Episode 18: From 16-Year-Old School Leaver to Inspiring Accountancy Leader with Victoria Wainwright

Podcast Notes

Today we sit down with Victoria Wainwright, Office Managing Partner at accountancy firm Azets. Victoria’s journey is truly inspiring— after leaving school at 16, Victoria worked her way to the top. Throughout her career, she’s been passionate about supporting local charities and making a positive impact in her community. As Bradford prepares to take the spotlight as the UK’s City of Culture in 2025, Victoria shares her thoughts on the city’s exciting future and what it means for local businesses. Tune in for insights on leadership, giving back, and what it takes to thrive in a competitive industry.

1. Victoria’s career background from leaving school at age 16

2. How important is it to have interpersonal skills?
3. Positivity, passion & purpose
4. Challenges from being in senior positions from a young age
5. Victoria’s views on the lack of female leadership in accountancy
6. Personal branding – was this intentional?
7. Approach between Chambers of Commerce and the power of influence
8. Involvement in Bradford City of Culture 2025 and what this will provide
9. Does Bradford’s diverse culture bring opportunity or challenges?
10. Raising £1m for Marie Curie, and the impact of working with charities
11. The themes of successful businesses
12. What challenges do you see businesses facing at the moment?
13. The impact of Covid on businesses
14. The attitude shift in the younger generations
15. Predictions of business challenges in the next 5 years
16. What are your views on AI?
17. Do you see many business owners who struggle to understand their numbers?
18. Emotionally, how difficult was it selling to Azets?
19. Closing questions

You can find Victoria here: Victoria Wainwright | Our People | Azets UK