Withum Sounding Board

Greg Erman, serial entrepreneur, investor, and life sciences mentor, joins host Cutty Thomas to share a practical playbook for funding life sciences ventures, covering IP, revenue, and margin inflection points, investor expectations, and how founders can navigate dilution, scaling, and uncertainty to survive the “valley of death.”

This episode explores how PMOs can move beyond the waterfall vs. agile debate by adopting hybrid methodologies tailored to each project. Through real examples and practical steps, subject matter experts from Withum's Business and Management Consulting Services Team show how to balance structure and flexibility to navigate change management effectively.

CPA and Tax Supervisor Lindsey Valentine sits down with Withum Senior Tax Manager Raymond Owens to break down the most consequential tax legislation since the TCJA. From a major SALT cap increase to permanent bonus depreciation, restored R&D expensing, and a sweeping crackdown on hemp products, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act touches nearly every corner of the tax code.Whether you're a cannabis operator, manufacturer, or individual taxpayer, this episode gives you a practical roadmap for what's changing and how to position yourself for success.

Growth doesn’t break finance systems; it reveals where they were already failing. Hosted by Cutty Thomas, this conversation features Alexis Becker, Partner at Withum, sharing real world insights on cash flow visibility, delayed closes, disconnected systems and how CFOs can modernize financial processes to support scalable growth, better decision making and stronger leadership confidence.

In this episode of What the Hemp?, Kyle Wisniewski is joined by Raymond Owens and Ian Taylor to discuss how cannabis rescheduling could impact partnerships, pass-through entities, and tax planning strategies. With 280E potentially going away, many operators are wondering: Should I stay a partnership? Should I convert to a C-Corp or an S-Corp? How will QBI and PTET rules change? What are the risks of restructuring too early? Our team of expert cannabis accountants breaks it all down. 

In this episode of What the Hemp?, Steven Monacelli is joined by Dan Mayo and Brian Silva to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in cannabis taxation: can cannabis businesses take a non-280E position? With rescheduling back in the headlines following President Trump’s executive order, many operators are asking whether they can stop applying 280E, or even amend prior returns. Rescheduling may be coming BUT 280E is still the law today. Taking aggressive positions without proper support can expose businesses to significant risk.

With cannabis rescheduling on the horizon, many operators are asking the same question: Should I change my entity structure now?  In this episode of What the Hemp, host Steven Monacelli is joined by Ray Owens, Senior Tax Manager at Withum, to break down what rescheduling could mean for cannabis businesses and why restructuring isn’t always as simple as it sounds. 

In this episode of What the Hemp, host Steven Monacelli is joined by Ray Owens, Senior Tax Manager at Withum, to break down one of the most important topics facing cannabis operators today: How federal rescheduling could impact your entity structure, tax burden, and exit strategy. 

In this episode of The C‑Suite Podcast, host Cutty Thomas, interviews Dom Hebrault, Associate Director of Process Technologies, who brings extensive experience in digital and laboratory technologies across biotech and pharma. Dom shares his unique career journey spanning CDMOs, large pharmaceutical organizations, robotics and automation, and even space‑based drug research. He breaks down the science behind today’s most exciting breakthroughs, from AI-powered drug discovery and CRISPR advancements to mRNA platforms and cancer immunotherapy and explains how these innovations shape modern drug development and manufacturing.

In this episode of The Withum Sounding Board, Derek White is joined by Darcey Long for a deep dive into the most common mistakes companies make when claiming the R&D tax credit, and how to avoid them. Building on their previous discussion, Derek and Darcey unpack the often-overlooked areas that can make or break an R&D credit claim. Tune in to learn how to protect your credit, strengthen documentation, and unlock the full value of your R&D investments.

