Vishal Chopra: Making career decisions, supporting career development and creating an inclusive culture.

In this episode, Vishal talks about the demands of working in professional services but how and why he has enjoyed working in the sector for over 20 years on his progression to Partnership and as Head of Tax. Vishal covers other topics including what skills and attributes to work on if aiming to be a Partner one day, the importance of having a support network when taking on a senior leadership role and how a leader should support people’s career development by understanding what the right thing for them is, even if it might result in losing top talent from your own team. Whether you are a senior leader in professional services, industry or an aspiring senior leader, this is a must listen to (and watch on YouTube for the fantastic background!). OUTLINE OF TIMINGS 02:09-3:40: Introduction and Autumn statement chat 3.40-6:51: More about his current role as Head of Tax for Scotland. Appetite to be a Partner and the career journey in over 20 years of professional services 6.52-9:35: Risk appetite for making decisions at work and in life and having a support network. 9:36-11:07: Mentorship inside and outside your organisation. 11.08-16:00: The importance of managing his energy and what he enjoys about Professional Services. 16.01-18:55: Approaching difficult situations and learning from them. 18.56-21:11: Professional Services v Industry. Knowing whether to leave practice or stay. Thinking about your career. 21.12-23:58: How to work with other senior direct reports in regards to making decisions. 23.59-25:04: Making a decision as the key decision maker. 25.05-27:36: How to create an inclusive culture as a senior leader. 27.37-30:46: Mental health. How to know your colleagues well enough. 30.47-33:59: What does a Partner look for in someone to join in a senior management capacity role. What should people focus on in their career who aspire to be a senior leader one day. 34.00-38:43: Supporting people’s career development as a leader and how to deal with an important person who resigns. 38.44-40:00: Motivations to consider behind moving to a new company.  40:01-45:06: How to stay mentally strong as a senior leader. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.