This bonus episode of our Learn Better Podcast features Kaplan’s very own, Zoë Lister.  Zoë has worked at Kaplan for 17 years and worked her way up throughout her career to become the curriculum manager for our ICAEW courses. As part of her role, she focuses on the skills and behaviours our learners can gain throughout their studies.  However, since hitting a ‘bump in the road,’ and finding out she has breast cancer, Zoë has used her personal experiences to provide techniques and advice on how to recover from your own hurdles - no matter what they are.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host and Head of Learning at Kaplan, Stuart Pedley Smith, talks all about Making Tax Digital.  Our guest is the director of Making Tax Digital for HMRC, Craig Ogilvie. His experience and passion for this initiative puts Craig in a perfect position to explain what Making Tax Digital is, and why it’s so important.   

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host and Head of Learning at Kaplan, Stuart Pedley Smith, talks about managing a diverse workforce. Our guest is Rob Brown, who is the co-founder of Accounting Influencers Roundtable, and the host of Accounting Influencers Podcast. Because of this experience, he is extremely knowledgeable about the accounting industry as a whole, as well as talent management, diversity, different generations, and remote working.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host and Head of Learning at Kaplan, Stuart Pedley Smith, talks all about outsourcing and offshoring accountancy services. Our guest is Arun Mehra, the founder and CEO of Samera - a Surrey-based accountancy practice. Arun started his practice 25 years ago with just one client, and now talks about why offshoring is something to consider.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host and Head of Learning at Kaplan, Stuart Pedley Smith, talks all about using social media to advance you business.  Our guest is Samantha Mitcham, who built her own accountancy practice from nothing, with a very intentional social media strategy. She now has around 19,000 LinkedIn connections - significantly more than the average.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, takes a peak into the hidden world of money laundering and financial crime. Our guest is Joe Fisher, who at the time of the recording worked as the Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) at Raisin UK.    

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, explores the benefits of learning and teaching online. Our guest is Dr. Cristi Ford: The Vice President of Academic Affairs at D2L - a Canadian education company that developed the Brightspace Learning Management System. 

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, discovers the importance of data and valuable information within the field of accounting. Our guest is Ian Pay, who is the Head of Data and Technology at ICAEW. He explains the evolving role of data and technology in the accounting and finance sectors, as well as how the innovation of technology practices is shaping the relationship between data and accounting.   

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks into the world of banking. Our guest for this episode is Tanya Retter. Tanya has worked within the banking industry for over 25 years and is now the Chartered Banking Institute's Executive Director of Education.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, speaks to guest Ben Wildavsky about his book on how to pave a successful career. Our impressive guest, Ben Wildavsky, is a scholar, veteran higher education writer, strategist, speaker, host of the podcast Higher Ed Spotlight, and author of The Great Brain Race and The Career Arts.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at artificial intelligence and the impact that this is going to make. Our guest is Dan Sodergren: a founder, writer, trainer, and an accomplished speaker with over 20 years of experience in telling stories on the impact of technology on life and work.  Dan is an expert on the future of work. But not only this - he also managed to put his type 2 diabetes into remission through changes in his lifestyle and diet.

In this very special bonus episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, is joined by Kaplan UK CEO, Kathy Walton. They discuss Kathy's passion for apprenticeships while drawing comparisons with professional qualifications to make it easier to decide on which one is right for you.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at how the people you are surrounded by, your values and your morals can help you to access opportunities. Fatima Hassan is our guest for this episode. She heads up the Finance Strategy & Development team and delivers people initiatives for the finance community at Network Rail. Fatima is also a Trustee Director of the Railways Pension Scheme, and in the past was responsible for the finance graduates. But these are only job titles, Fatima shows how her job titles only tell part of her story, and her values and beliefs are what have helped shape her career so far.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at accountancy all around the world. Our guest for this episode is Dominic Horne, Senior Manager at Robert Walters - one of the world’s leading specialists in professional recruitment. Robert Walters has over 4000 employees worldwide, operating in over 30 different countries.  While a gap year intrigued a lot of us, everyone has a different experience. Some may find this to be the trip of a lifetime that provides clarity in terms of their future career, and others might consider it just an expensive holiday! But if you work in finance, you may find that you can get the best experience all while working abroad.  Dominic and Stuart discuss everything about accountancy around the world.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, discusses the importance of the climate change issue and how this links to the finance sector.  Zach Stein is our guest on this episode. He is a Co-Founder of The Carbon Collective, an organisation based in California that makes it simple for people to invest in companies that offer climate solutions and divest from companies reliant on fossil fuels. This episode explains the simple message: to quote Zach, “Climate change is the most important issue facing the world. We still have time to avoid the worst-case scenarios, but only if we invest capital in climate change solutions that can be adopted and implemented quickly,”. 

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at the relationship between technology and the accountancy and finance marketplace.  Neil Bertram is our guest today, Consultant, Board Director and a Chief Financial Officer for SMEs. Neil has a significant amount of experience in the finance sector that he has put to good use to build a portfolio career.    After COVID-19, many people questioned their futures and what they wanted to do with their life. One option is to take control over how and when you work. People are starting to think in terms of multiple streams of income rather than one, and become open to the idea of a mix of full or part-time employment, freelancing or consulting, and do what Neil has done: have a portfolio career.   COVID-19 was the catalyst for many people to take a long hard look at their future. 

