Rise and Stride

Paul Dunn, an impact architect who helps teams design businesses where growth and purpose move as one, challenges accounting professionals to stop thinking of themselves as report producers and start seeing themselves as architects of their clients' futures. In this episode, he unpacks what it means to move from the experience economy to the transformation economy—and why CPAs are uniquely positioned to lead the way.

In this episode of Rise in Stride, Sabine Charles, TEDx speaker, author and CEO of Charles Financial Strategies, shares why the biggest risks organizations face today aren’t technical—they’re human. From leadership blind spots to the role of emotional intelligence in governance and AI adoption, she explains why mindset, self-awareness, and purpose are critical skills for modern leaders. Resources: TedX Talk: Dethroned or reclaimed? Leadership, identity and purpose 

What if the key to better engagement, stronger culture and long-term success isn’t working harder—but showing up more human? In this episode, leadership and culture expert, and comedian, John Garrett shares how embracing your “and”—the passions and interests beyond your job title—can transform workplaces, careers and relationships, and why people—not just productivity—are the real differentiator.  “What’s Your And? Unlock the Person Within the Profession” 

We’ve all heard of ROI—return on investment. But what about ROR—return on relationship? In this episode, author Rory Henry, a Certified Financial Planner and Behavioral Financial Adviser, explains why trust, empathy and understanding the “human behind the numbers” are becoming the most valuable skills for CPAs and financial advisers—and how behavioral finance is reshaping client relationships.

Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about action. In this episode, CalCPA Public Service Award winners Rosario Bobadilla-Farias and Di Wu share how small, intentional steps can create meaningful change in the profession and the community. And it starts right where you are.

The days of climbing the career ladder rung by rung are quickly fading as career options and paths look nothing like they used to. Podcaster and talent and leadership development consultant Al Dea breaks down how today’s evolving workplace demands fresh approaches to engagement, growth and leadership. 

Forget the old stereotypes. Dean Quiambao, chief relationship officer at Armanino, paints a new picture of what it means to be a CPA in today’s fast-changing world—one where CPAs lead in AI adoption, shift the conversation from fees to outcomes and change the perception of the profession by embracing their personal brand.

What does it take to truly disrupt accounting? Jim Wallace of BPM and Chris Vanover of CPAClub share how they’re tackling tradition, embracing innovation and setting new standards for success—all while putting people first.

Stephen Shedletzky—speaker, coach, adviser and author—has a passion for helping leaders unlock the voices of others. His mission: build “speak-up” cultures where people feel heard, valued and empowered. The result? Workplaces—and lives—that are transformed. Resources: Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up

Business development coach Leah Yoneda of Golden Ginkgo Group shares how curiosity, momentum and simple goals can fuel a career—and the important role of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing hands-on learning.

Is AI coming for your job? Not exactly—but the person or firm using AI might be. Neil Sahota is CEO of ACSI Labs, an IBM Master Inventor, United Nations Artificial Intelligence Advisor and author of the best-selling book, “Own the A.I. Revolution”, shares how curiosity—not code—can unlock your future in the age of AI and what skillsets will set you apart.  

Marketer, speaker and best-selling author Rohit Bhargava is on a mission to inspire more non-obvious thinking in the world. Listen as he shares why non-obvious thinking is a superpower anyone can build—with a little space, insight, focus and a twist. More resources:Anticipating the Future AI is Rewriting the Rules of Accounting 

Armed with a CPA license and a master’s degree in applied positive psychology, Wes Hitchcock is on a mission to improve the well-being of CPAs, help them reach their potential and create plans to stop burnout in the profession—while focusing on being more optimistic. This is more than looking at the world through rose-colored glasses; it’s having an optimistic, explanatory style that can make people more resilient—and more productive.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or your career is just taking off, AICPA Chair Carla McCall stresses the importance of finding the work that gives you meaning. In this episode, McCall, managing partner at AAF CPAs, shares her insights into leadership, employee engagement and her “human first” approach to company culture. 

The accounting profession is evolving at breakneck speed, and today’s CPAs need more than just technical know-how—they need innovation and creativity to stay ahead. Kendale King, founder of KCK CPA and the visionary behind CPACON, an interactive accounting conference set for Dec. 3, believes that by embracing boldness and curiosity, CPAs can not only keep up but open new pathways to survive and thrive. 

We've all heard the saying, "If it ain’t broke, why fix it?" But in today's rapidly evolving business world, that mindset could hold you back. In this episode, speaker, author, consultant and CPA Gene Marks says clinging to that old adage could put your success, and even your survival, at risk as the CPA profession and the business landscape continue to shift at lightning speed. 

