Greg Tirico
Episode Reprise: Auditing Santa
Episode Reprise: Auditing Santa
Greg Tirico
Episode #517: Crypto Compliance — Conversation ...
Episode #517: Crypto Compliance — Conversation with Joe Woodard and Perry Woodin
Greg Tirico
Episode #516: Interview with Alan Whitman, ...
Episode #516: Interview with Alan Whitman, Former CEO of Baker Tilly US
Greg Tirico
Episode #515: Election Exasperation and More
Episode #515: Election Exasperation and More
Greg Tirico
Episode #514: Implementation Innovation — ...
Episode #514: Implementation Innovation — Interview with Kurt and Reid Banger

Current Events

Episode Reprise: Auditing Santa

auditing santa

[EDITOR’S NOTE: This show is now available in your favorite podcast player or using the embedded audio. It was originally aired in December, 2021]

We have a really special treat for you with this episode! Somehow we managed to get our recording equipment into the offices of Santa, Inc. during an audit! Join the conversation in progress and find out how naughty or nice Santa has been with the tax code!

(There probably should have been a “gratuitous dad joke ahead” warning on that one. Sorry, folks.)

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

Join us every Friday at 3pm ET / 12pm PT

As always, please check our website for upcoming and previous show notes and recordings, use Twitter to find the show at @AskTSOE or find us on Facebook.

The Soul of Enterprise show hosts, Ron Baker and Ed Kless, are on X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) at @ronaldbaker and @edkless, respectively (and obviously).

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #517: Crypto Compliance — Conversation with Joe Woodard and Perry Woodin

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode, Ron and Ed welcome back Joe Woodard, now a TSOE Sponsor, and Perry Woodin, a leading expert in cryptocurrency compliance and reporting. They will dive into the critical challenges professionals face in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape of digital assets. The discussion will focus on actionable insights for accountants, lawyers, and other service providers on staying compliant with cryptocurrency regulations, best practices for accurate reporting, and the key trends shaping the future of digital asset compliance. Perry will also showcase how NODE40's innovative technology is empowering professionals to simplify the complexities of crypto transactions, ensuring audit readiness and regulatory adherence. This timely conversation provides essential guidance for those looking to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of cryptocurrency.

Joe Woodard, author, consultant, business coach, and national speaker; Founder of Woodard Events, LLC

Perry Woodin, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Node40

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

  • “In 2012 I was at a conference and sitting next to a colleague of mine, and he kept checking his phone like every 30 seconds, and I asked him, “What are you looking at?” He said, “I’m mining Bitcoin” —Perry Woodin

  • “[Satoshi Nakamoto] was really prescient. The ability to think so far into the future, the philosophy, the economics, the computer science, and the willpower to develop something like Bitcoin.” —Perry Woodin 

  • “The [Cryptocurrency] rules are complex but the good thing about blockchain is it's all programmatic. So once you have rules […] you can build out tooling that gives you exactly what you need every single time.” —Perry Woodin

  • About Node40, Perry says, “We really obfuscate or remove the technological barrier, and we produce financial reports that anybody can understand.” More here: https://www.node40.com/ 

Segment two

  • “Bitcoin has proven that itself as an asset and blockchain is is too big to fail, there's, there's no going to zero on this stuff.” —Perry Woodin of Node40

  • “I think we have to think Bitcoin much like we do gold. People aren't transacting daily with gold either. What we are waiting for is the ability to put your Bitcoin to work.” —Perry Woodin

  • Regarding the lack of government consistency in their approach to crypto: “Most of the problem is going to be around companies that want to issue tokens. It's not going to be a problem for those who are investing in digital assets.” —Perry Woodin

  • What should a small accounting firm do in the cryptocurrency space? “The first thing they should do is poll their customers to ask who has digital assets.”

Segment three

  • Joe Woodard’s thoughts on private equity in the accounting space are much more significant than a single post on X. His comments in the third segment of the show today are IMPORTANT if you are paying attention to PE firms. 

  • “AI is going to bifurcate the industry into complex and non-complex accounting. The complex will still be serviced by AI empowered practitioners and the rest won't have practitioners.” —Joe Woodard

  • Regarding a talent shortage in the accounting industry: “If we priced our services better, given the value that we're providing to our customers, then we could treat our teams better (and not burn out our professionals).”

Segment four

  • Did you know that Joe has an Apple Vision Pro? The 15 minute immersive movie produced by Apple was “unreal” and Joe enjoyed it. Fifteen minutes was the right length before he was ready to return to the real world.

  • This quote from Joe does not need to be applied to just the accounting industry: “The AI has become more sophisticated in absorbing documents and doing what a human would have done with those documents.” —Joe Woodard

  • On the impact of AI: “The people billing by the hour are going to punish themselves quickly. The people who are not billing by the hour that don't add value are going to punish themselves. Then only those who truly value price will win.” —Joe Woodard

  • A big THANK YOU to both Perry Woodin and Joe Woodard for joining us today. Please check out Node40.com and, as always, Woodard.com

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #516: Interview with Alan Whitman, Former CEO of Baker Tilly US

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed sit down with Alan Whitman, a prominent leader in the accounting field with a deep commitment to fostering dynamic, people-focused growth strategies. As CEO at Baker Tilly, Alan has championed innovative solutions and strengthened client relationships, all while focusing on the firm’s core values and sustainable growth. Join us as we dive into Alan’s insights on leadership, the future of professional services, and how Baker Tilly navigates a rapidly evolving industry landscape.

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

Segment two

  • “Greatest Hits: 5 Keys to Building a Firm that Thrives” by Alan Whitman https://www.alandwhitman.com/newsletter/greatest-hits-5-keys-to-building-a-firm-that-thrives 

  • “Strategy is the anchor from which everything hangs off, all the plans, all the spend, all the actions. The strategy defines where the company is headed and what it wants to accomplish at the macro level. Then you build a plan.” —Alan Whitman

  • “How do you get CPAs be more innovative in an hourly building model?” Ron asked Alan thisGREAT question today and the answer is in segment two of the show.

  • “If you're efficient at doing the wrong things, there's no bigger waste.” —Ron Baker

Segment three

  • We spent some time on the show today talking about the negative aspects of the CPA industry but Alan Whitman had a great quote that needs to be called out, “The CPA profession is storied, and it's been around a long time. It is fundamentally based on trust.”

