37th Russell Bedford Annual Global Conference Cements Togetherness In The Virtual World
A conference like no other, Russell Bedford’s chair, Bruce Saward, opened the 37th Annual Global Conference, which welcomed almost 400 participants from more than 100 member firms, covering some 70 countries around the globe.
In his opening address, Bruce acknowledged the absence of the face-to-face connection, although conceded that most hadn’t missed the jet-lag, particularly the Australian member firms!
He said: "2020 will be a year remembered for many years to come. It has presented enormous challenges for us all, both personal and professional. However, the events of the last six months have demonstrated the importance of the accounting profession. We are the trusted advisers that clients turn to for unbiased independent advice. Advice that is based on an understanding of their position and our ability to develop strategies that address clients’ needs in changing circumstances.”
Our first guest speaker was Hélio Vogas, a leadership and motivational speaker who has spoken at TEDx events and the United Nations headquarters in Vienna, Austria. Hélio joined us to discuss Decision-making under stress: How to think clearly in the eye of the hurricane, sharing strategies for managing stressful situations, to support decision making when faced with important business challenges.
Board member, Daniel Ryba, and partner at Russell Bedford Argentina, led a panel discussion: Making the most of multinational business opportunities. Daniel was joined by panellists from Russell Bedford member firms, Fabio Corno (Studio Corno, Milan), Laurence Newman (Lubbock Fine, London) and Stephan Strothenke (Tomik + Partner, Halle in Westfalen).
Fabio commended Russell Bedford’s Centres of Excellence, as an excellent resource for connecting with experts within the network on matters specific to individual partners’ specific area of expertise. He said: "Knowing partners in different jurisdictions gives firms a distinct advantage. Strengthening cross border connections can lead to greater business opportunities for all firms, enabling 360° services for clients.”
Daniel stressed that reserving fixed time each week for learning and business promotion is critical for the long-term successful development of a firm. He said: "We have a responsibility to make our clients aware of cross border offerings.”
Day one concluded with an open forum discussion on Corporate Social Responsibility led by Russell Bedford’s CEO, Stephen Hamlet, where he shared the wonderful video of Russell Bedford’s Lebanese member firm, Bureau Saghir & Associates, and their charitable work to help the most vulnerable people of Beirut.
