Hosted by Phoebe Stowe-Forbes, Founder of Dot Recruit, this podcast cuts through the corporate noise to bring you real conversations about leadership.
Built on a decade of interviewing high-performing professionals at the top of their game, each episode delivers sharp insights, honest stories, and practical lessons you can actually use to lead with confidence, build stronger teams, and navigate the messy reality of modern leadership.
Whether you're already leading teams or gearing up for your first leadership role, this is your go-to space for personal development and bold thinking.
Peak Output, Rock Bottom Energy. The Hidden Cost of High-Performing at Work.
Mental health expert Javed Bobat discusses the hidden costs of high-functioning burnout in fast-paced industries, particularly finance and consulting, in an interview about spotting warning signs and creating healthier work cultures.
8 May 2025
Burnout, Culture, ROI: What Leaders Get Wrong About Wellbeing
In this episode, I’m joined by Kirsty Birch, an executive coach and motivational speaker who works with senior leaders and finance professionals navigating the pressure cooker of corporate life.
Kirsty’s got a front-row seat to the quiet crisis playing out in boardrooms and Zoom calls everywhere:
Burned out teams.
Leaders unsure how to help.
Cultures that say they care… but don’t act like it.
We get into the practical, uncomfortable stuff that too many businesses are still ignoring.
Expect to hear:
🔎 What burnout actually looks like in high performers
🧩 Why standard wellbeing perks aren’t cutting it🧠 How leadership behaviour shapes team resilience💬 Why vulnerability at the top isn’t weak ... it’s the strategy📈 The very real business case for putting people first
If you manage people (or plan to) this episode is your reality check.
13 Mar 2025TRANSCRIPT
Neurodiversity in Finance: Thriving as an Autistic Leader & Challenging the Status Quo
🚀 A powerful episode with Laura Hadcroft, a Chartered Accountant and senior finance leader, shares her personal journey with autism - from receiving her late diagnosis to navigating a career in high-pressure corporate environments.
We discuss:
💡 What it’s really like being neurodivergent in finance - and the challenges that still exist.
🌍 Why DEI isn’t just a buzzword - and how businesses can create truly inclusive workplaces.
🧠 Recognising and supporting neurodiverse talent - so individuals can thrive, not just survive.
🚀 The power of self-awareness and advocacy - and why embracing who you are is the ultimate strength.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone in finance - leaders, hiring managers, and professionals alike - who want to foster inclusivity, understand neurodiversity, and build workplaces where everyone can succeed.
Hit subscribe and join us for this eye-opening discussion. 🎧✨
Connect with Laura 🫱🏼🫲🏾
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hadcroft/)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/iamlaurahadcroft?igsh=bmdvcDlvaTVtdGln)
Threads (https://www.threads.net/@iamlaurahadcroft?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==)
13 Mar 2025TRANSCRIPT
Becoming FD, Building Confidence & The Career Dilemma Ambitious Women Face
Guest: Jo Stubbs (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-stubbs-284a1520/), Finance Director
What does it really take to become a Finance Director—and how can you enjoy the journey instead of just chasing the title?
In this episode, Jo joins Phoebe to break down the different routes to FD, the critical career choices along the way, and the hidden challenges ambitious women face in their 20s and 30s.
💡 Are you unknowingly holding yourself back? Jo and Phoebe discuss how fear, biases, and "what ifs" stop talented women from reaching their potential—and what to do about it.
🔥 Plus, Jo shares how she built unshakable confidence, why stepping outside your comfort zone is non-negotiable, and why saying “yes” to scary things is the key to long-term success.
If you’re a finance professional with big ambitions, this one’s not to be missed. Hit subscribe and let’s get into it! 🎧✨
21 Feb 2022
The Accountancy Practice Hiring Playbook: What Works & What Doesn’t
Joining us is David Ramsay (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidramsaypwc/), Talent Acquisition Partner at PwC (Armstrong Watson at the time of recording), to uncover the biggest mistakes and challenges in accountancy recruitment—whether you’re hiring or looking for your next move.
With 14 years of recruitment experience solely in the accountancy market, David has seen it all. From his early days in agency recruitment with Hays and Reed to in-house roles at Big 4, Top 10, and now Armstrong Watson (a Top 30 firm dominating the North), his insights are gold for anyone navigating hiring or career moves in the profession.
💡 Thinking about a job change? Hiring for your firm? Either way, you’ll take away valuable lessons from David’s experiences.
📩 Got feedback or questions? Drop us a line at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn!
14 Feb 2022
Building a Firm & a Legacy: The Entrepreneurial Accountant
Dale Pollitt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-pollitt-aca-cta-39905353/), Director of Ryan’s Chartered Accountants in Bolton, joins us this week to explore how he went from dropping out of A-Levels to becoming a Partner in a thriving firm before the age of 27.
