Thrivecast: A Podcast for Accountants

This Thrivecast episode, the final one of 2025, features a solo conversation led by Jason, who reflects on seasons of change and intentional leadership as he looks ahead to 2026. Drawing on nearly 25 years of firm ownership and 15 years of leading Thriveal, Jason explores how change—whether chosen or forced—can become a catalyst for growth when approached strategically. He shares personal insights on how markets evolve, teams shift, and leaders must continually reassess where they are most needed and what they are truly committed to building.Jason outlines a significant pivot within his accounting firm, which is broadening its long-standing niche focus to serve entrepreneurs more generally after recognizing major shifts and challenges within its previous target market. Rather than waiting for disruption to dictate the next move, he explains why proactively adapting alongside the market is essential. That same philosophy is being applied to Thriveal, which is entering a new season after 15 years of operating as a broad, open community for firm owners around the world.Looking ahead, Jason explains how Thriveal is choosing depth over scale by narrowing its focus and restructuring into two core programs designed specifically for growing and scaling firms. The Venture program serves firm owners with five or more team members, while the Ascent program supports firms generating one million dollars or more in revenue. By limiting enrollment and moving away from multiple community membership levels, Thriveal is creating a more intimate, high-commitment environment where firm owners receive consistent accountability, coaching, and peer connection throughout the year.The episode also details several intentional changes that support this deeper focus, including sunsetting the Deeper Weekend conference, reshaping master classes, expanding self-paced courses, and developing future workshops connected to the newly released book Scale with Purpose. Throughout the episode, Jason encourages listeners to view change as a core leadership responsibility—one that requires courage, clarity, and a willingness to let go of what is familiar in order to build something more meaningful. The conversation closes with an invitation to firm owners who feel ready for this next season to explore whether Thriveal’s Venture or Ascent programs are the right fit for their growth in 2026.

In this episode of The Thrivecast, Jason Blumer interviews Heath Alloway, Growth Partner at Sorren, who brings extensive experience from BKD and the Upstream Academy. Heath introduces a transformative framework he calls the "four pillars of success": culture, people, clients, and wise growth. This sequencing is deliberate—growth sits last because it exists to fuel the other three, challenging the profession's tendency to pursue revenue targets disconnected from organizational health. Heath draws a critical distinction between healthy and unhealthy growth. Firms growing too rapidly with misaligned clients experience culture rot, elevated turnover, and declining engagement, while strategic growth creates space to say yes to the right opportunities and invest meaningfully in team development. He addresses a counterintuitive reality: humans process thousands of thoughts daily, with 80% skewing negative and 95% being repetitive. Heath advocates for fundamental reorientation, asking: "When you think about the future, if it hasn't happened yet, why would you choose to think about everything that could go wrong?" This shift from defensive positioning to intentional optimism becomes the foundation for sustainable transformation. The conversation explores evolved approaches to business development in accounting. Heath challenges the conventional wisdom that business development belongs exclusively to partners, arguing that early exposure throughout team members' careers transforms what could be a shocking transition into natural professional evolution. He provides tactical frameworks rarely executed: identify your top three prospective clients by name (most partner groups cannot), prioritize cross-selling within existing relationships where trust already exists, and proactively request introductions from clients who genuinely want to see you succeed. His role extends beyond traditional growth activities to include facilitating strategic planning retreats and leadership development for clients—services that internal surveys identified as highly requested offerings, revealing that clients are inviting deeper partnership if firms are willing to see beyond compliance work. Heath acknowledges COVID's paradoxical gift to the profession, noting it forced changes firms should have made voluntarily: fee increases reflecting actual value, termination of misaligned client relationships, and more intentional investment in team connection. His concern is that firms might abandon these strategic gains as they return to task-focused execution, forgetting the cultural intentionality that emerged during crisis. The episode concludes with Heath reframing business development anxiety through a powerful metaphor: if you were a doctor with the cure for a rare disease, wouldn't you feel obligated to share it? Accountants possess gifts that can genuinely transform client businesses and communities, yet fear and introversion often prevent initiating the conversations where that value could be realized. His message to the profession is both challenge and invitation: "This profession will do more for you than you can ever do for it." The path forward requires moving beyond reactionary growth toward intentional design—building firms where strategic choices about clients, team development, and cultural investment align with a clearly articulated vision of who we are becoming, demonstrating that sustainable growth emerges not from grinding harder but from thinking more clearly about what we're building and why it matters.

