
Difference Makers Podcast
Difference Makers Podcast celebrates people who have transformed communities, businesses, and the wider world. Each episode features Chartered Accountants who have overcome adversity and used their skills to lead and create meaningful change. The series highlights personal stories of resilience, achievement, and impact. It is produced by Chartered Accountants Worldwide.
Episodes

Aisling McCaffrey - The forks in the road that shaped her career
Aisling McCaffrey's first CAO choice was actuarial studies. Her second was Irish music and dance. Today she works at the Impact Investing Institute in London on why capital does not reach the places that need it, work that has recently taken her to the Ethiopian border with UNHCR and to the textile sector in India.In this episode she talks to Sinead Donovan about the two hour conversation in

Kingsley Aikins - Why your next opportunity is hiding in your weakest connection
Networking is neither an art nor a science. It is a process, and Kingsley Aikins has spent a career proving it.In the second part of his conversation with Sinead Donovan, the founder of Diaspora Matters explains why 305 million people now live outside the country they were born in, how 120 countries have built strategies to engage them, and what the philanthropist Chuck Feeney meant when he said t

Difference Makers Discuss - Best of Season 4
Season 4 of Difference Makers Discuss took us from Sydney to London, from Olympic tracks to the maize fields of Mozambique, from online exam halls in South Africa to audit rooms in Zambia. In this special episode, host Sinead Donovan brings the best of those six conversations together in one place.You will hear Kingsley Aikins on how a 12 person dinner club in Sydney became the largest Irish busin

Remote working across borders: The hidden risks businesses need to understand
Someone asks to “work from another country for a few weeks” and it feels like an easy yes. Then the questions start: does a visitor visa change tax status, when do workdays become taxable, and could a single remote worker accidentally create a permanent establishment abroad? We sit down with Carla Wilson, the Chairperson of the Chartered Accountants Worldwide UAE Committee, international tax speci

Kingsley Aikins - Good work doesn't speak for itself... But you can!
Your career is not a solo sport, and pretending it is can quietly stall your progress. We’re joined by Kingsley Aikins, widely known for his work on professional networking and relationship building, to talk about what networking really looks like when it’s done with decency, curiosity, and intent.Kingsley shares the stories that shaped his outlook, from rugby and the “five people you spend time w

Aster Thackery - What If your REAL skill is connecting people?
A Chartered Accountant from New Zealand ends up advising global investors on Italy’s value proposition, and somehow that’s only the start. We sit down with Aster Thackery to trace the real career mechanics behind a “non-linear” path: why her Chartered Accountancy qualification travelled further than a law degree, how London changed her access to international business, and what foreign direct inve

Liswaniso Namatama, Auditing Is a Human Business
A global summit can feel like a once-off highlight, but for Liswaniso Namatama it becomes a turning point. I’m joined by the Lusaka-based chartered accountant and auditor to talk about what changes when you walk into a room of 2,000 young leaders and realise every person has a story of impact. The biggest lesson he brings home is disarmingly simple: you don’t need to wait for the “right time” to s

Manuel Rodrigues, Merging Commercial Success with Social Impact
A rural village where income arrives once a year is hard to transform, unless you change the rhythm of cash, supply, and trust. That is what Manuel Rodrigues has been building through EDP Mozambique: a practical, for profit system that links tens of thousands of small scale farmers growing maize and soya to real buyers, then reinvests that supply into poultry so families can earn again and again r

Caitríona Jennings, From PwC to World Records
A 100-mile world record time sounds like something from another planet, until you hear how Caitríona Jennings actually built it: not with superhero secrets, but with structured habits, a trained mindset, and the same calm problem-solving you’d expect from a top Chartered Accountant. Caitríona is an Irish Olympian who moved from triathlon into marathon running, qualified for the 2012 Olympics while

Nick Riemer, Embracing AI and Tech in Financial Careers
Online exams are meant to make learning easier, but most proctoring tools still assume perfect Wi‑Fi, constant power, and a pricey laptop. That leaves too many students behind. We sit down with Nick Riemer, a South African chartered accountant and co-founder of Invigilator App, to unpack how an offline-capable, low-data approach to remote invigilation can protect academic integrity while widening