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at personal and professional failures, and how this has a significant factor on success. Our guest in this episode is Asif Muhammad, CEO of a company called Main Course Associates with offices in London, Italy, Spain and the USA. The company specialises in providing financial, accounting and management support to those in the hospitality industry. But alongside this, Asif is also an investor, turnaround specialist, serial entrepreneur, writer and philanthropist and much more… 

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at Charlotte Lewis’ career in finance paired with her life in sports. Our guest for this episode is Kaplan’s very own, Charlotte Lewis. She has managed to combine a very successful career as a tax lecturer with her love for sport and competition and will be representing Great Britain in the World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Spain in April 2023

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, discusses how to cope with stress and reach out for help when needed. Our guest is Gareth Winters, Relationship Development Officer for CABA - the independent occupational charity for the ICAEW community. In his role, Gareth gets to talk to a whole variety of different people, at different stages in their lives and careers, but what makes his observations interesting is that they all work in the world of finance and are seeking help in some way to get them and their lives back on track. 

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at crypto and digital assets in the world of tax. Our guest is Chris Smith, Personal Tax Director at BKL - an accountancy, advisory and tax support firm in Finchley, North London. This episode is all about crypto and digital assets in the tax world, as Chris goes well beyond what most people would consider the traditional tax route. He has developed expertise in advising on the tax implications of crypto-currencies. 

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at city life as a financier.  The guest for this episode is Gabriel Osamor, Business Intelligence Analyst at Brown Advisory, an investment management firm in the City of London. Be careful not to judge Gabriel on the basis of his current role (as impressive as it is), as what sets him apart from others is that, in his own words, he is “ordinary, average and not a particularly good student. But he has one significant characteristic, he doesn’t give up and thrives on challenge.” Tell him he can’t do something and he will prove you wrong – he has what the Americans refer to as ‘grit,’ huge amounts of determination and an aptitude for hard work. 

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, discusses Neurodiversity and study tips for anyone with additional learning needs. We have two guests for this episode, Kirsty Gibson and Abigail Nolan. At the time of recording the podcast, Abigail and Kirsty both worked within Kaplan’s Quality Development and Improvement Team, with expertise in inclusion and diversity. They are both hugely passionate about neurodiversity and share their knowledge and tips.   

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at social mobility and leadership investment. Our guest is Justin Onuekwusi, Head of Retail Investment and Fund Manager at Legal & General Investment Management. He is also Founder of EnCircle Mentoring, the Rolling Start Podcast, a member of the City of London social mobility taskforce and a non-executive director.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at digital transformation in the world of accountancy. Our guest is Kat Bond, Head of Partner Consulting and Verticals at Xero, who develop cloud based accounting software for small businesses. Kat explains how digital transformation is about improving our processes rather than replacing people, and how it can help businesses to gain better data to help make better decisions.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at the future of Accountancy and Finance careers and recruitment. Our guest is Caroline King, Director of permanent talent solutions at Robert half, a specialist talent solutions consultancy. With 7 years experience changing finance professionals' lives by getting them their dream jobs, she shares her top tips when entering accountancy and finance careers.

In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, explores how food and nutrition impacts your well-being, mood and cognitive performance. Our guest is Anjanette Fraser, an expert in Nutrition and founder of company The Natural Alternative Health & Wellbeing Ltd. For more information on her teachings you can visit her youtube channel, Bitesize Nutrition TV - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSPsqhybkaFQ8hiz398axIg/videos

In this week's episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, takes a look at entrepreneurship and how to succeed in your career. Our guest is Paul Cheetham-Karcz, Founder of Sedulo Group, an award winning advisory firm and investment house. He is also the author of Taking Care of Business and host of the namesake podcast.

In this week's episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, discusses careers in tax and the routes you can take towards this area of finance. Our guest is Neil Da Costa, Senior Tax Tutor at Kaplan, well known for the advice and resources he provides his students. Neil explains his personal journey into a career in tax, what makes tax professionals so important to businesses, and how the specialised knowledge can help to futureproof your earning potential. 

This episode our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, explores the connection between resilience, compassion and overcoming failure. Our guest, Kirsty Lilly, is a Mental Health expert who specialises in helping people develop their compassionate self. Kirsty talks about the importance of resilience when it comes to failure and how self compassion is integral to this. 

In this episode our guest is Anthony Clarke, Business Development Manager at AAT.  Anthony covers the versatility finance qualifications can give your career, the current hot jobs in the finance sector and how to approach your applications and interviews. Anthony also talks about how the sector has made a commitment to drive diversity and social mobility and how this has changed the way businesses are recruiting.

