Martin Brennan, Founder & Director at Onside Accounting ​| Leaders With Ambition podcast - Ep. 102

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, Nicky welcomes Martin Brennan, Founder of Onside Accounting and ACCA Global Council Member, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, remote working, and giving back. Growing up in Blackpool, one of the UK's most disadvantaged communities, Martin's journey is anything but conventional. From being encouraged by a school teacher to pursue accountancy, to taking a significant pay cut to start an accounting apprenticeship, to eventually founding his own successful accounting and tax firm during the pandemic, Martin shares the lessons, challenges and opportunities that shaped his career. Together, Nicky and Martin discuss: ✅ Growing up in Blackpool and overcoming barriers to success ✅ Building a successful business during COVID-19 ✅ Creating a thriving remote-first company culture ✅ Leadership, trust and employee engagement in distributed teams ✅ The realities of entrepreneurship and starting your own firm ✅ The impact of private equity on professional services firms ✅ AI and the future of accounting and professional services ✅ Networking, personal branding and career growth ✅ Supporting disadvantaged communities and paying success forward ✅ Why purpose and values matter more than ever in the workplace Martin also shares practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, insights into scaling a business, and his vision for the future of the accounting profession. If you're interested in leadership, business growth, entrepreneurship, remote work, accounting, or professional services, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 🎧 Listen now and discover how ambition, consistency, and a commitment to people can create extraordinary results. Chapters 00:00 Intro Highlights 01:13 Welcome & Martin Brennan Introduction 03:33 From Blackpool to Accountancy 04:38 First Exposure to Private Equity 08:30 Moving to London & Career Growth 09:32 Why Tech Startups Changed Everything 10:20 Launching Onside During COVID 12:11 Starting a Business Without Fear 13:28 Financial Planning for Entrepreneurs 14:39 The Power of Networking 16:43 Building a Network & Winning Clients 19:24 Creating a Remote-First Culture 24:44 Founder Wellbeing & Avoiding Burnout 27:12 Protecting Employee Wellbeing 28:36 Private Equity's Impact on Professional Services 32:28 AI, Technology & the Future of Accounting 34:07 The Talent Shortage in Accountancy 36:30 Why the Tax Environment is Tough for Entrepreneurs 38:41 Giving Back & Supporting Disadvantaged Communities 40:14 Purpose, Charity & Company Values 42:45 What's Next for Onside? 45:49 Closing Thoughts Looking to advance your career or grow your team? Ambition is a leading international recruitment agency specialising in professional services. Learn more at www.ambition.co.uk #LeadersWithAmbition #MartinBrennan #Leadership #Accounting #Podcast