Thrivecast: A Podcast for Accountants

Thriveal CPA Network
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Welcome to the Thrivecast, a show about accounting leadership and growth that’s now two decades in the making! Our host, Jason Blumer, CPA, interviews the best accounting minds on the planet, bringing you engaging accounting entrepreneurial lessons and principles designed to help you grow just by listening. So, jump right into our ocean of info—the water’s warm!

  1. 24 OCT

    Episode #172: Why Most Firms Remain Commoditized Despite Their Unique Potential with Kristy Short

    On this episode of the Thrivecast, Jason Blumer sits down with Dr. Kristy Short to reveal a profound truth about professional services: firms unconsciously choose mediocrity through their communication patterns. We explore how the accounting profession's default toward compliance-based content creates an invisible prison of sameness—a sea of templated messaging that transforms unique practices into indistinguishable commodities. The strategic tension emerges clearly: in an era where AI can generate unlimited content, authentic voice becomes the ultimate differentiator. Yet most firm leaders struggle to identify, articulate, and consistently express their distinctive perspective. Dr. Short's 25-year journey through the content landscape illuminates how this challenge transcends marketing tactics—it's fundamentally about leadership courage and organizational self-awareness. The "million dollar look" framework she describes isn't about aesthetic polish; it's about the disciplined practice of authentic expression in a profession that rewards conformity. This exploration challenges the inherited belief that technical competence alone drives firm success. Instead, we examine content as relational infrastructure—the systematic way firms build trust, demonstrate expertise, and invite deeper advisory relationships. The conversation reveals how moving from one-way compliance communications to engaging, client-centric storytelling requires leaders to confront their own creative limitations and embrace the vulnerable work of authentic brand development. This isn't simply about marketing strategy; it's about organizational transformation and the courage to stand apart in a crowded marketplace. The deeper question emerges: Are you willing to risk distinctiveness in pursuit of meaningful client relationships, or will you remain safely hidden within the comfortable anonymity of professional sameness? About the guest: Kristy Short, Ed.D, is the owner of Type5 Content and Align Creative. She has served the accounting profession for more than 25 years—an expert in content strategy and development. And she's loved every minute of it! Kristy's passionate about helping firms and the profession as whole move forward., kick ass and conquer. She's worked with hundreds of firms and accounting-space vendors and is authentically effusive when she says: "There's no better feeling than watching clients succeed.

    48 min

  2. 25 SEPT

    Episode #171: AI & Automation with Chad Davis

    In this episode of The Thrivecast, host Jason Blumer interviews Chad Davis, partner at LiveCA, one of Canada's original virtual accounting firms. Chad brings over a decade of experience building remote-first operations and shares practical insights about AI adoption and automation strategies. He emphasizes that automation should never be a firm's top three priorities, positioning AI as a powerful tool that enhances existing operations rather than a revolutionary change. The conversation explores the distinction between generative AI (creating new content) and agentic AI (taking autonomous actions), while Chad demonstrates how LiveCA evolved from single-person tech dependency to a distributed team model where multiple staff members develop automation skills.  Chad provides a practical framework for AI implementation, categorizing technology spending into three buckets: core non-negotiables (accounting software), utilities (gap-filling tools), and the emerging category of AI tools that function as always-available thought partners. He advocates for starting with low-risk applications like meeting transcription to build team confidence, while emphasizing the critical importance of data organization as foundational infrastructure for future AI adoption. Chad candidly discusses LiveCA's strategic evolution, including their move away from CFO services to focus on controller-level work and their transition from value pricing back to budgeted hours when scaling to 120 employees made the former operationally challenging.  The episode concludes with actionable advice for accounting professionals beginning their AI journey, with Chad noting that technological proficiency can be achieved in just five to ten hours of focused learning. He shares his approach to staying current through monthly AI industry roundups and building learning communities, while addressing security considerations and the competitive landscape among AI providers. Chad's Automation Town community exemplifies his philosophy of creating structured environments where accounting professionals can develop technical skills while maintaining focus on client service excellence, demonstrating that successful AI adoption requires both strategic thinking and hands-on experimentation.  About the Guest Chad Davis is a partner at LiveCA, one of Canada's pioneering virtual accounting firms founded in 2013. With over a decade of experience building remote-first operations, Chad has guided the firm's growth from startup to a 60-person organization serving clients across North America. He specializes in automation and AI implementation for professional service firms, sharing his expertise through daily LinkedIn content and his Automation Town community. Chad's practical approach to technology adoption focuses on building sustainable systems that enhance rather than replace human expertise. His monthly AI industry roundups have become a valuable resource for accounting professionals seeking to stay current with rapidly evolving technology trends. When not exploring the latest automation tools, Chad focuses on creating learning opportunities that help accounting teams develop technical skills while maintaining their focus on client service excellence.

