Welcome to the Accounting Talent Podcast, dropping every Thursday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

Rob Brown interviews Bailey Parnell, an expert in digital culture, social media, and mental health. In this episode, they discuss the skills needed to thrive in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world. Bailey emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, optimism, and resilience, as well as the interconnectedness of individuals and organizations.

The conversation then shifts to the impact of digital culture on work and personal life, with Bailey discussing the dangers of social media addiction and the negative effects of screen culture on physical, sociological, and psychological health. She highlights the importance of accountants being mindful of their social media and screen usage and incorporating practices such as mindfulness and digital detoxing into their lives.

Bailey also talks about her company, Skills Camp, which focuses on soft skills development and the importance of mental health responders and counsellors for stressed employees. The episode offers a cautionary tale to accountants looking to grow their firms, urging them to be vigilant about social media usage and prioritize their well-being over digital engagement.

Overall, this episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast provides valuable insights into the skills and mindset needed to succeed in today's VUCA world and practical tips for maintaining mental health and well-being in a digital culture. Don't miss this informative conversation between Rob Brown and Bailey Parnell!

You can also watch this on youtube here: https://youtu.be/JKSTI6UeB0c

Key takeaways:

➔ To thrive in a VUCA world, individuals need a growth mindset, optimism, resilience, and the ability to adapt and embrace change.

➔ Digital culture significantly impacts work and personal life. Accountants must be mindful of their social media and screen usage to combat the adverse effects on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

➔ Companies need to create a culture that supports mental health and well-being, especially in a hybrid work environment, by training leaders to manage crises and promoting a human-centric workplace.

➔ Soft skills development, such as interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence, is crucial for business professionals to succeed in today's world, and mental health responders and counsellors can help support stressed employees

Bailey Parnell is a 2x TEDx speaker, Founder & CEO of SkillsCamp, and named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women. She is an internationally-recognized entrepreneur, an active humanitarian, and an expert in soft skills training. Bailey has nearly 4 million views on her TEDx talks, and her work has been featured in Forbes, Good Morning America, CBC, and other notable media outlets. She completed her Masters in Communications and Culture at Ryerson University with research on social media's impact on mental health. This research led to the creation of her signature 5 Steps Towards #SafeSocial and a connected non-profit of the same name. Bailey is known for her skilful storytelling, confidence, research, and humour. She frequently speaks on social media and mental health, soft skills, intergenerational understanding, and being a woman in business.

Bailey's company SkillsCamp is a soft skills training company that works with...