  • “The AICPA is going through a huge transition and it’s a really exciting time for the for the Association.” —Alan Whitman

  • In the accounting industry specifically, “AI is going to accelerate the need to adopt technology.” —Alan Whitman

Segment four

  • So what has Alan been up to? “I’ve actually been sitting back and saying…okay, if I was going to build this new firm from scratch, how would I do it?” #BreaktheMold https://www.alandwhitman.com/ 

  • What is a business transformation to Alan? “It's about making what you have today different tomorrow, so you can succeed better tomorrow.”

  • A big THANK YOU to Alan Whitman for joining us today. He’s out there everyday looking to #BreaktheMold and you can read more about him at this link https://www.alandwhitman.com/ 

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #515: Election Exasperation and More

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: In this special post-election episode, Ron and Ed dive into the highs, lows, and surprises from the 2024 U.S. election. They’ll explore the economic and business implications of the election results, unpack key possible policy shifts, and discuss what the outcome could mean for professionals and beyond. Tune in for insights, analysis, and a touch of humor as they make sense of the latest political landscape.

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

Segment two

Segment three

  • At the start of the segment, Ed had a great quote… “Polls drool. Election markets rule.”

  • The betting market aggregator run by John Stossel (former TSOE guest, episode 204) and Maxim Lott is an aggregate of individual betting markets. More here: https://electionbettingodds.com/ 

  • The Harris campaign and allied groups spent $1.9 billion on ads. The Trump campaign and allied groups spent $1.6 billion. Between the time Harris entered and November 1, Democrats outspent Republicans on presidential ads alone by $460 million.

Segment four

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #514: Implementation Innovation — Interview with Kurt and Reid Banger

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, hosts Ron and Ed sit down with Kurt and Reid Bangert of Bangert, Inc., innovators in construction technology solutions. The Bangerts will share insights into “The Bangert Way,” a transformative approach that eliminates traditional hourly billing in favor of a streamlined, transparent process tailored for construction businesses. Tune in to learn how Bangert, Inc. supports the industry with Sage Intacct, fostering expertise and effectiveness for Customers nationwide. Don’t miss this conversation on reshaping construction project management and accounting practices!

About Kurt Bangert

As principal at Bangert, Inc. Kurt leads his 40-year family business into a new era of technology and service delivery related to the construction industry. They lead our industry in changing the way software has been implemented for decades by aligning ourselves and our customer's interests, being 100% transparent in our dealings, and offering our knowledge for free on the Bangert, Inc. YouTube channel.

About Reid Bangert

Deploying change as the third generation in his family’s 40-year business helping commercial contractors achieve productivity through applied technology. Reid champions continuous technology deployment. He has revolutionized how Customers deploy technology with their proven process, The Bangert Way: bangertinc.com

Kurt Bangert

Reid Bangert

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

  • (Sarcasm ahead) This might sound shocking to you but Bangert, Inc is changing the way software has been implemented for decades by aligning with their customers interests.

  • While transitioning the business to a new model of implementation, the Bangert team made the decision to offer their knowledge, for free, on their YouTube channel. Link is here: https://www.youtube.com/bangertinc 

  • Reid has a great hat on for the interview today. It says, “Digital First” and reminds the entire Bangert team to ask, “How can I use next generation systems to make the customer experience better?”

  • The whole beginning [of our company’s transformation] was, “We want happy employees because happy employees make happy customers.” That’s why the team STOPPED SELLING and spent many months building internal tools and processes to better support customers.

Segment two

  • Billing by the hour and one-to-one customer consultant assignments are the two components that make up the outdated billable hour business model. “The business model is set so that the cards are totally stacked against the customer.” —Kurt Bangert

  • Regarding a business model transformation at Bangert, Inc: “We also eliminated billing reviews, which was an instantaneous mood boost because I don't know if you've ever been through a time card review or filled out time cards. We got rid of time cards, of course, but let's just say no one really enjoyed that.”

  • Regarding the Bangert business transformation: “I knew that we would have some people self select and I knew that we would probably assist others in finding a better fit for employment. And they were all really good people.”

Segment three

  • At a video per day, the Bangert YouTube channel has everything from basic functionality in Sage products to construction accounting 101. Check it out here https://www.youtube.com/@BangertInc 

  • The first thing you want to know is, “What does it cost?” The Bangert website has a PRICING CALCULATOR front and center. Try it out at this link: https://bangertinc.com/sage-intacct-construction/pricing-calculator/ 

  • “Kurt mentioned the transparency. For me, it's not only about the transparency, but the customer experience through and through.” Reid Bangert

Segment four

  • Regarding a transition to the subscription model: “As long as you still think about job costing a project, you will never be successful.” —Kurt Bangert

  • What has a subscription model done to the Bangert customer makeup? Now that it is on the Bangert team to provide continuous value, “it attracts a more sophisticated buyer.” Well said, Reid! 

  • “We've been able to cut implementation time by 50% and the cost of implementation by 70%.” —Kurt Bangert

  • “Ask Richard” is an LLM based chatbot for Sage Intacct users. It’s so much more than that and you can start learning about it here: https://www.constructiondive.com/press-release/20241018-bangert-inc-unveils-ask-richard-a-free-web-platform-powered-by-a-propr/

  • A big THANK YOU to both Kurt and Reid Bangert for joining us today. They have an enterprise software pricing calculator on their website as well as a YouTube channel with over 1,300 videos. Check them out here https://bangertinc.com/ 

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #513: Interview with SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: In this insightful episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed are joined by SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, famously dubbed “CryptoMom” for her forward-thinking views on cryptocurrency and blockchain regulation. They’ll dive into her perspectives on a range of pivotal topics currently reshaping the financial landscape including PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board), particularly its oversight roles and evolving challenges in today’s regulatory environment, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting in financial markets and, of course, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, with Commissioner Peirce offering her thoughts on how the regulatory framework should evolve to encourage innovation while protecting investors. Join Ron and Ed for this fascinating and timely discussion with one of the SEC’s most outspoken and influential commissioners.

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

  • As with many career paths, her role at the SEC was not necessarily intentional. Commissioner Peirce has a degree in economics and a Yale Law School degree.

  • “Do you think CPAs should have a monopoly on audit?” - I can’t do Commissioner Peirce’s answer justice in 280 characters. It’s at the start of the show today and will be available in about 1 hour on all of the major podcast platforms.

