The Thinking Edge | Improving Judgement and Clarity in Financial Decisions

Making sound decisions is the foundation of credibility in finance. And yet, many professionals rely on instinct, pressure-driven logic, or incomplete data. The result? Flawed decisions that look justifiable but cause damage.
The Thinking Edge is a practical session designed to sharpen your professional judgement. You’ll explore why smart professionals fall into thinking traps, how to spot those traps in yourself and others, and how to apply a simple, structured decision-making model to improve clarity, reduce errors, and build confidence.
This isn’t a theoretical workshop, it’s a tool-based experience designed to help you think more clearly, challenge assumptions, and lead with conviction, even under pressure.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
• Identify common biases and thinking traps that affect financial decision-making.
• Apply a structured, four-step decision-making framework to real scenarios.
• Use critical questioning to surface hidden assumptions and evaluate alternatives.
• Analyse decisions under pressure using practical tools and frameworks.
• Establish sustainable habits to strengthen decision quality over time.
Webinar Agenda
Welcome and learning roadmap
• What this session is—and is not.
• Why professional judgement matters more than ever.
• Roadmap: Understand → Apply → Reflect → Strengthen.
The cost of poor thinking
• How flawed decision-making appears rational
• Indicators of faulty financial judgement
• Common drivers behind poor decisions in financial environments
Biases in finance decision-making
• Introduction to cognitive biases in professional settings
• Types of biases commonly affecting finance professionals:
– Anchoring
– Overconfidence
– Confirmation bias
– Sunk cost fallacy
– Groupthink
• How bias influences audits, forecasts, and financial recommendations.
The decision diamond framework
• Introduction to a structured four-step decision-making model:
– Clarify the question
– Surface assumptions
– Evaluate alternatives
– Decide with structure
• The benefits of applying a structured approach in high-stakes decisions
• Using the model to assess and improve financial reasoning
Decision-making under pressure
• The impact of pressure, deadlines, and internal politics on professional judgement
• Recognising compromised decisions in real-time
• Strengthening decision-making resilience during critical moments
Developing long-term decision habits
• The link between daily habits and strategic judgement
• Establishing routines for better decision awareness
• Tools and practices to embed structured thinking in everyday finance roles
Q&A and Wrap-up
• Recap of core concepts covered
• Final insights on improving professional decision-making
• Participant questions and discussion.
Why You Should Attend This Webinar
In the world of finance, the quality of your decisions shapes more than just outcomes, it defines your credibility, influence, and long-term professional value. Yet even experienced professionals can fall into thinking traps, especially when working under pressure, managing uncertainty, or facing internal expectations.
This webinar is designed to equip you with a clear, practical method for improving your judgement. Rather than relying solely on instinct or past experience, you’ll learn how to approach decisions with structure, confidence, and clarity, whether you’re assessing forecasts, navigating audit risks, or advising on strategic choices.
By attending, you’ll strengthen your ability to:
• Spot hidden assumptions and biases that influence financial decisions
• Apply a proven, step-by-step decision-making model
• Make more objective, defensible choices under real-world pressure
• Build long-term thinking habits that support professional growth
If you’re committed to raising the standard of your thinking, not just your technical knowledge, this session will provide you with tools that make a measurable difference in your daily work.
Participants who attend the full webinar will receive a Certificate of Attendance and earn 1 CPD unit.
Speaker | Marios Mortis | Trainer & Accountancy Programmes Leader
Organised by the AccountingWise Centre | Promoting professional integrity, critical thinking, and excellence in accounting and finance education.