Indy Singh Hothi CA

Then: One Young CA 2015
Now: Non-Executive Director, Future Arc; ICAS President 2022-23

I vividly remember the day I was named One Young CA – one of my memories is of my colleagues and fellow CAs congratulating me. It felt deeply validating to be recognised, not just for my technical work, but also for my wider contributions to professional life, the arts and charity. The award affirmed that my work mattered to ICAS and to my peers, as well as to me.

As the first recipient of the award, I felt humbled. At the time, I didn’t realise quite how significant it would be over the long term. Winning the award has had a considerable impact on me, both personally and professionally. From a personal perspective, it boosted my confidence and reassured me I was on the right path. It also strengthened my sense of purpose and encouraged me to keep pushing the boundaries of what a CA could be.

Professionally, it opened doors to new opportunities, especially when developing my portfolio of non-executive directorships.

Also, attending the One Young World summit allowed me to build a powerful international network, many of whom went on to support or collaborate with me.

The experience broadened my understanding of global social challenges and gave me a new perspective and insights that continue to enrich both my commercial and charitable work. Some of my proudest achievements since then arose during my time serving as interim COO at Khalsa Aid International. These include helping deliver humanitarian aid in exceptionally challenging circumstances in conflict zones, seeing the charity nominated for the Nobel Prize and supporting its international expansion during the pandemic.

In summary, this role enabled me to bring together my professional competence and expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for social action.

Rimla Akhtar CA OBE

Then: One Young CA 2016
Now: Founder, MD, RimJhim Consulting; NED, Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate; board member, Take Her Lead

I can still vividly recall receiving the phone call with the news that I had been selected as One Young CA for 2016. As someone just embarking on their leadership journey, this was a major development for me.

Taking the time to reflect on the past nine years has reminded me of what I set out to achieve, and how much has come to fruition.

Since being named One Young CA, I’ve held non-executive directorships at the Sports Ground Safety Authority, the Rugby Football League and Kick It Out (a campaign against racism in football). I’m also currently supporting the ex-England cricketer and international broadcaster, Isa Guha, with growing her charity, Take Her Lead, which champions women and girls in cricket. 

When I was appointed to the FA Council in 2014, I was the first Muslim and Asian woman, one of only four women out of the 100 or so members and one of only three non-white people. And, in terms of age, I was less than half the average age of the others. The FA Council now has three more Muslim women members and is significantly more diverse in other ways too.

On returning to the business world, I took on the role of Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, as well as NED, at Bettys & Taylors Group, a £350m business.

Some other achievements include receiving an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list in 2021, as well as being ranked 14th in Forbes’s global Most Influential Women in Sport list, and 19th in Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour “Power List”.

Despite all this, my proudest achievement is having had a positive impact by supporting other individuals and on the governance of the organisations with which I have worked.

Michael Scott CA

Then: One Young CA 2018
Now: FD, Spire Healthcare

I found out I’d won the One Young CA award at an ICAS event at the Shard in London. I had travelled down with a colleague and saw it as a great opportunity to connect with fellow CAs, never imagining I’d actually win. 

The award gave me a boost of confidence at a time when I was still finding my feet in the profession. The title of One Young CA made me more visible and added a level of expectation, but with that came a sense of responsibility to live up to the values it represents.

For me, the award became both a platform and a challenge. It was a chance to step up and use my voice to encourage others in the profession to give back, and to become more involved in the causes I care about, such as the ICAS Foundation. I continue to support its work to this day, both financially and by attending its events.

I’m now Finance Director for Spire Healthcare’s operations in Scotland. This has given me the opportunity to grow as a leader and mentor, and I currently support three team members who are working towards their professional accountancy qualifications. Mentoring them has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

I’ve continued my charity involvement, completing a six-year tenure as trustee and treasurer of Fife Gingerbread, which supports lone parents and families in need. I also remain an active volunteer with HCPT (Hosanna House and Children’s Pilgrimage Trust), working with and supporting children with additional needs, which I’ve done for nearly 20 years.

Looking back, I’m proud, not just of the positions I’ve held, but of the fact that I’ve stayed true to the principles that earned me the One Young CA award in the first place.

Amjad Hassan CA

Then: One Young CA 2020
Now: Assistant Director, Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy, EY-Parthenon

When I was named One Young CA in 2020, it was an exhilarating moment for me.

My immediate reaction was one of joy and pride: I was the first member in my family to go to university. I’ve always felt honoured to be a CA and I’m committed to upholding the high standards expected of us in our profession.

Before the award, perhaps my professional landmark was being involved in the 2019 deal that sold British Steel out of Compulsory Liquidation, saving over 25,000 jobs in the locality and wider supply chain. But being named One Young CA meant a lot to me. It wasn’t just a personal achievement. It represented the collective efforts of my peers and reinforced my commitment to speak up on subjects I’m passionate about.

Winning the One Young CA award has been personally and professionally beneficial. I got to speak at the ICAS Admission Ceremony in 2022, which is an experience I’ll never forget.

I now have a significant platform to advocate for wellbeing and diversity within EY, and across my broader network. I went from being somebody who would go from one project to the next to instead thinking about how I could make a difference. I have, I hope, been able to have a meaningful impact on our workplace culture, through the delivery of national initiatives, such as reverse mentoring.

The award has opened doors and motivated me to continue striving for excellence, while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

One of my proudest achievements to date has been representing ICAS at the One Young World summit. I heard from an incredible range of global leaders, such as the marine biologist Dr Sylvia Earle, who talked about the need to protect our oceans, and Thuli Madonsela, who investigated “state capture” in South Africa. While their experiences are obviously very different, both from mine and each other’s, they taught me an inspiring lesson about the importance of ethics and standing by your own principles.

Five years on from being One Young CA, I think getting that recognition from ICAS gave me added confidence, and I will always be grateful for that.