On this episode of the Thrivecast, Jason Blumer sits down with Dr. Kristy Short to reveal a profound truth about professional services: firms unconsciously choose mediocrity through their communication patterns. We explore how the accounting profession's default toward compliance-based content creates an invisible prison of sameness—a sea of templated messaging that transforms unique practices into indistinguishable commodities.The strategic tension emerges clearly: in an era where AI can generate unlimited content, authentic voice becomes the ultimate differentiator. Yet most firm leaders struggle to identify, articulate, and consistently express their distinctive perspective. Dr. Short's 25-year journey through the content landscape illuminates how this challenge transcends marketing tactics—it's fundamentally about leadership courage and organizational self-awareness. The "million dollar look" framework she describes isn't about aesthetic polish; it's about the disciplined practice of authentic expression in a profession that rewards conformity.This exploration challenges the inherited belief that technical competence alone drives firm success. Instead, we examine content as relational infrastructure—the systematic way firms build trust, demonstrate expertise, and invite deeper advisory relationships. The conversation reveals how moving from one-way compliance communications to engaging, client-centric storytelling requires leaders to confront their own creative limitations and embrace the vulnerable work of authentic brand development. This isn't simply about marketing strategy; it's about organizational transformation and the courage to stand apart in a crowded marketplace.The deeper question emerges: Are you willing to risk distinctiveness in pursuit of meaningful client relationships, or will you remain safely hidden within the comfortable anonymity of professional sameness?About the guest:Kristy Short, Ed.D, is the owner of Type5 Content and Align Creative. She has served the accounting profession for more than 25 years—an expert in content strategy and development. And she's loved every minute of it! Kristy's passionate about helping firms and the profession as whole move forward., kick ass and conquer. She's worked with hundreds of firms and accounting-space vendors and is authentically effusive when she says: "There's no better feeling than watching clients succeed.

In this episode of The Thrivecast, host Jason Blumer interviews Chad Davis, partner at LiveCA, one of Canada's original virtual accounting firms. Chad brings over a decade of experience building remote-first operations and shares practical insights about AI adoption and automation strategies. He emphasizes that automation should never be a firm's top three priorities, positioning AI as a powerful tool that enhances existing operations rather than a revolutionary change. The conversation explores the distinction between generative AI (creating new content) and agentic AI (taking autonomous actions), while Chad demonstrates how LiveCA evolved from single-person tech dependency to a distributed team model where multiple staff members develop automation skills. Chad provides a practical framework for AI implementation, categorizing technology spending into three buckets: core non-negotiables (accounting software), utilities (gap-filling tools), and the emerging category of AI tools that function as always-available thought partners. He advocates for starting with low-risk applications like meeting transcription to build team confidence, while emphasizing the critical importance of data organization as foundational infrastructure for future AI adoption. Chad candidly discusses LiveCA's strategic evolution, including their move away from CFO services to focus on controller-level work and their transition from value pricing back to budgeted hours when scaling to 120 employees made the former operationally challenging. The episode concludes with actionable advice for accounting professionals beginning their AI journey, with Chad noting that technological proficiency can be achieved in just five to ten hours of focused learning. He shares his approach to staying current through monthly AI industry roundups and building learning communities, while addressing security considerations and the competitive landscape among AI providers. Chad's Automation Town community exemplifies his philosophy of creating structured environments where accounting professionals can develop technical skills while maintaining focus on client service excellence, demonstrating that successful AI adoption requires both strategic thinking and hands-on experimentation. About the Guest Chad Davis is a partner at LiveCA, one of Canada's pioneering virtual accounting firms founded in 2013. With over a decade of experience building remote-first operations, Chad has guided the firm's growth from startup to a 60-person organization serving clients across North America. He specializes in automation and AI implementation for professional service firms, sharing his expertise through daily LinkedIn content and his Automation Town community. Chad's practical approach to technology adoption focuses on building sustainable systems that enhance rather than replace human expertise. His monthly AI industry roundups have become a valuable resource for accounting professionals seeking to stay current with rapidly evolving technology trends. When not exploring the latest automation tools, Chad focuses on creating learning opportunities that help accounting teams develop technical skills while maintaining their focus on client service excellence.

