INTHEBLACK

INTHEBLACK

INTHEBLACK is a leadership, strategy, and business podcast from one of Australia's most respected business, accounting and finance publications – the award-winning INTHEBLACK magazine. INTHEBLACK brings together expert analysis and thought leadership across accounting, business and finance, taxation, technology, digital transformation, innovation, ethics and governance, ESG, the economy, careers, workplace and work life. Weekly episodes cover a broad range of topics that help businesses and finance professionals and corporate leaders understand, navigate and thrive in an increasingly complex business environment. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes. INTHEBLACK is presented by CPA Australia, one of the world’s largest accounting bodies, with core services that include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts: With Interest, INTHEBLACK, INTHEBLACK Out Loud and Excel Tips. To find out more about our podcasts, visit https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts - or search for the shows in your podcast service. To contact the podcast team email us at [email protected].

  1. 3D AGO

    Productivity tips for busy finance professionals

    Time. It’s one thing many busy professionals wish we had more of in our working days.   Whether you're drowning in meetings or struggling to tick off your daily tasks, this episode is here to help. You’ll find clear, actionable tips to help you work smarter and achieve your goals.   You’ll learn:  Why “I’m busy” isn’t the answer, and what you should focus on instead  How to set realistic, achievable goals that drive real progress  What professionals get wrong about productivity and how to fix it  How to make meetings more meaningful – or remove them entirely  The power of “Red Brick Thinking” and how it can change your day-to-day work  How to use AI tools to boost efficiency  If you're a CPA Australia member, business owner, finance lead or corporate professional, this episode will provide you with relevant tools to help you take back control of your calendar.  Host: Christine Gounder, Digital Content Lead, Design and Build, CPA Australia  Guest: Donna McGeorge, author and expert on productivity, meetings and time management  For more information on this episode’s guest and her books, head to Donna McGeorge’s website.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]

    18 min
  2. MAY 20

    Master workplace communication with Dr Louise Mahler

    Ever wondered how well you communicate?  Communication expert Dr Louise Mahler shares practical, research-backed techniques to help you build trust, speak with confidence and strengthen your presence.  Whether you're presenting to the board, in an online meeting or fielding tough questions, this episode gives you the tools to communicate with greater impact and earn trust more effectively.   From unconscious habits that sabotage credibility to the secrets behind handling high-pressure moments, unpack how voice, body language and messaging shape the way we’re perceived.  In this INTHEBLACK episode, you’ll learn:   The core components of trust and why they matter   How to communicate with authority using vocal and physical presence   Simple ways to manage anxiety in meetings and presentations   What gravitas really is and how to develop it  Listen now for expert-backed tips you can use today.   Host: Jackie Blondell, Editorial Content Lead, CPA Australia  Guest: Dr Louise Mahler, an expert in body language, voice and human behaviour. She has a PhD in Leadership Communication, and degrees and masters in Organisational Psychology and Music and is the author of two books on the subject: Resonate and Gravitas.    Louise is presenting a master class at CPA Week in Perth on 11-13 June, 2025.   You can learn more about Louise Mahler at her website.   INTHEBLACK has also covered today’s topic in a recent article featuring Dr Louise Mahler along with other experts who share their insights on staying calm and composed in the workplace when the pressure is on.  You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.   Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]

    19 min
  3. APR 23

    Beyond GDP: Rethinking productivity in today’s economy

    What does productivity really mean in today’s fast-moving, tech-driven world – and are traditional measures still relevant?  In this episode of INTHEBLACK, take a fresh look at how to define and measure productivity in today’s high-tech economy.   Longstanding metrics like multi-factor productivity (MFP) and gross domestic product (GDP) have shaped economic policy for decades – but are they still fit for purpose?  An expert guest expert draws on insights from the Australian Productivity Commission and his own research to explore:  Why conventional productivity measures may no longer reflect real economic value  Emerging alternative metrics that better capture today’s workplace dynamics  What this shift means for business leaders, finance professionals and policymakers  If you're a business owner, accountant or advisor looking to better understand the future of work and economic performance, this episode will give you the context – and questions – you need to stay ahead.  Listen now to uncover what productivity really is in today’s economy.   Host: Garreth Hanley, podcast producer, CPA Australia  Guest: John QuiggIn, Professor of Economics at University of Queensland. He is prominent both as a research economist and as a commentator on Australian economic policy. He is a Fellow of the Econometric Society, the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. His latest book After Neoliberalism was released in 2024.   For more information on research reports by the Australian Productivity Commission, head to its website.   Additionally, learn more about alternative productivity metrics such as wellbeing indices and TFP (total factor productivity)   INTHEBLACK has also covered this episode’s topic.   You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.   Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest INTHEBLACK  INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]

    15 min
  4. APR 7

    AI and cybersecurity: penetration tester reveals key dangers

    As organisations big and small integrate artificial intelligence into their operations, understanding the vulnerabilities that come with AI systems is essential. In this episode, we'll explore the crucial intersection between AI and cybersecurity.  You’ll gain insights on AI systems, common pitfalls in AI security and specialist tips for businesses to navigate this dynamic landscape.  This episode covers areas such as:  Adversarial machine learning (AML)   The fundamental difference between AI and IT security AI model vulnerabilities Expanded attack surface via unstructured inputs   Key pitfalls in AI adoption Risk mitigation  Tune in now for specialist advice from a leading expert in the field.    Host: Garreth Hanley, Podcast Producer, CPA Australia  Guest: Miranda R, an offensive security team manager at Malware Security, and an AI vulnerability researcher and a trainer with Mileva, where she conducts penetration testing for various sectors, including government and private industry.   Want to learn more? Head online to Malsec and Mileva.  And you can read an insightful post by Miranda R on her LinkedIn, as well as a news story about an ID system failure in the US involving a fraudster and how a North Korean hacker duped a cybersecurity firm. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.   Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting:   With Interest INTHEBLACK  INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]

