Unlock the secret to leadership that truly gets results, not just talk. When influence, agility, and culture collide, your team can achieve extraordinary outcomes, but only if you master the art of knowing yourself and others.

In this episode, Steve Bloomer, a seasoned finance director with over 25 years of experience, shares how grounded values like accountability and curiosity shaped his leadership style, and the importance of getting stuff done. From fighting fires during his early career at Fujitsu to steering complex transformations across Europe, he reveals the critical lessons learned from climbing the corporate ladder and stepping into diverse roles.

• How finance leaders can build influence beyond technical expertise
• Why self-awareness and understanding personal blind spots matter in leadership
• Steve’s career journey from graduate roles to senior finance transformation leadership
• The role of mentors, sponsorship, and stepping outside your comfort zone
• Moving from “firefighting” to enabling others and sustaining change
• Balancing ambition, career progression, and family priorities
• Turning data into insight that drives practical business change
• Lessons from working across cultures and adapting leadership style
• Why failure, feedback, and continuous development build stronger teams
• The human skills finance professionals need as automation and AI reshape the function

You'll discover why technical expertise alone isn’t enough in today’s fast-changing landscape. Steve breaks down the power of influence over technical accuracy, and how understanding different personalities (like the insights from Thomas Erikson’s Surrounded by Idiots) can transform your ability to lead, communicate, and inspire change. Learn how to navigate ambiguity, influence stakeholders, and foster a culture where failure becomes a stepping stone rather than a setback.

Perfect for finance professionals, new managers, or anyone committed to making a lasting difference, this is your guide to leadership that moves beyond the technical, towards influence, empathy, and culture.

Most finance professionals overlook the incredible value of international experience, and Vinay Handa’s story proves it can be a game-changer. After six transformative years in Australia, he leveraged that journey into leadership roles, innovative projects, and a deeper understanding of global finance. But it wasn’t just about geographic borders; Vinay's journey reveals how resilience, curiosity, and networking open doors you never imagined.

In this episode, Vinay shares how his early love for numbers and sports propelled him into a finance career, and how supportive mentors, like his manager John, played a pivotal role in his growth. You’ll discover the power of embracing failure, ike sitting exams after a security van raid, and turning setbacks into stepping stones. His adventure from Southampton to Sydney exemplifies the bold moves that craft a truly fulfilling professional life, including his bold transition into contract work to stay at the forefront of technological change in finance.

• Vinay’s early childhood influences and the importance of family values
• The role of hobbies, like DJing, in personal development
• Transitioning from university to first corporate roles in finance
• Living and working in Australia: opportunities and challenges
• Building resilience through failures and networking
• Embracing technology and AI’s impact on the future of finance
• The shift from permanent roles to contracting and the benefits of agility
• Leadership philosophies centred on empowerment and curiosity
• Practical tips for navigating career changes and maintaining mental resilience

Whether you're considering a career abroad, contemplating a shift to contracting, or simply seeking inspiration to push your boundaries, this episode offers something for every ambitious finance professional. Vinay’s story is your blueprint for turning diverse experiences into a powerful asset, showing that the most unexpected paths often lead to the most extraordinary destinations.

Perfect for those eager to expand their horizons, embrace change, and build resilience in the face of uncertainty. This episode reminds you that your next big opportunity starts with a single brave step, and the right mindset to turn it into a lifetime of success.

Most successful finance leaders aren’t born, they’re made through relentless learning, strategic career moves, and mastering the art of networking. In this episode, Chris Jeyakumar shares the rollercoaster journey from a humble ‘Reading Boy’ childhood to leading global brands like BMW, McLaren Automotive and Aon. His story is packed with eye-opening lessons on navigating corporate politics, embracing change, and turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth. Chris reveals how early setbacks, like struggling with chemistry or feeling out of place in unfamiliar industries, shaped his resilience and adaptability.

You'll discover the power of building a strong network, the importance of self-awareness in career decisions, and why taking on high-pressure projects accelerates learning faster than any classroom. His insights dispel the myth that success depends solely on technical skills, highlighting how emotional intelligence and trust-building are game-changers for leadership. We break down:

• How to strategically select roles that build your skills and credibility
• Why a diverse team sparks innovation and differing experiences challenge the status quo
• The critical role of mentorship and proactive learning in fast-tracking your career
• The importance of perseverance in a culture that demands deep commitment, and how to survive the intense days of rapid growth
• Transitioning between industries and starting from scratch without losing confidence

This episode underscores the importance of integrity, self-reflection, and intentional risk-taking. Too often, professionals wait for permission or perfect timing, Chris shows that forging your path requires guts, curiosity, and most importantly, you make your own luck. Perfect for aspiring leaders, ambitious finance professionals, or anyone ready to push beyond their comfort zone, this conversation equips you with actionable insights to grow your impact.

Guest Chris Jeyakumar is a proven leader with over 20 years of experience transforming businesses, from high-performance automotive to global financial services. His leadership philosophy centres on trust, personality, and embracing change, principles that have propelled him to the top of his field.