Welcome to The CFO Project Podcast, where host Adam Lean explores the evolving world of CFO services and accounting leadership. Each episode features insights from professionals who are redefining what it means to grow an accounting practice, offer real advisory value, and build a firm that lasts. Whether you're a firm owner, CFO, or aspiring leader, this show will help you break free from outdated mindsets and thrive in today's competitive environment.

In this powerful episode, Adam sits down with Randy Crabtree—partner at Tri-Merit and mental health advocate—to discuss how vulnerability in leadership is transforming accounting firms. Randy shares his personal journey, including how a life-changing stroke and years of mental health challenges led him to reevaluate his role and purpose. He explains how leaning into vulnerability as a leader not only sparked 12x firm growth, but also drastically improved team morale, innovation, and retention. This episode dives deep into how CFOs and firm owners can embrace authentic leadership to build sustainable, people-first organizations.

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In this special case study episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean sits down with Rob Tokay to explore how implementing CFO advisory services transformed his business. Rob shares his journey from traditional accounting work to building a more profitable and impactful practice using the CFO model.

You'll hear firsthand how Rob shifted his approach, attracted higher-value clients, and created a business that’s both scalable and fulfilling. If you’re an accountant or bookkeeper wondering how CFO advisory services can work in the real world, this candid conversation offers the clarity and inspiration you need.

At The CFO Project, we help financial professionals like you master the skills that truly matter—guiding business owners to generate consistent positive cash flow and grow their businesses. If you’re ready to stop doubting yourself and start making an impact, check out our free trainings and resources at TheCFOProject.com. And if you want hands-on mentorship, explore our Done-With-You program. Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss future videos, and let’s help more businesses succeed together!

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On this episode of The CFO Project Podcast, Adam Lean and Jeff Prager dive into the key differences between launching a CFO advisory firm and starting a traditional accounting or bookkeeping business. While many professionals default to offering tax or bookkeeping services, they often overlook the more scalable and fulfilling opportunity of CFO advisory work.

You'll discover why the skill sets, client relationships, and business models for advisory services offer greater long-term value—and how to avoid the common pitfalls that come with transactional work. If you're considering starting your own practice or want to transition into higher-value services, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the right choice.

At The CFO Project, we help financial professionals like you master the skills that truly matter—guiding business owners to generate consistent positive cash flow and grow their businesses. If you’re ready to stop doubting yourself and start making an impact, check out our free trainings and resources at TheCFOProject.com. And if you want hands-on mentorship, explore our Done-With-You program. Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss future videos, and let’s help more businesses succeed together!

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And check out The CFO Project's free training here:
https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service

Learn More About The CFO Project:
https://thecfoproject.com/

In this episode of the CFO Report, host Adam Lean sits down with Jeff Prager to reveal the three key reasons their CFO advisory firm achieved massive success. With years of experience guiding businesses toward financial clarity and profitability, Adam and Jeff break down the specific strategies that helped them stand out in a competitive market. Whether you're running an advisory firm or any business looking to scale, these insights will give you a framework for long-term success.

Tune in as they discuss the importance of financial visibility, strategic forecasting, and advisory services that go beyond just bookkeeping. Jeff shares firsthand experiences and actionable takeaways that any business owner or CFO can implement right away. If you're looking to elevate your financial strategy and grow your firm, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

At The CFO Project, we help financial professionals like you master the skills that truly matter—guiding business owners to generate consistent positive cash flow and grow their businesses. If you’re ready to stop doubting yourself and start making an impact, check out our free trainings and resources at TheCFOProject.com. And if you want hands-on mentorship, explore our Done-With-You program. Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss future videos, and let’s help more businesses succeed together!

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And check out The CFO Project's free training here:
https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service

Learn More About The CFO Project:
https://thecfoproject.com/

Are you working long hours but still feel like you're not earning what you're worth? In this episode of the CFO Project Podcast, hosts Adam Lean and Jeff Prager reveal the eight key signs that accountants and bookkeepers are undervaluing their services. From being trapped in a pricing war to offering services that clients see as a necessary evil, we break down the common pitfalls that keep financial professionals stuck in a cycle of low earnings and high stress.

