INTHEBLACK

What can chimpanzee social structures teach us about getting on with people at work?

In this new season of Career Hacks, we're exploring the human factor at work in the AI age — what it means to be human as technology reshapes how we work and connect.

This episode explores what chimpanzee social structures can reveal about human behaviour, why everyday conversation is more than a distraction, and how professional connections help people find information and get work done.

Key takeaways from this episode:

Why status, territorial behaviour and hierarchy can shape te...

When was the last time you had a work disagreement? How was it for you?

How you handle workplace conflict can make or break a work relationship, a project, or a whole team's trust in each other.

In this episode, Genevieve Hawkins, Founder of Mentally at Work, unpacks what it means to disagree well at work.

She explains why assuming good intent is the first step to any productive disagreement, and why reframing conflict as curiosity (rather than a battle to be won) changes the outcome entirely.

You'll learn her expert...

CFOs can learn a lot about pricing and leadership from Costco.

In this episode of How CFOs Think, the former Costco CFO Richard Galanti explains how Costco Wholesale – a multibillion-dollar global retailer with warehouse club operations in 14 countries – has used pricing discipline, operational efficiency, transparency and long-term thinking to build customer loyalty and value.

Listeners will learn:

Why Costco maintains strict limits on product mark-ups

How operational efficiency helps protect customer value

Why Costco sometimes accepts lower short-term earnings

How transparency shapes relationships with investors and suppliers

Technical expertise can produce exact numbers. However, communicating what those numbers mean is a different, but incredibly valuable, skill.

This episode explores why storytelling is becoming an increasingly important capability for accountants and finance professionals.

You will learn:

Why peer credibility matters alongside formal authority

How storytelling can help financial insights drive action

Why numbers can influence behaviour, not just describe performance

How technical professionals can develop their communication skills

Change is the one constant in today's work landscape.

This episode sparks fresh ideas on leading people through change without losing their trust or buy-in.

Expert guest Richard Gerver – who has worked with Google and Deloitte and will speak on Leading Humans Through Continuous Change at CPA Congress 2026 – looks at why restructures so often fail on the human side, not the technical one.

He explains why:

What does responsible leadership look like when short-term performance still matters? 

This episode explores stewardship as a practical approach to balancing profit, purpose, stakeholder interests and long-term value. 

Key learnings include: 

This podcast aims to help leaders understand how a stewardshi...

Growth is not the problem. Undisciplined growth is. 

Does revenue growth without financial discipline create value or destroy is the question at the centre of this expert-led episode. 

The 2025 Australian Accounting Awards CFO of the Year Priyan Fernando explains why revenue growth can mask falling margins, tightening cash flow and weakening financial discipline. 

Listeners will learn: 

Salary still matters.

However, it is no longer enough to attract and retain accounting and finance professionals.

In this episode, explore how the Australian employment market is changing and what workers want from their careers today.

The 2026/27 Hays Salary Guide answers questions you've been asking about career progression, flexibility, skills development and AI.

For employers, the challenge now is building a proposition that goes beyond just pay.

In the Hays Salary Guide for financial year 2026/27, you'll hear expert insights on:

(This is an encore presentation of this INTHEBLACK podcast episode, first published on February 3, 2026) 

Cognitive bias. It quietly shapes many of the decisions made in accounting and finance – often without you realising it. 

This unintended bias can become a risk if left unchecked – especially in professions built on precision, trust and ethical responsibility. 

Drawing on real-world examples, this episode explores the diverse types of cognitive bias, and how they can impact accounting and finance professionals in our day-to-day work. 

Key learnings include: 

Every workplace has them – the colleague whose communication style grates on you, the team member whose approach seems to undermine everything you're trying to do, or the manager you simply can't read.

In finance and corporate environments, where pressure is high and collaboration is non-negotiable, navigating these relationships isn't optional.

In this episode of the INTHEBLACK podcast, experts discuss the reality of working with people you don't like.

They explore why tension in teams can actually be a competitive advantage, how to tell the difference between a personality clash and a systemic problem, an...

The data doesn't lie.

With 40 per cent of workers' current skill sets expected to be transformed or obsolete by 2030, it leads to a question many are asking: How do professionals working in finance and accounting become indispensable in the coming years?

In this episode, INTHEBLACK tries to answer that by exploring the one skill that professionals can focus on to help them remain valuable.

