Uncommon Sense

We've got a different kind of episode to kick-off the summer edition of Uncommon Sense. Regular listeners know that over the last season, we asked each guest to share a piece of "uncommon sense" with our listeners, whether that was a life hack or some words of wisdom the guest had received at some point in their career journey. For this episode, we've compiled some of the many memorable "uncommon...

We're wrapping up this season with a conversation featuring a CPA who seems to never run out of energy when it comes to supporting organizations and causes important to her—Debbie Gorsline FCPA, FCMA, a recipient of CPA Alberta's 2026 Distinguished Accomplishment Award. On this episode, Debbie talks about her career path and reflects on the work she's done to support organizations such as CPA Assi...

Content Warning: This episode covers a variety of topics, including discussion around sexual abuse and violence, which may be upsetting to some listeners. If you or someone you know could benefit from the resources discussed in this episode, please visit https://www.sace.ca/contact/. Mika Kitagawa-Friesen CPA, CMA recently received CPA Alberta's Distinguished Accomplishment Award, in part because...

Our guest on this episode is Jason Labonte CPA, CMA, a Certified Executive Coach. Jason shares some perspectives on the value and benefits of executive coaching and how coaching can help professionals hone their leadership skills. He discusses the qualities and characteristics of successful leaders, and how the demands on leaders are changing. Jason is also an accomplished Ironman athlete, so we t...

Two Perspectives on Mentorship with Sandy Lyons and Rod Gatti by CPA Alberta

In Part 2 of Sarah Carver's conversation with host Erin Schwartz, Sarah discusses the impact of tariffs and AI on small businesses such as C-West Custom Fixtures and how these impacts are being addressed. She also talks about the path to success for women-led businesses in traditionally male-dominated business sectors. As well, Sarah shares her reasons for being a dedicated supporter and mentor of...

In the first episode of this two-part conversation, Calgary CPA Sarah Carver joins host Erin Schwartz CPA to talk about her career path and how her decision to become a CPA instead of a lawyer led to her current role as Financial Controller for C-West Custom Fixtures as well as co-founder of her own design studio. A common theme underpinning Sarah's career has been her belief in the value of "putt...

Stephen Bergstrom FCPA, FCMA continues his conversation with host Erin Schwartz CPA about the value of staying busy during retirement and provides some thoughts on how people can prepare for retirement. The conversation then turns to trends in post-secondary accounting education and how students are responding to those trends. With his customary insight and wisdom, Stephen provides an informed gli...

Stephen Bergstrom FCPA, FCMA is semi-retired. Well, sort of. In Part 1 of a two-part conversation with CPA Education Foundation Director Erin Schwartz CPA, Stephen explains what he means when he says he's unclear on the concept of retirement and describes how he stays busy (very busy) during his semi-retirement. Stephen chats about his career as a CPA and accounting educator—a career that included...

Having a mentor can be a key factor in any professional's career growth and success. Deepa Mittimani CPA has lent her unique skills and history of career accomplishments to her record of service as a mentor to Alberta CPAs and other professionals. In this episode, Deepa does a deep dive into her work as a mentor and shares how her own experiences as a new Canadian have shaped how she supports ment...

In Part 2 of our tax tips discussion with Ryan Clarke CPA, CA, FEA, Ryan walks listeners through some changes and new features related to filing of personal tax returns for the 2025 tax year. Ryan also outlines steps to take if you're unable to pay your taxes or if you make a mistake on your tax return. Note: This episode contains general information about filing your tax return and is not meant t...

Tax expert Ryan Clarke CPA, CA, FEA, joins us for this annual "tax tips" episode for personal income tax filers in Alberta. In Part 1, Ryan shares a bit about his career journey, and then outlines some general information about filing personal income tax returns for the 2025 tax year. Note: This episode contains general information about filing your tax return and is not meant to be construed as p...

Jim Sand CPA, CA, CAFM is an entrepreneur and business leader who is deeply committed to his profession, his community, and his Métis heritage. On this episode of Uncommon Sense, Jim reflects on a life of volunteerism and on contributing his expertise to organizations ranging from the Accounting Standards Board to food banks and health centres. He also discusses his personal philosophy around busi...