    31 min
  5. MAR 24

    CFO insights: key trends shaping the future of finance

    How is the role of the CFO evolving and what does it mean for the future of finance?   In this episode, you’ll gain key takeaways from Hays’ CFO Insights Report, which surveyed nearly 300 CFOs across Australia and New Zealand.  You’ll learn how finance leaders are shifting from traditional financial management to a more strategic “chief value officer” role, driving broader organisational impact in an increasingly volatile business landscape.   Gain valuable insights into how CFOs are using AI for automation, prioritising cybersecurity amid growing threats, and embedding sustainability into financial strategy as ESG regulations come into sharper focus.  Additionally, with finance roles expanding, CFOs are investing in leadership development, digital skills and future-proofing their teams through structured succession planning.  Stay ahead in the finance world and discover:  Emerging trends Challenges Actionable strategies  Tune in now.    Host: Christine Gounder, Digital Content Leader, CPA Australia Guest: Caroline Edwards, NSW Director, Accountancy and Finance at Hays   You can read the full Hays’ CFO Insights Report online and Hays’ website has more about the services that the company offer.   CPA Australia also has resources for finance professionals which can help you in your career journey.   Additionally, at the INTHEBLACK website, you can read articles on wide range of topics for business, accounting and finance professionals, including the must-have skills for CFOs in 2025.   You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.   Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest INTHEBLACK  INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]

    12 min
  6. MAR 7

    Closing the gender gap: leadership, policy and equality

    On International Women’s Day 2025, we explore the ongoing journey to gender equality in the workplace.   In this episode you’ll uncover valuable insights on the difference between pay equity and the gender pay gap, and learn more about key issues such as:  Leadership: The crucial role of leadership in driving gender equality and fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace culture.   Impact of legislative changes: How policies such as paid parental leave and corporate diversity principles have improved women’s participation in the workforce and in leadership roles.  Gender pay gap: The importance of understanding and addressing the gender pay gap through data-driven strategies and understanding its key drivers.  Parental leave and gender norms: How the increasing involvement of men in taking parental leave is challenging traditional gender roles and promoting more equitable care-giving responsibilities.  Business case for gender equality: The direct link between gender-balanced teams and improved organisational performance, innovation and safety.  Listen to this episode and learn how organisations can create more inclusive, respectful and high-performing workplaces.  Tune in now.   Host: Christine Gounder, Digital Content Lead, Design and Build, CPA Australia  Guest: Prue Gilbert, founder and CEO of Grace Papers, a social change business that provides coaching and consulting solutions to promote gender equality in the workplace  For further information, head online to the Australian government workplace gender equality agency and to Prue Gilbert’s social change business Grace Papers.   Additionally, the international women’s day website has all the information you need on IWD 2025.   Want to learn more?  INTHEBLACK has relevant articles on strategies to help close the gender gap and gender in accounting.   You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.   Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes?   Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest INTHEBLACK  INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]

    21 min
  7. MAR 3

    Australia’s M&A outlook: trends and opportunities revealed

    The mergers and acquisitions landscape is shifting. Are you prepared?  In this episode, unpack the key trends shaping Australia’s mid-market M&A activity, drawing on exclusive insights from the latest Pitcher Partners’ Dealmakers report.   Learn what’s driving deal enthusiasm, how market capitalisations are influencing transactions and where Australia stands in the regional and global M&A arena.  Plus: the industries that are primed for consolidation, opportunities emerging in the year ahead and the challenges businesses and investors need to navigate.  Whether you’re an investor, business owner or dealmaker, this podcast will equip you with the insights to stay ahead in a competitive market.  Tune in for expert analysis that can help shape your next strategic move.  Host: Gavan Ord, business investment and international lead, policy and advocacy, CPA Australia  Guest: Stephen Craig CPA, partner, corporate finance at Pitcher Partners  Pitcher Partner’s dealmakers’ mid-market M&A report is available to read online.   Learn more about the company at its website.   You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.   Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest INTHEBLACK  INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]

    26 min

About

INTHEBLACK is a leadership, strategy, and business podcast from one of Australia's most respected business, accounting and finance publications – the award-winning INTHEBLACK magazine. INTHEBLACK brings together expert analysis and thought leadership across accounting, business and finance, taxation, technology, digital transformation, innovation, ethics and governance, ESG, the economy, careers, workplace and work life. Weekly episodes cover a broad range of topics that help businesses and finance professionals and corporate leaders understand, navigate and thrive in an increasingly complex business environment. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes. INTHEBLACK is presented by CPA Australia, one of the world’s largest accounting bodies, with core services that include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts: With Interest, INTHEBLACK, INTHEBLACK Out Loud and Excel Tips. To find out more about our podcasts, visit https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts - or search for the shows in your podcast service. To contact the podcast team email us at [email protected].

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