Transforming: Tales of Business Evolution

Hosted by AICPA & CIMA

Business Management News

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Episodes

129

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Small Firms Philosophy podcast has become "Transforming: tales of Business Evolution", a monthly show designed for firms of any size and scale, exploring innovative operating methods that help organizations adapt to a changing landscape. Hear from industry leaders sharing their experiences of reshaping their business models, delving into the dynamic world of business transformation, and inspiring you to explore new ways to evolve your own organization. "Transforming" started in November 2024 with 4 bonus episodes. Brought to you by AICPA & CIMA's Private Companies Practices Section (PCPS).

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60 recent

October 15, 2026Episode 2543 min

TfP 025. Creating Value Beyond Compliance

As the profession evolves , accounting firms are reexamining assumptions that have guided their business models for decades. In this episode, Lisa Simpson, CPA, CGMA, Vice President of Firm Services at the AICPA ® , talks with Chase Carpenter , Chief Executive Officer, Partner at H&S Companies, CPAs & Business Advisors , about their ongoing transformation from a traditional CPA firm to an advisory-focused professional services organization. Facing a major ownership transition and shifting market dynamics, Chase's firm reexamined its operating model, governance structure, talent strategy, and client experience to build a more sustainable path forward. Chase shares how his firm moved beyond traditional ways of working to create a stronger foundation for the future. He reflects on what it took to build alignment, make better use of his staff's strengths, and shift client conversations toward more proactive advice and lasting value. For firm leaders navigating change in their own organizations, this conversation offers a practical look at leading transformation with clarity, discipline, and purpose. Additional resources: Governance Series: Implementing Operating Models in Your Firm PCPS Governance Toolkit & Podcast Series PCPS Right-Sizing Your Client Base Toolkit Thanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback . You can also contact us directly at podcast@aicpa-cima.com To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm . You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes. Continue the conversation beyond this episode in the Engage365 PCPS Community , where members can connect with peers, share ideas, access exclusive resources, and discover what's working across firms like yours. This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA , together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here . Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

September 28, 2026Episode 2436 min

TfP 024. Growth by Design

What if the key to firm growth is not working harder but building the right structures to make growth intentional? Morgan Cooper , Marketing Director, and Jeff Jacobs , Director of Development, both at Wilkins Miller LLC , explore how marketing and business development roles can evolve into strategic drivers of firm growth. They share how leadership trust, clear accountability, and a shared vision have helped position their growth team as a catalyst for innovation and long-term success. Morgan and Jeff discuss the role of growth leaders and how they can help shape strategy, not just support it. Their conversation offers practical perspective for firms that want to strengthen business development, build future leaders, and keep relationships at the heart of growth. Thanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback . You can also contact us directly at podcast@aicpa-cima.com To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm . You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes. Continue the conversation beyond this episode in the Engage365 PCPS Community , where members can connect with peers, share ideas, access exclusive resources, and discover what's working across firms like yours. This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA , together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here . Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

August 17, 202643 min

TfP 023. The Talent Lifecycle Advantage

The talent landscape is changing — and firms and organizations that adapt will have a competitive advantage. In this episode, Lexi Weber, CPA, Senior Manager – Emerging Professionals Initiatives, sits down with George Forsyth , CPA, Managing Partner of WellsColeman and Chair of the AICPA Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) Executive Committee, for an engaging conversation about a new toolkit that presents recruitment and retention as a connected career journey. The PCPS and Emerging Professionals Recruitment & Retention Toolkit is a practical resource designed to help firms and organizations attract top talent, strengthen culture, improve retention, and develop future leaders. Through the toolkit, firms and organizations will obtain actionable strategies that they can adapt regardless of size or structure to create a stronger talent lifecycle — from recruitment through leadership development. As part of a series on talent development, this episode is packed with fresh ideas to enhance employee engagement, create meaningful career pathways, improve onboarding, and become an employer of choice and will provide practical takeaways you can put into action right away. Thanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback . You can also contact us directly at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

July 28, 202621 min

TfP 022. Developing Talent and Embracing Change

Recorded live at the AICPA's ENGAGE 2026, Erin Hartman, CPA, Senior Manager – Firm Services, sits down with Cheryl Rhode, CPA , Partner at West Rhode & Roberts , where she explains how she is intentionally developing the next generation of firm leaders and why she brings them to ENGAGE to help build their networks and broaden their perspective beyond the walls of the firm. As Chair of a Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) Small Firm Networking Group, Cheryl also shares the broader value of learning alongside peers. The conversation covers how her firm adapts to change, develops talent, and stays focused on a shifting profession. Cheryl also discusses AI's potential to create efficiencies and why accounting remains a dynamic career grounded in continuous learning. Whether you're developing future leaders, strengthening your talent pipeline, or preparing for what's next, this episode offers practical insights for firm leaders of all sizes. Thanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback . You can also contact us directly at podcast@aicpa-cima.com To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm . You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes. Continue the conversation beyond this episode in the Engage365 PCPS Community , where members can connect with peers, share ideas, access exclusive resources, and discover what's working across firms like yours. This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA , together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here . Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