  • “One of the reasons people come here to raise capital is because they know that they can trust the financial statements of the companies they're investing in” —Commissioner Peirce

  • From Commissioner Peirce: “We are Not the Securities and Environment Commission - At Least Not Yet” https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/peirce-climate-disclosure-20220321 

Segment two

  • The history of the Securities and Exchange Commission dates back to the Wall Street crash of 1929. If you’ve not previously read the background, here is a starting point: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Securities_and_Exchange_Commission  

  • This is a great principle identified by Commissioner Peirce during our conversation: “The basic point that we need to remember as a regulator is that we have a job to do. And we have to prove our cases. […] And that's a good thing for administrative agencies to remember.”

  • “We want to keep as dynamic of a competitive playing field as we can. […] And so we really need to fight to keep those barriers to entry low.” —Commissioner Peirce

Segment three

  • “Our capital markets work so well in this country, and one of the things that makes me sad is that we're not seeing more Americans participate in those markets, either as investors or as founders of companies.” —Commissioner Peirce

  • Regarding private equity: “We want to make sure capital is flowing into every corner of our economy. And one of the ways that capital comes in is through private equity. […] I think it's very healthy to have a dynamic market” —Commissioner Peirce

  • Confused about the SEC? This is helpful from Commissioner Peirce: “We are a civil agency. We can't put anyone in prison. […] but it's the Department of Justice that will put people in prison if that's if that is going to happen.”

Segment four

  • A great listener question from Joe Woodard today, “Are there plans for the US to have its own digital regulator?” There’s more to the question and a rather thorough answer from Commissioner Peirce in segment four of the show.

  • A big THANK YOU to Commissioner Peirce for joining us today. The podcast will be available in about an hour and the show notes will be published on Monday at TheSoulofEnterprise.com.

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #512: Outstanding Olio

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: It has been a few months since Ron and Ed emptied their stacks of stuff that have accumulated regarding all things pricing, subscription, and business in general. To correct that, this week's episode will do just that. Featured will be some posts from the Subscribed Institute, a story about a Dallas wine club, Mozart, and more. Settle in with a nice glass of your favorite fall wine.

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

Segment two

Segment three

Segment four

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #511: Top Ten (or so) Pricing Principles

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed dive into the transformative world of pricing strategies. Pricing is more than just setting a number—it’s about understanding and conveying the true value of outcomes. Together, they explore the common pitfalls of cost-based pricing, the importance of focusing on utility, and how consultants can command higher prices by focusing on transformations rather than time spent. They’ll discuss the need to apply the same creativity to pricing that consultants apply to solving business problems, and why having the courage to walk away from negotiations can actually increase your pricing power. Other topics include providing pricing options, leveraging the power of transparency in expectations, and avoiding the trap of negotiating solely on price. Whether you’re a consultant, business owner, or service provider, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach to pricing and provide practical tips to boost your profitability by focusing on the value you deliver. Tune in to learn why leading companies never limit their profitability—and neither should you!

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

  • Pricing principle: Remember that transformations command higher prices than services.

  • “There's a universal desire to become healthier, wealthier and wiser period. That's true for all of us.” —Ron Baker

  • From Ed today (and often quoted), “Common offerings command a common price, but uncommon offerings command and uncommon price.”

  • Pricing principle: Use your costs as a floor, not a ceiling. None of the world’s leading companies put a limit on their profitability, and neither should you.

Segment two

  • Pricing principle: Provide pricing options, but never ranges. When discussing options, don’t focus on the amount, focus on the difference.

  • “If you picked up anything off the shelf and saw a price range on your can of soup or your box of cereal, you'd be annoyed. And your customers are annoyed when they hear a range.” —Ron Baker

  • Pricing principle: Apply the same creativity to pricing as you do to solving your customer’s business problems.

  • Pricing principle: Price when you have the most leverage. A service needed is worth more than one that has been delivered.

Segment three

  • Ask a question of Ron or Ed…..OR ask a question of an upcoming guest. From any device, just use this link https://www.thesoulofenterprise.com/questions 

  • Will you be in Vegas on October 25th? Ron will be speaking at the Professional Pricing Society. More information here: https://www.pricingsociety.com/ppsvegas24 

  • Pricing principle: Signal early in the process that you’re willing to walk away, you’re not a supplicant to your customer.

  • Pricing principle: Insist on transparency of expectations in place of transparency of costs and hours. Costs are the seller’s concern, not the buyer’s. 

  • Pricing principle: Never negotiate on price. If you reduce price, reduce value. Otherwise, you impair your pricing integrity.

Segment four

  • Pricing principle: Always structure payment terms upfront (no billing work in progress in arrears).

  • Pricing principle: Stop running away from risk — embrace it. All profits originate from risk, especially supernormal and windfall profits. Actuaries price risk, so can we.

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #510: AI Policy and Innovation — Second interview with Adam Thierer

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: Ron and Ed welcome Back Adam Thierer, now with the R Street Institute, to talk about government regulation and AI. Adam has written extensively about how government regulation potentially affects the progress of innovation, especially with regard to new technology. This episode promises to be a wide-ranging and timely conversation.

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

  • The California legislature passed Senate Bill 1047 but Newson vetoed it. Adam argues that this was probably one of the five most important moments in digital technology policy developments. 

  • Adam has noted that the most important principle for AI regulation is not stifling it. He hasn’t just noted it. He writes extensively about it. More here: https://www.rstreet.org/commentary/the-most-important-principle-for-ai-regulation/ 

  • “The AI regulation argument is more important than previous technologies because it's not just about information and communications technology. It's also about broad based autonomous systems, robotics, machine learning, data science, quantum computing and a whole host of other things.” —Adam Thierer

Segment two

  • “Economists, politicians, political scientists and business theorists don't usually agree on much, but they do agree that technological innovation is widely considered the main source of economic progress.” —Adam Thierer

  • On the second segment today, Adam made a STRONG argument for how commercial drones are an example of an autonomous system that we've gotten very wrong in the regulatory environment.