In this episode, Withum’s Derek White and Darcey Long break down the essentials of the R&D tax credit and why it matters for food, beverage and consumer product companies. From payroll offsets for small businesses to qualifying activities like packaging innovation and process improvements, they explain how everyday operations can translate into real tax savings. You’ll hear practical examples, common misconceptions and tips for navigating IRS requirements. If you’re looking to reinvest in growth while cutting costs, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Withum Cannabis Partners Steven Monacelli and Wendy Heiss discuss the recent changes in the hemp beverage market following the opening of Congress and the implications for the 2018 Farm Bill. They explore the potential extinction of the hemp beverage market due to new federal regulations, the transition to cannabis beverages and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for businesses in this evolving industry. Tune in to learn more about state regulations, consumer preferences, revenue models and most importantly - the future outlook for the cannabis market.

In this episode, Max Herve, Head of Cloud Engineering at Withum, sits down with Hernan Chiosso, founder of ProductizeHR, to explore how AI is transforming the HR landscape. Discover practical ways to leverage AI to automate repetitive tasks, free up time for meaningful human interactions and align technology with your long-term HR goals. If you’re ready to focus more on people and less on paperwork, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of The C-Suite Spotlight, host Cutty Thomas, interviews Jennifer Paxton, VP of People Talent at Roofr. Hear Jennifer’s career journey, her approach to leadership and mentorship, and how she’s building strong remote cultures. Gain insights on aligning talent strategy with business growth and the future of people leadership. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with industry leaders!

Join Withum's Cutty Thomas and Laura Whitman as they welcome Jon and Jamie Mendelsohn from Ashar Group. A family-owned life settlement firm, Ashar Group helps financial professionals and their clients navigate the life settlement process and uncover value in life insurance assets. The Mendelsohn's share the story behind the company's founding, how life insurance policies can be monetized within financial planning, and how family values shape their mission and impact.

In the final episode of the Inside the DOL CAP Audits Series, Ashleigh Hall and Dave Dorsey explore what happens after a Department of Labor (DOL) investigation concludes. They’ll walk through the next steps unions can expect, common post-investigation outcomes, and how to proactively prepare for a Compliance Audit Program (CAP) audit.

In this special episode, host Cutty Thomas welcomes Scott D. Anthony to discuss his newest book, Epic Disruptions: 11 Innovations That Shaped Our Modern World. Known for his deep expertise in innovation strategy, Scott shares the inspiration behind his ninth book and breaks down why disruption is often misunderstood. He also shares how leaders can separate hype from true innovation, and the lessons they can take from history’s most game-changing breakthroughs.

Withum’s Julie Tracy returns with a fresh cybersecurity update. After speaking at several industry events, Julie brings her expertise to this episode to unpack what to expect during a Department of Labor (DOL) investigation and what the DOL does not want to see. She shares practical, actionable insights to help ensure your plan stays protected and compliant.

In this inaugural episode of Withum’s What The Hemp? Podcast Series, Steven Monacelli is joined by Ray Owens and Wendy Heiss to discuss one of the most talked-about issues in the cannabis industry today: the non-280E position. They explore the theories behind challenging Section 280E, the benefits of obtaining a tax opinion letter and the required applicable disclosures on this uncertain tax position on tax returns, and finally the impact of the position on GAAP basis financial statements and disclosures.

Withum’s Ashleigh Hall and Dave Dorsey are back with part two of the Inside the DOL CAP Audits Series. In this episode, they unpack the most common findings that emerge from Department of Labor (DOL) investigations, including issues related to record retention, credit card expenses and employee compensation.

Join Withum’s Cutty Thomas as he sits down with Gayle Nelson, Founder and President of Rapid Cloud Partners, to discuss how financial and operational leaders can overcome common challenges that arise during growth. With deep experience across industries, Gayle shares her journey and lessons learned from guiding organizations through digital transformation. This episode explores how smart technology decisions can support long-term scalability.

Our host Cutty Thomas sits down with Brian Peterson, CEO and Co-Founder at Outrigger Group, to explore the evolving role of the fractional CFO. Brian shares his insights on how early-stage and growing companies can access high-level financial strategy without the cost of a full-time hire. From project-based consulting to long-term partnerships, discover how flexible finance leadership is reshaping the future of business. Tune in to learn more about the value of outsourcing financial expertise.

