Are you a leader who dreads hard conversations? The uncomfortable feedback. The underperformance chat. The redundancy announcement. It can be daunting. But difficult conversations are part of every leader's journey, and mastering them takes skill, EQ and practice. In this expert-led episode, we bring you tools to help. Key learnings: • Why fear for even the most capable leaders drives avoidance – and how to break the cycle • How to prepare for tough talks without over-rehearsing • Practical ways to lead redundancy or performance discussions • Turning emotional moments into opportunities for growth • Understanding emotional triggers to finding constructive outcomes Learn how you can use emotional intelligence (EQ) in five of the most difficult conversations you may have at work. You'll discover evidence-based techniques to prepare for and conduct challenging discussions that build trust instead of tension. This episode shows the power of EQ, and why it is often the difference maker in these tough scenarios. The Career Hacks series is back and episode two is a must-listen for professionals seeking expert advice and guidance in these demanding situations. Host: Jacqueline Blondell, Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Amy Jacobson, emotional intelligence expert, speaker and author. Her latest book is titled The Emotional Intelligence Advantage. For more on Amy Jacobson, head to her website, which includes a section on her books. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. And don't forget to click subscribe on the channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
Planning your next career move? If so, you're going to need a resume that stands out from the rest. In this episode, you'll learn what hiring managers look for and how to present your experience with clarity and confidence. With an expert guest offering tips and advice, discover how CV formats are changing, what recruiters see as red flags and the role keywords play in passing those annoying, AI-driven applicant tracking systems. Key insights include: The resume length rule that really matters What to highlight at junior and senior career stages Skills, systems and certifications hiring managers notice Practical ways to tailor a CV to the job ad How to get around AI-powered ATS filtering – how it works and which keywords to prioritise Common mistakes that immediately undermine credibility If you're aiming for your next role in accounting or finance, these Career Hacks insights could be the difference between being filtered out and being seen by the right people. The Career Hacks series is back and is a must-listen this summer for anyone preparing their next career move. Host: Jacqueline Blondell, Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Jasmine Ee, a senior consultant at staffing and recruitment company Hays For more on what Hays does, head to the company's website. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. And don't forget to click subscribe on the channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
How's your mental energy? It's an important question to ask yourself. Here's why. As the working year draws to a close, your mental energy may be a little low. This can have implications not only for you, but your work productivity. In this episode, we explore how finance professionals can protect their mental bandwidth, sustain their energy and lead with purpose without burning out. You'll learn practical ways to recharge your "mental battery" and create balance in high-pressure workplaces. You'll gain insights such as: How to measure and manage your mental energy like any other performance metric Daily habits to reset focus and reduce stress in busy work environments The link between wellbeing and productivity in finance roles Why emotionally intelligent leadership creates stronger, more resilient teams Listen now for smart advice. Host: Adrienne Biscontin, External Affairs Adviser, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Guest: Tim Jack Adams, author and founder and CEO of GreenX7 For more on today's special guest Tim Jack Adams, head to his website. And learn more about GreenX7 and its 'battery check' mental health feature at the website. Loving this podcast? You can listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
Did you know that Australia is the world's largest lithium producer? In this episode, you'll learn more about the battery business – a complex area given its reliance on the mining sector and the associated challenges involved in extracting primary resources. Listeners will gain an expert-led view of the global battery industry, and how mining, sustainability and policy intersect to power the next generation of economic growth. Key areas covered include: What lithium is and how it powers everything from EVs to renewable storage systems Why "battery passports" are redefining responsible mining The opportunities and risks for Australia in refining and manufacturing Listen now for expert-led views and insights. Host: Patrick Viljoen, Policy Lead ESG, CPA Australia Guest: Jairo Bernal FCPA, CFO of Wildcat Resources Limited and the former Head of Finance and Company Secretary at Chilean lithium mining company SQ Learn more about the global mining industry and Jairo Bernal in this article on INTHEBLACK. And this article outlines the opportunity ahead for Australia's battery industry. Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