  • If you have not read one of Adam’s books yet, read this: “When my Permissionless Innovation book came out, I said you have this choice between permissionless innovation or the precautionary principle. More here: https://www.amazon.com/Permissionless-Innovation-Continuing-Comprehensive-Technological/dp/0989219348 

  • “You can't even name a company that is a digital innovator in Europe today. So it's a powerful example of how laws and policy defaults matter deeply for innovative outcomes.” —Adam Thierer

Segment three

  • “The freedom to code, the freedom to compute and the freedom to innovate should represent America's default policy. We must have a marketplace that is driven by a vision from our policy leaders that embraces the freedom to innovate.” —Adam Thierer

  • “One of the most interesting things about technology law in general is that the best types of remedies or agencies are those that are more general in character as opposed to specific in some ways.” —Adam Thierer

  • Fun fact about the regulatory capture environment at the Federal level: The first time the Food and Drug Administration started looking at regulating computer health was in 1981. Nineteen eighty one!!!

  • This was a GREAT quip from Adam about how regulation can become overbearing: “Are we going to have to go to our HOA and say, ‘Can I code today?’”  

Segment four

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #509: The Gap In GAAP — Accounting’s Deteriorating Paradigm

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: Since Luca Pacioli’s 1494 invention of double-entry bookkeeping, accounting has seen little innovation. GAAP, designed for an industrial economy, is outdated in a world where intellectual capital drive business success. Dr. Margaret Blair’s research shows that by 1998, only 30% of a company’s value could be attributed to tangible assets, leaving 70% unaccounted for in GAAP financial statements. We’ll dive into the deteriorating paradigm of accounting and examine audit failures through the lens of a system that has become obsolete.

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

  • Since Ed has known Ron, it has been clear that Ron views accounting as an identity equation. it's not a theory. GAAP is its principles.

  • Debits equal credits factors into the zero sum mentality of people because in the world of accounting, somebody's debit is somebody else's credit. It's all gotta balance to zero therefore, how can how can wealth be created? 

  • Ron told a great story today about Peter Drucker's last talk at a conference in Seattle. Drucker walks out on stage and he says, “No one in your company knows less about your business than your CFO.”

  • “Knowledge is about the past. Entrepreneurship is about the future.” —George Gilder 

  • If the gap in GAAP (today’s topic on air) is interesting to you, check out Baruch Lev’s interview with us this link https://www.thesoulofenterprise.com/tsoe/baruch-lev-interview 

Segment two

  • This is true of GAAP today, “As the paradigm gets more and more complex, the less and less it explains.” Nobody is making investments today by looking at financial statements.

  • Long before the SEC was even created, 90% of New York Stock Exchange companies were audited. Why? Because the investors demanded it. It was driven by the market and need. 

  • The GAAP balance sheet, the income statement, the cash flow statement: they are referred to as the three blind mice and have been for 40 years now because they don't explain everything.

  • “The most important case against conventional accounting has become open and shut. It's incontrovertibly true that present financial and management accounting does not give investors directors the public or management the information they need to make informed decisions.” —Thomas Stewart, HBR

Segment three

  • The Professional Pricing Society has an incredible educational conference coming up in Vegas. Ron will be a keynote speaker and would love to meet you. More at this link: https://www.pricingsociety.com/ppsvegas24

  • Thank you Michael B from South Dakota for submitting a question. We played it on air today and answered his question about waitlists. Do you want to submit a question to Ron and Ed to be read and answered on air? Use this link from any device https://www.thesoulofenterprise.com/questions 

  • What does Jonah Goldberg always say…complexity equals…..subsidy! And in the case of Enron and SOX, we're subsidizing the auditors who blew it.

  • “Disruption from the outside is a real danger for the accounting profession. We’re already starting to see that with the environmental audits, and even intellectual capital management.” —Ron Baker

Segment four

  • What does Ron mean when he says he wants accounting to innovate? More financial planning and analysis, more modeling, using theories to develop leading indicators about things that could be predictive of future performance

  • Ron’s idea for not losing accounting to the “outsiders” —> The best way to do that is to relinquish the monopoly on the audit and give it back to the stock exchanges

  • “But as long as we have a government mandated monopoly, then it will continue to stifle innovation. It's crazy, the revolving door between the SEC and the Big Four and the IRS and the Big Four.” —Ron Baker

  • Ron and Ed referenced a book by Baruch Lev called “The End of Accounting“ several times today. Check it out here: http://www.amazon.com/Accounting-Forward-Investors-Managers-Finance/dp/1119191092?SubscriptionId=0ENGV10E9K9QDNSJ5C82&tag=verainst-20

  • Ron also mentioned these two books at the end of the show with a disclaimer that they are both wonky but good: Corporate Aftershock and After Enron.

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #508: Taming Technology Policy — Interview with Jennifer Huddleston

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: Ron and Ed welcome another CATO Institute scholar, Jennifer Huddleston, to the show to discuss the effects of technology policy on innovation and economic growth. Jennifer will also share her insights about the anti-trust case against Google as well and the effects of technology regulation at the state, federal, and even international level.

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

  • Just in the last week, we have seen questions related to online speech and various questions related to antitrust which could extend beyond technology, as well as questions related to AI and the exciting developments. Jennifer has been busy! 

  • Re: the TikTok oral arguments this past week, Jennifer is watching the standard of review that the court will apply. Is it going to be intermediate scrutiny or is it going to be strict scrutiny. 

  • When we talk about the Tick Tock case, it's important to recognize you had two separate arguments brought by the plaintiffs. You have a case being brought by TikTok itself and then you have a case being brought by a group of content creators who are American citizens.

  • When thinking about the TikTok case, it's important to remember that this is much bigger than one particular app. This is really teeing up some key questions around the potential of the government to intervene in online speech

Segment two

  • Is AI our final invention? “I don't think so. I think it's a very exciting invention. […] I actually am very excited about AI and it's been around a lot longer than we realize.” —Jennifer Huddleston

  • TIL about several AI medical applications from Jennifer: AI is being used in the medical field as an additional tool for a doctor to identify really personalized medicine for cancer patients and to help stroke victims get their voices back.

