Step into a candid conversation at IMA26 with Kristie Stocker, whose 20 years of experience at Blue Cross Blue Shield offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to transform company culture—beyond lip service and buzzwords. Kristie shares practical insights into the real obstacles leaders and teams face when trying to build a positive workplace, from the myth that only big budgets or small teams can make culture work, to the power of small everyday actions like genuine appreciation and listening. Whether you’re a leader, a team player, or somewhere in between, Kristie’s stories and strategies make workplace transformation feel possible—and even simple. Expect to walk away with a fresh take on self-leadership, how to measure the impact of culture, and why everyone, from the C-suite to individual contributors, plays a role in shaping the office vibe. If you’ve ever wondered how to spark meaningful change at work (or checked out during a half-day workshop), this episode brings the inspiration and actionable tips you need.
Join Jill Eubank, Executive Vice President at Randstad, as she shares her journey from finance grad to leading teams that support businesses across multiple industries. In this engaging conversation, Jill opens up about discovering her passion for people, balancing technical skills with human connection, and why mastering the art of storytelling is a must for today’s accounting and finance professionals. Whether you want to boost your executive presence, get tips on commanding a room (virtual or in-person), or build true strategic partnerships at work, Jill’s advice is packed with relatable, real-world wisdom. You’ll hear candid stories, practical suggestions for growth, and encouragement to embrace feedback—not fear it. Perfect for anyone aiming to up their game in both technical and soft skills in today’s fast-changing business environment.
Join us live from IMA26 for an engaging conversation with executive coach Rachel Kourakos! With her impressive background at Morgan Stanley and Google, Rachel brings fresh insights on what it really means to lead—not just from the head, but from the heart. She shares how understanding yourself and your emotions is the real superpower that transforms workplaces and builds stronger teams, especially as AI and new tech shake things up. Discover why emotional intelligence, human connection, and genuine presence are more important than ever for professionals in accounting, finance, and business. Rachel’s honest take on leadership, work-life boundaries, and staying grounded in a rapidly changing world is full of relatable stories, practical tips, and a few laughs. If you’re looking to level up your communication, self-awareness, and people-first skills at work, you won’t want to miss this episode!
Carla Aranda is a global finance executive with more than 25 years of experience building a finance career across continents, industries, and company sizes, from a small shop in Argentina to global fashion and beauty brands like L’Oreal and Revlon. In this episode, she joins host Adam Larson to talk about simplicity, not as a mindset, but as a discipline you practice again and again. You will hear how Carla built her "subtraction mentality," why she believes complexity piles up through habit rather than necessity, and why she tells teams to simplify a process before they automate it. She shares how finance leaders can move past being known as the department of no and instead offer no with context, and how small, consistent wins build the momentum needed to shift a stubborn culture. If you want practical steps for questioning your own recurring tasks and meetings, and finding the courage to challenge "the way we have always done it," this conversation gives you a place to start.Carla's LinkedIn articles that were mentioned during the conversation:Simplicity at work: The discipline of subtractionThe Complexity Paradox
Live from IMA26, this episode of Count Me In features an eye-opening conversation with Bret Hood, a former FBI special agent who brings a fresh approach to ethics in accounting and finance. Bret shares fascinating real-world stories, like how small, seemingly harmless decisions can snowball into major ethical failures—sometimes without anyone realizing it’s happening. Drawing on his 25 years of experience with the FBI, Bret breaks down why even good people can make bad choices and explores practical steps for professionals to recognize—and avoid—the classic pitfalls that lead to fraud and poor judgment. From psychological distance and motivated blindness to actionable tips for staying true to your values under pressure, Bret’s insights aren’t just for ethics classes—they’re for anyone navigating everyday decisions at work. Tune in for a candid, relatable discussion that challenges everything you think you know about honesty and personal accountability.