Steven Windsor recently joined the HLB Mann Judd Perth team as a Director in the firm’s Business Advisory Services division. With more than 25 years of experience across taxation, corporate services, and business advisory, Steven brings both depth and insight to the growing team.
In this Q & A, we explore the changing landscape of the accounting industry, the challenges business owners are facing, and how Steven works with clients to help them gain clarity, confidence, and long-term success.
Steven, welcome to HLB Mann Judd. What attracted you to join the Business Advisory Services team in this next chapter of your career?
There were many factors that drew me to HLB Mann Judd, including: the opportunity to step into a greater leadership role, access to broader clients, enhanced resources and technology, and the chance to continue growing both personally and professionally. The career path offered by the firm is exciting and full of potential.
But what truly sealed the decision for me was the vision and passion of Rowan Tracey (Head of Business Advisory Services) and Litsa Christodulou (Partner in the division) for business advisory services. They didn’t just talk about the importance of business advisory, they acted on it. Their commitment led to the creation of a dedicated, pure business advisory role that hadn’t existed before. That kind of forward-thinking leadership really resonated with me. It showed me that this was a firm not only embracing change but actively shaping the future of the profession and I knew that I wanted to be a part of that journey.
You’ve worked in the accounting and advisory space for over 25 years. What changes have you seen in the profession over that time?
When I first started, accounting was largely compliance-driven and very paper-heavy. Computer bookkeeping software was seen as a novelty or something the younger accountants played with, but the more senior ones did not yet trust for serious work.
Fast forward to today and the accountancy landscape is almost unrecognisable. Digital transformation has taken hold, with cloud-based platforms becoming the norm. Automation and AI are not just buzzwords, they’re actively reshaping how we work, what data we can access, and how quickly we can interpret it. Business owners now have more financial information at their fingertips than ever before, and they are increasingly turning to their accountants for interpretation, insight, and strategic guidance.
What do you think small to medium-sized business owners are struggling with most right now, and how do you help them address it?
Many business owners are dealing with uncertainties relating to economic pressure, rising costs, staffing shortages, and the pace of technology. But beyond that, one of the biggest challenges I see is mindset. Running a business can be isolating and carrying the weight of every decision often leads to doubt or burnout.
That’s why I see myself as a business partner as much as an adviser. I help bring clarity and structure to complexity and confidence to decision-making. Whether a business owner is managing cash flow, planning for growth or succession, I act as a trusted adviser – someone objective, strategic, and invested in their success. It’s not just about advice; it’s about walking alongside them with purpose and support.
You talk about blending the structure of consulting with the insight of coaching. Can you explain further what that looks like in practice when working with clients?
Blending consulting and coaching means combining structure and accountability with empathy and perspective. On the consulting side, I use tools and frameworks to address tangible challenges, which can include things like cash flow, succession, or scaling operations.
But just as important is the coaching element. Business owners often don’t have someone truly independent to talk to – not emotionally involved like family, and not just another adviser. That’s where I step in: to listen, challenge thinking, and offer perspective. It’s about empowering clients to grow not only their business, but themselves as confident, effective decision-makers.
Clarity and confidence are key themes in your approach. Why do you think business owners often struggle with these, and how do you help them shift that?
Today’s business environment is full of noise around rapid change, economic pressure, and constant demands. That can leave owners overwhelmed or reactive. Confidence and clear direction suffer when there’s no space to pause, reflect, or see the big picture.
As a trusted adviser, I help slow things down and provide that space. I bring structure through proven frameworks and use open and strategic discussion to help clients uncover blind spots, explore options, and move from reactive to proactive thinking. That shift is what helps them lead more effectively, with confidence and purpose.
What’s your process when a client first comes to you for advice? How do you get to the heart of what they need?
When a client first comes to me, my priority is to build a genuine understanding of both the business and, more importantly, the person behind it. I build rapport and understanding from the beginning, so they feel heard, understood, and supported. The relationship begins with trust and in-depth conversation – it’s not just about financials, but about the business owner’s goals, frustrations, and the bigger picture they’re navigating.
Often, clients arrive with a specific issue – maybe cash flow pressure, growth challenges, or succession uncertainty. But in many cases, those surface-level issues are only part of the story. The real challenge usually lies deeper. That’s why I spend time exploring not just the numbers, but the mindset and values of the business owner. I want to understand what makes them tick, how they process decisions, and what success actually looks like for them both personally and professionally.
From there, I use a blend of consulting tools and coaching techniques. The consulting side brings clarity through financial analysis, strategic frameworks, and practical planning. The coaching side brings insight and is focused on asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and helping the owner reflect on their direction. By combining these approaches, we move beyond the presenting issue to uncover the real opportunity or constraint. Once that’s clear, we can build a path forward that is not only commercially sound but also reflective of their goals.
What insights from your board and not-for-profit experience do you bring into your advisory work, and are there any recurring challenges you see these organisations facing?
My experience on boards and with not-for-profit organisations has given me an appreciation for the unique challenges these entities face, and how closely they can mirror those of commercial businesses. One of the most important insights I bring into my advisory work is the need to balance purpose with performance. Not-for-profits are mission-driven, but to be truly effective and sustainable, they must operate with the same strategic discipline and financial rigour as any successful business.
A recurring challenge I see is a tendency to focus heavily on service delivery, while underinvesting in critical areas like governance, financial strategy, and long-term planning. Many not-for-profits are powered by passionate teams doing meaningful work, but passion alone isn’t enough to ensure sustainability. That’s where the business advisory mindset becomes essential – helping leadership teams and boards gain clarity around their goals, understand their financial position, and make confident, informed decisions that support both mission and sustainability.
I also work closely with boards on capability and composition, because strong governance starts with the right people around the table. A diverse and effective board, which brings a mix of professional skills, lived experience, and varied perspectives, leads to better decision-making and stronger accountability. Whether I’m working with a not-for-profit or a private enterprise, the goal is the same: to create clarity, build capability, and support leaders in making decisions that deliver value and lasting impact.
You’ve joined HLB Mann Judd at a time of growth in the Business Advisory division. What excites you most about this next phase?
What excites me most is the opportunity to be part of something that’s not just growing but evolving. HLB Mann Judd is investing in business advisory in a way that is bold, strategic and client focused.
I have been given a fantastic opportunity to help shape that journey. We’re moving beyond compliance into more strategic engagement with business owners – taking time to understand what drives them, get to the heart of their challenges, and support them in making decisions that are both commercially sound and personally aligned. There’s a real appetite here for innovation, collaboration, and impact. Being part of a team that shares that vision and having the opportunity to lead and contribute to its next chapter is incredibly exciting for me.
If there’s one piece of advice you could give to a business owner looking to build long-term success, what would it be?
If I had to offer just one piece of advice, it would be for business owners to invest time in gaining clarity about their goals, numbers, and decision-making and to build the confidence to act on it.
Long-term success isn’t just about having a great product or service, it’s about making consistently good decisions, especially when things are uncertain. That starts with knowing where you’re headed, understanding what’s driving your business, and being honest about what’s holding it back.
Too often, business owners get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of the bigger picture. They might feel overwhelmed, unsure, or stuck in reactive mode. That’s where working with a trusted adviser can make all the difference. My role is to cut through the noise and guide them toward what truly matters. When business owners feel genuinely supported and understood, they lead with greater purpose – and that’s what drives long-term success.
For further information on Steven Windsor’s background and contact details, click here.