Difference Makers Podcast

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 Branson. Her experiences highlight the importance of adaptability and passion in carving out a unique path in the finance world.
Journeying through her career, Michelle shares insights from her time at the BBC, where she refined her skills in finance transformation and governance. Her role emphasized maximizing value and achieving success within public, philanthropic contexts, solidifying her belief in mission-led organizations. Michelle's reflections reveal how aligning personal values with professional pursuits can enhance both engagement and satisfaction, especially for those driven by purpose beyond mere profit.
Beyond her impressive corporate achievements, Michelle balances her role as a mother of four with her entrepreneurial venture, Boa Wool. Fueled by her love for fashion and commitment to sustainability, she founded this clothing line championing British craftsmanship and environmental responsibility. Her story underscores the significance of work-life balance and pursuing personal passions, offering listeners a wealth of inspiration to integrate purpose into their careers and personal lives.

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 communicating financial intricacies to business leaders.
This conversation is for anyone who believes that their background might define their future—it doesn't. Liam's work with the ICAS Foundation and his empowering keynote speech at the ICAS admission ceremony illuminate the importance of diversity in thought and experience in the field of accountancy.
Have you ever found yourself saying "no" to opportunities out of habit? It's time to switch that mindset and embrace the power of "yes." This episode is a rallying call to push beyond your comfort zone and seize the chances that can shape not only your career but also the face of an entire profession.
We discuss how taking on roles that aid social mobility, like those fostered by ICAS, can lead to a more inclusive industry and bring about societal change. If you're looking for a nudge to step up and make a difference while pursuing growth in your professional life, Liam's narrative and our discussion on positive action will give you that push. Join us and be part of the conversation that challenges the norm and champions progress.

More than 1,700 people from over 60 countries registered to attend the first episode of a new series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide, ‘Difference Makers Discuss...’

The first episode was ‘Difference Makers Discuss... The Value of Diversity’ and included a dynamic group of speakers with expertise in chartered accountancy, strategic leadership, entrepreneurship, and academic research.

In this podcast, Vincent Egunlae speaks about his project "The Open Private School" which aims to tackle disadvantage among young people.
The Open Private School. We believe that disadvantage begins through a lack of finance but survives through a lack of exposure. Exposure to role models, exposure to networks, exposure to opportunity. Those who grow up to become people of influence are significantly more likely to be privately educated than those who were not, and this lack of exposure lies at the heart. Our name is derived from our conviction that the opportunity to become a person of influence should be open to everyone.

The OPS seeks to redress the imbalance, by giving disadvantaged students from state schools exposure to highly experienced professionals across finance, law and business. We curate one-to-one mentorship programs, connecting ambitious young adults who face congenital barriers, with experienced professionals at the top of their game.

Working to Drive Change.

Fiona Smiddy – Unsure of which path to take at school, Fiona explains what it was like growing up in Cork and how she came to choose commerce and French on her CAO form. During the ‘Milk Round’ at college, Fiona applied to work for KPMG and was successful in getting on to its graduate programme, specialising in Risk Consulting. In this episode of Young difference Makers Discuss, Fiona discusses what drove her to seek a move outside of the practice, which brought her experience with a renewable energy company and redundancy. This step-change led her to travel the world which, in turn, brought her to working in sustainability. Fiona is currently the CEO of her own company, Green Outlook and is working towards making Ireland ‘greener’.

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 in our community, Kovini's narrative reminds us of the profound impact that support systems have on both personal growth and career trajectories.
Subverting the 'PHD Syndrome'—Pull Her Down Syndrome - Kovini champions a league of women united in collaboration, not competition. The conversation sheds light on the barriers erected by societal conditioning that pit professionals against one another, and Kovini's firsthand experiences with turning authenticity into a superpower in the social media landscape. Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, her wisdom on crafting content with heart speaks volumes to those seeking to make their mark in a world that's constantly scrolling.
The finale of this episode is a testament to the enduring influence of mentors, like Kovini, who are shaping the futures of young chartered accountants. We traverse the terrain of belonging, the fight for equity, and the shared responsibility to combat biases that persist in workplaces. And as we bid farewell, a moment of humor punctuates our chat, humanizing the very essence of podcasting.
Keep your ears peeled for the upcoming voices that promise to continue stirring the pot of change and inspiration right here on our platform.