Episodes

  • Cultural intelligence in global finance
    Aug 26 2025
    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
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    24 mins
  • Hays 2025 Salary Guide reveals top finance job trends
    Aug 12 2025
    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
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    20 mins
  • Private credit: Risks and rewards explained
    Jul 29 2025
    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
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    21 mins
  • How Hobart Airport leads on climate and sustainability
    Jul 15 2025
    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
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    17 mins
  • How generative AI is reshaping finance
    Jul 1 2025
    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
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    25 mins
  • Ethical leadership for finance and accounting professionals
    Jun 18 2025
    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
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    22 mins
  • Productivity tips for busy finance professionals
    Jun 3 2025
    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
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    18 mins
  • Master workplace communication with Dr Louise Mahler
    May 20 2025
    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
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    19 mins