Episodes

  • Episode #160: Boosting Firm Efficiency with Ian Vacin

    Episode #160: Boosting Firm Efficiency with Ian Vacin
    Oct 22 2024
    Welcome back to Thrivecast! In today’s episode, Jason chats with Ian Vacin, co-founder and chief customer officer of Karbon. Known for his extensive background in industrial engineering, high tech manufacturing, and an MBA, Ian brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the table. Together, they dive deep into the intricacies of capacity planning and resource management for accounting firms, drawing from their own collaboration history and experiences on road shows. They’ll give us a sneak peek into their latest endeavor: co-writing a book on "human capacity," blending extensive research with anecdotal wisdom to tackle the complexities of scaling service-based businesses. From labor cost challenges to the nuanced art of outsourcing staff, Ian and Jason share invaluable insights that can help any entrepreneur navigate the choppy waters of growth and organizational design!
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    44 mins
  • Episode #159: Strategic Tax Planning and Leadership with Jackie Meyer

    Episode #159: Strategic Tax Planning and Leadership with Jackie Meyer
    Sep 25 2024
    Welcome back to Thrivecast! In today's episode, Jason and Jackie Meyer, dive into the dynamic world of tax planning and strategic leadership. Holding a doctorate in strategic leadership, Jackie discusses the significance of setting personal boundaries, the value of in-person meetings, and her journey in hiring a CEO to focus on her book and career advancements. We'll explore the high ROI potential of tax planning, the importance of strategic pricing, and how Jackie's SaaS product, Tax Plan IQ, is transforming the accounting industry. Join them as they navigate through the distinctions of tax advisory services, manage a busy schedule, and discover the limitless potential within the profession!
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    44 mins
  • Episode #158: Influence and Leadership in Accounting with Rob Brown

    Episode #158: Influence and Leadership in Accounting with Rob Brown
    Aug 26 2024
    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!
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    39 mins
  • Episode #157: The Power of Strategic Owner Rest Explained with Jason Blumer

    Episode #157: The Power of Strategic Owner Rest Explained with Jason Blumer
    Jul 25 2024
    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!
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    29 mins
  • Episode #156: Changing Perception in Accounting with Calvin Harris

    Episode #156: Changing Perception in Accounting with Calvin Harris
    Jun 25 2024
    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.
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    49 mins
  • Episode #155: Building Corporate Models for Firm Growth with Jeremy Clopton

    Episode #155: Building Corporate Models for Firm Growth with Jeremy Clopton
    May 27 2024
    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.
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    46 mins
  • Episode #154: Reinventing the CPA Pathway with Tom Hood

    Episode #154: Reinventing the CPA Pathway with Tom Hood
    Apr 25 2024
    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
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    41 mins
  • Episode #153: From Side Hustle to Success with Seth David

    Episode #153: From Side Hustle to Success with Seth David
    Mar 25 2024
    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.
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    50 mins