The Last Word
Joseph Doggrell shares
What captures Alliance professionals' interest away from the office?
The Last Word is our regular feature, where we ask some personal questions of Praxity Alliance professionals. While they’re better known within the Alliance for their working credentials, here they have the chance to tell us more about themselves away from the office.
In this edition, we put Joseph Doggrell- Head of Audit and Assurance, Partner at Albert Goodman LLP under the spotlight…
Joseph Doggrell
Head of Audit and Assurance, Partner at Albert Goodman LLP
What was the last song you listened to, and why did it resonate with you?
Biffy Clyro – Bubbles. In my younger days I regularly attended festivals and in particular Biffy Clyro concerts, so it was good to take me back to my younger years even for a moment!
What’s the most recent addition to your wardrobe, and is there a story behind it?
Lycra! The story being that a number of my friends have recently started to get into road bikes. I seem to have succumbed to peer pressure and ended up buying one as well as the very tight outfit that has to come with it. So far it has, however, stayed in the wardrobe but I’ll be hitting the road soon.
When was the last time you exercised or moved your body in a way that felt good?
Last night, I’m fortunate to have a home gym. Having a couple of young children, exercise time can be difficult to find but it’s important to me to try to find time at least 3 times a week. I have to say though, that it rarely feels good.
What’s something surprising about you that people wouldn’t guess at first?
I’m obsessed with fishing. When I get the chance, I will try my best to get on the ‘bank’. Having a busy life between children and work, it allows me to refocus and relax. One of the few places where I truly switch off.
What’s the last thing you learned that genuinely surprised you?
How bad my iPhone screen time is! I’m now on an iPhone diet to try to reduce my screen time to a sensible level and avoid unnecessary distractions.
What’s the last goal you set and how are you progressing toward it?
I turn 40 later this year and have never learnt to ski. So, this is my next goal and a trip and lessons have been booked! If next time you see me in a cast, the answer is that it didn’t go well!
What’s the last guilty pleasure you indulged in?
I love a Toblerone plus anything chocolate based! I have been known to eat a large Toblerone in one sitting before
What’s the last time you felt like a kid again?
Most of my colleagues and friends would say I’ve never actually really grown up so I often feel like a kid. I think its important working in an intense environment to find times to laugh and see the funny side of life with friends and colleagues.
What’s the last compliment you received that really stuck with you?
At my last Praxity conference (NextGen) I was told my English was very good, it was a relief hearing this having been practicing my entire life since birth.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received recently, and how has it influenced you?
This is not recent, but someone once shared a Richard Branson quote with me. “If someone offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”. This quote has always stayed with me and constantly forces me to try new challenges and keep pushing myself.
What’s the last time you felt completely out of your comfort zone and what did you learn?
I regularly feel out of my comfort zone with the technology world changing at such as fast pace. It feels very difficult to pick the best tools to use let alone how to use them. My key takeaway is most of us feel this way so the more we can collaborate with others then the more we can all benefit. Even as a partner, I must find time to learn how new technology can help me day to day.
What’s the last challenge you overcame, and how did you do it?
In the last few years, I’ve been involved in some significant strategic projects at Albert Goodman which includes changes to both our management and partnership structure. These types of projects are never easy. Partnership models are quickly changing in our sector and there were many different aspects and challenges to these projects. However, one of the most important aspects was speaking with other firms to understand how different partnerships operate. People are always happy to help, and we were lucky enough to find some very helpful firms along the way to share different ideas and feed into our decision making.