    56 min

  3. 25 AUG

    Episode 170: Change Management with Alice Grey Harrison

    In this episode of The Thrivecast, host Jason Blumer interviews change management expert Alice Grey Harrison, who brings 25 years of experience managing transformation in large professional service firms. Alice Grey opens with a fundamental insight: whether you're working with 25 people or 20,000 people, change challenges remain the same because "we're people." She debunks the stereotype that accountants are uniquely change-resistant, explaining that humans naturally resist change regardless of profession. The conversation explores how change is non-linear, more like a spiral than a straight line, often involving unexpected setbacks that require strategic pivots, as illustrated through her real-world examples including complex software implementations.  Alice introduces two key frameworks that drive successful change management. First, she discusses Change Response Styles—a scientifically validated diagnostic tool that identifies four main styles: secure, preoccupied, dismissive, and fearful. Understanding these different approaches helps leaders guide teams more effectively through transitions. Second, she emphasizes the critical importance of communication through her "content compass" concept, ensuring all leaders use identical language when discussing change initiatives. As she quotes George Bernard Shaw: "The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place." For smaller firms, Alice Grey provides a practical framework anchored in mission, vision, and values, including creating clear "why" statements, demonstrating success through behavioral changes, and assigning dedicated project managers. Looking ahead to the Deeper Weekend, https://thriveal.com/deeper-weekend/, conference in October, Alice Grey will present two sessions on change management, including hands-on experience with the change response style assessment and practical implementation strategies. She illustrates how even seemingly simple changes like software updates actually represent fundamental cultural shifts, transforming organizations from "follow the leader" cultures to ones requiring independent problem-solving.  About the guest:  Alice Grey Harrison shapes organizational narratives across professional services, bringing over 25 years of strategic wisdom to firms navigating critical transitions. Her expertise centers on three transformative dimensions: cultural integration through complex mergers, change management that transcends resistance, and strategic communication that unlocks performance. With 16+ merger integrations in her portfolio, Alice doesn't just manage change—she orchestrates it with remarkable intuition, helping firms discover their highest expression while honoring their foundational strengths. Her work has earned recognition from the Association for Accounting Marketing and Ragan Communications, reflecting her ability to transform theoretical frameworks into lived organizational experiences. As a national speaker and thought leader, Alice approaches each engagement with profound questions that invite discovery, meeting organizations precisely where they are in their evolutionary journey and creating pathways that align purpose with performance. Alice Grey can be reached on LinkedIn under Alice Grey Harrison and through her website https://www.aghconsultinggroup.com/ where she shares bi-monthly insights on change management for professional service firms.

    50 min

  4. 25 JUL

    Episode 169: Transforming Professional Services through Uncomfortable Questions with Alan Whitman

    Alan Whitman challenges firm leaders to embrace uncomfortable questions as catalysts for organizational transformation. His central thesis: we are already advisors, trapped not by capability but by inherited paradigms that no longer serve our evolving purpose. Jason and Alan discuss how advisory and compliance were once integrated, but now we've artificially separated them. Modern firms must position traditional services as support structures for advisory work, not the primary focus. This requires asking: "Is this really our highest and best use to the organization?" Some specific reflection points from this episode are how many leaders are actively questioning their status quo versus simply going through the motions? The "ShoShin" approach—embracing beginner's mind when facing major changes—demands we start from scratch rather than incrementally adjust failing systems. Begin with uncomfortable questions that challenge existing assumptions. Evaluate whether you're accumulating clients or strategically building practice. Assess which non-negotiables could most transform your firm's trajectory. As a reminder, transformation is not about perfection, but about courageous, intentional movement toward our highest organizational potential. We are architects of possibility, constantly redesigning our structures to align with our evolving vision of what professional services can become.

