INTHEBLACK December 2025 / January 2026 - Magazine - Page 7
“Authenticity and
transparency are key
components of integrity.
The best leaders clearly
model these qualities,
which in turn creates a
positive work environment
where employees
feel supported and
empowered to express
their own authenticity.”
DR ASHELEY JONES, CPA AUSTRALIA
future finance professionals with the tools to make
strategic decisions, implement strategies and lead
organisations effectively.
Post-completion of the CPA Program, we provide
multiple professional development opportunities
to assist members to hone their personal leadership
skills. These leadership products include microcredentials such as Self and People Leadership
and Strategic Finance Business Partnering.
Podcast episodes such as Why purpose-driven
leadership builds stronger teams and publications
such as INTHEBLACK provide great content
to help members to build their leadership skills,
as do our many member events.
The association also offers members the ability
to develop their leadership skills by joining the
various Centres of Excellence that help guide
thought leadership within the profession,
or take up a Divisional Council position to help
shape the future of CPA Australia.
5. Which three leaders, from any time or place,
would you like to have dinner with?
That’s a tricky question, as the leaders I admire
change regularly depending on the lessons I can
or have learned from them.
At this point in time, I would have to say in
no particular order: activist Grace Tame for her
extraordinary courage and integrity; Jacinda Ardern,
former Prime Minister of New Zealand, for her
compassion and empathy; and Kon Karapanagiotidis,
CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre,
whose tenacity and continued advocacy for refugees
is truly inspiring. ●
THE ART OF MODERN LEADERSHIP intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au 7