In this episode of The Thrivecast, host Jason Blumer interviews change management expert Alice Grey Harrison, who brings 25 years of experience managing transformation in large professional service firms. Alice Grey opens with a fundamental insight: whether you're working with 25 people or 20,000 people, change challenges remain the same because "we're people." She debunks the stereotype that accountants are uniquely change-resistant, explaining that humans naturally resist change regardless of profession. The conversation explores how change is non-linear, more like a spiral than a straight line, often involving unexpected setbacks that require strategic pivots, as illustrated through her real-world examples including complex software implementations. Alice introduces two key frameworks that drive successful change management. First, she discusses Change Response Styles—a scientifically validated diagnostic tool that identifies four main styles: secure, preoccupied, dismissive, and fearful. Understanding these different approaches helps leaders guide teams more effectively through transitions. Second, she emphasizes the critical importance of communication through her "content compass" concept, ensuring all leaders use identical language when discussing change initiatives. As she quotes George Bernard Shaw: "The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place." For smaller firms, Alice Grey provides a practical framework anchored in mission, vision, and values, including creating clear "why" statements, demonstrating success through behavioral changes, and assigning dedicated project managers.Looking ahead to the Deeper Weekend, https://thriveal.com/deeper-weekend/, conference in October, Alice Grey will present two sessions on change management, including hands-on experience with the change response style assessment and practical implementation strategies. She illustrates how even seemingly simple changes like software updates actually represent fundamental cultural shifts, transforming organizations from "follow the leader" cultures to ones requiring independent problem-solving. About the guest: Alice Grey Harrison shapes organizational narratives across professional services, bringing over 25 years of strategic wisdom to firms navigating critical transitions. Her expertise centers on three transformative dimensions: cultural integration through complex mergers, change management that transcends resistance, and strategic communication that unlocks performance. With 16+ merger integrations in her portfolio, Alice doesn't just manage change—she orchestrates it with remarkable intuition, helping firms discover their highest expression while honoring their foundational strengths. Her work has earned recognition from the Association for Accounting Marketing and Ragan Communications, reflecting her ability to transform theoretical frameworks into lived organizational experiences. As a national speaker and thought leader, Alice approaches each engagement with profound questions that invite discovery, meeting organizations precisely where they are in their evolutionary journey and creating pathways that align purpose with performance. Alice Grey can be reached on LinkedIn under Alice Grey Harrison and through her website https://www.aghconsultinggroup.com/ where she shares bi-monthly insights on change management for professional service firms.

Alan Whitman challenges firm leaders to embrace uncomfortable questions as catalysts for organizational transformation. His central thesis: we are already advisors, trapped not by capability but by inherited paradigms that no longer serve our evolving purpose.Jason and Alan discuss how advisory and compliance were once integrated, but now we've artificially separated them. Modern firms must position traditional services as support structures for advisory work, not the primary focus. This requires asking: "Is this really our highest and best use to the organization?"Some specific reflection points from this episode are how many leaders are actively questioning their status quo versus simply going through the motions? The "ShoShin" approach—embracing beginner's mind when facing major changes—demands we start from scratch rather than incrementally adjust failing systems. Begin with uncomfortable questions that challenge existing assumptions. Evaluate whether you're accumulating clients or strategically building practice. Assess which non-negotiables could most transform your firm's trajectory.As a reminder, transformation is not about perfection, but about courageous, intentional movement toward our highest organizational potential. We are architects of possibility, constantly redesigning our structures to align with our evolving vision of what professional services can become.

In this episode, we chat with Katrina Nacci, a CPA based in Frankfurt, Germany who helps European companies navigate US accounting standards. Originally from Boston, Katrina describes her work as "bridging the gap with two A's" - taking companies from local European accounting to US GAAP or IFRS when they're seeking American investors or planning IPOs. After 12 years abroad and experience at PwC and in private equity, Katrina found her niche with scale-up companies in the $30-50 million revenue range. Her approach leverages clients' internal teams through collaborative "GAAP summits" where she guides finance departments through accounting differences, making the process more cost-effective than larger firms. Interestingly, Katrina often discovers companies struggle not just with accounting standard differences, but with correctly applying their current standards. She works across the UK, Germany, Netherlands and other European countries, each with their own requirements. Despite initial language barriers, Katrina has adapted to life in Europe, traveling monthly throughout the continent. She reflects on her growth from a "dorky technical accountant" to a confident business owner with a unique specialization at the intersection of European and American financial requirements.