In the first installment of our 3-part series, Withum’s Ashleigh Hall and Dave Dorsey break down the Department of Labor’s Compliance Audit Program (CAP) and the International CAP (I-CAP). What exactly are these audits? What triggers them? And what can unions expect once they’re under investigation? Ashleigh and Dave walk you through the process, offering expert insights and practical tips along the way. 

Join Withum’s Cutty Thomas as he welcomes back seasoned CFO and startup advisor, Jim Kelliher. In this special episode, they cover how economic shifts, presidential policies and evolving tariffs are shaping business strategy. Jim shares practical advice for CFOs navigating uncertainty and planning for long-term business success. It’s never too late to adopt executive strategies on being agile, nimble and resilient.

In this episode, Lena Combs and Joey Masters, Senior Partner at The Baldwin Group, discuss the evolving insurance market for hospitality businesses and strategies for managing its challenges and increasing expenses.

Liz Graham, CEO of Ada IQ, sits down with Cutty Thomas for a dynamic conversation on her unique career path from corporate law to the helm of an innovative tech company. Liz shares her personal insights on navigating leadership transformation, the realities of scaling in the startup world and how Ada IQ is embracing AI.

Host Cutty Thomas sits down with Juergen Horn, Founder and President of Invetx, a biotech company pioneering protein-based therapeutics for animal health. A former practicing veterinarian, Juergen shares lessons from his journey to biotech innovator, exploring the critical role finance plays in the fast-paced biotech sector. He discusses the financial decisions that shape early-stage growth, the evolving needs of scaling companies and the risks of neglecting foundational accounting practices. Whether you're a founder laying the groundwork or a CFO steering growth, this episode offers actionable insights for anyone shaping financial strategy in a high-growth environment.

Join Withum’s Cutty Thomas as he chats with Chris Pike, Special Partner at Advent International, about private equity’s role in driving business transformation. Chris shares how CFOs can align with investor goals and lead through change. This episode also dives into the personal side of leadership — the value of volunteering, giving back and building a culture within your organization. Tune in for actionable takeaways that blend strategy with purpose.

In this episode of Lodging Insights and Innovations, Lena Combs and Andrew Guy, CEO of FD Intelligence, discuss how hospitality companies can use automation to save time and resources, and increase profitability. 

Mike Troiano, Partner at G20 Ventures, joins Withum’s Cutty Thomas for our next episode. As a seasoned branding expert, Mike talks to the critical connection between finance and go-to-market (GTM) strategy in high-growth companies. He shares insights from his venture capital journey, offering practical advice on aligning financial strategy with GTM objectives – and leveraging storytelling to drive business success. Listen in for actionable takeaways on scaling businesses the right way.

Join Withum’s Cutty Thomas as he speaks with Jeff Troderman, CFO at Invetx, an innovative company transforming biopharmaceuticals for animal health, about navigating the financial challenges of venture capital-backed companies. Jeff shares insights on balancing research investments with G&A expenses, maintaining accurate financial records and gaining investor trust. Tune in for practical advice tailored for CFOs and seasoned financial leaders.

Join Withum’s Cutty Thomas in the inaugural episode of our new podcast series. He welcomes Jim Kelliher, a seasoned CFO with over 25 years of experience in the startup world. As a current angel investor and financial consultant, Jim shares his journey and expertise on scaling businesses, financial strategies and the evolving role of CFOs.

In our latest episode, Aaron Slaughter sits down with Stephanie Fitzgerald and David Healy from Withum’s Systems and Process Assurance Services team. Join us as Stephanie and David explore the essentials of internal controls, their importance, and how to streamline manual processes. They also share client success stories that highlight the impact of efficient internal processes.

Real estate valuations and hotel businesses go hand in hand. Join Lena Combs and Zack Smith, Team Leader of Withum’s Real Estate Valuation Services Team as they discuss the nuances related to valuating a hotel business and how they are affected by changes in the market.

In this episode, Val Orekhov, Market Leader of Withum’s Digital Workplace and AI Solutions Team, and Ashleigh Hall, Partner in Withum’s Multiemployer Benefit Plans and Labor Unions Services Teams, delve into the captivating world of artificial intelligence. They demystify AI, explore its functionality, and share real-world examples of how AI can be used as a tool to improve productivity and not replace jobs.