Career paths are full of twists and turns, and your next big opportunity might be closer than you think—perhaps waiting in a phone call, a lunch invite or at a networking event. In this episode, Lorraine Lavet, a senior client partner at Korn Ferry, says take advantage of these opportunities because you never know how a simple connection could shape your future.

We’ve all likely heard the cliché, “there’s no I in team.” And sure, it’s cheesy, yet as leadership and transformation coach Emily Liang explains in this episode, there’s great value in surrounding yourself with those who can help you take that next step in your career—be they mentors, coaches, advocates or a personal board of directors—and help you thrive and find joy.

Most everyone has heard of the Golden Rule—to treat others as you would like to be treated—and many think it’s a good management philosophy. Consultant Jeremy Wortman of HRD Initiatives, however, believes organizations can kick it up a notch to the Platinum Rule—treat people the way they want to be treated. Listen as he explains what that looks like and provides insight on how to best attract and retaining talent.

Combining her business skills and interest with a passion for helping people succeed, Jessica McClain, CFO of the Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital,  operates in what she calls “the intersection of accounting and social impact.” Listen as she provides her insights into leadership, career development, promoting the accounting profession … and her favorite Girl Scout cookie.

What happens when you combine knowledge, passion—and a mindset that magic can be found everywhere? For Danetha Doe, founder of financial education company Money and Mimosas, it’s meant building a successful career as an entrepreneur and speaker while helping small businesses in more than 20 countries raise more than $160 million in capital.  

Money makes the world go ’round, the saying goes. And for the younger generation that’s just learning about income, debt, credit scores, insurance and the like, it could make for a dizzying experience. Enter Tim Ranzetta, co-founder of Next Gen Personal Finance, a nonprofit that believes all high school students deserve a high quality, engaging and relevant personal finance education prior to graduation. Hear how his organization is doing that and is on a mission that by 2030, all U.S. high schoolers will take at least a one semester-long personal finance course before graduation. 

The future. Uncertainty. Change. The words cause many people to shiver, yet what would happen if we shift our mindset a bit, look deeper into opportunities and see these words as a gateway to growth? Best-selling author, entrepreneur and consultant Pascal Finette explains how. More resources:Be Radical https://rdcl.isDisrupt Disruption https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BT6SPPR2?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_G08RET326YSNDPE06T0K

Networking, investing and advocating for each other are just some of the avenues Julie Castro Abrams, managing partner at How Women Invest and CEO of How Women Lead, believes can help transform the way the world sees women leaders. 

Whether you're a seasoned CPA or a budding accountant aiming to make a mark in the profession, we go beyond the numbers with Katie Thomas, CPA and owner of Leaders Online, in this podcast with advice and tips to unlock and grow success through leadership and branding.

We all know the importance and value of skills and knowledge when it comes to success, but even more important is mindset. In this episode, leadership trainer and coach George Griffin explains how the ability to believe in yourself, embrace challenges as opportunities and persist in the face of setbacks are keys to developing peak performance. And he should know. After failing out of college and being told he wasn’t college material, Griffin returned to school and earned multiple degrees, has managed more than $1 billion of real estate assets, is a best-selling author and is working with organizations to raise the bar on their leadership and organization culture. 

The challenge with looking for fraudsters, says CPA, author, professor and filmmaker Kelly Richmond Pope, is that anyone can be one. You can even see what type of fraudster you’d be by taking Pope’s online quiz.In this episode, Pope explains the key role CPAs play in detecting fraud, how the profession can better explain its “why” to attract the next generation and the responsibility leaders have of pouring into others.Additional resources:·      Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry: A look at the perpetrators, victims and whistleblowers behind financial crimes.·      All the Queen’s Horses: The story of Rita Crundwell, the perpetrator of the largest case of municipal fraud in American history.·      TEDTalk: How Whistle-blowers Shape Industry: Lessons from some of the most high-profile whistle-blowers of the past, explaining how they've shared information that has shaped society—and why they need our trust and protection.·      CalCPA Forensic Services Section 

On the surface, there doesn’t seem to be much of a connection between improvisation and the business world. Yet aspects of improv like collaboration, being unscripted and learning to be tolerant, even comfortable, around ambiguity can easily be laid upon our daily lives. Colleen Murray Peyton,  founder of Overjoy Creative and improv performer, dives deeper into her work facilitating workshops for corporations on leadership development, corporate culture and communication—and explains how laughter and lightness can help make the hard things manageable.