AI is advancing fast – but is it responsible? In this must-listen episode, global AI expert Dr Rumman Chowdhury shares what you need to know about building AI systems that are fair, transparent and future-ready. Key insights and questions include: Is it too late to create a responsible AI environment? What defines responsible AI? Managing AI bias and ethical risk The rise of sovereign AI Workforce disruption: preparing for AI-driven change Is AI the final frontier for humans? Listen now. Host: Jacqueline Blondell, Content Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Dr Rumman Chowdhury. She is CEO and co-founder of Humane Intelligence, a nonprofit advancing community-driven AI auditing and evaluation. As the US Science Envoy for AI, Rumman engages in global AI governance efforts with a focus on emerging markets. Previously, she led AI ethics teams at Twitter and Accenture, pioneering enterprise-level AI risk mitigation tools. Rumman is the CEO and co-founder of Humane Intelligence, and she is speaking at this year's CPA Congress. You can learn more about Rumman at her website. Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
For four decades, Microsoft Excel has been a cornerstone of accounting and finance. From basic calculations to complex modelling, it has transformed how professionals analyse data, solve problems and make decisions. To mark Excel's 40th birthday, Neale Blackwood CPA reflects on Excel's legacy and its impact on the profession. He shares his personal journey with Excel, explores its evolution from the early Mac days to the rise of AI and Python, and offers insights into why Excel remains essential in a tech-driven world. Listen now to learn: How Excel revolutionised accounting and finance workflows Key milestones in Excel's 40-year journey, including the rise of VBA, PivotTables and Power BI What Excel's future looks like in the age of AI, automation and cloud collaboration Why Excel is still a must-have skill for finance professionals Whether you're building financial models, exploring automation or simply aiming to sharpen your Excel skills, this episode offers insights into the past, present and future of the world's most important app for accounting and finance professionals. Host: Tahn Sharpe, editor, INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia Guest: Neale Blackwood CPA, accountant, author and Excel traine Listen to our Excel Tips podcast here https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/excel-tips You can read Neale Blackwood's Excel Tips column on the INTHEBLACK website here https://intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au/technical-skills You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
This episode explores purpose-led leadership - a key to inspiring teams and achieving success. Leadership is no longer defined by just technical skills — purpose, adaptability and the ability to bring out the best in others is becoming increasingly important. Whether you're an emerging leader in accounting or a seasoned finance professional, this episode offers practical guidance to help you step into leadership with purpose, lead through adversity and change and inspire high performance across your teams. Listen now. Host: Tahn Sharpe, editor, INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia Guest: Pip Marlow, non-executive board director, GAICD, advisor Pip Marlow will be speaking at CPA Congress in person at the Gold Coast in October 2025. For more background on this episode's guest Pip Marlow, head over to this article on the AICD website and the Future Women site. Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
In an interconnected world, one trait is fast becoming a must-have skill for finance and accounting professionals. It's cultural intelligence. This episode explores how understanding cultural differences and adapting your approach can elevate trust, strengthen collaboration and deliver better business outcomes. With expert-led insights, learn how cultural conditioning shapes trust and what strategies can help you lead with authenticity while respecting cultural norms. Learn clear, actionable ways to embed cultural agility into daily practice – from client meetings to cross-border negotiations. Key learnings include: How to identify and manage cultural blind spots in finance and accounting Practical strategies to build trust across borders and multicultural teams Why hierarchy and communication styles matter in Asia-Pacific contexts How culturally intelligent leaders navigate ambiguity and high-stakes decisions Tips for balancing authenticity with cultural adaptability in global business Whether you're leading an international team, negotiating cross-border deals or simply aiming to sharpen your Asia capability, this episode will give you insights to succeed in today's global finance landscape. Host: Tahn Sharpe, INTHEBLACK Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Charlotta Oberg, Program Director, Asialink Leaders Program, Associate Director, Capability Development at Asialink Business Links: You can take a short, self-paced or facilitated course with the Asialink Business Academy. Gain credentialed Asia insights and connections through the Asialink Leader Program. And be inspired by Asia-capable leaders across sectors, including financial services. Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
