Beyond Insights

In this episode, we speak to Amba Lanning, a Senior AI Business Consultant at Mindible Ltd, about how entrepreneurs can actually use AI. Here are a few of the topics we cover: Using AI as a strategic advantage The changing role of the CEO and entrepreneur The future of AI in business You can find out more about Mindible at: https://mindible.co.uk/

We spend a lot of time on this podcast talking about the importance of moving into new service offerings, trying new technologies, AI, and other innovations, but today we wanted to take a step back and consider the basics. After all, if you don’t get the basics right, should you really be thinking about more advanced or complex strategies? As we reach the end of the tax year in South Africa, we wa...

Today we are joined by the Founder and CEO of RTA, Fanie Meades. Fanie has helped countless business owners navigate their numbers through difficult times. We discuss the following: A bit about Fanie's journey and how he maintains a positive attitude Understanding client needs Maintaining client relationships Key observations or advice Fanie can provide to clients The role of technology in assisti...

Today, we are speaking to Chris Giannopoulos, a Product Engineer at Syft Analytics, about his experience of moving from data science to working in the product team at an accounting software company. Some of the topics we cover include: The advantages of studying data science The experience of moving into product engineering The power of collaborating in product engineering - from working with Cust...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of embracing change as a small business. We are joined by Celeste Summerton, CEO of the Business Boutique. Some of the topics we cover include: How small businesses can prepare for change What role tech can play in helping small businesses stay competitive Some of the challenges of managing change and managing risks How to manage cash flow effectively dur...

In this episode, we speak to Graham Shapiro, Founder of Myccountant, about New Year's resolutions for small businesses ranging from finding the right tech to solve common problems to implementing attainable goals. Some of the topics discussed include: - The importance of understanding how you generate income - The difference between income and cash flow - Planning your cash flow - The hard work in...

In this episode, we speak to Jim Leeves, Co-Founder and Head of Numbers at Shapes, about design thinking and how this can be used by accountants and businesses more broadly. Some of the topics we cover include: - The role of design thinking and how to apply it - Collaborating across the disciplines of accounting and marketing - The intersection between marketing and accounting - The importance of...

Happy new year to all our listeners! Today, we are looking at the hidden power of administration in accounting practices. Our guest speaker is Susan van der Valk, a Partner at MGI Bass Gordon and Xero's MVP of the Year 2024. We'll cover topics including: Core admin and management skills Balancing admin responsibilities with high-level strategic goals The role of team and culture Why admin tasks ar...

In this episode, we are joined by Bongi Mokoena, a Senior Manager at Sage who has over 10 years of experience in software and SaaS sales. We discuss Bongi's personal and career journey as a woman in tech, what the landscape looks like for women in the field, especially in South Africa, and how tech and innovation impact opportunities for the future. We also consider the role of mentorship in leadi...

Variety is the spice of life - it's a well-known phrase but not necessarily something you may immediately associate with accountants. Yet, here we are - speaking to an accountant about the importance of variety. In this episode, we spoke to Johann Goree, Managing Director at Onpoint Accounting Group, Chief Growth Officer, Head of Community & Co-founder at Engager.app. about his experience wear...

In this episode, we are joined by Willem Haarhoff, the founder of DoughGetters Accounting. Willem's team is spread across South Africa, embracing remote and flexible work. With many companies returning to in-office models, we wanted to speak to Willem about his views on remote work post-pandemic and where he sees the future of work, especially for accountants. You can find out more about DoughGett...

What does it mean to systemize your business and why should business owners do so? How do you decide which accounting or payroll software to implement? How do you know when to upgrade, when should you outsource a task? These are some of the questions we address in this week's episode of Beyond Insights, featuring Travis Sinclair, a Systems Consultant based in Durban, South Africa. Travis specializ...

In this episode, we talk about strategies to overcome adversity. We speak with Jameel Khan, one of SAICA's Top 35 Under 35 winners from 2023. Jameel is a CA (SA), mentor, business coach, and recovering addict committed to inspiring entrepreneurs with his story of hope and purpose. We cover: Strategies to overcome adversity and addiction How to build resilience Finding purpose in serving others Lea...

