Ep. 22: Empowering CPAs: Geni Whitehouse Shares Tools for Lasting Client Impact - Part 2

In Part 2 of Eric Eager's conversation with Geni Whitehouse—CPA, author, advisor, speaker, and president of the ITA Alliance—Geni shares her unconventional career journey from accounting and tech to becoming a wine country advisory expert.Eric Eager and Geni Whitehouse discuss key lessons from stand-up comedy and coaching, the importance of making accounting conversational, and why deep client relationships matter more than expert bravado. Geni Whitehouse shares how she navigated major transitions (from Navision to Sage to her move to California), championed advisory services, and now helps lead the future of the profession at the ITA Alliance.They dive into the current challenges and opportunities facing accountants, including automation, the impact of AI, upskilling, and why the profession must shift from transaction work to true advisory roles to stay relevant and impactful.Whether you’re an aspiring advisor or a seasoned CPA, this episode is packed with hard-won wisdom, real stories, and empowering advice on how to communicate, lead, and transform both firms and client relationships.Don’t miss Geni Whitehouse’s “one thing I wish I knew earlier” at the end of the episode!Chapters:Stand-up comedy in accountingProduct management and client communicationAdvisory services and dashboard insightsMoving to Napa and serving the wine industryLeading and growing the ITA AllianceThe rise of automation and AI in accountingAdvice for young professionals in the fieldSubscribe for more leadership lessons and career stories in accounting and business!