Success in accounting has always been about more than technical skill — it’s about how you think.
In this powerful 100-minute session, Des O’Neill challenges accountants and bookkeepers to step back from the day-to-day and rethink the way they approach problems, strategy, and performance.
In this session Des explores how world-class performers — including rugby legend Tadhg Furlong — use awareness, reflection, and feedback to achieve excellence.
You’ll discover how to apply these same principles in your practice, and how AI can act as a powerful thinking partner, helping you analyse, simulate, and challenge your own assumptions. This is not an AI workshop but we cannot talk about Critical Thinking in 2025 without considering and exploring the potential AI has in thinking smarter to get better results.
Walk away with your own 7 Steps to Smarter Thinking and Better Results in 2026 — a practical framework for better decisions, better leadership, and better outcomes.
This session will be of particular interest to:
Des O’Neill will cover the following topics during this session:
Introduction – Thinking Beyond the Numbers
Setting the scene: Why “thinking” is the accountant’s true superpower. The mindset shift from compliance to curiosity. Des introduces critical thinking and black-box thinking, and shares Tadhg Furlong’s disciplined approach to learning and reflection.
The Foundations of Smarter Thinking
Unpacking how accountants make decisions — the impact of bias, pressure, and assumptions. Participants identify “thinking traps” within their firms. Introduction to black-box thinking: learning loops, debriefs, and feedback culture.
The 7-Step Framework for Better Results
An interactive workbook segment that helps participants explore each area of their professional thinking and leadership.
Step 1: Self-Assessment – What’s working and what’s not in your current thinking?
Step 2: Letting Go – Challenging legacy habits and limiting beliefs.
Step 3: People – Creating thinking partnerships (mentors, peers, even AI tools).
Step 4: Pricing & Value – How curiosity and critical questioning lead to more confident pricing.
Step 5: Technology & AI – Using AI to test scenarios, surface blind spots, and sharpen insight.
Step 6: Personal Development – Strengthening awareness, resilience, and curiosity.
Step 7: Execution – Turning new thinking into daily habits and action plans.
Performance Mindset – Lessons from Tadhg Furlong
What elite athletes can teach accountants: analysing mistakes without blame, staying calm under pressure, and embracing continuous learning. Des shares insights from his interview with Furlong — applying “black-box” review techniques to professional and personal growth.
The AI Advantage – Thinking with a Partner, Not a Replacement
Quick demo and discussion: how to use AI as a “thinking assistant” to clarify assumptions, pressure-test decisions, and generate reflective prompts. Reinforcing the message that human judgement remains central.
Wrap-Up: Your 2026 Thinking Plan
Guided excercise: defining your “One Thinking Shift” for 2026. Participants complete their workbook with three actionable commitments to apply immediately in their firm or leadership role.
By the end of this session, participants will:
Des O'Neill
