Difference Makers Podcast

Discover the remarkable journey of Lavanya Ramanujan, an accountant at Google, who defied expectations by turning an unexpected leap into the field of accounting into a fulfilling career intertwined with her passion for sustainability. Lavanya shares her insights on the profound impact of skills-based volunteering and advisory roles, particularly with the Ground Up Initiative in Singapore. Her sto...

What if you held the key to transforming your community, one person at a time? Join us as we hear from Senzo Ndlangamandla, the inspiring head of the Department of Accounting Sciences at Walter Sisulu University. Senzo's journey from a hopeful auditor to an award-winning chartered accountant is a testament to the power of mentorship and quality education. He credits his high school teacher fo...

Eryn Paterson, an inspiring Audit Assistant Manager at KPMG, unravels her path from a budding interest in business to becoming a chartered accountant in this episode. Listeners gain insight into how a supportive teacher and her studies at the University of Glasgow fueled her ambition, leading to a career at KPMG. Eryn's journey doesn't just stop at professional achievements; her dedicati...

Evan O'Donnell's journey from a math enthusiast to a passionate advocate for accounting and sustainability is nothing short of inspiring. Embark on this episode as we unravel Evan's path to becoming a chartered accountant, a voyage ignited by an enlightening experience with an accounting teacher in secondary school and nurtured through his education at University College Cork. Evan&...

Unlock the keys to resilience and well-being in the accountancy profession with this special episode of Difference Makers Discuss.  This episode is hosted by Dee France of Chartered Accountants Ireland's CA Support.  In this episode we reveal the results of a groundbreaking global report with our esteemed guests, Brad Hook and Declan Scott of The Resilience Institute. With insights gathered f...

Explore the fascinating journey of Tinashe Kamangira, a trailblazer in the accounting world, who takes us from his roots in Zimbabwe to a thriving career in Perth, Australia. As the outgoing President of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and a Director at Deloitte, Tinashe offers a unique perspective on leadership and the cultural transitions that shaped his path.  He shares...

Meet Michelle Shuttleworth, a trailblazer in finance and a passionate advocate for purpose-driven work. From her beginnings at PwC to her dynamic roles at Virgin Entertainment and Burberry, Michelle's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She shares candid stories of her transition from corporate to creative environments, including memorable encounters with influential figures like Richard B...

What if the adversities you faced could become the foundation for your success? This episode features Thembeka Maseko, head of finance and value management at Standard Bank personal and private banking, and a non-executive director at Standard Trust. Raised by her grandparents in Cape Town's informal settlements after being abandoned by her parents, Thambeka's journey is a compelling tes...

Have you ever wondered how the accounting profession can drive global sustainability? In this special edition of Difference Makers Discuss Live, join us for a fascinating conversation between Ainslie van Onselen, Chair of CAW & CEO of CA ANZ, and Jessica Fries, Executive Chair of A4S and a leading authority in sustainability and integrated reporting.  Jessica offers a compelling look at the tr...

Unlock the limitless possibilities of a career in Chartered Accountancy with insights from our Young Difference Maker, and Chartered Accountants Ireland member, Peter Gillen.  Peter takes us on his journey from a high school math enthusiast to prestigious roles at PwC in Dublin and Boston, and later to transformative work in sustainability consulting at Grant Thornton and AIB.  Learn how his ACA q...

Embark on a voyage of discovery with Kudzai Zendara, a beacon of wisdom from Chartered Accountant Scotland, who graciously shares the colorful tapestry of his life and career in our latest episode. From the rich cultural heritage of the UK and Zimbabwe to the bustling corporate corridors of PwC London and Standard Chartered Bank, Kudzai's narrative is a testament to the vibrancy of diversity...

Have you ever met someone whose career trajectory embodies both resilience and a dedication to positive societal impact? Meet Mishka Hajee, a South African Chartered Accountant whose story isn't just about climbing the professional ladder; it's a narrative woven with integrity, strategic innovation, and a deep commitment to uplifting her community.  From childhood dreams guided by commun...

