The Balanced Mind

What if the answer to feeling overwhelmed isn't to work harder, move faster or simply get more done? In this episode of the Balanced Mind Podcast, Kim Searle and Richard Brewin explore the surprisingly powerful skill of pausing — especially when you're under pressure. Using the analogy of getting stuck in quicksand, Richard explains why struggling harder can actually make a difficult situation wor...

What can accountants learn from teachers? Quite a lot, as it turns out. In this episode, we step outside the accountancy profession and hear directly from Emma, a primary school teacher, about the increasing demands being placed on teachers – from academic teaching and social skills to supporting children affected by COVID, dealing with stretched resources and trying to keep everyone safe. And the...

. Why do we only rally together when there is trouble? In this episode, we dive into the powerful parallels between elite sports and business performance. Triggered by England’s recent World Cup rollercoaster—where a last-minute rescue by Harry Kane saved the day—we explore how teams get into danger zones and how they pull themselves out. We break down the deep human psychology behind the "World C...

Expectations: The Hidden Cause of Stress in Accountancy What if one of the biggest causes of stress in your practice isn't your workload... but your expectations? In this episode of The Balanced Mind Podcast , Kim Searle and Richard Brewin explore why expectations have such a powerful impact on our wellbeing, our relationships and the success of our businesses. Together they unpack where expectati...

Can accountants save more than your finances? In this episode of The Balanced Mind , Richard argues they just might. Starting with a simple question about water shortages, the conversation flows into a fascinating exploration of strategy, leadership and the hidden value accountants bring to organisations. Richard explains why businesses often become trapped in short-term firefighting, how identify...

Why do so many people resist change—even when it's good for them? In this episode, we explore why change can feel so difficult and why resistance is a completely normal human response. Using Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' Change Curve as a starting point, we discuss the emotional journey people often experience when faced with change—from denial and frustration through to acceptance and growth. We also lo...

A harsh comment. A difficult client. A moment of criticism you know shouldn't matter anymore… so why does it still bother you? In this episode of The Balanced Mind, we explore why some experiences linger long after they've ended, how emotional wounds differ from logical understanding, and why "letting go" isn't always as simple as deciding to move on. We discuss the different ways people process d...

In the latest episode of The Balanced Mind , hosts dive deep into the ultimate differentiator in modern accountancy: Mindset & Who Cares? Perhaps the real value of an accounting professional has begun to shift back to the human element. If the leader’s mindset isn't right, even the best systems and processes will fail. To challenge your current way of thinking, try putting two simple words on...

This episode of the Balanced Mindset Podcast features a deep dive into the psychology of change, specifically tailored for the accounting and bookkeeping industry. Hosts Kim and Richard Brewin challenge the idea that a "fixed mindset" is permanent, exploring how firm owners can transition from reactive compliance to proactive leadership. The core message is clear: Successful firm-wide change doesn...

Headline: Why most plans fail the moment they meet the "enemy." We’ve all been there: you write a perfect plan, and then life happens. Tumbleweed. 🌾 In the latest episode of The Balanced Mind , Richard Brewin and I dive into why the accounting profession is obsessed with the "doing" but often skips the "thinking." We discuss: The Military Rule: No plan survives first contact, but the process of p...

This episode of The Balanced Mind is a must-listen for anyone in the accountancy and bookkeeping world (or any fast-paced profession) who feels like they are "standing in a rising bucket of water." Kim Searle and Richard Brewin dive deep into the psychology of overwhelm —that creeping sensation that hits you before you even realise you're underwater. They explore why we often walk headlong into st...

Welcome back to Series 2 of The Balanced Mind - where we dig deeper, deal with the unwritten codes of being a human. In this episode we are going to be talking why Kim's No.1 Principle of 'everything starts with you', is an important one to understand. What if before blaming circumstances, people, tools or environment, you try the mirror test. Real change begins when we take ownership of our choic...

Welcome back to The Balanced Mind , the show where we explore the intersection of professional precision and inner well-being. I’m your host, and today I’m joined once again by Richard for a conversation that might seem a little unusual for a room full of accountants and bookkeepers. We’re moving beyond the spreadsheets and the deadlines to talk about a trait often dismissed in business as a 'soft...

