Ben Walker, is the Founder and CEO inspire CA, Brisbane, Australia
Their claim to fame is saving their clients more than $1 million at tax time two years in a row, AND making accountants cool again! They even have an award to prove it.
inspire CA company values are: Dream big, Make an impact, Remember your roots.
- What does values based leadership (VBL) mean to you?
I believe your business’ values should be a representation of your own personal values as your business is usually an expression of you.
Values based leadership to me is living those values in your every day work, especially with your team. You should hire and fire based on those values. Reward team members and call people out on doing a great job when you see them in alignment with the values.
To go a step further, I believe businesses really “Get” it when they hire and fire clients based on their values.
- Can you give us an example of your VBL in action?
“Remembering your roots”, is all about family.
It’s actually our most important value. One of our final interview processes when we’re hiring a new team member, is to have them around for a family lunch or dinner. It’s a great way of getting to know the person and seeing how they hold themselves in a casual setting.
And it’s our family who give the final thumbs up and confirmation that they’re a good fit for inspire. At the end of the day they’re helping us make a bigger impact, and we want to do the same for them. Our values need to be aligned from day one!
- Who else have you seen employ VBL well?
The team at thank you in Melbourne do a really great job at this (creators of thank you water, co founded by Daniel and Justine Flynn, and Jarryd Burns).
- What impact has VBL had on your team/company?
I believe we have one of the tightest and closest teams in Australia.
We even had our newest accountant say “two of the team are now like brothers to him” – and he hadn’t been at inspire for six months yet.
It’s incredible to see this and to have a hand in creating a workplace and life for people where they enjoy coming to work.
This effect ultimately cascades down to clients where they see our passion and enjoyment for what we do.
Thanks for your time Ben!