Meet Asma Shahbaz, a Chartered Accountant from Pakistan who's breaking barriers and transforming the financial landscape. In a candid conversation, Asma shares her remarkable journey from a determined accounting student to a respected professional in process governance and business ops risk at Mashreq Bank. Discover the pivotal role that family support and a strong sense of self-belief have p...

Imagine the career you thought you wanted taking an unexpected turn, leading you to uncharted territories that not only redefine your future but also impact thousands of lives. That's the journey Mathabo took, trading potential scrubs for financial statements, and we get an insider's look at her ascent to a pivotal role in accountancy. From Soweto to the chairperson of investments at Man...

Embark on a journey with Naomi Walsh, the trailblazing Vice President of Chartered Accountants Australia  and New Zealand, as she unveils her extraordinary ascent in the accounting world. Her story, a testament to tenacity and ambition, begins in regional Tasmania and ascends to international heights, with a career-defining role in the UK working on the Olympics. Naomi's candid revelations ab...

From the comforting confines of Shelcross to the empowering platform of Boss Babes of South Africa, Kovini Moodley's journey is one rich with insights and heart. In a candid conversation, Kovini bares the soul of her transformative path, intertwining tales of mentorship's might and the vibrant prospects within the world of Chartered Accountancy. As we mark the joyous arrival of a newborn...

When Liam Guthrie stepped onto the university campus, he was stepping into uncharted territory for his family. His journey from a numbers enthusiast to a strategic thinker in the accountancy world is nothing short of inspiring.  On our latest episode, Liam, who shattered the mold of a traditional accountant, shares how his role transcends mere number crunching and evolves into the art of communica...

A graduate in Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Jeremy defied norms by entering the accountancy profession. His unique journey breaks down barriers and aims to inspire aspiring professionals to pursue unconventional paths. Listen and gain insights into Jeremy’s firsthand experiences in external assurance services; explore the intersections of sustainability, technology, and defenc...

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from Liswaniso Namatama, a remarkable individual who not only excels in his professional life but also has a deep passion for empowering others through education.  Liswaniso utilizes his strong ethical values and leadership skills to lead audit projects in his workplace. His dedication to his work is evident, and he is often seen as a wise and exper...

Ever wondered why accountants are at the forefront of sustainability measures? This enlightening conversation with Maria Teo, a respected member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, will give you all the knowledge you need. Maria shares her personal journey, starting from her foundational auditing background through to her exciting foray into sustainability. This episode isn't...

Ever thought of accountants as life-savers? You will be surprised by today's guest, Veronica Beilby, a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, who strongly believes that accountants too can make a significant difference in society.  Veronica invites us into her unusual journey of becoming a Chartered Accountant, and how she’s been able to impact people's lives positive...

Ever wonder what truly makes an accountant tick? In our latest episode, we sit down with the formidable Abigail Foster, an ACA Chartered Accountant who has used her credentials to explore a dynamic and fulfilling career in the accounting field.  Abigail's journey from a math-focused student to a successful entrepreneur with a mission to redefine accountancy stereotypes, serves as the perfect...

Ever wondered what it's like to step into a new role just before a global crisis strikes? Tune in as we chat with Caroline Sherry, the CFO of Hostelworld PLC, who did just that. Embarking on her role as CFO just before the pandemic hit, Caroline navigates us through her intriguing journey, revealing how she tackled the unique challenges this situation presented. Despite having a background in...

The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women in the Chartered Accountancy profession. The global qualitative and quantitative research study of over 3500 members across 8 countries identifies the barriers ambitious women are facing which prevent them reaching their true potential. In this webina...

The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women in the Chartered Accountancy profession. The global qualitative and quantitative research study of over 3500 members across 8 countries identifies the barriers ambitious women are facing which prevent them reaching their true potential. In this webina...