Human Too Podcast

Episodes

• 
  Episode 41 with Avivah Wittenberg-Cox (Thought Leader, Author, Consultant) 01.09.2026 50m

  Hannah speaks with Avivah Wittenberg-Cox about the future of work through the lens of longevity, gender balance, and culture. Avivah shares why organisations need to rethink talent beyond the old career model, how 'Q3' —the years from 50 to 75—can be a powerful and fulfilling life stage, and why businesses that adapt to demographic change will be better positioned for the future. It’s a thoughtful conversation about what longer lives mean for individuals, leaders, and the workplace.For more information or to sign up to Avivah's MidLife Rethink Programme, click here.
• 
  Episode 40 with Edel Walsh (Founder/Exam Success Coach) 13.07.2026 35m

  Most accounting students and professionals overlook the emotional and mindset hurdles standing between them and exam success — until now! Edel Walsh shares her journey from a Big4 tax career at KPMG to pioneering a niche coaching and accountancy firm support-service supporting trainees with mindset, well-being, and exam preparation strategies. She's the Irish Accountancy Hub (well I'm the Irish Edel Walsh really!).
• 
  Episode 39 with Gareth John (Director of Policy at First Intuition) 07.06.2026 52m

  Gareth John is the Director of Policy at First Intuition, with over 20 years’ experience transforming accountancy education and training. Gareth dives into the importance of resilience, the lessons from overcoming mental health challenges, and why asking for help is a true sign of strength.You'll discover three awesome tips for those in their early careers and Gareth's stories of perseverance and vulnerability will inspire anyone feeling overwhelmed by their professional or personal setbacks. Enjoy!
• 
  Episode 38 with Krutika Adatia (Digital Delivery Lead ACCA) 12.04.2026 55m

  In this episode, Krutika Adatia shares her journey from growing up in India to becoming an accountant and educator in the UK and then Digital Delivery Lead at the ACCA. She discusses the importance of empathy in her professional life, her love for podcasting with 'Journeys with Krutika', and challenging taboos in the South Asian community. Check out her podcast here!Krutika also reflects on the impact of AI on the accounting profession and emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace. The conversation highlights the non-linear career paths that accountants can take and the significance of enjoying the journey of personal and professional growth!
• 
  Episode 37 with Rajesh Shah (Fractional Finance Director) 15.02.2026 45m

  In this episode of the Human Too Podcast, I interview Rajesh Shah, a seasoned finance professional with over 31 years of experience at Costco. We discuss Rajesh's journey from his early career in accountancy to his leadership roles, emphasising the importance of empathy in management, the impact of AI on the accounting profession, and the value of mentorship. Rajesh shares insights from his extensive career, including the challenges of making tough decisions in corporate settings and the rewarding aspects of developing talent within his teams. As he reflects on his retirement, he highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life, and the continuous journey of learning and growth!
• 
  Episode 36 with Manj Kalar (Public Sector Consultant) 13.01.2026 52m

  Manj is a consultant in the public sector, having had a varied career spanning 30+ years which has included senior roles at ACCA and CIPFA as well as the civil service. She’s also a CIPFA Apprentice Coach and, as you will hear in this podcast, Manj is a brilliant supporter of trainees as a coach and mentor, drawing on her own experience of sitting exams and navigating the working world. She’s particularly passionate about supporting trainees with diverse characteristics and in this podcast we touch on how her upbringing influenced her work persona. Just to add - Manj hosted an insightful webinar for accountancy hub last year which was all about career growth for finance professionals - you can catch up on this on the AH platform.Manj is one of those really special people who I’ve been delighted to meet through this Accountancy Hub venture - she’s inspirational, kind and she cares - whether that’a about people or the public sector or apprenticeships. I’m sure you will see what a gem she is in this episode - enjoy!
• 
  Episode 35 with Andrew Fitzsimmons (Commercial Director at Kaplan) 24.10.2025 40m

