Kaplan‘s Learn Better Podcast
Episodes
Ep. 52 - Time, Wellbeing and Reading at Speed, Miranda Smythe
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Caron and Lee are joined by learning and development consultant and author Miranda Smythe. Drawing on her extensive experience, Miran...
Ep. 51 - Sustainability Reporting and the Future of Audit, Will Jones
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Caron and Lee are joined by Will Jones, Director in PwC’s Non-Financial Assurance team. They explore how sustainability reportin...
Ep. 50 - Ethics First: Building Trust in AI, Jo Stansfield
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Caron and Lee are reunited with our guest host, Chiraag Swaly, as they sit down with Jo Stansfield, founder of Inclusioneering and a ...
Ep. 49 - The Price of Football: Financial Sustainability in the Game, Kieran Maguire
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Caron and Lee dive into the finances behind the beautiful game with football finance expert Kieran Maguire - author, lecturer, and co...
Ep. 48 - The Transition from Apprentice to Professional, Irsa Hussain
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Caron and Lee are joined by Irsa Hussain, Senior Associate at Vialto Partners and former Kaplan apprentice. Irsa shares her inspiring...
Ep. 47 - Beyond Compliance: Data-Driven Inclusion, Addison Barnett
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re joined by Addison Barnett (Addie), Principal Consultant at Inclusive Employers - the UK’s leading inclusion membership orga...
Ep. 46 - Living and Working with ADHD, Tania Martin
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re joined by Tania Martin, founder of PegSquared and an award-winning neuro-inclusion consultant. Drawing from her own ADHD diag...
Ep. 45 - Closing the Gap: Race Equity in Education, Dr. Iwi Ugiagbe-Green
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Caron and Lee are joined by academic activist Dr. Iwi Ugiagbe-Green, Lead Education Innovation Scholar for Differential Outcomes and ...
Ep. 44 - The Data-Driven Accountant: Skills for the Future, Chiraag Swaly
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Caron and Lee are joined by Chiraag Swaly, Head of Data and Technology Curriculum at Kaplan. We explore how data is transforming t...
Ep. 43 - Meet the Hosts: Caron and Lee on Learning, Careers and Accounting
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet our new hosts: Caron Betts (Learning Technologies Manager) and Lee Rowlandson (Content Specialist and seasoned tutor). Together, they speak abo...
Ep. 42 - “A bump in the road” - Zoë Lister’s resilience from breast cancer
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This bonus episode of our Learn Better Podcast features Kaplan’s very own, Zoë Lister. Zoë has worked at Kaplan for 17 years and worked her way ...
Ep. 41 - Changing business: Making Tax Digital, Craig Ogilvie (HMRC)
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host and Head of Learning at Kaplan, Stuart Pedley Smith, talks all about Making Tax Digital. Our guest ...
Ep. 40 - Managing a diverse workforce, Rob Brown
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host and Head of Learning at Kaplan, Stuart Pedley Smith, talks about managing a diverse workforce. Our gu...
Ep. 39 - Offshoring accountancy services, Arun Mehra
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host and Head of Learning at Kaplan, Stuart Pedley Smith, talks all about outsourcing and offshoring accou...
Ep. 38 - Growing your practice using social media, Samantha Mitcham
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host and Head of Learning at Kaplan, Stuart Pedley Smith, talks all about using social media to advance yo...
Ep. 37 - Financial crime and money laundering, Joe Fisher
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, takes a peak into the hidden world of money launde...
Ep. 36 - Online learning, Dr. Cristi Ford
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, explores the benefits of learning and teaching onl...
Ep. 35 - Data: The window into the future, Ian Pay
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, discovers the importance of data and valuable info...
Ep. 34 - The past, present and future of banking, Tanya Retter
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks into the world of banking. Our guest for thi...
Ep. 33 - For a successful career - build your social capital, Ben Wildavsky
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, speaks to guest Ben Wildavsky about his book on ...
Ep. 32 - Artificial Intelligence: Change is going to happen, Dan Sodergren
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at artificial intelligence and the impact th...
Ep. 31 - Summer Special with Kaplan CEO, Kathy Walton: Boost your career
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this very special bonus episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, is joined by Kaplan UK CEO, Kat...
Ep. 30 - How values help shape your career, Fatima (Baig) Hassan
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at how the people you are surrounded by, your...
Ep. 29 - Accountancy around the world: Working abroad, Dominic Horne
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at accountancy all around the world. Our gues...
Ep. 28 - How climate change links to the finance sector, Zach Stein.
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, discusses the importance of the climate change issu...
Ep. 27 - Changing your career: The relationship between technology and finance, Neil Bertram
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at the relationship between technology and th...
Ep. 26 - Change is inevitable, but personal growth is a choice, Asif Mohammad
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at personal and professional failures, and ho...
