In this episode
In this episode of Leadership Blueprint, we sit down with David Daly, Managing Partner at Gulf Tax Accounting Group, to explore the evolution of finance, leadership challenges, and the future of business in the UAE. With over 30 years of experience in finance, corporate turnarounds, and business strategy, David shares insider insights on career growth, leadership mistakes, and why businesses struggle with change.
From Job-Hopping to Business Leader
David’s career started in finance and accounting in the UK, where he made frequent job changes early on—a decision that many questioned. However, David explains that this strategic job-hopping helped him gain broad experience, new perspectives, and fast-track his career growth.
“Most people stay in roles too long. Once you stop learning or adding value, it’s time to move on.” – David Daly
His journey led him to the Middle East, where he co-founded Gulf Tax Accounting Group, filling a critical gap in UAE’s evolving finance and tax landscape.
Why Business Turnarounds Fail
Having worked on multiple business rescues, David reveals that most failing businesses have one thing in common—leaders who can’t admit when things are broken.
“If leadership isn’t honest about the problems, no amount of consulting can fix them.”
He highlights the importance of:
▶️ Acknowledging when a business is out of control
▶️ Overcoming resistance to change at the leadership level
▶️ Aligning company culture with business goals
Without these factors, turnaround efforts are doomed to fail.
UAE’s Tax & Compliance Evolution: Are Businesses Ready?
David discusses how UAE businesses were unprepared for the 2018 VAT introduction and how new tax regulations (corporate tax, AML, ESR) are forcing businesses to adapt.
“Many companies ignored VAT until it was too late. The same mistakes are happening now with corporate tax compliance.”
He emphasizes that digital transformation, ERP integration, and financial transparency are no longer optional—they’re essential for survival in the modern UAE business landscape.
The CV Debate: What Really Matters?
David is passionate about hiring, and his views on resumes are blunt but refreshing:
▶️ Keep it to one page – “No one cares about your life story.”
▶️ Ditch the photo – “I don’t hire based on looks, I hire based on skills.”
▶️ Show achievements, not job duties – “What have you actually done?”
“A CV doesn’t get you a job. It gets you an interview. That’s it.”
The Future of Leadership & Work
David predicts major changes in how businesses and leaders operate:
▶️ Automation will replace outdated finance roles – Businesses must adapt or fail
▶️ The global workforce is shrinking – Young professionals will have more leverage in the job market
▶️ Strong leadership isn’t just about work – Personal passions and commitments define great leaders
“Real leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about stepping up, solving problems, and committing to excellence.”
About David
David Daly is a finance and business transformation expert with over 30 years of experience in accounting, corporate tax compliance, and business restructuring. As the Managing Partner of Gulf Tax Accounting Group, he has helped businesses navigate complex financial regulations, VAT implementation, and corporate tax compliance across the Middle East.
Throughout his career, David has worked across multiple industries, successfully leading financial turnarounds, advising businesses on tax strategy, and helping companies embrace automation and efficiency. His straightforward approach to leadership and hiring has made him a trusted expert in finance and business strategy.
The Leadership Blueprint: Navigating the Future
At “The Leadership Blueprint: Navigating the Future,” our mission is to empower current and aspiring leaders with the knowledge, insights, and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of leadership in an ever-evolving world.
Through engaging discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice, we aim to inspire individuals to lead with authenticity, innovation, and vision.
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Join us on this journey as we chart the course for effective leadership in the dynamic landscape of tomorrow.
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