Making a fresh start

Richard Brewin • February 9, 2019

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. How easy would running a business be if we could look forward with the same clarity that we have when we review the past.

Hindsight can be used in two ways. We can use it to beat ourselves up about mistakes that we’ve made, mistakes that we didn’t necessarily spot at the time, maybe didn’t even have the opportunity to avoid.

We can also use it to grow our wisdom, experience and expertise. The real power of learning from the past comes when we bring it into the present and use it to shape our future. Nothing is wasted.

Knowing what you know now, if you were to start your firm again today then what would you do differently? The old joke, of course is, “well, I wouldn’t start from here, I can tell you that!” but, given that ‘here’ is reality, let’s park that for a moment and think of what you would do if you were starting your firm again today.

Chances are that you start from a strong place compared to first time around. You’re wiser, more experienced, better connected and probably better resourced. Yes, you’ve got a load of baggage now but let’s look past that.

List out what you would do if you were starting your firm today. What would you do differently? How would you better prepare for the future as it now looks compared to back when you started? What have you learned?

Now, what’s to stop you building your list into your goals and actions? Okay, we now have practicalities to address but isn’t that what goals and actions are all about anyway.

We talk about getting stuck in a rut, in other words being trapped in your current passageway. It’s easy to make the mistake of seeing your firm in the context of a single journey that you set out on back in the past and must continue to follow. It doesn’t have to be that way. You can change your route today, and tomorrow, and the day after. If you’re driving your business then you can change the direction of your firm whenever you wish.

Your list of what you would do in starting a new firm today could just be another turn of the page in your journey if you want it to be.

Take a fresh look at where you are and where you want to go next.

Nothing Is Successful Without Enthusiasm: Why It Matters More Than Ever in Accounting

By Richard Brewin • October 30, 2025
In a world where technology, standards, and client expectations are constantly changing, one thing remains timeless: enthusiasm . As accountants, we’re known for precision, professionalism, and integrity — but without enthusiasm, even the most talented team can fall short of its true potential. As the saying goes, “Nothing is successful without enthusiasm.” And in today’s accounting profession, that’s more relevant than ever.  Here’s why enthusiasm is the secret ingredient that fuels success — both individually and collectively.

The Heart of the Profession: Why Empathy Matters More Than Ever for Accountants

By Richard Brewin • October 24, 2025
We live in a world that feels more uncertain by the day. Small business owners are juggling rising costs, changing markets, and constant pressure to do more with less. For many, it’s not just about keeping the business afloat — it’s about holding onto a dream.  And in the middle of all this change, accountants have a quiet but powerful role to play.

Time to coach

By Richard Brewin • October 17, 2025
We’ve always been the steady hand, the voice of reason, the trusted advisor. Coaching simply helps us do that better — with more empathy, clarity, and connection. Explore the new Accountants Coaching Community, launching now in Australia and the UK.