Deep work for professionals: Focus, attention and the art of thinking clearly in a distracted world


Date: Mar 26, 2026 - Mar 26, 2026

CPD hours: 1 Hour

Time: 10:00 - 11:00

Event Type: Webinar

Presenter: Annelien Feldtmann
CA(SA), MCom, ICR  

In an always-on, digitally distracted professional environment, the ability to focus deeply and think clearly has become a critical performance skill rather than a personal preference.

Overview    

In an always-on, digitally distracted professional environment, the ability to focus deeply and think clearly has become a critical performance skill rather than a personal preference. Professionals are expected to process complex information, exercise sound judgement, and deliver high-quality work under increasing pressure, constant interruptions, and cognitive overload.

This webinar explores the concept of deep work and its relevance to modern professional practice, with a particular focus on how attention, focus, and thinking quality are affected by today’s work environment. Drawing on neuroscience and practical workplace application, the session provides actionable strategies to help professionals reduce distractions, manage mental fatigue, and create conditions that support sustained concentration and high-value thinking.

Join Annelien Feldtmann CA(SA), Neuro Coach on 26 March 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am as she unpacks the science of focus and equips professionals with practical tools to protect their attention, structure their workdays effectively, and consistently perform deep, meaningful work in a distracted world.


Learning objectives   

Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills:  

  • A clear understanding of deep work and its importance for professional performance and judgement

  • Insight into how attention, focus, and cognitive capacity are influenced by distraction and multitasking

  • Practical techniques to protect focus and manage interruptions in demanding work environments

  • The ability to structure your day, week, and workspace to support deep thinking and complex tasks

  • Tools to improve productivity, accuracy, and mental clarity without increasing working hours


Content   

The webinar will cover the following topics:  

  • Understanding Deep Work in Professional Practice
    o Definition and characteristics of deep work
    o The value of deep work in knowledge-based professions
    o The cost of shallow work and constant context switching
    o The link between deep work, judgement, and work quality

    The Neuroscience of Focus and Attention
    o How the brain manages attention and cognitive load
    o The impact of distractions, multitasking, and digital overload

    Working in a Distracted World
    o Common threats to focus in modern professional environments
    o Designing a work environment that supports sustained concentration

    Structuring Work for Deep Focus
    o Time-blocking and scheduling for deep work
    o Practical deep work techniques for daily professional use

    Thinking Clearly Under Pressure
    o Maintaining clarity during deadlines and high-stakes decisions
    o Sustaining focus and mental energy over time


Obtaining your CPD certificate  

This training is compliant with the International Education Standard (IES7) issued by the International Federation of Accountants and recognised for CPD by relevant professional bodies including ACCA, CIMA, IAC, IIA, SAICA and SAIPA.  

All attendees are issued with a CPD certificate available in an online profile.  


About the presenter  

Annelien Feldtmann CA(SA), MCom, ICR   

Annelien Feldtmann is a Chartered Accountant (SA) with 21 years of experience in the public and private sector. She is a qualified Executive, Business and Career Neuro-Coach with clients in the UK, USA and South Africa.    

Annelien has been involved with distance learning institutions and compiled the curriculum transformation competency framework for the College of Accounting Sciences at the University of South-Africa (UNISA). She was a SAICA reviewer and registered assessor with in-depth knowledge of the SAICA Competency Framework and learnership requirements. Annelien is currently the chairperson of the Assessment Committee, as well as assessor of the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT).    


Who should attend?  

The following persons will benefit from attending this webinar:  

  • Practising accountants including CA(SA) and AGA(SA).  

  • Audit managers. 

  • Practice managers and partners.  

  • SAICA trainee accountants.  


Price  

  • R 265.00 - Online admission - Individual.  

  • Group Price 1 - From R184 per person (up to 5 users)  

  • Group Price 2 - From R121 per person (up to 10 users)  

  • Group Price 3 - From R109 per person (over 11 users)  

  

Steps to register for the event:   

If you already have a profile, login and register for the webinar.  

If you don’t have a profile, create a free profile then login and register for the webinar.  

Click here to create a free profile (There is no charge to create a profile and gain access to our free Monthly Practice Management Series).  

Click here to find out about the Technical Resource Centre & CPD Subscription options.  


Additional material  

By attending this webinar you will be provided with:  

  • A summarised slide presentation.  

  • Reference documents and/or course material where available.  

  • You can ask questions during the webinar and you will also have access to the presenter after the webinar.  


Corporate training solutions  

At the Accounting Academy, we recognize the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in accounting and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.  

Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritize hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios.  

Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at corporate@accountingacademy.co.za or call 010 593 0466. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organizational goals.  


Contact us    

Have any questions or need any assistance? Contact us today!  

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