Accounting High

Episode 182 GUEST FACULTY: Davis Bell CLASS: #TechTime TITLE: A.I. is a Calculator for Words In this podcast episode, Scott interviews Davis Bell, the CEO of Canopy. The episode explores the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications, ranging from accounting to creative endeavors. It discusses the potential benefits and challenges associated with the integration of AI into our lives. Introduction Intro to A.I. The Calculator for the Other Side of Your Brain Where's Our Robot Dogs? A.I. in Accounting What Problems A.I. Might Solve Using A.I. to Write Raps Drawbacks and Growing Pains Conclusion

Episode 181 FACULTY: Evan Eneman and Amber Setter CLASS: #AccountingHighGuide TITLE: AH D.A.R.E. Psychadelic After School Special  In this special D.A.R.E.-themed podcast episode, Scott interviews Evan Eneman, Founder of Sands Lane Capital, and Amber Setter, CEO of Conscious Public Accountants. The episode begins with a candid discussion between Scott and Amber Setter on the topic of the growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and healing in the accounting industry. Then Scott and Evan Eneman, Founder of Sands Lane Capital and Fiorello, talk about Snoop Dog and engaging, drug education, the lifestyle niche, the legal landscape of substances and how to open conversations at work around psychedelics. Scott and Amber on Drugs Psychedelics Getting FDA approval Finding What's Best for You as an Individual People in Need of Healing in the Accounting Industry What is a drug? Introducing Evan  Working with Snoop Dog Talking about Drugs Reasons that People Use Substances Importance of Education The Business of Drugs The Lifestyle Niche and How it Connects to Drugs The Legal Landscape It's Always Personal, not Just Business How to get educated and start conversations Conclusion Shout Outs: How to Change Your Mind by  Michael Pollan, Forbes, Zynga, Marijuana Moment

Episode 180 FACULTY: Eileen Adao CLASS: #VarsityTips TITLE: Hiring Leaders that Inspire: The ility's of Leadership In this podcast episode, Scott interviews “Coach” Eileen Adao, Vice President of Strategy & Partnerships at Glean AI. The conversation revolves around leadership and the crucial attributes that define effective leaders. The episode delves into practical questions to ask during interviews and how to prepare to be interviewed.  Eileen’s story Eileen's list of important qualities for hiring and creating leaders Identifying skills and characteristics that define leaders Practical questions to ask during interviews to assess leadership qualities Tips for preparing to be interviewed Attributes of a good leader are outlined, including passion, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills. The importance of likeability and relatability for effective leadership. The hunger to learn and the role of emotional intelligence in leadership Authenticity and vulnerability The episode concludes with a review of the key points discussed Shout Outs: Xero, Glean AI, Dave Olsen, Asana, Quickbooks, Ed Mendelowitz

Episode 179 FACULTY: Jody Padar CLASS: #TheGuide TITLE: The Art of Radical Conversations In this podcast episode, Scott interviews Jody Padar, also known as "The Radical CPA," who currently serves as the VP of Tax Strategy & Evangelism. The episode delves into Jody's journey from high school accounting competitions and Tax Twitter to taking over her father’s firm. Introducing Jody Padar Jody in High School Early Tax Twitter Peer Group Forward Thinking Taking Over Her Father's Firm Changing Pricing Being a Mother and an Entrepreneur How Jody's Dad Helped Her Passion for Accounting The Art of Conversation Will the AICPA Stick around? CPA vs EA Next Things for Jody Shout Outs: Jason Ackerman’s Dad, Nayo Carter-Gray, Jason Blummer, Jason Staats, Ron Baker, Mark Koziel, Tom Hood, Shana Chapman, Michael Hsu, Chris Farmand, Drew Carrick, Anderson Consulting, Engage, Botkeeper, Zappos, Sage, Xero, April, Monday, AICPA

Episode 178 FACULTY: Jackie Meyer, CPA CLASS: #TheGuide TITLE: Recognizing Patterns of Fear in Accounting In this podcast episode, Scott interviews Jackie Meyer, CPA, the Founder of TaxPlanIQ.com, TaxPlanningMasterclass.com, and Certified Concierge Accountant mastermind classes. Jackie shares her path to becoming an accountant and her involvement with the Intuit Tax Council. The episode delves into the dynamics of visionaries and integrators, along with the distinctions between being a coach and a counselor.  Introducing Jackie How Jackie Became an Accountant Exposure to poor leadership in the accounting field Jackie's journey from starting a CPA practice to selling it The establishment of TaxPlanIQ The ROI Tax Planning Method Jackie's involvement with the Intuit Tax Council and her interest in tech and software The dynamics of visionaries and integrators Distinctions between being a coach and a counselor Jackie's goals for coaching accountants and her experiences with TaxPlanIQ The challenges of training an integrator and the struggle with being a people pleaser Jackie reflects on managing work, life, and creativity, including her role as a parent. Gender Representation Controversies and Writing Books Conclusion Shout Outs: Chuck, Jim Buffington, Stephanie Friswell, Brad Smith, Brene Brown, Tatiana Sawyer, Ed Kless, Ron Baker, Scaling New Heights, ProConnect Tax Online, Intuit Tax Council, Xero

