Difference Makers Podcast
Episodes
Caitríona Jennings, From PwC to World Records
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A 100-mile world record time sounds like something from another planet, until you hear how Caitríona Jennings actually built it: not with superhero s...
Nick Riemer, Embracing AI and Tech in Financial Careers
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Online exams are meant to make learning easier, but most proctoring tools still assume perfect Wi‑Fi, constant power, and a pricey laptop. That leav...
Young Difference Makers: Laura Mason on aligning purpose and performance to ensure that profit fuels justice
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Start with what you’re good at and point it at a real problem—that’s the thread running through our conversation with Laura Mason, a chartered a...
Young Difference Makers: Excel is eating audit, and Christiaan Coetzee brought the fork!
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to discover how a chartered accountant turns risk literacy into a founder’s edge? We sit down with Christiaan Coetzee—CEO and co‑founder o...
Young Difference Makers: Jas Rayat on how choosing an apprenticeship over university changed her career
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Jas Rayat curiosity lit the first spark: how do businesses actually work, and why does finance feel like the spine that keeps them upright? From t...
Young Difference Makers: Sitali Chiuyu on Building Integrity, Accountability, Education, and Responsible Tech
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Start with a simple truth: problems rarely arrive alone. Sitali joins us to show how education, governance, and technology interlock—and how a singl...
Young Difference Makers: How Khethiwe Sibanyoni uses Ethics and Systems Thinking to tackle Gender-Based Violence
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What if the rigour that keeps companies honest could also save lives? We sit down with social impact activist and aspiring chartered accountant Khethi...
Young Difference Makers: Rebecca Casey talks Numbers, Nerves, and a One-Planet Pledge Walk into a Conference
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever been told to “wait your turn,” this conversation politely declines. We sit down with chartered accountant and risk professional R...
Young Difference Makers: Saad Bin Asim Zubairi and his journey of Learning, Empathy, and AI
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What if a ten-year-old’s love for maths could spark a career that blends finance, empathy and AI for social good? We sit down with Saad Bin Asim Zub...
Young Difference Makers: Sophie Sweeney On Education, Courage, And A Human-Centred Accounting Career
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A teenage mum, a bus to Galway, and a toddler in the back row of a lecture hall—this is where Sophie Sweeney’s story begins. That early proximity ...
Resilience, Flow, And The Future Of Accounting
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel like your day is a blur of pings, context switches, and late-night messages that steal your sleep? We sat down with Brad Hook and Declan Sco...
Carla S. Vijian - From Malaysia to Manhattan – A Journey in Ethics, Audit, and Marathon Running
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Curiosity isn’t a personality trait—it’s a practice that can shape a career and safeguard public trust. That idea runs through our conversation ...
Nicola Ellam on why AI won’t take your job—it will take it to a whole new level
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The myth that accountancy is just numbers falls apart fast when you hear Nicola Ellam’s story. Trained in the UK, seasoned in Hong Kong, and now a m...
Mark Scully on compassion, masking, and changing how firms manage people
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if the story you’ve told yourself about your career is missing the most important chapter? Mark Scully trained in law, pivoted into tax at a Bi...
Ken Croarkin - A Chartered Accountant who took one leap—said yes once—and changed a whole life trajectory
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One decision can reroute a whole career. When Ken Croarkin said yes to learning insurance in Glasgow, he couldn’t have guessed it would lead to Lond...
Meet Lem Chin Kok - a cop turned accountant using AI to outrun fraud
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how a fast‑response police officer becomes an AI‑first CEO shaping the future of audit and forensics? We sit down with Lem Chin Kok ...
DMD Live Highlights from Season One: From Boardrooms to Breakthroughs
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Sinead Donovan for a special “best of” edition celebrating the most inspiring moments from the first season of Difference Makers Discuss...
Best of DMD Live Season 2 - From Cape Town to the BBC: Journeys That Matter
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sinead Donovan reflects on hosting the Difference Makers Discuss webinar series, sharing powerful highlights from conversations with remarkable profes...