  In this episode of the Human Too Podcast, host Hannah Macdonald chats with Andy Fitzsimmons about his unique journey from a chemistry degree to becoming the Commercial Director at Kaplan. Andy shares insights into his career path, the challenges of balancing work and study, and the importance of being authentic and empathetic in both personal and professional life. Tune in to hear about his experiences, the evolving landscape of the finance industry, and the role of community and creativity in his life.
• 
  Episode 34 with Libby Walklett (The Ethical Bookkeeper) 14.09.2025 58m

  In this episode of the Human Too Podcast, I chat with Libby Walklett, known as The Ethical Bookkeeper. We discuss Libby's journey from her early career in various jobs to becoming a qualified accountant and business owner. We discuss many topics including the importance of community, ethics in bookkeeping, and the challenges faced in the accounting profession. Libby reflects on her achievements, the significance of hobbies outside of work, and emphasises the need for resilience and support for young people in the industry.
• 
  Episode 33 with Nikki Richmond (Tax Exam & Career Coach) 29.08.2025 29m

  In this episode I talk to Nikki Richmond, who is a Tax Exam Coach (on the AH platform), Career coach & Accounting, Maths & VAT Tutor! She’s also a Voiceover artist and she’s hosted a radio show. After many years’ experience working in tax advisory at PwC (and a year teaching ACA) Nikki has turned her skills and experience towards coaching and training tax professionals so that they can thrive in their careers.Nikki has over a decade’s experience working in VAT and also works as a freelance VAT specialist. We had a wide ranging chat on this episode. I particularly enjoyed learning about some of the unspoken rules to progress and thrive in the Big4 environment. We also talked about returning to work after a career break, which is something she supports professionals with now. And of course, we talked about a challenging time in Nikki’s life and what she learnt from that experience. Nikki’s passion for tax really comes across and she’s the perfect person to speak to if you are struggling with a tax exam resit, whether through ATT/CTA or as part of ACCA and ACA exams!
• 
  Episode 32 with Zoe Tanner (Founder & CEO of Sytrus) 04.07.2025 42m

  Zoe Tanner is Founder and CEO at Sytrus, and a dabbling Angel Investor. Zoe, decided not to go to university and instead studied AAT then went on to complete her ACCA studies. In this episode we discuss exam fails, apprenticeships, becoming an entrepreneur, angel investing, the gender VC investment gap and more!
• 
  Episode 31 with Matt Adamson (Burnout Coach) 07.06.2025 54m

  Matt Adamson is a Burnout and Career Coach, and features on the Accountancy Hub platform. He specialises in helping professionals achieve success sustainably in all areas of life, with his 20 years of corporate experience, most recently as an Executive Director at UBSIn this episode, Matt shares his personal experience with burnout, noting symptoms can be subtle and often go unrecognised. He reflects on the recovery process, the importance of therapy, and the lessons he learned about self-care and sustainability in one's career. We discuss systemic issues in the workplace but the importance of personal choices as well. Matt is a big believer that as an individual we have agency in preventing burnout and developing sustainable success. Sometimes  burnout can be about a disconnect to purpose, self-limiting beliefs, and even a distancing from family and friends.  This is a brilliant episode for anyone in a senior high pressure role but also accountancy and tax trainees who are in their early careers juggling work/study and a personal life.
• 
  Episode 30 with Ben Wilson (ACCA Expert Tutor) 23.05.2025 1h 1m

  In this episode, Ben Wilson shares his career journey to becoming an an ACCA Expert Tutor with his own tuition business focusing on helping students pass the Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) exam. We chat about the challenges of balancing work and study, the key to success in ACCA exams, and the significance of networking and seizing opportunities in one's career. We also explore Ben's recent ADHD diagnosis and the importance of understanding one's strengths and weaknesses in the workplace. Thank you Ben!
• 
  Episode 29 with Natasha Weller (Career Coach) 30.04.2025 51m

