Sam Allred is a qualified CPA and founder of Upstream Academy. He has been regularly recognized as one of the major influencers in the accounting profession and has been listed as one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and as one of IPA’s Most Recommended Consultants. He is one of the most sought-after speakers in the accounting profession and is viewed as one of their top strategic thinkers. Shownotes:

Why the accounting profession is in great shape despite the pandemic

The two biggest challenges for accounting firms in these tough times (clue - it's to do with people)

The impact of accounting firms realising that they can work remotely

The major concern for accounting firms who have a remote workforce

The first thing accounting firms must do if they want to maintain a strong culture

Why hope is not a strategy for survival, growth and recovery

The difference between rockstars and superstars in a professional firm

Shout out to Jim Collins and his book Good to Great - get the right people on your team bus

What attracting great people to your accounting firm allows you to do

What new entrants to accounting need to understand if they want to get excited by their career

A major but underestimated benefits of working as an accountant in practice vz industry

Why failing to clarify to emerging leaders what it takes to make partner is a sign of poor leadership in accounting firms

What high performing professional firms do with their talent and succession that other firms don't

The biggest mistake accountants make in carving out a stellar career for themselves

How a stellar accounting career is very different to a good career

The importance of recognising your strengths and unique abilities to forge a standout career in accountancy

The dangers of staying in your comfort zone and what stepping out of it looks like for ambitious accountants

The challenge of feedback and why most people don't grow/progress because they won't ask for it

What accountants can learn from the Eisenhower Matrix as promoted by Stephen Covey

The power of being intentional with your career planning in professional life

Sam and his wife, Marlene, live outside of Park City, Utah. His hobbies include spending time with his family, fly fishing and golf. Sam and Marlene have seven children. Contact him here:

http://upstreamacademy.com/ (Website and blog)