Young Difference Makers: Laura Mason on aligning purpose and performance to ensure that profit fuels justice
Start with what you’re good at and point it at a real problem—that’s the thread running through our conversation with Laura Mason, a chartered accountant who turns financial modelling and data analytics into public value. From multi‑billion‑pound transport contracts to net zero initiatives and social innovation tools, Laura shows how rigorous finance can deliver human outcomes people feel every da

Young Difference Makers: Excel is eating audit, and Christiaan Coetzee brought the fork!
Ready to discover how a chartered accountant turns risk literacy into a founder’s edge? We sit down with Christiaan Coetzee—CEO and co‑founder of Audit Toolbar and SAICA Top 35 Under 35 overall winner—to unpack the mindset shifts and practical levers that help small firms run with the giants. Christiaan shares how starting articles straight out of high school gave him a front-row seat to hundreds

Young Difference Makers: Jas Rayat on how choosing an apprenticeship over university changed her career
For Jas Rayat curiosity lit the first spark: how do businesses actually work, and why does finance feel like the spine that keeps them upright? From that question grew a bold choice—skip the university track, embrace an apprenticeship, and earn a chartered accountancy qualification while gaining real experience. We walk through the turning points of that decision, the early wins of earning while l

Young Difference Makers: Sitali Chiuyu on Building Integrity, Accountability, Education, and Responsible Tech
Start with a simple truth: problems rarely arrive alone. Sitali joins us to show how education, governance, and technology interlock—and how a single career pivot can spark a mission to rebuild trust from the inside out. The journey moves from engineering labs to audit rooms, where ethics meet evidence and small, consistent actions start to change how public institutions serve people.We dig into t

Young Difference Makers: How Khethiwe Sibanyoni uses Ethics and Systems Thinking to tackle Gender-Based Violence
What if the rigour that keeps companies honest could also save lives? We sit down with social impact activist and aspiring chartered accountant Khethiwe Sibanyoni to unpack how ethics, systems thinking, and real accountability can turn good intentions into measurable change. From Saturday mornings in GBV shelters at age 11 to auditing across oil and gas, pharma, and FMCG, Khethiwe shows how credib

Young Difference Makers: Rebecca Casey talks Numbers, Nerves, and a One-Planet Pledge Walk into a Conference
If you’ve ever been told to “wait your turn,” this conversation politely declines. We sit down with chartered accountant and risk professional Rebecca Casey to unpack how young leaders move from potential to presence—using expertise, community, and conviction to shape business and society right now.Rebecca charts a clear route from a school enterprise in Sydney to Deloitte, Young CA panels in New

Young Difference Makers: Saad Bin Asim Zubairi and his journey of Learning, Empathy, and AI
What if a ten-year-old’s love for maths could spark a career that blends finance, empathy and AI for social good? We sit down with Saad Bin Asim Zubairi of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan to unpack how curiosity, grit and global perspective can reshape what a chartered accountant does today. From finding the profession at an education expo to thriving in multinational teams thro

Young Difference Makers: Sophie Sweeney On Education, Courage, And A Human-Centred Accounting Career
A teenage mum, a bus to Galway, and a toddler in the back row of a lecture hall—this is where Sophie Sweeney’s story begins. That early proximity to learning didn’t just open a door; it rewired what a career could be. We sit down with Sophie, a lecturer at the University of Galway and a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland, to explore how a love for numbers became a mission to serve people thro

Resilience, Flow, And The Future Of Accounting
Ever feel like your day is a blur of pings, context switches, and late-night messages that steal your sleep? We sat down with Brad Hook and Declan Scott to unpack why the profession’s greatest strengths—kindness, curiosity, creativity—can be undermined by hypervigilance and constant multitasking, and how simple, science-backed rhythms can restore focus and energy.We dig into the data from the inau

Carla S. Vijian - From Malaysia to Manhattan – A Journey in Ethics, Audit, and Marathon Running
Curiosity isn’t a personality trait—it’s a practice that can shape a career and safeguard public trust. That idea runs through our conversation with Carla S. Vijian, whose path from Malaysia to New Zealand, Sydney, London and now New York traces a throughline from hands‑on audit work to ethics standard setting. We dive into how fieldwork hardens your scepticism—the kind that looks past headlines a