  • “I’m a millennial, and I think for many of us AI is the first real disruption in technology that we've experienced because we were still young when the internet came about. We were just emerging as adults or as college students when smartphones came about.” —Jennifer Huddleston

  • Jennifer wrote a GREAT article in August called “Is a State AI Patchwork Next? AI Legislation at a State Level in 2024”. Here is the link: https://www.cato.org/blog/state-ai-patchwork-next-ai-legislation-state-level-2024 

Segment three

  • “Traditionally, the US has had a very light touch approach to innovation. But in part for various reasons, we are seeing the question of what we need in an AI framework and do we need some sort of AI framework at a federal level.” —Jennifer Huddleston

  • One of the examples that's often pointed to is the ATM. There was a lot of fear when ATMs first came about and what would this mean for teller jobs. So is this the kind of end of the bank teller job? There are now more bank tellers than there were before ATMs

  • Jennifer introduced me to the “Brussels effect” today. The idea that when Europe acts — because of the size of their market — for many large companies, it's easier to apply one standard globally. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brussels_effect 

  • I love the techno-optimism! “Oftentimes we're hearing only the negative when it comes to technology and we're not hearing as much about the benefits about the positive use cases.” —Jennifer Huddleston

Segment four

  • “When we're talking about the use of AI, I always hate the question, “How often do you use AI?” I always push back against that question because we're all using it every day.” —Jennifer Huddleston

  • “We're seeing the EU setup offices in San Francisco to work with the tech companies on how they're being regulated in Europe. Those are things that should be really concerning.” —Jennifer Huddleston

  • A big THANK YOU to Jennifer Huddleston for joining us today. She is a Senior Fellow in Technology Policy at the Cato Institute. Find her work here: https://www.cato.org/people/jennifer-huddleston 

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #507: Interview with Brand Scientist, Reilly Newman of Motif Brands

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed sit down with Reilly Newman to explore his manifesto: the powerful intersection of science and strategy in business. Reilly emphasizes the importance of clarity as a driver of growth, helping business leaders make confident decisions that align with their vision. He discusses how simplifying complex processes can uncover opportunities for pure progress and ensure that your business remains a cornerstone of your life. Tune in to discover how clarity not only reveals where growth exists but also how it serves as a foundation for future success and informed business decisions

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

  • At the beginning of the show, Ron asked Reilly how he became obsessed with brands. He loves that design is creative and artistic but Reilly also loves that it has a purpose. 

  • Reilly co-founded Motif Brands. A motif is a recurring pattern throughout a story that reinforces the main story arc. Reilly takes that idea and applies it to brands at Motif Brands.

  • “Business is transactional. A brand is relational.” —Reilly Newman, Motif Brands

  • “If marketing were done perfectly, selling would be unnecessary.” —Peter Drucker

Segment two

  • Financial Cents is having a virtual conference called Workflow Con (for conference) on October 22/23. It’s FREE! Find out more at WorkFlowCon.com

  • How does Reilly define “brand”? It’s a collection of impressions we have regarding a certain entity. 

  • Regarding a CMOs inevitable desire to refresh or change a brand, “Rebranding a company shows effort…but really, are you getting rid of these core assets that have helped build the brand to that point?” —Reilly Newman

  • On the relationship between brand and culture, Reilly comments: “Culture is a by-product of brand. Brand gives a consumer clarity and culture is a manifestation of that clarity.”

Segment three

  • The power of sound in branding, sonic branding, is extremely hard to trademark but there are some good examples. NBC and Harley-Davidson are two examples that came to mind during the show

  • By the way, Reilly Newman has a GREAT podcast called “Brandy” which is about all things brand. Check it out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brandy/id1737030138 

  • The lifetime value of the customer is often neglected especially with older brands. For example, in the automobile industry. They are more focused on the transaction and less so on the relationship.

  • Ron asked Reilly about his pricing philosophy at Motif Brands. GREAT answer by quoting Warren Buffet with, “Pricing is what you pay, value is what you get.”

  • Name the brands that you truly admire, Reilly: Disney, Apple, Trader Joe’s, and….of course, Costco. 

  • The Professional Pricing Society is having their next conference in Vegas in October. Ron is one of the keynote speakers and you can find out more at PricingSociety.com

Segment four

  • Ed asked Reilly about Starbucks and their brand. In summary, they’ve lost so much in terms of small touch points in the experience. Higher efficiency comes at the sacrifice of personalization.

  • This is on brand for Reilly (see what I did there?) …. “Know yourself, be distinct, and have that clarity.”

  • A big THANK YOU to Reilly Newman for joining us today. Check out Motif Brands and also his book, “Brandy: 101 Sips of Wisdom For Attaining A Successful Brand https://www.amazon.com/Brandy-Wisdom-Attaining-Successful-Brand/dp/B0C9S7Q7Q8 

 
 

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #506: Bantering with Bastiat: Timeless Truths from a Free-Marketer

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: In this unique episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed embark on a journey through time as they "interview" the legendary 19th-century French economist, Frédéric Bastiat. Thanks to AI technology, ChatGPT will bring Bastiat back to life, offering insights in his signature style on some of today’s pressing economic issues. From his famous concept of “the seen and the unseen” to his sharp critiques of protectionism, this virtual conversation delves into how Bastiat’s timeless ideas apply in our modern world. Join us for a thought-provoking dialogue that blurs the lines between history, economics, and technology in ways you’ve never heard before!

This was an AI-based show, so it only seems appropriate to provide AI-based show notes.

Discussion with Frédéric Bastiat via AI:

  • Utilizing AI technology, the hosts engage in a conversation with a simulated Bastiat, discussing his core economic ideas, particularly "the seen and the unseen," which highlights the hidden costs of economic decisions.

  • Bastiat explains the impact of overlooked consequences in economic policies, using examples like government spending that appears beneficial but has hidden trade-offs affecting other sectors.

Bastiat on Free Trade and Protectionism:

  • The conversation delves into Bastiat's views on free trade versus protectionist policies, where he criticizes the latter for harming economic prosperity by limiting consumer choices and driving up prices.

  • He articulates the irony and harm of protectionism using analogies and historical context, asserting that free trade benefits all sectors of the economy by fostering competition and innovation.

Satirical Take on Economic Policies:

  • Bastiat, known for his satirical critiques, shares his famous "Candlemakers' Petition," a satirical plea to the government to block out the sun to boost the artificial light industry, showcasing the absurdity of certain economic policies.

  • This segment underscores Bastiat’s method of using humor and absurdity to highlight irrational economic policies and encourage a more critical examination of governmental interventions.

Bastiat's Influence and Relevance:

  • The episode wraps up by exploring Bastiat’s lasting influence on economic thought, discussing how his ideas remain relevant in addressing modern issues like climate change and technological disruption.

  • The hosts reflect on how Bastiat’s principles can guide current and future economic policies, emphasizing the importance of balancing governmental intervention with market freedoms to foster true economic growth and innovation.

