Solving the Talent Crisis: Offshore Staffing and Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurs

Jul 9, 2025

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Have you ever wondered how the grit of Midwest farm life translates into game-changing leadership and a bold approach to scaling businesses in today’s evolving world?

We sit down with the dynamic Julie Bonness to explore her remarkable journey from managing a hobby farm in Wisconsin to pioneering global talent solutions in the accounting industry.

Julie shares candid stories about her early experiences, the values instilled by family, navigating career-defining choices, and the seismic shifts she’s witnessed in hiring, scaling, and global workforce management.

This conversation uncovers not just the “how,” but the “why” behind building resilient teams, overcoming generational talent gaps, and the powerful art of connecting people and solutions. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and discover what it truly takes to lead, scale, and leave a legacy, this episode is a must-listen.

3 Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs:

Talent is Global—Tap into It.

Julie discusses how the digital age has removed geographic barriers, emphasizing that the global talent pool is not only accessible but often essential to scale efficiently. For content creators, this is a powerful reminder: widen your perspective on where to find collaborators, support, and inspiration.

Authenticity and Connection Win Every Time.

Julie’s approach to sales is grounded in genuine problem-solving and helping others—a lesson that translates directly to content creation. Leading with authenticity and viewing your audience as individuals to serve (rather than just an audience to sell to) builds deeper trust and engagement.

Continuous Adaptation Is Essential.

The episode highlights how quickly industries evolve (e.g., the shift to cloud, global teams, and AI in accounting). For content creators, keeping a learner’s mindset and being open to tech shifts or platform changes is crucial to staying relevant and expanding your reach.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Empowering Moments

05:01 Concrete to Cattle: My Childhood

06:53 Group Effort in Shared Responsibilities

12:16 Successful Entrepreneur Supports Family Farm

13:09 Mom Was the Family Glue

17:46 "Choosing Cost-Effective College at Home"

22:45 "Leadership, Transition, and Growth"

23:32 Hiring and Scaling Evolution

27:50 Technology's Impact on Modern Workers

29:54 CPA Exodus: Challenges and Global Shifts

33:48 Addressing Talent Challenges in CPA Firms

36:07 Double Standards in Workplace Security

39:37 "Importance of Client Referrals"

43:04 Trickle-Down Effect in Firms

47:10 Empowering Women through Transitions

49:25 Unison Globus: Workforce & Tax Support

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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