Count Me In®

Looking to boost your organization’s profitability with smarter cost analysis? In this engaging episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with Colleen Whitmore, Partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP and co-author of the Deloitte and IMA article "Unlocking Profitability Insights." Colleen breaks down the ins and outs of cost to serve analysis, sharing why it's a game changer for companies seeking hidden profit opportunities and better decision-making. Hear Colleen’s take on why most organizations still aren’t using these powerful tools, what holds them back, and how advances in technology are making detailed cost analysis more accessible than ever. She shares practical advice on preparing your finance teams for innovation, overcoming common data challenges, and the first steps leaders should take to get started. Whether you’re a finance professional, business leader, or just curious about the latest trends in cost management, this episode will deliver real-world insights and actionable tips straight from an industry thought leader. Don’t miss Colleen’s fresh perspective on how to transform your organization’s approach to profitability!

Kick back with the Count Me In Podcast as Adam Larson chats with Carol Sargent, Associate Professor of Accounting at Mercer University, about her journey as both mentor and mentee in academia and industry. Carol shares candid stories, practical advice, and a few humorous moments from her decades of mentoring professionals and students. From building trust in mentor-mentee relationships to handling ethical dilemmas in high-pressure environments, Carol offers real-world wisdom and actionable tips. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to pay it forward, you’ll find inspiration in Carol’s down-to-earth approach to growing both professionally and personally. Don’t miss this engaging conversation on emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the power of genuine connection.

On this episode of Count Me In, Adam Larson sits down with Naranzul Ganzoring, a passionate entrepreneur and management accounting advocate from Mongolia. Zula shares her inspiring journey from falling in love with accounting as a student, to launching her own Finsight Academy and bringing international finance certifications to her home country. She opens up about the challenges she’s faced as a young business owner, her drive to unite Mongolian accounting professionals, and what motivates her to balance entrepreneurship, parenthood, and teaching. Hear firsthand how Zula is helping shape the future of finance in Mongolia — breaking down barriers, building community, and empowering the next generation of management accountants. Whether you’re in finance, education, or just looking for an uplifting story about innovation and impact, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Looking for real advice on beating burnout and building a work-life that actually feels good? This episode features Lindsey Barnett, executive coach and bestselling author of "Working Hell to Working Well," joining host Adam Larson for a refreshingly honest chat about rethinking your relationship with work. Lindsey opens up about her leap from the corporate HR grind to flexible part-time—and what she’s learned about balancing ambition, burnout, and everyday life. Expect practical strategies you can try right away, like mindful moments during your day, “job crafting” to take control of your workload, and how even the simplest actions (like buying a bigger water bottle!) can help recharge your energy. No generic corporate pep talks here—just easy, actionable ideas and real stories that might finally help you bridge the gap from “working hell” to working well. Tune in for relatable insights, lively conversation, and the reminder that you deserve a work life that fits you. Check out Lindsey’s bestselling book for even more of her wisdom!

Get to know Ahmed Al Ahbabi in this inspiring episode of Count Me In Podcast, hosted by Adam Larson! Ahmed shares his journey from discovering a passion for accounting and numbers in university, to earning his CMA certification and becoming the first Emirati on the IMA Global Board. He talks about the power of professional communities, the value of connecting with IMA chapters around the world, and how volunteering opens doors for learning, networking, and personal growth. Hear Ahmed discuss real-world skills, building local chapters, and why being part of a global community matters for accountants and finance professionals everywhere. Whether you’re thinking about joining IMA or leveling up your career, this conversation is packed with practical advice, encouragement, and stories you won’t want to miss.

Tune in to this engaging episode of the Count Me In Podcast, where we sit down with Rob Stephens, founder of CFO Perspective and an expert who brings a refreshing perspective to the often complex topic of behavioral finance. Rob sheds light on how this field not only intertwines with traditional finance but actually builds upon it, introducing the human elements behind financial decisions. Perfect for CFOs, controllers, and finance teams, Rob shares real-world applications of behavioral finance in corporate settings, from mergers and acquisitions to consumer psychology. Learn about the decision-making processes that can make or break a business and discover practical tools to improve communication and awareness. Whether it's understanding the group dynamics in management or navigating the tricky waters of debt and equity, Rob's insights are invaluable. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to enhance your financial decision-making with a touch of human psychology.

Join host Adam Larson for an insightful and refreshingly human conversation with Todd Thornock, Associate Professor at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Academic Research Fellow at the Institute of Management Accountants. Todd brings a unique blend of academic research and real-world perspective to the art of understanding and motivating your team. In this episode, he explains why being “people first” matters even in a numbers-driven field like accounting and shares personal stories and surprising research findings on personality traits in the workplace. Discover practical tips to build trust, curiosity, and self-awareness as a leader, and learn how understanding the individual personalities on your team can transform your workplace culture. If you’re looking for thoughtful takeaways and fresh motivation to connect with your colleagues, this conversation is packed with useful insights and inspiration to help you lead with empathy and intention.

Join host Adam Larson as he sits down with Brian Hogeland, CFO of Packer Fasteners, in this SuiteWorld edition of Count Me In. Brian shares his journey from high school accounting classes to leading a fast-growing finance team, offering insights on how to manage rapid growth, adopt new technology, and foster a culture of curiosity and empowerment. He talks candidly about taking a company through an IPO, implementing ERP systems, and exploring AI with his team. Brian also gives practical advice on automation, upskilling employees, and embracing change while keeping trust and human judgment at the heart of finance. If you’re looking for real-world lessons from a forward-thinking leader, you’ll enjoy this engaging episode.

Join host Adam Larson for a lively conversation with entrepreneur, speaker, author, and president of VisionEdge Marketing, Laura Paterson. Drawing on decades of experience, Laura shares her practical wisdom on building stronger partnerships between marketing and finance in today’s data-driven organizations. Discover why learning to speak each other’s language and focusing on real business outcomes rather than budget line items leads to smarter decisions and meaningful growth. Laura breaks down common traps like “random acts” of marketing, reveals how aligning around purpose improves performance, and gives actionable advice for CFOs and finance leaders who want to genuinely connect with their marketing counterparts. With real-world stories and plenty of energy, Laura discusses the transformative power of customer-centric strategies and outcome-based budgeting, all while highlighting the importance of using data for insight, not just information. Perfect for anyone in marketing, finance, or leadership, this episode is packed with fresh ideas and relatable anecdotes that will inspire collaboration and drive success. If you’re ready to move from transaction to strategy and make a real impact. Don’t miss this engaging conversation.

Get ready for another exciting bonus episode from SuiteWorld 25! Host Adam Larson sits down with Kimberlee Duval, CFO of Cymbiotika, an inspiring leader whose unconventional journey in accounting will resonate with anyone passionate about growth and purpose. Kimberlee shares how her early experiences shaped her career, the key lessons she learned while scaling startups, and why her mantra of “measure twice, cut once” is her guide for success.From working with supportive mentors and breaking the mold in corporate leadership, to building teams where curiosity thrives and mistakes are part of the process, Kimberlee offers candid stories and actionable advice on cultivating a culture that empowers people to grow, learn, and truly love what they do. Plus, you’ll hear her insights on embracing AI and technology in accounting, ensuring that her teams spend less time crunching numbers and more time thinking strategically.Whether you’re climbing the ranks in finance, leading a team, or just looking for inspiration, don’t miss this conversation packed with heart, humor, and practical wisdom from Kimberlee Duval.