What if the biggest obstacle to your success wasn’t a competitor or the pace of technological change—but your own thinking? In this episode of Codified Wisdom, host Eric Eager sits down with John J. Fenton, former Managing Partner at BDO, author, “CEO Sensei,” and black belt in Tai Chi, for a conversation packed with eye-opening leadership insights, extraordinary career pivots, and actionable takeaways for today’s CPA professionals and business leaders. John shares his unlikely journey from struggling to climb a gym wall as a “cream puff” junior high student to becoming a Division I college athlete—and how those lessons in grit, vulnerability, and self-belief set the stage for a high-impact leadership career. Discover why Fenton believes that “old school thinking” is more dangerous than AI for the accounting field, and how shifting your mindset from compliance to advisory can unlock untapped value for both your firm and your clients. Key highlights from this episode: John’s turning point: How a stinging name-calling moment in junior high became the catalyst for a lifetime of leadership growth.Critical risks & career leaps: Behind-the-scenes stories of uprooting his family, switching firms, and why following his values always led to the best outcomes—even when the future was uncertain.The real threat to the accounting profession: It’s not AI, but resistance to change and underestimating your value.Why mastering “centered leadership”—drawn from martial arts—increases your clarity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead in turbulent times.Specific strategies for CPA firms to weather the talent crunch, embrace technology, and finally move beyond “just compliance.”The empowering advice John wishes he could give his younger self to get further, faster—and how you can apply it. Whether you’re a CPA, firm leader, or anyone interested in personal and professional transformation, this episode is loaded with honest stories, practical tools, and the kind of codified wisdom you won’t find in textbooks. Episode Overview & Timestamps: [00:00:00] – Introduction and John J. Fenton’s journey from athletic underdog to boardroom leader[00:04:56] – Major turning points, risk-taking, and why family always comes first[00:12:42] – Career milestones, tough calls, and uprooting for the sake of values[00:22:54] – The power of self-trust, vulnerability, and mindset in overcoming obstacles[00:26:49] – The “perfect storm” in the CPA profession: AI, private equity, consolidation, and talent shortages[00:28:03] – Old school thinking vs. new school opportunity: How firms must change[00:37:06] – Enter the “CEO Sensei”: Martial arts, centered leadership, and raising your EQ[00:44:34] – Building a legacy, developing future leaders, and why humanity matters most[00:48:31] – Codified wisdom: The advice John would give his younger self[00:51:32] – Resources and where to find John’s tools and coaching Ready to challenge your assumptions and unlock new levels of leadership impact? Hit play!
