The Upstream Growth Triangle: Your Firm Success Framework
The Upstream Leader Podcast
Join Jeremy Clopton on this solo Episode 95 of The Upstream Leader as he addresses the vital role of people in the accounting profession’s future. Jeremy looks back on the discussions he’s had with industry leaders in recent months about the current and future state of accounting, and the recurring theme has been the necessity of developing your people as key differentiators—differentiators that stave off commoditization and make your firm and its services stand out to clients. Jeremy uses the Upstream Growth Triangle, consisting of accountability, adversity, and advocacy, as a framework...
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Is AI Killing the Need for Technical Experts?
The Upstream Leader Podcast
The Upstream Leader goes a different direction on Episode 94, with host Jeremy Clopton inviting producer Justin Grant of to the “other side of the booth” to discuss the evolving role of technology in accounting. Keeping in mind AI’s obvious impact, they talk about the way technology has changed and should continue to change the role of the technical expert and the way firms develop their people. Competitive advantages can be cultivated through transformed onboarding processes, valuing critical thinking and soft skills, and breaking with the old, traditional ways of “grunt work” as...
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Leadership Evolution: Fractional Executives in Accounting
The Upstream Leader Podcast
Jen Hamilton, founder of Hamilton COOs and the Fractional COO Collective, joins Jeremy on Episode 93 of The Upstream Leader to discuss the increasing trend of fractional executives within accounting firms and why they’ve proven to be so effective. Jen shares her journey from a CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers to becoming a thought leader in fractional executive roles, highlighting the development of her emotional intelligence (EQ) and leadership skills in progressing her career. Jen addresses common misconceptions about fractional executives and offers advice for firms considering this model to...
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Self-Reflection’s Deep Role in Productivity
The Upstream Leader Podcast
On Episode 92 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton interviews Blake Stratton, the founder of True Productive. They discuss the importance of mindset reflection for improving productivity, going further than traditional time management tactics to really take stock of what’s going on with you mentally and psychologically in order to re-write the “software” that can unknowingly hold you back and lead to blocks in your emotional state and even your level of success. Blake explains these concepts through his personal journey of high stress and chronic productivity challenges, emphasizing...
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Building the Best Team Ever
The Upstream Leader Podcast
On Episode 91 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton is joined by Dr. David Burkus, author of Best Team Ever and several other books on business success, to discuss building high-functioning teams in the accounting industry. Noting that it’s important to move beyond technical proficiency to focus on team dynamics, David and Jeremy go into detail on three core factors: common understanding, psychological safety, and pro-social purpose. David stresses the significance of making each team member feel valued, highlighting the need for leaders to actively foster an environment where team members...
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Creating a Culture of Learning and Action
The Upstream Leader Podcast
Jeremy Clopton visits with Monika Turek, Learning & Development Manager at HoganTaylor, on Episode 90 of The Upstream Leader. Centering their discussion on maximizing your and colleagues’ potential by fostering a culture of learning and moving beyond the traditional CPE mindset, Monika tells Jeremy about her personal journey to leadership, her willingness to go first, and what she learned from various structured development programs. Highlighting personal accountability, setting incremental goals, and making professional development paths meaningful for individual growth, they also...
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Bringing Hospitality to Accounting
The Upstream Leader Podcast
Jeremy is joined by Jana Cinnamon, COO and partner at Abdo Solutions, to discuss the intersection of hospitality and accounting on Episode 89 of The Upstream Leader. They explore how infusing hospitality into client interactions can transform the profession and improve both client and employee experiences. Jana shares insights about their firm’s initiatives inspired by the book Unreasonable Hospitality, emphasizing the importance of infusing a hospitality mindset into every level of an organization. The conversation highlights that fostering a culture where employees feel empowered to...
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Consistency Over Intensity: Keys to Sustainable Leadership
The Upstream Leader Podcast
On this solo Episode 88 of The Upstream Leader Podcast, host Jeremy Clopton shares insights from recent meetings with managing partners of accounting firms across the U.S. and Canada. Jeremy focuses on three major themes: the importance of consistency over intensity in both client and employee experiences, the need to change assumptions about people's capabilities and responsibilities, and the crucial role of accountability and clear expectations among partners. Aimed at improving firm culture, client service, and leadership, Jeremy provides actionable reflections to help elevate your and your...
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Exploring Alternative Ownership: The Alliance Model
The Upstream Leader Podcast
Jeremy Clopton delves into a hot topic—alternative ownership models in the accounting profession—with Steve Shein, co-founder of Franklin Alliance, on Episode 87 of The Upstream Leader. They explore the alliance model, an alternative to the more traditional PE and M&A routes. Steve’s company specifically supports boutique accounting firms under $10 million in revenue by providing resources and strategic support without being prescriptive, with the goal of enabling these firms to draw on resources that typically only larger firms have enjoyed, with an emphasis on patient capital and...
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Mastering Emotional Intelligence and Energy Levels
The Upstream Leader Podcast
Jeremy Clopton returns for Episode 86 of The Upstream Leader, engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with professional coach, speaker and educator, Andrew Donofrio. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, focusing on managing emotions and energy levels, especially during demanding periods like tax season. Andrew draws upon his diverse career in law enforcement, technology, and executive coaching to emphasize the significance of understanding and accepting different perspectives while still setting standards for performance and improvement from your charges....
info_outlineOn Episode 91 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton is joined by Dr. David Burkus, author of Best Team Ever and several other books on business success, to discuss building high-functioning teams in the accounting industry. Noting that it’s important to move beyond technical proficiency to focus on team dynamics, David and Jeremy go into detail on three core factors: common understanding, psychological safety, and pro-social purpose. David stresses the significance of making each team member feel valued, highlighting the need for leaders to actively foster an environment where team members feel safe to express ideas and take risks, and he offers practical activities and insights to help leaders connect their teams to a meaningful purpose and improve their performance. Underscoring the conversation is the idea that it is vital for leaders to demonstrate that they care about their employees as human beings and not just numbers.
Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com