Best The Upstream Academy Podcasts (2024)

1
Strong Leadership Through Mergers & Acquisitions 34:46

12h ago34:46

34:46

Join The Upstream Leader Podcast as host Heath Alloway discusses mergers and acquisitions with Bruce Zicari, managing partner and CEO of The Bonadio Group, on Episode 71. Bruce shares valuable lessons on leading successful mergers, fostering integration, and building trust within teams. Bruce's firm has successfully navigated 22 mergers, many with …

1
Unlocking Authentic Leadership 32:19

5d ago32:19

32:19

Jeremy Clopton rejoins us for Episode 70 of The Upstream Leader as he engages in an insightful conversation with Carla McCall, managing partner at AAFCPAs and now Chair of the AICPA. Exploring her journey of authentic leadership, the importance of candor and self-reflection, and how creating a culture where team members can bring their whole selves…

1
AI, Tech, and Leadership: Navigating the Minefield 38:14

23d ago38:14

38:14

Jeremy Clopton returns to host Episode 69 of The Upstream Leader featuring Danielle Supkis Cheek, Vice President, Head of Analytics and AI at Caseware. They discuss the transformative role of technology in accounting, how AI and analytics are reshaping the profession and what it means for modern leadership. Danielle shares practical strategies for …

1
Overcoming Adversity with Integrity 36:51

1M ago36:51

36:51

Tune in for key leadership insights on navigating adversity, on Episode 68 of The Upstream Leader. Anthony Sanfilippo, co-founder of Sorelle Capital, joins Heath Alloway to discuss his successes and tribulations in the hospitality industry. Full of stories from a 40+ year career, Anthony speaks on the importance of integrity, how to implement ideal…

1
From Idea to Impact: Navigating a Startup 36:18

2M ago36:18

36:18

Heath Alloway returns to host Episode 67 of The Upstream Leader, and he talks to James Stapleton, co-founder of Codefi, about his insights on tech entrepreneurs and startups, the challenges they deal with, and how accounting firms can look to aid this specialized group of clients. Through Codefi, James seeks to streamline financial operations and r…

1
Transforming Communication: Strategic Storytelling 38:38

2M ago38:38

38:38

Join Jeremy Clopton on Episode 66 of The Upstream Leader as he talks to Jeff Bartsch, founder of Story Greenlight. They explore the power of storytelling in transforming communication strategies for accounting professionals, a skill Jeff refined first with over 20 years of experience writing stories in Hollywood, and then subsequently, coaching pro…

1
Pricing for Profit, Not Time 46:14

3M ago46:14

46:14

The general accounting business model has remained more or less unchanged for decades, and on Episode 65 of The Upstream Leader, Michelle Golden joins Jeremy Clopton to discuss what needs to happen to capture the increases in efficiency that have exploded in the profession since the end of the 20th century. Michelle, the CEO of Fore LLC, drives hom…

1
Next to Come: Accounting's Future 41:53

3M ago41:53

41:53

Jeremy Clopton welcomes David Hartley to The Upstream Leader for Episode 64, and their conversation focuses around the challenges of leading accounting firms into the future. The impact of hybrid work environments, the role of technology, and the shift to advisory services will all play a large role in shaping the direction the profession takes in …

1
Conflict Management’s Interplay with Leadership and Mentorship 41:13

4M ago41:13

41:13

On Episode 63 of The Upstream Leader, Heath Alloway welcomes Philip Palaveev, CEO of The Ensemble Practice, for a discussion on leadership, mentorship, and conflict management. Feedback and trust play a vital role in making emotional discussions productive, and Philip covers helpful information on nonverbal communication, active listening, and the …

1
Mental Fitness and Performance 41:35

4M ago41:35

41:35

The Upstream Leader's Heath Alloway and Chance Potts, Founder of Employee Benefit Design, roll up their sleeves to tackle how mental fitness can help us function at our best level, no matter the circumstances. This approach includes recognizing how we naturally approach challenges, discomfort, and negativity and ways to rewire our thought processes…

1
Creating the Firm of Tomorrow – Unity, Culture, and Engagement 44:12

4M ago44:12

44:12

In this episode, Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway discuss the challenges and strategies for building unity and a team-driven culture in accounting firms. They explore the impact of remote and hybrid work on firm culture and employee engagement. They emphasize the importance of intentional communication and connection in creating a positive work env…

