Future-Proof

What does the next generation really want from work? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Dr. Tara Ceranic Salinas, professor of business ethics at the University of San Diego, to explore what organizations often get wrong about Gen Z in the workplace. Tara explains why Gen Z isn't rejecting leadership. They're rethinking what leadership should look like. From flexibility and purpose...

What does it really take to build a successful global team? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Anshul Agrawal, founder of June15 Consulting, to separate fact from fiction when it comes to offshoring in the accounting profession. Anshul shares why successful offshoring is about more than cost savings. It requires a shift in mindset, treating offshore professionals as true members of...

Client accounting services continue to grow across the profession, but what standards apply when firms step into CAS work? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Mike Manspeaker, Member of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board and CPA on Staff for Coastal Peer Review, to explore the compliance, ethics, and quality management considerations firms need to understand as CAS practices expand....

Mergers and acquisitions continue to reshape the accounting profession, but what happens after the deal closes? In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Ira Rosenbloom of Optimum Strategies to explore the human side of M&A and why people, not numbers, are often the deciding factor in whether a transaction succeeds or fails. Ira shares insight into how communication gaps, c...

What does risk look like for CPA firms today? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Stan Sterna of Aon to explore how the risk landscape is evolving across the profession. Stan explains how new technologies, shifting regulations, workforce changes, and expanding advisory services are creating both opportunity and exposure for firms. He highlights why risk management must move beyond ch...

What if culture isn’t soft at all, but one of the most powerful drivers of performance? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Don Rheem, founder of CultureID, to explore how neuroscience is reshaping the way leaders understand engagement, behavior, and results. Don explains how the way employees feel at work directly drives how they perform, and why factors like psychological safety, t...

How is the future of the CPA profession being shaped at the regulatory level? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Jeff Wilson, the newly appointed chair of the Maryland State Board of Public Accountancy, to discuss the role regulators play in guiding the profession forward. Jeff shares his perspective on addressing the CPA talent shortage, expanding pathways to licensure, and how sta...

What does cybersecurity really mean for today’s CPA firms? In this episode, we sit down with Luke Kiely, Chief Information Security Officer at SmartVault and Chief Security Officer at ComplyWise, to explore why cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, but a firm-wide responsibility. Luke breaks down how most breaches still begin with a simple email and a distracted click, why busy season incre...

What does the future of audit oversight look like in a rapidly changing world? In this episode, we sit down with Christina Ho, who recently announced her departure from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), for an inside look at what’s next for audit regulation. Christina shares her perspective on using AI and advanced analytics in audit oversight, the importance of common-sense r...

What can CPAs and business leaders learn from one of the most entertaining organizations in the world? In this episode, we sit down with Tim Naddy, CFO of the Savannah Bananas, to explore how purpose, culture, and leadership drive performance in high-pressure environments. Behind the dancing players and sold-out stadiums is a clear philosophy. The Bananas do not just play baseball. They create joy...

A major shift is coming to the accounting profession. In December 2025, a new suite of quality management standards will take effect, replacing the long-standing quality control framework firms have used for decades. This change goes beyond new policies; it reflects a broader mindset focused on continual improvement, risk awareness, and firmwide accountability. To help us understand what is coming...

What happens when you are ready to step away from the business you have built? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Erin Daiber, founder of Well Balanced Accountants, to explore why effective succession planning starts long before retirement. Erin shares practical guidance on developing future leaders, creating a culture that supports growth, and avoiding common pitfalls like confusin...

There is no single path to success in accounting, and few people prove that better than Greg Kyte. In this episode of Future-Proof , we explore how Greg built a one-of-a-kind career that blends finance, comedy, and purpose in ways that challenge traditional ideas of what it means to be a CPA. Greg is the Controller and CFO at Riverwoods Medical Arts Center in Utah, but that is only part of his sto...

