Difference Makers Podcast - Young Difference Makers S03 Ep02 Evan O'Donnell: From Math Enthusiast to Advocate for Accounting and Sustainability

Young Difference Makers S03 Ep02 Evan O'Donnell: From Math Enthusiast to Advocate for Accounting and Sustainability

02/20/25 • 10 min

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's professional growth took root at PwC Ireland, where beyond honing his accounting skills, he became a mentor for aspiring accountants and a pioneering force in sustainability initiatives. His commitment to using his voice for positive change shines through his active involvement in waste reduction efforts and his mentorship role with the Irish Consulting Student Group.
Evan's experiences at the One Young World Summit are a testament to his dedication to effecting change. Representing Ireland as the flag bearer, he connected with global delegates, drawing inspiration from diverse voices like that of Jamad Fiin, a trailblazer for young women in sports. As Evan reflects on his journey, he shares his aspirations of climbing the corporate ladder to make a substantial impact on business and society, fostering a culture of mentorship for young accountants. With insights from role models such as Caroline McGroary and the wisdom of Margaret Atwood, Evan's story is a compelling reminder of the power of courage, networking, and perseverance in reshaping industries and communities.

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Special Episode: Resilience in the Accountancy Profession: Insights and Strategies with Dee France, Brad Hook and Declan Scott

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 from nearly 700 chartered accountants, we explore how curiosity, altruism, and creativity serve as the backbone of resilience and professional triumph. Declan shares his decades-long journey, demonstrating the transformative power of creativity in problem-solving and the essential role of trust in cultivating lasting client relationships.
Join us in dissecting the common misconception where busyness is mistaken for productivity, a pitfall many professionals face. Drawing from personal experiences, we challenge the norm of constant multitasking and discuss practical strategies for achieving clarity and focus. Learn about initiatives like PwC's Focus Friday, which promote digital boundaries and intentional time management, helping to cultivate a more balanced and sustainable work culture.
Finally, we delve into the evolving values within the accountancy profession, highlighting a shift from financial incentives to a broader quest for belonging and growth among younger professionals. We emphasize the critical role leaders play in fostering resilience and well-being, providing tools and insights that prevent burnout and attract talent. This episode not only offers a blueprint for creating a vibrant workplace but also encourages exploration of additional resources to continue this vital conversation.

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Young Difference Makers S03 Ep 03 Empowering Communities: Senzo Ndlangamandla's Advocacy for a Better Future

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 for setting him on a path that balances professional excellence with community service. Senzo's commitment shines through his work with students from disadvantaged backgrounds in rural South Africa, empowering them to become future stars in the accounting profession. Recognised as SAICA's Top 35 Under 35, Senzo is not just an educator but a beacon of hope and change.
We dive into the profound impact of personal responsibility in community change. Senzo shares his belief that no matter our job or status, we all have the power to create positive ripples in the lives of others. He inspires young professionals to take actionable steps, emphasising that focusing on uplifting one individual can lead to monumental change over time. As the accounting landscape evolves, Senzo envisions a future where Chartered Accountants are versatile, collaborative, and technologically savvy. This conversation is filled with motivation and practical insights, offering a blueprint for those eager to contribute to a more equitable world.

Difference Makers Podcast - Young Difference Makers S03 Ep02 Evan O'Donnell: From Math Enthusiast to Advocate for Accounting and Sustainability

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.020

at the Moink Young World Summit we were given so much advice . One of the themes I was showing was that your voice matters .

Speaker 100:00:10.875

If it's maybe something in your company that you don't agree with or maybe a charity that you're very passionate about that you'd like to support , use your voice , build up the courage within and , yeah , don't