What does it take to move halfway across the world, build a career at the intersection of tax and technology, overcome professional setbacks, and ultimately reach Big 4 partnership?
In this episode, Izabela sits down with James, a London-based Tax Technology Partner, whose journey began in Sydney, took him through Budapest, and ultimately led him to the helm of one of the profession’s most innovative tax technology practices.
From Australian culture and coffee debates to leadership, resilience, rejection and Formula 1, this conversation explores the human side of success—and why the road to partnership is rarely a straight line.
Key Topics Discussed
- Growing up in Sydney and the Australian traits that shaped his career
- How tax technology found James, rather than the other way around
- Moving from Australia to Budapest and London
- Unexpected cultural differences between Australia and the UK
- The Director promotion setback that transformed his leadership journey
- Why vulnerability and emotional intelligence matter at Partner level
- What it really takes to progress from Senior Manager to Director and Partner
- The importance of sponsorship, visibility and commercial awareness
- Lessons from CrossFit and how fitness influences leadership and resilience
- Formula 1, high-performance cultures and parallels with professional services
- Advice for his younger self arriving in London with big ambitions but no roadmap
Memorable Themes
The Power of "No"
James reflects on a failed promotion attempt and how rejection became a catalyst for growth rather than a career-defining setback.
Technical Excellence Isn't Enough
Great work alone won't take you to the highest levels of leadership. Relationships, sponsorship, visibility and commercial instincts matter too.
Vulnerability as Leadership
An honest discussion about authenticity in professional services and why successful leaders should be willing to acknowledge setbacks, uncertainty and growth.
High Performance Beyond the Office
From CrossFit to Formula 1, James explores the disciplines, routines and mindsets that help him perform under pressure.
Who Should Listen?
This episode is for tax professionals working towards Senior Manager, Director or Partner level; tax technology specialists navigating complex career paths; Big 4 professionals seeking career progression insights; leaders interested in resilience, vulnerability and emotional intelligence; and anyone facing professional setbacks and wondering what comes next.
About the Guest
James is a London-based Tax Technology Partner at a leading Big 4 firm, advising multinational organisations on transforming tax functions through technology, data and process innovation. His career spans Australia, Central Europe and the UK, giving him a uniquely global perspective on leadership and professional growth.
Connect with the Host
Izabela Hollander is a specialist recruiter in global tax, tax technology, SAP and related leadership markets. Through this podcast, she explores the people behind the professions, uncovering the stories, challenges and motivations that shape successful careers.
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone working towards Director or Partner, considering an international move, or who has recently heard "no" and needs a reminder that successful careers are built as much through setbacks as successes.
