

Transforming: Tales of Business Evolution
AICPA & CIMA
The Small Firms Philosophy podcast has become “Transforming: tales of Business Evolution", a monthly show designed for firms of any size and scale, exploring innovative operating methods that help organizations adapt to a changing landscape. Hear from industry leaders sharing their experiences of reshaping their business models, delving into the dynamic world of business transformation, and inspiring you to explore new ways to evolve your own organization. "Transforming" started in November 2024 with 4 bonus episodes.
Brought to you by AICPA & CIMA’s Private Companies Practices Section (PCPS).
Brought to you by AICPA & CIMA’s Private Companies Practices Section (PCPS).
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 1, 2020 • 18min
Turning a passion for helping into a business
Andrew Jordan, CPA, is the seriously passionate about giving back. He shares how his start down the “typical CPA path” turned into owning his own firm that puts clients at the forefront of everything they do. Learn more about Jordan CPA Services at www.jordancpaservices.com Additional resources: PERMA is available at com/perma-model/ AICPA COVID-19 Resource Center is available at AICPA.org/COVID19

Jun 19, 2020 • 20min
Pivoting in a pandemic: Success stories from a CPA firm (part 2)
Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA is the Partner-In-Charge of Aronson LLC’s Government Contract Services Group in Washington, DC. Lexy shares her firm’s successes and surprises in their journey to working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about Aronson LLC at www.aronsonllc.com. Learn more about Lexy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexykessler.

Jun 17, 2020 • 22min
Pivoting in a pandemic: Success stories from a CPA firm (part 1)
Karen Stanley, CPA and Audit Partner with Langdon & Company, LLP in Garner, NC shares her firm’s successes and surprises in their journey from a traditional, local CPA firm to working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about Langdon & Company, LLP at www.langdoncpa.com.

Jun 3, 2020 • 30min
Planning for #CPAworlddomination
Liz Mason, CPA is a serial-entrepreneur. Her passion for accounting started when she was just seven years old and now has successfully launched four brands in the accounting, tax, and HR space. She shares the story of what got her here and what’s next for her plan of #CPAworlddomination. Learn more about High Rock Accounting at highrock.co. Information about High Rock’s Nucleus program is available at nucleus.highrock.co.

May 20, 2020 • 25min
The secret to finding the perfect “work life blend”
Jeff Wilson II, CPA, PFS, CFE, CGMA, CDFA® started his career at a Big 4 firm and now has his own firm with seven people on staff. He talks about his path to becoming a firm owner, the struggles he overcame and the advice he’d give to himself if he were starting over. Learn more about Jeff’s firm at wiicpas.com.

May 6, 2020 • 36min
Owning and managing three businesses
Christine DeAngelis, CPA is a working mom who owns three businesses. She talks about her journey from marketing student to CPA to CEO, and everything in between. Christine's businesses: epiphanygroupinc.com cultivateconsulting.co bamboowellness.isagenix.com

Apr 22, 2020 • 27min
Managing a virtual firm
Josh Lance, CPA, CGMA, shares his insights about running a completely virtual practice, covering everything from how he hires the right staff to where the mail gets delivered. Learn more about Josh's firm at lancecpa.com. Additional resources: PCPS "Remote team building and culture" toolkit at AICPA.org/PCPS "It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work" by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson "Remote: Office Not Required" by Jason & David Heinemeier Hansson

Apr 6, 2020 • 14min
Mindfulness matters: Reimagine your approach to busy season (Part 6)
When you multitask, you might think you're getting more done. In reality, you spend more time on the jobs than you would if you focused on each separately and completely. Getting in the present and ignoring distractions will help you focus on what you need to do. Working on one activity at a time will make you more productive. This meditation will show you how.

Mar 18, 2020 • 11min
Mindfulness matters: Reimagine your approach to busy season (Part 5)
What’s happening inside you? Most of us are only aware of what’s happening on the surface. Through meditation, you can better connect to your body and mind. The understanding that results from this exploration can inform the experience you create for others, making you more receptive, calm and accepting. Your work and your personal life will both benefit.

Mar 4, 2020 • 14min
Mindfulness matters: Reimagine your approach to busy season (Part 4)
Making time for self-care is crucial not only to your well-being, but also for how you interact with those around you. This meditation helps you find mental peace, bringing you greater focus in your day.