Dale’s career path is anything but ordinary. Starting as an AAT apprentice, he worked his way up, earning both ACA and CTA qualifications, and is now running the firm at just 31 alongside his business partner. But he hasn’t stopped there—Dale is constantly expanding his entrepreneurial portfolio, investing in ventures across the North West.
💡 If you’re an accountant with ambitions beyond the numbers, this episode is packed with insights on career progression, business growth, and thinking bigger.
📩 Got feedback or questions? Drop us a line at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn!
We're joined by the incredible leadership coach Cheryl Thompson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/toughtalkmentor/) for a power-packed conversation on what truly makes a great leader—and it’s not what you think.
They break down:
✨ Feminine vs. Masculine Leadership – Why the best leaders harness both.
💡 Abundance Mindset – Ditch the scarcity thinking; there’s more than enough success to go around.
⚡ Navigating Workplace Conflict – How we gaslight ourselves, set boundaries, and communicate with impact.
👊 Dealing with Bad Leadership – The art of managing up, handling tough conversations, and protecting your energy.
🚀 Imposter Syndrome Reframed – Why those uncomfortable feelings are actually your biggest growth signals.
🎧 This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to lead with confidence, communicate like a pro, and stop second-guessing themselves.
💬 What resonated most with you? Connect with us on LinkedIn and share your takeaways! And don’t forget to connect with Cheryl at 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/toughtalkmentor/
31 Jan 2022
From Big 4 to Business Owner: The Truth About Starting Your Own Firm
Let's sit down with Chris Brown, Founder and Partner at Brown & Co, to uncover what it really takes to build a thriving accountancy firm from the ground up.
Chris shares his journey from Accounts, Audit, and Tax in local firms to the Big 4 at KPMG, before making the bold decision to go solo nearly a decade ago.
💡 In this episode, we dive into:
✅ The real challenges of launching your own firm
✅ Growth through acquisitions, hiring & tech adoption
✅ The power of social media in modern accounting
✅ Lessons from nearly 10 years of running a firm
🎧 If you've ever thought about starting your own firm or want to know what goes on behind the scenes of a successful accountancy practice, this is one to tune in to!
📩 We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a message at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn!
17 Jan 2022
The Exam Coach: Failed an ACCA/CIMA Exam? Here’s How to Bounce Back & Pass with Confidence
Helen Pretty (https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenprettycoach/)—ACCA/CIMA exam coach who helps accountants pass their exams with confidence.
In this episode, we cover:
✅ How to stay motivated after failing an exam
📖 The importance of exam technique & structured revision
💡 Rebuilding confidence after a setback
🎯 Why your qualification is worth it and the career rewards that follow
🎧 If you're struggling with exams or need a confidence boost, this one's for you!
📩 Connect with Helen for more tips: Helen Pretty on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenprettycoach/)
22 Nov 2021
Fast-Tracking a Finance Career: From Accounts Assistant to Finance Manager in 5 Years
Lets sit down with Jess Harcourt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbrindle/details/experience/), Finance Manager at Social Chain, to talk about her unconventional journey to leadership, the lessons she’s learned, and the challenges she’s overcome along the way.
💡 In this episode, we dive into:
✅ How Jess climbed the career ladder in just 5 years
⚡ The biggest challenges she faced on her way to Finance Manager
📢 Why she prioritises personal branding on LinkedIn
👩💼 The lack of female representation in finance leadership—and what needs to change
⚖️ The importance of work-life balance and how to juggle it all
🎧 If you're an ambitious finance professional, want to grow your career fast, or are curious about the realities of leadership in finance, this episode is a must-listen.
📩 We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a message at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn!
15 Nov 2021
From Stability to Startup: The Reality of Building an Accountancy Firm
We're joined by Gordie Smyth, Founder and Director of Flower Accounting, to talk about the highs, lows, and mindset shifts needed to build a business from scratch.
After leaving a secure role to set up his own firm in February 2020—just before a global pandemic—Gordie shares what it really takes to go from employee to entrepreneur in the finance world.
💡 In this episode, we cover:
✅ The pressures & excitement of going solo
✅ The financial reality of earning little in Year One after leaving a steady salary
✅ Hiring your first employees and building a strong team
✅ How to win clients & grow a business from the ground up
✅ Gordie’s leadership style and what’s worked best for him
✅ His future goals—personally & professionally
🎧 If you’re considering starting your own firm, growing a business, or just curious about what it takes to succeed as a finance entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights!
📩 We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a message at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn!
8 Nov 2021
Struggling to Hire? Here’s How to Secure Top Talent in Today’s Market!
In Episode 6 of Joining the Dots, hosts Phoebe Stowe-Forbes and Sofia Merraoui share expert advice to help hiring managers and interviewers get the most out of every interview—and secure top talent before the competition does.
