Beyond Insights

In an industry being reshaped by automation and AI, the real competitive edge isn’t just technical expertise — it’s communication. How well can you explain the ‘why’ behind the numbers? How closely are you aligned with your client’s goals? And how do you stay relevant in a world that’s changing fast?  In this episode, we speak with Stuart Grosvenor, Partner and Director at HB&O, about why good...

In today’s fast-paced business environment, data is everywhere – but turning that data into actionable insights is where the real value lies. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), being able to see their business clearly through well-designed visualizations and reports isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a powerful driver of growth. It’s not about pretty charts; it’s about making smarter, fa...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of analyzing KPIs for your business. KPIs are Key Performance Indicators - quantifiable measures of performance over time for a specific objective. They help provide targets for teams to aim for, milestones to measure progress, and insights to assist members of the organization in making better decisions. So, what KPIs should you be considering for your b...

What's the deal with cloud technology? How does it actually work, what do people get wrong about cloud strategy and optimization, and why should we be treating cloud as a business model, rather than a technology project? In this episode, we break down the costs, consider optimization in practice, chat about the role of culture and accountability, and look towards the future. We are joined by Karin...

What really drives revenue? How can you improve your sales, no matter what industry you're in? That's what we cover in this episode with our guest, Doug C. Brown, the CEO of CEO Sales Strategies. In this episode, we discuss: The common sales problem that most companies experience - unpredictable revenue - and how to solve this. How to overcome the idea of sales as an undesirable profession...

In this episode, we discuss a topic that's on every business leader's mind: creating high-performing revenue teams. We don't just talking about hitting targets, but about building sustainable, thriving teams that deliver consistent results without burning out. Some of the topics we cover include:Building a successful teamTreating your revenue team like a sports teamThe importance of at...

We've all felt the pervasive hype around AI. Now that the initial excitement has settled, it's time to tackle more critical questions, such as AI's exponential growth means for us as individuals, communities, and society? In this episode, we’ll investigate some of these questions alongside an expert in AI and machine learning - Prof. Benjamin Rosman from the School of Computer Science and Applied...

In this episode, we explore a critical shift in the business world. While data is abundant, the real power lies in transforming raw numbers into compelling narratives and clear strategic direction. We're witnessing the rise of a new kind of leader: the 'Data Whisperer.' These are the individuals who can take complex financial figures and make them speak, guiding businesses toward smarter decisions...

Today we are joined by Michele Hili, the Finance Solutions Team Lead at Scope Solutions, to discuss how accountants and business owners can find powerful technological solutions to their business challenges. We consider the role of app stacks and how apps work together, the potential of AI and how it's changing the space, and why it's important to remain open to change and innovation as an account...

Our guest today is Mkuzo Kuwani, the co-founder of ComGrow, a Zambian fintech startup that’s digitizing Africa’s most trusted community finance systems, namely savings groups, village banks, tontines, and chamas. ComGrow’s argument is that these groups have always worked; they’re just making them better.  We discuss: What community finance is all about How community finance could be digitized and...

Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman are the powerhouse duo behind The 6 Figure Bookkeeper. As international speakers, best-selling authors, and hosts of an industry-leading podcast, they’re on a mission to transform the way bookkeepers grow their businesses. They also co-founded Hey Monika, an AI-powered software that gives aspiring bookkeepers practical, confidence-boosting experience with real tools and rea...

In this episode, we speak to Jana Lamprecht, a CA(SA) and Programme Director of Chartered Accountancy at the University of the Free State, in South Africa. Jana has been lecturing at the University of the Free State since 2002, initially focused on auditing and assurance. Prior to that, she completed her articles at PwC. In November 2024, she was promoted to her current position as Programme Direc...

Today, we’re diving into one of the biggest opportunities for accounting firms looking to scale: ditching bulky, expensive ERP systems and building a lean, integrated tech stack in the cloud. Our guest, David Tuck, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Mayday. He is joining us today to unpack how accounting firms can save money, boost efficiency, and stay agile by choosing the right combination of apps - a...

