10 CAREER NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS THAT YOU NEED TO

From Leading Shared Services to Supporting SEND Families – Meet Samantha Ryan

When it comes to shared service management, Samantha knows her stuff.With a career built on navigating fast-paced change, leading high-performing teams, and staying two steps ahead of the next big thing in business ops, she’s seen (and solved) it all. But Sam’s talents don’t stop at spreadsheets and strategy—she’s also the author of SEND Help!, a heartfelt and practical guide for parents navigating the world of Special Educational Needs.In this Q&A, Liam O'Flaherty sat down with Samantha to chat about the reality of leadership in shared services—what it takes to thrive, what’s changing fast (spoiler alert: AI is knocking at the door), and why staying human in the digital age might just be the most powerful skill of all.Whether you're eyeing your first step into a shared services role or already deep in the trenches, Samantha’s insights are refreshingly honest, full of warmth, and packed with practical takeaways. Let's dive in.What do you think future leaders should prioritise or focus on most in order to successfully make themselves appointable as a shared service manager?I think it’s less about ticking off qualifications and more about showing you can actually lead people through mess and change. You need to be someone who stays calm under pressure, communicates clearly, and isn’t afraid to get stuck in. If you’re the kind of person who sees a knot and wants to untangle it, you’re probably halfway there already. When leading a shared services team, you need to have one eye on how your operation is running right now and the other eye on what’s coming down the pipeline - the next new technology or shared services operating strategy. Curiosity is key to ensuring you always stay abreast of emerging technology and ways of working.What are both the best and the most challenging aspects of being a shared service manager of a fast paced business?The best bit is the variety - you’re never bored. You get to fix things, improve how stuff works, and genuinely help people. I have always found great joy in my work and being of service to others, whether that’s leading a shared service team, a purchase to pay department or as a global process owner. The hardest part? There’s always something going on. Priorities change quickly, and you have to juggle a lot without dropping the ball. It can be exhausting some days, but also really rewarding when you get it rightWhat are your opinions about the relationship between a shared service manager and the CFO and CEO? What is critically important in building a successful partnership and providing the right support to the CEO/CFO?Trust is everything. They need to know you’ve got the detail covered, that you’ll flag issues early, and that you’re not sugar-coating anything. It’s also about understanding what keeps them up at night and making sure the shared service function isn’t adding to that. You’ve got to be steady, honest, and clear with no fluff.What new key skills or attributes do you think the next generation of shared service managers are going to need to develop?Flexibility and digital confidence. Things move quickly now, and you’ve got to be open to learning new systems, new ways of working, and even letting go of old ways that aren’t cutting it anymore. People skills still matter too, probably more than ever. This current generation expect a work/life balance and flexibility – neither of which are bad things. So, ensuring you understand the needs of your team and the culture of your workforce is essential.Are new technologies like Artificial Intelligence having much of an impact on your role as shared service manager yet? What impact do you think they will have over the next few years?Absolutely, AI has arrived. The key is to understand it, leverage it and not be afraid. AI can be really useful to shared service teams. Some of the repetitive stuff is getting automated, which is a win if it means teams can focus on the work that really needs a human brain. Over time, I think we’ll lean on AI more and more. It’ll still need people who understand the bigger picture and can spot when something doesn’t feel right. Shared Service leaders need to embrace AI and make it work effectively for their business.Is it possible to maintain a reasonable work life balance at shared service manager Level or do you have to accept that there will be personal sacrifices in order to progress to that level?Honestly? There are busy seasons and tough patches where balance goes out the window. But I do think it’s possible overall, you just have to be clear with yourself (and others) about what’s non-negotiable. I’ve learned not to feel guilty about switching off, because you can’t pour from an empty cup.Away from core knowledge, what personality traits have been critical to your success as a shared service manager? Are these natural or have you worked on developing them?Patience, humour, and the ability to stay calm when things get chaotic. Some of that’s just who I am, but I’ve definitely had to work on things like not taking things personally and learning to pick my battles. It’s a people-heavy role, so you need thick skin, but also empathy. What is the one single best piece of advice you were given early in your career that still holds true today?“Don’t wait to feel ready - just start” and “dress for the job you want, not the job you’ve got” (I actually think I first heard that on a Jennifer Aniston movie years ago!). I’ve learned that you grow into roles, not the other way round. Don’t wait to be asked to step forward in your role. Go that extra mile. Say yes, even if your voice trembles as you say it. Most people are winging it to some degree anyway. In ConclusionSamanthas’s approach to leadership is the kind we all wish we worked with—real, grounded, and refreshingly human. From embracing AI to keeping empathy at the centre of decision-making, she reminds us that successful leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about staying curious, stepping up, and staying calm when things get chaotic.Whether you're at the start of your shared services journey or eyeing your next big promotion, there’s something in Samantha’s story for everyone. And if you’re juggling a demanding role with life outside of work (who isn’t?), her reflections on balance, boundaries and being brave even when you’re not 100% ready hit just the right note.If you want to explore more of Samantha’s world beyond shared services, check out her brilliant book SEND Help!—a thoughtful, empowering guide for parents supporting children with Special Educational Needs. Because just like in business, when we work together, support each other, and lead with heart, amazing things happen.Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAYand let's chart your career path together.

