The Upstream Leader Podcast
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!
Latest episodes
Jun 6, 2022 • 38min
Coaching that Lasts a Lifetime
In this episode, Heath Alloway talks with Bryan McKenzie, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Director of Football for the Midwest Region. Bryan shares his leadership journey, which includes making it to the NFL, a career-ending injury, and how he worked through adversity to find his love for coaching. Bryan shares impactful insights on how to be a coach that is remembered for a lifetime. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
May 23, 2022 • 20min
Addressing the Capacity Challenge
In this episode of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy tackles the capacity challenge that firms face. He starts with a discussion of the actual issues and how capacity is simply a symptom. He then discusses solutions at the individual and firm level that can collectively help address this challenge. Solutions include everything from managing energy and focus to improving scheduling and accountability and a little bit of everything in between.
May 9, 2022 • 33min
Cultivating a Love of Mondays
To kick off Season 2 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton hosts Sam Allred, Director at Upstream Academy, a firm dedicated to guiding accounting firms to high performance. Sam loves Mondays, which is the focus of the conversation. Jeremy and Sam discuss cultivating a love for Mondays. They talk about what to do if you're struggling to find enjoyment in your work and how Sam is preparing to enjoy Mondays after his career concludes.
Apr 4, 2022 • 34min
Embracing Change & Failure as a Leader
Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway team up for The Upstream Leader’s final quarterly recap of season 1. They discuss both the difficulties and opportunities inherent in adapting to change and embracing failure. Sharing personal anecdotes from their own professional journeys, they make an unassailable case for the importance of change and failure in your own personal and professional development. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Mar 21, 2022 • 31min
The Power of Perspective for Career Success
On Episode 23 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton speaks with Randy Crabtree, co-founder and partner of Tri-Merit Speciality Tax Professionals. Randy discusses the life-changing experience that led him to shift the course of his career to align with his passions. He highlights the importance of leading with open-mindedness and enabling employees to shape work around their own passions. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Mar 7, 2022 • 28min
Leveraging Client Needs to Become a Recognized Expert
On Episode 22 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton hosts Pete Miller, Shareholder at Clark Nuber, an accounting firm in Bellevue, Washington. Pete is what Jeremy calls “an expert at becoming an expert,” having established three different practices within the firm. Pete reveals that it was his passion and courage that were vital in helping him establish these initiatives within the firm and mold his career. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Feb 21, 2022 • 35min
Life is Your Leadership Class
On Episode 21 of The Upstream Leader, Dennis Sherrin, CEO at the Avizo Group, joins Heath Alloway. Dennis discusses how leaders can cultivate insights from their life experiences and maximize their unique strengths. He also talks about the aspects of accounting that keep him excited about the profession, the importance of soft skills, and the transformation the industry will undergo over the next several years. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Feb 7, 2022 • 28min
Debrief: Learn from Each Mission
On episode 20 of The Upstream Leader, Heath Alloway discusses the importance of the debrief with U.S. Air Force and commercial pilot, Taylor Fox. Taylor explains the Air Force’s approach to the debrief as a fact-finding exercise, not only to determine who was responsible for things that went wrong, but what the cause was for what went right. Through the debrief process, efficiency and accountability are increased for all involved—and even those who weren’t there. The takeaways are invaluable for future mission planning, a key link to the accounting profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Jan 24, 2022 • 34min
Focusing on Purpose over Profits
On Episode 19 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton speaks with John Sensiba, Managing Partner of Sensiba San Filippo LLP. John discusses how his firm transitioned to a purpose driven, client-centric model through changes in compensation structure and B Corp certification. He emphasizes the impact purpose can have on retention and recruiting, and offers advice to leaders seeking to reorient their workplaces’ priorities. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Jan 10, 2022 • 29min
Looking Back – Moving Forward
On Episode 18 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway come together to discuss the podcast’s first year. They look back at key insights they’ve gleaned from their guests, and their own work in the profession, while discussing strategies and mindsets to aid firms and accountants in forging their futures. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
