Codified Wisdom

Eric Eager
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*Codified Wisdom* is a podcast designed for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and CEOs seeking to elevate their businesses by tapping into the power of wisdom. Hosted by Eric Eager, the CEO and Founder of 4ImpactData, each episode will uncover actionable business insights to help you avoid common pitfalls, make better decisions, and ultimately improve the odds of your success. Learn how to navigate your business journey with greater clarity and confidence as you ‘Get Further Faster’ with the guidance of Codified Wisdom.

  1. Ep. 17: Building Trust and Leading Change: Insights from Donny Shimamoto’s Accounting Career

    3D AGO

    Ep. 17: Building Trust and Leading Change: Insights from Donny Shimamoto’s Accounting Career

    What if the future of accounting isn't about crunching numbers, but about unleashing untapped human potential? In this episode of Codified Wisdom, host Eric Eager sits down with Donny Shimamoto, founder of the Center for Accounting Transformation and one of the accounting profession’s most influential voices, to explore how technology—particularly AI and automation—isn't replacing accountants, but promoting them into more impactful advisory roles. Donny shares how his roots in Hawaii shaped his philosophy on trust and community, traces his path from tech-loving high schooler to national leader, and gets candid about why the surge in automation is a once-in-a-generation shift in accounting. You’ll hear practical advice for firms wrestling with advisory services, learn why balance between compliance and advisory is the real key to growth, and discover why the next generation of accountants might look—and think—very differently. Plus, Donny reveals the career advice he'd go back and give his younger self. Episode Overview: 00:00 Introduction and guest background02:45 Growing up in Hawaii and foundational values06:17 First exposure to accounting and technology10:02 Early work experiences and choosing career path13:00 Early tech projects and consulting at Coopers16:36 Transition into consulting and entrepreneurship21:41 Founding his own firm and first clients24:14 Recognizing and responding to emerging risk28:05 National involvement and becoming an influencer31:40 How AI is shifting accounting from compliance to advisory36:20 Why this technology leap is different—and urgent42:54 How to get partners onboard with advisory services47:32 Retaining talent and new opportunities in accounting50:49 AI, human advisors, and the enduring need for expertise56:19 AI risks, reliability, and trust in decisions59:54 The advice Donny would give his younger self01:01:14 Wrap-up and closing thoughts

    1h 2m
  2. Ep. 16: The Human Side of Accounting: Martin Bissett’s Story of Perseverance and Impact

    MAR 30

    Ep. 16: The Human Side of Accounting: Martin Bissett’s Story of Perseverance and Impact

    What if the one piece of career advice you were taught could be the very thing holding you back? In this eye-opening episode of Codified Wisdom, global accounting thought leader Martin Bissett joins Eric Eager for a candid conversation about why the approach that makes accounting firms comfortable could also make them obsolete. From breaking into the traditional world of accounting without a degree to shaping a modern profession in the face of private equity, technology, and AI, Martin shares never-before-told stories—including the bold job interview answer that launched his career, and the hard lessons learned watching his father’s business unravel. Discover how Martin’s journey from outlier to sought-after advisor reveals the true value accountants can offer, why the “compliance is dead” mantra isn’t the whole story, and how today’s perfect storm of private equity, AI disruption, and the talent pipeline crisis is changing everything. Walk away with practical wisdom about standing out, building lasting client relationships, and becoming the business owner’s best friend in tumultuous times. Timestamps Overview:00:00 Intro & Martin’s unique backstory02:44 Early influences, family lessons in brand and standing out05:30 Rethinking education and jumping into the workforce08:17 Learning from risks, short-term wins, and long-term lessons11:08 The infamous job interview and first big break14:57 Moving from software to consulting; fluke entry to accounting18:58 Realizing the real-world impact of accountants21:11 Why the profession’s reputation persists—and how some outliers change it26:44 Overlaying personal family loss and purpose with professional drive30:35 The pitfalls of only chasing referrals and not proactive change35:16 Why simple advice is so hard to put into action for firms38:25 What truly moves the needle in accounting – regulation and money40:10 PE consolidation: why, and what’s behind the sudden gold rush45:56 Is AI different this time? The perfect storm analogy50:42 From tools to agents: How AI elevates, disrupts, and redefines accounting53:03 Martin’s advice to his younger self—and unexpected industry shifts55:37 Wrap up, actionable inspiration for accountants and advisors Tune in for a dose of tough love, actionable wisdom, and a refreshing view on how accountants can not just survive, but thrive, in a rapidly changing world.

