Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work

By Susan Ní Chríodáin

Emotions at work: irrational, or invaluable?

For centuries we have divided mind and body, valuing reason over emotion. But new research is fundamentally changing our understanding about how our brains and bodies work. What might be possible when we leverage both our reason AND emotion?

Explore the vital link between emotions and organizational performance. Knowing more about our body and brain and how we are interconnected and interrelated can positively impact people, performance and profit.

Leadership coach and experienced finance director Susan Ní Chríodáin sits at the nexus of business and emotion and reveals how to reintroduce humanity into the workplace, for improved engagement and fulfillment, benefiting both individuals and organizations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Practical Inspiration Publishing
• Release date: May 13, 2024
• ISBN: 9781788605120

Susan Ní Chríodáin

Susan Ní Chríodáin, founder of consultancy Beyond the Numbers, is an award-winning chartered accountant with a Big 4 background. Through a career that spanned three continents and a range of leadership roles, she learned that success demands bravery, boldness and building strong working relationships; technical skills are only half the story. Learning to take responsibility for her own emotional state accelerated her ability to connect meaningfully with others. Her MSc in Political Science showed her that the identity and culture of groups is heavily influenced by feelings. Working as a leadership coach and facilitator and undertaking various related courses opened her eyes to how we can all better leverage the power of our emotions. Driven by the numbers of people who are disengaged at work, she is committed to creating more emotionally aware workplaces. Her popular podcast, Life Beyond the Numbers, is for people who are curious about having a more fulfilling work-life.

Book preview

This book is genius. Excelling at your highest potential involves more than just hard work and possessing strong technical skills. In Leading Beyond the Numbers, the author delves into the additional aspects that I now regret not learning about earlier in my career. Susan provides a clear and understandable explanation of complex concepts and shares perspectives and stories that can improve your productivity, performance, and overall wellbeing. I will be encouraging my whole team to read this book.

John Barrett, CFO Global Operations and Supply Chain, Medtronic

At a time when the world seems obsessed with the impacts on business and society of Artificial Intelligence (AI), along comes a book which reminds us of just how important it is to be human. Leading Beyond the Numbers is a fascinating and informative book which advocates the latent potential of escaping the linear mind and tapping into the broader intelligence of our emotions and our bodies. It seems to relish the juxtaposition that it is written by career accountant and the wit and tone of the book also challenge the traditional stern-types of this noble profession. With this timely and enjoyable book, Susan Ní Chríodáin makes a strong case for why we must urgently get more balance into the emotional balance sheet of corporations.

Gib Bulloch, Author, The Intrapreneur, Founder and CEO, The Craigberoch Business Decelerator

If you’re a results-focused leader, you need to read this book. Susan Ní Chríodáin has used her lived experience to devise a roadmap for measuring the unmeasurable: How do we look beyond the numbers and account for our emotions at work? How do we become more human at work because our people are our greatest asset? Susan has the answers, and they’re in this book.

Aoife O’Brien, Founder of Happier at Work and host of the Happier at Work podcast

It’s accountancy, Jim, but not as we know it! What a great book. Susan Ní Chríodáin neatly summarizes insights from current understandings of stress, emotion and neuroscience research and makes them deeply relevant to the workplace. She knows her audience well. The reframing of business phrases, to make them relevant to the process of regulation of feelings, is cleverly done and made me smile a number of times. She is remarkably successful in explaining complex concepts in simple, meaningful ways. Read this book to understand how your performance at work can be improved by knowing the habits of how your brain and body try to protect you in the modern workplace. In fact, read this book to be happier and more effective in all areas of life, not just in business.

Steve Haines, Author of Really Strange books and Director of Body College

By considering and valuing the power of emotions in the workplace, Susan Ní Chríodáin, a former finance director, shows she is unwilling to be siloed or to ‘stay in her lane,’ and we are all better for it. In a uniquely convincing yet ‘non-pushy’ style, she implores the reader to take a deeper and more holistic view of themselves and reveals how a more mindful approach to emotions can make a difference in our lives and relationships. Reading the remarkably human Leading Beyond the Numbers, I was surprised to find how much the book challenged me to reflect and reconsider so many things about myself, both personally and professionally. As a Founder and former CEO of a large company in Africa, this book helped reveal the significance that emotions played in both our company’s challenges and our successes. I would encourage leaders and leadership teams of all types to make use of the wisdom shared in this inspirational book.

Kevin Ashley, Co-Founder and former CEO, Java House Africa

In a world driven by technology and algorithms Leading Beyond the Numbers is a compelling call to account for our humanity and to develop greater self-awareness. Through insightful parallels between emotional balance and financial prudence this book bridges the gap between personal wellbeing and corporate success and performance. It is a guidebook that unveils the relationship between managing our emotions and balancing our ‘inner books’ and the importance of fostering a culture of empathy in both personal and professional spheres. It’s a must-read for those seeking a holistic approach to success, reminding us that a thriving society and corporate environment depend not just on numbers but on our collective emotional wealth.

