How to engage PEOPLE properly with Chelsea Shelley, Head of Member Engagement, ACCA

Engage, Empower, and Thrive with Chelsea Shelley

“They're there to sort of help you look within yourself and find those answers and figure out those solutions.” Chelsea Shelley

Prepare to uncover the keys to successful engagement – whether in transformation projects or community memberships – as Chris and Mike delve into this crucial topic on their podcast. Join them as they sit down with Chelsea Shelley, Head of Member Engagement at ACCA.

Discover the secrets to effective engagement strategies as Chelsea Shelley shares her expertise on connecting with people in meaningful ways. Gain valuable insights into the importance of communicating value and fostering a sense of belonging within communities and organisations.

Be intrigued as Chris and Mike dig into discussions surrounding mental health and psychological safety, uncovering strategies for creating supportive environments where individuals can thrive.

Experience the urge to implement Chelsea Shelley's proven strategies for enhancing professional engagement and promoting mental well-being. Imagine the possibilities that arise when individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best work.

Take action now by tuning in to Chris and Mike's podcast featuring Chelsea Shelley. Equip yourself with the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to drive meaningful engagement in your own projects, communities, and organisations.

Episode Quotes

What Chelsea Shelley said…

• "I've had a really varied week, actually, not long into this role at ACCA, about eight months in."
• "I suppose I suppose that's something that I'm still kind of getting to grips with. And certainly there'll be different cultural approaches around the world, there might be different regulations here and there." 
•   "I think they're really helpful. The difference with formal therapy, obviously, it's, it's more structured, it's focused on you and, and one of the big things that therapists will say is they're not there to give advice."
•  "So it's about really making the best use of our data and figuring out those relationships."
•  “I think they're there. They're good skills to develop as a leader.”

What Chris Argent said… 

•  "So how we normally kick things off is getting into the week. But first of all, if you do like what you hear, if you are interested in subscribing, we do release an episode every Tuesday morning."
• "I actually had a family moment as well. My nine year old daughter was singing at the O2 before Depeche Mode. It's the young voices choir. I don't know whether everybody's heard about this. It's amazing."
•  "I've been doing a little bit of planning for some non exec director roles that I do. For London and Leicester. Actually, I don't think I've ever been to Leicester. So just as"
•  "I think it's also important to acknowledge that everybody has a blind spot as well, you know, everyone thinks they've got this 360 vision of where they are. But actually, if you acknowledge that you do have a blind spot, then you should welcome feedback more than ever, because you know that they're filling in on what you need to be developing, maybe a weakness that you need to work on."
•  “So I've also got a sporting one. I know nothing about football, and I know nothing about baseball either, but this guy has used a pretty cool way of mapping out his superstardom.”

What Mike Rose said…

•  "And I got to use my - everyone is a data person - shtick with somebody who said, I'm not a data person. “So I enjoyed that very much."
•  "So I'm literally sitting in a hotel lobby in London on route to the evening meet up prior to that." 
•   "I think that there are other factors other than negligence that kind of calls that situation, as Chelsea was saying, the corporate separation of the issues, so people weren't coming together."
•  "But I think that there are other factors other than negligence that kind of calls that situation, as Chelsea was saying, the corporate separation of the issues, so people weren't coming together."
•  “But then the contracts, as I just mentioned, how big contracts are set up based on delivery, which means there's no iteration is that we've got the whole state infrastructure around, people not being listened to and the post office being a reputable organisation versus these criminal postmasters, as they were, as they were saying, you know, there's just so much to take from it.”

Episode summary

The podcast began with introductions from the hosts Chris Argent and Mike Rose, as well as guest Chelsea Shelley from ACCA. They discussed their weeks, with highlights including events in London and the Houses of Parliament. Chelsea also shared about her son making the school basketball team.

The conversation then turned to the Post Office scandal, with Mike noting the incentives for Fujitsu to gloss over system issues due to their payment structure. Speakers discussed how systematic problems require a culture of openness, collaboration, and consideration for the human side - something that was lacking in the Post Office case.

Chelsea provided context on ACCA's global membership representing certified accountants. She emphasised the importance they place on inclusivity and diversity to drive innovation through diverse perspectives. Chelsea shared her journey into the profession and passion for membership engagement.

When discussing mental health, Chelsea highlighted the value of informal peer networks like mentoring and coaching for support. She contrasted this with formal therapy, noting networks provide immediate reassurance while therapy is more structured for long-term issues. The speakers agreed peer learning events are valuable for mutual understanding and reassurance among professionals.

The discussion covered agile project management methodology and the need for adaptability in business. Chelsea shared her experience leading a digital transformation, emphasising extensive testing. Speakers noted a lack of adaptability, like in Fujitsu's Post Office project, can lead to missed opportunities.

For good and bad data, speakers discussed football stats, baseball visualisation techniques, and a high-profile tennis player avoiding legal consequences. Adam Shelton's technical finance podcast was recommended.

Overall, the podcast provided insights into leadership, technology issues, mental health support, and data-driven perspectives from the accounting and professional services sector. The speakers engaged in a thoughtful discussion of real-world examples and challenges.

Episode Time Stamps

0:00-5:00 - Introductions - Chris introduces the guests and welcomes listeners

5:00-10:00 - Weekly updates - Chris and Mike share their weeks with Chelsea; Mike shares his excitement for an event in the Houses of Parliament.

10:00-15:00 - Reflecting on the Post Office Scandal - Mike highlights the importance of openness and collaboration in addressing systemic problems.

15:00-20:00 - Engaging a Global Membership Community - Chelsea discusses ACCA’s inclusive organisation.

20:00-25:00 - Mental Health and Peer Support Networks - Chelsea highlights the importance of informal networks for mental health.

25:00-30:00 - Leadership, Psychological Safety and Vulnerability - Chelsea and Chris discuss the value of self reflection. 

30:00-35:00 - Agile Project Management and Adaptability - Chris speaks about the importance of adaptability in project management.

35:00-40:00 - Digital Transformation Experiences

40:00-45:00 - Good and Bad Data Examples from Sports - Chris shares his good and bad data, including the premier league table and a unique visualisation technique used by baseball player Shohei Ohtani.

45:00-50:00 - Recommending Another Finance Podcast

50:00-55:00 - Closing Remarks and Thanks

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