    57 min
  3. Ep. 15: Leadership Lessons from the Top: Linda Fisk on Purpose, Perseverance, and Community

    MAR 23

    Ep. 15: Leadership Lessons from the Top: Linda Fisk on Purpose, Perseverance, and Community

    What if the CEO of a successful global leadership network once struggled to even hold a conversation—let alone speak on stage? In this episode of Codified Wisdom, host Eric Eager sits down with Linda Fisk, CEO and co-founder of LeadHership Global, to uncover her extraordinary journey from being an outcast and a stutterer to inspiring leaders worldwide. Tune in as Linda Fisk shares how her turbulent childhood—marked by constant moving, adoption, and cultural scrutiny—instilled adaptability and grit that would later fuel her rise. She opens up about overcoming her debilitating stutter through relentless perseverance, eventually becoming a national champion speaker. Linda Fisk also reveals pivotal lessons from her career, including her time at YPO and Susan G. Komen, and how her academic background in psychology uniquely prepared her to champion leadership, community, and the power of small wins. Key highlights include: The surprising obstacles Linda Fisk faced (and overcame) growing up adopted in a visibly diverse familyHow relentless self-improvement turned her biggest weakness into a strengthThe critical importance of safe, supportive communities for leadersThe real story behind LeadHership Global and her advice for anyone on the entrepreneurial pathActionable wisdom on resilience, humility, and finding hope in the journeyEpisode Overview: 00:00 Introduction & Linda Fisk’s early life 02:08 Childhood challenges: Moving, adoption, and belonging 05:01 Lessons on embracing uniqueness 10:44 Overcoming a debilitating stutter 18:08 Academic journey: Psychology and imposter syndrome 23:27 Leadership lessons from YPO & the power of community 29:07 Founding LeadHership Global—vision, fear, and iteration 36:10 Entrepreneurial grit, lessons, and hope 42:52 Linda Fisk’s advice to her younger self 44:40 Closing thoughts & leadhershipglobal.com info Listen in for an inspiring masterclass in courage, leadership, and finding meaning in the moments we often overlook.

    46 min
  4. Ep. 14: Accounting’s Next Frontier: Kacee Johnson Talks AI, Mentorship, and Industry Transformation

    MAR 18

    Ep. 14: Accounting’s Next Frontier: Kacee Johnson Talks AI, Mentorship, and Industry Transformation

