W.T.F (We're Trying to Figure-out) with Saul | MY-CPE📚

Learning ObjectivesIdentify core steps that strengthen financial readiness for growth capital.Apply forecasting methods that support fast and unpredictable startup environments.Evaluate investor expectations using clear metrics and aligned internal planning.Recognize financial blind spots that limit scaling or delay funding.Build finance processes that integrate reporting, technology, and strategic planning.What does it take for a high-growth startup to build financial systems that attract investors and support true scale? This CPE Episode opens by exploring the real pressures founders face as they move from early traction to serious capital needs. The conversation examines why financial clarity becomes a competitive edge, how unpredictable growth demands stronger planning, and why investors are increasingly focused on readiness rather than ambition. Listeners get an inside look at the common pitfalls around cash flow, forecasting, and market positioning that can derail even promising companies.The discussion centers on insights from Janelle Gorman, CFO at York IE, whose background in public accounting, corporate finance, M&A, and high-growth advisory shapes a practical view of what scalable finance requires. She explains the mistakes startups make when preparing for funding, the financial metrics leaders must monitor, and the internal structures needed before approaching investors. Her experience highlights how disciplined reporting, aligned operations, and a thoughtful tech stack can strengthen credibility and reduce the chaos that often comes with rapid expansion.

Learning ObjectivesIdentify operational drivers behind burnout in professional service firms.Analyze leadership behaviors that limit effective delegation and team ownership.Differentiate management tasks from true leadership responsibilities in firms.Evaluate holistic operating models for improving engagement and performance.Assess future leadership expectations facing accounting and advisory firm owners.What if burnout in accounting firms is not a people problem at all, but an operating system failure? This CPE Episode takes a hard look at why professional service firms keep hitting the same walls around talent, delegation, and leadership, even as workloads and expectations rise. Instead of quick fixes or surface level perks, the conversation centers on how deeper operational design and leadership clarity shape whether firms scale sustainably or slowly grind down their best people.In this Episode, Chase Damiano joins the conversation to unpack these challenges through the lens of operations and leadership development. Chase has worked across consulting, entrepreneurship, and professional services, bringing experience from Accenture, building a business from scratch, and advising firms through his work at Human at Scale. His focus is practical, helping accounting, tax, and wealth management firms rethink how workflows and decisions get made, and leaders show up when growth creates strain.

Learning ObjectivesExplain why transfer pricing directly affects global tax risk and cash outcomes.Compare IRS and OECD transfer pricing frameworks and their core structural differences.Identify key compliance challenges under dual IRS and OECD transfer pricing systems.Analyze how OECD Pillar Two interacts with existing transfer pricing strategies.Evaluate practical steps firms can take to prepare for upcoming global tax changes.Is transfer pricing just a technical tax exercise, or a strategic lever that can move millions across borders? In a world where global businesses operate under two competing standards, the IRS on one side and the OECD on the other, transfer pricing has become a high-stake balancing act. This Episode digs into why transfer pricing matters now more than ever, how historical policy choices created today’s split frameworks, and what happens when companies misjudge the line between compliance and strategy. From audit exposure to real cash tax outcomes, the discussion grounds abstract rules in practical consequences firms face every day.Carl Budenski, Tax Partner and Transfer Pricing Leader at Aprio, brings a practitioner’s lens to this complex terrain. Drawing from decades of advising multinational and mid-market companies, he explains how U.S. and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) transfer pricing regimes evolved along different philosophical paths, and why that divergence creates friction for modern businesses. Carl also unpacks how companies document, defend, and sometimes rethink their pricing models when operating across jurisdictions, especially as new global tax initiatives approach.

Learning ObjectivesRecognize unique financial challenges families face supporting lifelong care needs.Explain how traditional planning differs from special needs planning discussions.Identify emotional and psychological barriers impacting long-term decisions.Determine how CPAs can partner with advisors to guide complex conversations.Apply podcast insights to build stronger trust with overwhelmed families.Some conversations don’t just teach you something, they stay with you — and this one does exactly that.This CPE episode is built from a powerful podcast conversation with Mary McDirmid, who opens up about her journey from traditional tax work to becoming a purpose-driven financial planner for families raising children with rare diseases and lifelong care needs. Instead of a technical lecture, listeners are brought directly into a raw and personal dialogue about navigating medical uncertainty, building trust with overwhelmed parents, and creating financial plans that must outlive the caregivers themselves.Through Mary’s stories, the episode reveals why typical planning frameworks fall short for special needs families and how financial professionals can step in, not just with numbers, but with empathy, clarity, and structure. The conversation blends humor, vulnerability, and real client moments to help CPAs understand the emotional, logistical, and financial layers behind these high-stakes decisions. 