Nicola Ellam on why AI won’t take your job—it will take it to a whole new level
The myth that accountancy is just numbers falls apart fast when you hear Nicola Ellam’s story. Trained in the UK, seasoned in Hong Kong, and now a managing principal in New York, Nicola joins us to unpack how a global career can thrive at the intersection of regulation, culture, and bold technology bets. From the maze of US CPA licensing to the daily realities of leading teams in a fast-moving mar

Mark Scully on compassion, masking, and changing how firms manage people
What if the story you’ve told yourself about your career is missing the most important chapter? Mark Scully trained in law, pivoted into tax at a Big Four firm, climbed to director, and then made the bravest move of all: reframing his entire journey through a late autism diagnosis and launching Braver to help leaders manage people, not processes.We unpack the messy middle between academic success

Ken Croarkin - A Chartered Accountant who took one leap—said yes once—and changed a whole life trajectory
One decision can reroute a whole career. When Ken Croarkin said yes to learning insurance in Glasgow, he couldn’t have guessed it would lead to London, a secondment in New York, and ultimately two decades as an audit partner shaping a PE-backed, AI-ready firm. We dive into that arc with clear-eyed detail—how a Chartered Accountant becomes a true global passport, what it takes to cross from UK GAAP

Meet Lem Chin Kok - a cop turned accountant using AI to outrun fraud
Ever wondered how a fast‑response police officer becomes an AI‑first CEO shaping the future of audit and forensics? We sit down with Lem Chin Kok to trace a rare career arc—from crime scenes to commercial investigations to building tech‑led forensic teams—then dig into the practical ways AI transforms how accountants work. Lem explains, in plain terms, the difference between classical predictive m

DMD Live Highlights from Season One: From Boardrooms to Breakthroughs
Join host Sinead Donovan for a special “best of” edition celebrating the most inspiring moments from the first season of Difference Makers Discuss. Over seven episodes, Sinead spoke with remarkable Chartered Accountants from the UK, Singapore, Australia, Ireland, Pakistan, and beyond—leaders and innovators who are reshaping business, driving sustainability, championing diversity, and embracing tec

Best of DMD Live Season 2 - From Cape Town to the BBC: Journeys That Matter
Sinead Donovan reflects on hosting the Difference Makers Discuss webinar series, sharing powerful highlights from conversations with remarkable professionals who've made significant impacts beyond chartered accountancy. These inspiring individuals demonstrate how determination, education, and purpose can transform lives and influence positive change across society.• Thembeke Maseko shares how

AI and the future of the global Chartered Accountancy profession
In this episode, Chair of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and CEO of CA ANZ, Ainslie van Onselen is joined by Alex Russell, Associate Director at Ipsos Corporate Reputation, unpack the findings of the inaugural global AI research study conducted by CAW in collaboration with IPSOS UK.Artificial intelligence isn't just changing accounting—it's redefining what it means to be a chartered acc

Global Challenges and the Drive for Sustainability with Carmine Di Noia (Director for Financial and Enterprise Affairs at the OECD)
In this special episode of Difference Makers Discuss Ainslie Van Onselen, Chair Chartered Accountants Worldwide & CEO CA ANZ, meets Carmine Di Noia, Director for Financial and Enterprise Affairs at the OECD.In this conversation Carmine sheds light on how finance professionals can tackle critical issues like the climate crisis and digital transformation, ultimately shaping cleaner, stronger eco

Young Difference Makers S03 Ep 04 From Accounting to Sustainability: Lavanya Ramanujan's Inspiring Journey
Discover the remarkable journey of Lavanya Ramanujan, an accountant at Google, who defied expectations by turning an unexpected leap into the field of accounting into a fulfilling career intertwined with her passion for sustainability. Lavanya shares her insights on the profound impact of skills-based volunteering and advisory roles, particularly with the Ground Up Initiative in Singapore. Her sto

