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Transforming: Tales of Business Evolution

Transforming: Tales of Business Evolution

AICPA & CIMA 127 Episodes Aug 17, 2026

Transforming: Tales of Business Evolution is a monthly podcast from AICPA & CIMA's Private Companies Practices Section (PCPS). Formerly known as the Small Firms Philosophy podcast, it explores innovative operating methods that help organizations of any size adapt to a changing business landscape. Each episode features industry leaders discussing their experiences reshaping business models and navigating the dynamics of business transformation. The show aims to inspire listeners to consider new ways of evolving their own organizations.

Episodes

TfP 023. The Talent Lifecycle Advantage
TfP 023. The Talent Lifecycle Advantage Aug 17, 2026 43:44 The talent landscape is changing — and firms and organizations that adapt will have a competitive advantage. In this episode, Lexi Weber, CPA, Senior Manager – Emerging Professionals Initiatives, sits down with George Forsyth, CPA, Managing Partner of WellsColeman and Chair of the AICPA Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) Executive Committee, for an engaging conversation about a new toolkit
TfP 022. Developing Talent and Embracing Change
TfP 022. Developing Talent and Embracing Change Jul 28, 2026 21:34 Recorded live at the AICPA's ENGAGE 2026, Erin Hartman, CPA, Senior Manager – Firm Services, sits down with Cheryl Rhode, CPA, Partner at West Rhode & Roberts, where she explains how she is intentionally developing the next generation of firm leaders and why she brings them to ENGAGE to help build their networks and broaden their perspective beyond the walls of the firm. As Chair of a Private Comp
TfP 021. Evaluating the Independent CPA Firm Model
TfP 021. Evaluating the Independent CPA Firm Model Jul 2, 2026 42:21 Many firm leaders are evaluating their ownership and capital models, which includes considering the option of bringing in outside strategic investors. But many firms continue to choose independence as a strategic path.  In this episode, Andrea Wright, CPA, Partner at Johnson Lambert LLP, shares how her firm defines independence through the lens of culture and long-term investment. She explains how
TfP 020. Elevating Women's Initiatives to Drive Transformation
TfP 020. Elevating Women's Initiatives to Drive Transformation Apr 10, 2026 39:41 In this episode, Laura Crowley, Partner at Citrin Cooperman and member of the AICPA's Women's Initiatives Executive Committee, and Mandy Gallagher, Lead Manager of Women's Initiatives at the AICPA, discuss what it really takes to build a firm where women advance and why every firm that does comes out stronger. Laura and Mandy share practical strategies on sponsorship, leadership development, and r
TfP 019. Intentional Firm Growth That Actually Works
TfP 019. Intentional Firm Growth That Actually Works Mar 10, 2026 43:36 What does successful growth really look like for today's firms? In this episode, Sarah Krom, CPA, MST, Managing Partner of SKC & Co. CPAs, LLC, explores how firm leaders can scale intentionally without sacrificing culture, people, or purpose. Sarah shares how SKC approaches growth by focusing on other factors beyond revenue and headcount. From launching new service lines to navigating change throu
TfP 018. Burnout Prevention in Action
TfP 018. Burnout Prevention in Action Jan 23, 2026 44:45 Lauren Baptiste, founder of Acheloa Wellness, explores how burnout is more than just exhaustion; it's a systemic challenge affecting professionals at every level. Lauren highlights the new PCPS Burnout Prevention Toolkit, a practical resource designed to help individuals, firms, organizations, and the profession combat burnout before it starts. Lauren shares her personal journey, actionable strate
TfP 017. Getting Ready for 'Busy Season', Part II
TfP 017. Getting Ready for 'Busy Season', Part II Dec 18, 2025 47:56 We're back with another special compilation of conversations offering insights relevant for preparing for busy season. Jaimie Boyd from the AICPA® Firm Services team shares highlights from conversations we've had over the past year with practitioners who are applying the fundamental concepts of the Transforming Your Business Model initiative to their day-to-day operations. From scheduling systems
TfP 016. Beyond the Numbers: Real-World Insights from the MAP Survey
TfP 016. Beyond the Numbers: Real-World Insights from the MAP Survey Dec 4, 2025 43:03 Ready to turn data into your firm's competitive edge? This episode reveals how firm leaders are leveraging the National Management of an Accounting Practice (MAP) Survey, from the AICPA Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) and CPA.com, to drive smarter decision-making and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving profession. Shayna Chapman, CPA.CITP, CGMA, CEO, Founder of Shaynaco LLC, and Brent Forbu
TfP 015. Governance That Builds Culture
TfP 015. Governance That Builds Culture Oct 9, 2025 49:01 In this episode of Transforming: Tales of Business Model Evolution, Suzanne Forbes, CPA, Managing Partner of James Moore, explores why governance must evolve as your firm grows, why it's essential to revisit partner compensation, and how to guide your team through transitions. Suzanne also highlights ways to build a strong, connected culture for remote employees. Looking ahead, she expresses excit
TfP 014. Building Balance in a Virtual Firm
TfP 014. Building Balance in a Virtual Firm Sep 8, 2025 29:45 Kelly Rohrs, CPA, Founder of K. Rohrs, CPA, P.C., shares the journey of launching her firm from concept to reality. Listeners will gain insight into how she structures client relationships, manages expectations during high volume periods, and fosters talent retention through flexibility and trust.  Kelly offers practical advice for firm owners looking to break away from traditional models, emphasi
TfP 013. When Purpose Meets Innovation
TfP 013. When Purpose Meets Innovation Aug 15, 2025 39:49 Live from ENGAGE 2025, Erin Hartman, CPA, Senior Manager – Firm Services, sits down with Argel Sabillo, CPA, Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of HeyApril Inc, to discuss the ways he is reshaping the profession and leaving tradition behind. With a client base rooted in internet-based startups and small businesses, HeyApril offers full-scale, end-to-end accounting services. Argel shares how hi
TfP 012. Creating Balance Without Losing Business
TfP 012. Creating Balance Without Losing Business Aug 5, 2025 37:13 Brenda Cannon, Partner at Cannon & Associates, CPAs, shares how her firm rethought busy season by scheduling every tax return to prepare and control the workflow. From setting clear boundaries and prioritizing ideal relationships, to encouraging clients to file extensions, Brenda breaks down how intentional change can create a healthier, more sustainable work environment. Tune in to learn how to n

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