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #505: Pushing Past Practical — Pursuing Purpose with Peter Block

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode, Ed and Ron delve into the profound insights from Peter Block's book The Answer to How is Yes, especially his How? vs. What Matters questions. We'll explore these six pivotal questions that Block argues keep us trapped in our current way of thinking and prevent us from embracing true change. These questions, often disguised as practical concerns, subtly hinder our ability to innovate, take risks, and transform both ourselves and the world around us. Join us as we unpack the deeper meaning behind each question and discuss how shifting our mindset can open up new possibilities for leadership, creativity, and personal growth.

SHOW NOTES

Segment one:

  • Ed wanted to kick off the show today with a quote from Lewis Carroll: Do we decide questions at all? We decide the answer no doubt, but surely, the question decides us.” 

  • Today’s show is about Peter Block’s book from 2002, “The Answer to How Is Yes: Acting on What Matters” https://www.amazon.com/Answer-How-Yes-Acting-Matters/dp/1576752712

  • Peter Block’s epigraph to the start of the book “The Answer to How is Yes” is “transformation comes more from pursuing profound questions and seeking practical answers”

  • The premise of the book, “The Answer to How is Yes” is that there are roughly six questions Peter Block believes that we spend 90% of our time on in business https://www.amazon.com/Answer-How-Yes-Acting-Matters/dp/1576752712 

  • The Finance and Accounting Tech Expo is on October 29-30. Over 1,400 of your colleagues have already registered and you can go for FREE. Just use the code kid812 at this link https://strategiccfo360.com/fate/ 

Segment two:

  • The alternative to asking the “HOW” questions in Peter Block’s book is yes. It's a stance towards the possibility of more meaningful change. More at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Answer-How-Yes-Acting-Matters/dp/1576752712  

  • One of Block’s questions in the book, “The Answer to How is Yes” is: What is the price I am willing to pay? This is all about value because the definition of economic value is the maximum price a customer is willing to pay for an item 

  • 1/2 “When we follow fashion and ask for steps, recipes and certainty, we deny our freedom. For we are trapped by the very act of asking the question.” —Peter Block

  • 2/2 “Freedom asks us to invent our own steps, to be the author of your own experience. Asking how is an escape from freedom and accountability. We wish to go to heaven, and not die.” —Peter Block

  • This is the story of Frank. As told by Ed Kless on his website: https://www.edkless.com/blog/2023/10/the-story-of-frank 

Segment three:

Segment four:

 
 

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #504: Debunking Degrowth

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed explore the themes presented in "Doughnuts and Degrowth" by Andrew Stuttaford. The article delves into the growing ideological shift from economic growth to a focus on sustainability, as advocated by figures like Olivier De Schutter and Kate Raworth. Ron and Ed provide a critical analysis of the so-called "degrowth" movement and its potential impact on democracy, innovation, and individual freedoms. They discuss the concept of "doughnut economics" and how it aligns with broader trends in global governance, questioning the practicality and desirability of this shift. Tune in as they dissect the intersection of economics, environmentalism, and human rights, offering their own perspectives on what a growth-averse future might hold.

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

  • We have a listener question to start off the show. Thank you Donna! @calcmoves If you would like to submit a question just visit https://www.thesoulofenterprise.com/questions 

  • Donna asked us about using a waitlist for prospects and how to incorporate it into her business while she is on a 90 day bucket list trip. Ron suggested starting with your normal intake process and trying from there to incorporate a waitlist.

  • With respect to Donna’s question about prospect waitlists: “The hardest decision to make is the first person on the waitlist. At what point do you say….wait list from here on in.” —Ed Kless

  • We love getting email from folks and we read a great one from a lawyer and fan of the show during the first segment of the show today. Take a listen once the podcast drops in about 1 hour.

  • This is the article from Andrew Stuttaford that sparked our conversation today: https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/07/doughnuts-and-degrowth/ 

Segment two

  • One of the main folks behind the degrowth movement says he wants us to shift our focus from growth to humanity. Well, that presupposes that growth is anti human. So we reject your premise right there. 

  • One of the funniest phrases used by the degrowth movement is “modernizing poverty”. I really wish we could say more about this but, honestly, we don’t even know what that phrase means.

  • “I just can't get my mind unwrapped around the notion that wealth is knowledge.” —Ed Kless /// Neither can we Ed, neither can we. 

  • “The economy is not just an incentive system. In fact, Gilder would say it's really just an information system completely. It's not incentive at all. It’s pure information.” —Ed Kless

Segment three

Segment four

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

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Episode #503: Moral Injury — Interview with Wendy Dean, MD

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: Co-hosts Ron Baker and Ed Kless talk with Dr. Wendy Dean, author of If I Betray These Words. Dr. Dean, a psychiatrist and co-founder of the nonprofit Moral Injury of Healthcare, explores the profound ethical dilemmas faced by professionals today. Through the lens of her groundbreaking book, Dr. Dean discusses the concept of moral injury—the psychological distress that occurs when individuals feel unable to act according to their ethical and moral values. She shares real-life stories from the frontlines of healthcare, highlighting the emotional toll on professionals who are often caught between the demands of a healthcare system and their commitment to patient care. Ron and Ed pursue with her the idea that moral injury applies to professionals in other fields as well.

ABOUT DR. WENDY DEAN

Wendy Dean, MD is the CEO and co-founder of The Moral Injury of Healthcare, a nonprofit focused on alleviating workforce distress through research, education, consultation, and training. She is the author of, If I Betray These Words: Moral Injury In Medicine and Why It’s So Hard For Clinicians to Put Patients First, and cohost of the Moral Matters and 43cc podcasts. Before co-founding the nonprofit, Dr. Dean practiced as a psychiatrist, worked for the Department of Defense in research innovation, and as an executive for a large international non-profit supporting military medical research. Dr. Dean graduated from Smith College and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She did her residency training at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH.

 
 

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

  • Ron’s favorite TV show is House, M.D. and he describes Dr. Dean as the “House” of moral injury. Her book, “If I Betray These Words” is at this link https://www.amazon.com/If-Betray-These-Words-Clinicians/dp/1586423541 

  • With respect to medicine Dr. Dean says, “The real reason that we went into this profession was to take care of people at their most vulnerable, without self interest.”

  • “We people have been doing really intensive studies and important work in this field. We still have 40% of our clinicians who feel burned out because that's the language that we use. If that's the case, maybe we should reconsider what we're treating.” —Dr. Wendy Dean

  • So what is the definition of moral injury? Jonathan Shay was the first one who defined it in 1990s, and he said it was betrayal by a legitimate authority in a high stakes situation.