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 fo

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

Young Difference Makers S03 Ep 01 Inspiring Paths: Eryn Paterson on Audit, Social Mobility, and Career Growth
Eryn Paterson, an inspiring Audit Assistant Manager at KPMG, unravels her path from a budding interest in business to becoming a chartered accountant in this episode. Listeners gain insight into how a supportive teacher and her studies at the University of Glasgow fueled her ambition, leading to a career at KPMG. Eryn's journey doesn't just stop at professional achievements; her dedicati

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 fr

From Zimbabwe to Perth: Tinashe's trailblazing career in Chartered Accounting
Explore the fascinating journey of Tinashe Kamangira, a trailblazer in the accounting world, who takes us from his roots in Zimbabwe to a thriving career in Perth, Australia. As the outgoing President of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and a Director at Deloitte, Tinashe offers a unique perspective on leadership and the cultural transitions that shaped his path. He shares

DMD Live - Integrating Finance, Fashion, and Family: Michelle Shuttleworth’s Inspiring Journey
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 B

DMD Live - From Adversity to Achievement: Thembeka Maseko on Resilience, Education, and Leadership
What if the adversities you faced could become the foundation for your success? This episode features Thembeka Maseko, head of finance and value management at Standard Bank personal and private banking, and a non-executive director at Standard Trust. Raised by her grandparents in Cape Town's informal settlements after being abandoned by her parents, Thambeka's journey is a compelling tes

Difference Makers Discuss Special Edition - Driving Global Sustainability: The Role of Chartered Accountants in Shaping a Sustainable Future
Have you ever wondered how the accounting profession can drive global sustainability? In this special edition of Difference Makers Discuss Live, join us for a fascinating conversation between Ainslie van Onselen, Chair of CAW & CEO of CA ANZ, and Jessica Fries, Executive Chair of A4S and a leading authority in sustainability and integrated reporting. Jessica offers a compelling look at the tra

Young Difference Makers S2 E8 - Unlocking Global Opportunities in Chartered Accountancy: Insights with Peter Gillen
Unlock the limitless possibilities of a career in Chartered Accountancy with insights from our Young Difference Maker, and Chartered Accountants Ireland member, Peter Gillen. Peter takes us on his journey from a high school math enthusiast to prestigious roles at PwC in Dublin and Boston, and later to transformative work in sustainability consulting at Grant Thornton and AIB. Learn how his ACA qua

Difference Makers Discuss Live - Charting a Diverse Path: Kudzai Zendara's Journey in Finance and the Future of Accountancy
Embark on a voyage of discovery with Kudzai Zendara, a beacon of wisdom from Chartered Accountant Scotland, who graciously shares the colorful tapestry of his life and career in our latest episode. From the rich cultural heritage of the UK and Zimbabwe to the bustling corporate corridors of PwC London and Standard Chartered Bank, Kudzai's narrative is a testament to the vibrancy of diversity

Young Difference Makers S2 E7 - Climbing Beyond the Ladder: Mishka Hajee's Quest for Community Progress
Have you ever met someone whose career trajectory embodies both resilience and a dedication to positive societal impact? Meet Mishka Hajee, a South African Chartered Accountant whose story isn't just about climbing the professional ladder; it's a narrative woven with integrity, strategic innovation, and a deep commitment to uplifting her community. From childhood dreams guided by communi

Difference Makers Discuss Live - Breaking Barriers in Finance: Asma Shahbaz’s Journey to Success as a Chartered Accountant
Meet Asma Shahbaz, a Chartered Accountant from Pakistan who's breaking barriers and transforming the financial landscape. In a candid conversation, Asma shares her remarkable journey from a determined accounting student to a respected professional in process governance and business ops risk at Mashreq Bank. Discover the pivotal role that family support and a strong sense of self-belief have p

Young Difference Makers S2 E6 - From Medicine to Metrics: Mathabo's Ascent in Accountancy and Leadership
Imagine the career you thought you wanted taking an unexpected turn, leading you to uncharted territories that not only redefine your future but also impact thousands of lives. That's the journey Mathabo took, trading potential scrubs for financial statements, and we get an insider's look at her ascent to a pivotal role in accountancy. From Soweto to the chairperson of investments at Man

