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.

Mark Fritz focuses on the vital topic of saying no and setting boundaries. Mark highlights the significance of being assertive and maintaining focus to say no to various demands and requests effectively. He emphasises the value of listening and understanding the perspective of others when communicating a refusal. Mark also discusses the challenges busy professionals face, particularly accountants, who often feel overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks and responsibilities they have to handle.

He shares his observations on the current era of information overload and the need for individuals to prioritise and do less to achieve more. Mark suggests learning from other sectors can provide valuable insights and strategies for managing workload and avoiding burnout. The episode further delves into the psychological factors behind saying no, such as fear of disappointing others, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the pressure to fit in or be seen as a team player.

Mark offers practical advice on overcoming these fears and setting personal boundaries. He advocates for open communication and understanding between colleagues and leaders and the importance of aligning personal and professional priorities. In addition, the episode explores the role of scripts or prepared responses in navigating difficult conversations and saying no clearly and concisely. Mark highlights the importance of staying true to one's boundaries and goals and avoiding over-commitment. Throughout the interview, Mark provides examples, personal anecdotes, and practical tips on developing the confidence and assertiveness needed to say no effectively.

Mark Fritz is an accomplished leader who focuses on driving change across diverse cultures and distances. With a rich international career spanning numerous countries, including Egypt, Netherlands, Italy, and Japan, Mark has successfully spearheaded enterprise-level change initiatives. His expertise lies in leading transformation and reengineering efforts, effectively managing virtual teams, and fostering the growth of diverse, resilient groups.

Mark has left an indelible mark on executives and organisations worldwide as a renowned leadership specialist. He has been instrumental in helping them reshape their leadership approaches, resulting in improved outcomes and lasting impact. Mark's influence extends to prestigious business schools like IE Business School and HEC, where he imparts his wisdom through enlightening courses on leadership and influence.

Within organisations, Mark crafts tailored leadership programs that fortify leaders and equip them with the tools necessary for growth and triumph. His journey has taken him around the globe, where he's lived in various countries and worked in over 50 nations. Currently residing in London with his Japanese wife, Mark enjoys playing golf and cherishes collaborating with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, recognising the invaluable lessons such experiences offer.

Mark Fritz is renowned for his commitment to empowering leaders to shift away from micromanagement and embrace a culture of ownership and achievement. His expertise lies in unlocking the full potential of teams. Through impactful keynotes and masterclasses, he delivers inspirational experiences brimming with practical advice and actionable steps.

With a steadfast dedication to enhancing performance, influencing others, and mentoring, Mark's thought-provoking sessions and ongoing support have become integral to organisations' growth journeys. His unique blend of inspiration and practicality leaves audiences with clear actions and a deep desire to become the leaders they aspire to be. Mark Fritz is the catalyst for transformation and excellence in leadership.

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/My_rdWRDo9E

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.