July 2, 202642 min

TfP 021. Evaluating the Independent CPA Firm Model

Many firm leaders are evaluating their ownership and capital models, which includes considering the option of bringing in outside strategic investors. But many firms continue to choose independence as a strategic path. In this episode, Andrea Wright, CPA , Partner at Johnson Lambert LLP , shares how her firm defines independence through the lens of culture and long-term investment. She explains how that perspective influences decision-making and why the firm reevaluates its direction each year. The conversation also explores how Johnson Lambert thinks about niche service offerings, talent development, succession planning, transparency, and technology investment. We take a thoughtful look at what it takes to sustain this model and consider these fundamental questions: What are you willing to invest, and why does it matter now? Thanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback . You can also contact us directly at podcast@aicpa-cima.com To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm . You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes. Continue the conversation beyond this episode in the Engage365 PCPS Community , where members can connect with peers, share ideas, access exclusive resources, and discover what's working across firms like yours. This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA , together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here . Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

April 10, 202639 min

TfP 020. Elevating Women's Initiatives to Drive Transformation

In this episode, Laura Crowley , Partner at Citrin Cooperman and member of the AICPA's Women's Initiatives Executive Committee, and Mandy Gallagher , Lead Manager of Women's Initiatives at the AICPA, discuss what it really takes to build a firm where women advance and why every firm that does comes out stronger. Laura and Mandy share practical strategies on sponsorship, leadership development, and retention, drawing on real-world examples from across the accounting and finance profession. Walk away with concrete steps to build a more inclusive and competitive firm. To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm . You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes. Explore the Sponsorship Success Toolkit , which includes guidance on building an effective sponsorship program. Thanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback . You can also contact us directly at podcast@aicpa-cima.com This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA , together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here . Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

March 10, 202643 min

TfP 019. Intentional Firm Growth That Actually Works

What does successful growth really look like for today's firms? In this episode, Sarah Krom, CPA, MST , Managing Partner of SKC & Co. CPAs, LLC , explores how firm leaders can scale intentionally without sacrificing culture, people, or purpose. Sarah shares how SKC approaches growth by focusing on other factors beyond revenue and headcount. From launching new service lines to navigating change through overcommunication, this conversation offers practical insight for any firm or organization looking to grow while protecting what makes their firms thrive. To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm . You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes. Thanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback . You can also contact us directly at podcast@aicpa-cima.com This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA , together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here . Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

January 23, 202644 min

TfP 018. Burnout Prevention in Action

Lauren Baptiste , founder of Acheloa Wellness , explores how burnout is more than just exhaustion; it's a systemic challenge affecting professionals at every level. Lauren highlights the new PCPS Burnout Prevention Toolkit, a practical resource designed to help individuals, firms, organizations, and the profession combat burnout before it starts. Lauren shares her personal journey, actionable strategies for creating healthier work cultures, and quick wins you can implement today. Whether you're a leader looking to support your team or a professional seeking balance, this conversation offers tools to thrive, not just survive.

December 18, 202547 min

TfP 017. Getting Ready for 'Busy Season', Part II

We're back with another special compilation of conversations offering insights relevant for preparing for busy season. Jaimie Boyd from the AICPA® Firm Services team shares highlights from conversations we've had over the past year with practitioners who are applying the fundamental concepts of the Transforming Your Business Model initiative to their day-to-day operations. From scheduling systems that help tame tax season to the power of virtual teams and intentional client selection, these stories offer practical insights and motivation for firms preparing for busy season and anyone seeking to modernize their practice without sacrificing well-being. You don't want to miss this episode as you prepare for busy season. For the full episodes and resources, check out the following: TfP 012. Creating Balance Without Losing Business TfP 014. Building Balance in a Virtual Firm TfP 010. Leading with Authenticity and Vulnerability TfP 006. Starting your own firm and growing the right client base TfP 013. When Purpose Meets Innovation TfP 011. The Influence of Coaching on Firm Growth AICPA Town Hall: DC updates, hiring insights and better tax season planning PCPS Right-Sizing Your Client Base Toolkit PCPS Outsourcing for CPA Firms Toolkit PCPS Future Talent Trend Toolkit To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm . You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes. Thanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback . You can also contact us directly at podcast@aicpa-cima.com This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA , together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here . Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

December 4, 202543 min

TfP 016. Beyond the Numbers: Real-World Insights from the MAP Survey

Ready to turn data into your firm's competitive edge? This episode reveals how firm leaders are leveraging the National Management of an Accounting Practice (MAP) Survey, from the AICPA Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) and CPA.com, to drive smarter decision-making and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving profession. Shayna Chapman, CPA.CITP, CGMA , CEO, Founder of Shaynaco LLC , and Brent Forbush , Managing Partner of Forbush & Associates , share practical insights on how to best use benchmarking data from the MAP Survey. The conversation highlights the importance of technology investment, especially AI, and the value of segmenting survey data for actionable comparisons. They share the key metrics that have helped their firms, encouraging others not to be overwhelmed by the breadth of available data. Lastly, the episode offers a forward-looking discussion on trends shaping the profession and insight into how participation in the MAP Survey can be a catalyst for transformation. The 2025 MAP Survey results and executive summary are now available, offering actionable data and practical takeaways for firms of all sizes. Download today! To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm . You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes. This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA , together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here . Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com