Difference Makers Discuss Live - Scaling New Heights: Naomi Walsh on Breaking Barriers in Accounting and Championing Sustainability
Embark on a journey with Naomi Walsh, the trailblazing Vice President of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, as she unveils her extraordinary ascent in the accounting world. Her story, a testament to tenacity and ambition, begins in regional Tasmania and ascends to international heights, with a career-defining role in the UK working on the Olympics. Naomi's candid revelations ab

Difference Makers Discuss Live - Charting Success and Sisterhood with Kovini Moodley
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

Young Difference Makers S2 E5 - Liam Guthrie: Breaking the Mold and Saying 'Yes' to Opportunity
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 communicat

Young Difference Makers S2 E4 - Jeremy Cheong From Engineering to Accountancy: A Chartered Accountant's Journey to Making a Social Impact
A graduate in Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Jeremy defied norms by entering the accountancy profession. His unique journey breaks down barriers and aims to inspire aspiring professionals to pursue unconventional paths.Listen and gain insights into Jeremy’s firsthand experiences in external assurance services; explore the intersections of sustainability, technology, and defence

Young Difference Makers S2 E3 - Liswaniso Namatama: Charting the Course Through Accounting Triumphs and Educational Pursuits
In this episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from Liswaniso Namatama, a remarkable individual who not only excels in his professional life but also has a deep passion for empowering others through education. Liswaniso utilizes his strong ethical values and leadership skills to lead audit projects in his workplace. His dedication to his work is evident, and he is often seen as a wise and experi

Difference Makers Discuss Live - Accountants for Sustainability: An Insightful Discussion with Maria Teo
Ever wondered why accountants are at the forefront of sustainability measures? This enlightening conversation with Maria Teo, a respected member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, will give you all the knowledge you need. Maria shares her personal journey, starting from her foundational auditing background through to her exciting foray into sustainability. This episode isn't

Young Difference Makers S2 E2 - Veronica Beilby: Breaking Stereotypes: The Unexpected Impact of Chartered Accountants
Ever thought of accountants as life-savers? You will be surprised by today's guest, Veronica Beilby, a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, who strongly believes that accountants too can make a significant difference in society. Veronica invites us into her unusual journey of becoming a Chartered Accountant, and how she’s been able to impact people's lives positivel

Young Difference Makers S2 E1 - Abigail Foster: Financial Resilience and Entrepreneurship, an Accounting Story
Ever wonder what truly makes an accountant tick? In our latest episode, we sit down with the formidable Abigail Foster, an ACA Chartered Accountant who has used her credentials to explore a dynamic and fulfilling career in the accounting field. Abigail's journey from a math-focused student to a successful entrepreneur with a mission to redefine accountancy stereotypes, serves as the perfect n

Difference Makers Discuss Live - Crisis Leadership and Gender Equality with CFO Caroline Sherry
Ever wondered what it's like to step into a new role just before a global crisis strikes? Tune in as we chat with Caroline Sherry, the CFO of Hostelworld PLC, who did just that. Embarking on her role as CFO just before the pandemic hit, Caroline navigates us through her intriguing journey, revealing how she tackled the unique challenges this situation presented. Despite having a background in

Difference Makers Discuss - Fostering Female Ambition - Ep06 - Round Table Discussion
The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women in the Chartered Accountancy profession. The global qualitative and quantitative research study of over 3500 members across 8 countries identifies the barriers ambitious women are facing which prevent them reaching their true potential.In this webinar

Difference Makers Discuss - Fostering Female Ambition - Ep05 - Sinead Donovan
The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women in the Chartered Accountancy profession. The global qualitative and quantitative research study of over 3500 members across 8 countries identifies the barriers ambitious women are facing which prevent them reaching their true potential.In this webinar

Difference Makers Discuss - Fostering Female Ambition - Ep04 - Zimkita Mabindla
The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women in the Chartered Accountancy profession. The global qualitative and quantitative research study of over 3500 members across 8 countries identifies the barriers ambitious women are facing which prevent them reaching their true potential. In this webin

Difference Makers Discuss - Fostering Female Ambition - Ep03 - Joe Consedine
The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women in the Chartered Accountancy profession. The global qualitative and quantitative research study of over 3500 members across 8 countries identifies the barriers ambitious women are facing which prevent them reaching their true potential. In this webin

