Thrivecast: A Podcast for Accountants

Welcome back to Thrivecast, where we get into the ins and outs of the ever-evolving landscape of the accounting profession. In this episode, we have a thought-provoking conversation with Rob Brown, CEO of Accounting Influencers, hailing from the historic city of Nottingham, UK. Rob shares his journey from a high school math teacher to becoming a leading figure in training and developing accounting professionals.

Jason and Rob explore the challenges and opportunities in the accounting profession, from storytelling and influence skills to leadership development and the impact of technology. Join them as they uncover the changing dynamics in the world of accounting and the essential attributes for modern-day CPAs to remain competitive!

Welcome to a special solo episode of Thrivecast! In this unique installment, Jason examines a concept crucial for every firm entrepreneur: Owner Rest. As we enter conference season, it's the perfect time to explore how stepping away strategically can refuel and recharge you.

In this episode, you'll discover the distinction between 'rest rest' and 'owner rest' and why both are essential for sustainable growth and productivity. We'll discuss how Owner Rest isn't just about taking a break but about engaging in purposeful learning and development away from your daily grind. This episode also highlights the upcoming Deeper Weekend conference, where you can experience Owner Rest firsthand.

Join us as we unpack the science and practice of productivity, and learn how to leverage strategic rest to become a better leader and owner. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to thrive!

Welcome to another Thrivecast episode, where Jason and Calvin Harris dive deep into the evolving landscape of the accounting profession. They tackle the intricate rules and regulations that impact the mobility of CPAs across states, emphasizing the crucial role of state CPA societies in advocating for the profession and protecting public trust.

Calvin Harris, the CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs, recounts pivotal moments in his career, including his unexpected ascent to leadership roles and his passion-driven journey.

Jason and Calvin will also explore pressing issues like the 150-hour rule, private equity's role in modernizing firms, and the need to reshape the perception of the accounting profession starting as early as middle school. We’ll discuss the importance of mentoring, the non-linear career paths enabled by technology, and the future of accounting amid a changing professional landscape.

Join us as we unravel these themes and more in a dynamic conversation that promises to provide valuable insights for professionals at every stage of their careers.

Welcome to another episode of Thrivecast. Today, we’re diving deep into the transformative journey firms undergo when moving from traditional consensus-based models to streamlined business-oriented models. Jason’s thrilled to have Jeremy Clopton, managing director of Upstream Academy, joining us to share his experiences and the complexities this transition entails.

They’ll explore how embracing a corporate structure can offer partners more entrepreneurial freedom and enhance firm efficiency by clearly separating governance from operations. This separation is crucial for enabling firms to operate more like businesses and less like old-school partnerships, which can often hinder growth.

Jason and Jeremy will also tackle private equity in professional services. With views ranging from seeing it as a potential exit strategy to leveraging it for growth, they unpack the varied perspectives and experiences surrounding this controversial subject.

Their discussion aims to shed light on how shifting mindsets, embracing new roles, and implementing structured leadership can pave the way for a more successful future. Stay tuned as they break down these complex issues and offer insights into making the transition smoother and more effective for everyone involved.

Welcome back to Thrivecast, where we dive deep into the mechanics of running a firm and the trends shaping the professional landscape. In today's episode, we're excited to have Tom Hood, EVP of the AICPA and Business Learning Institute, join us to unravel the complexities surrounding the CPA profession.

We tackle the hotly debated 150-hour rule for CPA exam eligibility and discuss its ten-year journey to legislative reality. As we navigate the impacts of this requirement on professional mobility and the talent pipeline, Tom sheds light on the formation of the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPEG) by the AICPA, aiming to align the accounting world amidst varying state regulations.

Our discussion leads into concerns over the profession’s outlook, from legislative challenges affecting mobility to the potential risks of an anti-licensing movement. But it's not all hurdles and high jumps; the silver lining reveals itself as we dissect the necessity for CPAs to find balance – charging fair prices, avoiding burnout, and staying ahead of technology, including AI, to thrive in their roles.

Tom reminds us of the importance of asserting value and provides insights on maintaining professional standards while nurturing work-life harmony. His insight will leave you pondering on the vision of a profession empowered by AI, a discipline that continues to demand the brightest minds to innovate and evolve.

So, tune in, as we reflect on these pressing issues, explore the necessary legislative landscapes, and ultimately, chart a course for a hopeful future in accounting.

Talent Pipeline & Survey – National Pipeline Advisory Group https://www.accountingpipeline.org/participate/

Future of Finance – Forbes article – fits CAS Practices CFO Ongoing Evolution: From “CF-No” To “CF-Know” https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2023/08/23/cfo-ongoing-evolution-from-cf-no-to-cf-know/?sh=57ddf2aa2acc

Welcome back to the Thrivecast, where we dive into the heart of what makes firms thrive. In today's episode, we're honored to host Seth David, the founder and chief nerd at Nerd Enterprises, who's here to share his unique and inspirational journey with us. Seth takes us from his former life on Wall Street to 25 years of sobriety and entrepreneurship in sunny California.

This episode also spotlights the evolution of Nerd Enterprises from a side hustle to a sought-after firm and how Seth's genuine and helpful content carved out a niche on YouTube. We'll touch upon the future of accounting, the integration of AI and advisory services, and the radical transformations within the industry.

