Today’s guest is Toni Hawkins, CFO of Armour Energy.Toni’s interest in leadership started very young, and we go back to her school days to discuss how this interest came to be, and how that set the grounding for her career. We cover a range of other topics in this episode including:Why Toni chose not to work in the Big 4 Accounting Firms. What her first year was like at Qantas. This was the year 9/11 happened, she talks about what that day was like.We talk about the value of dealing with conflict sooner rather than later. How feedback should be viewed as a giftHer leadership philosophy. AndHow she has traveled to 70 countries, along with some intriguing stories from her travels.Sumith Dissanayake and Jack Ferguson co-hosted this episode.

Books To The Boardroom

In Conversation with Toni Hawkins, CFO of Armour Energy

Today we are speaking to Thomas Mackie, Financial Controller at Imaging Solutions.As someone who has worked in the Medical industry for his career, Thomas speaks to us about what that decision has meant for him, and what challenges it presents.Having taken a non-typical path, Thomas didn’t pursue a job in the Big 4 and got into Senior roles when he was very young. We talk about what the implications were for that including managing people much older than him. He’s worked for a wide variety of leaders and speaks to how different people develop you differently, from those who are super detailed to those who are hands off.We also speak about what working in senior management does for your communication skills, and what he has learned about leadership over the last 5 years. Sumith Dissanayake and Jack Ferguson co-hosted this episode.

In Conversation with Thomas Mackie, Financial Controller of Imaging Solutions

Today we are speaking to someone who has had an extensive career in Finance, Michelle Cooper.Bucking the trend for Finance Professionals, Michelle has a passion for life and adventure. You can find her skydiving and motorbike riding on the weekends.But this isn’t the only uncommon aspect to Michelle’s story. She talks to us about how she made a career change away from Finance early on and why. She shares with us her lessons around leadership, and what she learned from one particular leader who had a very unique style. She describes this as the best lesson she was ever taught in her career. More on that in the episode.Michelle also defines the difference between being a manager and a leader. It&apos;s important to know the difference.It was a pleasure to get to know Michelle, she is someone who loves a challenge, and we&apos;re sure you will get a lot out of this episode. This episode was co-hosted by Sumith Dissanayake and Jack Ferguson

In Conversation with Finance Professional, Michelle Cooper

This episodes guest is Mark Tobin, CEO of Followmont. Followmont is a Family Business in the Transport industry, and Mark shares some of the effects Covid had on Transport. He talks about how he communicated with his team throughout Covid and lead the business through the pandemic. Mark talks about how talent is moving in Australia and how he has built and kept the best quality team regardless.This episode involves an extensive discussion about how to surround yourself with the right people to achieve the best outcome, and of course we speak about Mark’s philosophy on leadership. One story in particular highlights Mark’s ability to get a point across when he was in a boardroom full of staff members. Look out for that towards the end of the episode.This episode was co-hosted by Sumith Dissanayake and Jack Ferguson.

In Conversation with Mark Tobin, CEO of Followmont

Today’s guest is John Livesey, an established professional who is passionate about healthcare.John is the Director of Finance at Wesley Mission Queensland, and this organisation like many were affected by Covid.We speak about the challenges and pivots he had to make when Covid arrived.  We speak about his philosophies in leadership and how he gets the best out of his team and those around him, and specifically how to delegate with trust. John has worked for the same organisation for many years, and he talks about how you can stay at the same place for a long time if this organisation has the right culture. We explore John’s early forays into accounting and how his career has come to be. This podcast was co-hosted by Jack Ferguson and Sumith Dissanayake.

In Conversation with John Livesey, Director of Finance at Wesley Mission Queensland

Today’s guest is David Delaporte, CFO of Drifta.Drifta was a company affected by Covid and we speak extensively about the challenges he had when the borders shut. Having a business that relies on freight and logistics, it wasn’t easy.We cover a range of topics in this episode including:Adjusting to remote work. Taking on considerable responsibility early on in one’s career and what that means for future success. Advice David received from a career counselor early in lifeHow a fateful discussion with a cleaner changed the way he thought about management. How taking more of an interest in the business you work in gives more context and more value to the numbers. We talk about imposter syndrome and how it can impact your career.And discuss how to help underperforming teams improve. Sumith Dissanayake and Jack Ferguson co-hosted this episode.

In Conversation with David Delaporte, CFO of Drifta

Today’s guest is Scott Richards from Beyond The Numbers. Scott has a story that takes us from starting a business and advertising in the Yellow Pages through to working in Kenya, this episode has it all.Scott talks about his first business and how difficult it was to promote himself when he wasn’t accustomed to doing that. We talk about the composition of teams and getting the right mix of high performers and lower performers in a team. We discuss mental models and how they can help someone throughout their career. And we also chat about a new concept: Energy Management. Scott has many ideas around how to manage your energy and get the best result for yourself. Very interesting listening. This episode was co-hosted by Sumith Dissanayake and Jack Ferguson

In Conversation with Scott Richards, Partner at Beyond The Numbers

Today’s guest is Andrew Evans, CFO of Redpath Australia. Andrew describes himself as  &apos;Not your typical Accountant.&apos; As you listen to his career and story you will be able to see why.Having navigated much of his career through feel and gut, Andrew explains how he has made important decisions and his philosophy around leading others.We also talk about:Why he was encouraged to be an Accountant at a young age.The 15-minute interview he still remembers.His unique leadership style including being able to give out trust and respect from Day 1. A unique mishap he had early on in his career.How he has managed redundancies.The importance of leaning on the people you trust.AndWorking in America, and what adjustments he made to make that work.Sumith Dissanayake and Jack Ferguson co-hosted this episode.

