Big Hat, Bigger Vision - The Global Tax Leader on Tax, Yoga & Stealing Scenes

Big Hat, Bigger Vision - The Global Tax Leader on Tax, Yoga & Stealing Scenes

Brighton sunshine. Dallas energy. Cowboy hats. Nicole Robinson, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-robinson-cpa-cmi-b388a746/] a Global Tax Leader, who has spent her career transforming tax operations around the world. Having led projects in more than  80 countries, she' become a trusted voice on technology, transparency, and the future of global tax.  A regular international conference speaker and passionate people leader, she is known for turning complex global tax challenges into clear, practical solutions.   Nicole - my first American guest – based in Dallas, joined me in Brighton while speaking at a leading London tax conference.

Smashing It with Adam Alonso: The Spanish Tax Lawyer Who Went Global (and Ping Pong)

In this episode, I sit down with someone I’ll be honest about: I knew a little going in — and left knowing a lot more. Adam Alonso is a Barcelona-trained, fully qualified lawyer admitted to the Bar Association of Barcelona. He specialises in European VAT, Insurance Premium Tax, and the highly niche world of Spain’s Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros — operating at the intersection of public law, insurance regulation, and indirect tax. In other words, Adam works where the map runs out. What we talked about: * From Spain to the UK — and everything in between • Growing up between two countries, cultures, and ideas of “normal” • Training as a lawyer in Barcelona • A career built by saying “yes” Adam’s journey spans: • Big Four advisory • In-house at a major gaming group • Compliance and consultancy • Building and leading a global VAT research team from scratch at a tax tech scale-up We talk honestly about whether any of this was planned — or whether curiosity and interesting problems did most of the steering. “Lost in Translation” Borrowing the phrase from the film, we explore: • What gets lost (and gained) when careers span languages, legal systems, tax regimes, and continents • Why translation isn’t just linguistic — it’s cultural, professional, and personal Building teams from scratch • What “from scratch” really looks like • Mistakes, surprises, and the parts nobody puts in the job description Multiple vantage points on tax Having seen tax from almost every angle — law firm, Big Four, in-house, tech — Adam shares: • Which environment surprised him most • What each perspective teaches that the others can’t Optional deep dives • One mindset shift businesses need around indirect tax • Advice for tax professionals moving into tech-forward roles Ice-breakers & the human side Because tax people are still… people: • A past life as a semi-professional table tennis player • A love of Star Wars • Favourite philosophical and funny quotes — impressions included Serious sport, unexpected lessons We dig into: • What it takes to compete at semi-professional level • The mindset, training, and sacrifice involved • Why table tennis is far more brutal than people expect Golf: the second act • Does the competitive instinct carry over? • Handicap goals, bucket-list courses, and why golf is a different challenge entirely Final reflection A Jedi philosophy. A precision sport. A game that humbles everyone eventually. Tax is all three. Learn the rules. Practice the moves. And stop dreading the rally. And then… a table tennis demonstration. Topspin. Very clean. You’re welcome.

Rewriting the Rules: A Female Tax Tech Leader's Journey to the Middle East

Get ready to ignite your inspiration! In this episode, Nikie van Duurling shares her bold transition from trading Dutch winters for desert heat, her journey through tax law, technology, and leadership in the Middle East. Her story is about breaking norms, embracing change, and boldly forging new paths — qualities every professional needs today. Main insights: ·         How a background in tax law and an unintentional passion for technology led Nikie into the world of tax tech. ·         The pivotal moments that shifted her from traditional tax roles to innovative projects like robotic process automation and generative AI. ·         Her personal experience navigating relocation, cultural integration, and female leadership in the Middle East. ·         The importance of resilience, adaptability, and cultural openness in thriving abroad. ·         Practical advice for women considering international leadership roles, emphasising the power of exposure and authenticity.

Ambition, Presence and getting on the Door

What does it take to build a 17-year career at the intersection of tax, technology, and strategy — while also showing up fully at home? In this episode, I'm joined by Jacek Szufan, Tax and Tax Technology Director, and one of those rare professionals who can hold the detail of international tax law in one hand and a boardroom conversation in the other. We talk about the moment that changed everything in his career. The decision to move to the UK in 2006 with a suitcase, ambition, and imperfect English. The trend in indirect tax technology that he believes will reshape the industry. And what nobody talks about enough — what becoming a father really does to a man who leads for a living. This is a conversation about ambition and presence. Strategy and simplicity. And what it means to get on the door — even when the water is freezing.

Welcome to headhunter(ka) Podcast

headhunter(ka) Podcast explores the people behind the profession. Through structured, insightful conversations, we share the personal journeys, career experiences, and perspectives of tax professionals who are shaping the industry. Drawing on my career in headhunting, this podcast features conversations with professionals I’ve had the privilege of working with—offering thoughtful insights, practical lessons, and an authentic look at life within the tax world.