Episode 177 FACULTY: Amber Setter CLASS: #AccountingHighGuide TITLE: Self-Transformational Accounting Leadership In this enlightening episode, Scott sits down with Amber Setter, a transformative figure in the accounting industry, to discuss the intricacies of transformational leadership. Amber, known for her role as the Chief Enlightenment Officer at Conscious Public Accountants, shares her journey from her challenging high school years to her work in coaching high-level leaders in accounting firms and her advocacy for a holistic approach to leadership. The episode delves into a variety of thought-provoking topics like mindset, leadership styles, and burnout. Introducing Amber High School Experiences and the Love of Learning Choosing the Right Career Path Reflecting on Amber's Ideal Audience New World Leadership vs Old Mindset The Importance of Original Ideas and Adult Development theory The Self-Transforming Mind Continued Self Transformation Recruiting and the Job Market Licenses as the Gold Medallion The AICPA Shout Outs: Robert Keegan, Lisa Leahy, Dissolution of the Ego by Ray Dalio, How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan, Leadership on the Line by Martin Linsky and Ronald Heifetz

Episode 176 FACULTY: Richard Roppa-Roberts and Dave Kersting CLASS: #AccountingHighGuide TITLE: Respecting Diversity and Inclusion in Accounting, and Learning about Equity In this podcast episode, Scott interviews Richard Roppa-Roberts and Dave Kersting from Quasar Cowboy & Roundtable Labs. They discuss various topics, including the dynamics of partnerships and co-firming, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and creating safe spaces for authentic interactions. Introducing Richard and Dave Richard the outside eye  The Start of Roundtable How Dave met Richard Roundtable as a Vendor Free Zone Partnerships, Co-Firming, Dating and Marriage Diversity and Inclusion in Roundtable Biases Against The Gay Community Coming Out as a Rapper  Roundtable Gives a Place to be Yourself A Discussion on Equity Creating Safe Spaces Summary Shout Outs: Thrival, Xero, Quickbooks, Intuit, Jonathan Bellow, Kenji Kuramoto, Matthew May, Tanya Schulte, Scaling New Heights, Quickbooks Connect, Tax Twitter, Liz Scott, Stacey Killwell, Gusto, Fresh Books, Nayo Carter-Gray, Liz Mason

Episode 175 FACULTY: Randy Johnston CLASS: #TechTime TITLE: Slow Down and Let Your Mind Rewind In this podcast episode, Scott interviews Randy Johnston, a well-known programmer and Co-Founder of K2 Enterprises. Randy shares insights into the evolution of technology, from twenty pound portable computers to A.I. search engines as well as their impact on the accounting and creative spheres. Randy Johnston, Co-Founder of K2 Enterprises, is introduced His early involvement with accountants and technology The evolution of technology, twenty pound portable computers to A.I. search engines The origin of the name "K2 Enterprises" A.I. and creativity, highlighting its potential applications. Use of A.I. to automate mundane tasks and improve efficiency The power of global collaboration and working together around the world Randy recommends books The interconnectedness of software and its implications for the industry Enabling and hindering factors of cloud software in accounting are discussed. The importance of learning from past mistakes and the impact of technology on outsourced work Randy leaves the listeners with parting advice Shout Outs: Adrian Burgess, Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker, The Metaverse: And How It Will Revolutionize Everything by Matthew Ball, What to Eat and When by Michael Croupagne, Xero, Lucert, ProConnect, ProSystemTex, Access Tax, QuickBooks

Episode 174 FACULTY: Trevor McCandless, CPA CLASS: #Shoperations TITLE: The Accountrepreneur's Dilemma In this podcast episode, Scott interviews Trevor McCandless, also known as "Coach Sweet Tea," the owner of Fusion CPA. The episode begins with an introduction to Coach McCandless and his background as a serial entrepreneur founding multiple businesses. He shares the story behind the inception of Fusion CPA and discusses the challenges and growth pains the firm experienced.  Introducing Coach McCandless Founding Businesses Trevor’s background as a serial entrepreneur and founding of various businesses The Origin of "Fusion" Starting Fusion CPA The challenges and growing pains faced by Fusion CPA  NetSuite  The role of NetSuite in the firm's evolution and the process of rebranding and niching for NetSuite services Trevor and Scott talk about the challenges of stepping away to allow the firm to grow and thrive Balancing Company and Employee Visions Why is the Firm in Puerto Rico? EO Bobbleheads Words of wisdom from Scott and Trevor Shout Outs: David Leary, Kenji, McKinsey, Accounting Salon, NetSuite, Xero, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics

Episode 173 FACULTY: Jody Grunden CLASS: #GuidePosts TITLE: Growing a Profitable Remote CFO Accounting Firm (feat. Jody Grunden, CPA) In this podcast episode, Scott interviews Jody Grunden, CPA, co-founder of Summit CPA Group and author of two books, to discuss various topics related to running an accounting practice and building virtual CFO services, dressing "professionally", and niching down. Introduction and an update on recent developments since the last interview. The origin story of Jody’s Hawaiian shirts Scott shares his similar wardrobe story Discussing the evolution of “professional attire” in the accounting profession Exploring the benefits and challenges of running a remote accounting firm The importance of finding a niche and specializing in the industry Creating CFOs from accountants within the firm and the training and development process Utilizing retreats and building a strong company community Addressing the resistance to change in the accounting industry and the need for adaptation Insights into the day-to-day operations and growth goals at Summit CPA Group Scott and Jody discuss the acquisition of cloud firms, venture capital, and private equity Shout Outs: Tommy Bahama, Accounting Salon, Kenji Kuramoto, AICPA, Karbon, Dave Barrett, Matthew May, Acuity