In Conversation With Andrew Evans, CFO of Redpath Australia

On this episode, our guest is James Versace, CFO of the Brisbane Racing Club. James was CFO of a business that was greatly impacted by Covid. The Brisbane Racing Club relies on in-person events, and James shares how he and his team have navigated the pandemic so far. We also discuss:His considerations when hiring someone. What it’s like to be around senior directors reacting calmly under pressure.His respect for technically brilliant people, but we also discuss the limitations such people can have.Examples of poor leadership he has seen throughout his career.What Accountants do to prevent growth. AndHis advice to a young Finance professionalAnd many other stories and anecdotes collected from James’ curious career.This episode was co-hosted by Sumith Dissanayake and Jack Ferguson

In Conversation With James Versace, CFO of Brisbane Racing Club

Today’s guest is Caitlin Scantlebury, Head of Risk Culture and Assurance at LGIA Super.Caitlin’s career path is anything but usual. We speak about how she has worked directly under executives from the start of her career and what that has taught her about leadership. We talk about how she always wanted to be a teacher before ultimately deciding to not go down that path. Caitlin explains:- How working in risk can tend to bleed into her everyday life. - How she responded to being made redundant relatively early in her career. And- How she was a perfectionist in her previous life and how that has evolved over time.Sumith Dissanayake and Jack Ferguson co-hosted this episode.

In Conversation With Caitlin Scantlebury, Head of Risk Culture and Assurance at LGIA Super

Today’s guest is Matthew Hudson, Associate Director and Shareholder of SV PartnersMatt has built quite a reputation on Linkedin amassing 15,000 followers and posting most days.He is someone who is passionate about insolvency and often speaks out for the industry. This episode will give you an idea of why he is the perfect person to do this.We speak about:What song plays when he receives awards.How he built his Linkedin following.How he has built his confidence as an introvert.The challenges of working in insolvency, specifically challenges around dealing with government and people winding up their companies. How passionate he is about Director’s understanding their duties. What books he has read that have changed his entire perspective on his career. AndHow he deals with office politics.Sumith Dissanayake and Jack Ferguson co-hosted this episode.

In Conversation With Matt Hudson, Associate Director of SV Partners

Today’s guest is Guy Griffiths, CFO of PVH Brands Australia.Today’s conversation is an interesting insight into someone who has spent much of their career in retail, and working up to becoming a CEO.We talk about how Guy:Flew in and Flew out for over 9 years.Used Chartered Accounting as a passport to work around the world. What his sabbaticals were like early on in his career.What the benefits were of working in London early on in his career. What you should focus on getting out of an MBA if you choose to do one. What extended travel can do to your job prospects when you do eventually come back to Australia.We also discuss what happens when Accountants become CEO’s and he details his own time as CEO of Wow Sight and Sound, including what he would do differently if he had his time again. Another great episode with a professional who is full of knowledge. The co-hosts of this episode are Sumith Dissanayake and Jack Ferguson.

In Conversation With Guy Griffiths, CFO of PVH Brands Australia

Today’s guest is Rhydian James, CFO of Discova. Working in the tourism industry Rhydian was one of those people affected by Covid and we cover what that looked like in detail.We also discuss:How Rhydian managed to work remotely and get up at 3am each morning. How hard it is when your revenue goes from something to nothing.His entrepreneurial endeavours during high school.Why Rhydian respects people who have worked in hospitality jobs when they were young.The role culture plays in someone’s ability to contribute to a team. And a new concept to the podcast ‘PQ.’ (Not IQ or EQ)A great episode to start Season 2. We hope you enjoy listening!

In Conversation With Rhydian James, CFO of Discova

In this episode, we are speaking to Jeremy Stewart, CEO and Managing Director at Trade Tools.Jeremy is a very committed individual and has spent most of his working life at Trade Tools. As you know that is quite rare to see these days. We cover:His stint in Film and Television and why he stopped pursuing that.How an unfortunate incident prevented him from entering the airforce.The way his leadership and management skills have developed over time. How he filled knowledge gaps midway through his career.What it was like to start a Saas Company from scratch.How he aims to take Trade Tools into the future. And Much MoreJack Ferguson co-hosted this episode.

In Conversation with Jeremy Stewart, Managing Director and CEO of Trade Tools

On this episode we are speaking to Duncan McHugh, Head of Finance at Nutrition Warehouse, and Co-Founder of One More Rep.Duncan’s story is one of loyalty. Having a Dad who worked as a CFO for the theme parks on the Gold Coast for 25 years, Duncan is someone who didn’t find it strange to stay in roles for 10 years. We also talk about:How he spent time in a remote town in Northern Queensland early in his career. What it has been like to start his own Accounting Firm. What it means to ‘manage up’And how he managed Covid as a leader at Nutrition Warehouse.Another great episode with a great guest. This episode was co-hosted by Jack Ferguson and Sumith Dissanayake. 

In Conversation with Duncan McHugh, Head Of Finance at Nutrition Warehouse, and Co-Founder of One More Rep

The Books To The Boardroom podcast will explore the journey of modern day leaders who have an Accounting or Finance Background. We will explore the stories that defined their careers and made them the leaders they are today. Guests will include CEO’s, CFO’s and Executives. The Books To The Boardroom podcast is co-hosted by BRISCA Managing Director Sumith Dissanyake, an Accountant turned Business Owner based in Brisbane, Australia, who is fascinated by leadership and career development.

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Books To The Boardroom

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