In this episode hosted by Carl Reader, Alistair Barlow of Ascendant shares his journey from corporate life at PwC to co-founding and then exiting Flindr — a modern accounting firm built on data, insight, and innovation.
Starting with just £500 each and a blank canvas, Alistair and his co-founder reimagined what an accounting practice could look like. Rather than defaulting to traditional models, they built a business focused on niche sectors, client feedback, and meaningful data-led insights.
We explore the realities of scaling from startup to exit, the emotional complexity of stepping away from something you’ve built, and how AI is reshaping the accounting profession.
At the heart of the conversation is one powerful idea: finance data tells us what happened but accountants can use operational data to tell clients why it happened.
Want to watch the vodcast instead? You can find the vodcast series playlist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwyMM3yAMP3OzvwEdgo4zaQvN3XXXojMg">here</a>.
<hr>
This podcast is hosted by <a href="https://wwww.zencast.fm">ZenCast.fm</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode hosted by Carl Reader, Alistair Barlow of Ascendant shares his journey from corporate life at PwC to co-founding and then exiting Flindr — a modern accounting firm built on data, insight, and innovation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Starting with just £500 each and a blank canvas, Alistair and his co-founder reimagined what an accounting practice could look like. Rather than defaulting to traditional models, they built a business focused on niche sectors, client feedback, and meaningful data-led insights.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We explore the realities of scaling from startup to exit, the emotional complexity of stepping away from something you’ve built, and how AI is reshaping the accounting profession.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the heart of the conversation is one powerful idea: finance data tells us what happened but accountants can use operational data to tell clients why it happened.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Want to watch the vodcast instead? You can find the vodcast series playlist &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwyMM3yAMP3OzvwEdgo4zaQvN3XXXojMg"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This podcast is hosted by &lt;a href="https://wwww.zencast.fm"&gt;ZenCast.fm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, host Carl Reader of the dt group talks to Alastair Barlow of Ascendant about the importance of asking clients what they actually want, and why niche focus creates real value.

From Practice to Business - Financial health

In this episode, our host Carl Reader of the dt group sits down with Liam Wilson, founder of Elevate, to unpack how he scaled his accountancy practice to £700,000 in just two and a half years without spending a single penny on marketing.
Liam shares his personal journey into accountancy, shaped in part by watching his father navigate business struggles. That early exposure instilled a deep understanding of the real challenges business owners face and ultimately shaped the client-first ethos behind Elevate.
The conversation explores how storytelling on LinkedIn became Liam’s growth engine, how authentic human connections outperform polished marketing campaigns, and why real-world, face-to-face relationships still matter in a digital-first world.
Plus… there’s a lively debate about hosting the ultimate Man United dinner party.
Want to watch the vodcast instead? You can find the vodcast series playlist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwyMM3yAMP3OzvwEdgo4zaQvN3XXXojMg">here</a>.
<hr>
This podcast is hosted by <a href="https://wwww.zencast.fm">ZenCast.fm</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, our host Carl Reader of the dt group sits down with Liam Wilson, founder of Elevate, to unpack how he scaled his accountancy practice to £700,000 in just two and a half years without spending a single penny on marketing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Liam shares his personal journey into accountancy, shaped in part by watching his father navigate business struggles. That early exposure instilled a deep understanding of the real challenges business owners face and ultimately shaped the client-first ethos behind Elevate.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The conversation explores how storytelling on LinkedIn became Liam’s growth engine, how authentic human connections outperform polished marketing campaigns, and why real-world, face-to-face relationships still matter in a digital-first world.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Plus… there’s a lively debate about hosting the ultimate Man United dinner party.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Want to watch the vodcast instead? You can find the vodcast series playlist &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwyMM3yAMP3OzvwEdgo4zaQvN3XXXojMg"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This podcast is hosted by &lt;a href="https://wwww.zencast.fm"&gt;ZenCast.fm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, host Carl Reader of the dt group talks to Liam Wilson of Elevate Accountancy about authentic storytelling on LinkedIn, and why face-to-face conversations still matter in a digital world.

