AI, ethics, and the future of Chartered Accountancy: Six conversations that matter
The profession of accountancy is changing—and faster than ever before. Chartered Accountants Worldwide’s flagship series, Difference Makers Discuss, is back for its third season, bringing together six remarkable conversations with leaders who are shaping the future of our profession.
Over the coming weeks (October 16 – November 20, 2025), we’ll hear from accountants, business leaders, and standard setters who are grappling with technology, ethics, inclusivity, and wellbeing. Their stories reveal not just challenges, but practical strategies and opportunities for everyone in our profession—whether you’re a student, mid-career, or a seasoned practitioner.
Coming up
- Lem Chin Kok, from police officer to AI pioneer – October 16 @ 18:00 BST
Lem Chin Kok, CEO of AiRTS, shares his journey from police officer to forensic accounting leader to tech entrepreneur. He explains why accountants must embrace a “third language” of programming to stay relevant, and how AI is uncovering fraud at a scale humans alone cannot.
To find out more about this event click here. - Ken Croarkin, from Glasgow to New York – Global Careers & Private Equity in Accounting Firms – October 23 @ 18:00 BST
Ken Croarkin of EisnerAmper reflects on building an international career, navigating CPA reciprocity, and what private equity investment means for growth and audit quality in the profession.
To find out more about this event click here. - Mark Scully, navigating neurodiversity in professional services – October 30 @ 18:00 GMT
Mark Scully, founder of Braver, shares his personal story of receiving an autism diagnosis mid-career, and how inclusive workplaces can unlock potential for everyone—not just neurodivergent employees.
To find out more about this event click here. - Nicola Ellam, AI will take your job to a whole new level – November 6 @ 18:00 GMT
Nicola Ellam of CLA outlines how her firm is democratizing AI for smaller businesses, rethinking training from day one, and centering people—not technology—in its transformation strategy.
To find out more about this event click here. - Carla S.Vijian, a journey in ethics, audit, and marathon running – November 13 @ 18:00 GMT
Carla Vijayan of IESBA discusses why ethics is not a barrier to innovation but the foundation of trust, offering insights on professional skepticism, courage, and consistency in the face of rapid change.
To find out more about this event click here. - Resilience and well-being in accountancy, a global check-in – November 20 @ 18:00 GMT
Sinead Donovan (Chartered Accountants Ireland), Brad Hook, and Declan Scott return to reflect on progress since their landmark wellbeing report earlier this year. What has changed, what hasn’t, and how can the profession build resilience for the future?
To find out more about this event click here.
Why This Matters
Across these six conversations, a clear theme emerges: the profession is not only adapting to change but helping to shape it. Whether it’s applying AI to uncover fraud, embedding resilience strategies into firm culture, or ensuring ethics remain at the heart of innovation, these difference makers are charting a course toward a profession that works for everyone.
All sessions are free to attend, with recordings available afterward as podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other platforms.