In this episode, we are joined by Lisandra Gonzalez, the CFO of The Transition House, a US-based residential, non-profit organization dedicated to providing hope and healing. We discuss the importance of The Transition House's work and the role that financial literacy can play in the lives of those recently released from prison, as well as more that Lisandra has learned as CFO at the organization....

In this episode, we interview Vanessa Ugatti, an expert on charging what you’re worth, with her own unique story. She is here to share her True Worth methodology to enable you to create a solid foundation to take charge and get paid what you’re worth confidently. Some of the topics we cover include: The pitfalls of people-pleasing The importance of asking for help How to implement positive self-ta...

We stand on the precipice of the next evolution of the human experience. Disruptive technology threatens to affect our very existence, from personal and family to work and our very definition of humanity. With an ever-increasing onslaught of technology-driven tools such as Generative AI, robo assistance, and always-on awareables, how can you not only survive but thrive in an algorithmic world? Thi...

Are you a football fan? Ever wondered what accounting for football clubs looks like? If so, this is the episode for you! In this episode, we speak to Liz Noble, Co-director at Providence Financial, about helping football clubs with their accounting. We consider key metrics to focus on, how to manage multiple cost centers, and tools to help clubs keep tabs on their financial data in real-time.

In this episode, we speak to Pravashni Naidoo, CA (SA), about her research into digitalization and its impact on the accounting profession. Pravashni recently completed an Executive Development and Leadership program at Wits Business School and an MBA. Her dissertation, ‘An investigation into digitalization and its impact on accounting practices at Sage, ’ dives into an important topic for the acc...

Syft's Head of Customer Success, Jamie Bezuidenhout, speaks to Lauren du Plooy, COO of Rae & Associates about small business finance. They cover: The most common financial challenges that small business owners face, and how to navigate these. How small business owners' financial needs differ from those of larger organizations. Some of small business owners' biggest misconceptions about their f...

This week, we chat with Jarred Bailey, Founder of RightHand CFO, about how AI can help accountants in practice. The discussion focuses on specific AI tools and considers some challenges and ethical implications AI exposes. We also discuss the importance of spending time researching the software you use and learning how to make the most of it, as well as what accountants should consider as AI becom...

In this episode, Jodilee Manuel and Alexandra Hoffman consider 3 business books that have been pivotal in their thinking while working at Syft Analytics. They chat about: The positive in monopoly The importance of founders & your initial team in a startup Finding & showing your purpose Inspiring customers to buy Inspiring your team to stay How we make decisions How to create a customer-cen...

Have you dabbled with the idea of starting your own business but aren't sure where to start? If so, this is the episode for you! In this episode, we chat about entrepreneurship with Neil Criddle, founder of Neil's Data Consultancy. From the traits that help to practical strategies for starting your own business or accounting practice—and pitfalls to avoid—we consider it all. And we'll...

In this episode, we speak to Kabir Thakor, National Partner Growth Manager at Nagging Panda, about how bridging the skills gap can help alleviate poverty. We cover: The importance of education How we can adapt to technological change The role of small businesses in economic growth And more! The film mentioned at the end is The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, a 2019 film available on Netflix.

Up to 57% of accounting professionals undercharge for their services. Raising your rates increases your profit margin without working additional hours. You worry that if you raise your prices, you’ll lose business. But what if you could seamlessly transition clients to your new rates – and only work with clients who value you? During this action-packed session, you’ll learn: The #1 pricing insight...

Today, we are joined by Ben Brophy, Senior Client Manager at Ad Valorem. Ad Valorem is an award-winning accountancy firm based in Milton Keynes and Cambridgeshire, UK. They help clients in all aspects of business to achieve their goals by providing innovative solutions and financial advice, working collaboratively with a personalized touch. In this episode, we'll look at: - The importance of c...