam explains why we need to be future focused as Accountants and as an Industry, as well as the biggest block for us around doing so: getting clarity over what we actually want.
Sam explores through the steps in the process of uncovering what your future vision is, how to set timeframes...
2020-10-0119 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanOur Relationship With TimeIDA Episode 42, Sam dives into our relationship with time, individually and collectively as an industry. This episode follows on from Episode 41 about the false beliefs we have, so if you haven't listened to the previous episode go and do that first.
Sam covers why time is our most precious resource as accountants and business owners, and what's right with our attitude towards time in our industry. Plus, why you don't need to throw away your timesheet but rather tweak how you're using it.
Sam explores the 'hours for dollars' mindset and how it's holding us back, as well as the...
2020-09-2328 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanFive False Beliefs that Block us from ChangeIDA Episode 41 Sam breaks down some of the false facts and false beliefs in our industry, in our work and in our day to day lives that are blocking us from making the changes we need to make.
This is such an important time to start thinking about and overcoming these blocks because our world is changing. We know that our new normal is going to involve lots of change and disruption going forwards, but before we can change we need to look at our fundamental beliefs.
Sam covers the problem with Profit and Loss statements, why we believe change...
2020-09-1624 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanBringing Clarity to your Accounting Practice, with Amy HoldsworthIDA Episode 40, Sam has a brilliant conversation with Amy Holdsworth, the CEO and Founder of Clarity Street. Amy and Sam discuss her background and why she started Clarity Street, how we can supercharge our processes as an industry as well as the beliefs that have served our industry well in the past that now need to change going forward.
Connect with Amy at https://www.claritystreet.com.au
Here at BlueprintHQ, we are here to help. We are super passionate about the accounting industry and supporting you with what you need. Connect with me sam@blueprinthq.com.au
We are...
2020-09-0933 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanMeasuring Success in our Industry: the Three Main BlocksIDA Episode 39, Sam discusses how we measure success in the Accounting Industry and the three main blocks that are keeping us stuck, individually and collectively.
This is really the follow up to Sam's interview with Robyn Jacobson from The Tax Institute that was on the podcast in Episodes 37 and 38, so if you haven't listened to those episodes yet, go back and do so because it's a brilliant conversation and so timely for our industry right now.
In this episode, Sam covers the problem with measuring only productivity and efficiency, as well as why we should be focusing on growing existing...
2020-09-0223 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Importance of Tax and Tax Agents, with Robyn Jacobson (Part 2)In Episode 38, you will hear Part 2 of Sam's brilliant conversation with Robyn Jacobson, the Senior Advocate of The Tax Institute. She is well known in tax training circles, having been a professional tax trainer for 23 years and a regular conference and webinar presenter. With nearly three decades in the profession, Robyn's public practice background preceded her training roles with Webb Martin, her own business, Cyntax, and TaxBanter.
Robyn is a Chartered Tax Adviser of The Tax Institute, a Fellow of both CA ANZ and CPA Australia, and a Registered Tax Agent. Based in Melbourne, she is involved in a number...
2020-08-2627 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Importance of Tax and Tax Agents, with Robyn Jacobson (Part 1)IDA Episode 37, you will hear Part 1 of Sam's brilliant conversation with Robyn Jacobson, the Senior Advocate of The Tax Institute. She is well known in tax training circles, having been a professional tax trainer for 23 years and a regular conference and webinar presenter. With nearly three decades in the profession, Robyn's public practice background preceded her training roles with Webb Martin, her own business, Cyntax, and TaxBanter.
Robyn is a Chartered Tax Adviser of The Tax Institute, a Fellow of both CA ANZ and CPA Australia, and a Registered Tax Agent. Based in Melbourne, she is involved in a number...
2020-08-1932 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanWhy you need a Selling Mindset (In Demand Accountant Part 7)IDA Episode 36, Sam covers the final attribute of the In Demand Accountant, and that is the selling mindset. Sam explores what a selling mindset is, why you need it and how you can go about cultivating it.
Here at BlueprintHQ, we are here to help. We are super passionate about the accounting industry and supporting you with what you need. Connect with me sam@blueprinthq.com.au
We are offering 20 minute reach out calls to help support you during this time. Go to blueprinthq.com.au
This episode is brought to you by Blueprint Renovate Program, the program designed to...
2020-08-1229 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Power of Professionalism (In Demand Accountant Part 6)IDA Episode 35, Sam explores the concept of Professionalism and why it's a crucial part of being an In Demand Accountant.
