Future-Proof

Hosted by Bill Sheridan of MACPA

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Episodes

200

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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About the show

How should you future-proof your organization and your career in a complex and chaotic world? Host Bill Sheridan, thought leader with the Maryland Association of CPAs, gets answers from some of today's most forward-thinking thought leaders.

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60 recent

July 27, 202625 min

251. Trust in a changing world, with Savedra Scott

The accounting profession is evolving, and so is the role of today's CPA. In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Savedra Scott, President and Owner of Savvy Financial Solutions and the newly elected Chair of the MACPA Board of Directors, to discuss the evolving role of CPAs and the opportunities shaping the profession's future. Savedra shares why today's accountants are moving beyond being historians of the numbers to becoming trusted advisors and strategic business partners. She also explores the profession's biggest challenges, including talent shortages, burnout, artificial intelligence, and the need to better communicate the value and flexibility of a CPA career to the next generation. This conversation offers an inspiring look at how leadership, innovation, and a commitment to service can help build a stronger, more future-ready profession. Resources: Beyond The Numbers, MACPA interview with Savedra Scott Savvy Financial Solutions MACPA Volunteer Opportunities

July 13, 202637 min

250. AI: The secret growth ingredient, with Brad Gustafson

Can AI do more than improve efficiency? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Brad Gustafson, Head of the Accounting Partner Channel at Ramp, to explore how AI is reshaping the accounting profession and helping firms address long-term talent challenges. Brad shares why AI should be viewed as a capacity multiplier rather than a replacement for accountants, how agentic AI is transforming workflows, and why the firms embracing AI strategically today will be best positioned to grow tomorrow. This conversation offers practical insight into how firm leaders can use AI to strengthen client relationships, increase capacity, and build a more resilient future. Resources: Ramp for Accounting & Finance Professionals Brad Gustafson, Channel Partnership Leader at Ramp, LinkedIn Profile MACPA Preferred Providers MACPA AI Resource Page

June 29, 202647 min

249. What Gen Z wants at work, with Dr. Tara Ceranic Salinas

What does the next generation really want from work? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Dr. Tara Ceranic Salinas, professor of business ethics at the University of San Diego, to explore what organizations often get wrong about Gen Z in the workplace. Tara explains why Gen Z isn't rejecting leadership. They're rethinking what leadership should look like. From flexibility and purpose to skill development and AI, she shares how organizations can better attract, develop, and retain emerging talent by creating more human-centered workplaces. This conversation offers practical insight for leaders looking to build stronger cultures and prepare their organizations for the future of work. Resources: Tara Ceranic Salinas Knauss School of Business, University of San Diego Daniel Pink – Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

June 15, 202645 min

248. Talent without borders, with Anshul Agrawal

What does it really take to build a successful global team? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Anshul Agrawal, founder of June15 Consulting, to separate fact from fiction when it comes to offshoring in the accounting profession. Anshul shares why successful offshoring is about more than cost savings. It requires a shift in mindset, treating offshore professionals as true members of your team, investing in training and culture, and building systems that support long-term success. He also discusses common mistakes firms make, practical considerations around data security and compliance, and how firms of all sizes can approach global staffing strategically. Whether you're actively considering offshoring or simply looking for new ways to address the talent shortage, this conversation offers practical guidance for building stronger, more resilient teams. Resources: June15 Consulting Anshul Agrawal on LinkedIn MACPA Offshoring Office Hours with Anshul Agrawal

May 18, 202655 min

247. The CAS compliance tightrope, with Mike Manspeaker

Client accounting services continue to grow across the profession, but what standards apply when firms step into CAS work? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Mike Manspeaker, Member of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board and CPA on Staff for Coastal Peer Review, to explore the compliance, ethics, and quality management considerations firms need to understand as CAS practices expand. Mike shares practical insight into where firms can run into trouble, why engagement letters and documentation matter, and how firms can navigate the gray areas between advisory and attest services while continuing to deliver high-quality client service. Resources: Mike Manspeaker, Member of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board Coastal Peer Review AICPA Auditing Standards Board

