Your Network Is Human Capital: Why Relationships Matter in Business and Life

Technical knowledge can open doors, but relationships built on trust can take your career much further.

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with former NFL athlete, entrepreneur, speaker, and business coach Marques Ogden to talk about resilience, relationships, leadership, and the lessons he's learned through both extraordinary success and significant setbacks.

Marques shares his journey from the NFL to building a successful construction company, losing it all, and ultimately rebuilding his career after hitting rock bottom. Today, through Ogden Ventures LLC, he uses those experiences to help leaders and organizations strengthen culture, develop their people, and navigate challenges. Most importantly, he reminds professionals—especially those just beginning their careers—that education and expertise matter, but trusted relationships are an equally important investment.

• Why relationships are critical to building a successful career and business
• How authenticity and vulnerability can make leaders more relatable and impactful
• What Marques learned from losing his business and rebuilding from rock bottom
• Why taking responsibility for failure can become the starting point for future success
• How listening to your audience or client creates more meaningful solutions
• Why trust can make business relationships more efficient and effective
• What young professionals should understand about investing in their "human capital"

Your greatest capital isn't always financial capital. It can be human capital.

Education, credentials, and technical expertise are important, but careers and businesses are also built through relationships. Invest in people. Build trust. Be curious. Help others. Create a network of people you can learn from, collaborate with, and support.

Those relationships may become some of the most valuable assets you build throughout your career.

CPAs are trusted advisors, and trust isn't created by technical expertise alone.

Clients, colleagues, and business partners want professionals who listen, understand their challenges, communicate authentically, and build genuine relationships.

For the next generation of accounting professionals in particular, Marques' message is an important reminder: don't become so focused on earning the credential, mastering the technical skills, and advancing your career that you forget to invest in people.

Your professional network isn't simply a list of contacts. It's human capital.

Marques Ogden is a former NFL athlete, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, business coach, corporate consultant, and founder of Ogden Ventures LLC.

After his NFL career, Marques built a successful construction business before experiencing significant financial and professional setbacks. After reaching rock bottom in 2013, he rebuilt his career around speaking, coaching, leadership development, and sharing the lessons he learned through both success and failure.

Today, Marques works with organizations across industries, customizing his programs around leadership, culture, resilience, business growth, and performance. His message combines personal experience, vulnerability, and practical strategies designed to help individuals and organizations move forward.

Website: https://marquesogden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquesogden/

Success is something we all strive for—but how often do we stop to ask what that success is costing us?

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with Roderick Jefferson, CEO of Roderick Jefferson & Associates, internationally recognized business and transformational speaker, consultant, coach, and two-time bestselling author. After decades of corporate success and surviving two strokes, Roderick brings a powerful perspective to the conversation: professional achievement should never come at the expense of your health, relationships, or the people and experiences that matter most.

Roderick shares practical ways professionals can become more intentional with their time, incorporate self-care into their schedules, be fully present, and build structure that creates more—not less—freedom. The conversation also explores work-life wellness, the importance of coaching and accountability, using AI as a business partner, and why remembering your "why" matters throughout every stage of your career.

• Why professional success should always be measured against what it costs you
• How choosing just three priorities each day can create greater focus and structure
• Why self-care belongs on your calendar just like a client meeting
• The difference between physically being in the room and truly being present
• How scheduling breaks and limiting consecutive meetings can improve productivity
• Why Roderick focuses on "work-life wellness" rather than work-life balance
• How coaching and accountability can help professionals remain successful without forgetting to be human

Climbing the ladder of success is amazing—but not if you lose yourself on the way up.

Leadership isn't only about achieving more. It's also about recognizing what matters, creating boundaries, surrounding yourself with the right people, and building a definition of success that includes your health and your life outside of work.

CPAs, finance professionals, and business leaders are accustomed to deadlines, packed calendars, high expectations, and the constant pressure to accomplish more.

But productivity without intentionality can come at a significant cost.

