In this episode of Thrivecast, Jason sits down with award-winning educator Dr. Scott J. Allen, Ph.D., an expert in leadership development, the future of work, and executive communication, to discuss the crucial distinction between technical expertise and leadership ability in accounting firms.

Episode Highlights:

- Why the most skilled accountants aren't always the best candidates for leadership positions

- How to create appropriate career paths for technical experts who don't move into leadership

- Key qualities to look for when identifying potential leaders within your firm

- Strategies for leadership development and ""arming yourself"" as a firm leader

- How effective leadership directly influences the climate and culture of accounting firms

- Practical approaches to measuring leadership effectiveness in your organization

This must-listen episode provides valuable insights for firm owners and leaders navigating the challenging transition from accountant to leader. Dr. Allen and Jason explain why leadership is a learned skill that can be developed over time, offering hope and guidance for those looking to strengthen their leadership capabilities.

Whether you're currently in a leadership position or planning your firm's succession strategy, this conversation offers practical frameworks to help you build a stronger leadership team and create the right growth paths for all your talented professionals.

About the Guest:

Scott J. Allen, Ph.D., serves as an instructor in SMU’s Cox School of Business Executive Education and spent more than 18 years as a professor of management. He also serves as a leadership consultant with Winding River Consulting. Allen’s areas of expertise include leader development, the future of work, and executive communication.

Scott has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He’s the co-author of several books, including The Little Book of Leadership Development: 50 Ways to Bring Out the Leader in Every Employee; Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: A Guide for College Students; Discovering Leadership: Designing Your Success; and Captivation: Online Presentations by Design. Scott hosts Phronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders, ranked among the world's top 2.5% of podcasts. Along with the podcast, he publishes a weekly newsletter.

You can connect with Scott at https://www.scottjallen.net/ or find him on LinkedIn.