    48 min

  5. 25 JUN

    Episode 168: Navigating Cross-Border Accounting Excellence with Katrina Nacci

    In this episode, we chat with Katrina Nacci, a CPA based in Frankfurt, Germany who helps European companies navigate US accounting standards. Originally from Boston, Katrina describes her work as "bridging the gap with two A's" - taking companies from local European accounting to US GAAP or IFRS when they're seeking American investors or planning IPOs. After 12 years abroad and experience at PwC and in private equity, Katrina found her niche with scale-up companies in the $30-50 million revenue range. Her approach leverages clients' internal teams through collaborative "GAAP summits" where she guides finance departments through accounting differences, making the process more cost-effective than larger firms. Interestingly, Katrina often discovers companies struggle not just with accounting standard differences, but with correctly applying their current standards. She works across the UK, Germany, Netherlands and other European countries, each with their own requirements. Despite initial language barriers, Katrina has adapted to life in Europe, traveling monthly throughout the continent. She reflects on her growth from a "dorky technical accountant" to a confident business owner with a unique specialization at the intersection of European and American financial requirements.

    38 min

  6. 26 MAY

    Episode 167: Moving Beyond Being Just a Service Provider with Sarah Acton

    The world is constantly evolving. Clients are changing. That means we have to meet them where they are. Accountants are no longer strictly “service providers”. Go ahead…add “technology advisor” to your resume. It sounds scary, but it’s true. Accountants must start embracing new technology and AI in order to free up ourselves for the services that clients are actually wanting. “There’s an app for that” and our tech savvy clients know it, so we have to push past our own fears to meet them where they are…and that means more metrics, financial reporting, and advisory. Sarah Acton, Chief Customer Officer with BILL, says that we must get comfortable with automating the granular tasks so that we can free ourselves up for doing one thing that technology can NOT do, and that’s building personal relationships. Strive for efficiency. Experiment with new ideas. Ultimately, your authenticity is what builds credibility with your clients. Walk them through their own fears and develop a practical roadmap for success in their own business. Learn how BILL can help make your firm more efficient and streamline operations at www.bill.com.

    40 min

  7. 25 APR

    Episode 166: Accounting Leadership Evolution: Building an Abundance Mindset with Michael Horwitz

    Thrivecast: A Podcast for Accountants

    47 min

  8. 25 MAR

    Episode #165: Leadership Development in Accounting Firms: Beyond Technical Skills with Scott J. Allen, Ph.D

    In this episode of Thrivecast, Jason sits down with award-winning educator Dr. Scott J. Allen, Ph.D., an expert in leadership development, the future of work, and executive communication, to discuss the crucial distinction between technical expertise and leadership ability in accounting firms. Episode Highlights: - Why the most skilled accountants aren't always the best candidates for leadership positions - How to create appropriate career paths for technical experts who don't move into leadership - Key qualities to look for when identifying potential leaders within your firm - Strategies for leadership development and ""arming yourself"" as a firm leader - How effective leadership directly influences the climate and culture of accounting firms - Practical approaches to measuring leadership effectiveness in your organization This must-listen episode provides valuable insights for firm owners and leaders navigating the challenging transition from accountant to leader. Dr. Allen and Jason explain why leadership is a learned skill that can be developed over time, offering hope and guidance for those looking to strengthen their leadership capabilities. Whether you're currently in a leadership position or planning your firm's succession strategy, this conversation offers practical frameworks to help you build a stronger leadership team and create the right growth paths for all your talented professionals. About the Guest: Scott J. Allen, Ph.D., serves as an instructor in SMU’s Cox School of Business Executive Education and spent more than 18 years as a professor of management. He also serves as a leadership consultant with Winding River Consulting. Allen’s areas of expertise include leader development, the future of work, and executive communication. Scott has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He’s the co-author of several books, including The Little Book of Leadership Development: 50 Ways to Bring Out the Leader in Every Employee; Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: A Guide for College Students; Discovering Leadership: Designing Your Success; and Captivation: Online Presentations by Design. Scott hosts Phronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders, ranked among the world's top 2.5% of podcasts. Along with the podcast, he publishes a weekly newsletter. You can connect with Scott at https://www.scottjallen.net/ or find him on LinkedIn.

    47 min
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About

Welcome to the Thrivecast, a show about accounting leadership and growth that’s now two decades in the making! Our host, Jason Blumer, CPA, interviews the best accounting minds on the planet, bringing you engaging accounting entrepreneurial lessons and principles designed to help you grow just by listening. So, jump right into our ocean of info—the water’s warm!

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