How to never stop learning

Summary

In the 'In the Black' podcast, Jessica Mutt interviews Shelly Laslett and Hugh Thomas on continuous learning for accountants and finance professionals. They discuss the importance of lifelong learning for career growth, overcoming procrastination, and prioritizing learning amidst competing tasks. Laslett emphasizes the value of adaptive learning and metacognition, while Thomas advises on carving out time for learning and speaking to employers about professional development. Both stress the need for finance professionals to embrace change, develop strategic thinking, and enhance interpersonal skills to future-proof their careers.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Continuing learning is crucial for personal and professional growth, as it is linked to brain health and career progression.
• 🎓 Structured learning ends at university, but the need for continuous learning persists to stay relevant in a rapidly changing professional landscape.
• 🧠 Learning new, challenging skills is essential for brain health and adapting to the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
• 🛠️ The concept of an 'adaptive learner' involves customizing learning experiences to suit individual needs and the specific demands of tasks.
• 🤔 Metacognition, or thinking about one's thinking, is a key component of adaptive learning, helping to monitor and improve learning effectiveness.
• 🛑 Procrastination can be a form of 'positive procrastination' when it allows the brain time to ruminate and plan effectively before executing tasks.
• 📅 Effective time management involves prioritizing tasks and creating structure, which can help manage competing priorities and allocate time for learning.
• 🔑 Understanding and communicating the value proposition of learning to an employer is essential for gaining support and resources for professional development.
• 🔗 Collective prioritization with team members ensures alignment and shared understanding of what is important, which is crucial when working in a team setting.
• 🔑 The ability to influence, think strategically, and provide insights will become increasingly valuable as automation and AI impact the job market.
• 🌐 Building broader business acumen and management capabilities on top of a strong foundation in finance and accounting will future-proof one's career.

Q & A

Why is continuous learning important for accountants and finance professionals according to Shelly Laslett?

Continuous learning is important for accountants and finance professionals because learning is an essential part of growth. When we stop learning, we stop growing, both professionally and neurologically. Learning hard new things is particularly important as it contributes to brain health and progression in one's career.

What does Shelly Laslett mean by 'adaptive learner'?

An 'adaptive learner' is someone who can adjust their learning styles or needs based on the task at hand. It involves customizing learning experiences to address unique needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to learning.

How does Shelly Laslett define metacognition in the context of learning?

Metacognition, in the context of learning, is the process of thinking about one's thinking. It involves being aware of the learning process, having beliefs about oneself as a learner, recognizing emotions and feelings related to learning, and employing strategies to monitor and track the effectiveness of one's learning.

What is the relationship between procrastination and learning according to the podcast?

The podcast suggests that procrastination can be seen as an emotional regulation problem rather than a time management issue. It can be a sign that the brain is trying to buy time to think creatively and innovatively about a task before executing it. Moderate procrastination can be beneficial as it allows for rumination and better planning.

How can finance professionals prioritize learning amidst competing priorities, as suggested by Shelly Laslett?

Finance professionals can prioritize learning by establishing a structure and order to their work, using systems like a traffic light system for task prioritization or sizing tasks. They should also plan their week in advance, align priorities with team members, and use collective communication to ensure everyone is on the same page.

What advice does Hugh Thomas give on carving out time for learning?

Hugh Thomas advises having a solid belief in oneself and clear goals for what one is trying to become, which can motivate one to find time for learning. He also suggests being assertive in saying no to short-term demands and focusing on long-term value.

What does Hugh Thomas mean by 'chunking up learning'?

Chunking up learning refers to breaking down a large, overwhelming topic into smaller, more digestible pieces of learning. This technique makes the learning process less daunting and more manageable.

How can finance and accounting professionals speak to their employers about Learning and Development effectively?

Finance and accounting professionals should be clear about the value proposition of the learning they wish to undertake, explaining how it will benefit both themselves and the company. They should also consider starting with informal learning that doesn't require managerial approval.

What is the importance of understanding the changing nature of work due to technology, AI, and automation, as mentioned by Hugh Thomas?

Understanding the changing nature of work is crucial because it helps professionals identify the skills that are less likely to become redundant. It encourages them to focus on areas where technology cannot easily replace human interaction, such as strategic thinking, relationship building, and being a thought leader.

What is the website 'will robots take my job.com' and how can it be used by finance and accounting professionals?

The website 'will robots take my job.com' provides an estimation of the risk that a particular job might be automated in the future. Finance and accounting professionals can use it to understand the potential threats to their current roles and adapt their learning and skills development accordingly.

What is the bonus advice Hugh Thomas gives to finance and accounting professionals for future-proofing their careers?

Hugh Thomas advises finance and accounting professionals to focus on building broader business acumen and general management capabilities. He emphasizes the importance of developing skills around people interaction, leadership, and influence, as these are areas where technology is less likely to replace human expertise.