May 11, 202657 min

246. The human side of M&A, with Ira Rosenbloom

Mergers and acquisitions continue to reshape the accounting profession, but what happens after the deal closes? In this episode of Future-Proof, Bill Sheridan sits down with Ira Rosenbloom of Optimum Strategies to explore the human side of M&A and why people, not numbers, are often the deciding factor in whether a transaction succeeds or fails. Ira shares insight into how communication gaps, cultural misalignment, staff anxiety, and leadership blind spots can derail even strong deals on paper. He also discusses how firms can better navigate transitions by involving employees earlier, communicating transparently with clients, and creating a clear vision for the future before entering negotiations. Resources: Ira Rosenbloom, Chief Operating Executive at Optimum Strategies Optimum Strategies

April 14, 202650 min

245. Risks for CPA firms, with Stan Sterna

What does risk look like for CPA firms today? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Stan Sterna of Aon to explore how the risk landscape is evolving across the profession. Stan explains how new technologies, shifting regulations, workforce changes, and expanding advisory services are creating both opportunity and exposure for firms. He highlights why risk management must move beyond checklists and become part of firm culture, with clear expectations around engagement letters, documentation, staffing, and communication. From hybrid work challenges to AI overreliance and the impact of busy season on decision-making, this conversation offers practical insight into how firms can manage risk more strategically and avoid the shortcuts that can lead to costly mistakes. Resources: Stan Sterna, SVP Accounts Risk & Control Lead at Aon, LinkedIn Profile Aon, Professional Services Practice

March 30, 202643 min

244. The neuroscience of culture, with Don Rheem

What if culture isn’t soft at all, but one of the most powerful drivers of performance? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Don Rheem, founder of CultureID, to explore how neuroscience is reshaping the way leaders understand engagement, behavior, and results. Don explains how the way employees feel at work directly drives how they perform, and why factors like psychological safety, trust, and recognition are not just nice-to-haves, but measurable business drivers. From the impact of managers on engagement to the hidden costs of disengagement, this conversation challenges leaders to rethink culture as a system that can be measured, managed, and improved. This episode offers a practical, science-backed look at how organizations can create environments where people thrive and performance follows. Resources: Don Rheem LinkedIn profile CultureID , tools and insights for measuring and improving workplace culture Thrive by Design , by Don Rheem, book on the neuroscience behind high-performance cultures MACPA Converge 2026 , where Don Rheem will deliver a keynote on culture and performance

March 9, 202636 min

243. Rules, regs and reinvention, with Jeff Wilson

How is the future of the CPA profession being shaped at the regulatory level? In this episode of Future-Proof, we sit down with Jeff Wilson, the newly appointed chair of the Maryland State Board of Public Accountancy, to discuss the role regulators play in guiding the profession forward. Jeff shares his perspective on addressing the CPA talent shortage, expanding pathways to licensure, and how state boards are thinking about emerging technologies like AI and automation. This conversation offers insight into how regulators, practitioners, and professional organizations can work together to protect the public while helping the profession evolve and thrive. Resources: Jeff Wilson LinkedIn Profile Maryland Board of Public Accountancy Jeff Wilson and The W2 Group LLC

February 17, 202636 min

242. Secure the firm, with Luke Kiely

What does cybersecurity really mean for today’s CPA firms? In this episode, we sit down with Luke Kiely, Chief Information Security Officer at SmartVault and Chief Security Officer at ComplyWise, to explore why cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, but a firm-wide responsibility. Luke breaks down how most breaches still begin with a simple email and a distracted click, why busy season increases vulnerability, and the practical safeguards firms can put in place without a massive IT budget. This episode offers clear, actionable insight into protecting client data and securing the future of your firm. Resources: Luke Kiely LinkedIn Profile SmartVault ComplyWise FTC Safeguards Rule Overview IRS Publication 4557 – Safeguarding Taxpayer Data