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Getting a new role or securing a promotion are amongst the most common resolutions that people make to themselves at the start of the year. If you want to give your career a boost in 2020, take a look at our top ten resolutions that you should aim to keep in order to get ahead.

1.Speak up!

Don’t just assume that your boss knows that you are keen to take on new responsibilities or move onto the next level. Seize the initiative and ask to sit down with your manager and outline your career goals so you can both put in place a plan for you to achieve them.

2.Put it in writing

Make sure that you are fully prepared for your appraisal or review but putting down the key points that you want to communicate in writing. Take time to read over your job description and look back over previous performance reviews and highlight your key achievements so you can confidently explain why you think you are ready to make the next move.

3.Address any issues head on

Your boss may have reasons as to why you haven’t been given new responsibilities; rather than stewing about what these might be, look to find out what these are and what you can do in order to address these? By asking what you need to do in order to justify a promotion you will demonstrate that you are keen to make improvements as well as enable you to have a clear set of objectives to work towards.

4.Take the opportunity to learn

As well as looking at what training programmes could be available to you through your current employer, check out local colleges and online training providers to see what opportunities there are to challenge yourself and expand your knowledge. As well as professional development, taking part in workshops or classes related to your interests outside of work will also demonstrate to your boss or future employer your commitment to continual learning.

5.Dress for success

We all know the importance of dressing well for an interview but you shouldn’t let your standards slip once you have established yourself with your employer – especially when you are aiming for a promotion! Freshen up your look by updating your work wardrobe and if you are looking to take a step up take note of at others who are already at a similar level and look to emulate how they are expected to dress.

6.Make time to network

Whilst putting in the hours and taking on additional responsibilities can help you get recognised by your superiors, one of the most effective ways to improve your career prospects is to brush up on your networking skills. There are a host of networking opportunities and events ranging from industry conferences to one-to-one lunches so build time into your schedule to attend those which will be most suitable.

7.Don’t hide behind technology

It can often seem easier to send an email or a text rather than pick up the phone or have a quick chat with a colleague but if you are serious about improving your career prospects now is the time to get to know the people that you work with better and allow them to see more of what you have to offer. Discussing matters face to face will enable you to demonstrate your communication skills as well as letting others see how you handle certain situations.

8.Follow up your interview

Potential employers are keen to bring people into their teams who they can see are passionate and enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the company. Make sure you follow up any interviews with a brief email thanking your interviewer for their time and make reference to particular aspects of the role which you feel most interested you and reiterate any skills or experience which best demonstrate your suitability for the role.

9.Spring clean your social media accounts

Potential employers can find out a wealth of information about you from your social media activity so take a good look at what your online profile says about you. Make sure that your Linkedin account is bang up to date with your most recent achievements and think carefully about what aspects of your life outside of work you choose to share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

10.Find a mentor

If there is someone in your field that you admire don’t be afraid to approach them and see if they would be willing to share some of their time and mentor you in a particular aspect of your career. Similarly you could look to offer your skills and talents to others whom you think could benefit from your knowledge and in doing so will enable you to add further strings to your own bow.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today to discuss your recruitment needs with a member of our team.

10 CAREER NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS THAT YOU NEED TO KEEP

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