In this episode, Kim Searle and Richard Brewin discuss and reflect on the challenges of the past year (2025) and the increasing pace of change, plus predicting this rapid rate of change will continue into 2026. How trends of people using AI tools like Copilot as consultants or therapists for life advice, rather than seeking out professionals. They suggest this shift might be generational and refle...

In this episode of The Balanced Mind Podcast , hosts Kim Searle and Richard Brewin dive into the fascinating link between gut health, emotional intelligence, and professional performance . They explore how what we eat — and when we eat — affects our thinking, focus, and overall wellbeing, especially in high-pressure professions like accounting. From chronic fatigue to workplace energy slumps, Kim...

.In this episode of The Balanced Mind , Richard Brewin and I (Kim Searle) explore the art — and the stress — of planning your time effectively, especially for accountants and bookkeepers tackling October and April deadlines. Hosts discuss why planning isn’t just about schedules or time, but about understanding priorities and adapting to the unexpected. From project management insights to real-worl...

In this episode of The Balanced Mind , Kim and Richard explore the complex world of social media, clickbait, and responsibility. They discuss how platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook can be both empowering and damaging—depending on intent, responsibility, and how we consume content. From the psychology behind clickbait and the impact of algorithms, to the personal and professional consequences of...

This episode explores the common experience of waking up in the early hours of the morning with a mind racing with worries, anxieties, and negative thoughts—often referred to as the "3 a.m. conversation." The hosts discuss how this can be a natural process of the mind trying to deal with unresolved issues or "unfinished business" from the day. The episode covers: Understanding the "3 a.m. Conversa...

Are you an accountant feeling the pressure of a rapidly changing industry? Is the age-old "trusted advisor" role feeling more like a historical relic than a current reality? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Richard, creator of the "Accountant on a Mission" newsletter. He argues that in our digital world, the key to rebuilding and reclaiming the trusted advisor role isn't about shying aw...

The Balanced Mind: Unconventional Accounting – Being More You Welcome to "The Balanced Mind," where we bridge the gap between minds and spreadsheets. In this insightful episode, co-hosts Kim Searle and Richard Brewin explore the unconventional path in accounting . Richard shares his journey from traditional accountancy to building a practice centered on human connection and mutual respect , moving...

Join Richard and Kim as they explore: Knowing you have a decision to make Being aware of the decisions you haven’t taken is key to peace of mind The Procrastination Trap & The "Play It Safe" Brain: Uncover how avoiding decisions and primitive fears keep you stuck, leading to predictable but unfulfilling paths. Decisions as Next Steps: Learn why even choosing to do nothing is a decision, and ho...

In this episode of The Balanced Mind , Kim Searle and co-host Richard Brewin from Progress dive deep into one of the most pressing challenges facing accountants today: getting clients to value their time, expertise, and boundaries. From managing unresponsive clients to addressing those who ignore professional advice, Kim and Richard explore: 🚩 The red flags to spot when onboarding new clients 💬...

In this episode, we unpack how to stay grounded when the world feels chaotic. With Political shenanigans happening, war and economy challenges when so much seems wrong it can see that there is little we can do. 💭 From pricing your services with confidence, to not letting social media or global events hijack your mood — it’s a reminder that your decisions are yours , and that’s powerful. 💡 We div...

Accountant-Tech Dilemma – Bridging the Gap In this episode, we dive into the evolving relationship between accountants and tech providers. Are software companies truly supporting accountants, or are they bypassing them to sell directly to SMEs? We explore the challenges accountants face in adopting technology, from underutilised software to implementation struggles, and discuss how better communic...

🚀 New Podcast Episode! 🚀 Are You an Accountant Running a Firm or a Business Owner Running a Practice? This subtle mindset difference could be costing you time, money, and sanity! In this episode, we dive into: ✅ Why many accountants undervalue their services ✅ The mindset shift from practice management to business operations ✅ How Kimozo helps firms identify profitable vs. unprofitable client...