Here at BlueprintHQ, we are here to help. We are super passionate about the accounting industry and supporting you with what you need. Connect with me sam@blueprinthq.com.au
We are offering 20 minute reach out calls to help support you during this time. Go to blueprinthq.com.au
This episode is brought to you by Blueprint Renovate Program, the program designed to create space in your firm to cultivate mindset change through what you do everyday. Visit blueprinthq.com...
2020-08-0519 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Digitalisation of the Accounting Industry, with Richard McArtneyIDA Episode 34, Sam interviews Richard McArtney from Bentleys Newcastle about his reflections on the last 20 years and future predictions for the Australian Accounting Industry.
Sam and Richard discuss his career journey from Industrial Chemistry to Retail Business to Accounting Partner, and how his prior business experience helped his work as an accountant. They then cover the range of digitalisation changes in the last 20+ years in the Australian Accounting Industry, from Y2K compliance to GST to cloud-based accounting to STP.
Richard and Sam explore why the industry needs to get proactive and stop waiting for legislation to force technology take-up...
2020-07-2326 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Truth about Brave Leadership (In Demand Accountant Part 5)IDA Episode 33, Sam explores the concept of Brave Leadership. She covers what brave leadership is, how to get started and why it's such a crucial part of being an In Demand Accountant.
Sam explains why you are a leader even if you don't have a leadership role at work, plus the 5 attributes of brave leadership. These 5 attributes of a brave leader are: being accountable, having difficult conversations, never compromising values, putting resources where your mouth is and giving your job away.
Sam drills down on each of the 5 attributes individually and works through what each means, plus shares some everyday...
2020-07-0921 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanGST Anniversary and 20 years of disruption in the accounting industryIDA Episode 32, Sam reflects on 20 years of disruption in the accounting industry, since the introduction of the GST 2 decades ago, plus what's important for accountants and advisors in the future of the industry.
Here at BlueprintHQ, we are here to help. We are super passionate about the accounting industry and supporting you with what you need. Connect with me sam@blueprinthq.com.au
We are offering 20 minute reach out calls to help support you during this time. Go to blueprinthq.com.au
This episode is brought to you by Blueprint Renovate Program, the program designed to create space in your...
2020-07-0122 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanEmotional Intelligence and Empathy for the Accounting Industry (In Demand Accountant Part 4)IDA Episode 31, Sam covers another element of the In Demand Accountant: emotional intelligence and empathy. But this is not your usual emotional intelligence and empathy training!
Sam covers the fact that these two skills can actually be learned, and how they will make you a better accountant and advisor. She explains definitions of both emotional intelligence and empathy, plus the sub skills that you need and how you can develop them.
Sam also shares a number of personal examples and real life stories of how she has applied and developed this in her life and work. She finishes the episode...
2020-06-2625 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanGrowing an accounting firm during a pandemic by being a real person, with Annette TaskerIDA Episode 30, Sam interviews Annette Tasker, the owner of ALT Tax+. Sam and Annette have been working together for the past 4 years and Annette really demonstrates the In Demand Accountant attributes, particularly around the empathy and emotional intelligence piece. Annette also brings a vast range of business experience to the job, and not only does she generously work with her clients, she gives back to the industry as well. She is the Deputy President of the IPA and Treasurer of the Cronulla Chamber of Commerce, as well as a number of other community roles.
In this episode, Sam and Annette...
2020-06-1728 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanBeing Ambitious Accountants with Clear Vision (In Demand Accountant Part 3)IDA Episode 29, Sam covers another characteristic of the In Demand Accountant: being ambitious. This is so important, especially at this time when many of us are feeling fatigue and the fallout from the last 3 months implementing the government stimulus package and responding to COVID-19. It starts with getting clarity around your vision and values, and is a key piece of being an In Demand Accountant going forwards.
Sam explains some of the blocks accountants have around getting clarity on their goals and vision and the questions you need to ask yourself to overcome that, plus what we as an accounting...
2020-06-1032 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanCollaborating and cultivating In Demand Teams, with Amanda KenafakeIDA Episode 27, Sam has a brilliant conversation with Amanda Kenafake, the CEO of Power Tynan, an In Demand Accounting firm in Toowoomba, QLD. Sam and Amanda talk about Amanda's background and career progression, and the challenges of running a business the size of Power Tynan.
They dive into how Power Tynan proactively supports their staff, engages with their clients and measures the challenging lead indicators around productivity and efficiency. Amanda and Sam discuss the changes in the industry in the last 30 years and what that means for graduates entering the industry now.
They finish their chat covering the importance of...