1
Changing the Industry While Maintaining Sanity 40:07

5M ago40:07

40:07

In this episode, The Upstream Leader’s Jeremy Clopton interviews Jason Staats, the founder of Realize, a community of accounting firm leaders. They discuss the journey of becoming a leader and the importance of building a community and professional network. They also explore the need for change in the accounting industry and the role of AI and tech…

1
What’s Your And? - Life beyond the office 34:17

5M ago34:17

34:17

In this episode, The Upstream Leader’s Jeremy Clopton interviews John Garrett about the importance of connecting with others outside of the professional space. John shares his unique journey from being a CPA to becoming a comedian and author. They discuss the significance of embracing one's 'and'—the personal interests and passions that go beyond t…

1
Generational Differences in the Workplace 38:13

6M ago38:13

38:13

The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway and Bec Godsey, Full Sail University, reconnect to discuss generational differences in the workplace. They explore common generational perceptions and highlight how effective communication and transparency can build connections across multiple generations. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstream…

1
Data Driven Decisions 37:40

6M ago37:40

37:40

The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway catches up with Tim Moy from MBE CPAs and Dirk Shimpach from goVirtualOffice to discuss the relationship between an ERP system and firm data to guide critical decisions and results, resource planning, and helping team members become better professionals. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLe…

1
A Discussion About Mental Health and Leadership - Part 2 31:12

7M ago31:12

31:12

In part 2 of this conversation, The Upstream Leader’s Jeremy Clopton and Ifen Donovan, a licensed counselor at Peace of Mind Counseling Services, discuss the relationship between leadership and mental health. They delve deeper into the five A's—awareness, acceptance, allow yourself to seek help, attend to your feelings, and act—as a practical frame…

1
A Discussion About Mental Health and Leadership - Part 1 26:04

8M ago26:04

26:04

In part 1 of this conversation, The Upstream Leader’s Jeremy Clopton and Ifen Donovan, a licensed counselor at Peace of Mind Counseling Services, delve into the crucial intersection of leadership and mental health. The discussion emphasizes the impact of fear of failure, unresolved familial issues, and the "only I can do it" mentality on leaders' e…

1
The Evolution of Client Accounting and CFO Services 39:00

8M ago39:00

39:00

The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway makes a new connection with Ed Warren from Sage Intacct to discuss the evolution of client accounting and CFO services that are resulting in rewarding personal and firm growth opportunities, all while making a significant impact on clients. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com.…

1
Balancing Life & Work Requires More than Productivity Hacks 47:03

9M ago47:03

47:03

The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Jeremy Clopton opens up with Heath Alloway to share how past life events influenced his workaholic tendencies. Too often, the individuals struggling with balance are those who meet the characteristics of a great team member, and that is hard to change. He shares his personal story that goes much deeper than productivit…

1
From Networking Zero to Hero 40:51

9M ago40:51

40:51

The Upstream Leader’s Jeremy Clopton and Keith Dolabson, Gursey | Schneider LLP, explore effective networking in the digital age. Keith advocates for genuine connections and dispels the notion of needing to be the most interesting person in the room. The discussion covers virtual networking challenges and emphasizes the importance of regular, conti…

1
The Power of Positivity 42:54

10M ago42:54

42:54

The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway has a crucial conversation with Amy Kelly and Julie Nee from The Jon Gordon Companies about the profound impact of positivity in our professional and personal lives. In a world surrounded by negativity, this episode will help you grow the skill of positivity to make a difference in your own lives, careers, and ev…

1
From Adversity to Opportunity 43:31

10M ago43:31

43:31

The Upstream Leader’s Jeremy Clopton talks with Justin Grant, Founder of Professional Productions, about turning adversity into opportunity. In a conversation that covers so many life experiences, Jeremy and Justin tackle topics including mental health challenges, support, and what leaders can do to overcome challenges and create opportunities for …

1
Leading from the Middle: A Manager's Perspective 43:04

11M ago43:04

43:04

The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway talks with Alyssa Taylor, a manager at Windes, and Eric Tuffnail, a manager at RLB, to gain valuable insight into their leadership journey. They share personal experiences and advice about the importance of the manager role, lessons learned, and how partners can prepare the next generation of leaders. Get the ful…

1
HeadWaters Conference: Key Takeaways and Recap 40:57

12M ago40:57

40:57

The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway have a conversation about the recent HeadWaters conference hosted by Upstream Academy. They cover their key takeaways, reactions, and reflection they’ve done since the conference. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com…