If you're ready to break free from these limitations and start earning what you're truly worth, this episode is a must-listen. Discover how shifting to an advisory model, rather than focusing solely on compliance work, can help you stand out in a crowded market, build lasting client relationships, and increase your revenue. Tune in now to learn how to take control of your financial career and escape the accountant’s trap. For more resources, visit TheCFOProject.com.

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Overcoming imposter syndrome is key to becoming a confident and successful CFO advisor. In this episode of the CFO Project Podcast, we break down six practical ways to overcome self-doubt, understand your value, and take action. Whether you're an accountant, bookkeeper, or aspiring CFO, this discussion will help you shift your mindset and build confidence in your expertise.

Join hosts Adam Lean and Jeff as they share insights on why imposter syndrome is common among high achievers, how to effectively communicate your value to business owners, and why continuous learning is crucial for long-term success. If you've ever questioned your ability to offer CFO services, this episode is a must-listen. Visit TheCFOProject.com for more free resources and training.

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In this episode of the CFO Project Podcast, we dive into the essential soft skills every CFO advisor needs to succeed. While technical expertise like forecasting and budgeting are crucial, soft skills like empathy, resourcefulness, and active listening are what truly set top advisors apart. Jeff Prager, co-founder of the CFO Project, joins the conversation to discuss how these skills help CFO advisors better understand their clients, build trust, and provide real value to small business owners.

We explore how curiosity, conviction, and a drive to constantly improve are key to helping clients achieve their business goals. CFO advisors who can relate to business owners, see challenges from their perspective, and provide insightful guidance are far more valuable than those who simply crunch numbers. If you’re looking to strengthen your role as a trusted advisor, this episode is packed with insights to help you stand out. Don't forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at TheCFOProject.com/newsletter for more tips!

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Learn More About The CFO Project:
https://thecfoproject.com/

In this insightful episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean sits down with Lauren Baptiste, founder of Aquilo and former CPA, to tackle the critical issue of burnout in the accounting profession. Lauren shares her personal journey from experiencing severe burnout that led to hospitalization, to discovering how mindset shifts and self-awareness can transform our relationship with work. As a fellow accountant who's been in the trenches, she offers a unique perspective on why high-achieving professionals are particularly susceptible to burnout.

Whether you're pulling late nights during month-end close or feeling overwhelmed by client demands, this episode provides practical strategies for recognizing and addressing burnout before it takes a toll on your health and career. Lauren and Adam explore how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and false perceptions about workplace expectations can contribute to burnout, while offering actionable steps to break free from these patterns. Learn why changing your mindset might be more important than changing your job, and discover how small, intentional changes can lead to sustainable work-life harmony in the accounting profession.

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Learn More About Acheloa Wellness
https://www.acheloawellness.com/

In this eye-opening episode of The CFO Project Podcast, host Adam Lean sits down with Sara Bryson of CFO Yeah to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing accounting professionals today: effectively communicating with clients. Sara shares powerful insights on how to translate complex financial concepts into language that business owners not only understand but are motivated to act upon. Through real-world examples and candid stories of both successes and failures, this episode reveals why speaking your client's language is crucial for driving meaningful change in their businesses.

Discover why traditional financial reports often fall flat with clients and learn practical strategies for connecting with business owners on their terms. Adam and Sara explore how accountants and bookkeepers can shift from overwhelming clients with technical jargon to becoming trusted advisors who inspire action. Whether you're offering CFO services, tax preparation, or bookkeeping, this episode provides invaluable guidance on communicating in ways that demonstrate your value and help clients achieve their business goals.

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Learn More About CFO Yeah
https://www.cfohyeah.com/

Join Adam Lean as he sits down with Pam Greb, founder of Cloud Nine Financial, to explore her journey from corporate America to building a thriving bookkeeping and CFO advisory practice. After a 20-year career spanning engineering, account management, and sales, Pam shares how she transformed her traditional bookkeeping services into a high-value advisory practice that makes a bigger impact while requiring less time with each client.

Discover practical insights on how to successfully add CFO services to your existing practice, including how to balance current bookkeeping clients while scaling up, creating repeatable processes, and hiring contractors to free up your time for advisory work. Pam also discusses why embracing advisory services is crucial in an era where traditional bookkeeping risks becoming commoditized by advancing technology. Whether you're considering adding CFO services or looking to scale your existing practice, this episode provides actionable steps and valuable perspective from someone who's successfully made the transition.