Patrick Moore CPA, CA is an Assurance Partner with the accounting firm of MNP in their Edmonton office. He is also an accomplished athlete as well as a key member of the 2026 Canadian Paralympic delegation as the Waxer for the Paralympic cross-country skiing team. In this episode, Patrick talks about his Olympic experiences and how he manages a busy day job while being active in the worlds of recr...

With Canada marking Black History Month 2026 in February, Alberta CPAs Chioma and Ako Ufodike join our host to talk about how they partnered with the accounting firm of MNP to create and fund a unique business award of excellence for Black post-secondary students, and the inspiration underpinning the award. They also chat about their own experiences as Black students and professionals, and the imp...

Over the course of her career, Tiffany Chow CPA, CA, CBV, has distinguished herself as a leader and skilled business valuator. She is also dedicated to making her community stronger, earning her CPA Alberta's Early Achievement Award in 2025. In this conversation with host Jessica de Groot, Tiffany discusses her work with EY Canada's Pan-Asian Professional Network as well as her contributions to Ed...

When planning retirement, many of us focus on the financial aspects of preparing for retirement. But if you only look at the financial part of the process, then you might be neglecting some other key elements of getting ready for retirement. On this episode of Uncommon Sense, we talk with Terry Olexyn CPA, CMA, founder of PEAK Retirement Solutions Ltd. Terry shares his insights and expertise on th...

In November, Alberta's CPA profession celebrated the achievements of 443 successful Alberta writers of the profession's fall Common Final Examination (CFE). Passing this exam is a major step before CPA candidates earn their full designation. On November 28, 2025 in Edmonton, many of these soon-to-be CPAs gathered with their employers and other dignitaries at a luncheon, hosted by CPA Alberta. And...

In part 2 of our discussion on investing, Ryan Gubic CPA, CGA discusses the concept of risk when it comes to investing, and explores the different ways that people manage and accept risk. He also sheds some light on what he calls a "holistic" approach to investment and financial planning, focusing on how people's values and personal goals help shape their investment decisions. Let us know what you...

Ryan Gubic CPA, CGA and owner of MRG Wealth Management, helps us understand how to approach investing and how it can set you up for financial security. In Part 1 of our two-part discussion, Ryan talks about the fundamentals of investing and walks listeners through the ways a person can begin investing, some tips for smart investing, and how investing can help you prepare for retirement. Let us kno...

On this episode, we're chatting with Alex Gulay about the Hesje Observatory, one of the many legacy projects in Alberta that the late Brian Hesje FCPA, FCA funded during his lifetime. Alex is the Programming Coordinator at the Hesje Observatory, which is located at the University of Alberta's Augustana Miquelon Lake Research Station. In her conversation with host Jessica de Groot, Alex talks about...

Robyn Hamilton CPA, CA is a busy professional who has a demanding and rewarding passion outside of work: marathon-running. She's participated in marathons from Edmonton to Berlin to Tokyo, and has learned how the focus and resilience required of a marathon runner can also make a difference career-wise. On this episode, Robyn talks about her life as a runner, the priority she places on fitness, and...

Whether serving on the Board of the Calgary Performing Arts Festival or honing her dance skills, Sarah is equally at home in the dance studio or the boardroom. On this episode of Uncommon Sense, Sarah talks about her passion for the arts, her commitment to volunteerism, and how those endeavours mesh with being a CPA. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit...

CPA firms in small towns are more than simply local businesses – they are fully engaged in the life and success of their towns. Guest Sarah Vodden CPA, CGA is a partner at Hendrickson Black LLP. In this episode, Sarah discusses the many ways she and her colleagues participate in their communities and support their clients. On a more-personal level, Sarah talks about her pride in her Métis heritage...

This episode of Uncommon Sense kicks off a series of episodes looking at CPAs' roles in implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concepts in today's workplace. Darcy Yamada CPA, CA is the current Vice Chair of CPA Alberta's board, and a leader at his firm, EY Parthenon, where he serves as a Senior Vice President of Strategy and Transactions. Darcy also has taken on the role of Dive...