2 CPAs & The Mic

In this special episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, CCK Strategies partners Sara, Kaitlin, Kyna, and Luann share the unconventional paths that led them to leadership and the lessons they've learned along the way. From discovering their "why" and embracing servant leadership to helping entrepreneurs navigate complex challenges, these women offer an honest look at what it takes to build a meaningful career...

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with entrepreneur Lisa Riley for a candid, high-energy conversation about what it really takes to build and lead a business through chaos. From oil-and-gas trade floors to scaling three Pinot's Palette studios, Lisa shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, cash flow reality, outsourcing your weaknesses, customer experience, h...

What separates good businesses from unforgettable ones? Dr. Toby Joplin joins 2 CPAs & The Mic to break down the real drivers of sustainable success; clear strategy, authentic core values, and standout customer experiences. Drawing on his journey from public accounting to academia and consulting, Toby shares practical frameworks to help leaders define their vision, build data-driven strategies, an...

Estate planning isn't just about what happens after you're gone. It's about protecting your family, your assets, and your peace of mind today. In this episode, estate planning attorney Scott Helton joins Jeff and Kristie to unpack the biggest misconceptions around wills, trusts, and probate, and how a lack of planning can create unnecessary stress, cost, and conflict for your family. Whether you'r...

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic , Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Kathy Towne-Sautters of the BDO Alliance to unpack how the accounting profession is evolving beyond compliance into a true advisory powerhouse. Kathy shares why being a "connector" matters, how active listening builds trust faster than any sales pitch, and why firms can't afford to operate in a vacuum. They dive into the...

This episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic explores leadership succession, focusing on transitions from founders to next-generation leaders. Scott Dannemiller shares that many challenges stem from communication gaps, imposter syndrome, and the "curse of knowledge."   He outlines the distinct hurdles for internal and external successors and emphasizes that successful transitions require transparency, realist...

What really happens during a 401(k) audit—and why should you care? Hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Jeremy Smith to pull back the curtain on employee benefit plan audits, explaining key rules, common compliance traps, and the surprising ways things can go wrong. From simple payroll slip-ups to shocking fraud cases, this episode delivers both eye-opening stories and actionable advice t...

Workplace stress is at an all-time high, but burnout isn't just a personal issue, it's a relationship issue. In this candid and insightful conversation, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Chris King, owner of GPS Therapies, to unpack what's really happening to our mental health at work. With nearly 30 years of experience as a counselor and leader, Chris shares why every problem is a rel...

What happens when fine-dining hospitality meets auto repair? In this episode, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Russ Knight, owner of a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to explore how the principles from Will Guidara's book Unreasonable Hospitality can transform even the most unexpected industries. Russ shares how applying a hospitality-first mindset—focused on lis...

What really makes a great first impression in business and why do so many professionals get it wrong without realizing it? In this episode of 2 CPAs and The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with etiquette expert Rachel Wagner to break down modern business etiquette for today's entrepreneurs, students, and professionals.   With nearly 20 years of experience, Rachel delivers clear, actionable...

In this week's episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays welcome Lisa Nichols, author, podcast host, CEO, and co-founder of Technology Partners.  Together, they explore Lisa's 32-year journey of building a people-first IT firm alongside her husband, culminating in an impressive Net Promoter Score of 100. The conversation becomes personal as Lisa shares how her daughter Allie, who has...

April 15 th may have passed, but entrepreneurs have new opportunities to build on their success. In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, CCK Strategies partners Jeff Frable and Sara Mays discuss what business owners should consider after the April 15th deadline.  To keep things practical (and a little spicy), they introduce the CHILI framework, a simple, memorable approach to proactive tax strategy:...

What's the real difference between branding and marketing—and why does it matter more than ever? In this episode, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Jessica Lowe-Betts with Schnake Turnbo Frank to unpack how branding is less about logos and more about lived experience. Drawing from CCK Strategies' own brand identity journey during its transition to second generation leadership, Jessica shares...

Mikey Manghum, VP and Financial Advisor at Regent Private Wealth, joins the podcast to unpack a powerful journey shaped by sports, mentorship, and purpose. From growing up overseas, playing Division 1 basketball to building a career centered on redeeming the narrative around money, Mikey shares how mindset, discipline, and calling have guided every chapter of his life. Mikey dives deep into why mi...

In this episode, CCK Strategies talent acquisition leaders Kusumika Ganguly and Carolyn McGuire share what they're truly listening for when interviewing experienced professionals, interns, and new graduates. They break down why coachability matters, how to clearly communicate your "why," and what helps candidates stand out beyond their resumes. Kusumika and Carolyn also debunk common recruiting my...

Josh Juarez joins Jeff Frable on the mic to share how a college side hustle became one of Tulsa's favorite summer traditions. He discusses his entrepreneurial journey, building snow cone shacks across Tulsa, and fostering a workplace culture that keeps teens returning each year. The conversation explores passing the leadership baton to family, and his latest venture—a year-round community hangout...

Michael Brody-Waite shares how his journey through addiction and recovery became the foundation for building a high ‑ growth company—and why he believes he's successful because of recovery, not despite it. He breaks down three leadership principles that matter in any high ‑ pressure profession: rigorous authenticity, surrendering the outcome, and doing uncomfortable work. Whether you're leading a...

What if sustainability wasn't a cost—but a competitive advantage? On this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays talk with teammate Lindsey Barbour about how business sustainability goes far beyond recycling bins and feel ‑ good messaging. Using the people, profit, planet approach, Lindsey shows how small and mid-sized businesses can lower operating costs, improve employee retentio...

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with Cory Hatch, Academy Director at Ark Financial, for a powerful conversation about what happens when professional success doesn't translate to peace at home. Cory shares his personal turning point, career setbacks, a 120-pound transformation, rebuilding his marriage, and how his journey has shaped his present mission. Cory introduces the idea of...

What does "assurance" really mean and why does it matter to your business? On this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Haley Legg, Director of Assurance at CCK Strategies, to decipher audits, reviews, compilations, and the growing importance of SOC examinations. Haley explains why an audit isn't always the right answer and how SOC reports have become a must‑have tr...

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with entrepreneur Lisa Riley for a candid, high-energy conversation about what it really takes to build and lead a business through chaos. From oil-and-gas trade floors to scaling three Pinot's Palette studios, Lisa shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, cash flow reality, outsourcing your weaknesses, customer experience, h...

Brand is far more than a logo—it's the feeling people carry with them. In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Johnie Hampton joins our hosts and breaks down the difference between brand and marketing. He gives an inside look at his team's collaborative creative process and explains why a humble, people ‑ first culture consistently outperforms even the best strategies. We also dig into AI as a true c...

We're back—and grateful. In the season 2 kickoff of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable, Sara Mays & Kristie Porter reflect on growth, vulnerability, and what it means to serve people well. You'll hear about the moments that stretched us in season 1 and the vision driving season 2: connection over complexity, conversation over jargon, and practical guidance you can use today. We preview topics like fina...

Thirty episodes later, we're closing the books on Season 1!  Join Jeff, Sara and Kristie as they celebrate the journey from "let's try this" to a full-blown podcast with loyal listeners. In this episode, we share behind-the-scenes stories, favorite moments, and a major life update that will make you smile. Plus, we reveal what's next for Season 2—fresh topics, exciting guests, and a new cadence to...

In this episode of 2 CPAs and The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Dewan Chowdhury, Partner at CCK Strategies, for a deep dive into the world of estate planning. From defining what an estate truly is to navigating the complexities of wills, trusts, and tax strategies, Dewan breaks down the essentials with clarity and insight. Whether you're just starting your estate plan or revis...