    What if the next big wave in accounting doesn’t just change how we work—it literally changes who does the work? In this episode of Codified Wisdom, Eric Eager sits down with powerhouse financial strategist Kacee Johnson, whose journey spans from tech startups to top thought leadership in the accounting profession. Kacee reveals how AI and emerging technology are shifting the landscape, offering not just new tools, but entirely new ways to operate, connect, and advise. From building a tech company from 87 users to 20,000, to mentoring startups on their rocket-ride journeys, Kacee shares the secrets behind thriving during intense growth, embracing risk, and why mentorship is vital. She also discusses the massive wave of change hitting accounting: private equity, consolidation, technology fatigue, and a retiring generation—all happening alongside the rise of AI agents set to transform knowledge work. You’ll hear Kacee’s strategic advice for staying calm amid the storm, what excites her about the future of AI, and the simple truth she wishes her younger self knew: “You are enough as you are.” Ready to learn where accounting is headed and how to future-proof your career? This episode is your essential guide. Episode Overview: 00:00 Introduction & Host Welcome 01:28 Kacee’s early influences and family background 03:33 Education story: From pre-law to tech 05:22 Launching into the tech startup world 06:35 Scaling, innovation, and the transition to accounting tech 09:08 Managing rapid growth and stress 12:16 Consulting journey & shift to CPA.com 13:52 Mentorship and professional relationships 15:15 Role at CPA.com: Innovation and ecosystem building 17:51 Startup accelerator insights & accounting’s “cool” factor 20:17 Risk-taking & pivotal career decisions 22:03 Becoming an influential voice in accounting 25:07 Excitement for AI & founding AI Native Accounting Foundation 27:36 AI’s impact on accounting: Real change vs. hype 34:30 Change management in firms: Advice for leaders and staff 39:21 Navigating massive change: PE, consolidation, retirements 41:13 Why accounting still matters—and advice for next generation 43:51 Kacee’s top wisdom for her younger self 45:10 Closing remarks and takeaways

    46 min
  5. Ep. 13: The Evolution of the CPA: Shifting to Advisory with Dan McMahon

    MAR 2

    Ep. 13: The Evolution of the CPA: Shifting to Advisory with Dan McMahon

    What if the most trusted profession in business is about to face its greatest transformation yet—and the key to survival isn’t more compliance, but a shift to advisory? Eric Eager sits down with Dan McMahon, CPA, CMAA, and founding managing partner of Integrated Growth Advisors. The conversation unpacks Dan McMahon’s candid journey: from a distracted high school student to a leader on the cutting edge of advisory services in accounting. Hear how his early passion for algebra led him into the profession, why late nights in audit sparked a desire for more meaningful work, and how a simple business model slide reshaped his entire perspective on what accountants do. Learn why advisory is the future for CPAs, what it took for Dan McMahon to leap from a secure partnership to entrepreneurship, and the hard truths and victories he's encountered helping firms adapt to seismic industry change. Whether you’re an accountant, business leader, or just curious about how disruption breeds innovation, this episode reveals what happens when professionals stop ticking boxes and start tackling the real needs of business owners. Episode Overview: 00:03 Introduction and Dan McMahon’s early roots 02:47 Choosing accounting: from algebra to audit 07:22 Observing leadership and lessons learned 14:04 Discovering the “missing link” in business advisory 16:51 The mindset and risks behind launching Integrated Growth Advisors 21:06 Sarbanes-Oxley and the evolution toward advisory 23:08 Wins, challenges, and shifting CPA firm culture 28:30 Listening to the market—helping accountants transform 30:17 The current disruption and what comes next for the profession Tune in for a bold, honest, and optimistic look at the new era for CPAs, and discover the mindset every professional needs to thrive amidst change.

    52 min
  6. Ep. 12: Shakeups in CPA Firms: Allan Koltin's Real-World Wisdom for Leaders Facing Disruption

    10/06/2025

    Ep. 12: Shakeups in CPA Firms: Allan Koltin's Real-World Wisdom for Leaders Facing Disruption