Roderick's message challenges professionals to think differently about success. Building breaks into the calendar, prioritizing what truly matters, delegating to the right people, and creating time to be fully present aren't signs that you're accomplishing less. They can help you become a stronger leader, colleague, advisor, and person.

And as AI creates new opportunities to work more efficiently, the question may not be simply, "How much more can I accomplish?" Instead, it may be, "What will I do with the time I get back?"

Roderick Jefferson is an internationally recognized business and transformational speaker, CEO of Roderick Jefferson & Associates, and a thought leader in sales enablement.

Throughout his career, Roderick has held executive leadership, sales, sales enablement, operations, and customer experience roles with organizations including AT&T, Marketo, Oracle, and Salesforce. Today, his work includes fractional consulting, business coaching, keynote speaking, and helping organizations and professionals grow while creating sustainable approaches to success.

Roderick is also the author of Sales Enablement 3.0: The Blueprint to Sales Enablement Excellence, the Sales 3.0 Companion Workbook, and Stroke of Success. Drawing on his own experience as a two-time stroke survivor, he shares a powerful message about achievement, health, purpose, and the importance of asking: Success—but at what cost?



Roderick Jefferson & Associates

Stroke of Success

https://roderickjefferson.com/book

https://linktr.ee/roderickjefferson

The Future of Accounting Is Human: Leadership, Purpose and a Profession Worth Getting Excited About

The accounting profession is changing quickly—but that doesn't have to be a bad thing.

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with CPA and longtime profession advocate Randy Crabtree to talk about the future of accounting, the importance of people-first leadership, and why today's rapid changes create an opportunity to build a healthier and more fulfilling profession.

Randy shares his passion for addressing burnout and mental health, developing more vulnerable and relatable leaders, and helping firms define their purpose beyond the services they provide. They also explore AI, changing expectations around billable hours, the next generation of accounting professionals, and why the future may allow CPAs to spend more time doing what they do best—helping people.

• Why vulnerable leadership can create stronger, more connected teams
• How outdated leadership practices contribute to burnout and talent challenges
• Why firms need to define themselves by their purpose—not just their services
• How knowing who you serve, and who you don't, creates healthier boundaries
• Why AI can be an opportunity for the accounting profession rather than simply a threat
• How moving beyond an hours-based mindset could reshape accounting careers
• Why finding the intersection of your passions and skills can create a more fulfilling career

Great leadership isn't about appearing to have everything figured out.

Leaders who are willing to acknowledge mistakes, share what they've learned, and ask for help become more relatable—and create environments where others feel comfortable doing the same.

Vulnerability isn't a leadership weakness. It can be one of a leader's greatest strengths.

Accounting professionals are navigating significant change: AI, evolving client expectations, new workforce priorities, talent shortages, burnout, and changing business models.

But those challenges also give the profession an opportunity to rethink how we work and lead.

Organizations that create people-first cultures, clearly understand their purpose, embrace technology, and allow professionals to focus on meaningful work can build stronger teams while attracting a new generation of talent.

The future of accounting isn't simply about what technology can do. It's about freeing people to do more of what humans do best—connect, advise, lead, and make an impact.

Randy Crabtree, CPA, is a longtime advocate for the accounting profession, speaker, podcast host, and recently retired co-founder of specialty tax firm Tri-Merit.

After nearly two decades building Tri-Merit, Randy is dedicating the next chapter of his career to helping make the accounting profession the best it can be. His work focuses on mental health awareness, burnout prevention, people-first leadership, managing change, and creating healthier cultures within the profession.

He also hosts the Bridging the Gap conference, which brings together accounting professionals to share ideas around mental health, leadership, innovation, and the future of the profession.

Website: https://www.randycrabtree.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-crabtree-cpa-1945a67/

Your Mind Is Your Greatest Asset: Building Mental Fitness for Peak Performance

Episode Summary

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with Wayne Basist, founder of ESQ Mental Fitness, to discuss a topic that affects every CPA, attorney, and business professional: mental fitness.

