AFO|Wealth Management Forward

Industry leaders discuss the future of accounting, revealing the growing influence of private equity and potential IPOs. Insights on value acceleration emphasize the importance of attractiveness, owner readiness, and financial preparedness for business owners. Explore how behaviorally-driven client communications and generative AI boost productivity and engagement. The evolution of CPA firms leading up to 2030 hints at a shift towards business-oriented models. Additionally, effective storytelling techniques are spotlighted as a crucial element in successful fundraising.

In this special episode Rory highlights the most impactful conversations of 2024, featuring insights from leaders in behavioral finance, accounting, and wealth management. Discover how Amy Mullen’s values-based planning can deepen client connections, Dr. Preston Cherry’s “Secure the BAG” framework fosters financial compassion, and Nathan Astle’s practical framework navigates financial relationships. Learn about Bari Tessler’s approach to aligning money with emotions through mindfulness, Jeff Bartsch’s insights on storytelling, Alan Whitman’s call to challenge industry norms, and Samantha Lamas’s advice on preparing for retirement with emotional readiness. Are you curious about how to use storytelling to build trust with clients? Want to learn how aligning financial decisions with personal values can lead to greater satisfaction and success? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this best-of behavioral finance compilation.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Yuri Kapilovich, better known as “The Fun CPA,” about how he’s transforming the accounting profession by rejecting the traditional burnout culture and embracing work-life synchronicity. Discover how Yuri built a thriving practice that allows him to work fewer than 40 hours a week during busy seasons while staying highly responsive to his clients. Learn how his strategic approach to client selection and his focus on efficiency have helped him maintain a manageable workload and attract ideal clients. Yuri shares the power of personal branding, detailing how his engaging social media presence of over 10,000 LinkedIn followers has become a referral magnet. Are you curious about how to escape the grind and create a more rewarding practice? Want to learn how accountants can thrive by breaking outdated industry norms? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this engaging conversation with Yuri Kapilovich “The Fun CPA.”

In this episode, Rory sits down with Dr. Preston Cherry, founder of Concurrent Wealth Management, director at the Charles Schwab Center for Personal Financial Planning at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, and author of Wealth in the Key of Life: Finding Your Financial Harmony. Discover how financial wellness isn't just about numbers—it's about aligning your values, goals, and money decisions to create a life of purpose and meaning. Learn how tools like the "honest self-audit" and identifying your "money story" can help you build a stronger relationship with your finances. Dr. Cherry also shares his insights on creating financial compassion, embracing flexibility amidst uncertainty, and understanding the role of gratitude and grace in financial planning. Learn how how writing a financial purpose statement can illuminate your true priorities. Do you want to know why Dr. Cherry wrote about Michael Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror" metaphor? Are you ready to uncover the deeper connections between wealth and well-being? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with author Dr. Preston Cherry.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Chris Tabb, founder of Inevitable Sale and a certified exit planning advisor who specializes in white-label exit planning solutions for accounting firms and professional advisors. Discover why thinking about exit planning from day one can significantly improve business value and ensure a smoother transition. In fact, five out of six business owners currently do not have an exit plan, highlighting the importance of proactive planning to ensure successful outcomes. Learn about the three assessments Chris uses to evaluate businesses: attractiveness to buyers, personal readiness, and financial readiness. Chris also shares his expertise on how to create a value-creator business rather than just a lifestyle business, highlighting the importance of leadership, transferable value, and removing owner dependency. Are you interested in how to make your business more attractive to potential buyers? Do you want to know how to grow your audience on LinkedIn and via newsletters? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this engaging discussion with Chris Tabb.

In this conversation with Mary Schmid, a communication and leadership educator, listeners explore the neuroscience behind trust and dialogue. Mary reveals that 85% of conversations are often superficial, lacking depth in connection. She shares how practitioners can enhance client interactions through curiosity and effective body language. The episode highlights the impact of neurochemicals like oxytocin and dopamine in conversations, and the transformative power of storytelling to deepen relationships in both financial and personal contexts.

Reyes Flores, founder and CEO of Platform Accounting Group, shares insights from his journey transforming boutique accounting firms. He discusses how combining AI technology with rich, multi-generational relationships enhances service quality. Reyes explains why family offices are ideal partners for patient capital, enabling long-term planning. The conversation covers staffing challenges, the retirement of senior partners, and innovative strategies for firm acquisitions, all aimed at ensuring local firms can evolve without losing their personal touch.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, recognized as one of the most influential figures in the accounting profession. Allan dives into the dramatic changes reshaping the profession—from the rise of private equity to the war for talent. Learn how firms are adapting to increased demand for capital, leveraging technology, and rethinking traditional business models to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Discover Allan's perspective on why being adaptable is more crucial than ever and what firms need to stay relevant. Find out why Allan believes that accountants can move from the most trusted advisor to being the most valued and the importance of guiding clients through significant business and personal decisions. Curious about how to future-proof your firm in an evolving landscape? Want to understand the impact of private equity on the accounting world? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this conversation with Allan Koltin.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Trevor Greenway, CEO of InterVal, a leader in automated discovery for accounting firms, financial institutions, and wealth advisors. Trevor shares his journey from M&A to founding Interval, highlighting how AI can help firms uncover revenue opportunities hidden in accounting data. Learn how InterVal's technology provides better insight into business valuations—especially critical for the 98% of business owners who don't know the true value of their companies. Discover how Trevor and his team use AI to help business owners understand their worth, optimize their enterprise value, and bridge the gap between accounting and wealth advisory services. Find out why focusing on "money in motion" and creating a holistic service offering can help advisors build better relationships and retain clients during major wealth transfers. Curious about how AI-driven discovery tools can transform your advisory services? Want to learn how to create proactive, relationship-based value with your clients? Find out more in this insightful conversation with Trevor Greenway.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Amber Setter, Chief Enlightenment Officer and executive leadership coach at Conscious Public Accountants. Amber shares her journey from tax accounting to leadership coaching, highlighting how focusing on the "whole human" can transform both individual well-being and professional effectiveness. Discover why resilience and self-care are essential for leaders, why conscious leadership matters in navigating complex challenges, and what true transformational development looks like in practice. Amber also explains the value of meeting clients where they are, using effective questioning to help them uncover what they truly want. Find out how coaching can help individuals move past burnout, embrace change, and create deeper, more impactful relationships—both professionally and personally. Are you curious about how self-care can boost your leadership effectiveness? Want to learn how to guide your clients through deeper transformations? Find out more in this engaging episode with Amber Setter.