Tales of Business Evolution

Cheryl Rhode, CPA, Partner at West Rhode & Roberts, shares practical insights on developing people and embracing what's next for the profession.

In this episode, Andrea Wright, CPA, Partner at Johnson Lambert LLP, shares how her firm defines independence through the lens of culture and long-term investment. She explains how that perspective influences decision-making and why the firm reevaluates its direction each year.

In this episode, Laura Crowley, Partner at Citrin Cooperman and member of the AICPA’s Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee, and Mandy Gallagher, Lead Manager of Women's Initiatives at the AICPA, discuss what it really takes to build a firm where women advance and why every firm that does comes out stronger.

What does successful growth really look like for today’s firms? In this episode, Sarah Krom, CPA, MST, Managing Partner of SKC & Co. CPAs, LLC, explores how firm leaders can scale intentionally without sacrificing culture, people, or purpose.

In this episode, Lauren Baptiste, Founder of Acheloa Wellness, discusses the PCPS Burnout Prevention Toolkit and explores how burnout is more than just exhaustion, it’s a systemic challenge impacting professionals at every level.

We’re back with another special compilation of conversations offering insights relevant for preparing for busy season. Jaimie Boyd from the AICPA® Firm Services team shares highlights from conversations we’ve had over the past year with practitioners who are applying the fundamental concepts of the Transforming Your Business Model initiative to their day-to-day operations.

Ready to turn data into your firm’s competitive edge? In this episode, firm leaders reveal how they leverage the results of the National Management of an Accounting Practice (MAP) Survey, conducted by the AICPA® Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) and CPA.com, to drive smarter decision-making and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving profession.

Suzanne Forbes, CPA, Managing Partner of James Moore, explores why governance must evolve as your firm grows, why it’s essential to revisit partner compensation, and how to guide your team through transitions.

Kelly Rohrs, CPA, Founder of K. Rohrs, CPA, P.C., shares the journey of launching her firm from concept to reality. Listeners will gain insight into how she structures client relationships, manages expectations during high volume periods, and fosters talent retention through flexibility and trust.

Argel Sabillo, CPA, Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of HeyApril Inc, discusses the ways he is reshaping the profession and leaving tradition behind.

Brenda Cannon, Partner at Cannon & Associates, CPAs shares how her firm rethought busy season by scheduling every tax return to prepare and control the workflow. From setting clear boundaries and prioritizing ideal relationships, to encouraging clients to file extensions, Brenda breaks down how intentional change can create a healthier, more sustainable work environment. Tune in to learn how to normalize a better busy season. For more, visit our Transforming Your Business Model resources.

Rebecca Driscoll shares her journey from public accounting to founding her own CAS and Tax practice, emphasizing the importance of internal CAS practices and coaching.

In this episode, hosts Sarah Dobek Sarah Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, and Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, are joined by Chris Sullivan, CPA, Managing Partner of VSH CPAs, and Amber Goering, CPA, Owner of Goering & Granatino (GG Advisors) to discuss the implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in their respective firms.

In this episode, hosts Sarah Dobek Sarah Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, and Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, are joined by Eric Majchrzak, CEO/Principal for BeachFleischman, to dive into a pivotal shift in the accounting profession—the rise of non-CPA professionals stepping into leadership roles in public accounting firms.

In this episode, hosts Sarah Dobek Sarah Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, and Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, are joined by Chip Chaon, CEO and Managing Principal of LattaHarris, LLP, and Mark Kovaleski, Managing Partner of MMB+CO, where they explore how evolving governance structures are reshaping partnership agreements within firms.

In the final episode of the four-part governance podcast series, Erin Hartman, CPA, Senior Manager – Firm Services of the AICPA & CIMA joins Sarah Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, and Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, to wrap up and share insights and lessons learned from the series. They reflect on the evolving mindset around governance and how it is relevant to firms of all sizes – not just large firms.

Randy Crabtree shares how authenticity & vulnerability build strong leadership, tackling burnout & fostering a people-first culture in firms.

What defines a thriving business development culture in public accounting? Josh Axelrod, Chief Operating Officer of Aldrich CPAs + Advisors, shares the elements of a successful business development environment. Learn how intentional efforts pave the way for strategic action and how to overcome challenges you may face. Packed with actionable insights and real-world advice, you’ll obtain strategies on how to ensure your firm not only grows but thrives in a rapidly changing profession.

Gary Thomson, of Thomson Consulting, and Sarah Dobek, of Inovautus Consulting, explore how strong governance can drive successful business model transformation.

Tim Brackney, CEO of Springline Advisory, and Josh Beck, Managing Partner at MarksNelson Advisory LLC, share insights on private equity in public accounting.

Starting your own firm is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn how to choose the right clients, set the right pace and grow a practice that fits your vision. These resources will help you discover how to build a firm that works for you.

In this episode with Dan O’Hare, CPA, CGMA, Principal at Glenn Burdette, we explore why CPA firms might choose to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Are you curious about how to empower your employees and fuel your firm’s growth? Listen as we explore employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) with Mike Bannon, vice president at CSG Partners. You’ll discover how this powerful tool can help your firm achieve its long-term goals and implementation plans, from planning and financing to valuation and ownership transition.

Erin Hartman from the AICPA & CIMA PCPS section introduces a special compilation of conversations on the evolution of accounting firms and the modernization of accounting practices through the "Transforming Your Business Model" initiative. It contains valuable insights and motivation for accounting professionals looking to innovate and create sustainable business models while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

How are forward-thinking firms adapting to the profession’s changing landscape? We're joined by Abbey Bemis and Mike Miller from Payne Nickles & Company to hear their transformative insights.

Jeff Wald, CEO of Pinion, shares his insights and expertise on the importance of corporate governance. He uncovers strategies for managing major firm transformations, securing stakeholder buy-in and crafting transparent strategic plans.