After a successful legal career, Wayne experienced firsthand the effects of chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, and ultimately a life-changing accident that transformed his purpose. Today, he helps professionals understand the automatic thought patterns that create unnecessary stress and equips them with practical tools to respond with greater clarity, focus, and resilience.

Together, Kristie and Wayne explore how professionals can quiet the "mental chatter," improve decision-making under pressure, strengthen relationships, and create healthier workplaces—all while improving performance and personal well-being.

Whether you're navigating deadlines, leading a team, or simply trying to balance work and life, this episode offers practical strategies that can make an immediate impact.

What You'll Learn

• Why stress often comes from our internal thought patterns—not just external circumstances
• How negative "saboteur" thinking impacts performance, relationships, and well-being
• Practical mindfulness techniques you can use in real time—even during a busy workday
• Why taking three intentional breaths can reset your focus and decision-making
• How mental fitness improves productivity, client service, and leadership
• Why human connection will remain one of the greatest differentiators in an AI-driven profession
• How choosing your response can transform both your professional and personal life

Key Leadership Insight

Peak performance doesn't happen by eliminating pressure.

It happens by learning how to manage your response to pressure.

Leaders who strengthen their mental fitness make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and create healthier teams.

Why This Matters

Accounting and finance professionals operate in high-pressure environments where deadlines, client expectations, and constant change can easily lead to stress and burnout.

Mental fitness isn't just about personal wellness—it directly impacts:

• decision-making
• client relationships
• productivity
• leadership effectiveness
• team culture
• long-term career sustainability

As technology continues to automate technical work, professionals who develop emotional resilience and authentic human connection will create lasting value for both clients and organizations.

About the Guest

Wayne Basist is the Founder and CEO of ESQ Mental Fitness. A former commercial litigation and corporate bankruptcy attorney, Wayne combines his legal experience with specialized training in mental fitness to help attorneys, CPAs, and business professionals reduce stress, improve focus, and perform at their highest level.

Drawing from both personal experience and evidence-based practices, Wayne teaches professionals how to recognize self-sabotaging thought patterns, build resilience, and strengthen the mental skills needed to thrive in demanding careers.

Connect with the Guest

Website: www.esqmentalfitness.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-basist-mentalfitness/ 

Your Mind Is Your Greatest Asset: Building Mental Fitness for Peak Performance

Conflict Is Inevitable. Drama Is Optional: How to Resolve Conflict Before It Costs Your Business

Episode Summary

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek welcomes Dana Garnett, founder of The Mindful Strategy, to discuss a challenge every professional faces but few are equipped to navigate effectively—conflict.

Drawing from her unique career journey from Big Eight public accounting and corporate leadership at Coca-Cola to mediation and conflict resolution coaching, Dana shares how unresolved conflict impacts businesses, partnerships, families, and individual well-being. She explains why traditional mediation often settles disputes, while her approach focuses on achieving lasting resolution by getting to the heart of the issue.

Whether you're a CPA, business owner, firm leader, or trusted advisor, this conversation offers practical strategies for recognizing conflict early, improving communication, and preventing small disagreements from becoming costly business problems.

What You'll Learn

• Why avoiding conflict often creates bigger problems than addressing it
• The difference between conflict resolution and conflict settlement
• How unresolved conflict affects business performance, relationships, and personal well-being
• Why only one person is needed to begin creating meaningful change
• Common warning signs that conflict is costing your business time and money
• How CPAs and trusted advisors can help clients recognize conflict before it damages assets or relationships
• Why every difficult situation begins with a choice—and every choice creates a new opportunity

Key Leadership Insight

Conflict isn't the real problem.

The real problem is allowing unresolved conflict to consume your energy, decision-making, and relationships.

Strong leaders don't avoid difficult conversations—they learn how to navigate them with clarity and purpose.

Why This Matters

Conflict is expensive.

It impacts productivity, profitability, employee retention, client relationships, succession planning, and even personal health.

For CPAs and business advisors, recognizing conflict early can help clients avoid unnecessary legal costs, protect business value, strengthen partnerships, and improve long-term organizational success.

Learning how to navigate conflict isn't just a leadership skill—it's a business strategy.