Segment two

  • Burnout is traditionally defined as sort of a demand resource mismatch. Moral injury is more of a qualitative challenge…a relational rupture based on betrayal (unintentional in most cases).

  • On the professional services side, here is a great example of moral injury: You know that you should be working to a certain standard and you're being asked to lower that standard because someone inappropriately bid on the job. 

  • “90% of leadership books are all about how do we deal with the five crucial conversations. It’s transactional. The reality is that the anxiety is more chronic.” —Ed Kless

  • “There's this great term that I just learned called care washing which focuses on the superficial level of our distress. What we are really asking for is that we actually start doing the hard work of changing the underlying system.” —Dr. Wendy Dean (paraphrased)

Segment three

  • Ed mentioned this article during segment three: “How American Health Care Killed My Father” https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/09/how-american-health-care-killed-my-father/307617/ 

  • “We can renovate this house of health care but in order to do it in the most efficient way possible, we need to have the blueprint, which is why I wrote the book and it's why I wrote it in the way I did, which is not only to tell to lay out where we are but how we got here.” —Dr. Wendy Dean 

  • Wow! There are only a million physicians in the US. There are only 3 million nurses. There are 330 million patients.

  • “Physicians can't keep practicing like this and feel like they they are maintaining that oath and their integrity.” —Dr. Wendy Dean

Segment four

  • From Wendy today on healthcare reform: 1) We need to decouple it from our employers. 2) We need to move from having it be care for everything to catastrophic care. 3) Wellness and preventative care should be in a different bucket of money. 

  • This is a GREAT quote from Wendy today on the show by way of Jerry Moeller, “Everything that we measure doesn't matter.”

  • Ed read a great quote on the show today that came out of Disney parks, “It's okay to be off task, as long as you're on purpose.”

  • A big THANK YOU to Dr. Wendy Dean for joining us today. Please, please, PLEASE check out her amazing book “If I Betray These Words” on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/If-Betray-These-Words-Clinicians/dp/1586423541 

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #502: Geraldine's Guide to Greatness for CPAs

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: Join Ed and Ron for an enlightening interview with Geraldine Carter, a consultant to CPA firms and author of the transformative book "Down to 40 Hours: A Roadmap for CPAs to End Overworking Without Giving Up Revenue." Geraldine's mission is to help overworked CPAs reclaim their time and create the accounting firms and lives they've always dreamed of. Since 2016, Geraldine has been coaching CPAs, bringing a unique perspective from her experience as a client who has worked with numerous bookkeepers, accountants, and CPAs. She'll provide insights into her coaching approach and how her book offers a practical roadmap for CPAs to reduce overworking without sacrificing revenue. We'll also delve into Geraldine's adventurous spirit, shaped by guiding luxury travel adventures across all seven continents and 50+ countries, and how her experiences have enriched her coaching philosophy. Tune in to hear about her impressive athletic achievements, including marathons and an Ironman, and how she balances her professional life with living in the mountains of Idaho with her two young children.

ABOUT GERALDINE CARTER

Geraldine Carter helps overworked CPAs create the accounting firm and the life they have always wanted.

  • How did you get to coaching CPAs? I was coaching a variety of business owners when two CPAs reached out simultaneously to ask if I could help them with their businesses.

  • But you’re not a CPA, right? Nope. Tax gives me hives. I speak 3 languages; tax is not one of them.

  • Connect the dots then? Here’s the string you need: I have a degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Cornell University. I think in numbers and formulas. When I co-founded a company in 2008, I fell into managing the money and the operations because of my background. That’s how I came to appreciate accounting. I bring the perspective of the buyer (your client) to the table. I know what it’s like to be in your client’s shoes because I’ve paid half a dozen bookkeepers, accountants, and CPAs.

  • How long have you been coaching CPAs? Since 2016.

  • What was the company you co-founded? Climate Ride. It’s granted more than $13M to support conservation, climate, sustainability, and active transportation. It’s awesome – check it out.

  • What else has shaped your worldview? For ten years, I guided adventures for a luxury travel company. I have been to all seven continents and 50+ countries. I carry a French passport; it came in handy. My academic education was excellent, but nothing taught me more than spending time in faraway places.

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

  • Geraldine Carter is our guest today! She is all about helping you work less without losing revenue or hiring. I like her already!!! More here: https://geraldinecarter.com/ 

  • Geraldine Carter’s book is “Down to 40 Hours: A Roadmap for CPAs to End Overworking Without Giving Up Revenue” https://www.amazon.com/Down-40-Hours-Roadmap-Overworking/dp/B0CYY1PGT2 

  • Accountants are excellent at complexity and these puzzles that most of the rest of us cannot solve. [they think] if it's simple, it must be obvious and easy and somebody would have figured it out by now.

  • Hilarious from Geraldine Carter today: “83% of people think that they are better than average.”

  • With respect to pricing your services, “If we do a clean sweep of your client roster and adjust your pricing, you will feel a significant difference inside a month or two. .” —Geraldine Carter

Segment two

  • From Geraldine: The [accounting] profession has set itself up for what it's experiencing right now, by not learning the fundamentals of business, by ignoring value, by ignoring pricing tools, by ignoring positioning and niching

  • “It's wonderful that AI is coming in at a great time to relieve the shortage, but I think that fundamentally CPAs who are in business need to learn business fundamentals.” —Geraldine Carter

  • “We go into [public accounting] because we want to work with a variety of different businesses. That's great for your intellectual curiosity, but it sucks to build a business like that.” Ron Baker

  • So how should an accountant look at pricing? Here’s a great quip from Geraldine Carter, “So, accountants are already creating transformations, and the transformation is where the most value is. But the accountant is pricing the service instead of pricing the transformation.” 

Segment three

  • Geraldine has a great phrase in her book called horizontal niching. Simply put this is niching by topic, instead of niching by industry.

