In this insightful episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed are joined by SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, famously dubbed “CryptoMom” for her forward-thinking views on cryptocurrency and blockchain regulation. They’ll dive into her perspectives on a range of pivotal topics currently reshaping the financial landscape including PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board), particularly its oversight roles and evolving challenges in today’s regulatory environment, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting in financial markets and, of course, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, with Commissioner Peirce offering her thoughts on how the regulatory framework should evolve to encourage innovation while protecting investors. Join Ron and Ed for this fascinating and timely discussion with one of the SEC’s most outspoken and influential commissioners.

It has been a few months since Ron and Ed emptied their stacks of stuff that have accumulated regarding all things pricing, subscription, and business in general. To correct that, this week's episode will do just that. Featured will be some posts from the Subscribed Institute, a story about a Dallas wine club, Mozart, and more. Settle in with a nice glass of your favorite fall wine.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed dive into the transformative world of pricing strategies. Pricing is more than just setting a number—it’s about understanding and conveying the true value of outcomes. Together, they explore the common pitfalls of cost-based pricing, the importance of focusing on utility, and how consultants can command higher prices by focusing on transformations rather than time spent. They’ll discuss the need to apply the same creativity to pricing that consultants apply to solving business problems, and why having the courage to walk away from negotiations can actually increase your pricing power. Other topics include providing pricing options, leveraging the power of transparency in expectations, and avoiding the trap of negotiating solely on price. Whether you’re a consultant, business owner, or service provider, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach to pricing and provide practical tips to boost your profitability by focusing on the value you deliver. Tune in to learn why leading companies never limit their profitability—and neither should you!

Ron and Ed welcome Back Adam Thierer, now with the R Street Institute, to talk about government regulation and AI. Adam has written extensively about how government regulation potentially affects the progress of innovation, especially with regard to new technology. This episode promises to be a wide-ranging and timely conversation.

Since Luca Pacioli’s 1494 invention of double-entry bookkeeping, accounting has seen little innovation. GAAP, designed for an industrial economy, is outdated in a world where intellectual capital drive business success. Dr. Margaret Blair’s research shows that by 1998, only 30% of a company’s value could be attributed to tangible assets, leaving 70% unaccounted for in GAAP financial statements. We’ll dive into the deteriorating paradigm of accounting and examine audit failures through the lens of a system that has become obsolete. Additionally, we’ll explore reform ideas from a free-market perspective, considering how innovations like blockchain and market-driven information and incentives could push the profession beyond GAAP’s limits. Join Ed and Ron for a provocative look at the future of accounting, auditing, and financial reporting, and why the profession needs to evolve to meet the needs of today’s knowledge economy—a bold rethinking of accounting’s past, present, and future.

Ron and Ed welcome another CATO Institute scholar, Jennifer Huddleston, to the show to discuss the effects of technology policy on innovation and economic growth. Jennifer will also share her insights about the anti-trust case against Google as well and the effects of technology regulation at the state, federal, and even international level.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed sit down with Reilly Newman to explore his manifesto: the powerful intersection of science and strategy in business. Reilly emphasizes the importance of clarity as a driver of growth, helping business leaders make confident decisions that align with their vision. He discusses how simplifying complex processes can uncover opportunities for pure progress and ensure that your business remains a cornerstone of your life. Tune in to discover how clarity not only reveals where growth exists but also how it serves as a foundation for future success and informed business decisions

In this unique episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed embark on a journey through time as they interview the legendary 19th-century French economist, Frédéric Bastiat. Thanks to AI technology, ChatGPT will bring Bastiat back to life, offering insights in his signature style on some of today’s pressing economic issues. From his famous concept of “the seen and the unseen” to his sharp critiques of protectionism, this virtual conversation delves into how Bastiat’s timeless ideas apply in our modern world. Join us for a thought-provoking dialogue that blurs the lines between history, economics, and technology in ways you’ve never heard before!

In this episode, Ed and Ron will delve into the profound insights from Peter Block's book The Answer to How is Yes, especially his How? vs. What Matters questions. We'll explore these six pivotal questions that Block argues keep us trapped in our current way of thinking and prevent us from embracing true change. These questions, often disguised as practical concerns, subtly hinder our ability to innovate, take risks, and transform both ourselves and the world around us. Join us as we unpack the deeper meaning behind each question and discuss how shifting our mindset can open up new possibilities for leadership, creativity, and personal growth.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed explore the themes presented in Doughnuts and Degrowth by Andrew Stuttaford. The article delves into the growing ideological shift from economic growth to a focus on sustainability, as advocated by figures like Olivier De Schutter and Kate Raworth. Ron and Ed provide a critical analysis of the so-called degrowth movement and its potential impact on democracy, innovation, and individual freedoms. They discuss the concept of doughnut economics and how it aligns with broader trends in global governance, questioning the practicality and desirability of this shift. Tune in as they dissect the intersection of economics, environmentalism, and human rights, offering their own perspectives on what a growth-averse future might hold.