The Upstream Leader Podcast
Upstream Academy – Jeremy Clopton
High-yield and low-maintenance: This is your ultimate goal as an accounting firm member, regardless of where you are in your career journey. Brought to you by Upstream Academy, The Upstream Leader Podcast is your source for insights and education on becoming a high performing firm leader.
Join host Jeremy Clopton for interviews with insightful, engaging and entertaining experts, who share knowledge and expertise on firm best practices, processes, technology and more! With a focus on culture, teams, clients and growth, you’ve found your passport to building a better career. Join us to become an Upstream Leader!
Join host Jeremy Clopton for interviews with insightful, engaging and entertaining experts, who share knowledge and expertise on firm best practices, processes, technology and more! With a focus on culture, teams, clients and growth, you’ve found your passport to building a better career. Join us to become an Upstream Leader!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 21, 2023 • 36min
Recruiting the Next Generation in Your Firm
The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Jeremy Clopton talks with Parker Pell, co-founder at Abode, about recruiting the next generation of talent. The conversation explores the challenge that firms face in recruiting and retention, which is more foundational than many believe. The discussion also includes what Gen Z is looking for in an employer, how to connect with prospective employees before they sign on, and the importance of communication throughout the recruiting process. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Feb 6, 2023 • 42min
Giving Your Staff a Voice and Path
The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway connects with Marty Brown, President and CEO of PYA, to learn more about their intentional investment and development of young professionals. Although Marty shares a glimpse into challenges in our profession, he has a contagiously positive outlook on why public accounting is a promising career. He shares ideas to build staff engagement and mentoring opportunities to develop future leaders. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com.
Jan 23, 2023 • 51min
Quiet Quitting: Should we be concerned?
The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Heath Alloway and Jeremy Clopton talk about the concept of quiet quitting and what it means for the profession. The conversation starts with a definition of the phrase and includes the importance of how we communicate our expectations, redefine success in terms of true productivity, and re-engage our workforce. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Jan 9, 2023 • 35min
The Thought of Leaving a Profession
The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway catches up with Bert Purdy, a Financial Services Partner at FORVIS, to talk about the time he almost left public accounting. He shares experiences about what he was going through, why he stayed, and ideas to help others with similar thoughts. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com.
Dec 5, 2022 • 43min
Creating Community to Improve Retention
The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Jeremy Clopton talks with Rebecca Sanborn about the role community plays in recruiting and retention. Perhaps more importantly, they discuss what community is, how diversity plays a role, and how belonging factors in the conversation. A strong sense of community is one element that improves retention, and this episode focuses on helping you understand how to build community within your firm. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Nov 21, 2022 • 54min
Leading with Significance: How to Create a Magnetic, People First Culture
The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway has a meaningful dialogue with Joey Havens, Managing Partner of Strategic growth at HORNE, about the difference between a “good” culture and developing a compelling people-first culture. The conversation hits some of the most pressing topics impacting the profession around people, flexibility, diversity, the fear of change, and much more. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Nov 7, 2022 • 37min
Meaningful Change within a Career and Firm
The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway catches up with Josh Tyree, Partner and CEO at Harris CPAs, to learn more about his transition to firm CEO and approach to driving meaningful change. Once you acknowledge we live in constant flux, change becomes a proactive responsibility for continuous improvement. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Sep 26, 2022 • 42min
A Discussion about Mental Health
The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Jeremy Clopton talks with Randy Crabtree about his experience with mental health challenges while leading a firm in the accounting profession. The discussion includes how Randy overcame mental health challenges, his thoughts on how organizations can support employees, and steps individuals can take to improve their mental health. **Disclaimer: this is not a discussion with mental health professionals. Nothing should be viewed as or taken as mental health advice. For that, you should consult a professional. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Sep 12, 2022 • 37min
Path to Partner: Unraveling the Mystery
The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway has a conversation with Melissa Biron, Principal at Nathan Wechsler and Company, and Ryan Hurst, Partner at RKL, to share their unique experiences and lessons learned on their path to partner. Both guests shared the importance of soliciting input and providing transparency to those that may have similar questions as they did earlier in their careers. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Aug 30, 2022 • 34min
Breaking Down Barriers and Creating a Path for Others
The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Jeremy Clopton talks with Jonyce Bullock about her journey to becoming a managing partner. Along the way, they discuss how she broke down barriers, created a path for others, and strives to leave the profession better each day. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