In this wide-ranging interview, CalCPA member Okorie Ramsey, vice president of Sarbanes/Oxley for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, discusses his role as chair of the AICPA and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, and brings his insights from public accounting, industry and nonprofit accounting, as well as adjunct educator, on trending topics in the accounting profession, including diversity, equity and inclusion, innovation and recruitment and retention. Additional resources:Accounting Career Awareness Program: Designed to increase the number of underrepresented minorities pursuing careers in accounting and related business areas. http://www.acapsf.orgLeading With DE&I: Forbes Q&A with Okorie Ramsey about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in his organization as well as in the finance function more broadly. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffthomson/2021/04/19/leading-with-dei-in-the-finance-function/?sh=10dbe3bb5738 

With all the beeps, pings and other notifications—not to mention meetings—battling for our attention, it’s challenging to stay focused and productive. But with the use of the right tools, knowing the difference between interruptions and disruptions, and other tips, productivity expert Sarah Tetlow, founder and CEO of Firm Focus, explains how you can stay organized, focused and accomplish what needs to be done. 

As technology advancements like ChatGPT and business imperatives like ESG gain footing, there are lots of opportunities for the CPA profession to step in and add value to their clients or companies in terms of strategy and story. Listen as Todd Rahn, Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting, explains more. 

Innovation may sound daunting to most people, but Simone Ahuja, CEO of Blood Orange, an innovation and strategy consulting group, explains how innovation is not always about bright, shiny objects. It’s about adding value in new ways and is connected to the things we do every day. 

Beyond the debits, credits and tasks CPAs perform, there’s a calling to protect the public—a purpose and a meaning that people can rally around and aspire to make an impact. Listen as Christina Ho, CPA and board member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, discusses the value of accounting, how CPAs are context experts and the importance of lifelong learning.

With the face of the workplace changing—literally and figuratively—how can leaders and organizations ensure everyone is engaged and pulling in the same direction? Listen as Sarah Sladek, CEO and chief strategist of XYZ University, offers insights and strategies about talent recruitment and retention, leadership development and what each generation can learn from each other.

Having a firm grasp on your finances and knowing where your money is coming from—and where it’s going—can be challenging and sometimes scary. In this episode of Rise and Stride, Larry Pon, CPA and chair of the CalCPA Financial Literacy Committee, outlines some strategies to help build a solid financial foundation.Resources:CalCPA Financial Literacy https://www.calcpa.org/public-resources/financial-literacyGuidestar  https://www.guidestar.org 

There are a lot of characteristics that go into being a good leader that go beyond knowledge and expertise, including things like empathy, taking the questions and giving before you get. Listen as Michelle Russo, chief communications officer for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, discusses strategies organizations can take to keep their workforce informed and engaged. 

From blockchain to cryptocurrency, the digital economy is here to stay. Listen as Gabriella Kusz, CEO of the Global Digital Asset and Cryptocurrency Association, discusses what this means for the financial sector—and how CPAs can best prepare. Resources discussed: Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System (Satoshi Nakamoto) Management and Disclosure of Climate-Related Financial Impacts for State-Owned Enterprises: Toolkit for Shareholders and Regulators (World Bank) Climate-Related Financial Disclosures: Thematic Module in the Integrated State-Owned Enterprises Framework (World Bank)

From data science to blockchain to robotic process automation, the accounting profession is taking on a different look. In this episode, Mike Wetklow, Deputy CFO and Division Director for Financial Management at the National Science Foundation, https://www.nsf.gov, talks about the importance of lifelong learning, how CPAs fit into the data picture and the importance of including accounting among STEM fields.

From manufacturers needing parts to individuals looking to stock their pantries, everyone has experienced supply chain issues. So what’s changing to make sure disruptions are kept at a minimum and where do CPAs fit into the strategy? Listen as Tom Derry, CEO of the Institute of Supply Management (https://www.ismworld.org) explains.

AI, Big Data, XBRL … the profession is moving fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. Mike Willis of the U.S. SEC discusses changes occurring—and coming—to the profession, and how curiosity can help you succeed.

It’s easy to get caught up in the here and now when it comes to investing, but CalPERS Managing Director James Andrus stresses it’s a long game you want to play—whether as an institution or an individual.

One thing is always constant when it comes to California’s business environment—change. CalChamber CEO Jennifer Barrera discusses what’s top of mind for business, as well as what issues business should be on the watch for.

CalCPA member, attorney and award winner Shannon Nash, CPA—CFO of the on-demand, drone delivery service Wing—shares her experience on bringing Google’s Alphabet technology from the skies to your doorstep; what she’s learned from her relationship with the multi-talented Debbie Allen; insights and work on diversity, equity and inclusion; the story of her work as a documentary filmmaker. 

Michael Savoy, CalCPA member and president of the California Board of Accountancy, shares his thoughts on licensure pathways to the evolving CPA profession to how he remains a San Francisco Giants fan living in LA.

NABA CEO Guylaine Saint Juste says the time is now to have fierce conversations about this important topic—and that means people have to be OK with hearing something they’ve not heard before.