About the Guest

Dana Garnett is the founder of The Mindful Strategy and a conflict resolution strategist with a unique background spanning Big Eight public accounting, corporate leadership, mediation, and executive coaching.

After beginning her career in audit and later serving in leadership roles with The Coca-Cola Company, Dana developed a proven approach that helps business owners, executives, and professionals resolve complex conflict quickly while creating lasting change.

Her work focuses on strengthening relationships, improving communication, and helping leaders navigate inevitable challenges with greater ease.

Connect with the Guest

Website: The Mindful Strategy

LinkedIn: Dana Garnett

Dana Garnett

Credentialed Advanced Mediator & Conflict Resolution Strategist

[email protected] | mindfulstrategy.com

The Influence Gap: How Great CPAs Become Great Communicators

Episode Summary

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek welcomes communication and presentation coach Dez Thornton to discuss a skill every accounting professional needs—but few receive formal training on: communicating with confidence.

While CPAs excel at analyzing data and solving complex problems, Dez explains that technical expertise alone isn't enough to influence clients, lead teams, or inspire confidence. Whether presenting financial statements, leading meetings, or speaking at conferences, professionals must learn how to connect with people—not just present information.

Together, they explore practical techniques for becoming a stronger communicator, including storytelling, audience connection, presentation preparation, and overcoming perfectionism. The result is a conversation packed with actionable advice for professionals at every stage of their career.

What You'll Learn

• Why technical expertise doesn't automatically translate into influence
• How storytelling helps clients better understand financial information
• The difference between focusing on yourself versus focusing on your audience
• Why connection matters more than perfection in presentations
• Practical ways to prepare for presentations using visual mapping
• How video practice accelerates confidence and communication skills
• Why authentic communication will remain a competitive advantage in an AI-driven world

Key Leadership Insight

People don't remember every number you present—they remember how you made them feel and whether they trusted you.

The most effective leaders focus less on delivering information and more on creating meaningful connections with their audience.

Why This Matters

Today's CPAs are expected to do much more than prepare financial reports.

They advise clients, lead teams, present to boards, facilitate meetings, and explain complex financial concepts to non-financial audiences.

Developing stronger communication skills helps professionals:

• build trust faster
• strengthen client relationships
• become more influential leaders
• communicate complex topics with confidence
• differentiate themselves in an increasingly technology-driven profession

As AI continues to automate technical work, human connection will become one of the profession's greatest competitive advantages.

About the Guest

Dez Thornton is a communication coach who helps business leaders, executives, and professionals close what he calls the "Influence Gap"—the space between having expertise and being able to communicate it effectively.

With more than 20 years of experience coaching leaders across multiple industries, Dez specializes in presentation coaching, executive communication, storytelling, and helping professionals connect with audiences in ways that inspire trust and action.

Connect with the Guest

Website: Dez Thornton & Associates

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dezthornton/ 

Why Charging by the Hour May Be Holding Your Firm Back

Episode Summary

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with Loren Fogelman, business coach and former sports psychologist, to discuss one of the biggest mindset shifts facing accounting professionals today: moving from hourly pricing to value-based pricing.

Loren shares how many CPAs and firm owners unintentionally undervalue themselves because they were trained to connect compensation directly to time. As technology and AI continue transforming the profession, she explains why firms must rethink how they communicate value, price services, and attract high-quality clients.

The conversation explores practical strategies for building sustainable firms, raising rates with confidence, creating better client relationships, and designing businesses that support both profitability and personal well-being.

Whether you're a solo practitioner, firm owner, or accounting professional considering your next stage of growth, this episode provides actionable insight into building a business model that reflects the true value you deliver.

What You’ll Learn

• Why hourly pricing no longer aligns with today’s technology-driven accounting profession

• The difference between what firms value versus what clients actually value

• How to identify and attract higher-quality clients

• Why packaging services creates stronger client outcomes and pricing flexibility

• The “Good, Better, Best” strategy for raising rates gradually and confidently

• How value-based conversations strengthen client relationships

• Why sustainable growth requires courage—not just confidence

Key Leadership Insight

The faster and more efficient you become, the less you can charge under an hourly model.

