Rise and Stride

Armed with a CPA license and a master’s degree in applied positive psychology, Wes Hitchcock is on a mission to improve the well-being of CPAs, help them reach their potential and create plans to stop burnout in the profession—while focusing on being more optimistic. This is more than looking at the world through rose-colored glasses; it’s having an optimistic, explanatory style that can make people more resilient—and more productive.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or your career is just taking off, AICPA Chair Carla McCall stresses the importance of finding the work that gives you meaning. In this episode, McCall, managing partner at AAF CPAs, shares her insights into leadership, employee engagement and her “human first” approach to company culture. 

The accounting profession is evolving at breakneck speed, and today’s CPAs need more than just technical know-how—they need innovation and creativity to stay ahead. Kendale King, founder of KCK CPA and the visionary behind CPACON, an interactive accounting conference set for Dec. 3, believes that by embracing boldness and curiosity, CPAs can not only keep up but open new pathways to survive and thrive. 

We've all heard the saying, "If it ain’t broke, why fix it?" But in today's rapidly evolving business world, that mindset could hold you back. In this episode, speaker, author, consultant and CPA Gene Marks says clinging to that old adage could put your success, and even your survival, at risk as the CPA profession and the business landscape continue to shift at lightning speed. 

Career paths are full of twists and turns, and your next big opportunity might be closer than you think—perhaps waiting in a phone call, a lunch invite or at a networking event. In this episode, Lorraine Lavet, a senior client partner at Korn Ferry, says take advantage of these opportunities because you never know how a simple connection could shape your future.

We’ve all likely heard the cliché, “there’s no I in team.” And sure, it’s cheesy, yet as leadership and transformation coach Emily Liang explains in this episode, there’s great value in surrounding yourself with those who can help you take that next step in your career—be they mentors, coaches, advocates or a personal board of directors—and help you thrive and find joy.

Most everyone has heard of the Golden Rule—to treat others as you would like to be treated—and many think it’s a good management philosophy. Consultant Jeremy Wortman of HRD Initiatives, however, believes organizations can kick it up a notch to the Platinum Rule—treat people the way they want to be treated. Listen as he explains what that looks like and provides insight on how to best attract and retaining talent.

Combining her business skills and interest with a passion for helping people succeed, Jessica McClain, CFO of the Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital,  operates in what she calls “the intersection of accounting and social impact.” Listen as she provides her insights into leadership, career development, promoting the accounting profession … and her favorite Girl Scout cookie.

What happens when you combine knowledge, passion—and a mindset that magic can be found everywhere? For Danetha Doe, founder of financial education company Money and Mimosas, it’s meant building a successful career as an entrepreneur and speaker while helping small businesses in more than 20 countries raise more than $160 million in capital.  

Money makes the world go ’round, the saying goes. And for the younger generation that’s just learning about income, debt, credit scores, insurance and the like, it could make for a dizzying experience. Enter Tim Ranzetta, co-founder of Next Gen Personal Finance, a nonprofit that believes all high school students deserve a high quality, engaging and relevant personal finance education prior to graduation. Hear how his organization is doing that and is on a mission that by 2030, all U.S. high schoolers will take at least a one semester-long personal finance course before graduation.