Where did that 40 years go?

As you are reading this article, I have just completed my 40 year anniversary with Nexia. Yes, 40 years.  It is a big number and a period of time which when I first started, I never dreamt I would be still here 40 years later.  

I left high school as a 17 year old and started at Nexia as a cadet, undertaking my tertiary studies on a part-time basis.  As with your first job, I was eager to learn, eager to face challenges and eager to impress. How did I survive 40 years?  Why would you stay in one place for so long?Am I insane? On reflection, my journey is no different to anyone else in their work and business life.

I have followed 7 personal beliefs and followed the general rule that success does not come without hard work.  Here are my 7 beliefs - 

1. Treat everyone equally and respectfully, whether they are a new cadet, a fellow partner or the cleaner.
2. If you are going to do anything, do it properly.
3. Take responsibility for your own actions and do not take short cuts.
4. Embrace change and take advantage of all opportunities that present themselves.
5. Don’t ask someone to do something if you are not prepared to do it yourself – lead by example.
6. Learn from your mistakes. We are not perfect.
7. The harder you work the more luck you have.

Nexia has provided me with many opportunities which I would never have anticipated some 40 years ago.  I work with great people, with great clients, in a great firm and I have the opportunity to interact with other Nexia firms in Australia and around the world.  No one day is the same and all these factors make 40 years seem like yesterday.

The world has changed and more importantly is still changing at a rate faster than you and I can only dream.  All of us need to embrace change and not shy away from it.  My team know I have my share of technology difficulties, in fact probably more than most, but if you don’t try, then you won’t face those problems and find solutions.  Isn’t that the same with any business?

As I have said many times before, you cannot stand still.  The roles of our staff over the last 40 years has changed to meet your needs and will continue to change over the next 40 years in line with business technology, business practices and the evolution of new businesses. We are even looking to add new service lines to assist you meet your ever changing business needs.  

Irrespective of the business changes which lay ahead, and by sticking with your own personal beliefs, I hope you will experience a 40 year anniversary.

Now whatever happened to our firm’s comptometerist? 

Best Wishes for 2018

I would also like to wish you a healthy, successful and safe 2018.  This year will be exciting year for Nexia Australia as we count down to November when we host the Annual Nexia Partners International Conference in Sydney.  We are hoping to have approximately 250 delegates from every part of the world.  If you have any business interest in expanding offshore we would be delighted to introduce you to one of our overseas members who would welcome the opportunity to meet you personally.  As our conference gets closer we will remind you of this opportunity.