  In this episode, we chat to Career Coach Natasha Weller, who shares her journey from a corporate career to coaching. Natasha discusses the importance of workplace culture, how to navigate job hunting, and common themes she encounters with her coaching clients, including career confusion and setbacks. She emphasises the need for intentional career choices and the value of understanding one's own strengths and preferences in the workplace. We discuss the nuances of career fulfilment, the importance of positioning oneself for success, understanding transferable skills, and the human element of professional life.
• 
  Episode 28 with Andrew Mower (ACCA AFM Tutor) 13.04.2025 42m

  In this episode, host Hannah speaks with Andrew Mower, an ACCA AFM tutor with a background in forensic accounting at PwC. Andrew shares insights on the pressures of early career life, the importance of mindset for exam success, maintaining a work-life balance, and the realities of parenting while pursuing a career in accountancy.
• 
  Episode 27 with Dr Jim Rogers (Education & Business Consultant) 20.02.2025 1h 1m

  Dr Jim is an education and business consultant. He specialises in 'resilient' leadership development, organisational culture and performance. He is a Principal Education Advisor for Education Development Trust, a Senior Advisor for Independent Economics, Director of his consultancy services and co-founder of The Great Oracy Toolkit.Themes in this episode: learning theory, polyvagal theory and anxiety, ethical leadership, workplace culture, careers.https://www.drjimrogers.co.ukhttps://www.greatoracytoolkit.co.uk
• 
  Episode 26 with Mary Gernon ( Associate at EY ) 07.02.2025 49m

  Mary is an associate at EY, specialising in both audit and consulting within the Commodities sector. Prizewinner at the inaugural EY Foundation Enterprise Competition in 2024, and in 2025 taking on the additional role of Corporate Responsibility Lead in London, she is determined to use her position as a force for good. With an Arts background (professional oboe player!), Mary has found the world of finance a rewarding place to work, where skills such as creativity, leadership and teamwork have helped her forge a path within one of the Big Four.
• 
  Episode 25 with Tom Clendon (ACCA SBR Online Lecturer and Podcast Host) 15.01.2025 45m

  In this episode we chat to Tom Clendon, ACCA SBR Online Lecturer and Podcast Host. Themes include: Top tips for passing ACCA exams His dyslexia diagnosis Treating your job like an extended job interview Burnout and saying 'no' His varied career which has taken him all over SE Asia
• 
  Episode 24 with Max Whiteley ACA (Product Domain Expert at DEXT) 05.12.2024 1h 6m

  After finishing school at 16 years old Max started an accountancy apprenticeship with a small accountancy proactice in Altrincham. He studied AAT and then went on to become an ICAEW chartered accountant. After working as a member of their accounts team for six years he moved to UHY Hacker Young in Manchester as a senior member of their Cloud team. In the summer of 2021, Max moved to Accounts & Legal to take on the role of opening their new Liverpool office. 2024 marked the year he left practice, to work in the world of accounting tech for DEXT! Themes in this episode include exam failures, apprenticeships, accountancy exams, dyslexia, careers and the accountancy industry.
• 
  Episode 23 with Andy Murray MAAT (Accountant & Mental Health Advocate) 22.11.2024 46m

  Andy is an AAT & ICB qualified Accounting professional.  He has over 10 years of related experience and is currently studying towards his CIMA qualification. Andy is a huge advocate of the AAT and actively involved in supporting students and members in his spare time.  He is also on the committee for his local branch network. Andy is passionate about raising awareness for Mental Health, ED&I and LGBTQ+ within the workplace and community. The main topics covered in this episode are: Career changing Apprenticeships Exam Anxiety Workplace Bullying
• 
  Episode 22 with Francesca McClory (MD of Future Cloud Accounting) 13.11.2024 1h 8m

  As a single mum of two, Francesca decided 13 years ago that she wanted to create a better life for herself and her children so she went back into education to study her AAT Level 4 and trained at a top accountancy firm. Francesca is the Founder and Managing Director of Future Cloud Accounting. She is also a Director and Trustee of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).  Some of the themes in this episode include the challenges of running a business, overcoming all that life throws at you and having an unwavering dedication to better yourself, provide a brilliant service to your customers.