Need To Know For The CEO

Episode #9

Jon Dudgeon
Blu Sky Chartered Accountants

Matt and Ian welcome Jon Dudgeon, CEO of Blu Sky Chartered Accountants, to discuss his company’s unique approach and journey. Founded during the financial downturn of 2008, Blu Sky has grown by staying both nimble and innovative.

“We thought how hard can it be to set up an accountant's practice from scratch. In reality, that made us very nimble.”

Starting with a small team, Blu Sky positioned itself as pioneers in the accountancy sector. Their mission to disrupt the traditional model allowed them to innovate early, helping investment-led technology businesses grow from their early stages to securing significant funding rounds or pivoting when necessary. This agile approach sets Blu Sky apart from older, more rigid firms.

Ideal Customer Focus

Jon emphasizes the importance of knowing and focusing on their ideal customer, a strategy that has significantly contributed to Blu Sky’s success. Early in their journey, they learned that attracting like-minded clients who shared their passion and values led to more effective and enjoyable collaborations.

“Then we realized really where our passion was, what we were good at, and we were attracting clients who have a similar mindset.”

By honing in on investment-led technology businesses, Blu Sky ensures strong, fruitful relationships. This focus not only helps in providing tailored services but also aligns with the principles of effective OKR consulting, where understanding the client’s specific needs is crucial for setting and achieving objectives.

Role of a Virtual Finance Function

Jon describes Blu Sky as a virtual finance function, supporting clients with everything up to the involvement of a fractional CFO. This comprehensive approach allows Blu Sky to manage all financial compliance work and provide insightful data that tells the story of both the past and future of their clients’ businesses.

“We sit in behind them and help to ensure that all the compliance work is being completed when it should be.”

This support is particularly vital for tech companies going through fundraising rounds, where precise metrics and KPIs are essential for convincing investors. Blu Sky’s expertise in managing these financial details helps their clients focus on strategy and growth.

Culture and Teamwork

Blu Sky places significant emphasis on culture, ensuring that their team embodies values like fun, empathy, and collaboration. Jon and his co-founder, Dave Gibson, established these values early on to create a work environment that was enjoyable and supportive, contrasting their previous corporate experiences.

“We were both from a corporate, blue-chip background, and we weren't having much fun day to day. That’s still one of our three values today.”

This cultural focus is reinforced through recruitment and daily operations. Blu Sky looks for candidates who align with their values, ensuring that new hires will thrive in their collaborative environment. This approach to culture is similar to OKR coaching, where aligning team values with company goals is essential for success.

Empathy and Leadership

Jon shares insights on successful leadership, highlighting qualities such as resilience, calmness, and empathy. He believes that great leaders do not need ego but rather a genuine care for their team and clients.

“Calmness, being able to listen, to make a decision when it’s needed. I think a thirst to learn and develop, for me, is important.”

Jon’s approach to leadership focuses on understanding individual team members’ needs and adapting his management style accordingly. This philosophy resonates with OKR consulting, where the emphasis is on people and outcomes, ensuring that everyone is aligned and motivated towards achieving the set objectives.

Remote Work and Collaboration

Jon discusses Blu Sky’s transition to remote work during the pandemic and their hybrid model, which has expanded their talent pool beyond the northeast. This shift allowed Blu Sky to hire the best talent from across the UK, ensuring they could continue to provide top-notch service to their clients.

“Why sit in a traffic jam in rush hour when you could leave thirty minutes later and get into work, feeling better about yourself and the world?”

Despite the shift to remote work, Blu Sky maintains a collaborative environment through regular team meetings and quarterly in-person gatherings. This approach ensures continuous learning and bonding among team members, helping maintain a strong company culture even in a hybrid work setting.

Reflection and Growth

Outside of work, Jon emphasizes the importance of reflection and personal growth through activities like exercise and spending time with family. He believes that taking time to reflect on personal and professional journeys helps maintain a positive mindset and drives continuous improvement.

“Outside of work, I do spend a lot of time trying to reflect and give that time to myself to think and understand.”

This balance is essential for maintaining well-being and fostering a positive mindset, which is crucial for effective leadership and business growth. By encouraging his team to also focus on personal development, Jon ensures that Blu Sky remains a supportive and growth-oriented environment.