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. 21: Empowering CPAs: Geni Whitehouse Shares Tools for Lasting Client Impact - Part 1

    2D AGO

    Ep. 21: Empowering CPAs: Geni Whitehouse Shares Tools for Lasting Client Impact - Part 1

    What if reaching the pinnacle of your career left you feeling more trapped than triumphant? In this two-part episode, Geni Whitehouse shares her astonishing journey from updating tax books for spare change as a kid to finally achieving partnership at a CPA firm—only to quit the very next morning. Discover how a series of setbacks, harsh evaluations, and unexpected career pivots led her to find professional fulfillment, embrace humor, and transform the world of accounting advisory services. Eric Eager dives deep into the resilience, reinvention, and genuine passion that turned Geni Whitehouse into a trailblazing leader and advocate for accountants everywhere. Prepare for candid stories, a bit of laughter, and plenty of inspiration. Timestamped Overview: [00:00] Introduction to Geni Whitehouse and her unique background[01:58] Early influences: Tax books and math in Greenville, SC[03:49] Deciding on accounting as a career[04:14] Academic journey and adapting to challenges[05:49] Breaking into Deloitte with "subpar" grades[07:12] Early career—manual accounting and embracing technology[08:42] Struggles with public accounting and negative feedback[10:33] Overcoming constant criticism and building grit[11:42] Transitioning to corporate tax and excelling through automation[12:25] Learning corporate limitations and navigating layoffs[13:40] Becoming a consultant and discovering Peachtree Software[15:02] The power of client interaction and building her own firm[18:01] Realizing the pitfalls of undervaluing work[18:27] Joining and leaving a CPA firm after reaching partner[20:29] The bold decision to quit and start over[22:04] Moving into software training and consulting[23:07] Finding her calling through innovation and outreach[24:16] Using humor to bridge the divide between CPAs and technologists[26:00] Comedy as a tool—stand-up training and public speaking[28:34] Passion for helping others and connecting through communication[29:42] Final reflections: Overcoming barriers, serving clients, and the inspiration for new advisory systems

    30 min
  2. Ep. 20: Lessons in Leadership and Adaptation from Sandra Wiley

    APR 27

    Ep. 20: Lessons in Leadership and Adaptation from Sandra Wiley

    What if everything you know about building a successful accounting firm—and the way you've always done things—is about to be rendered obsolete? In this episode of Codified Wisdom, Sandra Wiley joins Eric Eager to break down why the accounting profession is already in the eye of a perfect storm of change. This episode isn’t just about surviving disruption, but thriving in it: Sandra Wiley’s journey from a Kansas farm town to becoming a renowned leader in accounting advisory services is packed with actionable wisdom. Tune in to discover: Why most firms know what to do but still can’t act—and how to fix itHow embracing change, especially AI, is now a requirement, not a choiceThe single biggest reason accounting firms are losing talentWhy leadership training—not technical expertise—is the new secret weaponThe danger of ignoring culture and people developmentThe small, practical steps firms can take today to build a future-ready teamYou’ll walk away with quick-hit strategies and fresh inspiration to turn the coming tornado of tech and talent disruption into your greatest growth opportunity. Episode Overview: 00:00 Introduction to Codified Wisdom and Sandra Wiley’s background 04:49 Sandra Wiley’s unplanned journey from music major to accounting advisor 08:30 Taking the leap—inflection points and saying yes to opportunity 12:45 Confronting imposter syndrome and learning to lead without being a CPA 14:11 The power of Kolbe and focusing on strengths in leadership 17:08 Why people—not tech—are still the toughest challenge for CPA firms 19:39 Why firms fail at valuing and developing their own people 24:04 How the traditional career path in accounting is being upended 28:44 Why the AI “tornado” is here—and what leaders must do fast 34:21 How to move from compliance to true client advisory 38:05 Creating a vision and the must-have habits for leading through change 44:04 Microhabits: Why small steps and accountability matter most 48:59 The best advice Sandra Wiley would give her 18-year-old self 50:18 Finding your genius and building teams around strengths 52:34 Wrap up and final wisdom from Sandra Wiley