AI and the future of the global Chartered Accountancy profession
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Chair of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and CEO of CA ANZ, Ainslie van Onselen is joined by Alex Russell, Associate Director at Ipso...
Global Challenges and the Drive for Sustainability with Carmine Di Noia (Director for Financial and Enterprise Affairs at the OECD)
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of Difference Makers Discuss Ainslie Van Onselen, Chair Chartered Accountants Worldwide & CEO CA ANZ, meets Carmine Di Noi...
Young Difference Makers S03 Ep 04 From Accounting to Sustainability: Lavanya Ramanujan's Inspiring Journey
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the remarkable journey of Lavanya Ramanujan, an accountant at Google, who defied expectations by turning an unexpected leap into the field of...
Young Difference Makers S03 Ep 03 Empowering Communities: Senzo Ndlangamandla's Advocacy for a Better Future
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if you held the key to transforming your community, one person at a time? Join us as we hear from Senzo Ndlangamandla, the inspiring head of the ...
Young Difference Makers S03 Ep02 Evan O'Donnell: From Math Enthusiast to Advocate for Accounting and Sustainability
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Evan O'Donnell's journey from a math enthusiast to a passionate advocate for accounting and sustainability is nothing short of inspiring. Em...
Young Difference Makers S03 Ep 01 Inspiring Paths: Eryn Paterson on Audit, Social Mobility, and Career Growth
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Eryn Paterson, an inspiring Audit Assistant Manager at KPMG, unravels her path from a budding interest in business to becoming a chartered accountant ...
Special Episode: Resilience in the Accountancy Profession: Insights and Strategies with Dee France, Brad Hook and Declan Scott
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the keys to resilience and well-being in the accountancy profession with this special episode of Difference Makers Discuss. This episode is h...
From Zimbabwe to Perth: Tinashe's trailblazing career in Chartered Accounting
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the fascinating journey of Tinashe Kamangira, a trailblazer in the accounting world, who takes us from his roots in Zimbabwe to a thriving car...
DMD Live - Integrating Finance, Fashion, and Family: Michelle Shuttleworth’s Inspiring Journey
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Michelle Shuttleworth, a trailblazer in finance and a passionate advocate for purpose-driven work. From her beginnings at PwC to her dynamic role...
DMD Live - From Adversity to Achievement: Thembeka Maseko on Resilience, Education, and Leadership
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if the adversities you faced could become the foundation for your success? This episode features Thembeka Maseko, head of finance and value manag...
Difference Makers Discuss Special Edition - Driving Global Sustainability: The Role of Chartered Accountants in Shaping a Sustainable Future
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how the accounting profession can drive global sustainability? In this special edition of Difference Makers Discuss Live, join ...
Young Difference Makers S2 E8 - Unlocking Global Opportunities in Chartered Accountancy: Insights with Peter Gillen
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the limitless possibilities of a career in Chartered Accountancy with insights from our Young Difference Maker, and Chartered Accountants Irela...
Difference Makers Discuss Live - Charting a Diverse Path: Kudzai Zendara's Journey in Finance and the Future of Accountancy
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Embark on a voyage of discovery with Kudzai Zendara, a beacon of wisdom from Chartered Accountant Scotland, who graciously shares the colorful tapestr...
Young Difference Makers S2 E7 - Climbing Beyond the Ladder: Mishka Hajee's Quest for Community Progress
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever met someone whose career trajectory embodies both resilience and a dedication to positive societal impact? Meet Mishka Hajee, a South Af...
Difference Makers Discuss Live - Breaking Barriers in Finance: Asma Shahbaz’s Journey to Success as a Chartered Accountant
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Asma Shahbaz, a Chartered Accountant from Pakistan who's breaking barriers and transforming the financial landscape. In a candid conversatio...
Young Difference Makers S2 E6 - From Medicine to Metrics: Mathabo's Ascent in Accountancy and Leadership
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine the career you thought you wanted taking an unexpected turn, leading you to uncharted territories that not only redefine your future but also ...
