

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
Aug 8, 2022 • 36min
Purpose Driven Leadership
The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Heath Alloway talks with Jeremy Johnson, the lead pastor at North Point Church, on defining and finding purpose-driven leadership. It is easy to get confused on the quest for significance if you focus on your own agenda. Jeremy shares how he found purpose in refocusing everything from the inside to help someone in need. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Jul 25, 2022 • 36min
The Topic of Time: Focus on progress, not perfection
The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Heath Alloway and Jeremy Clopton talk about the concept of time and the importance of creating space to work on the business and ourselves. Investing the time can be a challenge when “busy” is viewed as a status. When you get out of “busy” you have an opportunity to create a firm, career, and life you desire. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Jul 11, 2022 • 39min
Compete Every Day without Burning Out
In this episode of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy talks with Jake Thompson from Compete Every Day. The discussion focuses on how leaders can compete every day without getting burned out. Other topics include the importance of clear communications and learning how to do hard things. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
Jun 20, 2022 • 36min
Human Resources: More than a place for problems
The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Heath Alloway talks with Sara Choate, the managing director of KPM’s Human Capital Solutions practice. Sara shares her story and a splash of humor to debunk frequent HR misconceptions, how HR can play a strategic role within a firm, and how those exact solutions can benefit firm clients. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
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