What is your background?
In 1969 I started as a school leaver with Arthur Young, Sydney Australia on the princely sum of A$24 per week. During my times with the firm I moved up the auditing ladder, gaining a Bachelor of Economics at Sydney University, and completing the Professional Year with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. My last role was nearly seven years as National Director of Education. Since early 1991 I have run financial seminars and consulted to organisations of all types in Australasia and Asia.
How did you get into training?
About five years into my auditing career I began teaching technical sessions on audit courses for staff. Then I developed and ran two one week courses for the then Australian AMP Society’s internal audit during a one year secondment. This experience was so rewarding that I sought more opportunities in training within Arthur Young and was instrumental in establishing the position of National Director of Education at the firm in the mid 1980s.
What is your favourite course that you love to teach?
Currently I am enjoying conducting the 3 Day MBA in Financial Management for Terrapinn audiences in Australasia and Asia. The participant response to the practical application of the course and the buzz of people coming from so many different countries is very rewarding.
What’s an example of a training experience you are proud of?
Creating a 2/3 day financial assessment workshop for an Australian Government body that provides grants to industry. From an initial invitation to conduct two workshops for one branch, it was embraced as a national program. People gained greater competency in assessing the financial situation of organisations applying for the grants. I was also able to contribute ideas to improving and developing the assessment processes.
What makes you unique?
My skill is to make understanding financial matters entertaining and informative, helping people see that good financial information shows you the story of the organisation in numbers, which is extremely powerful.
Why are you passionate about training?
I am stimulated by providing people with new insight and knowledge, helping people understand the story that the numbers tell, travelling to and meeting people from around the world.
What else inspires / drives you / are you passionate about (when you’re not training)?
My family, travel and moving towards retirement.
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