Today's finance job market trends are revealed with key findings from the Hays 2025 Salary Guide explored in this episode. Key takeaways include: Which finance roles and industries offer the best rewards in Australia and New Zealand Trends in finance job satisfaction across salary levels and generations The impact of AI on the recruitment process The gender pay gap Current skills shortages Advice for job seekers Whether you're a finance professional navigating career choices or a recruiter adapting to new hiring realities, this episode offers practical insights, advice and strategies. Host: Jacqueline Blondell, Content Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Shane Little, Managing Director, Enterprise Solutions APAC, Hays Links: The Hays 2025 Salary Guide is available online. And you can listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
Private credit is booming. But do investors fully understand the risks? In this episode, learn the mechanics of private credit, its place within the private capital universe and why it's suddenly everywhere - from retail portfolios to billion-dollar super funds. Key takeaways include: Why private credit is not the "bond-like risk" some claim it is How super funds allocate private credit under regulatory pressure Why borrower type, loan structure and economic cycles matter What needs to change in how private credit is marketed The potential regulatory interventions on the horizon Whether you're an institutional investor or private wealth adviser, this episode is a must-listen. Host: Tahn Sharpe, Editor INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia Guest: Michael Block, CIO, Bellmont Securities You can learn about Bellmont Securities at their website and find them on LinkedIn. Additionally, discover more with this overview of private credit from the RBA. And you can read Michael's contributions on Investor Strategy News: The four-letter word private credit investors have forgotten Credit's day of reckoning is upon us You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
Climate change isn't a side issue for Hobart Airport. It's an integral part of its operations. In this episode, discover how the Tasmanian capital's airport integrates sustainability, including: How Hobart Airport identifies and mitigates climate-related risks Why sustainability is embedded across procurement, design and construction The role of circular economy practices in infrastructure projects How EV infrastructure is shaping the passenger experience The value of finance-led scenario planning in managing climate impact Dealing with external partners Future challenges for airports. Explore how the finance and commercial teams are central to planning and decision-making, using their strategic and analytical skills to manage risk and guide sustainable investment. Plus, find out how they know when it's time to bring in external expertise to manage complex risks. This episode is essential listening for those in finance, infrastructure and strategic planning who want to understand how sustainability can be effectively integrated into operational decision-making. Host: Patrick Viljoen, Sustainability Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Guest: Kate Gillies CPA, CFO at Hobart Airport Learn more about the executive leadership team running Hobart Airport, and its climate change adaptation plan. INTHEBLACK produces articles across a wide range of areas, including this story on climate risk and tourism. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
Generative AI isn't on the horizon – it's already changing how finance professionals work. In this episode, you'll gain a clear understanding of AI in finance, including: What generative AI actually is How it differs from traditional AI Why it matters to your role in finance You'll learn practical examples of how AI tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot and BloombergGPT are being used in finance – from automating reporting to generating insights and even replacing junior analyst tasks via agentic AI, for example. For those finance professionals working with data, models or reports, this episode shows where AI can take over repetitive tasks and where you can use it to boost your impact with essential skills. If you're thinking about how to future-proof your career or your team, you'll come away with a clear picture of the technical and strategic skills that are quickly becoming essential in the profession. Whether you're advising clients, managing data, or leading change, this episode gives you the insight needed to stay ahead in an AI-driven world. Host: Aidan Ormond, Digital Content Editor, INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia Guest: Patrick Leung, a data science tech lead with a background across insurance, banking and sports analytics. He is recognised for his expertise in natural language processing and AI strategy. Related to this episode's topic, CPA Australia has courses and online learning resources as well as micro credentials. You can learn more about this episode's topic on INTHEBLACK with these articles: 5 common finance problems AI can tackle Avoid BYOAI: The importance of AI training in the workplace Cyber risks from AI (and how you can stay protected) And your listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
What does it mean to actively meet your ethical obligations as a finance or accounting professional? In this episode, you'll learn how corporate scandals reveal recurring themes in ethical failings and leadership culture. The episode also expands beyond misconduct to highlight proactive ethical leadership, and learn how to use Part 1 of APES 110 code as a practical framework to: Assess risks Apply safeguards Make confident ethical decisions If you're an accountant or finance professional looking to strengthen your understanding of ethics, these insights can help you protect your reputation, uphold trust and lead responsibly. Listen now. Host: Belinda Zohrab-McConnell, regulatory, professional standards and ethics specialist, CPA Australia Guest: Brendan O'Connell, global president ICMA, current member and past Chair of the CPA Australia centre of excellence for ethics and professional standards. For more information head to CPA Australia for CPD ethics resources. And for further information, you can read these ethics articles on INTHEBLACK. https://intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au/ethics-and-governance/highly-competitive-work-environments CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform, including on YouTube. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
Time. It's one thing many busy professionals wish we had more of in our working days. Whether you're drowning in meetings or struggling to tick off your daily tasks, this episode is here to help. You'll find clear, actionable tips to help you work smarter and achieve your goals. You'll learn: Why "I'm busy" isn't the answer, and what you should focus on instead How to set realistic, achievable goals that drive real progress What professionals get wrong about productivity and how to fix it How to make meetings more meaningful – or remove them entirely The power of "Red Brick Thinking" and how it can change your day-to-day work How to use AI tools to boost efficiency If you're a CPA Australia member, business owner, finance lead or corporate professional, this episode will provide you with relevant tools to help you take back control of your calendar. Host: Christine Gounder, Digital Content Lead, Design and Build, CPA Australia Guest: Donna McGeorge, author and expert on productivity, meetings and time management For more information on this episode's guest and her books, head to Donna McGeorge's website. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
Ever wondered how well you communicate? Communication expert Dr Louise Mahler shares practical, research-backed techniques to help you build trust, speak with confidence and strengthen your presence. Whether you're presenting to the board, in an online meeting or fielding tough questions, this episode gives you the tools to communicate with greater impact and earn trust more effectively. From unconscious habits that sabotage credibility to the secrets behind handling high-pressure moments, unpack how voice, body language and messaging shape the way we're perceived. In this INTHEBLACK episode, you'll learn: The core components of trust and why they matter How to communicate with authority using vocal and physical presence Simple ways to manage anxiety in meetings and presentations What gravitas really is and how to develop it Listen now for expert-backed tips you can use today. Host: Jackie Blondell, Editorial Content Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Dr Louise Mahler, an expert in body language, voice and human behaviour. She has a PhD in Leadership Communication, and degrees and masters in Organisational Psychology and Music and is the author of two books on the subject: Resonate and Gravitas. Louise is presenting a master class at CPA Week in Perth on 11-13 June, 2025. You can learn more about Louise Mahler at her website. INTHEBLACK has also covered today's topic in a recent article featuring Dr Louise Mahler along with other experts who share their insights on staying calm and composed in the workplace when the pressure is on. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
What does productivity really mean in today's fast-moving, tech-driven world – and are traditional measures still relevant? In this episode of INTHEBLACK, take a fresh look at how to define and measure productivity in today's high-tech economy. Longstanding metrics like multi-factor productivity (MFP) and gross domestic product (GDP) have shaped economic policy for decades – but are they still fit for purpose? An expert guest expert draws on insights from the Australian Productivity Commission and his own research to explore: Why conventional productivity measures may no longer reflect real economic value Emerging alternative metrics that better capture today's workplace dynamics What this shift means for business leaders, finance professionals and policymakers If you're a business owner, accountant or advisor looking to better understand the future of work and economic performance, this episode will give you the context – and questions – you need to stay ahead. Listen now to uncover what productivity really is in today's economy. Host: Garreth Hanley, podcast producer, CPA Australia Guest: John QuiggIn, Professor of Economics at University of Queensland. He is prominent both as a research economist and as a commentator on Australian economic policy. He is a Fellow of the Econometric Society, the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. His latest book After Neoliberalism was released in 2024. For more information on research reports by the Australian Productivity Commission, head to its website. Additionally, learn more about alternative productivity metrics such as wellbeing indices and TFP (total factor productivity) INTHEBLACK has also covered this episode's topic. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
As organisations big and small integrate artificial intelligence into their operations, understanding the vulnerabilities that come with AI systems is essential. In this episode, we'll explore the crucial intersection between AI and cybersecurity. You'll gain insights on AI systems, common pitfalls in AI security and specialist tips for businesses to navigate this dynamic landscape. This episode covers areas such as: Adversarial machine learning (AML) The fundamental difference between AI and IT security AI model vulnerabilities Expanded attack surface via unstructured inputs Key pitfalls in AI adoption Risk mitigation Tune in now for specialist advice from a leading expert in the field. Host: Garreth Hanley, Podcast Producer, CPA Australia Guest: Miranda R, an offensive security team manager at Malware Security, and an AI vulnerability researcher and a trainer with Mileva, where she conducts penetration testing for various sectors, including government and private industry. Want to learn more? Head online to Malsec and Mileva. And you can read an insightful post by Miranda R on her LinkedIn, as well as a news story about an ID system failure in the US involving a fraudster and how a North Korean hacker duped a cybersecurity firm. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
How is the role of the CFO evolving and what does it mean for the future of finance? In this episode, you'll gain key takeaways from Hays' CFO Insights Report, which surveyed nearly 300 CFOs across Australia and New Zealand. You'll learn how finance leaders are shifting from traditional financial management to a more strategic "chief value officer" role, driving broader organisational impact in an increasingly volatile business landscape. Gain valuable insights into how CFOs are using AI for automation, prioritising cybersecurity amid growing threats, and embedding sustainability into financial strategy as ESG regulations come into sharper focus. Additionally, with finance roles expanding, CFOs are investing in leadership development, digital skills and future-proofing their teams through structured succession planning. Stay ahead in the finance world and discover: Emerging trends Challenges Actionable strategies Tune in now. Host: Christine Gounder, Digital Content Leader, CPA Australia Guest: Caroline Edwards, NSW Director, Accountancy and Finance at Hays You can read the full Hays' CFO Insights Report online and Hays' website has more about the services that the company offer. CPA Australia also has resources for finance professionals which can help you in your career journey. Additionally, at the INTHEBLACK website, you can read articles on wide range of topics for business, accounting and finance professionals, including the must-have skills for CFOs in 2025. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
On International Women's Day 2025, we explore the ongoing journey to gender equality in the workplace. In this episode you'll uncover valuable insights on the difference between pay equity and the gender pay gap, and learn more about key issues such as: Leadership: The crucial role of leadership in driving gender equality and fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace culture. Impact of legislative changes: How policies such as paid parental leave and corporate diversity principles have improved women's participation in the workforce and in leadership roles. Gender pay gap: The importance of understanding and addressing the gender pay gap through data-driven strategies and understanding its key drivers. Parental leave and gender norms: How the increasing involvement of men in taking parental leave is challenging traditional gender roles and promoting more equitable care-giving responsibilities. Business case for gender equality: The direct link between gender-balanced teams and improved organisational performance, innovation and safety. Listen to this episode and learn how organisations can create more inclusive, respectful and high-performing workplaces. Tune in now. Host: Christine Gounder, Digital Content Lead, Design and Build, CPA Australia Guest: Prue Gilbert, founder and CEO of Grace Papers, a social change business that provides coaching and consulting solutions to promote gender equality in the workplace For further information, head online to the Australian government workplace gender equality agency and to Prue Gilbert's social change business Grace Papers. Additionally, the international women's day website has all the information you need on IWD 2025. Want to learn more? INTHEBLACK has relevant articles on strategies to help close the gender gap and gender in accounting. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
The mergers and acquisitions landscape is shifting. Are you prepared? In this episode, unpack the key trends shaping Australia's mid-market M&A activity, drawing on exclusive insights from the latest Pitcher Partners' Dealmakers report. Learn what's driving deal enthusiasm, how market capitalisations are influencing transactions and where Australia stands in the regional and global M&A arena. Plus: the industries that are primed for consolidation, opportunities emerging in the year ahead and the challenges businesses and investors need to navigate. Whether you're an investor, business owner or dealmaker, this podcast will equip you with the insights to stay ahead in a competitive market. Tune in for expert analysis that can help shape your next strategic move. Host: Gavan Ord, business investment and international lead, policy and advocacy, CPA Australia Guest: Stephen Craig CPA, partner, corporate finance at Pitcher Partners Pitcher Partner's dealmakers' mid-market M&A report is available to read online. Learn more about the company at its website. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au