Get to Know the Founder: Manisha from MLD Accounting & Business Advisory

When most people think of accountants, they probably don't picture someone who spends their weekends volunteering, growing organic vegetables, training for a 10km run and obsessing over pickleball.

But that's exactly what makes Manisha so refreshing.

As the founder of MLD Accounting & Business Advisory, Manisha is on a mission to change the way small business owners think about their numbers. And despite her impressive corporate background, she insists it's never really been about spreadsheets.

"It's about conversations," she says. "Sitting down with somebody, understanding what's really happening in the business and helping them move forward."

After working as an accountant in South Africa for 10 years, Manisha moved to Australia and joined Deloitte, before spending more than 15 years working across finance leadership roles, systems projects and international business operations throughout Europe and Asia. While she loved the strategic side of finance, something was missing.

"I wanted to work directly with business owners and see the impact of my advice immediately."

That desire eventually led her to launch MLD Accounting & Business Advisory — a practice built on trust, collaboration and helping business owners feel more confident about their financial future.

Today, Manisha works with small and medium-sized businesses across a range of industries, helping owners understand their numbers, make informed decisions and plan for sustainable growth.

One of the things she sees most often? Overwhelm.

"People don't start businesses because they want to talk about profit and loss and cash flow," she says. "They start businesses because they're passionate about what they do."

That's why her approach focuses on clarity over complexity. Whether it's budgeting, forecasting or navigating challenging economic conditions, Manisha believes the first step is always the same.

"Ask for help. We don't have to fix everything all at once. Let's understand what's happening first."

Outside of work, you'll find her running, tending to her thriving vegetable garden, volunteering in the community, or spending time with her two daughters and furry family member. She's also a self-confessed sweet tooth and an enthusiastic believer in finding time to switch off and recharge.

Perhaps the most meaningful part of her business story is the name itself. MLD is named after her father, whose encouragement to dream big and believe in herself continues to inspire everything she does.

And her advice for fellow business owners?

"Don't keep it all inside. Find a trusted advisor, have the conversation and take the next step."

Because for Manisha, business isn't just about numbers — it's about giving people the confidence to build the future they envision.

🎧 Want to hear more of Manisha's story?

In her episode of the Crafting a Business Podcast, Manisha shares her journey from corporate finance to business ownership, along with practical advice for navigating cash flow, overcoming overwhelm and building a business with confidence.

Listen to the full conversation and discover why meaningful conversations — not just spreadsheets — are at the heart of great business decisions: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/VgaJB3qQ23b