Q&A with Brian Coventry

Next up in our series of speaker Q&As, we chat to Brian Coventry, CEO of Envision. In his session at Accountex Summit North 2019, Brian will share insights about the latest AI trends, Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning. We caught up with him ahead of the conference to find out more.

Tell us a bit about your background…

My current role is CEO of Symphony – APS. I have 30 years senior leadership roles in listed companies, experience in managing and building international businesses in EMEA, Australia and NZ focused on Professional Services (Accounting and Law) vertical(s) in Australia, NZ and UK. I’m qualified as an Accountant with Ernst & Whinney.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Applying my experience and knowledge of business, strategy and management – gained from different countries and cultures – helps others to see a forward path, revealing options and value improvements. I enjoy working with enthusiastic and driven people, whether it involves an engaging presentation, or to support entrepreneurial success. A key focus for me is to research and layout facts in language and terminology that others find easy to understand. It is essential to bring teams into a discussion on change, to help define a solution and then work with them to make it a reality.

And the most challenging?

Ensuring I stay focused and not getting too distracted by dead ends.

What one tip would you give to accountants to help them succeed?

Focus on building a strong culture that is genuine, where the team’s behaviour demonstrates authenticity.

What do you want visitors to take away from your session at Accountex Summit North 2019?

One lightbulb moment that delivered a key learning that results in a significant change to their firm.

Is AI really going to have the impact that everyone is talking about?

Yes and no. No because some of the commentary is hype as we head to the peak of inflated expectations. Yes because the real money is on how humans will complement the emergence of new technology and how employees will be different in the years to come.

How important is Accountex Summit North to the industry?

In a word, education. Anything that provides insights into the landscape of opportunity has to be worthwhile.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

I have received lots in my career. One gem my grandfather gave me was – “there is nothing wrong with a little bit of arrogance in people, it’s just when it comes coupled with ignorance that you need to give them a wide berth”.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know.

Classified in the main . I swim a lot. I was privileged to swim the English Channel with three mates. I swam from Finland to Sweden crossing the article circle finishing the event the day before it started.