Transforming: Tales of Business Evolution
The Small Firms Philosophy podcast has become "Transforming: tales of Business Evolution", a monthly show designed for firms of any size and scale, exploring innovative operating methods that help organizations adapt to a changing landscape. Hear from industry leaders sharing their experiences of reshaping their business models, delving into the dynamic world of business transformation, and inspiring you to explore new ways to evolve your own organization. "Transforming" started in November 2024 with 4 bonus episodes. Brought to you by AICPA & CIMA's Private Companies Practices Section (PCPS).
Episodes
Recorded live at the AICPA's ENGAGE 2026, Erin Hartman, CPA, Senior Manager – Firm Services, sits down with Cheryl Rhode, CPA, Partner at West Rhode & Roberts, where she explains how she is intentionally developing the next generation of firm leaders and why she brings them to ENGAGE to help build their networks and broaden their perspective beyond the walls of the firm.
As Chair of a Private Companies Practice Secti...
Many firm leaders are evaluating their ownership and capital models, which includes considering the option of bringing in outside strategic investors. But many firms continue to choose independence as a strategic path.
In this episode, Andrea Wright, CPA, Partner at Johnson Lambert LLP, shares how her firm defines independence through the lens of culture and long-term investment. She explains how that perspective influences d...
In this episode, Laura Crowley, Partner at Citrin Cooperman and member of the AICPA's Women's Initiatives Executive Committee, and Mandy Gallagher, Lead Manager of Women's Initiatives at the AICPA, discuss what it really takes to build a firm where women advance and why every firm that does comes out stronger.
Laura and Mandy share practical strategies on sponsorship, leadership development, and retention, drawing on real-world exa...
What does successful growth really look like for today's firms? In this episode, Sarah Krom, CPA, MST, Managing Partner of SKC & Co. CPAs, LLC, explores how firm leaders can scale intentionally without sacrificing culture, people, or purpose.
Sarah shares how SKC approaches growth by focusing on other factors beyond revenue and headcount. From launching new service lines to navigating change through overcommunication, this conv...
Lauren Baptiste, founder of Acheloa Wellness, explores how burnout is more than just exhaustion; it's a systemic challenge affecting professionals at every level.
Lauren highlights the new PCPS Burnout Prevention Toolkit, a practical resource designed to help individuals, firms, organizations, and the profession combat burnout before it starts. Lauren shares her personal journey, actionable strategies for creating healthier work cu...
We're back with another special compilation of conversations offering insights relevant for preparing for busy season. Jaimie Boyd from the AICPA® Firm Services team shares highlights from conversations we've had over the past year with practitioners who are applying the fundamental concepts of the Transforming Your Business Model initiative to their day-to-day operations.
From scheduling systems that help tame tax season to the po...
Ready to turn data into your firm's competitive edge? This episode reveals how firm leaders are leveraging the National Management of an Accounting Practice (MAP) Survey, from the AICPA Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) and CPA.com, to drive smarter decision-making and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving profession.
Shayna Chapman, CPA.CITP, CGMA, CEO, Founder of Shaynaco LLC, and Brent Forbush, Managing Partner of Forbush &am...
In this episode of Transforming: Tales of Business Model Evolution, Suzanne Forbes, CPA, Managing Partner of James Moore, explores why governance must evolve as your firm grows, why it's essential to revisit partner compensation, and how to guide your team through transitions.
Suzanne also highlights ways to build a strong, connected culture for remote employees. Looking ahead, she expresses excitement about the future of the profe...
Kelly Rohrs, CPA, Founder of K. Rohrs, CPA, P.C., shares the journey of launching her firm from concept to reality. Listeners will gain insight into how she structures client relationships, manages expectations during high volume periods, and fosters talent retention through flexibility and trust.
Kelly offers practical advice for firm owners looking to break away from traditional models, emphasizing the power of small, inten...
Live from ENGAGE 2025, Erin Hartman, CPA, Senior Manager – Firm Services, sits down with Argel Sabillo, CPA, Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of HeyApril Inc, to discuss the ways he is reshaping the profession and leaving tradition behind. With a client base rooted in internet-based startups and small businesses, HeyApril offers full-scale, end-to-end accounting services. Argel shares how his journey has been defined by...
Brenda Cannon, Partner at Cannon & Associates, CPAs, shares how her firm rethought busy season by scheduling every tax return to prepare and control the workflow.
From setting clear boundaries and prioritizing ideal relationships, to encouraging clients to file extensions, Brenda breaks down how intentional change can create a healthier, more sustainable work environment. Tune in to learn how to normalize a better busy season.&...
Rebecca Driscoll, CPA, Co-founder of The Collaboration Room, walks through her unconventional journey into public accounting, highlighting her transition from working at a large firm to establishing her own CAS and Tax practice. Rebecca elaborates on the significant life changes that motivated her to pursue a different career trajectory.
Emphasized in this episode is the significance of internal CAS practices and the key role...
In the final episode of the four-part governance podcast series, Erin Hartman, CPA, Senior Manager – Firm Services of the AICPA & CIMA joins Sarah Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, and Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, to wrap up and share insights and lessons learned from the series. They reflect on the evolving mindset around governance and how it is relevant to firms of...
In this episode, hosts Sarah Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, and Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, are joined by Chip Chaon, CEO and Managing Principal of LattaHarris, LLP, and Mark Kovaleski, Managing Partner of MMB+CO, where they explore how evolving governance structures are reshaping partnership agreements within firms.
The conversation also provides insights into the challeng...
In this episode, hosts Sarah Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, and Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, are joined by Eric Majchrzak, CEO/Principal for BeachFleischman, to dive into a pivotal shift in the accounting profession—the rise of non-CPA professionals stepping into leadership roles in public accounting firms.
Learn more about how firms are embracing non-CPA leadership to...
In this episode, hosts Sarah Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, and Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, are joined by Chris Sullivan, CPA, Managing Partner of VSH CPAs, and Amber Goering, CPA, Owner of Goering & Granatino (GG Advisors) to discuss the implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in their respective firms. Chris and Amber share their experiences and c...
Content Note: This episode includes discussions about mental health, including depression, anxiety, and suicide. Please take care while listening.
In this powerful episode, Randy Crabtree, Co-Founder and Partner at Tri-Merit, shares his personal story of navigating mental health challenges and how that experience shaped his leadership approach and advocacy within the profession.
Randy shares what it means to lead with vulnerability...
What defines a thriving business development culture in public accounting? Josh Axelrod, Chief Operating Officer of Aldrich CPAs + Advisors, shares the elements of a successful business development environment.
Learn how intentional efforts pave the way for strategic action and how to overcome challenges you may face. Packed with actionable insights and real-world advice, you'll obtain strategies on how to ensure your firm not only...
Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, and Sarah Johnson Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, explore how strong governance can drive successful business model transformation.
They share practical insights on how firms can adopt effective governance frameworks to guide their transformation strategies, ensuring sustainable growth and adaptability. You'll learn key approaches to structuring g...
Private equity-backed firms are reshaping the professional services landscape. In this episode, Tim Brackney, CEO of Springline Advisory, and Josh Beck, Managing Partner at MarksNelson Advisory LLC, share insights into their collaboration and strategic approaches to firm growth and transformation.
Discover how Springline's model helps firms unlock value, enhance operations and scale successfully. From leadership alignment to streng...
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