Explore every episode of the podcast headhunter(ka) Podcast

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.

Peter, a Global Indirect Tax Leader and Partner and, more importantly, a father of four, is usually based in Saudi Arabia, but during a recent stay in the UK, he generously took the time to join me for a truly meaningful conversation at the Brighton Podcast Room.

We explored his career journey, life experiences, lessons learned along the way, and a few humorous situations that have shaped his story.
As always, there was plenty of practical advice for anyone looking to grow both personally and professionally.

From studying humour in Gulag literature then riding the fiscal theme park of VAT through to singing by royal appointment and witnessing massive change first-hand in the Middle East, stay tuned for an episode full of insight, humour, and unexpected twists.

Brighton sunshine. Dallas energy. Cowboy hats.
Nicole Robinson,  a Global Tax Leader, who has spent her career transforming tax operations around the world. Having led projects in more than  80 countries, she' become a trusted voice on technology, transparency, and the future of global tax. 

A regular international conference speaker and passionate people leader, she is known for turning complex global tax challenges into clear, practical solutions.  

Nicole - my first American guest – based in Dallas, joined me in Brighton while speaking at a leading London tax conference. 

In this episode, I sit down with someone I’ll be honest about: I knew a little going in — and left knowing a lot more.

Adam Alonso is a Barcelona-trained, fully qualified lawyer admitted to the Bar Association of Barcelona. He specialises in European VAT, Insurance Premium Tax, and the highly niche world of Spain’s Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros — operating at the intersection of public law, insurance regulation, and indirect tax.

In other words, Adam works where the map runs out.

What we talked about:

• From Spain to the UK — and everything in between

• Growing up between two countries, cultures, and ideas of “normal”
• Training as a lawyer in Barcelona
• A career built by saying “yes”

Adam’s journey spans:

• Big Four advisory
• In-house at a major gaming group
• Compliance and consultancy
• Building and leading a global VAT research team from scratch at a tax tech scale-up

We talk honestly about whether any of this was planned — or whether curiosity and interesting problems did most of the steering.

“Lost in Translation”

Borrowing the phrase from the film, we explore:

• What gets lost (and gained) when careers span languages, legal systems, tax regimes, and continents
• Why translation isn’t just linguistic — it’s cultural, professional, and personal

Building teams from scratch

• What “from scratch” really looks like
• Mistakes, surprises, and the parts nobody puts in the job description

Multiple vantage points on tax

Having seen tax from almost every angle — law firm, Big Four, in-house, tech — Adam shares:

• Which environment surprised him most
• What each perspective teaches that the others can’t

Optional deep dives

• One mindset shift businesses need around indirect tax
• Advice for tax professionals moving into tech-forward roles

Ice-breakers & the human side

Because tax people are still… people:

• A past life as a semi-professional table tennis player
• A love of Star Wars
• Favourite philosophical and funny quotes — impressions included

Serious sport, unexpected lessons

We dig into:

• What it takes to compete at semi-professional level
• The mindset, training, and sacrifice involved
• Why table tennis is far more brutal than people expect

Golf: the second act

• Does the competitive instinct carry over?
• Handicap goals, bucket-list courses, and why golf is a different challenge entirely

Final reflection

A Jedi philosophy.
A precision sport.
A game that humbles everyone eventually.

Tax is all three.

Learn the rules. Practice the moves.
And stop dreading the rally.

And then… a table tennis demonstration.

Topspin. Very clean. You’re welcome.

Get ready to ignite your inspiration! In this episode, Nikie van Duurling shares her bold transition from trading Dutch winters for desert heat, her journey through tax law, technology, and leadership in the Middle East. Her story is about breaking norms, embracing change, and boldly forging new paths — qualities every professional needs today.

Main insights:

·         How a background in tax law and an unintentional passion for technology led Nikie into the world of tax tech.

·         The pivotal moments that shifted her from traditional tax roles to innovative projects like robotic process automation and generative AI.

·         Her personal experience navigating relocation, cultural integration, and female leadership in the Middle East.

·         The importance of resilience, adaptability, and cultural openness in thriving abroad.

·         Practical advice for women considering international leadership roles, emphasising the power of exposure and authenticity.

What does it take to build a 17-year career at the intersection of tax, technology, and strategy — while also showing up fully at home?

In this episode, I'm joined by Jacek Szufan, Tax and Tax Technology Director, and one of those rare professionals who can hold the detail of international tax law in one hand and a boardroom conversation in the other.

We talk about the moment that changed everything in his career. The decision to move to the UK in 2006 with a suitcase, ambition, and imperfect English. The trend in indirect tax technology that he believes will reshape the industry. And what nobody talks about enough — what becoming a father really does to a man who leads for a living.

This is a conversation about ambition and presence. Strategy and simplicity. And what it means to get on the door — even when the water is freezing.

headhunter(ka) Podcast explores the people behind the profession. Through structured, insightful conversations, we share the personal journeys, career experiences, and perspectives of tax professionals who are shaping the industry.

Drawing on my career in headhunting, this podcast features conversations with professionals I’ve had the privilege of working with—offering thoughtful insights, practical lessons, and an authentic look at life within the tax world.

In this episode of the Headhunter(ka) podcast, host Izabela interviews Meike Le Roux, a versatile professional with a background in finance, indirect tax, and tax technology. They discuss Meike's career journey, the impact of technology on tax compliance, her bilingualism, personal interests, and memorable travel experiences. Meike shares valuable insights on parenting, her passion for Elvis Presley, and offers advice for newcomers in the tax profession and her younger self.

Takeaways

• Meike's career began in finance as an accounts assistant.
• She transitioned into tax consulting and technology due to her interest in simplifying processes.
• Bilingualism enhances her professional communication and translation skills.
• Parenthood has taught her the importance of trust and being a role model.
• Traveling with her daughter along the Pacific Coast Highway was a memorable experience.
• Meike has a passion for classic cars and vintage items.
• Elvis Presley’s music has had a profound impact on her life.
• Curiosity is essential for new tax professionals to understand their field.
• Preparation for new roles involves listening and understanding the business.
• Advice to her younger self includes being brave and treating herself.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Micah's Versatile Career

02:58 The Evolution of Tax Technology

05:51 Personal Life and Hobbies

08:56 Travel Adventures and Family

12:12 Passion for Elvis Presley

15:06 Preparing for New Roles

17:46 Advice for New Tax Professionals

20:07 Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Remember to like and follow on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode!

Something to share? Email Izabela.Hollander@ibhexecutive.com

In this episode of headhunter(ka) Podcast, Teodora Vallone shares her journey from candidate to accomplished tax professional. The conversation covers her international career moves, leadership approach, and insights for aspiring tax professionals—along with reflections on La Dolce Vita and the role of resilience in shaping both career and life.

• Teodora’s journey shows resilience and adaptability.
• Trust is everything in the tax profession.
• Life experiences shape growth and relationships.
• Mentorship and leadership matter.
• Don’t let career progression overshadow hands-on experience.
• ‘La Dolce Vita’ is a mindset, not just a lifestyle.
• Moving abroad can open new opportunities.
• Networking and relationships drive career success.
• Good food and company make life richer.

00:00 – Introduction & Teodora’s Background

05:19 – Relocating to Australia: New Opportunities

09:12 – Career Growth Across Different Jurisdictions

18:10 – Advice for Aspiring Tax Professionals

21:44 – La Dolce Vita: Embracing a Mindset for Happiness

27:05 – Future Goals & Closing Reflections

Remember to like and follow on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode!

Something to share? Email izabela.hollander@ibhexecutive.com