The world is constantly evolving. Clients are changing. That means we have to meet them where they are. Accountants are no longer strictly “service providers”. Go ahead…add “technology advisor” to your resume. It sounds scary, but it’s true. Accountants must start embracing new technology and AI in order to free up ourselves for the services that clients are actually wanting. “There’s an app for that” and our tech savvy clients know it, so we have to push past our own fears to meet them where they are…and that means more metrics, financial reporting, and advisory. Sarah Acton, Chief Customer Officer with BILL, says that we must get comfortable with automating the granular tasks so that we can free ourselves up for doing one thing that technology can NOT do, and that’s building personal relationships. Strive for efficiency. Experiment with new ideas. Ultimately, your authenticity is what builds credibility with your clients. Walk them through their own fears and develop a practical roadmap for success in their own business. Learn how BILL can help make your firm more efficient and streamline operations at www.bill.com.

In this episode of Thrivecast, Jason sits down with award-winning educator Dr. Scott J. Allen, Ph.D., an expert in leadership development, the future of work, and executive communication, to discuss the crucial distinction between technical expertise and leadership ability in accounting firms. Episode Highlights: - Why the most skilled accountants aren't always the best candidates for leadership positions - How to create appropriate career paths for technical experts who don't move into leadership - Key qualities to look for when identifying potential leaders within your firm - Strategies for leadership development and ""arming yourself"" as a firm leader - How effective leadership directly influences the climate and culture of accounting firms - Practical approaches to measuring leadership effectiveness in your organization This must-listen episode provides valuable insights for firm owners and leaders navigating the challenging transition from accountant to leader. Dr. Allen and Jason explain why leadership is a learned skill that can be developed over time, offering hope and guidance for those looking to strengthen their leadership capabilities. Whether you're currently in a leadership position or planning your firm's succession strategy, this conversation offers practical frameworks to help you build a stronger leadership team and create the right growth paths for all your talented professionals. About the Guest: Scott J. Allen, Ph.D., serves as an instructor in SMU’s Cox School of Business Executive Education and spent more than 18 years as a professor of management. He also serves as a leadership consultant with Winding River Consulting. Allen’s areas of expertise include leader development, the future of work, and executive communication. Scott has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He’s the co-author of several books, including The Little Book of Leadership Development: 50 Ways to Bring Out the Leader in Every Employee; Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: A Guide for College Students; Discovering Leadership: Designing Your Success; and Captivation: Online Presentations by Design. Scott hosts Phronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders, ranked among the world's top 2.5% of podcasts. Along with the podcast, he publishes a weekly newsletter. You can connect with Scott at https://www.scottjallen.net/ or find him on LinkedIn.

Welcome to Thrivecast! In today’s episode, Jason Blumer sits down with Rob Nixon, a global expert in driving profitability for accounting firms. They unpack the nitty-gritty of critical utilization, productivity, and efficiency concepts. They’ll explore how the pandemic has reshaped virtual work, the historical changes in accounting efficiency, succession planning, and transforming firms into vehicles for wealth creation. Tune in as they uncover strategies for firm owners to balance profitability, efficiency, and personal fulfillment. Whether you’re aiming for practice improvement or transitioning to an investor level, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

In this solo Thrivecast episode, Jason reflects on opportunities that the new year brings. He shares the sad conclusion of the Businessology Show and said goodbye to make way for new ventures and focused growth. He emphasizes the importance of recommitting to new paths in the services industry and highlights Thriveal’s exciting future plans. He invites listeners to join him in embracing change, growing their businesses, and finding new ways to provide value to clients. Join us as we embark on this journey into the new year with renewed energy and a commitment to growth and innovation!

Welcome back to Thrivecast! In this episode, Jason sits down with Brett Kelly, founder, and CEO of Kelly Partners Group, a global accounting firm that went public in Australia in 2017 and is now leading in the US as well. They sit down to discuss the evolving world of leadership and business strategy. Brett highlights the importance of fostering bottom-up leadership, aligning business practices with core values, and creating environments that unlock potential in teams and firms alike. Together, they explore shifting career trends, the power of long-term vision, and how mission-driven strategies are reshaping the business landscape!

Welcome back to The Thrivecast! Today, Jason sits down for part 2 of his episode with Ian Vacin where they finish their teaching from the highly successful Deeper Weekend conference. This episode is a follow up from Ian’s sessions at Deeper Weekend and they dive into the Qualitative Research they are doing for their upcoming book on Human Capacity. Come learn about the 7 qualitative research findings that help firms reach profitability and firm success.