Difference Makers Discuss Live - Scaling New Heights: Naomi Walsh on Breaking Barriers in Accounting and Championing Sustainability
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Embark on a journey with Naomi Walsh, the trailblazing Vice President of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, as she unveils her extraor...
Difference Makers Discuss Live - Charting Success and Sisterhood with Kovini Moodley
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From the comforting confines of Shelcross to the empowering platform of Boss Babes of South Africa, Kovini Moodley's journey is one rich with ins...
Young Difference Makers S2 E5 - Liam Guthrie: Breaking the Mold and Saying 'Yes' to Opportunity
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When Liam Guthrie stepped onto the university campus, he was stepping into uncharted territory for his family. His journey from a numbers enthusiast t...
Young Difference Makers S2 E4 - Jeremy Cheong From Engineering to Accountancy: A Chartered Accountant's Journey to Making a Social Impact
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A graduate in Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Jeremy defied norms by entering the accountancy profession. His unique journey breaks...
Young Difference Makers S2 E3 - Liswaniso Namatama: Charting the Course Through Accounting Triumphs and Educational Pursuits
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from Liswaniso Namatama, a remarkable individual who not only excels in his professional life but als...
Difference Makers Discuss Live - Accountants for Sustainability: An Insightful Discussion with Maria Teo
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered why accountants are at the forefront of sustainability measures? This enlightening conversation with Maria Teo, a respected member of th...
Young Difference Makers S2 E2 - Veronica Beilby: Breaking Stereotypes: The Unexpected Impact of Chartered Accountants
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever thought of accountants as life-savers? You will be surprised by today's guest, Veronica Beilby, a member of Chartered Accountants Australia ...
Young Difference Makers S2 E1 - Abigail Foster: Financial Resilience and Entrepreneurship, an Accounting Story
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder what truly makes an accountant tick? In our latest episode, we sit down with the formidable Abigail Foster, an ACA Chartered Accountant wh...
Difference Makers Discuss Live - Crisis Leadership and Gender Equality with CFO Caroline Sherry
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered what it's like to step into a new role just before a global crisis strikes? Tune in as we chat with Caroline Sherry, the CFO of Hos...
Difference Makers Discuss - Fostering Female Ambition - Ep06 - Round Table Discussion
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women i...
Difference Makers Discuss - Fostering Female Ambition - Ep05 - Sinead Donovan
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women i...
Difference Makers Discuss - Fostering Female Ambition - Ep04 - Zimkita Mabindla
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women i...
Difference Makers Discuss - Fostering Female Ambition - Ep03 - Joe Consedine
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women i...
Difference Makers Discuss - Fostering Female Ambition - Ep02 - Ainslee van Onselen
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women i...
Difference Makers Discuss - Fostering Female Ambition - Ep01 - Sarah Jenkins
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Chartered Accountants Worldwide ED&I Taskforce collaborated with research agency, Magenta, to understand and map the career journey of women i...
Difference Makers - The President's Podcast featuring Julia Penny
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Presidents’ Podcast is the latest in the Difference Makers series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide. In each episode Antje Derks talks to th...
Difference Makers -The Presidents' Podcast featuring Debashis Mitra
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Presidents’ Podcast is the latest in the Difference Makers series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide. In each episode Antje Derks talks to th...
Difference Makers - The Presidents' Podcast featuring Pat O'Neill
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Presidents’ Podcast is the latest in the Difference Makers series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide. In each episode Antje Derks talks to th...
Difference Makers - The Presidents' Podcast featuring Kate Boorer
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Presidents’ Podcast is the latest in the Difference Makers series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide. In each episode Antje Derks talks to th...
Difference Makers - The Presidents' Podcast featuring Indy Hothi
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Presidents’ Podcast is the latest in the Difference Makers series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide. In each episode Antje Derks talks to th...
Young Difference Makers Ep6 Aisling McCaffrey
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A Woman in FinanceAisling McCaffrey - Throughout her childhood, Aisling was never sure what she wanted to be. She had many aspirations but nothing tha...
