Jim Sand CPA, CA, CAFM is an entrepreneur and business leader who is deeply committed to his profession, his community, and his Métis heritage. On this episode of Uncommon Sense, Jim reflects on a life of volunteerism and on contributing his expertise to organizations ranging from the Accounting Standards Board to food banks and health centres. He also discusses his personal philosophy around business and entrepreneurship, and provides some observations on the importance of his work with Indigenous communities and businesses. He also finds time to talk about what it was like growing up in a national park!

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Patrick Moore CPA, CA is an Assurance Partner with the accounting firm of MNP in their Edmonton office. He is also an accomplished athlete as well as a key member of the 2026 Canadian Paralympic delegation as the Waxer for the Paralympic cross-country skiing team. In this episode, Patrick talks about his Olympic experiences and how he manages a busy day job while being active in the worlds of recreational and competitive sport.

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With Canada marking Black History Month 2026 in February, Alberta CPAs Chioma and Ako Ufodike join our host to talk about how they partnered with the accounting firm of MNP to create and fund a unique business award of excellence for Black post-secondary students, and the inspiration underpinning the award. They also chat about their own experiences as Black students and professionals, and the importance of Black History Month. Chioma and Ako bring humour and great insights to this wide-ranging and compelling discussion.

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Over the course of her career, Tiffany Chow CPA, CA, CBV, has distinguished herself as a leader and skilled business valuator. She is also dedicated to making her community stronger, earning her CPA Alberta's Early Achievement Award in 2025. In this conversation with host Jessica de Groot, Tiffany discusses her work with EY Canada's Pan-Asian Professional Network as well as her contributions to Edmonton's WIN House women's shelter. This is an engaging and informative discussion about how one CPA can make a difference.

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When planning retirement, many of us focus on the financial aspects of preparing for retirement. But if you only look at the financial part of the process, then you might be neglecting some other key elements of getting ready for retirement. On this episode of Uncommon Sense, we talk with Terry Olexyn CPA, CMA, founder of PEAK Retirement Solutions Ltd. Terry shares his insights and expertise on the benefits of factoring-in considerations such as personal goals, self-awareness, "healthspan vs. lifespan", and other components of a well-rounded retirement plan.

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In November, Alberta's CPA profession celebrated the achievements of 443 successful Alberta writers of the profession's fall Common Final Examination (CFE). Passing this exam is a major step before CPA candidates earn their full designation. On November 28, 2025 in Edmonton, many of these soon-to-be CPAs gathered with their employers and other dignitaries at a luncheon, hosted by CPA Alberta. And Uncommon Sense was there! This "person on the street" episode features a collection of real-time comments and perspectives, ranging from tears of joy to cheers of delight. Thanks to everyone who took the time to chat with us, and thanks as well to CPA Alberta for accommodating our podcast crew.

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In part 2 of our discussion on investing, Ryan Gubic CPA, CGA discusses the concept of risk when it comes to investing, and explores the different ways that people manage and accept risk. He also sheds some light on what he calls a "holistic" approach to investment and financial planning, focusing on how people's values and personal goals help shape their investment decisions.

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Ryan Gubic CPA, CGA and owner of MRG Wealth Management, helps us understand how to approach investing and how it can set you up for financial security. In Part 1 of our two-part discussion, Ryan talks about the fundamentals of investing and walks listeners through the ways a person can begin investing, some tips for smart investing, and how investing can help you prepare for retirement.

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On this episode, we're chatting with Alex Gulay about the Hesje Observatory, one of the many legacy projects in Alberta that the late Brian Hesje FCPA, FCA funded during his lifetime. Alex is the Programming Coordinator at the Hesje Observatory, which is located at the University of Alberta's Augustana Miquelon Lake Research Station. In her conversation with host Jessica de Groot, Alex talks about the stargazing opportunities offered by the observatory, the facility's contributions to education and research, and the lasting impact that Brian's gift has made to astronomers in Alberta.

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Robyn Hamilton CPA, CA is a busy professional who has a demanding and rewarding passion outside of work: marathon-running. She's participated in marathons from Edmonton to Berlin to Tokyo, and has learned how the focus and resilience required of a marathon runner can also make a difference career-wise. On this episode, Robyn talks about her life as a runner, the priority she places on fitness, and some of the surprising moments of human connection that one can experience in a marathon.

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