Finding motivation can be difficult, but when you learn how to apply your strengths you can begin to tap into your intrinsic motivation.  This week our host looks at motivation and how you can learn to lead a more engaged life. Our guest is Ross Anderson, an expert in well being sciences and human optimisation, also known as The Motivational Dude. Ross shares details of his past involving drugs, crime, suicide and family struggles. Plus, how he found a more purposeful path through motivation.

We are back! Kicking off series 2 of our Learn Better Podcast, host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, explores career planning and how to find a job that you enjoy. Guest Sarah Pritchard, Head of Banking, Finance & Management Design at Kaplan, tells her own personal journey from studying Set Design at university to finding passion in education. Sharing what she discovered to be important in loving what you do, Sarah provides useful tips  for assessing your personal skill set and in turn identifying if a job is right for you.

Find out how the accountancy profession embracing AI technology could benefit society and give employees in the sector an instant promotion. In the final episode of the Learn Better Podcast first series, our host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of learning here at Kaplan, talks about AI in Accountancy and its implication on jobs in the sector. Guest Ben Grubert, CEO at Inevitable, helps break down the technological jargon that surrounds AI and explains the benefits it can bring to the working world. Putting simply what AI is and how it works, Ben shares examples of how it can take over monotonous, repetitive tasks and free up time for people to create value in their profession.

In this episodes our host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of learning here at Kaplan, explores accountancy around the world and how you can work abroad after qualifying in the UK. Kaplan’s learn better podcast covers topical subjects to support our past, present and future learners to succeed in both their studies and careers. Alex Swift, Insurance Director at R5 and former Kaplan student, highlights the opportunities available abroad and shares his personal experience of being an accountant in a foreign country.

This week our host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of learning here at Kaplan, explores the topic of wellbeing and it’s impact on your studies and working life.  Kaplan’s learn better podcast covers topical subjects to support our past, present and future learners to succeed in both their studies and careers. In this episode, mental health speaker, Ross McWilliam of Mindset Pro talks through the importance of acknowledging wellbeing and how to optimise our productivity through taking care of our wellness. He asks “Does being the best come at the expense of mental health?”, as well as sharing the 5 pillars to help you perform at your maximum.   

In this episode, our host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of learning here at Kaplan, looks at the Digital Skills Gap and the opportunity it has presented for those willing to upskill. Kaplan’s learn better podcast covers topical subjects to support our past, present and future learners to succeed in both their studies and careers. Our guest is Jason Moss, who is the Apprenticeship Development Director at Kaplan. Helping us to understand the difference between knowledge and skills, Jason explains what employers are looking for and how studying an apprenticeship to learn these digital skills can help further your career and increase your employability.

In this episode we discuss why sleep can impact how we learn and why it is fundamental to our mental health. Kaplan’s learn better podcast covers topical subjects to support our past, present and future learners to succeed in both their studies and careers. Guest Dr Nishi Bhopal, Psychiatrist and Sleep Specialist, explains how fundamental sleep is to your mental health and in turn how we learn. Focusing on consolidation, one of the three primary aspects to learning, she helps to provide understanding as to why sleep deprivation can affect your recall of information.

This week we explore the question “Why does accountancy continue to be important?” with guest, Paul Barnes, Managing Director of MAP. Here he speaks about personal development, computerisation within the industry and value perception. This episode summarises ways in which accounting will continue to be important and how to make it a successful career path for you. 

Our host Stuart Pedley-Smith, Head of learning here at Kaplan, helps to tackle the subject of sustainability within the world of accounting. Kaplan’s learn better podcast covers topical subjects to support our past, present and future learners to succeed in both their studies and careers. This week Richard Barker, Professor of Accounting at Oxford University, joins us to explore sustainability. With a lot of confusion around sustainability, and what it really means, this episode will help provide clarity on what it is and why it is important.

In this episode our host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of learning at Kaplan, explores the topic of diversity within the accountancy profession. Guest Alice Olafare, Co-found of New Gen Accountants (NGA), shares her experiences and what led her to co-founding the NGA community initiative. Alice discusses the challenges diverse candidates may face, the resources they can lean on for support and the benefits of a diverse workforce for everyone. Kaplan’s learn better podcast covers topical subjects to support our past, present and future learners to succeed in both their studies and careers.

How to reach your potential and combat the stress of an exam. In this episode our host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of learning here at Kaplan, helps uncover how to make the best use of the 24 hours before an exam. Our guest for this episode is Neil Da Costa, who is a Kaplan Senior lecturer. He walks us through his top exam preparation tips. From time management to what to eat and drink, Neil explains why each little thing you do can add up to make the critical differences when sitting your exam. 

We discuss the big question: What do I do next?  Our host Stuart Pedley-Smith, Head of learning at Kaplan, and guest clarify the differences between pursuing the University vs Apprenticeships route into work. Kaplan’s learn better podcast covers topical subjects to support our past, present and future learners to succeed in both their studies and careers. Joined by Apprenticeships Partnerships Director, Jenny Pelling, this episode covers where the job market is going, the difference in learning experiences and how apprenticeships have become a genuine alternative to University. From practical application, to freedom of exploration, and the importance of money to personal development, this podcast will help you to understand the key questions you must ask yourself to decide what route is right for you.