The latest episode of the podcast provides an overview of content in the October digital edition of FM. Editor-in-chief Oliver Rowe summarises articles on topics that include AI and cybersecurity, including one with advice on writing AI prompts.

The episode closes with an explanation of how members can access the October digital edition as well as the issue library.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

• Focus areas of the October digital edition.
• The topic connection in the edition’s leadership columns.
• More about the advice to managers to “keep their antenna up”.
• The topic of the Excel article by Liam Bastick, FCMA, CGMA.

John Graham, FCMA, CGMA, CIMA president and Association of International Certified Professional Accountants co-chair, joined the FM podcast to discuss the pace of change and how finance professionals can lead their organisations through unpredictable conditions.

Graham explains the skills needed to move into a finance business partner role, how to effectively challenge outdated practices, the role of critical thinking skills in gaining trust, and why curiosity is essential for continuous learning and skills development.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

• One vital ability for finance professionals in this fast-paced era.
• Key attributes for transitioning into a finance business partner role.
• The impact of critical thinking on career development and reputation.
• Risk management advice and the importance of leading with purpose.
• How the Association plans to prepare members for future trends.
• The convergence of curiosity and success.

Swaran Singh, Ph.D., professor of social and community psychiatry at the University of Warwick, explores the reasons we feel disconnected from our mental process and responses to stressful events, along with ways we can exert more control over those processes to rationalise and minimise uncertainty.

Singh also illustrates the connection between mental and physical health and the role of a growth mindset in limiting stress and promoting positivity in the face of adversity.

He will speak on the topic of mastering your mindset at UK & Ireland ENGAGE in October in London and online.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

• § Why organisations’ approach to wellbeing is evolving.
• § How to begin to master your mindset and stay positive.
• § The link between mental and physical health conditions.
• § Small steps to becoming more at peace with change and uncertainty.
• § Ways to reframe your inner critic.
• § Tips for managing and recovering from stress.