  • “What I see for accountants and CPAs is niching by psychographic just doesn't have near the juice from the squeeze as niching by vertical or niching by horizontal.” —Geraldine Carter

  • “Going through the exercise of creating a website forces you to get clear about who you serve, what value you create for them, how you serve them, what outcomes you deliver, and how you price.” —Geraldine Carter

  • “Most of us didn't go to business school and, even if we did, we wouldn't have gotten the education that we needed to be high quality business owners…skilled business owners.” —Geraldine Carter

Segment four

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #501: Rick (Rubin) and Rory (Sutherland)

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, hosts Ron Baker and Ed Kless dive into the world of creativity and innovation with a focus on the work of two remarkable individuals: Rory Sutherland and Rick Rubin. Sutherland, a leading advertising executive known for his unconventional thinking, and Rubin, a legendary music producer celebrated for his minimalist approach, offer unique perspectives on the creative process. Join us as we explore how these two visionaries approach problem-solving, the importance of intuition in their respective fields, and the impact of their work on advertising and music. We'll discuss key insights from Sutherland's thought-provoking theories on behavioral economics and Rubin's philosophy of creating space for artists to express their true selves.

AI SHOW NOTES

These are AI notes so keep in mind that much of the context of the quotes/snippets is missing.

  • Introduction to Rick Rubin and Rory Sutherland:

    • The episode focuses on a conversation between Rick Rubin and Rory Sutherland, emphasizing the importance of creative solutions and the impact of their insights on business and creativity.

  • Creativity vs. Rationality:

    • Discussion on why creative people must present their ideas to rational finance people for approval, but not the other way around. This emphasizes the imbalance in decision-making processes in organizations.

  • Anecdotes vs. Averages:

    • Anecdotes are considered more impactful than averages because they provide relatable stories that people can connect with, as opposed to abstract numbers.

  • Concept of Veblen Goods:

    • Explanation of Veblen goods, where demand increases with the price due to their status signaling effect, and how this concept applies to luxury goods and pricing strategies.

  • Importance of Constraints in Creativity:

    • Creativity can be sparked by either abandoning assumptions or imposing additional constraints. The latter can often lead to innovative solutions.

  • Feedback Loop between Exploration and Exploitation:

    • Using the example of bees, the importance of balancing exploration (discovery of new opportunities) and exploitation (maximizing existing opportunities) in business strategies.

  • Humanity's Misconception of Understanding:

    • One of humanity's greatest problems is thinking we know how things work, highlighting the need for continuous questioning and exploration.

  • Rick Rubin's Insights on Creativity:

    • Rubin's book "The Creative Act" is filled with profound aphorisms, such as "The real work of the artist is a way of being in the world," emphasizing the deeper essence of creativity beyond just the output.

  • Irrationality in Decision-Making:

    • Example of how emotional and irrational factors often drive major decisions, such as purchasing a car, despite the complex and rational processes involved in creating it.

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #500: One Thing! Part Four

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: Ron and Ed once again share entries from their "One Thing" journals, so this episode is a bit random, but contains nugget after nugget on curated wisdom for the reading and listening habits of the hosts.

SHOW NOTES

This show was pre-recorded so here are some AI notes. These are AI notes so keep in mind that much of the context of the quotes/snippets is missing.

Celebration of Milestone: Acknowledgment of the 500th show milestone and upcoming sponsorship by Woodard Consulting.

  • Concept of "One Thing" Journal:

    • Inspired by an author (AJ Jacobs) who kept a "one thing" journal, capturing significant insights and ideas, leading to regular discussions on the show.

  • Quote by Richard Feynman:

    • "Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts." Highlighting skepticism and continuous questioning in scientific inquiry.

  • Humor in Leadership:

    • Discussion on the importance of humor in leadership, citing "Levity negates gravity," emphasizing that humor can reduce tension and anxiety in leadership.

  • Technological Advancements and Market Dynamics:

    • Example of rapid change from horses to automobiles between 1910 and 1930, and speculation on similar rapid changes with AI and electric vehicles.

  • Quotes by Thomas Sowell:

    • "It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance."

    • "Stupid people can cause problems, but it requires a genius to cause a catastrophe."

  • Diversity and Inclusion Discussion:

    • Critique of the inconsistency in celebrating diversity hires while getting offended when labeled as such. Importance of genuine merit and capability over mere representation.

  • Role of Profit in Social Responsibility:

    • Profit enables B Corps, stakeholder-driven organizations, and companies to meet or exceed their ESG goals, highlighting the fundamental role of profitability in sustaining good work.

  • Quotes by Ayn Rand and George Orwell:

    • Ayn Rand: "All wisdom is not new wisdom."

    • George Orwell: "You have to have a PhD to believe something so stupid," pointing out that higher education can sometimes lead to convoluted reasoning detached from common sense.

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits. 

Episode #499: Pricing Puzzles and Pitfalls

NEW SHOW FEATURE: If you want to ask Ron or Ed a question and be featured on the show, please submit a voice recording from any device at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

SHOW SUMMARY: Join Ed and Ron as they delve into the complexities of modern pricing strategies and their impacts on consumers and brands. We’ll explore the supposed frustration consumers face with the rise of add-on fees and personalized pricing. From airline baggage fees to layered subscription costs, hidden charges make it increasingly difficult for buyers to navigate the marketplace without feeling nickel and dimed. Also, is price-led profit growth coming to an end? Is inflation and recession fear signaling a shift away from growing margins from more sophisticated pricing? Finally, are luxury brands underpricing? Despite their premium positioning, some luxury brands might not be charging enough to reflect their true value and maintain their exclusivity. We’ll discuss the 4Es of pricing high-end brands, and how we can apply that framework to professional firms. Join us as we unravel these topics and discuss how consumers and businesses can navigate the complex world of modern pricing.

SHOW NOTES

Segment one

Segment two

Segment three

  • If you plan to go to the AICPA digital conference in Denver this year you can get a preferred price of $100 off If you type in the code DCPA100 upon checkout. Ed and Ron will BOTH be there. https://www.cpa.com/digital-cpa  

  • We have a preferred price for Ed’s upcoming event in Dallas with Hector Garcia. Use code FOE900 at this link: https://reframe.shoprocket.io/#!/2-day-event-in-dallas-tx-aug-5-6 @qbkaccounting

  • What’s really wrong with the Starbucks customer experience today? Joe Pine nails it with, “Mobile ordering places you and your in-house order in an invisible queue of indeterminate and sometimes seemingly interminable length.” https://hbr.org/2024/06/how-starbucks-devalued-its-own-brand @joepine

  • Regarding a coffee shop idea, “Throw in the coffee for free and it subsumes the the actual product into the experience.” —Ron Baker

Segment four

Bonus Content is Available As Well

Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.

Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits.