2 CPAs & The Mic

Michael Brody-Waite shares how his journey through addiction and recovery became the foundation for building a high‑growth company—and why he believes he's successful because of recovery, not despite it. He breaks down three leadership principles that matter in any high‑pressure profession: rigorous authenticity, surrendering the outcome, and doing uncomfortable work.

Whether you're leading a team, a business, or just yourself, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on leadership and the habits that help people grow under pressure.

In this week's episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we step behind the gates of one of the most iconic country clubs in America with Scott Booren, CFO of Southern Hills Country Club and former CCK teammate.

From public accounting to PGA Championships, Scott shares his unique career journey and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the business of championship golf. We discuss the power of servant leadership, cross-functional teamwork, and a hospitality-first mindset that drives every decision at Southern Hills. He shares lessons on building a culture of excellence, empowering employees, and creating memorable experiences that keep members coming back year after year.

Whether you're interested in leadership, business, hospitality, or the operational complexity behind a championship venue, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiring stories from an organization committed to delivering excellence every day.

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with Cory Hatch, Academy Director at Ark Financial, for a powerful conversation about what happens when professional success doesn't translate to peace at home. Cory shares his personal turning point, career setbacks, a 120-pound transformation, rebuilding his marriage, and how his journey has shaped his present mission.

Cory introduces the idea of a "family office" not as a place for the ultra-wealthy, but as an operating system for running the business of your family with the same intentionality you bring to your company. You'll learn why financial progress requires leadership, strategy, and execution and why many entrepreneurs unknowingly outsource the wrong thing.

Whether you're a business owner or an advisor, this episode provides a practical framework to move from uncertainty to clarity, align net worth and structure, and lead your family more intentionally, without trying to do it alone

In this special episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, CCK Strategies partners Sara, Kaitlin, Kyna, and Luann share the unconventional paths that led them to leadership and the lessons they've learned along the way. From discovering their "why" and embracing servant leadership to helping entrepreneurs navigate complex challenges, these women offer an honest look at what it takes to build a meaningful career in today's accounting and advisory profession.

Tune in for a conversation about mentorship, culture, collaboration, and the evolving role of advisory—plus insights on AI, professional development, and creating a workplace where teammates compete together, not against one another. Whether you're early in your career or leading a team, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom for making an impact where you are.

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with entrepreneur Lisa Riley for a candid, high-energy conversation about what it really takes to build and lead a business through chaos. From oil-and-gas trade floors to scaling three Pinot's Palette studios, Lisa shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, cash flow reality, outsourcing your weaknesses, customer experience, health shocks, and crisis pivots—plus how saying "yes" once turned her into a professional food stylist. Real-world leadership. Zero fluff. Built for business owners.

What separates good businesses from unforgettable ones? Dr. Toby Joplin joins 2 CPAs & The Mic to break down the real drivers of sustainable success; clear strategy, authentic core values, and standout customer experiences.

Drawing on his journey from public accounting to academia and consulting, Toby shares practical frameworks to help leaders define their vision, build data-driven strategies, and create "purple cow" moments that set them apart.

From aligning teams around purpose to understanding what you tolerate you ultimately reinforce, this episode is packed with actionable insights for business owners and leaders ready to win on paper and in practice.

Estate planning isn't just about what happens after you're gone. It's about protecting your family, your assets, and your peace of mind today.

In this episode, estate planning attorney Scott Helton joins Jeff and Kristie to unpack the biggest misconceptions around wills, trusts, and probate, and how a lack of planning can create unnecessary stress, cost, and conflict for your family.

Whether you're an individual or a business owner, this conversation will help you understand how to take control of your legacy, and why the best time to start planning was yesterday.

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Kathy Towne-Sautters of the BDO Alliance to unpack how the accounting profession is evolving beyond compliance into a true advisory powerhouse. Kathy shares why being a "connector" matters, how active listening builds trust faster than any sales pitch, and why firms can't afford to operate in a vacuum.

They dive into the rise of AI, the growing influence of private equity, and what next-generation leaders really want: transparency, technology, and a clear path forward. If you're thinking about the future of your firm (or your career), this conversation is packed with insight, strategy, and practical takeaways.

This episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic explores leadership succession, focusing on transitions from founders to next-generation leaders. Scott Dannemiller shares that many challenges stem from communication gaps, imposter syndrome, and the "curse of knowledge."

He outlines the distinct hurdles for internal and external successors and emphasizes that successful transitions require transparency, realistic expectations, and ongoing course correction. He also highlights the emotional nature of succession and the importance of reframing change as adaptation, not criticism.

Strong planning, clear roles, intentional overlap, and consistent feedback are key to a healthy transition, while silence and unspoken concerns signal risk. Ultimately, effective succession blends strategy, empathy, and proactive communication.

If you're a business founder, owner, HR professional, or culture leader, this episode offers practical guidance to navigate succession with clarity, confidence, and trust.

What really happens during a 401(k) audit—and why should you care? Hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Jeremy Smith to pull back the curtain on employee benefit plan audits, explaining key rules, common compliance traps, and the surprising ways things can go wrong. From simple payroll slip-ups to shocking fraud cases, this episode delivers both eye-opening stories and actionable advice to help keep your plan compliant and your employees protected.