From Practice to Business - Modern marketing

In this episode, Yogesh Patel talks to host Carl Reader of the dt group about his journey from practitioner to owner of Telic and the emotional, strategic, and cultural shifts that came with it.
Taking over a business you once worked in is no small transition. Yogesh reflects on stepping out from being the bottleneck, putting his own stamp on the brand, and redefining the firm’s identity around quality, purpose, and impact.
From pursuing B Corp status to introducing structured learning and development through Lunch &amp; Learns, Yogesh is building a boutique firm known for excellence and integrity.
This conversation explores leadership, resilience, culture, and the realities of scaling without compromising standards.
Want to watch the vodcast instead? You can find the vodcast series playlist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwyMM3yAMP3OzvwEdgo4zaQvN3XXXojMg">here</a>.
<hr>
This podcast is hosted by <a href="https://wwww.zencast.fm">ZenCast.fm</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Yogesh Patel talks to host Carl Reader of the dt group about his journey from practitioner to owner of Telic and the emotional, strategic, and cultural shifts that came with it.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Taking over a business you once worked in is no small transition. Yogesh reflects on stepping out from being the bottleneck, putting his own stamp on the brand, and redefining the firm’s identity around quality, purpose, and impact.
From pursuing B Corp status to introducing structured learning and development through Lunch &amp;amp; Learns, Yogesh is building a boutique firm known for excellence and integrity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This conversation explores leadership, resilience, culture, and the realities of scaling without compromising standards.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Want to watch the vodcast instead? You can find the vodcast series playlist &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwyMM3yAMP3OzvwEdgo4zaQvN3XXXojMg"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This podcast is hosted by &lt;a href="https://wwww.zencast.fm"&gt;ZenCast.fm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, host Carl Reader of the dt group talks to Yogesh Patel about his journey from practitioner to owner of Telic and stepping out from being the bottleneck.

From Practice to Business - From technician to strategist

In this episode, Eriona Bajrakurtaj shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a family business to becoming a respected leader in the accounting industry. Drawing from her experience at Majors Accounts, Eriona discusses the challenges of navigating family dynamics, embracing digital transformation, and harnessing the power of community support with host Carl Reader of the dt group.
The conversation goes beyond technology focusing on human behaviour, leadership lessons, and the personal determination required to drive change. Eriona reflects on handling resistance, learning from conflict, and communicating a compelling vision to gain buy-in.
For anyone navigating change, leadership, or complex team dynamics in their firm, this episode offers practical insights and heartfelt reflections from a leader who’s lived it.
Want to watch the vodcast instead? You can find the vodcast series playlist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwyMM3yAMP3OzvwEdgo4zaQvN3XXXojMg">here</a>.
<hr>
This podcast is hosted by <a href="https://wwww.zencast.fm">ZenCast.fm</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Eriona Bajrakurtaj shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a family business to becoming a respected leader in the accounting industry. Drawing from her experience at Majors Accounts, Eriona discusses the challenges of navigating family dynamics, embracing digital transformation, and harnessing the power of community support with host Carl Reader of the dt group.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The conversation goes beyond technology focusing on human behaviour, leadership lessons, and the personal determination required to drive change. Eriona reflects on handling resistance, learning from conflict, and communicating a compelling vision to gain buy-in.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For anyone navigating change, leadership, or complex team dynamics in their firm, this episode offers practical insights and heartfelt reflections from a leader who’s lived it.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Want to watch the vodcast instead? You can find the vodcast series playlist &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwyMM3yAMP3OzvwEdgo4zaQvN3XXXojMg"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This podcast is hosted by &lt;a href="https://wwww.zencast.fm"&gt;ZenCast.fm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, host Carl Reader of the dt group talks to Eriona Bajrakurtaj of Majors Accounts about driving digital transformation and overcoming resistance and conflict through clear communication.

From Practice to Business - Technology

In this episode, host Carl Reader of the dt group sits down with Soaring Falcon’s Alex Falcon Huerta — accountant, entrepreneur, tech advocate, and digital nomad — to explore her unconventional journey through the profession.
Alex shares how she carved her own path in accounting, blending practical experience with a passion for technology and innovation. From speaking on global stages about fintech and AI to building and leading offshore teams, she challenges traditional views of what an accountant — and an accounting firm — can look like.
The conversation dives into the rapid evolution of AI, the realities of outsourcing and offshoring, and why open-mindedness is the most important trait accountants can develop right now.
Want to watch the vodcast instead? You can find the vodcast series playlist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwyMM3yAMP3OzvwEdgo4zaQvN3XXXojMg">here</a>.
<hr>
This podcast is hosted by <a href="https://wwww.zencast.fm">ZenCast.fm</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, host Carl Reader of the dt group sits down with Soaring Falcon’s Alex Falcon Huerta — accountant, entrepreneur, tech advocate, and digital nomad — to explore her unconventional journey through the profession.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Alex shares how she carved her own path in accounting, blending practical experience with a passion for technology and innovation. From speaking on global stages about fintech and AI to building and leading offshore teams, she challenges traditional views of what an accountant — and an accounting firm — can look like.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The conversation dives into the rapid evolution of AI, the realities of outsourcing and offshoring, and why open-mindedness is the most important trait accountants can develop right now.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Want to watch the vodcast instead? You can find the vodcast series playlist &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwyMM3yAMP3OzvwEdgo4zaQvN3XXXojMg"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This podcast is hosted by &lt;a href="https://wwww.zencast.fm"&gt;ZenCast.fm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, Alex Falcon Huerta of Soaring Falcon joins host Carl Reader of the dt group to talk about tech, AI, global teams, and what it really means to be at the cutting edge of innovation in accounting

From Practice to Business - The extended team

In each episode, ACCA members chat about life in public practice and their tips on improving your practice. Guest episodes feature ACCA partners sharing their tips for growing practices.

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