The 2025 NextGen Program, Road To Munich, continues to challenge emerging leaders to tackle key issues on the AGN Member Value Agenda. This year, participants focused on Service Evolution, exploring the evolving funding models shaping the accounting profession and the personal impact these decisions can have on their careers.
Fast-paced Change
Accounting firms are changing rapidly. Some are turning to private equity, others are going public, merging, or innovating internal capital structures. These strategic decisions not only influence firm growth, they also shape leadership opportunities. Road To Munich invited participants to step into this dynamic landscape and consider the strategic choices that will define the future of their firms and their careers.
The Global Challenge
This year’s global challenge focused on capital strategies and their implications for emerging leaders. Participants formed teams of three, acting as strategic advisors to a fictional mid-tier firm operating across multiple countries. Teams explored a variety of funding options, such as private equity, IPOs and mergers. They analysed how each path affected growth, leadership, autonomy, and firm culture. The program consisted of three interactive 90-minute webinars and a series of team Zoom meetings.
The Winning Team
Among eight competing teams, only one could take the top spot—Team 1! We are thrilled to announce that this year’s winners are from Ohwa & Co in Japan:
Madoka Aono
“Presenting our ideas to AGN members overseas took courage, but it gave me confidence that they can be understood across cultures. This experience will shape my career, and I’m eager to take on challenges and help foster a culture of innovation. Though I don’t speak English fluently, I’m looking forward to connecting with international members as much as I can.”
Takuya Kurai
“The key learning from this program was that collaboration and shared expertise lead to real results—it was a wonderful experience. It’s broadened my career and opened doors to more international work. I’m excited to attend the world conference in Munich, expand my network, and meet professionals from around the globe. Thank you!”
Teruaki Tadakoshi
“Through the Road to Munich program, I learned the importance of balancing creativity with practical execution—especially when navigating people, regulations, and emerging technologies like AI. It encouraged me to think beyond daily tasks and focus on long-term value through innovation and collaboration. I’m excited to meet colleagues at the World Conference, exchange ideas, and learn how others are tackling similar challenges.”
The winning team demonstrated exceptional insight, strategic thinking, and collaboration. Their recommendations stood out for both depth and creativity. Their contributions exemplify the skill, vision, and leadership that our annual ‘Road To’ program seeks to nurture in the next generation of accounting professionals.
We want to thank all our participants for joining us on this journey. Their valued input and achievement underscores the importance of understanding how capital strategies shape not only firms but also the careers of those who lead them.
A special thank you to our judging panel, Gerry Beaney, James Syree, Malcolm Ward and Chris White.
As the profession continues to evolve, we look forward to ongoing discussions on this critical topic, ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow are well-prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
AGN Related Resources:
– A Guide to Funding Future Investment – Raise new capital funds or is it time to sell up?
– Private Equity – A New Era for Accounting Firms
– AGN Impact Report 2024
– The AGN Advisory Migration Methodology
