Count Me In®

Curious about how HR and finance teams can work together to drive real change in the workplace? In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with Vrinda Sasidhar, Vice President - HR Consulting at HSBC and a seasoned HR leader with 15 years of experience across banking, tech, and process outsourcing. Vrinda shares what she’s learned about building bridges between people and numbers—from using psychology to engage employees, to staying ahead in a world where AI handles the grunt work. Tune in for Vrinda’s practical tips on staying curious, continuously growing your skills, and navigating the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving finance landscape. If you’re interested in how modern HR and finance teams can collaborate for success—and you want advice that’s as real as it is actionable—this candid conversation is worth a listen. Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Curious about becoming a thought leader or author? In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson chats with Ben Cena, Co-founder at High Value Author, about how to turn your expertise into a nonfiction book that actually gets noticed. Ben shares his own story—starting with hating books—and explains how he now helps professionals use books as powerful tools for building brands, attracting clients, and opening doors. You’ll hear honest advice about why most books fail, what makes a book succeed, and practical steps for getting started the right way. If you’ve ever wondered if writing a book is right for you or how it could impact your business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Ever wondered how a chemical engineering mindset can supercharge financial leadership? Join host Adam Larson as he sits down with Kingsley Afemikhe, CFO of Shield AI, for a refreshingly candid conversation about bringing engineering problem-solving to the finance table. Kingsley shares his unique journey from a family of chartered accountants in the UK to leading finance at one of the most innovative defense tech companies in the U.S. Listen in as Kingsley breaks down how first-principles thinking helps solve complex accounting and finance challenges, reveals what it’s like to manage rapid growth in the high-stakes world of AI-driven national security, and offers practical tips on building strong, agile finance teams. Whether you’re curious about operating at the intersection of finance, technology, and defense—or just want to hear firsthand how AI is reshaping finance—this episode is packed with insights, stories, and actionable advice. Don’t miss Kingsley’s take on earning your seat at the table, embedding finance across organizations, and fostering a culture of curiosity and empathy in fast-paced environments. Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Deirdre Ryan, a Global Finance Transformation Leader at EY with over 30 years of experience, discusses the evolving role of CFOs in the digital age. She highlights the challenge of balancing short-term gains with long-term strategy while emphasizing the importance of aligning digital initiatives with business goals. Deirdre explores the impact of diversity and AI on finance, alongside the necessity of upskilling teams to stay competitive. Tune in for valuable insights into leveraging data analytics for strategic decision-making and enhancing operational efficiency.

Join host Adam Larson on today's episode of Count Me In, where he welcomes Kris Russell, the Leadership Coach at Conscious Public Accountants. Kris, a seasoned leader in accounting and finance, shares his expertise on harnessing vulnerability as a strength in leadership. This engaging conversation explores how embracing vulnerability can transform personal well-being, enhance company culture, and even drive profitability. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, Kris emphasizes the courage required to build trust, set boundaries, and live with integrity. Whether you're an established leader or an aspiring one, this episode offers invaluable insights for anyone eager to make a positive impact in their organization. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a true expert in leadership and finance. Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Get ready for an enlightening chat with Alissa Vickery, the newly appointed interim CFO and the Chief Accounting Officer, SVP Accounting and Controls at Corpay, on Count Me In! In this episode, Alissa, who's appeared with us twice before, sits down with host Adam Larson to tackle the complex world of ESG reporting challenges and operations. At Corpay, Alissa's been knee-deep in this evolving landscape, and she's here to shed light on the hurdles finance teams face in adapting to new SEC regulations. Join us as Alissa shares her firsthand experiences navigating the maze of global standards and how her company learned to prioritize and adapt. From figuring out double materiality to streamlining ESG operations with tech and third-party expertise, it's all discussed with practicality and insight. Whether you're in finance or just curious about the future of corporate sustainability, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways and a unique industry perspective. So plug in and grab your notepad—it's a conversation you won't want to miss! Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Join host Adam Larson in an engaging conversation with John Hewitt, a remarkable figure in the accounting world. Despite never taking an accounting course, John has built multi-million dollar companies like Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. In this episode, he shares how his father inspired his entrepreneurial journey and offers insights into franchising and self-employment. Whether you're considering entrepreneurship or curious about building a billion-dollar business, John provides valuable advice on risk-taking, differentiation, marketing, and delivering exceptional customer service. Tune in for actionable insights and inspirational stories on this episode of the Count Me In Podcast Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Razzak Jallow, the innovative CFO of FloQast, dives into the transformative world of finance. With a unique blend of tech and finance experience, he emphasizes the evolving role of CFOs as strategic leaders. Razzak discusses the importance of collaboration and a long-term vision for financial transformation, especially for small businesses. He highlights the role of technology in streamlining processes and the necessity for finance professionals to adapt their skills to the changing landscape. His insights inspire a future-driven approach to finance leadership.

Tune in to an enlightening chat with Alan Lazaros, CEO, Founder & Co-Host at Next Level University, on this episode of Count Me In Podcast. Join host Adam Larson as he and Alan explore the transformative power of personal responsibility in personal and business growth. Alan shares insights from his own journey, illustrating the nuances of emotional intelligence, self-belief, and the balance of fitting in versus standing out. With his captivating storytelling, including anecdotes from popular films and real-life experiences, Alan offers listeners valuable life strategies. Whether you're looking to level up in your career or personally, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways. Perfect for those eager to reflect, take responsibility, and unlock their full potential. Don't miss out! Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Join host Adam Larson for an enlightening chat with business consultant Mike Straza of Straza Consulting as they tackle the ins and outs of strengthening accounting teams amidst today’s market challenges. Mike shares his secrets on balancing financial responsibilities with genuine team support, emphasizing the power of effective communication and tailored leadership. Discover how identifying each team member’s unique motivations and strengths can lead to happier employees and a healthier company. Hear real-life success stories, practical tips, and down-to-earth advice on navigating the modern work environment. Whether it’s about mentoring, improving workplace culture, or handling restructuring gracefully, Mike serves up wisdom with a side of humor, making this episode a must-listen for leaders and team members alike. Tune in for a casual yet impactful conversation that’s packed with insights you can apply right away. Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.