True growth happens when professionals stop pricing based on time and start pricing based on the value and outcomes they deliver.

Why This Matters

The accounting profession is evolving rapidly through technology, automation, and AI.

Firms that continue relying solely on time-based pricing may struggle to:

• scale profitably
• avoid burnout
• differentiate themselves in the marketplace
• fully capture the value of their expertise

Value-based pricing allows firms to build stronger client relationships, improve profitability, create sustainable workloads, and focus more on strategic advisory services rather than transactional work.

About the Guest

Loren Fogelman is a business coach and former sports psychologist who helps accounting professionals and firm owners strengthen pricing strategies, communicate their value more effectively, and build sustainable, profitable firms.

Through her coaching and consulting work, Loren specializes in helping professionals transition from time-based pricing models to value-based approaches that support both business growth and personal well-being.

Her work focuses on client-centered firms that want to increase revenue, improve client relationships, and create healthier work-life balance.

Connect with the Guest

Website: https://businesssuccesssolution.com

Resource Mentioned: https://businesssuccesssolution.com/raise

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenfogelman/

Cryptocurrency is no longer a niche investment topic — it is becoming a growing reality for taxpayers, businesses, and accounting professionals alike. In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with cryptocurrency tax and accounting specialist Saim Akif to break down the evolving world of crypto reporting, compliance, and blockchain innovation.

Saim shares practical insights into why cryptocurrency taxation is far more complex than many realize, especially with the rollout of new 1099-DA reporting requirements. From wallets and exchanges to cost basis tracking and self-custody transactions, he explains the risks CPAs and taxpayers face when crypto records are incomplete or misunderstood.

The conversation also explores the future of blockchain, the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate digital assets, and why accounting professionals should embrace — not fear — this rapidly evolving space.

What You’ll Learn

• Why cryptocurrency accounting is becoming relevant for every CPA firm
• What the new 1099-DA reporting requirements mean for taxpayers
• How crypto wallet transfers can create reporting challenges
• Why accurate cost basis tracking is critical
• Common mistakes taxpayers and practitioners make with crypto reporting
• The importance of quarterly crypto reconciliations
• How blockchain and tokenization may reshape the future of finance

Key Leadership Insight

“The professionals who lean into learning emerging technologies today will be the ones best positioned to serve clients tomorrow.”

Why This Matters

As cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow, CPAs and financial professionals can no longer afford to ignore digital assets. Understanding the basics of blockchain reporting, documentation requirements, and compliance risks is essential for protecting clients, minimizing tax exposure, and staying ahead in a rapidly changing financial environment.

Guest Bio

Saim Akif is a Houston-based CPA and CFA specializing in cryptocurrency tax and accounting. He works with taxpayers and CPA firms across the country to help reconcile crypto transactions, interpret evolving reporting requirements, and navigate the complexities of blockchain-based assets. Saim is passionate about educating practitioners and simplifying cryptocurrency accounting for both clients and professionals.

Connect with the Guest

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saim-akif/

SAIM AKIF CPA

Phone: (713) 451-9700

Email: [email protected]

Saim's Website https://saim.cpa

Main Website www.akifcpa.com

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with Jasir Jamal, CEO of Longhorn 1031 Exchanges, to discuss one of the most important tax-deferral strategies available to real estate investors: the 1031 exchange.

Jasir breaks down the basics of how 1031 exchanges work, why advanced planning is critical, and how investors can defer capital gains and depreciation recapture taxes when transitioning from one investment property to another.

The conversation also explores the long-term wealth planning opportunities tied to 1031 exchanges, including generational wealth transfer strategies, stepped-up basis rules, and why collaboration between CPAs, financial advisors, and exchange specialists is essential for successful execution.

Whether you're a CPA, real estate investor, financial advisor, or business owner with investment property, this episode provides practical guidance on navigating the complexity of 1031 exchanges and avoiding costly mistakes.