Young Difference Makers Ep5 Patrick Doan
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Opening DoorsPatrick Doan – In this episode of Young Difference Makers Discuss, Patrick talks about growing up the child of a Vietnamese refugee in ...
Young Difference Makers Ep4 Nic Riemer
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Invigilator Nic Riemer - Co-Founder & CEO of The Invigilator - In this episode of Young Difference Makers Discuss, Nic talks about growing up...
Young Difference Makers Ep3 Manuel Rodrigues
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Plan A-C Striving to Make a DifferenceManuel Rodrigues - CEO Trans African Oil – Discusses growing up with dreams of becoming an actor, priest or la...
Young Difference Makers Ep2 Mpho Mookapele
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An Executive Serving her Community.Mpho Mookapele - In this episode of Young Difference Makers, Mpho reveals her difficulties growing up in a town not...
Young Difference Makers Ep1 Fiona Smiddy
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Working to Drive Change.Fiona Smiddy – Unsure of which path to take at school, Fiona explains what it was like growing up in Cork and how she came t...
Difference Makers Ep 6: Ronan Dunne: It's not What You Do, It's What You Make Happen
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we hear from Ronan Dunne, chair of Six Nations Rugby. Ronan was formerly the executive vice president and CEO of Verizon Consumer G...
Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 8 - Address and Embrace Mental Health to Build a Better Business - Ronan Dunne
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ronan was formerly the executive vice president and CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, where he helped define a new era of possibilities with the introduc...
Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 7 - Mandy Muchnick Hosts the Mental Health Roundtable with Dee, Jonny and Ronan
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, our guests talk about Mental Health and its attendant issues, with particular attention to the world of Chartered Accountants. Each ...
Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 6 - We have to Educate Early About Mental Health - Jonny Jacobs
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jonny has been a Finance Director at Starbucks since 2020, where his role covers the diverse markets across the EMEA region. In addition to his core r...
Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 5 - Tackling Mental Health in the Workplace Helps Everybody - Dee France
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dee France is Wellbeing Lead at Chartered Accountants Ireland, managing Thrive Wellbeing Hub, and CA Support, the Institute’s registered charity set...
Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 4 - When it comes to inclusion, never assume - Mufseen Miah
22 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
More than 1,700 people from over 60 countries registered to attend the first episode of a new series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide, ‘Differ...
Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 3 - Inclusion for women at work - Dr Caroline McGroary
22 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
More than 1,700 people from over 60 countries registered to attend the first episode of a new series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide, ‘Differ...
Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 2 - Difference Makers Round-table discussion
22 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast contains a round table discussion with participants from our recent global online event, ‘Difference Makers Discuss… The Value of Div...
Bonus Difference Makers Discuss 1 - Tackling disadvantage through the Open Private School - Vincent Egunlae
22 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
More than 1,700 people from over 60 countries registered to attend the first episode of a new series from Chartered Accountants Worldwide, ‘Differ...
Difference Makers Ep 5: Amir Dossal: Hope for Humanity
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Indy meets Amir Dossal CA, Founder and President of the Global Partnerships Forum – a not-for-profit knowledge platform to provide c...
Difference Makers Ep 4: Jonny Jacobs: Ending the stigma around mental health
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Indy meets Jonny Jacobs CA, is the Finance Director EMEA at Starbucks, he is also a passionate advocate for positive mental health. J...
Difference Makers Ep 3: Mufseen Miah: Pride is a beacon of hope
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Indy meets Mufseen Miah. He talks about how growing up he was scared to come out as gay, fearing that if he was open about his sexuali...
Difference Makers Ep2: Zahid Fakey: Fulfilling his greater purpose
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Indy meets Zahid Fakey, the CEO of weFEEDsa, an organisation conceived during the lockdown of COVID-19 with the principle purpose of f...
Difference Makers Ep1: David Nussbaum: A prisoner of hope
23 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we meet David Nussbaum, a true Difference Maker. Throughout his career he's fought corruption, battled climate change, and work...