The Upstream Leader Podcast

The billable hour stands as both a fixture and a flashpoint in the accounting profession, shaping careers and firm cultures for generations. But talking about it actually be... enjoyable? On Episode 106 of The Upstream Leader, producer Justin Grant, himself a former lawyer, joins Jeremy to put the billable hour under the microscope—not to rehash old arguments, but to expose the real consequences of treating time as a commodity—and have fun doing it! Tracking every minute can obscure the true value of expertise, penalizing high performers, and this often ultimately reduces client relationships to transactions. But instead of dismissing the billable hour entirely, Jeremy reframes it as a tool for resource management: a way to balance workloads and set fair expectations. Reconsider what you measure and how you measure it, think about why that matters, and listen in for advice on how to set your firm on a path toward a more sustainable, people-focused future. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

"Marketing strategist for an accounting firm" was not on Kenzie Huling's "dream career bingo card," like most people. Raised by a father who built up his community scratch, she learned early on that stories—not numbers—bring people together. Without a marketing degree, Kenzie carved her own path, fueled by creative grit and a knack for seeing the soul behind spreadsheets, and host Jeremy Clopton follows Kenzie's journey from self-made creative to catalyst for connection, revealing the power of authenticity in a numbers-driven world on Episode 105 of The Upstream Leader. When Kenzie joined JHM CPAs, she found a blank canvas and set out to paint it with the real lives of staff and clients. Her approach, marked by listening deeply, celebrating personal moments, and throwing down the gauntlet of vulnerability, has transformed not just the firm's brand, but its culture. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

It's time to rethink the CEO role from the ground up! On Episode 104 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy sits down with Chip Chaon, CEO of LattaHarris, about his unconventional path from outside the industry to the top seat. Together, they dig into the realities of shifting from a traditional partnership to a corporate governance model, the challenges of unwinding large client books, and the importance of aligning compensation with leadership—not just production. Facing the big challenge of a firm that needed modern ideas, Chip had to build trust among the partners, foster a culture of mentorship in order to keep the leadership pipeline full, and prioritize work-life balance for everyone in the firm. Many firms resist change until desperation hits, but Chip was able to ride the wave between inspiration and desperation to great effect. If you're curious about the future of firm management, this episode offers a rare, honest look behind the scenes. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

Jeremy Clopton welcomes Michael Bannon of CSG Partners for a deep dive into the world of ESOPs and their rising influence in the accounting profession on Episode 103 of The Upstream Leader. Michael unpacks how ESOPs work, why more firms are embracing employee ownership over private equity, and the real impact on firm culture, leadership, and long-term growth. From tax advantages and capital infusion to boosting retention and building a true ownership mentality, this episode explores the practical realities and transformative potential of ESOPs for accounting firms of all sizes. Packed with expert insights, candid stories, and actionable takeaways, it's a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of the profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

A very energizing episode 102 of The Upstream Leader sees host Jeremy Clopton sit down with Brett Hoogeveen, the co-founder of BetterCulture, to reveal how organizations can be transformed from the inside out. Brett introduces the "20 Tenets"—a set of straightforward, game-changing behaviors that empower every team member to drive positive change and elevate workplace culture. The most important underlying theme is that building a thriving culture isn't complicated—Brett and Jeremy break down how small, consistent actions can boost morale, foster growth, and make work better for everyone. Tune in for actionable insights and real-world examples that will help you and your team thrive. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

To kick off the second hundred episodes of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy sits down with BJ Lippert, Managing Partner of Donovan CPAs, to explore themes of authenticity and legacy in the profession from a leadership point of view. BJ stepped into a role previously held by a family legacy, and so he has faced unique challenges in making his own mark on Donovan CPAs. In his words, he believes "values matter, systems drive predictable success," and that fun is a core tenet, and all of this informs his decisions and approach. BJ is committed to shaping his firm's future by focusing on positively impacting lives rather than just financial metrics, so tune in for an inspiring discussion on what it means to lead with authenticity and create a meaningful legacy. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

In this milestone 100th episode, host Jeremy Clopton and producer Justin Grant reflect on the journey of The Upstream Leader Podcast—from its early days and evolving format to the stories and guests that have shaped its community. Noting that the show has been a mainstay even as the landscape of the accounting profession has transformed so dramatically in the meantime, they revisit their favorite episodes and discuss just a few of the lessons they've learned along the way. Jeremy and Justin also look ahead to the next hundred episodes, inviting listeners to share their ideas and join in the ongoing conversation and a community. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the show, this special episode celebrates connection, growth, and the enduring impact of leadership—in accounting and beyond. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

How can professionals harness AI while maintaining their ethics and keeping their skills sharp? On Episode 99 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton welcomes Emily Primeaux, Writing Manager at Dragonfly Editorial, to discuss AI's role in the workplace. They explore why AI's goal to appease users can be both helpful and risky, the ethical challenges of AI-assisted content, and how to introduce training around AI into your onboarding processes. AI, like any other tool, can be powerful in the right hands and with the right approach, and Emily has a robust approach to ensuring that is exactly how she uses it, through a regularly updated ethical use policy, communication with her clients, and more. You won't want to miss her practical tips on how to balance authenticity and efficiency in this new technological age. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

Jeremy Clopton has an important message about connection on Episode 98 of The Upstream Leader. Connection is something that is easy to confuse with connectedness—something that is at an all-time high thanks to technology. But as he's seen at this year's HeadWaters Conference, at retreats and in lots of other interactions, all this connectedness doesn't have anything to do with the creation of meaningful relationships. So in this episode, Jeremy has sought to offer practical advice on what it means to make a genuine connection, how to make that happen in a natural and organic way, and one simple thing you can focus on to help you do just that: Leading with curiosity. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

Dr. Meg Myers Morgan joins Jeremy Clopton to discuss the importance of self-worth and how it impacts one's career on Episode 97 of The Upstream Leader. They explore how self-worth should not be tied solely to monetary success, but should involve discovering purpose and joy in one's professional life. Meg shares her personal journey of understanding self-worth through raising her daughters and discusses the challenges of pricing oneself, particularly in the accounting profession. They also touch on the psychological aspects of worth, how it influences pricing, and why transparent conversations about value can enhance career growth and professional satisfaction. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com