Balancing ambition podcasts: how to stand out in a competitive profession | Ep. 5

What makes one finance professional stand out from another? Technical expertise matters, but it’s only part of the picture.

Communication, adaptability, problem-solving, confidence and the ability to keep learning can all make a difference to the opportunities that come your way. 

In the latest episode of Balancing ambition, our expert guests explore how to identify and build on the strengths that set you apart, develop the skills employers and clients value and keep your career moving in the direction you want it to go. 

Wherever your career is taking you, our monthly podcasts are here to help you progress and thrive. From starting out and exploring fresh opportunities to finding greater fulfilment and balance, you’ll discover encouragement, expert insights and practical tips along the way.

Every episode brings you honest conversations with people from across the AAT community and beyond, sharing their journeys, experiences and advice to inspire your next move and help you achieve your goals with confidence.

Watch Balancing ambition for members

Whether you’re starting out, changing direction, stepping into a leadership role or thinking about launching your own business, join us as we explore the skills that make finance professionals truly employable, from communication to adaptability and problem-solving.

Watch Balancing ambition for students

We explore how to identify and build on the strengths that set you apart, develop the skills employers and clients value and get your career off to a strong start. Learn how to speak about your skills with confidence and the simple ways to start building your network while you study.

More ways to enjoy this episode

• Find your professional edge with this free downloadable workbook that will help you to identify your strongest skills and strengths.
• Use this free guide to learn how to build better job interview answers using the STAR technique.

If you would prefer to read through the highlights of the episode, rather than listening or watching in full, you can do so via the links below:

• The balance sheet: highlights from episode 5 of Balancing ambition
• The balance sheet: highlights from episode 5 of Balancing ambition for students

Subscribe to Balancing ambition

You can subscribe to Balancing ambition on your preferred platform via the links below:

Members:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple podcasts
Amazon

Students:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple podcasts
Amazon

Other resources to help you achieve your ambitions 

Interested in starting your own business? Explore Informi’s range of expert guides, templates and practical resources to support every stage of your start-up and small business journey

Ready to find a role you’ll love? Visit AAT’s Careers Hub for expert advice, career inspiration, and opportunities to help you find your dream role.

Previous Balancing ambition episodes

Finding success without a straight line | Ep. 1: Hear from industry experts and inspiring professionals as they share practical advice, fresh perspectives and experiences to help support your career development. Listen or watch it here.

Human skills you need in an AI world | Ep. 2: From critical thinking to communications, technical knowledge and working experience, these episodes explore the skills people need to focus on as they look to start and grow their careers alongside AI. Listen or watch it here.

Building trust | Ep. 3: expert guests discuss how finance professionals can strengthen trust, improve working relationships and create better outcomes for the people they work with. Listen or watch it here.

What employers really want from entry-level accountants | Ep. 4: explore what employers are really looking for in today’s entry-level candidates, how expectations are evolving, and the practical steps students and early-career accountants can take to build the skills and experience that matter most. Listen or watch it here.

Harry Rogers is AAT Comment’s news writer.