In a difficult economic climate, the ability to think strategically is an invaluable skill for professionals.
Graham Apperley, tax director for the Midlands office of leading audit, tax and advisory firm Crowe Clarke Whitehill, has recognised this need in the financial services sector.
His focus on developing a more strategic focus in his team saw him recently win the “Mindshop Award for Value to Others”.
Mindshop is a global network that supports leading advisors in building successful and sustainable advisory businesses.
Mr Apperley, an accredited Mindshop facilitator, uses the skills and knowledge he has developed over ten years as a successful tax accountant to coach his colleagues and bring out the best in their professional performance.
He said: “I use Mindshop in almost every aspect of my working life, from advising businesses on succession planning to helping senior executives to improve their work-life balance.”
This investment in training has paid off. Mr Apperley has seen a transformation in his team, as a result of his coaching and knowledge sharing.
“My aim is to share some of the tools and processes that I have learned over the past decade,”he said.
“Some of the techniques have really helped my colleagues to grow in confidence in areas where previously, they would have been much more reticent. Public speaking is a particularly good example of this, where those who were very apprehensive at first, have really surprised me with their development and achievements.”
Chris Mason, founder of the Mindshop network said: “Giving time for the benefit of others is what the Value to Others’ award is all about and Graham is a thoroughly deserving recipient.”
Graham’s innovative approach also applies to the service he provides for clients. He recently introduced a “One Page Plan’ pad, which is free for clients of his firm. His fresh approach, combined with Crowe Clark Whitehill’s expertise can be an invaluable support for entrepreneurs developing their business strategy,
“In difficult times, business people need to think more strategically, adapt to changes in the market, and to manage those changes better than ever before. We can help them to thrive rather than survive.” he said.