In this special episode of the podcast, we speak to two professionals who work together, hand in glove, to executive changes through businesses. We consider the growing partnership between HR and Change Management, what this means for organizations and what business leaders can apply to changes in their own organizations. Our guests are Eve McKenzie, GM Change Management at Xero, and Tina Karia, P...

This week, we're peaking behind the curtain to find out about the unorthodox career path of one of our regular host on the podcast - Jodilee Manuel. Jodilee Manuel is a Chartered Accountant who is the Head of Product at Syft Analytics. She is committed to finding ways to innovate and improve Syft features to serve customers in their business endeavors. She is passionate about business, accounting,...

In this episode, we speak to Juan Visser, the Managing Director of Meshed Group. Meshed Group is an award-winning consultancy specializing in software implementation and cloud solutions. It excels at offering tailored software tools that enhance business efficiency and achieve client objectives. We discuss the following: The benefits of cloud integration for accountants Hyper-automation - the comb...

In this episode, we dive deep into the art and science of building strong teams, a topic that’s crucial for any organization. We exploring key concepts and practical strategies from the perspective of someone who is intimately familiar with finding talent and building teams in the dynamic world of tech.  Today’s guest is Philip Joubert, Co-founder of OfferZen, South Africa’s largest tech talent ma...

In this episode, Wenzile Ngcobo speaks with Marissa Oerlemans, a Senior Designer at Syft Analytics.  Marissa has designed some of Syft's most beloved features, such as the new and improved Cash Manager tool! She also has an interesting background, initially studying and working as an accountant and then transitioning into Information Design. This is the episode for you if you've ever wonde...

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a set of standards used to measure an organization's environmental and social impact. Many companies are now required to report on their ESG, which can lead it to be considered as a kind of tick-box exercise. In our discussion with Pieter Scholtz, COO of Digby Wells Environmental, we unpacked why companies and individuals should think differently a...

Entrepreneurs constantly navigate a landscape of highs, lows, and evolving regulations. In this episode, Jodilee speaks with Xero’s Managing Director of the UK & Emerging Markets, Alex von Schirmeister, about the realities of running a business today and strategies for guiding those who are slower to embrace digital transformation. Tune in for insights into the challenges facing small business...

While many organizations prioritize profit above all else, it’s worth noting that it’s the people in your business who help build those profits and, if they don’t feel a sense of safety and belonging in the workplace, not only will this negatively impact their wellbeing, but it will impact the success of your company. In this episode, we speak to Miriam Owusu, Young Businesswoman of the Year 2024,...

Today, we are speaking to Tony King, the Senior Vice President of Pricing, Packaging, and Commercialization Strategy at Xero. Prior to joining Xero, Tony led the pricing and packaging strategies at several other organizations including OneTrust, Nextiva, and ServiceNow. Some of the topics we cover include: Pricing strategy - considering how you charge & what you charge Quantitative research Pr...

In this episode, Laurika Steenekamp, Syft's Head of Product Support, is joined by Muhammed Ismail Bulbulia, a Chartered Accountant and the Founder/Editor of myCAhub. They discuss what led him to launch myCAhub, some of the pain points in the CPD-compliance process, how he moved from concept to product, the transition from an initial MVP to a more robust platform, and more. If you're an asp...

What do you know about the FTX Scandal? Perhaps you've heard bits and pieces about the recent court case, the eccentric founder, Sam Bankman Fried. Did you know that around the same time everything came crashing down, FTX was hacked? In this episode, we speak to Byron Cowie, Head of Finance at the blockchain analytics and crypto compliance solution Elliptic, about what went wrong with FTX and...

In this episode, Syft's Head of Product Support, Laurika Steenekamp, discusses the role of philanthropy in accounting with our guest, Caleb Jenkins, a business and accounting leader at RLJ Financial Services, in Modesto, California. The episode covers why and how accountants can become more involved in philanthropy, the intersection of accounting and philanthropy, and several misconceptions about...