Count Me In®

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

Join host Adam Larson as he sits down with Samantha Jewell, author and CEO, Soil Carbon Advisory at urth.io, on this episode of the Count Me In Podcast. Samantha shares her fascinating journey from organic farming to pioneering soil carbon credits in Australia. She explains the crucial role these credits play in sequestering carbon and improving soil quality. Dive into the intricacies of carbon markets, the potential of regenerative agriculture, and the impact of evolving ESG laws. Learn about the challenges in educating financial professionals and the innovative solutions Samantha is bringing to the table, including blockchain transparency and smart contracts. Discover why big businesses should consider buying soil carbon credits and what it means for our environment and future. If you’re curious about sustainability, agriculture, or climate action, this conversation is a must-listen.

In this episode of Count Me In, join host Adam Larson as he chats with Stacey Chazin, Founder and Principal Coach at I-Factor Leadership. Stacey, a passionate advocate for introverts in the workplace, shares eye-opening insights on why introverts excel in presenting, debunking common myths about their roles in meetings, and how the post-COVID shift is impacting them. Get practical tips from Stacey's "meeting playbook for introverts" and discover strategies to manage energy in office environments designed for extroverts. Whether you're an introvert looking to thrive or a leader aiming to understand your diverse team better, Stacey's advice on leveraging introverted strengths in leadership roles is a must-listen. Plus, hear about her online course aimed at preventing burnout and the importance of setting boundaries and communicating work style needs. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!Follow the below links to find important information about today's topic:A Conference Survival Guide for IntrovertsMeeting Playbook for Introverts: 10 Strategies to Have Your Voice Heard and Your Ideas ShineDaily Productivity Hacks for Introverts: Achieve More with Less StressThe Introvert’s Edge: 10 Tips for Winning Negotiations

In this engaging conversation, Mike Dion, a finance expert in FP&A and automation with experience from startups to Fortune 100 companies, shares his journey from intern to automation advocate. He discusses the remarkable power of streamlining finance processes, utilizing tools like Excel to boost productivity. Mike offers insights into managing burnout in finance, the strategic role of AI, and how automation can transform data handling. Tune in for practical tips that empower finance professionals to work smarter, enhance efficiency, and embrace technology.