Make the most of every opportunity: three career defining lessons

The festive season is a great time for reflection and gratitude. As the time has now come to hand over the role of EY UK and Ireland Regional Managing Partner to Anna Anthony in the New Year, and although I will remain as UK Chair for a little bit longer, I have found myself thinking about my 40-year career at EY and the experiences I’ve had along the way.

My graduate-self had little idea about what I wanted to do or the career I wanted to build – I couldn’t have imagined the scale of opportunity that lay in front of me, or the path I would end up taking. I joined EY as an engineering graduate back in 1983, became a Partner in 1996 and Managing Partner in 2020. I have worked in London, New York and Edinburgh, and have been privileged to have had the opportunity to perform so many different roles within the organisation, including Country Managing Partner for Scotland, UK Head of Audit, UK&I Assurance Service Line Leader and Energy Industry Leader.

Throughout all of these periods, our working world changed and adapted to its generational reality. Things were very different when I started out, from dress codes to communication methods, to leadership styles and everything in between. There was less emphasis on purpose, and an organisation’s societal contribution seemed to be something of an afterthought. Businesses in the UK were battling high inflation, low economic growth, unemployment and a general decline in manufacturing industries.

Today, the challenges to organisations are certainly no less complex. We all face a fragmented global geopolitical system underpinned by rising protectionism. Innovation and technological advances are happening at breakneck speed. We’re operating within a world with reduced public trust in traditional institutions and evolving expectations on the role businesses should play in society and in people’s lives. We are perhaps more connected than ever before; but despite this, in some ways, more divided.

As I reflect, I’d like to share three lessons which have helped me navigate this maelstrom of change and which I hope are valuable to those thinking about their own career journey.

1. Think we, not I

Success is rarely the result of individual efforts alone; it is the culmination of teamwork and collaboration.

During a recent visit to Belfast I met with the First Minister, the Deputy First and the Economy Minister for Northern Ireland. Despite their different backgrounds and beliefs, they were united by a common goal to make Northern Ireland a better place to live and work. I strongly believe that the future belongs to those who can harness the collective strength of all stakeholders to deliver bigger and better opportunities.

2. Be curious

Throughout my career, I’ve learned the importance of challenging accepted wisdom and being curious about new things.

During the Dot Com boom of the 1990s, forecasters predicted the end of our profession. However, it resulted in the greatest growth period in our history. This taught me to embrace the unknown, challenge the status quo, and be agile in addressing new opportunities. A curious mindset helps us spot bigger and better opportunities and think creatively during times of change, navigating our complex world.

3. Focus on the difference you make

One of my favourite annual moments is highlighting EY’s Impact Reports in the UK and Ireland. When I established the UK report in 2021, I wanted to showcase the huge impact everyone has in delivering value to all our stakeholders, people, clients and society.

As a leader, I have always tried to consider how our decisions will make a difference to EY – now and in the future. It is part of the responsibility of working in a partnership – you do everything you can to pass it on in a better place than you found it. Opportunities to create a better working world are everywhere. ‘Business as usual’ should be about seeking out those opportunities and championing them.

I am filled with gratitude for the career I’ve had, those I’ve had the pleasure of working with and seeing develop, and the impact we’ve made.

Change is the only constant – my advice to you for 2025 is to embrace change and look ahead to the opportunities it can bring. I am thrilled to hand over the baton to the next generation of leadership who will lead EY UK in its next stage of evolution. I am very excited about what Anna and her team will do to drive the business to greater success. It has been an honour to lead this incredible organisation.

I’d like to wish all colleagues and friends a joyous and restful Christmas break, and a prosperous new year.