Winning the Accounting Talent Battle: John Fenton

Welcome to the Accounting Influencers Podcast, going live every Monday and Thursday to 150 countries and 30,000 accounting practitioners, fintech specialists and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space.In this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, guest John Fenton shares valuable insights on how accountants can attract and retain top talent to grow their firms. John emphasizes the importance of measuring success based on the quality of relationships with customers, employees, and vendors. He advises accountants to create white space on their calendars to reflect on their firm's direction, clients, and ongoing projects.The conversation delves into the challenges faced by accounting firms in the current talent landscape. John discusses the battle for talent and the push and pull dynamics related to remote work and the return to office dilemma. He acknowledges the changing expectations and desires of the workforce, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and well-being. John also explores the concept of culture and its impact on the success of firms, emphasizing that the "soft" skills related to people, relationships, and culture are essential bedrocks for thriving businesses.In addressing the talent challenge, John suggests that firms need to focus on creating an environment where individuals can contribute to something bigger than themselves and align their values with the firm's values. He emphasizes the need for critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in the profession, given the advancements in AI and technology.Listeners will gain valuable insights into talent retention strategies, creating a positive work culture, and addressing the evolving needs of the workforce. John's expertise provides actionable advice for accountants looking to attract and retain top talent while positioning their firms for growth in a competitive industry.You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencersGuest BioJohn Fenton is a seasoned executive coach, speaker, and author who specializes in helping leaders navigate tough and complex situations. With a black belt in tai chi and over two decades of experience as a managing partner at BDO USA, John brings a unique perspective to leadership development.As the founder of John J Fenton Executive Coaching, John has worked with a diverse range of leaders, from managing partners at professional firms to board executives and CEOs. He understands the inner game of leadership, and his methodology focuses on developing the mindset, purpose, and culture necessary for success in today's rapidly changing world.John is also the author of the best-selling book 5 Minute MasteryTM, which provides practical advice and strategies for leaders who want clarity and more freedom. He is an award-winning speaker on executive leadership excellence, having spoken at conferences and events around the world.In addition to his professional accomplishments, John is a heart attack survivor and a strong advocate for wellbeing in the workplace. He is passionate about helping leaders overcome imposter syndrome, manage overwhelm, and develop emotional intelligence.John's three specialty topics are leading in challenging times, winning the talent battle, and the top five challenges for modern-day leaders. In all of his work, he emphasizes the importance of purpose, culture, diversity, equity, and trust, and provides actionable insights for leaders who want to thrive in 2023 and beyond.◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢If you like the show, we'd truly appreciate a review on whatever platform you listen. We'd love to get to know you!Main show website. For access to every single show with full shownotes: