The Hidden Genius of Launching a Startup Mid-Recession with Founder & CEO at AccountsIQ, Tony Connolly #102
Who knew that launching a product amid a global recession would become one of the ingredients behind a FinTech company’s success story?
Tony Connolly is the visionary Founder of AccountsIQ, and such is his bold nature that he did so by leaving the relative comfort and security of a partner position in an accounting firm.
With his finger on the pulse of how AI and technology advancements will play into the future of accounting, he shares his shrewd insights and bold journey in this week’s episode of the Extrology podcast.
In this episode Lee & Tony discuss:
The bravery that leads you from a safe, certain job to the world of startup entrepreneurship
Launching a financial product amid 2008’s financial crisis, and why it was a blessing in disguise
Playing the hand you’re dealt
The importance of retaining the human element within a tech-led business
Why it’s paramount to share your vision with your team for best results
Links & references
Extrology:
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Tony Connolly:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-connolly-146529b/
AccountsIQ:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountsiq/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Episode highlights:
“I never regret doing chartered accountancy, because it's been key to my understanding of business, and ultimately what I ended up creating. So it's been very much that mix of the hybrid skills of IT, accountancy and business that has benefited me.” - 11:00 - Tony Connolly
“We took on our first Head of Sales in Jan 2008, so it was unfortunate timing, but during that period we were able to perfect the product in the absence of having to service lots of customers.” - 17:40 - Tony Connolly
“Play with the hand you’re dealt, don’t wish you had somebody else’s. There’s no certainty in any of these things we’re dealing with, but as FDR said, a skilled sailor was never made in calm seas.” - 27:15 - Tony Connolly
“Innovation has always been key, we've always kept an eye on what's happening in technology and adapted to it. Also while a lot of stuff changes in many ways, it doesn't change as much as people think.” - 31:55 - Tony Connolly
“You have to believe in what you’re doing, but at the same time be willing to adapt and adjust as things arise, and be open to that.” - 47:30 - Tony Connolly
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