#103 CEO Red Flags: Leadership Lessons from a Controller Crisis

In this eye-opening episode of The AC Method, Aaron Clipinger—CEO of SquareCoil—pulls back the curtain on one of the most critical (and chaotic) transitions a business can face: hiring a new controller. Just one week out from a major trade show, Aaron shares the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes story of a 15-year controller stepping down, a string of hiring misfires, and the costly red flags that almost went unnoticed. Tune in as Aaron unpacks what makes a true CEO vs. a president, dives into leadership accountability, and reveals the surprising moment when a $43,000 check nearly derailed everything. Whether you're a business owner, operations lead, or just curious about financial oversight, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on trust, process, and the importance of checks and balances.  Don't miss Aaron's upcoming talk at the ISA Expo Learning Lounge: "Are You the Leader Your Company Needs?"  Like, comment, and subscribe for more raw business insights from the front lines. #Leadership #SmallBusiness #CEOInsights #HiringMistakes #BusinessLessons #SquareCoil #TheACMethod #AccountingFraud #TradeShowPrep #ISAExpo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices