
Rise and Stride
With each day, it feels like the business landscape is shifting. From regulatory changes to staffing concerns and everything in between, it’s challenging to stay in step—much less ahead—of what’s happening. In Rise and Stride, California Society of CPAs CEO Denise LeDuc Froemming will dive into leading topics by bringing together diverse voices that will empower you to take your next step.
Latest episodes

Apr 2, 2023 • 35min
Ep. 14: The High Calling of a CPA
Christina Ho, CPA and board member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, discusses the value of accounting, the evolution of auditing standards, working in the government sector, perseverance, diversity, empowering women in leadership, embracing risk, and pursuing passion in the accounting profession.

Mar 6, 2023 • 32min
Ep. 13: Community of One
With the face of the workplace changing—literally and figuratively—how can leaders and organizations ensure everyone is engaged and pulling in the same direction? Listen as Sarah Sladek, CEO and chief strategist of XYZ University, offers insights and strategies about talent recruitment and retention, leadership development and what each generation can learn from each other.

Feb 21, 2023 • 27min
Ep. 12: Finding Financial Freedom
Having a firm grasp on your finances and knowing where your money is coming from—and where it’s going—can be challenging and sometimes scary. In this episode of Rise and Stride, Larry Pon, CPA and chair of the CalCPA Financial Literacy Committee, outlines some strategies to help build a solid financial foundation.Resources:CalCPA Financial Literacy https://www.calcpa.org/public-resources/financial-literacyGuidestar https://www.guidestar.org

Feb 6, 2023 • 30min
Ep. 11: Mindset of Learning
There are a lot of characteristics that go into being a good leader that go beyond knowledge and expertise, including things like empathy, taking the questions and giving before you get. Listen as Michelle Russo, chief communications officer for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, discusses strategies organizations can take to keep their workforce informed and engaged.

Jan 23, 2023 • 32min
Ep. 10: Dialing in on Digital Assets
From blockchain to cryptocurrency, the digital economy is here to stay. Listen as Gabriella Kusz, CEO of the Global Digital Asset and Cryptocurrency Association, discusses what this means for the financial sector—and how CPAs can best prepare. Resources discussed: Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System (Satoshi Nakamoto) Management and Disclosure of Climate-Related Financial Impacts for State-Owned Enterprises: Toolkit for Shareholders and Regulators (World Bank) Climate-Related Financial Disclosures: Thematic Module in the Integrated State-Owned Enterprises Framework (World Bank)

Jan 9, 2023 • 33min
Ep. 9: Embracing the Change
From data science to blockchain to robotic process automation, the accounting profession is taking on a different look. In this episode, Mike Wetklow, Deputy CFO and Division Director for Financial Management at the National Science Foundation, https://www.nsf.gov, talks about the importance of lifelong learning, how CPAs fit into the data picture and the importance of including accounting among STEM fields.

Dec 12, 2022 • 36min
Ep. 8: Keeping the Supply Chain Connected
From manufacturers needing parts to individuals looking to stock their pantries, everyone has experienced supply chain issues. So what’s changing to make sure disruptions are kept at a minimum and where do CPAs fit into the strategy? Listen as Tom Derry, CEO of the Institute of Supply Management (https://www.ismworld.org) explains.

Nov 7, 2022 • 31min
Ep. 7: Take a Look Around
AI, Big Data, XBRL … the profession is moving fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. Mike Willis of the U.S. SEC discusses changes occurring—and coming—to the profession, and how curiosity can help you succeed.

Oct 3, 2022 • 30min
Ep. 6: The Long Game
It’s easy to get caught up in the here and now when it comes to investing, but CalPERS Managing Director James Andrus stresses it’s a long game you want to play—whether as an institution or an individual.

Sep 19, 2022 • 30min
Ep. 5: A Look at California’s Business Environment
One thing is always constant when it comes to California’s business environment—change. CalChamber CEO Jennifer Barrera discusses what’s top of mind for business, as well as what issues business should be on the watch for.