The expert insights in this episode include:

Why AI widens the gap between average and exceptional professionals

The human skills that are becoming more valuable...

HECS transformed access to higher education in Australia and became one of the country's most influential public policy innovations.

But nearly four decades on, rising student debt, indexation concerns and changing graduate outcomes are raising fresh questions about whether the system still works as intended.

This episode examines the origins of the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS), and how its income-contingent loan model influenced education funding around the world.

It also explores the challenges facing the system today and the policy choices that could shape its future.

Key points covered:

This publication provides general information only and is not legal or professional advice. CPA Australia gives no warranties as to its accuracy, completeness or suitability and disclaims all liability for reliance on it. Listeners should seek their own independent advice for their circumstances.

What does Australia's biggest AML (anti-money laundering) reform in years mean for accountants, lawyers, advisers and business owners?

This episode breaks down the tranche 2 anti-money laundering reforms, the growing role of AUSTRAC, and why professional service firms are becoming critical gatekeepers in the fight against financial crime.

The discussion explores...

This publication provides general information only and is not legal or professional advice. CPA Australia gives no warranties as to its accuracy, completeness or suitability and disclaims all liability for reliance on it. Listeners should seek their own independent advice for their circumstances.

Ever wondered how criminal money moves through today's financial systems?

The answer is more complex today than ever before.

This episode explores the networks, tactics and technologies reshaping money laundering across the world.

From romance scams and money mules to crypto and the metaverse, gain practical insight into...

This publication provides general information only and is not legal or professional advice. CPA Australia gives no warranties as to its accuracy, completeness or suitability and disclaims all liability for reliance on it. Listeners should seek their own independent advice for their circumstances.

Money laundering.

It's a business that's rife worldwide, with billions of dollars illegally laundered each year.

In Australia it's estimated that money laundering costs the economy A$60 billion a year.

In 2026, money laundering is under the microscope because Australia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Regime is being expanded. <...

Layne Beachley AO has done it all in the sporting arena – she's a seven-time world surfing champion, after all.

And through her incredible journey, she's learned powerful mindset strategies that could help you today.

And it's not what you might think.

Drawing on her experience as a sporting great, Layne connects elite sport principles to the realities of accounting and finance, offering practical ways to manage stress, sustain energy and make clearer decisions in demanding roles.

And you can apply these habits to your own work life in finance and accounting to...

As accountants, conflicts of interest can arise. Some say they are unavoidable.

But knowing how to manage them is crucial.

This episode explores how such conflicts arise – from client relationships to commercial pressures – and why managing them is critical to upholding trust in the profession.

You will learn:

why conflicts of interest are increasing in today's business environment

the most common conflict of interest scenarios facing accountants and advisers

when disclosure is not enough and stronger action is needed

how to distinguish between manageable and unac...

AI is reshaping finance faster than most accounting and finance organisations are prepared for.

This episode explores what that means in practice and how professionals can stay relevant as roles evolve.

From automation and agentic AI to cybersecurity risks and sustainability pressures, this expert-led discussion highlights the shifts happening across finance, accounting and business in a volatile and rapidly changing world.

You will learn:

The biggest forces changing the profession right now

What AI fluency looks like in practice and why it matters now

The emerging technologies...

Accounting has evolved dramatically, but its core purpose stays unchanged - enabling trust and better decision-making.

In this episode, hosted by Australian comedian Lehmo, learn how the profession has moved from manual record keeping to a strategic role centred on judgement, governance and value creation.

Additionally, explore why AI is transforming tools rather than replacing expertise.

Key learnings from this episode:

How accounting has evolved from bookkeeping to strategic decision support

Why trust, integrity and governance sit at the centre of the profession

How global crises have...

Gain a clear view of where the Australian and Asia-Pacific economies are heading and what it all means for finance leaders in 2026.

The headlines say volatility. The data tells a more nuanced story.

Inflation, interest rates, productivity and more are all explained in plain terms, translating macroeconomic signals into what matters for business leaders today.

Listen for an expert view of:

The economic cycle that Australia and APAC are entering

The likely direction of interest rates over the next 12 months

Which indicators matter most when tracking inflation <...

What do you do when there is no playbook?

Many finance leaders have built their careers on accuracy, clarity and control. But today's operating climate is defined by uncertainty rather than stability.

