Stephen Hamlet, CEO of Russell Bedford International

Stephen Hamlet is CEO of Russell Bedford International. With twenty years’ experience in professional services, Stephen moved rapidly into business development roles with increasing responsibility, building a track record in re-energising, enhancing and expanding global membership organisations. Having held leadership positions at international accounting associations over the past 10 years, Stephen has gained expertise in building international relationships and facilitating cross-border cooperation. He is a member of ICAEW, having qualified with a Top 20 accounting firm in London, after graduating from Exeter University with a Law degree. As Chief Executive, Stephen assumes responsibility for developing Russell Bedford International on a global scale, including maximising membership benefits, strengthening the network, and maintaining its high reputation of quality. Travelling around the world to various events, and to specifically meet and interact with colleagues of accounting firms at their local offices, is vital to the role. Conveniently, Stephen is passionate about travel, meeting people from various cultures, as well as keeping fit! Shownotes: It’s only once other accountants get to know you and your accounting firm, it’s only then you’ll have the trust which produces introductions and referrals How digitalisation and automation are changing the way accountants work The best recruits for progressive accounting firms are accountants with people skills, sales skills and business development skills What is the skillset of an accountant of the future? Entrepreneurial flair – not a phrase normally associated with an accountant, but things are changing Many accountancy firms still don’t appreciate the value of marketing and what it adds – these are the ones that will struggle as rivals overtake them Accounting firms in every single country without fail has the challenge of recruiting or attracting the right accounting talent Two tips for accounting firms differentiation – become specialists and becoming part of an international accounting network Why networking skills and connections are so important for the very best accountants and accounting firms today How technology is changing the game for accountants but actually represents huge opportunities to serve clients better Digital is good – the machines are making the accounting world better, but they’ll never take over the people interaction Best advice on driving change in turbulent times is to look after your young people The way client expectations are changing for accountants, particularly if they want to be trusted advisors and a business friend The importance of being the listener in a meeting – the person who concludes and summarises How the game of chess can help your negotiating Being nice to people – a very underestimated quality that makes things happen (although it’s hard to please everyone) The frustration of people who don’t want to change and firms don’t want to advance – accountants cannot stand still! When not globetrotting or helping firms generate new business opportunities, Stephen tries to relax at home with his love of music and guitars; but invariably fails due to interruptions from his 3 young boys all demanding unlimited amounts of attention. Find out more at http://www.russellbedford.com (www.russellbedford.com) or to contact Stephen directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-hamlet-6b737110/ (LinkedIn) @StephenHamlet1 on Twitter Phone (UK) 20 7410 0339

Om Podcasten

What's it like leading a large or progressive accounting firm? Whether you head up a specific function (like BD, marketing, IT, HR etc), a location (office, city, region), a department (team, project) or the whole organisation, you know what it's like to be in charge. The Accounting Leaders Podcast features Insightful interviews with leaders in large accountancy or CPA firms. Topics of discussion include vision, strategy, value, leadership, succession, growth, success, legacy, culture, positioning, branding, differentiation, mindset, technology, recruitment, trends, disrupters, opportunities. engagement, influence and reputation. Questions include ✓ What makes a top performer or promotable accountant in a large firm? ✓ How are the leading accounting firms winning work, doing BD and achieving growth? ✓ What are the trends, stats and critical issues shaping large accounting firms? Firm-wide leaders, managing partners, CEOs, heads of functions and similar don't always have a voice outside their firms. Very few people know or ask them about their journey, their philosophies, their influences and their goals. This is an opportunity for them to share their story, who has influenced them, what they've learned from both successes and failures, and what keeps them going. Show host Rob Brown is founder of the Business Development Academy, which trains accountants to be more confident, effective and strategic work winners. More at https://bdacademy.pro He is the creator the 90 Day Accounting BD Accelerator™ which transforms experienced, new & prospective partners in accounting firms to win more business using Choice Based Business Development™ - an unusual but extremely effective BD coaching method for accountants. He is the bestselling author of Build Your Reputation (Wiley) and his TED talk ‘The Personal Brand of You' has been viewed over 200K times on Youtube. Rob is also host of another accountancy show - the popular Accounting Influencers podcast. With over 100 episodes recorded, this show interviews top accounting global influencers about particular areas of expertise that are relevant to accountants in practice. Some guests are experts serving accounting firms (commentators, authors, coaches, trainers and consultants). Others are suppliers, vendors or strategic partners to accounting. To learn more about these podcasts, go to https://bdacademy.pro/podcasts/ Personally, Rob is based in Nottingham UK, home of Robin Hood. he lives with his wife Amanda and two daughters Georgia and Madison. He a committed Christian, a black belt in kickboxing, enjoys backgammon, loves chocolate orange and is allergic to grapefruit. To talk about being a guest on the Accounting Leaders podcast or explore how the BD Academy might help your firm, reach out to Rob Brown on LinkedIn or Twitter @therobbrown.