Learning ObjectivesIdentify how neuroscience shapes conversational success and relationship outcomes. Explain how oxytocin, dopamine, and cortisol influence client engagement. Apply strategies for creating psychological safety in professional discussions. Analyze emotional regulation techniques that enhance connection and trust. Use neuroscience-based frameworks to transform everyday communication effectiveness.What if every conversation you have could literally rewire the brain for better or worse? In this engaging Episode, we explore the neuroscience of communication and how understanding brain chemistry can transform the way professionals connect, collaborate, and build trust. Listeners will discover how subtle conversational shifts can turn transactional exchanges into meaningful, trust-driven relationships that strengthen both personal and professional outcomes. Our guest, Mary Schmid, is a communication strategist and neuroscience-based leadership expert who helps financial and advisory professionals master the “science of connection.” Through her signature Conversational Edge framework, she reveals how oxytocin, dopamine, and cortisol shape client dynamics and decision-making. The conversation dives deep into the biology of listening, the art of psychological safety, and how emotional regulation determines success in high-stakes interactions.

Learning ObjectivesIdentify the key benefits and privileges of the Enrolled Agent designation.Explore career opportunities available to EAs beyond traditional compliance roles.Examine NAEA’s role in advancing the visibility and influence of EAs.Assess how AI and automation are transforming modern tax practice.Recognize strategies for future-proofing an EA career amid regulatory change.Course OverviewWhat does it really mean to be an Enrolled Agent in today’s tax world? In this engaging Episode, we sit down with Megan Killian, Executive Vice President at the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), to uncover why the EA credential is more than just a title, it’s a strategic career advantage. From expanding representation rights to embracing technology, Megan breaks down how EAs are uniquely positioned to thrive in an era of complex tax reform and digital transformation.As one of the foremost advocates for tax professionals, Megan offers a front-row view of the evolving landscape and NAEA’s role in shaping it. She explores how the EA designation compares to CPA and attorney credentials, what new career paths are emerging, and how AI and automation are redefining what it means to serve taxpayers today.

Learning ObjectivesIdentify key misconceptions about SALT affecting modern businesses.Discuss the impact of Wayfair on economic nexus thresholds.Differentiate between physical nexus and economic nexus rules.Analyze how remote work reshapes SALT compliance obligations.Explain the role of voluntary disclosure agreements in reducing penalties.State and Local Tax (SALT) is one of the most dynamic areas of modern business. With tax laws evolving rapidly and remote work changing traditional boundaries, companies must rethink their compliance strategies. But how do you navigate physical versus economic nexus rules, Wayfair’s ripple effects, or the tax consequences of employees scattered across states? This CE course breaks down these complex issues in a way that’s both practical and approachable.Guided by industry experts, we’ll explore the misconceptions businesses often hold, such as thinking SALT only applies to large corporations, and highlight how even smaller organizations face significant risks. You’ll also discover how voluntary disclosure agreements can help mitigate historical liabilities, and how digital-first companies can avoid the trap of over-compliance. This course will arm you with actionable strategies to reduce exposure, strengthen compliance, and stay ahead of state-level audits.

Learning ObjectivesAnalyze why marketing misalignment affects firm success.Identify key steps in realigning firm marketing with client needs.Discuss practical methods for uncovering marketing disconnects.Explore ways to encourage creativity in accounting firms.Develop actionable steps for firm leaders to improve marketing alignment.In this eye-opening Episode, Karen Reyburn, founder of PF and a CPA turned creative strategist, explains why many firms feel like their marketing efforts are stuck. She dives into how misalignment between marketing strategies and client expectations is the real issue, and how firms can realign their approach for more natural, authentic, and sustainable results.Karen shares actionable insights for firm leaders, drawing on her experience working in both the U.S. and Scotland. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your ideal client before refining your marketing strategy. The discussion covers how values, vision, and culture play crucial roles in developing marketing strategies that resonate with the right audience.