1
Taking an Idea from Dream to Goal to Reality 44:27

12M ago44:27

44:27

The Upstream Leader’s Jeremy Clopton talks with Kyle Turriff of RLB Digital about how he turned his dream into reality. The conversation winds through Kyle’s journey from aspiring golf pro to ultimately leading the digital practice in one of Canada’s top firms. They discuss goals, side hustles, persistence, and strategies for creating something new…

1
Disconnect to Connect: A Conversation with Amy Vetter 42:57

1y ago42:57

42:57

The Upstream Leader’s Jeremy Clopton chats with Amy Vetter about her new book, Disconnect to Connect. The conversation covers various topics based on the idea that disconnecting from our backstories can help us create more successful futures. Amy shares stories from her career and other leaders she has worked with on how they have and are currently…

1
Choose Your Adventure 33:06

1y ago33:06

33:06

The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway takes a deeper dive into a unique approach to the Kaiser Consulting business model with Lori Kaiser. She shares insight into her journey and how it influenced flexible schedules, client projects, and honoring work preferences. She openly shares we believe in our business model, but it may not be for everybody. Ge…

1
Leadership Through Loss 45:45

1y ago45:45

45:45

The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway has a heartfelt conversation with Karen Scott and Gen Nelson from the Lost & Found Grief Center to gain insight into the language of grief. They share invaluable insight into those that experience loss, what to expect, and approaches to being there for those going through one of the most challenging times in thei…

1
The Post Peak-Season Recharge 47:04

1y ago47:04

47:04

The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway continue to hear challenges around capacity, burnout, and stress, so they decided to have a conversation to share personal struggles, victories, and strategies to recharge and rejuvenate when the tank is running on empty. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.c…

1
Finding Fulfillment in Work and Life 40:00

1+ y ago40:00

40:00

The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Jeremy Clopton talks with Jonathan Clark, partner at RKL, about managing stress and keeping our joy daily. Given the prevalence of burnout, overwhelm, and stress in the profession, this topic is focused on how we can make improvements at an individual level. The conversation ranges from stories from Jonathan’s career t…

1
Recruiting the Next Generation in Your Firm 35:46

1+ y ago35:46

35:46

The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Jeremy Clopton talks with Parker Pell, co-founder at Abode, about recruiting the next generation of talent. The conversation explores the challenge that firms face in recruiting and retention, which is more foundational than many believe. The discussion also includes what Gen Z is looking for in an employer, how to con…

1
Giving Your Staff a Voice and Path 41:54

1+ y ago41:54

41:54

The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway connects with Marty Brown, President and CEO of PYA, to learn more about their intentional investment and development of young professionals. Although Marty shares a glimpse into challenges in our profession, he has a contagiously positive outlook on why public accounting is a promising career. He shares ideas to…

1
Quiet Quitting: Should we be concerned? 50:47

1+ y ago50:47

50:47

The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Heath Alloway and Jeremy Clopton talk about the concept of quiet quitting and what it means for the profession. The conversation starts with a definition of the phrase and includes the importance of how we communicate our expectations, redefine success in terms of true productivity, and re-engage our workforce. Get the…

1
The Thought of Leaving a Profession 34:59

1+ y ago34:59

34:59

The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway catches up with Bert Purdy, a Financial Services Partner at FORVIS, to talk about the time he almost left public accounting. He shares experiences about what he was going through, why he stayed, and ideas to help others with similar thoughts. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com.…

1
Creating Community to Improve Retention 43:21

1+ y ago43:21

43:21

The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Jeremy Clopton talks with Rebecca Sanborn about the role community plays in recruiting and retention. Perhaps more importantly, they discuss what community is, how diversity plays a role, and how belonging factors in the conversation. A strong sense of community is one element that improves retention, and this episode …

1
Leading with Significance: How to Create a Magnetic, People First Culture 53:39

1+ y ago53:39

53:39

The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway has a meaningful dialogue with Joey Havens, Managing Partner of Strategic growth at HORNE, about the difference between a “good” culture and developing a compelling people-first culture. The conversation hits some of the most pressing topics impacting the profession around people, flexibility, diversity, the fear…

1
Meaningful Change within a Career and Firm 36:32

1+ y ago36:32

36:32

The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway catches up with Josh Tyree, Partner and CEO at Harris CPAs, to learn more about his transition to firm CEO and approach to driving meaningful change. Once you acknowledge we live in constant flux, change becomes a proactive responsibility for continuous improvement. Get the full show notes and more resources at T…

1
A Discussion about Mental Health 41:49

2y ago41:49

41:49

The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Jeremy Clopton talks with Randy Crabtree about his experience with mental health challenges while leading a firm in the accounting profession. The discussion includes how Randy overcame mental health challenges, his thoughts on how organizations can support employees, and steps individuals can take to improve their men…

1
Path to Partner: Unraveling the Mystery 36:53

2y ago36:53

36:53

The Upstream Leader’s Heath Alloway has a conversation with Melissa Biron, Principal at Nathan Wechsler and Company, and Ryan Hurst, Partner at RKL, to share their unique experiences and lessons learned on their path to partner. Both guests shared the importance of soliciting input and providing transparency to those that may have similar questions…

1
Breaking Down Barriers and Creating a Path for Others 34:06

2y ago34:06

34:06

The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Jeremy Clopton talks with Jonyce Bullock about her journey to becoming a managing partner. Along the way, they discuss how she broke down barriers, created a path for others, and strives to leave the profession better each day. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com…

1
Purpose Driven Leadership 35:59

2y ago35:59

35:59

The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Heath Alloway talks with Jeremy Johnson, the lead pastor at North Point Church, on defining and finding purpose-driven leadership. It is easy to get confused on the quest for significance if you focus on your own agenda. Jeremy shares how he found purpose in refocusing everything from the inside to help someone in need…

1
The Topic of Time: Focus on progress, not perfection 36:29

2y ago36:29

36:29

The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Heath Alloway and Jeremy Clopton talk about the concept of time and the importance of creating space to work on the business and ourselves. Investing the time can be a challenge when “busy” is viewed as a status. When you get out of “busy” you have an opportunity to create a firm, career, and life you desire. Get the f…

1
Compete Every Day without Burning Out 38:43

2y ago38:43

38:43

In this episode of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy talks with Jake Thompson from Compete Every Day. The discussion focuses on how leaders can compete every day without getting burned out. Other topics include the importance of clear communications and learning how to do hard things. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com…

1
Human Resources: More than a place for problems 36:04

2y ago36:04

36:04

The Upstream Leader Podcast’s Heath Alloway talks with Sara Choate, the managing director of KPM’s Human Capital Solutions practice. Sara shares her story and a splash of humor to debunk frequent HR misconceptions, how HR can play a strategic role within a firm, and how those exact solutions can benefit firm clients. Get the full show notes and mor…

1
Coaching that Lasts a Lifetime 37:55

2y ago37:55

37:55

In this episode, Heath Alloway talks with Bryan McKenzie, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Director of Football for the Midwest Region. Bryan shares his leadership journey, which includes making it to the NFL, a career-ending injury, and how he worked through adversity to find his love for coaching. Bryan shares impactful insights on how to be …

1
Addressing the Capacity Challenge 19:34

2y ago19:34

19:34

In this episode of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy tackles the capacity challenge that firms face. He starts with a discussion of the actual issues and how capacity is simply a symptom. He then discusses solutions at the individual and firm level that can collectively help address this challenge. Solutions include everything from managing energy and fo…

1
Cultivating a Love of Mondays 32:45

2y ago32:45

32:45

To kick off Season 2 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton hosts Sam Allred, Director at Upstream Academy, a firm dedicated to guiding accounting firms to high performance. Sam loves Mondays, which is the focus of the conversation. Jeremy and Sam discuss cultivating a love for Mondays. They talk about what to do if you're struggling to find enjoym…

1
Embracing Change & Failure as a Leader 33:30

2+ y ago33:30

33:30

Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway team up for The Upstream Leader’s final quarterly recap of season 1. They discuss both the difficulties and opportunities inherent in adapting to change and embracing failure. Sharing personal anecdotes from their own professional journeys, they make an unassailable case for the importance of change and failure in y…

1
The Power of Perspective for Career Success 30:32

2+ y ago30:32

30:32

On Episode 23 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton speaks with Randy Crabtree, co-founder and partner of Tri-Merit Speciality Tax Professionals. Randy discusses the life-changing experience that led him to shift the course of his career to align with his passions. He highlights the importance of leading with open-mindedness and enabling employees…

1
Leveraging Client Needs to Become a Recognized Expert 27:35

2+ y ago27:35

27:35

On Episode 22 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton hosts Pete Miller, Shareholder at Clark Nuber, an accounting firm in Bellevue, Washington. Pete is what Jeremy calls “an expert at becoming an expert,” having established three different practices within the firm. Pete reveals that it was his passion and courage that were vital in helping him est…

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