I am excited about this new year – 2008 according to the Gregorian (Western) calendar; 4706 according to the Chinese calendar (and Year of the rat as of 7 February); and the 123rd year in CPA Australia's history. I'd like it to become our 'Year of the wider view'.

The new board has met several times and I am delighted with the way we're operating as a team. With a smaller group and well-balanced skills mix, we are able to tackle our strategic opportunities and challenges more swiftly and cohesively.

We share an overall philosophy – to build on our traditional strengths while having the courage and insight to do things differently.

Leveraging new media is one example of doing things differently. I've just launched my blog, done a vodcast with futurologist Ray Hammond and shared my conversation with former Australian test cricket team coach John Buchanan with you via a podcast on the our website. It never ceases to amaze me how intrinsic our profession is to the vast array of human endeavour. I hope you find John Buchanan's observations on leadership, mentoring, and strategy useful in your professional life.

As central as the internet is becoming to our communication efforts, we are certainly not limiting ourselves to a virtual world. We are determined to broaden our reach in the traditional media, and to expand our influence as an organisation by leveraging members' growing relevance in business and community arenas.

We want to mobilise our extended fraternity in a structured relationships program, with defined roles, relationships and messages. We will strengthen our connections with universities and other appropriate education providers. We will also engage more effectively with recruitment firms, employers and other key stakeholders.

One of the board's most important priorities for 2008 is our 'one CPA Australia' mission. This is partly a state of mind, seeing ourselves as a multinational organisation. But it is also about being internationally consistent in the way we operate, from delivering member service to building our brand and reputation.

This year we are also looking forward to doing things a bit differently with our advertising, so watch out for interesting news on this front. At the same time, it's important to note that members will always be the primary vehicle for the brand. The board aims to support our divisions and branches so they can support you, our members at large.

There will also be developments in terms of charitable giving. I frequently hear stories of how generous members are as individuals, and I believe that we are mature enough as an organisation to crystallise that individual spirit of giving into a coordinated effort of in-kind support. I have canvassed my fellow directors about the concept of a President's Charity and have outlined my aspirations for this in my new blog. Please visit it – I welcome your ideas on how we can leverage the scale of CPA Australia and the skills of individuals to really make a difference.

In Chinese mythology rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. What a great time to do things differently.

Reference: February 2008, volume 78:01, p. 08