Welcome, Ascend Accounting!
Today we’re talking with Simone Shannon, a Director at Ascend Accounting and Advisory.
Simone, your website says that you partner with your clients to achieve better business outcomes and make sure it’s a good experience. This is one of the more people centric service descriptions I have seen for an accounting practice, why is it essential for you that your clients enjoy the journey?
We really do enjoy working with our clients, they are individuals with unique aspirations and challenges. We believe that by making their journey with us enjoyable, we not only foster stronger relationships but also enhance their overall experience and help them to feel confident making their business decisions. We want our clients to feel empowered and supported every step of the way.
What does your business journey leading up to today look like?
Our business journey is really just beginning. What started as a joke with my then work colleague now business partner, Andrew, about how nice it would be to do things a little differently and more client centric. This grew to a reality when we started Ascend about 3 years ago with our first ‘office’ being set up in the back of my garage. (I can send you a photo if you like ha ha) Since those early beginnings it has been an incredibly positive experience growing from 2 people in the back of the garage to now a team of 5 and we are extremely excited to have our own permanent office now is As One. We know it is going to be a great base to continue to grow the business.
Andrew and Simone in their first office - Simone’s garage.
Do you engage with a community group regularly, and what does that look like for you?
Community engagement is a cornerstone of our values, and we actively participate in initiatives that resonate with our mission. Two initiatives that are particularly close to our hearts are Wombat's Wish and P500, which is part of the Geelong Community Foundation.
As a Board member of Wombat's Wish, I'm dedicated to supporting their mission of providing invaluable resources and programs to children and families coping with grief and loss. We collaborate closely with Wombat's Wish, spreading awareness about their important work and actively participating in their events. Being involved with Wombat's Wish allows us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our community who need support the most.
P500 is another community group we're deeply committed to. P500 is dedicated to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth in our area. This year, as a committee member, I'm actively involved in encouraging people to donate to the sub fund and participate in our pitch night – a fun event that showcases the innovative spirit of our local community. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow community members and contribute to the prosperity of our region.
Who is your role model and why?
I don't really have just one role model because what I value and admire changes all the time. Depending on what's going on in my life or what I'm trying to figure out, different people inspire me. It could be a mentor, a friend, or even someone I read about who showed real grit. I think wisdom comes from all sorts of places, so I like to keep an open mind and learn from whoever's got something valuable to offer in the moment.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
It's important to recognize that none of us have all the answers. Life is a journey of continual learning and growth, and it's okay not to have everything figured out. Embracing humility and openness to new perspectives can be incredibly enriching and lead to deeper understanding and connection with others. So, if there's ever a moment where you don't have all the answers, remember that it is perfectly normal. Successful people surround themselves with others who know what they don't and learn from them!
What has been a surprising benefit for your business in using a flexible workspace?
One surprising benefit of using a flexible workspace has been the increased collaboration and creativity we’ve had with others using the space. The dynamic nature of a flexible workspace fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among its occupants. I don’t believe there is a space that does this better than right here at As One.
We've had the pleasure of meeting entrepreneurs, freelancers, creatives, and executives, each with their own unique stories, perspectives, and expertise to share. These interactions have not only enriched our professional network but also broadened our horizons, sparking fresh ideas and approaches to problem-solving.
By breaking away from traditional office constraints, we've created an environment that fosters innovation and flexibility. Our team feels empowered to work in a way that best suits their needs, whether it's in the office, at home, or elsewhere. This flexibility has not only boosted morale but also productivity, as it allows our team to find their optimal working rhythm.
Thank you so much Simone & Andrew! You bring a wonderful warmth and enthusiasm to the AsOne community, we love having you and the team here! Thank you Amanda Hyland for capturing these wonderful images. Many thanks Andrew for hunting down the early ‘garage’ photo!
Photo credit - Amanda Hyland, Amanda Hyland Photographer