💡 In this episode, we break down:
✅ How to prep for an interview to make every minute count
🧠 Who should be in the room (it’s not always who you think!)
💬 Why selling your company is just as important as assessing the candidate
⏳ How offering promptly (and giving candidates space) makes a huge difference
🎧 If you’re hiring and want to attract and secure the best talent, don’t miss this one!
📩 Got questions? Drop us a message at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn!
25 Oct 2021
Interview Coming Up? Listen to This First!
🎯 Interview Coming Up? Here’s How to Nail It!
In this episode we break down exactly how to smash your next interview—whether you're a seasoned pro or feeling totally unprepared.
💡 In this episode, we cover:
✅ The basics you should NEVER overlook
❌ Common interview blunders (we’ve seen them all!)
💬 How to handle tricky questions with confidence
📅 The must-do’s the night before to set yourself up for success
🎧 If you or someone you know has an interview coming up, this is a must-listen. Feel free to share!
📩 We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a message at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn!
11 Oct 2021
The Highs, Lows & Must-Have Traits to Reach the Top in Accounting
In Episode 4 of Joining the Dots, host Sofia Merraoui sits down with Neil Ormesher, MD at Danbro Accounting, to uncover what it really takes to go from Trainee to Managing Director over a 20-year career.
💡 In this episode, we dive into:
✅ The sacrifices & challenges that come with climbing the career ladder
📈 How Neil navigated unexpected struggles along the way
🎓 The qualifications & skills that helped him progress
🔍 What he looks for in top talent when hiring
🏡 Why working for a family-run business shaped his career in ways he never expected
🎧 If you’re an ambitious finance professional or aspiring leader, this episode is packed with insights on what it really takes to reach the top.
📩 Got thoughts or questions? Drop us a message at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn!
4 Oct 2021
Want a Pay Rise? Here’s How to Ask (and Get It!)
In Episode 3 of Joining the Dots, hosts Phoebe Stowe-Forbes and Sofia Merraoui tackle one of the trickiest career conversations—money.
💡 In this episode, we break down:
✅ How to ask for a pay rise (without the awkwardness)
💬 The best way to approach salary negotiations in a new role
📑 What prep you need before asking for more money
🤝 How your recruiter can help you get the best offer
🎧 If you want to boost your salary but don’t know where to start, this episode is a must-listen!
📩 Got thoughts or questions? Drop us a message at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn!
27 Sept 2021
How to Climb the Finance Career Ladder (and Overcome Every Obstacle)
In Episode 2 of Joining the Dots, host Phoebe Stowe-Forbes sits down with Dan Garlick (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-garlick-69b00980/) to break down exactly what it takes to accelerate your career in finance—and why backing yourself is the key to success.
Dan’s journey hasn’t been a straight shot to the top. He’s faced challenges, setbacks, and tough decisions, but through determination, smart moves, and self-belief, he’s climbed the ranks at an impressive pace.
💡 In this episode, we dive into:
✅ The mindset & strategies needed to scale the career ladder
🔍 The biggest obstacles Dan faced—and how he pushed through
📈 How qualifications, experience & networking played a role in his success
🚀 Why confidence and backing yourself can be a game-changer in your career
🎧 If you’re ambitious, driven, and looking to take your finance career to the next level, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
📩 Got thoughts or questions? Drop us a message at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn!
20 Sept 2021
The Real Truth About Audit & the Future of Accounting
In Episode 1 of Joining the Dots, host Sofia Merraoui sits down with Ben Posthuma de Boer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-posthuma-de-boer-bb74936a/), Manager at Pierce Accountancy, to pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to build a career in accounting practice.
💡 In this episode, we dive into:
✅ Routes into practice—how to break in and climb the ladder
📊 The truth about audit—what it’s actually like and why it’s not what you expect
🔮 The future of accountancy—how the industry is evolving and what skills will be in demand
💡 Lessons from Ben’s own career journey and what he wishes he knew earlier
🎧 If you're considering a career in practice or want insights into where the industry is heading, this episode is packed with value.
📩 Got thoughts or questions? Drop us a message at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn!
Inside a recent episode
Peak Output, Rock Bottom Energy. The Hidden Cost of High-Performing at Work.
Published 27 May 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Why should it be? We need to convince them. Yeah, I think yeah, we do, when I think I guess one of the ways you could, you know, they should be looking at it, is if you want the best out of your team, so if you look at it purely from it, from an apple point of you, if you want them to be more productive, and to be at their best, their most innovative with ideas, ultimately, which then also makes you look good, then, you know, you've got to, but it's, you know, the well -being and, you know, and that whole piece then becomes, you know, something that's a win -win for them and for you. […]
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