In this episode of Lodging Insights and Innovations, Lena Combs and Brian McIntyre, Market Leader of Corporate Valuation and SBA Loan Valuations, shed light on the importance of business valuations and the impact they can have in a unique industry like hospitality.

Join Lena Combs and Ken DeGraw, Partner in Withum's Forensic and Valuation Services Group as they discuss financially distressed properties and the strategic options for moving forward as the owner.

Join Lena Combs and Martin Harski, Principal and Group Leader of the Cost Segregation team as they dive into an invaluable tax savings tool known as a cost segregation study. Learn how these studies are used to increase cash flow, accelerate depreciation deductions, and defer federal and state income taxes.

Colleen Fay, tax partner at Withum, was invited to participate in a recent PEI Spotlight podcast, where she shared invaluable insights on the profound impact of artificial intelligence in finance. Tune in to listen how Colleen leverages AI to elevate productivity, precision, and strategic decision-making in the realm of alternative investments.

In episode 5 of Demystifying Private Equity and Transactions With Physician Practices, Steve and Sidney reflect on what they have each seen over the past year and their predictions for next year. They also discuss deal volume and if it is going to change, go away, or continue at the pace we've seen it happening.

Artificial intelligence is all the rage right now in business. In this episode, Lena Combs and Daniel Cohen-Dumani, Partner and Market Leader, Digital Workplace Solutions, discuss how AI has erupted onto the scene in many industries and how this advancement in technology can be applied in ways to benefit the hospitality industry.

In episode 4 of Demystifying Private Equity and Transactions With Physician Practices, Steve and Sidney take a deeper look into the financial aspects of a deal. take a deeper look into the financial aspects of a deal. Some discussion points include preparing your practice for a transaction and what to expect while going through the process.

Withum’s Jason Edwards joins the Union Ledger podcast to discuss all things 3rd party accounting. Tune in to hear about the benefits of 3rd party accounting experienced by our clients including increased efficiency, improved transparency, and potential cost savings.

In our third episode of Demystifying Private Equity Transactions With Physician Practices, Steve and Sidney dive into the impacts of operations on a deal.

New law firm partners are certainly well-prepared for this prestigious promotion in their careers; however, many are unaware of the impending changes to their financial lives due to new tax protocols for their earnings. Join Hal Margolit, Natalie Chance and Nisha Bhanushali of Withum’s Law Firm Services team as they discuss the tax and financial considerations for new law firm partners and shareholders at law firms of various entity types, including Partnerships/LLCs, S Corporations and C Corporations.

Steve Brady, Market Leader of Transaction Advisory at Withum and Sidney Welch, Partner in the Healthcare Practice at Bradley,  weigh in on the issues that can go wrong with deals within physician practices and private equity investments.

Steve Brady, Market Leader of Transaction Advisory at Withum and Sidney Welch, Partner in the Healthcare Practice at Bradley,  discuss the financial considerations of private equity deals that physician practices should think about.

The Philadelphia technology startup ecosystem is experiencing remarkable growth,fostering a vibrant community of innovative companies striving for success. Tosupport these startups in achieving their goals, external services play acrucial role. In an enlightening conversation, Withum’s David Hansell and CassieTate, Founder of Way FWD Strategy, delve into Cassie's career in the tech andhuman capital industries, where they discuss the distinctive characteristics ofPhiladelphia's startup community and share invaluable human capital tips thatstartups and venture capitalists can leverage to drive their growth and achievetheir goals.

In this episode, Lena Combs and Jeanette Jordan, Partner in Withum’s Transaction Advisory group, discuss the current hospitality M&A landscape and share their insights on best practices for due diligence and navigating the process to a successful deal.

Withum’s Cybersecurity Expert, Julie Tracy, is back for another insightful episode with host Aaron Slaughter. As we are over a year into navigating the DOL’s Cybersecurity Best Practices, Julie will share the lessons learned and trends she is seeing as it relates to cybersecurity in the Multiemployer space. It's an episode you can't afford to miss!