Practical psychology: Tips for effective, influential leadership

Published on Global Ethics Day, this episode of the FM podcast is the continuation of an occasional series focused on ethics and called Beyond the Code. That means taking a detailed look at part of the CIMA Code of Ethics. Xose Lumor, manager–Advocacy and Professional Ethics, speaks with Fraser Simpson, a strategy and governance leader, on why ethics should be embedded in decision-making rather than treated as a compliance exercise. The conversation explores how leaders can navigate uncertainty, balance competing priorities, and make better decisions in complex organisations without sacrificing trust or accountability. For more information, visit the CIMA Code of Ethics home page. What you'll learn from this episode: Why ethical considerations belong at the centre of business strategy. How leaders can make sound decisions when faced with uncertainty and competing demands. The role governance plays in improving decision-making across an organisation. How to build trust while navigating difficult strategic choices. Practical ways to embed ethics into day-to-day leadership decisions.

FM editor-in-chief Oliver Rowe rejoins the podcast to discuss the content in the October edition of the magazine. Rowe shares the key points of the cover article on making the shift from budgeting based on input to budgeting for impact. He also discusses an article that offers advice on how to deal with artificial intelligence systems that have been "fed" prompt injections. The column by CIMA president Alfred Ramosedi, FCMA, CGMA, is also summarised. Ramosedi discussed "irreplaceable" attributes for finance professionals in a recent episode of the FM podcast. The episode with Rowe ends with an explanation of how members can access the current edition and the library of past editions. Visiting the FM homepage is one place to start. What you'll learn from this episode: A summary of the cover article by Samuel Maimbo, FCMA, CGMA. The key points made by Liam Bastick, FCMA, CGMA, in an article about AI hijacking. A leadership column's focus on trust. Highlights of an article about dealing with high stress and who professionals can lean on when experiencing such stress. How members can access the October edition and the library of previous editions.

Arif Ahmed, ACMA, CGMA, Ph.D., author of Quantum Finance: The CFO's Survival Kit for an Uncertain World, joined the FM podcast to discuss the relationship between quantum theory and corporate finance. Ahmed explains why financial models are hindered by mindset, strategies for rethinking financial modelling and risk management in an increasingly interconnected era, and how finance professionals can use technology to emulate quantum principles in financial models. "If I may use a quantum thought process, things move in small bits, but overall, once they speed up, when they start moving other things, it can create a huge wave on the shoreline," Ahmed said. "The stimulus may not necessarily be very big, but because of one stimulus, because of the interconnection, somewhere else there's another stimulus that comes around. And if those waves join together, they may also offset each other, or they may also join hands together. And when they join hands together, that can be massive." What you'll learn from this episode: Why Ahmed believes quantum principles are relevant to finance professionals today. Some reasons that traditional financial models can fall short in today's market. Why uncertainty is not a problem that models and leaders can eliminate. Considerations for preparing for unexpected business outcomes. Why technology will not replace finance professionals' role in this unpredictable era.

Devya Athwal, founder of Athwal Resourcing & Coaching, is scheduled to present two sessions at ENGAGE UK & Europe, 13–14 October in London. Athwal returned to the FM podcast to discuss the mindset shifts that help finance professionals become more resilient and adaptable in the face of uncertainty, why professionals don't need a leadership title to be strategic, and tips for improving task prioritisation when demand exceeds capacity. "I think there's a myth that strategic thinking is only for the CEO and the top board," Athwal said. "You don't have to wait for that title to be strategic. You can start by asking better questions, stay curious, and really have the courage just to step into whatever you want to do." Athwal spoke about how accountants can "dance with the fear" in a 2024 episode. What you'll learn from this episode: What changed Athwal's relationship with fear. Five small steps that strengthen resilience and adaptability. Why being overly analytical can make it harder to navigate uncertainty. What skills can help finance professionals advance their careers. Techniques for improving task prioritisation — including a simple, two-letter word.

CIMA president Alfred Ramosedi, FCMA, CGMA, detailed the competencies that finance professionals need to navigate AI and how to transform "suffering" into growth and opportunity. Ramosedi, also the co-chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants and the CEO of Bayport Financial Services, joined the FM podcast to discuss the skills management accountants should prioritise, the core values and lessons that shaped him as a leader, and how different generations can work together to progress the finance function. In the conversation, Ramosedi emphasised the importance of "suffering properly" and what he means by that. He also discussed future-proofing his company's business model during a time of disruption and why AI is changing the role of finance — not replacing finance professionals. "Don't suffer and then you get through the suffering and there's nothing positive that you can show for it," Ramosedi said. "If you suffer, suffer properly, and learn from it and do something." What you'll learn from this episode: § Three emerging trends management accountants need to prepare for. Why finance professionals can't "jump to AI" without first learning technical skills. The value of reverse mentoring as emerging technologies take hold. Ramosedi's recounting of a "humble" upbringing and his motto related to personal responsibility. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic that helped Ramosedi transform disruption into opportunity. Why AI will not replace people.