Market turbulence, rapid advances in AI, organisational redesign and ongoing talent constraints are converging at the same time.

In this context, success depends on more than just IQ or EQ. It now also hinges on your adaptability quotient (AQ).

In this episode, explore how finance professionals can build the capability to work confidently through ambiguity while preserving the discipline...

Workplace romance happens more often than most people realise.

While at its heart (no pun intended) it's a personal matter, companies today have obligations under legislation that affect how these relationships are managed.

When colleagues become romantically involved, there are ways to handle it that respect personal freedom while managing organisational risk.

This episode examines that tricky balancing act of respecting privacy with the current legal and ethical responsibilities of companies.

Key points in this episode include:

The view of office romances from today's organisational perspective

The...

Cognitive bias. It quietly shapes many of the decisions made in accounting and finance – often without you realising it.

This unintended bias can become a risk if left unchecked – especially in professions built on precision, trust and ethical responsibility.

Drawing on real-world examples, this episode explores the diverse types of cognitive bias, and how they can impact accounting and finance professionals in our day-to-day work.

Key learnings include:

Why cognitive bias exists and when it becomes a professional risk

How common biases affect financial judgement

The ethical cons...

Did you know that one of Australia's biggest superannuation reforms in decades is starting in July 2026? Are you prepared for the change?

In short, with legislation moving through Parliament, Australia will move from quarterly to payday-based superannuation payments – a significant shift with implications across business.

This expert-led episode, featuring three guests, explores the systems issues and regulatory implications as well as why Payday Super is happening and the benefits of this change to employees.

Key takeaways include:

How cash flow, payroll systems and compliance will be affected by this change

Australia remains one of the few advanced economies still using PDFs for financial reporting – a format most global markets have already left behind.

In this episode, you'll gain expert-led insights on why adopting digital financial reporting in Australia is critical to supporting trust, transparency and competitiveness in global markets.

Explore how structured data allows regulators, investors and businesses to analyse and compare information more efficiently, driving better decision-making and reducing capital costs.

Listeners will learn:

How structured data improves accountability and investor confidence

Why global markets already mandate digital re...

How can we attract more accountants and future-proof the profession?

In this episode we take a deep dive with IFAC into this pressing question. You'll learn about accounting's talent pipeline – its challenges and possible solutions.

Key takeaways include:

What's really driving the talent shortage and how firms, educators and policymakers can respond.

Simple ways to position accounting as a dynamic, valued career choice.

Why reaching future accountants in primary school – and harnessing gamification – sparks lifelong curiosity.

How AI is reshaping (not replacing) accounting jobs, and what skillsets are es...

We all want to be happy at work. Or at least happier, don't we?

Across this conversation, listeners will learn about a foundational concept: Success often follows happiness rather than causes it.

Drawing on research in positive psychology, the episode outlines how mindset, habits and self-awareness account for a large share of overall wellbeing, far outweighing external circumstances.

It also explains how small, consistent practices such as learning to be grateful can recalibrate the brain's natural bias toward the negative.

Listeners will learn:

The relationship between happiness and leadership <...

We've all probably had a manager or leader who struggles to delegate. Sound familiar?

This Career Hacks episode explores the art of delegation. It's an essential skill, particularly for new managers – and one that's often hard to master.

Getting the right balance between a hands-off approach and micro-management is key, and an empathetic approach can really help, say the experts.

Listen in to learn the behavioural traps that keep managers doing the work themselves, why burnout grows when clarity is missing, and how empathy offers insight into workload, motivation and fairness.

Al...

Are you a leader who dreads hard conversations? The uncomfortable feedback. The underperformance chat. The redundancy announcement.

It can be daunting.

But difficult conversations are part of every leader's journey, and mastering them takes skill, EQ and practice.

In this expert-led episode, we bring you tools to help.

Key learnings: • Why fear for even the most capable leaders drives avoidance – and how to break the cycle • How to prepare for tough talks without over-rehearsing • Practical ways to lead redundancy or performance discussions • Turning emotional moments into opportunities for growth • Understanding emotional triggers to...

Planning your next career move? If so, you're going to need a resume that stands out from the rest.

In this episode, you'll learn what hiring managers look for and how to present your experience with clarity and confidence.

With an expert guest offering tips and advice, discover how CV formats are changing, what recruiters see as red flags and the role keywords play in passing those annoying, AI-driven applicant tracking systems.

