Balancing ambition: What do AAT members and students think of the new podcasts?

We spoke to some of our members and students to find out what they thought of the new Balancing ambition and Balancing ambition for students podcasts.

The first episodes of our new Balancing ambition podcast series are now available, exploring the reality of “squiggly” careers that don’t follow the traditional climb up the corporate ladder.

Both podcasts are just one of the many ways in which AAT is updating its content offering for members and students to help them stay motivated and engaged through honest conversations with people from across the AAT Community and beyond.  

With episode 1 hitting the top 10% of podcast launches, according to Buzzsprout, both members and students have also been quick to praise the new approach to content.

“The podcast allows people to see AAT in a completely different light”

We were pleased to hear that the first episode of each podcast resonated with our members and students, with many stating that they enjoyed seeing some of the faces behind AAT.

Emma-Louise Waple AATQB said: “I think it’s a really interesting and important concept that AAT has introduced, especially in today’s world where so many students and members are active on social media platforms.

“It gives people the opportunity to see AAT in a completely different light, depending on the topics being discussed. I think it’s a step in the right direction and a great way of bringing fresh faces and new interest into the AAT community.”

Level 3 student Savannah Daley agreed and found the new form of content useful. “I found the podcast particularly insightful,” she said. “Especially as one of the guests openly discussed the journey of building their career and candidly reflected on the decisions they might have made differently. This honest approach gave the episode a relatable and inspiring feel.

“AAT’s move to launch this podcast is a welcome change, as it brings authentic stories to the forefront and helps students and members feel genuinely included in the wider community. Hearing real experiences creates a sense of connection and belonging, which is invaluable.”

Mark Young said that he can see this podcast evolving as it grows in popularity. “I think it definitely is a positive change,” he said. “AAT need to deliver content across multiple different media to suit the content and its audience. I could see this being quite popular particularly if industry leaders can be involved in the future.”

Lucy Charmichael, Level 2 student, said: “I think this new podcast is a nice addition alongside your written articles on AAT Comment.  It is a different form of content as it is real people having a conversation and a different way to access AAT’s material than reading articles or attending webinars.”

“The podcast felt authentic”

The real-life feel of the podcasts was also well received, with many listeners agreeing that it made them feel connected to the AAT community.

Mark Young MAAT thought that the podcast steered away from following a normal format to have its own voice. He said: “Too much social media content is essentially ‘this is great, everyone should do it because I say so’. I think as accountants we are naturally more inquisitive and curious than that and those messages don’t land as credible with us if the drawbacks are not explored also. So, it was really good to each interviewee address the discussion points head on.”

Level 2 students Ruby Willet said she really enjoyed episode one and learning from people who have been in the industry a long time. She said: “It felt authentic and covered real-life experiences, from the importance of learning from people who have been in the industry much longer to having honest conversations about career growth and progression. As on online student, it was also nice to hear about other peoples lived experiences and career journeys, as it made the discussion feel relatable.

“Having a podcast brings the advice to life. Personally, I find it much more engaging to watch a podcast than I would to read about it, it’s especially convenient for on the go.”

Ashley Cotterill, who is currently a Level 3 student, was pleased to find the first episode “genuinely inspiring”. She said: “The episode made me reflect on my own career choices and rethink how I approach my long‑term goals. Hearing past students speak so openly about their journeys and ambitions really encouraged me to shift my mindset and consider new paths I hadn’t thought about before.

“The host, Zoe Smith, kept the conversation engaging and flowing, and her style made the episode easy to follow and enjoyable throughout.”

Exploring the human side of accountancy

Training providers can also find the listen insightful, according to Dean Quartermaine, course leader for AAT at Sheffield College.

He said: “It allows AAT to explore the human side of accountancy. Technical knowledge will always be important, but people also need support with confidence, employability, career progression, resilience, leadership and finding a sustainable balance between their professional and personal ambitions.

“Hearing honest experiences from people within and beyond the AAT community can help listeners feel less isolated and recognise that successful careers rarely look identical. It also gives AAT an opportunity to showcase the diversity of its membership and demonstrate the many different places an AAT qualification can lead.

“From my own experience of producing educational podcast content, I have seen how audio can reach people who may not attend a formal event or sit down to read a longer article. It can make professional development feel more conversational, inclusive and approachable.”

Ashley Cotterill added: “Overall, it’s a fantastic first episode, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the podcast develops.”

Have you listened to the Balancing ambition podcasts yet? What are you waiting for! You can subscribe on your preferred platform via the links below:

Members:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple podcasts
Amazon

Students:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple podcasts
Amazon

Harry Rogers is AAT Comment’s news writer.