As the festive season is upon us, I want to extend my warmest wishes to those who celebrate – Merry Christmas! I hope this period allows you some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

This year, instead of writing an article amidst the festive chaos, I've decided to take a different route. It's been a fascinating year at Fast Growth Consulting, filled with articles covering a wide range of topics. As we wind down 2023, I thought it might be interesting – and fun – to look back at what resonated most with you, our dedicated readers.

What I've found particularly intriguing is the shift in interest towards AI and technology-related content, moving away from traditional topics like tax and statistics. This trend undeniably reflects the evolving priorities and interests within our field.

Let's look into the highlights of the year: the most clicked-on and searched-for articles on our platform.

Most Clicked-On Articles in 2023:

1. How Finance Directors and CFOs Can Use ChatGPT: This piece evidently captured your interest, showcasing the impact of AI in our roles and how we can harness this technology for improved efficiency and strategic planning.

2. Unpacking the New Finance Tech Stack Recommendations for 2023: A guide that was immensely popular for its insights into the latest tech tools and software that are revolutionising our industry.

3. Balancing Act: 12 Tips for Finance Leaders Juggling Parenting & Work: A personal favourite, this article offered practical advice for those trying to navigate the challenging work-life balance, especially pertinent for parents in leadership roles.

4. Crafting Effective Board Reports: A Guide for Startup CFOs: Tailored for startup environments, this article provided a step-by-step approach to creating impactful board reports, a crucial skill for any CFO.

5. The 5 Whys: Unlocking Effective Financial Commentary: Focused on enhancing financial analysis and reporting, this article introduced a systematic approach looking into financial data and commentary.

Most Searched-For Articles in 2023:

1. Moving from Audit to Industry: Topping the search charts, this article became a go-to resource for newly qualified accountants exploring new career paths outside of traditional auditing.

2. Will Robots Take Over My Job?: Reflecting a common concern amongst professionals, this piece looked into the evolving landscape of AI and automation, and its implications on job security and career development. (hint: upskilling to a more strategic role is a must... see where you're at in upskilling in our newest quiz!)

3. Working for a Start-Up or Fast Growth Business: A testament to the growing interest in the dynamic startup ecosystem, this article offered insights into the unique challenges and rewards of working in such environments.

As we look back at these topics, it's clear that 2023 was a year of embracing change, exploring new technologies, and adapting to the evolving landscape of finance and leadership. It's been a pleasure to share these insights and learnings with you.

As we gear up for 2024, I'm excited to continue this journey of exploration and discovery with you all. Your engagement and curiosity are what drive this platform, and I am grateful for your continued support.

Wishing you all a restful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Alysha

Links:

1. Try our Quiz!  Financial Leadership Foundations Scorecard.  
2. Work with me in the Financial Leadership Foundations course  that includes monthly Q&A sessions where we can discuss all of your questions and how to apply your learnings to your current role. 
3. Work with me as a Founder needing guidance and support from experienced Finance leaders. Take a look at our guide on Outsourced bookkeeping.