AFO|Wealth Management Forward

In this episode, Rory interviews Chase Birky, the CEO and co-founder of Dark Horse CPAs, to discuss the changing nature of the accounting profession. Discover how Chase is challenging the traditional accounting firm model and why he is on a mission to revolutionize public accounting. Chase shares insights into their unique approach as the "anti CPA firm" and how he motivates employees through a distinctive culture and ownership incentives. Listen as Chase explores the advantages and disadvantages of structuring Dark Horse as a corporation and a CPA firm. Find out the benefits of integrating accounting and wealth management to become the Global CFO in your clients' business and personal lives. Listen as they discuss the role of private equity in the accounting profession and various alternative practice structures that firms are creating. Are you curious about ways in which we can solve the CPA pipeline problem? Want to learn how to create better employment experiences to attract and retain top talent? Find the answers to these questions and more in this Dark Horse CPA episode with Chase Birky.

Danny Lohrfink, co-founder of wealth.com, discusses the innovative technology behind modernizing estate planning. The conversation includes topics such as holistic financial planning, the benefits of using a trust, and how wealth.com's machine learning technology streamlines the updating of estate planning documents. They also touch on the importance of financial advisors in overseeing various aspects of wealth management, including tax planning and estate planning.

In our latest episode, Rory interviews keynote speaker and customer experience thought leader Dennis Mosley-Williams, the founder of Dennis Moseley-Williams Strategic Consulting, and co-founder of the Serious Shift Community. Discover insights from their discussion on the McKinsey study regarding the future of advice, and learn how advisors can evolve beyond traditional financial planning to become advocates for their clients by considering their overall well-being. This episode explores the shift from providing services focused on saving time and money, to creating experiences centered around meaningful time well spent. It emphasizes the importance of changing one's mindset from “What I want my client to do” to “How do I want my client to feel.” Are you curious about the three questions that can help create a memorable experience? Or what the “Hatchback Effect” is? Uncover the answers to these questions and more in this Experience Economy Episode with Dennis Moseley-Williams.

In this engaging episode, Rory is joined by Al Blakeborough, a military veteran and Olympic fencer who founded Tax Titans, an innovative platform aiming to become the Amazon marketplace for tax and accounting services. Al shares his intriguing journey, from military service to competing in Olympic fencing trials and ultimately venturing into entrepreneurship. He highlights the pressing challenges accountants face and how Tax Titans leverages AI to efficiently match taxpayers with practitioners, ultimately addressing the profession's capacity issues. Moreover, Al passionately discusses his dedication to supporting veterans through a specialized program, providing training and job opportunities for military veterans and their spouses. Can an Amazon-type marketplace solve the accounting profession's capacity problem? Find out the answer to this and more on this episode with Al Blakeborough from Tax Titans.

In this episode, Rory has a thought-provoking conversation with Andrew Lassise, the founder of Tech 4 Accountants. They provide a Bridging the Gap Conference round-up and dive into Intuit's Tax AI Assitant release. Andrew sheds light on the emergence of artificial intelligence and the impacts it could have on the accounting profession. Listen to Andrew do an AI Nasdaq rap and the different ways he is using ChatGPT as a sounding board for work. Rory and Andrew discuss how the role of accountants is continually evolving due to rapid technological advancements, resulting in enhanced efficiency and a shift towards high-value activities like strategic planning and nurturing client relationships. Andrew emphasizes the critical domain of cybersecurity and its growing significance in safeguarding sensitive financial data. If you're curious about the future of accounting and the innovative tools reshaping the profession, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss with Accounting Tech leader Andrew Lassise!

Rory talks to Michael DiJoseph, a senior strategist at Vanguard, about decision-making in investing. They discuss the limitations of using common decision-making strategies in the financial markets. They delve into the value of advisors and behavioral coaching in navigating the emotional rollercoaster of investing. The concept of advisor's alpha is introduced, highlighting the added value a financial advisor can provide. They also explore maximizing value in a portfolio through tax efficiency and behavioral coaching. The importance of advisors in helping clients during market downturns is emphasized, along with the concept of creating alternate histories for understanding investment impact.

Mark Akeroyd, Head of Product at Lumiant, discusses the art of aligning client's values with financial goals, infusing purpose into planning. He emphasizes the role of non-financial spouses and the importance of delivering memorable client experiences. They explore the power of storytelling and integrating health and wellness into a life plan.

In our latest episode, Rory speaks with Alex Loewenstein, General Manager of Paro.ai, diving deep into the evolving dynamics of the accounting landscape. Learn about the power of relationships as Alex outlines key strategies to enhance your chances of business success by broadening your network, and hear how Jeff Phillips, CEO of Paget Business Services, has influenced his professional journey. Gain insights into the evolving expectations of the next-generation workforce, focusing on work-life balance, skill development, and equitable treatment as primary motivators. Discover how firms are staying ahead through visionary leadership, technological innovation, and strategic outsourcing. Learn why a robust digital and social media presence can be an effective recruitment strategy. Finally, don't miss Rory and Alex's thoughts on future trends, including the potential for acquisitions by non-traditional players venturing into the accounting space. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode with Paro.ai's General Manager Alex Loewenstein!

In this latest episode, Rory engages with Ed Warren to talk about the latest events in accounting and how they are shaping the profession's future. Ed and Rory discuss the recent acquisition of BergenKDV, the $100 million-dollar accounting firm out of Minnesota, by the RIA Creative Planning and the value of integrating accounting and wealth management worlds. They also highlight the recent news of BDO and the 1.3 Billion dollar deal to become an ESOP, the significance of this ownership structure, and how it enhances employee engagement and loyalty. Ed discusses the importance of having a well-defined and actively managed sales pipeline. They underscore the importance of adaptability and flexibility in work structures to not only retain top-tier talent but also to cater to the evolving needs of clients. Lastly, Ed introduces the concept of being a "financial Sherpa," someone who guides clients toward their financial goals rather than just providing retrospective advice. Don't miss this episode if you want the latest commentary on the accounting profession, as well as tips to increase and bolster your sales pipeline with Ed Warren of Sage!

In this podcast episode, Rory engages in an enlightening conversation with Zach Baughan to talk about mindfulness, personal development, and a holistic approach to both finances and life. Zach shares his insights on mindfulness and meditation, discussing their benefits for busy professionals and individuals seeking a more balanced life. He emphasizes the connection between how we handle one aspect of life and how it reflects in others, promoting the idea that a holistic approach yields greater fulfillment. Zach's personalized coaching strategies and emphasis on authentic values offer guidance for self-discovery. He also discusses the impact of relationships on personal growth, highlighting the influence of his father. Zach envisions a future where he can help people to create a purposeful environment as well as practice. Learn ways to start a mindfulness practice through five minutes of daily meditation and gradually expanding to a more dedicated regimen. Don't miss this illuminating episode on mindfulness, personal growth, and holistic living with the Zach Baughan