As a CFO and a Non-Executive Director (NED), I’ve seen countless professionals navigate their careers, some with great success and others who hit roadblocks. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way, and if I could go back and speak to my younger self, I would tell him to find a mentor. That’s why I’m here to guide you, because a mentor isn’t just an advisor; they’re a mapmaker who has already travelled the path you’re on.

The Value of a Mentor’s Perspective

Early in my career, I was so focused on climbing the corporate ladder that I ignored the people around me. I believed that success was a solo sport, that if I worked hard enough and put in the hours, I would eventually get to the top. I made some good progress, but it came at a cost. My relationships suffered, and I missed out on valuable collaborative opportunities. A mentor would have shown me that building strong relationships is just as important as building a strong CV. They would have encouraged me to listen more and talk less, to understand the different motivations of my colleagues, and to lead with empathy.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

I also fell into the trap of thinking that my job was just about numbers. As an accountant, it’s easy to get lost in the spreadsheets and balance sheets. I was meticulous with the data, but I failed to see the bigger picture. I didn’t understand how my work impacted the entire business, from sales and marketing to operations. A mentor would have pulled me out of my silo and pushed me to understand the business as a whole. They would have challenged me to think strategically, to see how my financial analysis could drive business decisions, and to become a true business partner rather than just a number cruncher.

Another mistake was my fear of failure. I was so afraid of making a mistake that I avoided taking risks. I stayed in my comfort zone, which hindered my growth. A mentor would have taught me that failure is a part of the journey. They would have shared their own failures with me and shown me that the most successful people are not the ones who never fail, but the ones who learn from their failures and get back up. They would have given me the courage to take on new challenges and to see mistakes not as a sign of weakness, but as an opportunity for growth.

I believe a mentor’s role is not to provide you with all the answers, but to ask you the right questions. I’m here to help you see the bigger picture, to navigate the complexities of corporate life, and to help you become a well-rounded and high-performing accountant. With my experience as a CFO and NED, I can guide you along your journey so that you can avoid the mistakes I made and reach your full potential.

Contact me if you are an early stage accounting and finance profession who requires mentoring.