2020-05-2835 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanBeing Masters of our Craft (In Demand Accountant Part 1)IDA Episode 26, Sam explores part 1 of being the In Demand Accountant, which is all about mastering our craft. This involves getting clear on what you do and why you're doing it, which you may not have done recently and is a powerful activity.
Sam also discusses what you can ask clients in order to figure out how you can best communicate with them the problem you are solving for them. Finally, Sam covers why it's so important to be curious and innovative with our craft going forward to make sure we remain relevant into the future.
Here at Blueprint HQ...
2020-05-2120 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanWhat is the In Demand Accountant?IDA Episode 25, Sam announces the change of name of the podcast from 'Conversations with Sam Dean' to 'In Demand Accountant'. There's a couple of reasons for this, which Sam covers in this episode, as well as what Covid-19 has highlighted for our industry over the last few months.
Sam covers what it means to be an In Demand Accountant and gives an overview of the 7 characteristics, as well as sharing a bit about what's coming up on the podcast going forwards.
Here at Blueprint HQ, we are here to help. We are super passionate about the accounting industry and supporting...
2020-05-1310 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanEfficiency through letting go of doing everything yourself, with Damian ScodellaCWSD Episode 24 Sam interviews Damian Scodella, the Founder and Managing Director of Square Penny. Damian and Sam discuss what Square Penny does and what they most enjoy about working with accountants. Damian explains the difference between traditional bookkeeping and Square Penny's proactive financial administration approach, outsourcing vs. offshoring and which Damian prefers, as well as how this leads to more efficiencies for accountants and business owners.
Sam and Damian also cover the importance of getting very clear on your values and how that can help with efficiency both in conversations with staff and collaborations with other businesses. They finish the...
2020-05-0625 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanImproving Efficiency, Managing Uncertainty and Preserving Energy During Covid-19 ChangesCWSD Episode 23, Sam returns to share her tips around improving efficiency, managing uncertainty and preserving energy during the Covid-19 changes for accountants and business advisors. First up, she delivers a hearty congratulations for not only getting through the last 4 - 6 weeks as an industry, but for leading in this time of extreme disruption and still being there to support clients and SMEs.
In this episode, Sam covers the rules, structures and boundaries you and implement in your practice and in your workday to get more efficient and effective with your staff and your clients. She also explores the conversations you...
2020-04-2925 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanLet's take care of ourselves during Covid-19CWSD Episode 21, Sam talks about the impacts on the accounting and advisory industry, as well as on our clients, of the coronavirus pandemic. She explains why your physical and mental health needs to be the number 1 priority right now, and how that enables you to respond better in business. This is a marathon not a sprint.
Sam outlines what you need to do to apply first aid to your own business, and what you need to think about in terms of both what and how you communicate as a leader and a team right now. She also explains why shifting...
2020-04-0226 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanSetting your staff, clients and firm up for success (Renovate Part 3)CWSD Episode 19, Sam continues the series based around the Renovate Program, which is all about helping create space in our firms and getting a super efficient at what we do every day. These sessions are all around the job processes for End of Year work, which still takes up about 85% of our work, so it's this area that accountants need to get super focused on.
If you haven't yet listened to Episode 16, about the overall workflow, Episode 17 about the first stage, and Episode 18 about the second stage, then do so before you listen to this episode.
In this episode, Sam...
2020-03-1926 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanCreating Efficiencies in Processing End of Year Work (Renovate Part 2)CWSD Episode 18, Sam continues the series based around the Renovate Program, which is all about helping create space in our firms and getting a super efficient at what we do every day. These sessions are all around the job processes for End of Year work, which still takes up about 85% of our work, so it's this area that accountants need to get super focused on.
If you haven't yet listened to Episode 16, about the overall workflow, and Episode 17 about the first stage, then do so before you listen to this episode.
In this episode, Sam covers the second stage of...
2020-03-1126 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanRenovating what you do every day to get time back in your practiceCWSD Episode 16, Sam begins the conversation around renovating what you do every day to get time back in your practice and ultimately, grow your business. Following on from the interview with Mark Calleja, Sam has put together the next few podcasts as a series to look at how to create space in your business to make the shifts needed to move from expert to advisor.
From the addiction most accountants have to the EOY work flow and how it gets in the way of business growth, to the power of making this renovation in small and incremental stages, Sam shares...
2020-02-2622 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanTakeaways from my conversation with Mark CallejaIn Episode 15, Sam dives into the takeaways from her conversation with Mark Calleja in Episode 14. If you haven't yet, go and listen to that episodes before this one.
Sam looks at the lesson from Mark in the opportunities being missed by not freeing up space and systematising in our businesses, and why the biggest opportunity is the EOY processes. Sam explains the difference between a process and a system, as well as how the industry can be the disruptors through becoming relationship businesses, rather than being disrupted by technology.
This is the first in a series, so stay tuned for...
2020-02-1919 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanFrom practice owner to business owner, with Mark CallejaCWSD Episode 14, Sam interviews Mark Calleja, accountant and business advisor based in Sydney who has been through the journey from practice owner to business owner and now to business advisor. Mark shares his journey of over 20 years in accounting and what happened when he moved into practice ownership.
Mark and Sam discuss the crossroads that had him deciding to do things differently and the practical and mindset shifts he had to make to double his turnover, decrease his work hours and increase his enjoyment of work again.
They then cover his move into advisory, and why conversation is the most...
2020-02-1231 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanTakeaways from my conversation with David MasefieldCWSD Episode 13, Sam dives into the takeaways from her conversation with David Masefield in Episode 11 (Part 1) and Episode 12 (Part 2). If you haven't yet, go and listen to those episodes before this one.
Sam looks at how we might take what David taught us about using a knowledge based model (his blog) to educate his market and drive business to gaps in the market outside the sale of the traditional big ticket market and how we can parallel this to think a little differently about how we offer services.
Sam also explores how we can take some of the principles of...
2020-02-0523 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanStartups and Business Innovation with David Masefield (part 2)CWSD Episode 12, Sam interviews David Masefield, the founder of ShedBlog.com.au and Startup Toowoomba, and President of Canvas Coworking here in Toowoomba. This is Part 2 of the conversation so if you haven't already listened to the first part of the episode, do that before you listen to this episode.
This episode is all about startup innovation, the absolute importance of your team, and the benefits of incubators and accelerator programs for status and business owners. Sam and David also discuss the importance of transparent and future-focused conversations between cofounders early on before there's vested interests at play and the...
2020-01-2928 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanWhat do you actually want?CWSD Episode 10, Sam discusses two of the most important questions you can ask yourself in business: "What do you want?" and "What brings you joy?" So often, when Sam asks clients these questions they tell her that they've never been asked before, or they've never given themselves time to pause and think about the answers.
Sam also covers the difference between a business mindset and a practice mindset, and why having a practice mindset can prevent you from getting what you want and spending your time doing work that brings you joy.
This episode is brought to you by Blueprint...
2020-01-1513 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanReimagining the conversations we have with ourselvesCWSD Episode 5, Sam follows up from the previous episode's focus on difficult conversation by diving into the most hardest conversations any of us have: the conversations we have with ourselves.
In this episode, Sam explains why it's so powerful and important to reimagine these conversations, carve out time and space to really listen to ourselves, as well as some of the reasons accountants, advisors and professional services experts don't do this.
Sam also shares a personal story of how she recently created some space and time to reflect by going to a conference in the US and surrounding herself with...
2019-12-1123 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThe Art of Difficult ConversationsCWSD Episode 4, Sam dives deep into the art of having difficult conversations. Beginning with first discussing what conversation is and why it's important, Sam then drills down on two types of conversation that many people find difficult: value conversations and difficult feedback conversations.
There's two main aspects to why accountants find conversation difficult: the mindset piece and the training piece. Sam covers both of these, and shares practical advice on how to build conversation muscles in business and in life.
Sam shares a number of examples and questions you can ask to help when having value conversations with clients, and...
2019-12-0425 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanThree Lessons for Accountants and AdvisorsCWSD Episode 3, Sam dives deep into the three takeaways from her conversation with Ellen Ronalds Keene in Episode 2. Ellen's story is a classic example of why accountants and advisors need to be educating current and potential clients, and the power of good client relationships.
Sam shares practical tips for you to be able to get to know your clients better so you can better serve them and how to make them feel safe so that they will come to you sooner rather than later when there are problems to address.
In this episode Sam also suggests some ways that as...
2019-11-2725 min
Business Habitat with Sam DeanIntroduction to Conversations with Sam Dean: What is the Advisory Mindset?CWSD Episode 1 - Exploring conversations accountants and advisors can have with their clients to cultivate business mastery. In this episode, Sam shares a bit about her journey of over 3 decades in the accounting industry, why she founded Blueprint HQ and what to expect from this podcast going forwards.
Sam then dives deeper into the differences between the Expert Mindset and the Advisory Mindset and why it's so important for accountants to be shifting their mindset towards the advisory in order to have better conversations with their clients, really understand what clients want, and cultivate business mastery.
More information, notes and...
2019-11-0117 min