Learning ObjectivesDiscuss how AI is transforming the tax profession. Identify misconceptions about AI among accounting professionals. Analyze how AI helps address the talent shortage. Explain how technology reshapes career growth for young accountants. Explore ethical and regulatory implications of AI adoption.In this eye-opening Episode, technology strategist Leroy Kerry dives into how artificial intelligence is redefining the future of tax and accounting. As automation accelerates and agentic AI gains traction, many professionals are asking: Will AI take over, or take us higher? This Episode explores that question head-on, offering a grounded look at the realities, risks, and rewards of integrating AI into tax practice. Leroy unpacks how AI is solving real pain points, from the growing talent shortage to inefficiencies that drain productivity and profits. You’ll discover how firms can use intelligent systems to enhance accuracy, accelerate workflows, and attract new generations of talent to the profession. The discussion goes beyond buzzwords, showing how human expertise and AI can work hand in hand to create smarter, more resilient firms. 

Learning ObjectivesDiscuss how CPAs perceive and navigate cannabis business engagements.Identify major compliance challenges beyond Section 280E in cannabis accounting.Analyze the role of state-specific cannabis laws in client service.Explain the importance of professionalism and advocacy in cannabis accounting.Explore the future role CPAs may play in shaping cannabis regulation.Welcome to another Episode of W.T.F. with Saul; we sit down with Renata Serban, CPA, to unpack the fast-growing and complex world of cannabis accounting. This conversation dives into the challenges CPAs face when serving cannabis businesses, from unclear regulations to strict tax codes, while highlighting how compliance and professionalism shape the path forward.Renata shares her experience advising cannabis clients and navigating regulatory confusion across state boards and professional organizations. She offers insights on the perception of CPAs in the industry, the overlooked realities beyond Section 280E, and the importance of mastering state-specific rules. Listeners will hear how she pushes for stronger advocacy and professionalism to legitimize cannabis accounting as a respected practice.

Learning ObjectivesIdentify strategies to transition a CPA firm from compliance to advisory-first.Apply proactive listening to uncover high-value client advisory opportunities.Structure advisory services using pricing buckets and pre-determined service levels.Manage scope creep while maintaining high client satisfaction.Coach and empower team members to scale advisory delivery effectively.Is your CPA firm truly advisory-first or still stuck in compliance mode? In this episode of We’re Trying to Figure Out (WTF), host Saul talks with James “Jamie” Lopiccolo, CPA, CGMA, co-founder and CEO of Capricor Professional Advisors, about how to shift from reactive compliance to proactive, high-value advisory that transforms client businesses and strengthens relationships.Jamie shares his journey from founding Capricor in 2017 to merging with Knock Accounting in 2021, explaining how traditional CPA firm models fell short in delivering proactive advisory services. He introduces the firm’s five pillars: leadership, tailored services, peace of mind, fee transparency, and proactiveness—and shows how these principles guide day-to-day client engagement and strategic decision-making. The merger added accounting expertise and client services that complement Capricor’s advisory focus, creating a cohesive and client-centric approach.

Learning ObjectivesExplain the primary provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill.Analyze the political and economic forces behind the bill’s passage.Identify key winners and losers among individual and business taxpayers.Evaluate the risks and ambiguities in regulatory implementation.Anticipate practitioner impacts tied to tip rules, expense, and client guidance.Is this the biggest tax reform since TCJA, or just a political patch job? In this high-stakes episode of We’re Trying to Figure Out (WTF), Saul is joined by Adam Michel, Director of Tax Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, to dissect the One Big Beautiful Bill. From overtime deduction rules and tip exclusions to the massive overhaul of credits, expenses, and amortization, this conversation explores how policy ideals collide with economic realities.Adam, whose experience includes deep tax research and Capitol Hill advisory roles, guides listeners through the bill’s actual impact beyond the headlines. Together, they discuss the revived §179 and §168(k) expensing allowances, child and dependent care credit modifications, and which deductions were made or scrapped. The episode also highlights the return of amortized R&D costs, the uncertain future of clean energy tax breaks, and the tightrope the Treasury walks in issuing guidance.Key Topics:Tip income and overtime deduction mechanicsExpensing and amortization reversalsPhase-outs of business creditsIndustry carve-outs and lobbying winsRegulatory uncertainty and IRS workload

