Ambitious Accountants Podcast

Welcome to Ambitious Accountants — the podcast for forward-thinking accountants shaping the future of the profession in Aotearoa. Each episode dives into the real stories of New Zealand accountants who’ve carved their own path, tackled challenges head-on, and built practices that reflect their values and ambition. Join us as we explore the work they’re doing, the lessons they’ve learned, and the trends they’re watching — from advisory growth to tech adoption and everything in between.

Ambitious Accountants Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Sumith Dissanayake, with 41 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Sumith Dissanayake hosts Ambitious Accountants Podcast, a business show with 41 episodes published.

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  Episode #11

  Taking Leaps of Faith: Adventures in Business with Alison Blanchett-Sax

  Aug 29, 202522 minS2

  <p><b>What do camel riding in Jordan and running an accounting practice have in common?</b> More than you'd think, according to Alison Blanchett-Sax from Smart Business Centre in Nelson.</p><p>In this chat with Sumith Dissanayake, Alison reveals how her adventurous spirit – from standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon to navigating desert landscapes – mirrors her approach to helping small business owners take those crucial leaps of faith.<b> "If you don't try, you don't know," she says, and it's this philosophy that drives her work with passionate entrepreneurs.</b></p><p>Alison doesn't fit the typi...

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  Episode #10

  From Navy Diver to Crypto Tax Specialist: Tim Doyle's Unconventional Path

  Aug 22, 202530 minS2

  <p>In this episode of the <b>Ambitious Accountants Podcast</b>, host <b>Sumith Dissanayake</b> sits down with <b>Tim Doyle</b><b>, Director of Doyle Accountants</b> in Cambridge, New Zealand. Tim shares his unconventional path from leaving school at 17 to join the Navy, through to building a successful accounting practice. </p><p>He talks about the discipline and life lessons the Navy taught him, his realisation about business and money while working in a shoe shop, and his adventures scuba diving in Thailand and working in London. </p><p>Tim discusses the challenges of leaving a business pa...

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  Episode #8

  From Dairy Farming to Accounting: Matt Hipp's No-Bullshit Approach to Advisory Work

  Jul 25, 202528 minS2

  <p><b>Matt Hipp's</b><b> </b>story isn't your typical accountant origin tale. The <b>Director at </b><b>Hipp Accounting</b> in Hastings went from 4am cow milking in Taranaki to telling potential clients "<b>if you just want your tax return done and forgotten about for 12 months, we're probably not the right fit.</b>"</p><p>In this episode, Matt gets real about how he negotiated partnership with his mum (instead of just working for her), why he reckons work-life balance is complete rubbish, and his take on advisory work: "It's not about having all the answers...

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  Episode #9

  Embracing Risks and Building a Lifestyle Accountancy Firm with Lisa Gottlieb

  Jul 25, 202524 minS2

  <p>Host<b> Sumith</b> talks with <b>Lisa Gotlieb</b>, Director at <b>Jam Accounting</b> in Auckland, about her path from EY to running her own firm.</p><p>Lisa covers her time in France and Hong Kong, leaving stable employment at EY for contract work, and finding her niche with expat accounting. She talks about taking calculated risks, working with clients who want proper advisory services, and using tech to get more done.</p><p>The conversation touches on collaborative partnerships, building a business around your lifestyle, and Lisa's work promoting New Zealand Sign Language through her...

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  Episode #7

  From Five-Year-Old's Dream to Practice Owner: Patrick Leong's Journey to Advisory Excellence

  Jul 18, 202531 minS2

  <p>This week, Sumith sits down with <b>Patrick Leong</b>, director of <b>Mondo Advisory</b> in New Plymouth, who's got one of the most unusual origin stories we've heard – he knew he wanted to be an accountant when he was just five years old! Patrick takes us through his career journey from Audit New Zealand to Deloitte, then into senior corporate roles before making the leap to practice ownership. </p><p><b>What drove him?</b> The classic accountant's dilemma: wanting that elusive work-life balance while building something meaningful. </p><p>Patrick's refreshingly honest about the realities of buyi...

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