Why I Chose to Build, Not Follow

Hi everyone,  

It’s easy to talk about success when you’ve made it through the storms. But what most people won’t tell you is that the storms are part of the process. Life, business, growth—it’s not about having a perfect plan, it’s about resilience, patience, and making peace with uncertainty.  

So today, I am going to let you in on my story - success, missteps, risks, rewards, everything! 

I didn’t start out as an entrepreneur. With a degree in engineering, I found myself shifting into finance, training at PwC in London. Back then, technology was just beginning but hadn’t become the mainstay. It was all about learning on the job. After some years, I moved into investment banking.  

It paid well, yes, but something was missing. Deep down, I always wanted to do things my way. 

And so, I took the leap. Against my father’s advice, I left the security of a high-paying city job. Why? For freedom. The freedom to choose when, where, and how I work. It wasn’t about the money—it was about building something I truly believed in.  

Was it easy? Absolutely not. But through every challenge, I learned more about myself and those around me. 

So, what’s kept me going for over 25 years?  

A clear vision: building something that lasts, something meaningful. And this is where I want to get real with you—building a business is never a smooth, straight path. It’s filled with turning points, high moments, long nights, and like it or not, setbacks. But that’s also what makes it worth it.  

The secret to sustain lies in the trust you earn, the relationships you build, and the impact you leave behind. 

Today, we’re in an era where technology like AI will inevitably take over much of the technical side of our work. But that’s not a threat—it’s an opportunity. The real value in accounting is evolving beyond numbers into relationships. Clients don’t just want a human calculator - they want a guide, a trusted advisor.  

And that’s where soft skills come in—communication, empathy, emotional intelligence. Those are the skills that will differentiate you from the competition. 

So, we’ve charted the past and the present. How does the future of accounting look to navigate - the next 25 years in accounting?  

Sure, it’s going to be tech driven. But the human touch—trust, relationships, connection—will always be irreplaceable. Clients choose advisors they believe in, not algorithms. As an accounting professional, this is your moment to focus on being more than just an accountant.  

I want to leave you with this: No matter where you are in your journey—whether you’re just starting out or deep into your career—don’t get caught up in the illusion of immediate success.  

The real rewards come from persistence, from learning, from getting back up every time you fall. It’s a marathon, not the sprint. 

And if you ever feel like you’re losing sight of that, remember—we’re here to help. Our free Skool Community is built on shared experiences, shared learning, and supporting one another through the ups and downs.  

For a more in-depth and interactive view into things, register today for my free Autumn 11-webinar series designed to help you grow a successful firm!  

Until next time,  

Arun