Charlotte Cadoux, VP of Human Resources, Aptissen SA

Leading Beyond the Numbers explains how and why leaders need to reintroduce humanity into business by getting out of our heads and into our bodies. This isn’t another WooWoo rant though, it’s a down-to-earth guide, from an accomplished storyteller and former finance director, grounded in science and as inspiring as a TED Talk.

Alexander Inchbald, Climate artist, bestselling author, Founder of #Masterpiece Movement

I’ve just finished Susan Ní Chríodáin’s book and I’m glad I took the time to read it. This topic needs more attention and understanding from both aspiring and well-established leaders at all levels. Understanding how our own human nature and that of others interrelate can make a huge difference in people performance and ultimately business performance. Leading Beyond the Numbers is a really good read, thought provoking, challenging and inspiring all at the same time.

Kevin Chevis, Former Executive Vice President, Jenoptik

Through facts, quotes, stories, and, yes, numbers, you will find yourself reflecting about life and purpose. More than once, while reading Leading Beyond the Numbers, I had to stop and reflect – this book is a true gift!

Diego Adame, Senior Director, The LEGO Foundation

Susan Ní Chríodáin tackles the question of how to put more of ourselves into our work with aplomb. This well-researched book delves into the practical, personal, and philosophical aspects of true leadership. But you won’t just think differently after reading Leading Beyond the Numbers – you’ll feel a sense of expansion.

Greta Solomon, Freelance journalist and author of Heart, Sass & Soul

Leading Beyond the Numbers is a triumph – a must-read for all leaders. I could not put it down and made copious notes. Susan has weaved together her personal experience from workplaces, insights from her podcast interviews and the nuggets of wisdom from the thought leaders in emotional and somatic intelligence in a very compelling, clear and concise way. This book is like a lighthouse in a sometimes-overwhelming sea of information, it lights a pathway for us, the reader, to reflect, question, build self-insight and begin to make changes that are worth making, to make us better leaders. I love Susan’s practical, human approach which ignites new possibilities in the human soul.

Kerry Cullen, Somatic Coach, Facilitator and Chartered Psychologist

Leading Beyond the Numbers is a compelling exploration of the importance and value of emotions in business. Susan thoughtfully challenges the notion that to be professional one has to suppress emotions and instead advocates for both reason and emotions. In a world where business leaders often struggle to optimise employee engagement and employees likewise struggle to find fulfilment Susan provides original and thought-provoking insights to fill the gap. A must read.

Simon Moore, Author, Partner, Adams & Moore Solicitors LLP

Leading Beyond the Numbers is such an important book that should be required reading for everyone starting their first job. It provides valuable insights into how our brain and body work and the impact of sleep, stress, change, food, and exercise on our performance and ability to engage at work. The personal stories shared illustrate the importance of meaning and sensemaking in organizations as well as the importance of compassion and taking time to feel and describe all our emotions. The case the author makes for bringing our whole selves to work and the need for organizations to recognize the whole person at work is essential knowledge for any leader or manager.

Dr Susanne Evans, Founder, Feldspar Consulting Ltd. and Podcaster, ChangeStories

In Leading Beyond the Numbers, I can hear the intensity of Susan’s voice in every page as she captures that conundrum on whether numbers can, at the same time, be factual and emotional. To succeed as an author, you need to leave your reader with something that they will carry forward with them into their future and I am stirred by a miniscule thing; one part of a sentence: ‘These terms, debit and credit, both come from Latin and mean to owe and to believe.’ This, for me, is the crux; a debtor, factually, owes me but a creditor, in handing me goods without payment, has shown belief in me. I can think of no better example of Leading Beyond the Numbers than this.

John Shinnick, Portfolio Non-Executive Director

Such a creative and different approach to wellbeing in the workplace. I love how the author uses her extensive background in accounting to tie this essential topic (often deemed to be a bit ‘fluffy’) into the company accounts and therefore financial health and performance – something that matters to many leaders! It’s also very well researched and has definitely encouraged me to think differently about how I approach life. Fantastic food for thought for managers and leaders of all organizations. As mental health and wellbeing continue to gallop up the company agenda, is this a book you can afford not to read?

Andi Lonnen, FCCA, FBP Academy, author of Introduction to Finance Business Partnering & Be Fabulous at Finance!

Accounting, and particularly management accounting, is as much about people as it is about numbers – telling the story of the business and the decisions it has made. Understanding the idiosyncrasies that make us human can help leaders tell their business story in a far more authentic, compelling way. But Leading Beyond the Numbers is not a book about accountancy, or leadership, or neuroscience. It is a fascinating exploration of all three, in which Susan applies familiar accounting and not-so-familiar neuroscience concepts to the world of work, and the people within it. Her engaging, relatable style and boundless curiosity make this an inspiring and thought-provoking read. Ultimately, our influence as leaders and finance professionals is determined by the mindset we choose to adopt. This book may very well change yours.

Rebecca McCaffry CPFA, FCMA, CGMA, Associate Technical Director, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

In Leading Beyond the Numbers, Susan Ní Chríodáin, with her rich background in accounting and finance, reimagines the future of work. She expertly illustrates how accounting for our feelings and integrating emotional intelligence into the fabric of our professional lives can revolutionize our decision-making and perception of workplace culture. This book is a vital guide for anyone looking to navigate and shape the evolving landscape of work where numbers tell only part of the story.