Learning ObjectivesDescribe how passion can guide niche selection in accounting firms.Identify due diligence best practices when acquiring a book of business.Analyze how advisory work supports stronger client relationships and growth.Distinguish between transactional and long-term service models.Evaluate operational challenges and mindset shifts in firm building.What if your best career move starts with your passion, not a business plan? In this episode of We’re Trying to Figure Out (WTF), Saul sits down with Ryan Pulice, a CPA who pivoted from computer science into accounting and then carved out a powerful niche in real estate. From buying his first book of business just months before the pandemic to launching a successful firm and podcast, Ryan walks us through his mindset, missteps, and milestones.As the founder of a real estate-focused accounting firm, Ryan shares why choosing a niche accelerated everything: streamlined processes, stronger client relationships, and smarter growth. He breaks down how his own investing experience sharpened his advisory skills and led to long-term client trust. The conversation explores due diligence lessons from his first acquisition, the leap from side hustle to full-time firm owner, and the importance of saying no to the wrong clients.Key Topics:Passion-driven firm designReal estate accounting nicheBuying your first firmDue diligence and cultural fitMoving from compliance to advisoryWhether you're still a generalist or just ready to grow with purpose, this episode is a roadmap to building a firm around what you care about.

Learning ObjectivesExplain how a personal brand improves trust and engagement on LinkedIn.Identify common mistakes professionals make with LinkedIn profiles and posting.Apply the 15-minute daily routine to boost visibility and online networking.Distinguish between authentic personal branding and AI-generated content.Develop strategies to overcome mindset blocks around content creationAre you just scrolling on LinkedIn, or are you building something? In this episode of We’re Trying to Figure Out, Saul is joined by Ashley Leeds, known globally as The 15-Minute Guy, to break down how accounting and finance professionals can use small, consistent LinkedIn habits to stand out, win clients, and become memorable. If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have time for LinkedIn,” Ashley’s approach might just change your mind.A former software executive turned full-time coach, Ashley Leeds brings deep experience in personal branding, communication coaching, and business development. He shares the “15-minute habit” he’s used to help 600+ professionals transform their profiles, show up with purpose, and enjoy posting. From adjusting your headshot and banner to replacing passive scrolling with targeted engagement, Ashley’s method balances neuroscience, coaching psychology, and content strategy.

Learning ObjectivesDifferentiate between delegation and micromanagement in team settings.Apply a structured delegation framework for clarity and ownership.Recognize how communication impacts psychological safety and trust.Coach team members through delegation failures constructively.Adapt delegation styles to different generational communication preferences.Why do high-performing leaders struggle to let go? In this episode of Accounting in the Wild, Saul is joined by leadership experts Ashira Prossack and Sean Glaze for a powerful conversation on what delegation really means. This isn’t about offloading tasks. It’s about clear communication, mutual trust, and creating a culture where accountability and growth can thrive.Ashira, a specialist in workplace communication, and Sean, a leadership coach with experience in sports and business, walk listeners through the mechanics of effective delegation. From Sean’s TIME framework to Ashira’s insights on cross-generational dynamics, they offer actionable tools that turn delegation into a leadership strength. The discussion covers how poor delegation erodes morale, how coachable teams are developed, and why leaders must focus on the how and why, not just the what.Key Topics:Delegation versus micromanagementTIME delegation frameworkPsychological safety cuesCoachability and leadership growthGenerational communication dynamics

Learning ObjectivesIdentify key employee concerns often left unspoken in workplaces.Build a culture that supports transparency and open communication.Apply leadership actions that improve engagement and staff retention.Recognize warning signs of silence, burnout, and quiet quitting.Explain how psychological safety drives team performance and trust.What if silence, not strategy, is what’s killing your firm’s culture? In this episode of We’re Still Trying to Figure It Out, Bonnie Low-Kramen joins host Saul to unpack the unspoken truths driving employee disengagement, quiet quitting, and the great workplace divide. With decades of experience working with elite executives and corporate teams, Bonnie offers a candid look at what staff really want and why most leaders still aren’t listening.Drawing from her bestselling book Staff Matters and years spent with Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, Bonnie shares stories of toxic cultures, invisible labor, and the human cost of unacknowledged tension. She highlights the dangerous silence in remote-first firms, the leadership trap of “no news is good news,” and why the most critical skill for 2025 isn’t technical, it’s listening. Her insights into psychological safety, real-time feedback, and breaking the fear cycle are a wake-up call for firm owners, managers, and rising professionals.