Key insights include:

The resume length rule that really matters

What to highlight at junior and senior...

How's your mental energy? It's an important question to ask yourself. Here's why.

As the working year draws to a close, your mental energy may be a little low. This can have implications not only for you, but your work productivity.

In this episode, we explore how finance professionals can protect their mental bandwidth, sustain their energy and lead with purpose without burning out.

You'll learn practical ways to recharge your "mental battery" and create balance in high-pressure workplaces.

You'll gain insights such as:

How to measure and manage...

Did you know that Australia is the world's largest lithium producer?

In this episode, you'll learn more about the battery business – a complex area given its reliance on the mining sector and the associated challenges involved in extracting primary resources.

Listeners will gain an expert-led view of the global battery industry, and how mining, sustainability and policy intersect to power the next generation of economic growth.

Key areas covered include:

What lithium is and how it powers everything from EVs to renewable storage systems

Why "battery passports" are redefining re...

AI is advancing fast – but is it responsible?

In this must-listen episode, global AI expert Dr Rumman Chowdhury shares what you need to know about building AI systems that are fair, transparent and future-ready.

Key insights and questions include:

Is it too late to create a responsible AI environment?

What defines responsible AI?

Managing AI bias and ethical risk

The rise of sovereign AI

Workforce disruption: preparing for AI-driven change

For four decades, Microsoft Excel has been a cornerstone of accounting and finance. From basic calculations to complex modelling, it has transformed how professionals analyse data, solve problems and make decisions.

To mark Excel's 40th birthday, Neale Blackwood CPA reflects on Excel's legacy and its impact on the profession. He shares his personal journey with Excel, explores its evolution from the early Mac days to the rise of AI and Python, and offers insights into why Excel remains essential in a tech-driven world.

Listen now to learn:

How Excel revolutionised accounting and finance...

This episode explores purpose-led leadership - a key to inspiring teams and achieving success.

Leadership is no longer defined by just technical skills — purpose, adaptability and the ability to bring out the best in others is becoming increasingly important.

Whether you're an emerging leader in accounting or a seasoned finance professional, this episode offers practical guidance to help you step into leadership with purpose, lead through adversity and change and inspire high performance across your teams.

Listen now.

Host: Tahn Sharpe, editor, INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia

Guest: Pip Marlow, non-executive bo...

In an interconnected world, one trait is fast becoming a must-have skill for finance and accounting professionals. It's cultural intelligence.

This episode explores how understanding cultural differences and adapting your approach can elevate trust, strengthen collaboration and deliver better business outcomes.

With expert-led insights, learn how cultural conditioning shapes trust and what strategies can help you lead with authenticity while respecting cultural norms.

Learn clear, actionable ways to embed cultural agility into daily practice – from client meetings to cross-border negotiations.

Key learnings include:

How to identify and manage cultural bl...

Today's finance job market trends are revealed with key findings from the Hays 2025 Salary Guide explored in this episode.

Key takeaways include:

Which finance roles and industries offer the best rewards in Australia and New Zealand

Trends in finance job satisfaction across salary levels and generations

The impact of AI on the recruitment process

The gender pay gap

Private credit is booming. But do investors fully understand the risks?

In this episode, learn the mechanics of private credit, its place within the private capital universe and why it's suddenly everywhere - from retail portfolios to billion-dollar super funds.

Key takeaways include:

Why private credit is not the "bond-like risk" some claim it is

How super funds allocate private credit under regulatory pressure

Why borrower type, loan structure and economic cycles matter

What needs to change in how private credit is marketed

Climate change isn't a side issue for Hobart Airport. It's an integral part of its operations.

In this episode, discover how the Tasmanian capital's airport integrates sustainability, including:

How Hobart Airport identifies and mitigates climate-related risks

Why sustainability is embedded across procurement, design and construction

The role of circular economy practices in infrastructure projects

How EV infrastructure is shaping the passenger experience

Generative AI isn't on the horizon – it's already changing how finance professionals work.

In this episode, you'll gain a clear understanding of AI in finance, including:

What generative AI actually is

How it differs from traditional AI

Why it matters to your role in finance

You'll learn practical examples of how AI tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot and BloombergGPT are being used in finance – from automating reporting to generating insights and even replacing junior analyst tasks via agentic AI, for example.

For those finance professionals working with data...