Ep. 25 - A career in finance, a life in sport, Charlotte Lewis
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at Charlotte Lewis’ career in finance paire...
Ep. 24 - Reaching out for help when needed, Gareth Winters
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, discusses how to cope with stress and reach out for...
Ep. 23 - Crypto and digital assets in the world of tax, Chris Smith.
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at crypto and digital assets in the world of ...
Ep. 22 - The secret to success in the city: grit and determination, Gabriel Osamor.
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at city life as a financier. The guest for ...
Ep. 21 - Study tips for people with additional learning needs, Kirsty Gibson and Abigail Nolan.
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, discusses Neurodiversity and study tips for anyone ...
Ep. 20 - Investment Leadership and Social Change, with Head of Retail Investments at Legal & General Investment Management, Justin Onuekwusi.
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at social mobility and leadership investment....
Ep. 19 - Digital transformation in Accounting, with Head of Partner Consulting and Verticals at Xero - Kat Bond.
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at digital transformation in the world of acc...
Ep. 18 - The future of Accountancy and Finance in a COVID ready world, with Robert Half Director, Caroline King.
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, looks at the future of Accountancy and Finance care...
Ep. 17 - How Food and Nutrition affects well-being, with nutritionist, Anjanette Fraser.
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, explores how food and nutrition impacts your well-b...
Ep. 16 - Accountants as Entrepreneurs, with Sedulo founder, Paul Cheetham-Karcz.
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, takes a look at entrepreneurship and how to ...
Ep. 15 - Careers in Tax, with senior Tax lecturer, Neil Da Costa.
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, discusses careers in tax and the routes you ...
Ep. 14 - ”Resilience” and the importance of self compassion, with mental health trainer Kirsty Lilley.
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode our Learn Better Podcast host, Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, explores the connection between resilience, compassion an...
Ep 13. - Careers in Accountancy (Levels 2 - 4), with AAT BDM Anthony Clarke.
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode our guest is Anthony Clarke, Business Development Manager at AAT. Anthony covers the versatility finance qualifications can give you...
Ep. 12 - Finding your motivation, with The Motivational Dude, Ross Anderson.
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Finding motivation can be difficult, but when you learn how to apply your strengths you can begin to tap into your intrinsic motivation. This week o...
Ep 11 - Planning your career backwards, with Sarah Pritchard, Head of Banking, Finance & Mgt Design at Kaplan.
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are back! Kicking off series 2 of our Learn Better Podcast, host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of Learning at Kaplan, explores career planning and how ...
Ep. 10 - A.I in Finance, with CEO of ‘Inevitable‘ Ben Grubert.
09 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Find out how the accountancy profession embracing AI technology could benefit society and give employees in the sector an instant promotion. In the f...
Ep. 9 - Accountancy around the world (Colombia), with Insurance Director Alex Swift.
26 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episodes our host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of learning here at Kaplan, explores accountancy around the world and how you can work abroad afte...
Ep. 8 - Wellbeing in your studies, with mindset expert Ross McWilliam.
11 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week our host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of learning here at Kaplan, explores the topic of wellbeing and it’s impact on your studies and working...
Ep. 7 - The Digital Skills Gap: new career opportunities, with Apprenticeships Development Director - Jason Moss.
27 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, our host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of learning here at Kaplan, looks at the Digital Skills Gap and the opportunity it has presented f...
Ep.6 - Sleep and study: how to make it work for you - with sleep specialist Dr Nishi Bhopal.
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss why sleep can impact how we learn and why it is fundamental to our mental health. Kaplan’s learn better podcast covers t...
Ep.5 - Why Accountancy continues to be important - with Paul Barnes, Managing Director of MAP the Digital Agency Finance Function.
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we explore the question “Why does accountancy continue to be important?” with guest, Paul Barnes, Managing Director of MAP. Here he spe...
Ep.4 - What part does sustainability play in accounting? - with Professor of Accounting, Richard Barker.
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Our host Stuart Pedley-Smith, Head of learning here at Kaplan, helps to tackle the subject of sustainability within the world of accounting. Kaplan’...
Ep.3 - Diversity in Accountancy with Co-Founder of New Gen Accountants, Alice Olafare.
01 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode our host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of learning at Kaplan, explores the topic of diversity within the accountancy profession. Guest Ali...
Ep.2 - What to do in the 24hrs leading up to an exam - with lecturer Neil Da Costa.
18 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How to reach your potential and combat the stress of an exam. In this episode our host Stuart Pedley Smith, Head of learning here at Kaplan, helps unc...
Ep.1 - University vs Apprenticeships "Which route?" with Apprenticeships Partnerships Director Jenny Pelling.
04 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss the big question: What do I do next? Our host Stuart Pedley-Smith, Head of learning at Kaplan, and guest clarify the differences between ...