Learning ObjectivesDiscuss how resilience influences entrepreneurial strategy and leadership development.Identify core principles of management accounting for small service firms.Explain how fixed pricing transforms client relationships and firm scalability.Analyze growth strategies tailored to niche service-based businesses.Differentiate traditional bookkeeping from advisory-driven client services.What does it take to build a modern, values-driven accounting firm that thrives in a specialized niche? Inna Korenzvit’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and redefining traditional accounting norms. From the challenges of immigration to the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship, Inna turned personal hardship into a foundation for innovation. Her ability to pivot, specialize, and lead with integrity offers valuable insights for accounting professionals looking to evolve their practices.In this CPE Episode of WTF, we sit down with Inna Korenzvit, founder of KORE Accounting Solutions, to explore how a journey shaped by immigration, family, and adversity led her to build a purpose-driven, future-focused accounting firm. We’ll talk about her unique specialization in helping solo and small law firms thrive, why she moved away from hourly billing, and how embracing fixed-price, advisory-driven models transformed her firm’s value proposition. This is an inspiring, tactical conversation for anyone who’s trying to grow a niche firm while staying true to their values.

Learning ObjectivesExplain how quantum computing differs from traditional computing systems.Identify key risks and opportunities in AI and cybersecurity fields.Analyze strategies to manage AI privacy, trust, and security concerns.Explore the role of national security experts in tech innovation.Discuss the ethical and strategic impact of emerging technologies.In this CPE Episode, host Saul sits down with Nick Reese, founder of Frontier Foundry and former national security tech strategist, to explore the cutting edge of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. With a unique background bridging innovation policy and defence, Nick shares why these fast-evolving technologies are more than just buzzwords—they're the foundation of the next era of trust, security, and digital power.The conversation dives deep into quantum disruption, AI privacy risks, and what it truly takes to lead responsibly in an era where machines learn faster than regulation evolves. Reese offers practical insights for business leaders, technologists, and policymakers alike, highlighting the sectors most vulnerable to change and the frameworks needed to prepare. From decoding quantum fundamentals to confronting ethical blind spots, this CPE episode offers a strategic roadmap for navigating what’s next.

Learning ObjectivesIdentify how to structure accounts to reduce probate exposureEvaluate IRA withdrawal timing for tax-efficient legacy transfersRecognize the risks of gifting real estate prematurely to heirsApply asset titling and beneficiary designations to optimize planningDiscuss family communication techniques that safeguard intent and dignityWhat’s your plan if you get that call tomorrow—the one that changes everything? In this episode of W.T.F. with Saul!, Chad Holmes, CPA and founder of Formula Wealth, joins the show for a candid and actionable conversation about inheritance, legacy, and planning beyond the tax code. With the largest generational wealth transfer in U.S. history unfolding, Chad challenges listeners to move past checklists and talk about what really matters—family dynamics, dignity, and long-term intent.Chad, author of The Inheritance Playbook, blends personal experience with professional insight as he breaks down the critical mistakes families make when preparing (or failing to prepare) for estate transitions. From IRA timing traps to real estate titling errors and emotionally loaded gifting decisions, this episode delivers practical strategies that financial professionals and families can use right now to prevent chaos later.

Learning ObjectivesIdentify challenges firms face when transitioning from compliance to advisory models.Explain mindset shifts needed in pricing, communication, and service delivery.Analyze how automation and AI impact strategic advisory and client experience.Evaluate how to scale firm infrastructure, operations, and team-based delivery.Apply best practices in tech adoption, workflow design, and culture development.Recognize key features of a modern, client-centric and future-ready tax practice.Welcome to another eye-opening episode of W.T.F. with Saul! This time, Saul sits down with David Snider—founder, advisor, and forward-thinking tax pro—to unpack why traditional tax practices are falling apart. With automation on the rise and clients demanding more strategic guidance, firms stuck in compliance mode are being left behind. So, what does it really take to build a future-ready tax firm? David brings decades of insight, humour, and real-world advice to help us answer exactly that.In this jam-packed CPE episode, we go beyond the buzzwords to examine what a modern tax practice looks like—one built on intentional strategy, scalable infrastructure, and human-first culture. David shares how firms can shift from founder-led to team-enabled models, rethink pricing for value, and adopt technology without falling into the “shiny object” trap. We also explore the difference between tools that support thinking and those that replace it, and how automation fits into truly strategic client service.