In today’s data-driven world, information is everywhere, but what truly sets professionals apart is their ability to tell the story behind the numbers. In this episode of Future-Proof , we sit down with Jake DeKinder , Head of Client Communication at Dimensional Fund Advisors , to explore why storytelling may be the most essential skill CPAs can master. Jake explains how data alone doesn’t inspire...

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, it’s for anyone who wants to protect the people and causes that matter most. In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Patrick Carlson, Associate General Counsel for Estate and Tax Product at Vanilla, to explore how simple planning steps can bring peace of mind to everyday clients. Patrick, who’s presenting at the MACPA’s 40th Annual Personal Fin...

Busy season horror stories of 80-hour weeks, sleepless nights, and lost weekends have long defined the accounting profession. But Samantha Bowling, managing partner at GWCPA, is rewriting that narrative. This past tax season, her firm went bold: no weekends, a 50-hour cap, mandatory extensions, upfront pricing, and a 15% fee increase. The payoff? Nearly full client retention, lighter partner workl...

Tom Hood, Executive Vice President of Business Growth and Engagement at the AICPA, shares his perspective on the forces shaping the future of accounting and finance through Accounting and Finance 2040: Rise to the Future Together . In this conversation, Tom discusses the rapid evolution of the finance function, driven by generative AI, digital transformation, shifting business models, and changing...

In today’s polarized climate, terms like DEI and diversity can spark debate, but the need for fairness at work remains just as important. In this episode, Siri Chilazi, co-author of Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results , joins the conversation to explore what actually drives equity in the workplace. Instead of buzzwords or big proclamations, Siri focuses on small, practical changes that...

Risk is evolving quickly, and CPAs need to stay ahead. In this episode of Future Proof , we talk with Nicole Graham, risk consultant at Aon, about how firms can turn risk management into a strategic advantage. From cyber threats and regulatory changes to the everyday use of generative AI, Nicole shares real-world trends and practical tips to help firms stay protected. Learn how to spot red flags e...

This week on Future Proof, Paul Dunn, award-winning entrepreneur, global business leader, and founder of B1G1 (Business for Good), joins the conversation to explore the true purpose of the accounting profession. Paul challenges CPAs to shift from focusing on what they do to why they do it. He shares how small, purpose-driven actions can create lasting impact and how accountants can become storytel...

This week on Future Proof, we’re joined by Lexy Kessler, partner at Aprio, former chair of the Maryland Association of CPAs, and now the third Marylander to chair the AICPA’s board of directors. Lexy brings insight, inspiration, and a powerful sense of purpose to this conversation. She shares how a high school bookkeeping class sparked her career, why she was an early adopter of technology, and ho...

In this episode, Ron Baker, founder of the VeraSage Institute, challenges traditional views of innovation in accounting. Instead of focusing on technology like AI and automation, Ron advocates for transforming the value we provide to clients, shifting from transactional services to outcomes and personal growth. He highlights Fender's shift from selling guitars to teaching customers how to become m...

Firms are facing major capacity and talent challenges—and many are turning to offshoring, or global resourcing, to keep up. But how do you make it work? In this episode of Futureproof, GRF CPAs and Advisors partner Tricia Katebini shares how her firm built a global team that’s fully integrated into their culture and client service model. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your approac...

AI adoption is surging, but most companies struggle to scale its value. Tech expert and be radical co-founder Pascal Finette helps leaders navigate the evolving technology landscape—and today, he’s breaking down what businesses get wrong about AI and how to get it right. With nearly 30 years in tech, including leadership roles at Google, eBay, and Mozilla, Pascal shares practical strategies for in...

In this episode, I speak with Mark Koziel as he steps into his new role as CEO of the AICPA, succeeding Barry Melancon, who led the organization for nearly 30 years. Mark shares his vision for the profession, bringing a global perspective from his experience at both the AICPA and Allinial Global. We discuss key challenges like talent shortages, technology, and regulatory shifts, as well as the imp...