    What if being dubbed “the worst accountant ever” was actually the launchpad for industry-shaping success? In this can't-miss episode of Codified Wisdom, host Eric Eager sits down with Allan Koltin, one of the most influential—yet unlikely—voices in the accounting profession. Allan shares his roller-coaster journey from repeatedly failing accounting classes and getting fired from his first accounting job, to becoming the CEO of Koltin Consulting Group and a trusted advisor for hundreds of top CPA firms. Get ready for powerful, unfiltered insights into how failure and resilience can spark transformation—not just for individuals, but for the entire accounting industry. Allan opens up about the inflection points that defined his career: navigating firing and re-hiring, pioneering business development roles before they were popular, and making pivotal moves as private equity swept into the profession. He reveals the behind-the-scenes realities of mergers, practice management, and how the business of accounting is being radically reshaped by technology, talent shortages, and a new era of client advisory. Key Highlights: How Allan’s rocky start (including flunking multiple college classes and being fired) led to a new vision for what accountants can doThe core skills that separate high performers from the pack (it’s not what you think!)Why accounting is at a “once-in-a-generation” turning point—and what this means for new CPAsPrivate equity’s surprising impact and why culture, talent, and leadership now matter more than everThe secret to building “cheerleader” clients and life-long business relationshipsPractical, no-fluff advice for anyone in (or considering) the accounting professionIf you want proven wisdom on overcoming setbacks, building meaningful client impact, and thriving in a rapidly changing industry, this conversation is for you. Episode Overview 00:00 — Introduction to Allan Koltin and his unique path02:36 — Allan’s early struggles: academic failures and first job loss07:00 — Reinvention: becoming a business developer in accounting through unlikely connections11:00 — Rise to consultancy, selling businesses, and industry transformation15:12 — Handling inflection points, failures, and leaning into relationships22:35 — Private equity shakes up accounting: accountability vs. autonomy30:51 — The next era for CPAs: technology, advisory, and the client “value-add” revolution40:10 — Mentorship, resilience through setbacks, and the real meaning of success47:57 — Winners vs. losers: how firms can adapt and thrive amidst consolidation55:33 — The power of consistency and caring in client service59:14 — Parting wisdom: mistakes, mindset, and getting further, faster Ready to hear how failure can be your greatest teacher and why the future of accounting is brighter than ever? Hit play now.

    1h 4m
  7. Ep. 11: Redefining Education: Career Readiness, Risk-Taking, and the Power of Pivoting with Ravi Hutheesing

    09/29/2025

    Ep. 11: Redefining Education: Career Readiness, Risk-Taking, and the Power of Pivoting with Ravi Hutheesing

    What if the secret to world peace is as simple as letting teenagers write songs together? In this eye-opening episode of Codified Wisdom, host Eric Eager sits down with global keynote speaker, author, and cultural diplomat Ravi Hutheesing—a man whose life journey spans from rock stages with Hanson to diplomatic missions in Iraq, Russia, and Indonesia. Ravi’s story is anything but ordinary: from his beginnings in a famous political family in India, to dropping out of NYU to chase his passion for music, and eventually becoming a champion for empowering students to succeed in an unpredictable world. Explore how Ravi’s unconventional path highlights the critical need for teaching students the art of the “pivot”—adapting to rapid change, building true resilience, and mastering the human skills that even AI can’t replace. Hear how his lived experience led him to develop global youth programs that unite kids from opposing cultures and religions through the arts, revealing the astonishing truth: when curiosity and creativity are sparked, kids discover powerful connections that transcend borders and backgrounds. Key highlights from this episode: Discover the essential, yet often overlooked, role of risk-taking and failure in real learning—and why our school systems are missing the mark.Ravi shares unforgettable stories from the frontlines: launching songwriting workshops for former ISIS captives in Iraq, building bridges between Lebanese and Syrian youth, and the unexpected lesson he learned when he was stopped by Hezbollah.Practical advice for students, parents, and educators: how do we prepare the next generation for jobs that don’t exist yet? How can we make “peace profitable” and harness technology without losing our humanity?Why paying it forward—and building authentic relationships—is more valuable than “giving back.” If you’re ready to rethink everything about education, technology, and embracing the unknown, this episode will leave you inspired and energized for what comes next. Timestamped Overview: [00:00:00] Intro and Ravi’s extraordinary background—from India’s political first family to Wall Street, rock and roll, and beyond[00:05:42] Creating a career outside the mold: dropping out, writing a business plan, and joining Hanson[00:10:16] From the Internet collapse to the cockpit: why flying solo taught more than school ever did[00:17:19] Why young people struggle to find their path—and what’s broken in today’s education and career systems[00:21:03] The AI question: how do we keep “human intelligence” at the center of learning?[00:25:05] Can we accelerate the discovery of kids’ passions with tech and personalized assessment?[00:31:36] Real world stories: youth from different religions and cultures come together through music and art[00:39:00] Calculated risks in warzones and beyond—breaking down misconceptions[00:44:18] Curiosity over fear: how the next generation can embrace diversity and build global wisdom[00:48:16] What excites Ravi about technology and the future of learning[00:54:51] Ravi’s closing reflections: paying it forward, embracing the journey, and advice to his younger self[00:59:38] How to connect with Ravi and episode outro Don’t miss this insightful, globally-minded conversation that will change how you view education, success, and what’s truly possible for the next generation.