Seth talks about the art of making banking fun and how his passion led him to challenge the norms within the accounting industry. We'll dissect the concept of impact over numbers as we discuss the growth of Seth's YouTube channel, breaking down why influence is more significant than subscriber count while exploring Seth's discomfort with being labeled as an ""influencer.""

Join us as we dive into Seth's innovative use of AI in his business practices, where his AI assistant, Sandy, is revolutionizing the way he works. We'll hear why Seth believes in nurturing community, selflessness, and the importance of ""esteemable acts"" in both recovery and business success.

Our special guest, Dr. Josh McGowan from Troy University, brings his wealth of knowledge as a university professor with a robust background in public accounting, teaching, and serving as a CFO. He offers insights into the professorial life and the importance of incorporating modern technology like AI into the classroom. Also, we'll glimpse into the high flex classes at Troy University, designed to adapt to various student needs.

Our host, Jason Blumer, also emphasizes the critical role of mentorship and real-world experience in shaping future accountants. Meanwhile, firms are grappling with increasing salaries to combat a talent shortage and adjusting their operations to reflect the true value of their services.

Their discussion will not just revolve around the figures; they’ll also tackle recent changes to the CPA exam structure, the implications of these changes for students, and career trajectories. There's a buzz about whether the 150-hour rule is serving its purpose, amidst concerns of a shrinking pool of accounting major graduates.

Stay tuned, as Jason and Josh unpack these topics and much more, breaking down everything you need to know to understand the evolving landscape of the accounting profession.

Venture into the accounting realm with none other than Chase Birky, founder of Dark Horse CPAs— a firm that's galloping ahead of the competition by empowering small businesses and accounting professionals alike.

With an innovative platform designed to incorporate outsourced teams and private wealth management, Dark Horse is redefining value for CPAs and clients.

Explore the personal entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the balance between commitment to business and personal life, as well as the emotional toll that comes with the territory of being a business owner. Chase opens up about his transition from big four accounting to the helm of Dark Horse and the innovations that keep them unique amid private equity's watchful eye.

The journey doesn't stop there. Learn how Dark Horse stands out by offering CPAs growth, equity, and incentives— a cocktail of opportunities rivalling what some might expect from a private equity model, yet still personifying a touch of entrepreneurial freedom and support. And of course, we'll touch upon the crucial support networks required in such a demanding field, underscoring the importance of community, family, and technological tools like Bill, our exclusively featured sponsor, that glue businesses together.

So, whether you're a CPA looking to leap onto a new saddle or simply keen on the foresight that's driving modern firms forward, grab your headphones, and let's embark on a journey into the evolving world of accounting with Chase Birky and Jason Blumer as your guides.

Tune into the latest episode of Thrivecast, where Jason dives deep into the art of strategic calendar planning. Learn how to maximize productivity without crashing into chaos – a must-listen for all leaders and aspiring business owners! In this episode, Jason takes a sprightly walk through the concept of containering and strategic calendar work blocking. Explore how Jason masterfully runs not one, but two successful full-time businesses, using an ordered and comprehensive approach to time management. Steal a glimpse into Jason's calendar. Discover their secrets of managing time between team, leadership meetings, and content creation sessions organized meticulously. Get insights into his use of efficient tools like Todoist and Twist, supporting day-to-day tasks and team communications. This newest episode unravels the art of saying “yes” to strategic goals while knowing when to say “no” to distractions. Counter chaos with Jason's tips to achieve healthier priorities, rhythm, and work-life balance, all crucial for business growth. This insightful episode wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, Divi and Bill. And if you're wondering how to keep your spend management streamlined, you'll want to hear what Divi has to offer. Savor insights about pre-planning your strategic life with practices and tools that can enable you to achieve bigger goals with less overwhelm. As Jason puts it, “Intentionality and structured planning can create a bigger impact.” Don’t forget to join us for the second part of this essential series on strategic calendar work blocking.

Did y'all know that rhythms define and contain your commitments and that a rhythmic calendar will align your team for success? Jason Blumer is solo on the newest episode of Thrivecast to discuss the role of strategic, pre-planned calendars in forming intentional and fulfilling work. A pre-blocked calendar prevents time wastage on trivial tasks and keeps you focused on the important goals—contributing to your overall success. Jason further unpacks the significance of attention as a precious resource. He'll discuss how misuse of attention can spiral into chaos and how you, as an entrepreneur, can preserve it best. Owning a firm often feels like a rollercoaster ride, and it's imperative to build your own structure and order using tools like calendar-blocking. Listen to learn about implementing the methodology of strategic work calendar-blocking, which Jason and his partner, Julie, use in their businesses and coach others on. This powerful tool involves blocking out your calendar an entire year in advance, and how this simple action can drastically augment your strategic planning and execution. Remember, while entrepreneurship empowers you to carve your own future, it's not about succumbing to your emotional whims. Jason dives into the dangers of an "unintentional future" and how pre-planned calendar can help you stay on track. Listen to the full episode for a sneak peak of part 2 where Jason will be focusing on the practical aspects of strategic calendar work blocking. Stay tuned for more insights!