Real people, Real stories - A Baker Tilly podcast

In this episode of Real people, Real stories, host Abigail Bruce speaks with Jen Muckler, marketing coordinator at Baker Tilly (Canada’s) Ottawa office and founder of Pyjama Patrol – a community movement that has delivered more than 30,000 new pairs of pyjamas to children and families across shelters, schools, hospitals and community organisations. Jen reflects on how a simple gift of pyjamas can help families in need establish calming bedtime routines, transforming an everyday ritual into a moment of comfort and security. She shares how the initiative has mobilised schools, sports teams and businesses, and inspired young people to discover purpose through giving.

In this episode of Real people, Real stories, host Abigail Bruce speaks with Andrew Paul, Director of Audit Technical at Baker Tilly International. Andrew reflects on his path from accountancy into training and on the fulfilment he’s found through volunteering and supporting others. His message: do the things that bring you joy – even if they push you out of your comfort zone.

In this episode of Real People, Real Stories, host Abigail Bruce speaks with José Rodriguez, managing partner at Baker Tilly (Puerto Rico), who shares his unexpected journey into classic modelling later in life, alongside his established accounting career. José reflects on what motivated him to take this path, the joys and challenges of balancing two very different worlds, and how pursuing new passions can bring happiness at any stage of life.

In this episode of Real People, Real Stories, host Abigail Bruce speaks with Anthony Lewis, Director at Baker Tilly (US), to explore his inspiring journey of embracing authenticity in the workplace. Anthony shares the challenges he faced as a gay professional navigating corporate culture and reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his path. He underscores the importance of mentorship and the role of allies in fostering truly inclusive environments. This episode encourages listeners to be true to themselves and highlights the transformative power of diverse mentorship in shaping career paths.

In this episode of Real people, Real stories, host Abigail Bruce interviews Marisa Hut, a VAT specialist and partner at Baker Tilly Netherlands. Marisa shares her unique journey from struggling student to becoming a partner, emphasising the importance of passion and authenticity in one's career. The episode highlights the Female Inc initiative, which Marisa helped launch to foster inclusion and support women in the workplace.

In this episode of  Real people, Real stories, host Abigail Bruce interviews See Mun Sek, an Assurance Partner at Baker Tilly in Singapore. See Mun shares her journey from moving to Singapore at 18, juggling work and studies, to becoming a partner in the assurance division. She highlights her early career challenges and the significant gaps she noticed in the business world, particularly the lack of female leaders. Inspired by Sheryl Sandberg's book "Lean In" and interactions with successful female entrepreneurs, See Mun began taking on bigger challenges and spearheading initiatives, such as hosting an IPO event. She discusses the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and tackling new opportunities head-on.

In this episode of Real people, Real stories, Abigail Bruce and Brian Kreischer delve into the crucial role of  coaching and trust within professional environments. They explore how trust is built through active listening, empathy, and conversation, the challenges encountered, and its impact on performance. They also discuss how coaching fosters positive change and how people can start their own coaching journey.

In this episode of Real People, Real Stories, host Androulla Soteri is joined by Annie Walton, ESG Director at Baker Tilly's UK member firm MHA. Annie shares her journey of promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices, discussing ESG initiatives, challenges in corporate sustainability, individual consumer choices, educating without preaching, and the future importance of ESG in business.

In this episode of "Real People, Real Stories", host Androulla Soteri and Fatima Reims, Baker Tilly International's Regional Director for LATAM, discuss the challenges and their experiences of balancing motherhood with a successful career. Fatima shares insights into her personal journey, highlighting the importance of supportive workplace leadership in empowering parents, fostering inclusivity, and driving organisational success. She emphasises the need for psychological safety and flexibility in employer support, advocating for honest conversations and trust between employers and employees.

On this episode, Androulla Soteri, Director of People at Baker Tilly International, speaks with Shane Lloyd, the Chief Diversity Officer at Baker Tilly US, as they delve into addressing social class dynamics and social issues in the workplace. Shane shares his personal journey, explains why he was drawn to Baker Tilly, and highlights the importance of understanding social issues and their diverse perspectives. The conversation explores social class dynamics in the workplace and how social class can influence invisible circumstances, such as financial challenges faced by entry-level employees. How different layers within an organisation require distinct approaches to foster inclusivity and equity, and the importance of breaking down barriers, enhancing diversity, and creating a more inclusive workplace culture.

Leadership styles are evolving to become more nurturing and adaptable in response to the unpredictable nature of today's business landscape. On this episode, host Androulla Soteri, Director of People at Baker Tilly International and Donal Laverty, Consulting Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore in Northern Ireland, discuss the need for organisations to transition from a mechanistic view to viewing themselves as complex ecosystems. The conversation touches upon the importance of communication and collaboration among different generations in the workplace and how multigenerational teams can offer continuity, stability, and diversity of ideas, ultimately enhancing workforce productivity.

In this episode of "Real people, Real stories’’, host Androulla Soteri, Director of People at Baker Tilly International, speaks with Ben Lloyd, CEO of Baker Tilly Canada, on the topic of borderless working. Ben shares his journey from the sunny shores of Australia to the bustling streets of the UK, and now to the stunning landscape of Canada. This episode highlights the significance of embracing global experiences, both personally and professionally, and the value of cultural adaptability in today's interconnected world. Ben's journey serves as an inspiring example of how living and working abroad can lead to exciting career prospects.

On this episode of Baker Tilly's "Real people, Real stories" podcast, host Androulla Soteri, is joined by Anestis Demopoulos, Head of Digital & Risk Advisory Services at Baker Tilly Greece, as they discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). They look at how generative AI tools like ChatGPT are gaining attention and being integrated into businesses , and explore the benefits of AI.. They also discuss the evolving skill sets required in the age of AI and how professionals can future-proof their careers by embracing technology and enhancing analytical skills.

From archaeology to accounting, to designing firm-wide training programmes – not your typical career path. In this episode of Real people, Real stories, host Androulla Soteri is joined by Dom Bruno, Head of Learning and Development at MHA in the UK, who’s career followed this exact path. Dom opens up about his own mental health journey and the power of communication, and shares the importance of integrating mental well-being, resilience and stress management into professional skills training.

Behind every great brand, are great people. In the inaugural episode of our "Real people, Real stories" podcast series, host Androulla Soteri, Director of People at Baker Tilly International, speaks to Tracy Hickman, a retired director at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway in New Zealand. Tracy shares her remarkable story of balancing a successful career in professional services with her passion for endurance sports, including running marathons and ultra-marathons across all seven continents and her inspiring battle with cancer.