Our Practice Lead – Strategy and Financial Analytics, Malcolm Mackenzie, shares his insights on the recent ICAC Caribbean Conference of Accountants held in June in Miami.
Participating in the 42nd Annual ICAC Conference in Miami reaffirmed why this event remains such an important gathering for Caribbean accountants. It’s not just the insightful sessions, but the conversations, connections, and shared sense of purpose that come from gathering as a regional community. As always, the networking stood out as one of the most valuable aspects.
One theme that really resonated with me, emerging clearly through two particular sessions, was the role of AI in the profession. Mr. Joseph Mubiru Kizito of the World Bank made a striking point: “AI won’t take your job; someone who knows how to use AI will.” And Ms. Julie Missimore of ACCA reinforced that “AI doesn’t replace jobs, it automates and augments tasks.” Both comments stuck with me because they frame AI not as something to fear, but as something to learn from and work with. It was a strong reminder that our value as professionals increasingly depends on our ability to adapt and upskill in the face of change.
The session that left the deepest personal impact, though, was “The Whole Accountant: Centering Self in a Demanding Profession” It challenged the traditional mindset of always being ‘on,’ always producing, and treating exhaustion as a norm. The speaker’s “hamster wheel” analogy captured that cycle perfectly. More than just a call to slow down, the session pushed us to reflect on what behaviors we’re modeling, especially for younger team members and future leaders. Are we reinforcing stress as the price of success? Or are we showing that balance, well-being, and boundaries are part of professional excellence?
The whole accountant framework introduced in the session emphasized five key pillars: mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health, as well as setting sacred boundaries. It was a timely call to protect not just our productivity, but our humanity. One line that stayed with me was, “Be the reason someone stays in the profession, not why they leave.”
My personal commitment: to find the balance.
Did you attend? You can learn more about Malcolm here and chat with us!