Difference Makers Discuss - Fostering Female Ambition - Ep02 - Ainslee van Onselen
The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women in the Chartered Accountancy profession. The global qualitative and quantitative research study of over 3500 members across 8 countries identifies the barriers ambitious women are facing which prevent them reaching their true potential.In this webinar

Difference Makers Discuss - Fostering Female Ambition - Ep01 - Sarah Jenkins
The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women in the Chartered Accountancy profession. The global qualitative and quantitative research study of over 3500 members across 8 countries identifies the barriers ambitious women are facing which prevent them reaching their true potential.In this webinar

Difference Makers - The President's Podcast featuring Julia Penny
The Presidents’ Podcast is the latest in the Difference Makers series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide. In each episode Antje Derks talks to the President of one of Chartered Accountants Worldwide’s member institution and asks for their insight into the future of the profession and issues such as sustainable economies. In this episode Antje speaks with Julia Penny, President of ICAEW.

Difference Makers -The Presidents' Podcast featuring Debashis Mitra
The Presidents’ Podcast is the latest in the Difference Makers series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide. In each episode Antje Derks talks to the President of one of Chartered Accountants Worldwide’s member institution and asks for their insight into the future of the profession and issues such as sustainable economies. In this episode Antje speaks with Debashis Mitra, President of ICAI.

Difference Makers - The Presidents' Podcast featuring Pat O'Neill
The Presidents’ Podcast is the latest in the Difference Makers series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide. In each episode Antje Derks talks to the President of one of Chartered Accountants Worldwide’s member institution and asks for their insight into the future of the profession and issues such as sustainable economies. In this episode Antje speaks with Pat O'Neill, former President of Cha

Difference Makers - The Presidents' Podcast featuring Kate Boorer
The Presidents’ Podcast is the latest in the Difference Makers series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide. In each episode Antje Derks talks to the President of one of Chartered Accountants Worldwide’s member institution and asks for their insight into the future of the profession and issues such as sustainable economies. In this episode Antje speaks with Kate Boorer, former President of CA ANZ.

Difference Makers - The Presidents' Podcast featuring Indy Hothi
The Presidents’ Podcast is the latest in the Difference Makers series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide. In each episode Antje Derks talks to the President of one of Chartered Accountants Worldwide’s member institution and asks for their insight into the future of the profession and issues such as sustainable economies. In this episode Antje speaks with Indy Hothi, President of ICAS.

Young Difference Makers Ep6 Aisling McCaffrey
A Woman in FinanceAisling McCaffrey - Throughout her childhood, Aisling was never sure what she wanted to be. She had many aspirations but nothing that stood out as a ‘calling’. As a result, she went on to study Actuarial and Financial Studies at University College Dublin. Aisling discusses the challenges she faced on the course, even questioning whether it was right for her – despite having compl

Young Difference Makers Ep5 Patrick Doan
Opening DoorsPatrick Doan – In this episode of Young Difference Makers Discuss, Patrick talks about growing up the child of a Vietnamese refugee in Australia, which taught him from an early age that you had to work hard to succeed. Patrick shares memories from his childhood; going to private school in Melbourne, learning about how his Vietnamese heritage differed from that of his friends as well a

Young Difference Makers Ep4 Nic Riemer
The Invigilator Nic Riemer - Co-Founder & CEO of The Invigilator - In this episode of Young Difference Makers Discuss, Nic talks about growing up in South Africa and how he has been able to combine his two passions in life: business and sport. Nic discusses working on academic articles while studying at the University of Johannesburg, even working there for a year during his apprenticeship. It

Young Difference Makers Ep3 Manuel Rodrigues
Plan A-C Striving to Make a DifferenceManuel Rodrigues - CEO Trans African Oil – Discusses growing up with dreams of becoming an actor, priest or lawyer, Manuel was surprised to find he was better suited to business after being given the recommendation to study for a BCom Law. In this episode of Young Difference Makers Discuss, Manuel explains how he finished his legal degree and moved into accoun