    53 min
  3. Ep. 19: Breaking Barriers: Matt West on Adapting, Leading, and Elevating Advisory Firms

    APR 20

    Ep. 19: Breaking Barriers: Matt West on Adapting, Leading, and Elevating Advisory Firms

    What if the secret to future-proofing your career isn’t about keeping up with technology—but knowing yourself better? In this episode, Eric Eager sits down with Matt West, partner at the innovative wealth advisory firm Creative Planning, to uncover how intuition, resilience, and leaning into life’s signals can set you apart in an AI-driven era. You’ll hear Matt West’s candid journey: from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs in Temperance, Michigan, to racing internationally as a track and triathlon athlete (including guiding a blind teammate to world championship gold), all the way to becoming an early tech adopter in the accounting world. Discover how Matt West turned disruptions into opportunities, why “data has no agenda,” and how he balances ambitious professional goals with his passions (like flying planes and coaching soccer). Key highlights include Matt West’s unconventional philosophy on career risk and intuition, the unavoidable rise of AI in accounting and finance, and practical advice for adapting in turbulent times. This episode will leave you motivated to trust your instincts, embrace new tools, and never underestimate grit—the real “superpower” for today’s leaders. Episode Overview 00:00 Introducing Codified Wisdom & Matt West’s journey01:06 Matt West on childhood influences, ambition, and athletics05:55 From intern to partner: starting in accounting tech10:13 Flying as metaphor: life fundamentals and career lessons13:55 Grit, elite sports, and pushing through adversity18:34 Risk, intuition, and the importance of listening to signals24:42 Embracing technology: early adopter stories and trend-spotting32:25 Joining Creative Planning and building something new38:38 The coming AI disruption: enablement, adaptation, and future roles47:28 Advice to your younger self and final takeaways50:42 Closing thoughts and lessons learned

    51 min
  4. Ep. 18: How Decision Intelligence Outpaces Traditional Advisory Models with Patricia Asp

    APR 13

    Ep. 18: How Decision Intelligence Outpaces Traditional Advisory Models with Patricia Asp

    What if AI isn’t coming for your job—but is about to supercharge your career in ways you never expected? In this game-changing episode, Eric Eager and Patricia Asp flip the script on the doomsday narrative around AI and automation. Instead of fearing a tidal wave of job losses, they reveal how AI frees us from mundane tasks and unlocks previously untapped talent within organizations. You’ll learn why “headcount cuts” often don’t mean people are losing jobs—and how natural attrition and higher productivity are changing the conversation. Patricia Asp shares stories of real-world transformation, where codified wisdom and decision intelligence enable employees to make smarter decisions, faster, regardless of experience level. Discover how leveraging collective mistakes and hard-won lessons can scale advisory services, raise confidence at every level, and drive exponential revenue per employee. Highlights include dangers of false confidence in AI, the critical need for context in advisory, and the powerful economic and culture shifts when organizations focus on growing capacity—not just headcount. Timestamped episode overview:00:00 Introduction, theme, and host setup01:17 AI job fears and the "great promotion" concept02:01 Untapped talent and leadership challenges04:28 Headcount vs actual job losses06:09 Employee elevation and companies’ preparation09:35 Discovering hidden employee talents11:31 Trades vs automation, and empathy gaps in AI13:04 Client trust erosion and context in decision-making17:32 Codifying wisdom and scaling advisory21:26 Story: codifying mistakes at scale25:35 Decision intelligence and accelerated confidence32:41 Organizational culture and recruiting35:58 Economic impact and succession planning41:06 Real-world simulation and confidence46:08 Client conversations—value of surfacing risks49:25 Velocity of business and pattern recognition53:28 Decision fatigue and narrowing options58:59 Economic shift: revenue per employee01:02:19 Leadership optimism and episode wrap01:03:23 Outro and inspiration for business guidance system

    1h 4m
  5. Ep. 17: Building Trust and Leading Change: Insights from Donny Shimamoto’s Accounting Career

    APR 6

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Eric Eager
  • Show Website
    Codified Wisdom