The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Transformation Economy by THRESHOLD

Ron and Ed unveil their bold new venture—THRESHOLD. In this episode, they share the vision behind the company, why it matters now, and how it aims to challenge the status quo in advisory and consulting. THRESHOLD is more than a brand—it’s a mindset shift for professionals ready to think beyond billable hours and transactional models. If you’re looking for transformation, not just iteration, this is your call to cross the threshold with us.

Ron and Ed break down the latest tariff policies of President Donald Trump, offering a free market critique of its implications. They explore how tariffs function as hidden taxes on consumers, challenge the idea of using protectionism as economic strategy, and examine the historical consequences of similar policies. With their signature blend of insight and humor, they discuss what this could mean for trade, inflation, and entrepreneurial freedom.

In this episode, Ron and Ed dive into one of the most influential and debated essays in business and economic thought: Milton Friedman’s The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits. Published in The New York Times in 1970, Friedman’s argument that businesses should focus solely on maximizing shareholder value while operating within the law sparked decades of debate about corporate ethics, stakeholder capitalism, and the role of business in society. Ron and Ed will unpack Friedman’s perspective, discuss its implications for modern businesses, and explore how it contrasts with contemporary views on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. Is Friedman’s argument still valid in today’s world, or has the definition of corporate responsibility evolved? Tune in for an insightful discussion on one of the most enduring ideas in free-market economics. 📖 Read Friedman’s original essay: The New York Times

With Ron Baker out this week due to a personal matter, Ed Kless is joined by Greg Tirico for a deep dive into the FTSG 2025 Tech Trends Report. Together, they explore 10 provocative takeaways shaping the future of technology—from AI’s evolution into “living intelligence” and action models, to the rise of agentic systems, climate-driven innovation, and the commercial colonization of space. Ed and Greg break down what these shifts mean for business leaders, professionals, and society at large. Expect thoughtful insights, some healthy skepticism, and a few surprises as they navigate the frontier of what’s next.

Join us for an enlightening discussion as we welcome back economist and author Dr. Gale L. Pooley to celebrate the release of his new book. In this episode, we delve deeper into the groundbreaking concepts presented in the book, exploring how human ingenuity and freedom drive resource abundance and economic growth. Dr. Pooley shares new insights and reflections since his last appearance, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between population dynamics and prosperity. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the principles that challenge conventional views on scarcity and highlight the potential for human creativity to overcome limitations. More about Gale Dr. Gale L. Pooley is an American economist, professor, and co-author of Superabundance. He currently teaches U.S. economic history at Utah Tech University and has held academic positions at institutions including Brigham Young University–Hawaii and Alfaisal University in Riyadh. Dr. Pooley is renowned for his work on the concept of abundance and population growth, notably co-authoring the Simon Abundance Index, which measures resource availability relative to population growth. He holds professional designations from the Appraisal Institute, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and the CCIM Institute.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed dive into the long-standing debate: Is the purpose of business to make a profit, or is profit simply the result of fulfilling a deeper mission? Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of Peter Drucker—who famously stated, “There is only one valid definition of business purpose: to create a customer”—they explore the implications of this perspective for entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals. Does a relentless focus on profit lead to short-termism and ethical compromises? Or is profit the natural outcome of serving customers, creating value, and building a sustainable enterprise? Join us as Ron and Ed unpack these ideas, challenge conventional wisdom, and discuss what this debate means for the future of business.

Inspired by A. J. Jacobs when he appeared on Russ Robert's great podcast EconTalk, Ron and Ed have each been keeping a "One Thing" journal for the last few years. The idea is simple. You have a place where each day you capture, just one thing that inspired you. For us, it is often a quote, but it can just be an idea. In this episode, Ron and Ed once again share entries from their "One Thing" journals. It is a bit random, but contains nugget after nugget of curated wisdom for the reading and listening habits of the hosts.

In this episode of “The Soul of Enterprise,” hosts Ron and Ed engage in a compelling conversation with Seth David, the Chief Nerd and CEO of Nerd Enterprises, Inc. Seth is renowned for his ability to demystify complex financial concepts, making them accessible and actionable for businesses and accounting professionals alike. With a rich background that includes auditing and a passion for leveraging technology to enhance business efficiency, Seth shares his journey from traditional accounting roles to becoming a leading educator and consultant in the industry.  More about Seth Seth David is the Chief Nerd and CEO of Nerd Enterprises, Inc., a firm dedicated to empowering accounting professionals and business owners through expert training and support. With a career spanning over two decades, Seth has established himself as a thought leader in accounting and business consulting, known for his unique ability to simplify complex financial topics. He is the creator of the “Bulletproof Bookkeeping®” methodology and offers a range of courses designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial management. Beyond his professional endeavors, Seth is an animal lover and a creative individual committed to helping others achieve their best.

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Kimberlee Josephson for her fifth appearance on The Soul of Enterprise. Dr. Josephson, an associate professor of business at Lebanon Valley College and adjunct research fellow with the Consumer Choice Center, brings her extensive expertise in global sustainability, international marketing, and workplace diversity to our discussion. We delve into the complexities of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, examining their impact on business operations and economic freedom. Dr. Josephson shares her insights on the challenges ESG poses to free-market principles and the potential consequences for entrepreneurs and consumers alike. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that explores the intersection of corporate responsibility and economic liberty, and gain a deeper understanding of the current debates surrounding ESG in today’s business landscape.   More about Kimberlee Dr. Kimberlee Josephson is an associate professor of business at Lebanon Valley College and serves as an adjunct research fellow with the Consumer Choice Center. She teaches courses on global sustainability, international marketing, and workplace diversity. Her research and op-eds have appeared in various outlets. She holds a doctorate in global studies and commerce and a master’s degree in international policy both from La Trobe University, a master’s degree in political science from Temple University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in political science from Bloomsburg University

Join Ron and Ed for an engaging roundtable discussion with three dynamic leaders from Woodard: Patricia Hendrix, Heather Satterley, and Deborah Defer. These accomplished professionals bring their unique expertise in practice advancement, technology integration, and Client Advisory Services (CAS) to the conversation. Together, they’ll explore the evolving landscape of accounting, the role of automation, and strategies for business transformation. Tune in for insights, innovation, and inspiration from some of the industry’s top minds! Guest Bios 🔹 Patricia Hendrix – EVP of Woodard Communities & Director of Practice Advancement Coaching. With 30+ years in accounting, Patricia helps firms transform through leadership, business strategy, and mentorship. 🔹 Heather Satterley – Director of Education & Media at Woodard. A CPA and tech advocate, she co-hosts The Appy Hour and specializes in automation and innovation in accounting. 🔹 Deborah Defer – Director of CAS at Woodard. A thought leader in Client Advisory Services, Deb designs cutting-edge strategies to streamline processes and drive business growth.