Andrew Codd, FCMA CGMA MBA, author of The Audacious Finance Partner & The Finance Mentors’ Ledger

Leading Beyond the Numbers is a unique and thought-provoking book of experiences and intuitive ideas about how we can make the workplace truly productive. Conveyed through the prism of accounting, Susan superbly articulates how we can better address some of those tricky and sometimes painful issues at work while supporting others – all in all, bringing out the best of ourselves.

Gabriella McMichael, PhD, United Nations World Food Programme

Susan takes us on a wonderful journey through her past and by doing so, provides insight into all of our futures and asks us to consider who we really are at work. A captivating and thoughtful look at what it means to balance the books of our lives – our bodies, minds, hearts, and environment to determine what it means to be human. With stories, humour, and anecdotes, Susan uses her life in finance and beyond to ask the Big Questions about life itself.

Ellen Leith, Founder, The Purchase to Pay Network (PPN)

I know from working with Susan for many years that she fully vests herself in what she does. That is what makes this book so valuable. This is lived experience, years of learning, humour, and heartfelt perspectives on how life and work are not separate things, but how they can and should reinforce each other. Businesses almost always say that their people are their greatest asset, but too rarely treat them as such. In what feels like a more complex and uncertain world, leaders need to nurture this human capital and allow us all to support one another by turning up at work as ourselves, not just as staff. Leading Beyond the Numbers brings together data (numbers), science, and experience in an inspiring narrative that will have you reflecting on your own work-life.

John Fairhurst, Head, Private Sector Engagement, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Through a unique lens Leading Beyond the Numbers offers compelling insights into our work-lives that resonate with profound meaning. A must-read for aspiring leaders seeking fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of their impact.

Deirdre de Bhailís, General Manager, Dingle Hub

First published in Great Britain by Practical Inspiration Publishing, 2024

© Susan Ní Chríodáin, 2024

The moral rights of the author have been asserted

ISBN 978-1-78860-586-1        (hardback)

978-1-78860-510-6        (paperback)

978-1-78860-512-0        (epub)

978-1-78860-511-3        (mobi)

All rights reserved. This book, or any portion thereof, may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the author.

Every effort has been made to trace copyright holders and to obtain their permission for the use of copyright material. The publisher apologizes for any errors or omissions and would be grateful if notified of any corrections that should be incorporated in future reprints or editions of this book.

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Dedication

For Rae, Alvy, Markéta and Cosmo with all my love. And for everyone reshaping the future of work and workplaces, this book is dedicated to your expansive vision and pursuit of fulfilment.

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

Part 1: Why account for emotions?

1. A growing (or going) concern

2. Back to basics

Part 2: Human beings

3. Accounting for the brain at work

4. Accounting for the body at work

5. Reconciling brain, body and behaviour

Part 3: Being human

6. I’m only human: not rational or emotional but rational and emotional

7. Accounting for emotions

Part 4: Business sense and sensibility

8. Disintegration and dysregulation: regulation and integration

9. Why doesn’t everyone just get along – who is accountable and who is responsible?

The bottom line: it’s more than a feeling

Appendix: Key questions

Notes

Bibliography and further resources

Acknowledgements

About the author

Index

Foreword

The origins of accounting

Estimates vary, but it is thought some of the earliest recorded financial accounts are from ancient Egyptian tablets from circa 3300BC These accountancy practices predated money and would have recorded an inventory of goods kept in royal premises.

These early forms of accountancy then expanded into areas such as Greece and Rome via trading routes.

Human beings for over 5,000 years have been recording financial information. As the old saying goes you measure what you treasure and for a large bulk of human civilization that has been profit, loss and how many donkeys you might have in the stable.

For millennia we have been asking ourselves:

•How much does this cost?

•How much stock do we have?

•When do we run out of gold?

The data science revolution

Fast forward to the 1900s and business becomes a process of profit, loss, revenue overheads and balance sheets.

As business evolved so did the practice of marketing. Today a modern marketing team includes creatives, social media managers, AI experts, sociologists and data scientists.

I spent the first 10 years of my career working in the data of marketing and in my opinion the way companies use behavioural and data science to encourage people to buy their stuff, is about 10 years ahead of the way we use data and science to create workplaces where employees can thrive.

Companies are prepared to speculate to accumulate in their sales and marketing but are more hesitant to make the same investments in their people. As Susan pointed out to me, many organizations simply see their people as a ‘cost’. Therefore any new spend on a company’s biggest ‘cost centre’ needs a business case.

A business case for the new HR system, a business case for dismantling systemic racism, a business case for happiness. The list goes on.

Flip the question

What I find odd is we never need to make a business case for traditional ways of doing things.

CEOs are often asked to make the business case for happiness, hybrid working patterns, mental health awareness, wellbeing programs and diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives.

There is data and research to make these cases but the opposite questions and data should also be asked, for example:

•What is the business case for unhappiness?

•What is the business case for a 5-day work week?

•What is the business case for mandating for everyone to return to the office?

•What is the business case for only recruiting from a narrow