ACHIEVING A WORK LIFE BALANCE WHILST WORKING FROM

Lessons in Leadership: What It Takes to Be a Future CFO

Last Thursday we had the pleasure of hosting an insightful and inspirational Future CFO-focused event, where we explored their experiences and journeys. All attendees had the privilege of hearing from three fantastic senior finance leaders - Nick Shaw, Kayleigh Wright and James Wenninger, each bringing a unique perspective shaped by their own career journeys — with the consensus across all speakers and focus of: driving meaningful, strategic value across their organisations. Each leader shared personal experiences of navigating challenges, leading transformation, and elevating the role of finance from a back-office function to a true business partner and value creator. Each speaker offered valuable perspectives, and several key takeaways stood out: Build a team that compliments you : Great leadership means recognising and embracing the skills you don’t have. All three CFOs emphasised the strength of surrounding themselves with good people and team members whose strengths contrast their own — creating well-rounded, agile finance functions. Embrace the unknown with confidence: Whether navigating new industries, acquisitions, or rapid change, one message was clear: lean into the uncertainty and trust your ability to adapt. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. Blend experience from big & small companies : The synergy of experience from both large-scale corporations and nimble, fast-paced environments is invaluable. The ability to scale thinking and apply structured processes in leaner settings was a recurring theme. Identify and align with key business needs : Strategic finance leaders go beyond numbers. They seek out synergies and align with business-specific needs — from systems integration to cultural alignment — to ensure long-term value add. Own your decisions…fully! : True ownership means standing by your decisions and being accountable for their outcomes. Openly discussed and demonstrated how conviction and responsibility can elevate leadership and trust across the organisation with a wider impact! A huge thank you again to Nick Shaw, Kayleigh Wright & James Wenninger who were incredible speakers and all who contributed to making this event a success. It was a timely reminder of the evolving, multi-dimensional role of today’s Finance leaders. Huge thanks as well to all attendees for bringing openness in their points / questions , and energy to the room. Looking forward already to next year!To hear about future events, contact Jack Curtis!

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Stress Awareness Month aims to increase public awareness of both the causes and cures of stress. A recent study by the Stress Management Society, identified that 65% of people in the UK have felt more stressed since the COVID19 restrictions began in March 2020.

The three key causes of concern are feelings of disconnection, uncertainty and a worrying lack of control. This is backed up by findings from the Mental Health Foundation which stated that 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.

Since restrictions were introduced more than 12 months ago, working from home has become the new normal for many employees across the region, and despite lockdown beginning to ease, homeworking – in some form - is set to continue for a number of business and organisations. As we try and balance work, rest and play all under the same roof, we outline our top tips for working from home.

Be organised

It is unlikely that you will be able to replicate your usual working week, especially if you are trying to juggle your job with childcare and, if a member of your household had to isolate, schoolwork. Plan ahead and make sure you co-ordinate your diary with your partner if possible so you have dedicated time to make calls or attend virtual meetings.

Understand your working ‘hours’

You may have had to adjust your working hours to manage your other commitments so look to break up your day into manageable chunks with a defined start and end time and regular breaks for lunch and to step away from your desk.

Take some time out

It is always important to take some time out during the working day and without the ‘benefit’ of a daily commute to switch off after a day in the office, it is essential that you make time during the day to get outside and do some exercise. A walk, cycle or run are ideal ways to help boost your overall well-being.

‘Leave’ work at the end of the day

Working from home can see employees doing more tasks in their non-working time as it is hard to separate home life from work life. If possible work in a room that you can close the door to at the end of the day; if not, make sure you tidy away your laptop at documents so you are not tempted to reach for them.

Make weekends different

Remember that Friday feeling? Make the most of weekends whilst working from home but making sure you switch off from work and do something on those days that you don’t have time to do during the week. Take a walk, arrange a movie night, organise a video catch up with friends or family.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT UStoday for expert advice on your next career move.