Last month my wife and I had tickets to see one of our favourite singers, Beverley Knight, in London. It was the first concert we had been to in over a year, so we were really excited.
We flew to London, but encountered a problem getting my wheelchair on the Tube because of the wide gap between the platform and the train carriage. But a member of the London Underground staff noticed the problem and couldn’t have been nicer. He had the driver delay the train, got the chair, me and Mrs Patton on board, and we were off.
Even better, when we reached our destination station, a staff member was waiting at the door of our carriage, like my own personal assistant. His colleague had radioed ahead to say where I was getting off and which carriage we were in, and this lovely man was ready to help in any way he could.
We rely on each other utterly all the time
People are wonderful and we had an amazing time. What this story tells me is that we all depend on each other in this world, even when we don’t think we do. Until this year, I used to whizz around the place without a care or a thought in the world, imagining I was totally independent. But it’s not true. We rely on each other utterly all the time.
ACCA’s foundation
More than 12,000 people work on the London Underground, all of them essential in some way in keeping the trains moving; making sure the passengers are safe, caring for their welfare in ways we can’t see, whether we’re able-bodied or not. And that quality of care – of being there for others – is also the foundation of ACCA.
That sense of connection is the true superpower of ACCA
None of us achieves anything on our own. Not really. We all need help. Right through our careers we rely on so many people – tutors, mentors, colleagues, clients, contacts, employers, employees – in an ever-widening network.
For me, that sense of connection – that global web of partners, friends and fellow professionals – is the true superpower of ACCA, and as I near the end of my year in office and write this farewell column, that is what strikes me most of all.
At every event I have attended, in every conversation, every engagement, I have been blown away by the dedication of our members and future members – by how they are always eager and ready to help their fellow members in a spirit of generosity, care and cooperation. All those occasions have brought to life the themes with which I began my presidency nearly 12 months ago: people, purpose and professionalism.
This last year has been the honour of my life
I’d like to close by thanking the dedicated and talented ACCA staff for everything they have done to support me, as well as everything they do to take ACCA forward. I have also appreciated so deeply the backing of my fellow members of Council and our wider membership.
I offer my very best wishes for a successful tenure to my successor, and I am sure that they, like me, will enjoy every minute of their time. Serving as ACCA president, representing our members and future members all over the world, is the greatest privilege in the accountancy profession. This last year has been the honour of my life.
Thank you so much.
