Kudzanai's perspective - The three key things that make BDO a great place to work

How do you feel that you've been supported to progress at BDO?

I feel my career aspirations and progression is being taken seriously and I can see a map of where things are heading towards.

I've been getting involved in a lot of initiatives within the firm which are outside of client delivery, which align with my personal values and what I enjoy doing.

What kind of initiatives are you involved in?

I've been involved with the Inspire network, which is working to promote gender balance within the firm. I helped to organise community events and invited speakers to talk about how to build resilience and confidence in female staff.

This is important because it helps foster a more equal environment within the company. I also encourage the senior leadership team to see how our female employees feel and what they hope to achieve within the firm.

I have also been involved in the mentoring scheme for black talent within the big six firms. So this is not just BDO specific. I was paired with an assistant manager who works for another firm that I am currently mentoring. It's been very fulfilling to understand the aspirations of someone who looks like you, though they are in another firm. They experience similar challenges and I get to learn a lot from them as well.

Do you feel that BDO supports you in those challenges?
Yes, I do. I have embarked on leadership courses sponsored by the firm which have been very helpful. I think it is still a learning experience for all parties. But I feel BDO has taken diversity seriously and put plans in place to make sure that the members of staff who are in the minority groups are getting the recognition and the support that they need.

How do you feel the culture of BDO differs from other places?

I think the biggest one is encouraging people to be themselves. That has definitely struck a chord with a lot of people and I have experienced the benefits of this to date.
It makes it a fun place to work and you feel you are not just there to do the job, but also to recognise you are working with humans, people who have unique personalities and they care. It helps in how we all perform.

What makes Financial Services Advisory special at BDO?

I've been impressed by how we incorporate everyone at all levels. For example, in some pitch presentations, we invite people from all levels to go and present to the potential client boards. That is something you do not see in other firms.

It is very powerful and very encouraging and it motivates you to feel like you belong.

The fact that you are coming into a diverse team means you can tap into different experiences and from people who have different ways of looking at work and approaching things.