Welcome back to Thrivecast! In today’s episode, Jason chats with Ian Vacin, co-founder and chief customer officer of Karbon. Known for his extensive background in industrial engineering, high tech manufacturing, and an MBA, Ian brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the table. Together, they dive deep into the intricacies of capacity planning and resource management for accounting firms, drawing from their own collaboration history and experiences on road shows. They’ll give us a sneak peek into their latest endeavor: co-writing a book on "human capacity," blending extensive research with anecdotal wisdom to tackle the complexities of scaling service-based businesses. From labor cost challenges to the nuanced art of outsourcing staff, Ian and Jason share invaluable insights that can help any entrepreneur navigate the choppy waters of growth and organizational design!

Welcome back to Thrivecast! In today's episode, Jason and Jackie Meyer, dive into the dynamic world of tax planning and strategic leadership. Holding a doctorate in strategic leadership, Jackie discusses the significance of setting personal boundaries, the value of in-person meetings, and her journey in hiring a CEO to focus on her book and career advancements. We'll explore the high ROI potential of tax planning, the importance of strategic pricing, and how Jackie's SaaS product, Tax Plan IQ, is transforming the accounting industry. Join them as they navigate through the distinctions of tax advisory services, manage a busy schedule, and discover the limitless potential within the profession!

Welcome back to Thrivecast, where we get into the ins and outs of the ever-evolving landscape of the accounting profession. In this episode, we have a thought-provoking conversation with Rob Brown, CEO of Accounting Influencers, hailing from the historic city of Nottingham, UK. Rob shares his journey from a high school math teacher to becoming a leading figure in training and developing accounting professionals. Jason and Rob explore the challenges and opportunities in the accounting profession, from storytelling and influence skills to leadership development and the impact of technology. Join them as they uncover the changing dynamics in the world of accounting and the essential attributes for modern-day CPAs to remain competitive!

Welcome to a special solo episode of Thrivecast! In this unique installment, Jason examines a concept crucial for every firm entrepreneur: Owner Rest. As we enter conference season, it's the perfect time to explore how stepping away strategically can refuel and recharge you. In this episode, you'll discover the distinction between 'rest rest' and 'owner rest' and why both are essential for sustainable growth and productivity. We'll discuss how Owner Rest isn't just about taking a break but about engaging in purposeful learning and development away from your daily grind. This episode also highlights the upcoming Deeper Weekend conference, where you can experience Owner Rest firsthand. Join us as we unpack the science and practice of productivity, and learn how to leverage strategic rest to become a better leader and owner. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to thrive!

Welcome to another Thrivecast episode, where Jason and Calvin Harris dive deep into the evolving landscape of the accounting profession. They tackle the intricate rules and regulations that impact the mobility of CPAs across states, emphasizing the crucial role of state CPA societies in advocating for the profession and protecting public trust. Calvin Harris, the CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs, recounts pivotal moments in his career, including his unexpected ascent to leadership roles and his passion-driven journey. Jason and Calvin will also explore pressing issues like the 150-hour rule, private equity's role in modernizing firms, and the need to reshape the perception of the accounting profession starting as early as middle school. We’ll discuss the importance of mentoring, the non-linear career paths enabled by technology, and the future of accounting amid a changing professional landscape. Join us as we unravel these themes and more in a dynamic conversation that promises to provide valuable insights for professionals at every stage of their careers.

Welcome to another episode of Thrivecast. Today, we’re diving deep into the transformative journey firms undergo when moving from traditional consensus-based models to streamlined business-oriented models. Jason’s thrilled to have Jeremy Clopton, managing director of Upstream Academy, joining us to share his experiences and the complexities this transition entails. They’ll explore how embracing a corporate structure can offer partners more entrepreneurial freedom and enhance firm efficiency by clearly separating governance from operations. This separation is crucial for enabling firms to operate more like businesses and less like old-school partnerships, which can often hinder growth. Jason and Jeremy will also tackle private equity in professional services. With views ranging from seeing it as a potential exit strategy to leveraging it for growth, they unpack the varied perspectives and experiences surrounding this controversial subject. Their discussion aims to shed light on how shifting mindsets, embracing new roles, and implementing structured leadership can pave the way for a more successful future. Stay tuned as they break down these complex issues and offer insights into making the transition smoother and more effective for everyone involved.