The Upstream Leader Podcast

Caught in the endless loop of planning, reflecting, and waiting for the "right moment" to lead? Host Jeremy Clopton challenges the comfort of "becoming" and urges a shift into the discomfort and authenticity of being on Episode 110 of The Upstream Leader. Drawing from personal experience and the struggles of professionals everywhere, he exposes the trap of productive procrastination and the myth that more preparation will finally make us ready. Instead, he champions imperfect action, self-awareness, and the courage to step into the arena before feeling fully equipped. Leadership isn't a future destination but a present choice, forged in the messy, real-time work of showing up and making decisions while trying to learn what you think you need to know on the fly. Jeremy calls on all of us to stop delegating leadership to our future selves and start being the leaders we aspire to become – today. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

When Jason Blumer of Thriveal and Ian Vacin of Karbon set out to write Scale with Purpose, they didn't expect the journey to mirror the unpredictable path of entrepreneurship itself. On Episode 109 of The Upstream Leader, they recount the ups and downs that shaped their leadership philosophies, from early missteps and hard-won lessons to the realization that scaling a service-based firm is as much about self-awareness as it is about strategy. Jeremy probes the content of the book, diving into the messy realities of building teams, the myth of consensus, and the challenge of driving efficiency in a world where people, as Jeremy quotes, "crave the freedom to be inefficient." Importantly, this isn't just a how to manual, and the group reflects on why not every firm should, or even should want to, scale. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

Being lonely at the top is more than a cliché, it's a reality for many leaders. Jeremy Clopton sits down with Mark McFatridge, founder and CEO of Quaid, to explore the hidden challenges of leadership isolation and the power of community on Episode 108 of The Upstream Leader. Mark shares how "like-situated" circles can become a lifeline for CEOs and business owners navigating high-stakes decisions and personal struggles, as sources of trust, vulnerability, and radical candor. Mark goes through how to build authentic connections both inside and outside the workplace no matter your position within it. If your goal is to lead with more humanity and find support while doing so, you'll learn why true community is the antidote to isolation, and how you can redefine what it means to succeed as a leader. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

Jeremy Clopton sits down with Matt Tait, CEO of Decimal, on Episode 107 of The Upstream Leader for a refreshingly honest look at how personal health shapes leadership. Matt recounts the wake-up call that came not from a business crisis, but from his own kids questioning his athletic past, and rather than chasing quick fixes, he describes a slow, intentional shift: waking up earlier, building habits, and crafting a fitness routine that serves as a source of joy for him rather than an obligation. Yes, the reality of balancing work, family, self-care, employees' needs, and putting out fires is messy and unpredictable, but Matt's story is a reminder that leadership isn't about perfection or control. He's shown that it's possible to systematically make space for yourself while simultaneously showing up better for those who count on you. No matter where you are on your own self-care journey, you'll want to hear Matt's insights. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

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