What You’ll Learn

What a 1031 exchange is and how tax deferral works

Why timing and advanced planning are critical in a successful exchange

How depreciation recapture impacts investment property sales

Why proceeds cannot go directly into the seller’s bank account

The IRS requirements related to replacement property value and debt

How 1031 exchanges support long-term generational wealth planning

Why collaboration between CPAs, financial advisors, and exchange specialists matters

Key Leadership Insight

The best tax strategies are rarely last-minute decisions.

Successful 1031 exchanges require proactive planning, coordinated advisors, and a clear understanding of long-term financial goals before a property sale ever closes.

Why This Matters

For real estate investors, taxes can significantly reduce the ability to reinvest and grow wealth.

A properly structured 1031 exchange allows investors to:

defer capital gains taxes

continue expanding investment portfolios

preserve cash flow for future investments

support long-term estate and wealth transfer strategies

For CPAs and financial professionals, understanding the basics of 1031 exchanges can help clients avoid missed opportunities and make more informed decisions before triggering taxable events.

About the Guest

Jasir Jamal is the CEO of Longhorn 1031 Exchanges, where he helps real estate investors navigate the complexities of 1031 exchanges and tax-deferral strategies.

His firm works with investors, CPAs, and financial professionals to guide clients through both simple and highly complex exchange transactions while helping ensure compliance with IRS timelines and requirements.

Jasir specializes in helping clients understand how 1031 exchanges can support long-term investment growth and generational wealth planning.

Connect with the Guest

Website: https://longhorn1031.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasir-jamal-/

Why Your CPA, Financial Advisor, and Estate Attorney Should Be Working Together

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with Natalie Picha and Matt Berti of RHP Wealth Management to discuss the importance of building a collaborative financial team that works together to support long-term wealth planning.

The conversation explores how financial advisors, CPAs, estate attorneys, and investment professionals can align strategies to better serve clients—not just during tax season, but throughout every stage of life. Natalie and Matt explain why true financial planning goes beyond investments and focuses on helping clients live the life they want while protecting future generations.

They also discuss the growing importance of financial confidence for women, the realities of the Great Wealth Transfer, and how transparency, communication, and education empower families to make stronger financial decisions.

Whether you're a CPA, business owner, financial professional, or someone planning for the future, this episode offers practical insight into creating a financial strategy that works holistically—not in silos.

• Why collaboration between CPAs, financial advisors, and estate attorneys creates better client outcomes

• How tax strategy should align with long-term financial planning

• Why financial planning is about life goals—not just investments

• The importance of reviewing beneficiaries and estate documents regularly

• How proactive financial conversations reduce stress and improve decision-making

• Why women need greater confidence and involvement in financial planning and investing

• How integrated planning can help families navigate generational wealth transitions

The strongest financial outcomes happen when professionals stop operating independently and start collaborating as a team around the client.

A coordinated approach between advisors, CPAs, and legal professionals can reduce risk, improve strategy execution, and help clients make more confident decisions over the long term.

Many individuals and families unknowingly operate with disconnected financial strategies.

Without communication between financial professionals, important details can be missed—from outdated beneficiaries to tax inefficiencies and estate planning gaps.

Creating a collaborative financial team helps clients:

• make more informed decisions
• reduce costly mistakes
• improve long-term wealth outcomes
• create smoother transitions between generations

For CPAs and business advisors, strong partnerships with financial planning professionals can also improve the overall client experience and strengthen long-term client relationships.

Natalie Picha is the Chief Experience Officer and Founding Partner of RHP Wealth Management, where she specializes in helping clients align financial planning, tax strategy, and life goals through a collaborative and relationship-focused approach.

Matt Berti, CFP®, CPWA® is a Wealth Advisor at RHP Wealth Management with nearly a decade of experience in the RIA space. He focuses on simplifying complex financial topics and helping clients make confident decisions through comprehensive planning and wealth strategy.

Website: RHP Wealth Management - https://www.royalharborpartners.com/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-picha-3ba26416/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewberti/