Episode 3: How to stay resilient, stay balanced — and help save the planet

In this energising third episode of the Chartered Accountants Worldwide Audio Newsletter, we explore the vital themes of resilience, work–life balance, and the emerging discipline of carbon accounting. Designed for busy professionals, this episode delivers practical tools and thought-provoking insights to help chartered accountants thrive in a complex, ever-evolving world.

In This Episode:

🔹 Monotasking for Clarity and Calm
Brad Hook of the Resilience Institute explains how single-tasking isn’t just a productivity tip—it’s neuroscience. Learn how monotasking activates your prefrontal cortex and boosts clarity, decision-making, and peace of mind.

🔹 Taking the First Step Toward Growth
Avoidance is a natural brain response to discomfort—but courage lies in small, intentional steps forward. Brad Hook shares how to build inner strength by leaning into discomfort and reframing procrastination.

🔹 Work–Life Balance Without the Burnout
Our featured article tackles early signs of burnout, boundary setting, and evidence-based techniques like time-blocking, mindfulness, and regular breaks. Discover how to protect your wellbeing while maintaining peak performance.

🔹 The Rise of Carbon Accounting
Fouzia Safdar, Director of Sustainability & Climate at Crowe Pakistan, shares her insights into how carbon accounting is shaping ESG strategies worldwide. Learn why it’s becoming an essential part of every accountant’s toolkit and how to start applying it in practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience is a trainable skill—and the foundation of sustainable success.
• True balance comes from smart habits, not just time off.
• Carbon accounting is fast becoming a critical business function with global impact.

Explore More

Visit the Wellness Hub and Sustainability Hub on the Chartered Accountants Worldwide platform for more videos, articles, and tools to enhance your personal and professional growth.

https://www.charteredaccountantsworldwide.com

Transcript

Hello! And welcome to Episode 3 of the Chartered Accountants Worldwide audio newsletter! Thanks for joining us. Today, we're diving into resilience and balance, and we're also looking at the emerging role of carbon accounting… Let’s jump in!

We’re kicking things off with two bite‑sized videos from our partner, the Resilience Institute. These shorts are full of practical, powerful reminders:

Our first video is all about Monotasking—the practice of doing one thing with full attention. This isn’t just a productivity hack... it’s brain science!! In this short clip, Brad Hook, Head of the Resilience Lab, explains how giving your full focus to one task at a time activates the brain’s prefrontal cortex, boosting clarity, performance, and even peace of mind. When we’re fully present, stress fades, decisions sharpen, and time seems to slow. So the next time you’re tempted to multitask—pause, and return to one.

In our second video we learn that Growth doesn’t begin with grand gestures—it starts with the smallest turn toward what matters. In this short video, Brad Hook explains that avoidance isn’t just procrastination; it’s the brain’s coping strategy, shielding us from discomfort and fear of failure. But courage lies in moving forward, even just a little. When avoidance says ‘not now,’ courage can choose to say ‘let’s begin.’

Both are prime examples of building mental fitness—handy tools that accountants can use on the go.

Building on that, our feature article this week takes a deep dive into managing stress and finding work–life balance. It highlights:

Recognising subtle signs of burnout before things escalate.

Setting boundaries with work—for example, unplugging from email after hours.

And techniques like mindfulness, time‑blocking, and regular breaks.

The key takeaway?

Sustained performance starts with daily habits that preserve both focus and wellbeing. It’s not about pushing harder, but working smarter — and caring for yourself, too.

Last up, we have an insightful video from ICAP featuring Fouzia Safdar, Director of Sustainability & Climate at Crowe Pakistan. She explains how carbon accounting helps organisations measure, manage, and reduce their CO₂ emissions.

Highlights include:

Why carbon accounting is now core to ESG reporting and business strategy.

How data-driven accounting helps build credibility with stakeholders.

Real‑world best practice tips and steps any chartered accountant can apply.

So let’s put it all together:

Firstly, Resilience isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the foundation of long-term performance.

Secondly, Balance is about sustainable practice, not just time off.

Finally... focusing on the wider world, Carbon accounting is fast becoming a key part of our technical skillset — and a powerful way to create trust and impact.

Whether you're offering support within your firm, advising clients on ESG, or just fine-tuning your own daily routine — these stories are worth tuning into. You'll find a world of content on our wellness hub and sustainability hub that will help you to grow your knowledge and understanding on these topics and more!

That’s it for Episode 3! Thanks for listening — and for being part of a profession that’s resilient, balanced, and ready for the challenges ahead. Until next time, stay well—and keep making a difference.