Young Difference Makers Ep2 Mpho Mookapele
An Executive Serving her Community.Mpho Mookapele - In this episode of Young Difference Makers, Mpho reveals her difficulties growing up in a town not speaking English and feeling she didn’t really belong alongside her fellow students, despite being a high achiever. Mpho had big dreams of becoming an engineer or an architect but needed funding from her father’s employer. After realising architectu

Young Difference Makers Ep1 Fiona Smiddy
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 Dis

Difference Makers Ep 6: Ronan Dunne: It's not What You Do, It's What You Make Happen
In this episode we hear from Ronan Dunne, chair of Six Nations Rugby. Ronan was formerly the executive vice president and CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, where he helped define a new era of possibilities with the introduction of 5G. He was responsible for providing wireline voice, data and TV products and services and wireless connected experiences to more than 100 million consumers every day. Ro

Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 8 - Address and Embrace Mental Health to Build a Better Business - Ronan Dunne
Ronan was formerly the executive vice president and CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, where he helped define a new era of possibilities with the introduction of 5G. He was responsible for providing wireline voice, data and TV products and services and wireless connected experiences to more than 100 million consumers every day. Before his work at Verizon, Ronan was chief executive officer of Telefóni

Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 7 - Mandy Muchnick Hosts the Mental Health Roundtable with Dee, Jonny and Ronan
In this episode, our guests talk about Mental Health and its attendant issues, with particular attention to the world of Chartered Accountants. Each of our guests has hands-on experience in improving our attitude to mental health. They have all worked to battle both the stigma and the effects of mental health issues and each has a unique perspective on the issue. We want them to tell their stor

Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 6 - We have to Educate Early About Mental Health - Jonny Jacobs
Jonny has been a Finance Director at Starbucks since 2020, where his role covers the diverse markets across the EMEA region. In addition to his core role, he holds the position of Sponsor of Starbucks' Wellbeing Blend Network, an employee resource group. Prior to Starbucks, Jonny was Head of Food Finance at M&S Foods, and before that he spent eight years at international snacking brand pl

Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 5 - Tackling Mental Health in the Workplace Helps Everybody - Dee France
Dee France is Wellbeing Lead at Chartered Accountants Ireland, managing Thrive Wellbeing Hub, and CA Support, the Institute’s registered charity set up to provide financial assistance supports to members and students. With over 25 years' experience working in multi-nationals in both London and Dublin, she is well placed to understand the challenges, as well as the enjoyment, of working in hig

Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 4 - When it comes to inclusion, never assume - Mufseen Miah
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 podcas

Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 3 - Inclusion for women at work - Dr Caroline McGroary
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 podcas

Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 2 - Difference Makers Round-table discussion
This podcast contains a round table discussion with participants from our recent global online event, ‘Difference Makers Discuss… The Value of Diversity’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 ‘Difference Makers Discuss… The Value of Diversity’ included

Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 1 - Tackling disadvantage through the Open Private School - Vincent Egunlae
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 podcas

Difference Makers Ep 5: Amir Dossal: Hope for Humanity
In this episode Indy meets Amir Dossal CA, Founder and President of the Global Partnerships Forum – a not-for-profit knowledge platform to provide changemakers with tools to build innovative partnerships for the SDG.Amir describes his varied career with emphasis on his journey to, and work within the United Nations. Reflecting on his humanitarian work in various developing countries, Amir describe

Difference Makers Ep 4: Jonny Jacobs: Ending the stigma around mental health
In this episode Indy meets Jonny Jacobs CA, is the Finance Director EMEA at Starbucks, he is also a passionate advocate for positive mental health. Jonny speaks openly about his own struggles with mental health in his teens and talks about the importance of acknowledging challenges people may be experiencing in their lives.Helping and supporting others is not just a moral and social responsibility

Difference Makers Ep 3: Mufseen Miah: Pride is a beacon of hope
In this episode Indy meets Mufseen Miah. He talks about how growing up he was scared to come out as gay, fearing that if he was open about his sexuality his education, career, and social life might suffer. Mufseen studied economics and later accountancy. Once he started his career he became aware of the importance of supporting ED&I initiatives at work. Mufseen talks about how he became inv