    1 hr
  8. Ep. 10: From Mainframes to AI: Randy Johnston's Insights on the Evolution of Accounting Technology

    09/22/2025

    Ep. 10: From Mainframes to AI: Randy Johnston's Insights on the Evolution of Accounting Technology

    What if the secret to future-proofing your accounting career isn’t just about learning new software—but completely rethinking your relationship with technology and your clients? In this eye-opening episode of Codified Wisdom, Eric Eager sits down with Randy Johnston, one of the accounting technology world’s true pioneers—someone who’s been writing code since before the internet even existed. Randy takes listeners on a riveting journey through his decades-long career, sharing untold stories of how he went from running programs on IBM mainframes in the early 1960s to shaping the very curriculum for computer science and accounting at business schools across the country. You’ll discover why Randy believes the biggest threat (and opportunity) for accountants isn’t compliance automation—it’s failing to embrace continuous learning and the shift to genuinely client-centric advisory services. Hear how AI, automation, and even quantum computing are poised to transform the profession far sooner than most expect. Key highlights from this episode include: Randy’s origin story as a teenage coder running programs for national crime computers—and the improbable leap to being one of the first to adopt PCs in KansasThe critical “pivot points” and mindset shifts that allowed him to thrive through every major tech disruption, from punch cards to artificial intelligenceWhy so few firms have truly crossed over from transactional compliance to impactful advisory—and why most advisory fails to actually serve clientsThe coming reinvention of client relationships: How data-driven conversation and proactive guidance can elevate the CPA from “number cruncher” to indispensable navigatorWhat step every firm must take today to get future-ready (and why tiny changes compound faster than you’d think)Randy’s personal advice to his younger self on eliminating time-wasters—and the one principle that’s guided him for 65+ years of success Whether you’re excited or anxious about the AI revolution, you’ll walk away from this episode with practical wisdom, future-proven strategies, and inspiration to redefine your impact as an accounting professional. Episode Overview: 00:00 – Randy's remarkable entry into computing and accounting 07:25 – Early influences: Teaching, textbooks, and curriculum design 11:59 – Embracing change: Key lessons from decades of disruption 16:59 – Where the profession’s headed: Advisory as the next frontier 22:29 – Why most “advisory services” fall flat—and how to fix it 27:24 – Why accountants haven’t made the leap (yet) 33:09 – How to get “unstuck” and move to high-value work 37:22 – What’s really next in tech: AI, automation, and beyond 41:33 – The ultimate career hack: Time management for exponential results 44:23 – Closing reflections and wisdom Ready to transform your practice? Listen now.

    45 min
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About

*Codified Wisdom* is a podcast designed for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and CEOs seeking to elevate their businesses by tapping into the power of wisdom. Hosted by Eric Eager, the CEO and Founder of 4ImpactData, each episode will uncover actionable business insights to help you avoid common pitfalls, make better decisions, and ultimately improve the odds of your success. Learn how to navigate your business journey with greater clarity and confidence as you ‘Get Further Faster’ with the guidance of Codified Wisdom.

Information

  • Creator
    Eric Eager
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Eric Eager
  • Show Website
    Codified Wisdom