Most finance professionals overlook the incredible value of international experience, and Vinay Handa’s story proves it can be a game-changer. After six transformative years in Australia, he leveraged that journey into leadership roles, innovative projects, and a deeper understanding of global finance. But it wasn’t just about geographic borders; Vinay's journey reveals how resilience, curiosity, and networking open doors you never imagined.

In this episode, Vinay shares how his early love for numbers and sports propelled him into a finance career, and how supportive mentors, like his manager John, played a pivotal role in his growth. You’ll discover the power of embracing failure, ike sitting exams after a security van raid, and turning setbacks into stepping stones. His adventure from Southampton to Sydney exemplifies the bold moves that craft a truly fulfilling professional life, including his bold transition into contract work to stay at the forefront of technological change in finance.

• Vinay’s early childhood influences and the importance of family values
• The role of hobbies, like DJing, in personal development
• Transitioning from university to first corporate roles in finance
• Living and working in Australia: opportunities and challenges
• Building resilience through failures and networking
• Embracing technology and AI’s impact on the future of finance
• The shift from permanent roles to contracting and the benefits of agility
• Leadership philosophies centred on empowerment and curiosity
• Practical tips for navigating career changes and maintaining mental resilience

Whether you're considering a career abroad, contemplating a shift to contracting, or simply seeking inspiration to push your boundaries, this episode offers something for every ambitious finance professional. Vinay’s story is your blueprint for turning diverse experiences into a powerful asset, showing that the most unexpected paths often lead to the most extraordinary destinations.

Perfect for those eager to expand their horizons, embrace change, and build resilience in the face of uncertainty. This episode reminds you that your next big opportunity starts with a single brave step, and the right mindset to turn it into a lifetime of success.

Most successful finance leaders aren’t born, they’re made through relentless learning, strategic career moves, and mastering the art of networking. In this episode, Chris Jeyakumar shares the rollercoaster journey from a humble ‘Reading Boy’ childhood to leading global brands like BMW, McLaren Automotive and Aon. His story is packed with eye-opening lessons on navigating corporate politics, embracing change, and turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth. Chris reveals how early setbacks, like struggling with chemistry or feeling out of place in unfamiliar industries, shaped his resilience and adaptability.

You'll discover the power of building a strong network, the importance of self-awareness in career decisions, and why taking on high-pressure projects accelerates learning faster than any classroom. His insights dispel the myth that success depends solely on technical skills, highlighting how emotional intelligence and trust-building are game-changers for leadership. We break down:

• How to strategically select roles that build your skills and credibility
• Why a diverse team sparks innovation and differing experiences challenge the status quo
• The critical role of mentorship and proactive learning in fast-tracking your career
• The importance of perseverance in a culture that demands deep commitment, and how to survive the intense days of rapid growth
• Transitioning between industries and starting from scratch without losing confidence

This episode underscores the importance of integrity, self-reflection, and intentional risk-taking. Too often, professionals wait for permission or perfect timing, Chris shows that forging your path requires guts, curiosity, and most importantly, you make your own luck. Perfect for aspiring leaders, ambitious finance professionals, or anyone ready to push beyond their comfort zone, this conversation equips you with actionable insights to grow your impact.

Guest Chris Jeyakumar is a proven leader with over 20 years of experience transforming businesses, from high-performance automotive to global financial services. His leadership philosophy centres on trust, personality, and embracing change, principles that have propelled him to the top of his field.

Most finance leaders focus on the technical side of their role, until they realise the real game-changer is mastering the art of soft skills. Hugh O'Neill shares how curiosity, active listening, and emotional intelligence transformed his journey from Dublin accountant to innovative tech advisor, proving that leadership in finance is less about numbers and more about understanding people.

In this episode, Hugh reveals why the true power lies in asking questions rather than assuming you already know the answers. You'll discover how navigating the grey areas of subjective judgment, embracing change with humility, and cultivating psychological safety are essential for leading high-performing teams. We break down stories from his varied career, moving from audit to industry, managing cross-functional teams, and now advising CFOs on technology—highlighting the critical moments where soft skills made all the difference. We’ll explore:

• The importance of curiosity and asking the right questions in leadership
• How early influences and extracurricular activities shape leadership values
• The role of emotional intelligence in fostering trust and aligning teams
• Practical insights on managing change and developing resilience
• The impact of soft skills on career advancement and team success

You'll also learn why the discipline learned in early education with public speaking, extracurricular activities, and resilience, laid the foundation for Hugh's leadership approach. Whether you're a young finance pro or a seasoned leader, this episode provides practical insights on how to foster trust, align teams during change, and develop the emotional intelligence needed for scaling success.

Perfect for finance leaders aiming to elevate their impact, or professionals seeking to thrive in the fast-evolving landscape, Hugh’s stories will inspire you to harness the power of curiosity and empathy. Tune in to understand why being a great leader is about much more than technical mastery, it's about connecting deeply, listening intently, and leading with purpose.

Hugh O’Neill is a finance expert at FloQast, known for transforming the way finance teams modernise and manage change. With a rich background from Dublin to London, and extensive experience across industries, Hugh’s insights cut through the noise to reveal the human side of finance leadership.