MOVE Like This!

Just in time for Girl Scout cookie season, we talk to Jessica McClain, the organizations newly-appointed CFO. On this episode, Jessica and Bonnie talk about the importance of "belonging" in the workplace. Research shows that at least 64% of people feel the need to hide some aspect of their identity from their co-workers. Trying to keep part of yourself hidden is stressful, and the energy used to perform a certain way is energy that is not being used to perform a job and take care of client needs. We discuss what individuals can do to embody authenticity, and what situations indicate it is time to move on to another job. We also talk about what accounting firms can do to create a culture where people of all stripes feel safe to be themselves. You can learn more about Jessica here or on LinkedIn.

On this episode, we talk about why so many women are "people pleasers" and have such a hard time saying no when needed. We dive into how to identify our boundaries and literally practice saying "no" until we are comfortable doing so. We then expand on that conversation to discuss what firm leaders can do to create a culture where client needs are met and team members support each other yet everyone can ask for what they need and say no when appropriate too. To learn more about Amy's work, visit her website here: https://amyyipcoaching.com/

Today, we leave the accounting profession for an episode and talk to Safiya Reid, the AVP of Employee Engagement with Pure Insurance. We talk about how she got into the DEI space, why focusing on naysayers is not the best use of our time, and reiterate how this work is all about adding opportunities – not subtracting them. We also talk about how we both look forward to a day when we work ourselves out of a job in DEI because it is fully integrated into workspaces, and we get her advice on how firm leaders can create more inclusive cultures where people want to work and feel they belong. To learn more about Pure Insurance, visit https://www.pureinsurance.com/

Strap in because this one is longer than most but well worth the time investment. Sandra Wiley, president of Boomer Consulting, joins to discuss Boomer's DEI Consortium, the talent shortage, and how firms can rise above the talent shortage. But we also discuss how DEI is a "human issue" even though many try to politicize it, particularly during these few weeks prior to a presidential election. We share personal stories and how each of us learned that listening to others is vital to improving the human condition for all of us. Sandra also mentioned some books in this podcast, including: The Third Option: Hope for a Racilly Divided NationWhite Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About RacismLean In: Women, Work, and the Will to LeadEveryone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently Embracing Your Power: A Woman's Path to Authentic Leadership and Meaningful Relationships To learn more about Boomer Consulting, visit https://www.boomer.com//

After a break in August, we kick off September with a great conversation with Mayumi Young, the founder and CEO of CPA MOMS. We discuss what led her to starting this business and how it has grown and changed since 2008. We also delve into the accounting profession as a whole, discussing how firms need to make adjustments to attract, retain and promote women, people of color and particularly, Gen Z employees, as well as how individuals need to find and pursue work that inspires them. To learn more about CPA MOMS, visit https://cpamoms.com/

On this episode, Bonnie is joined by Liz Barentzen, VP of Operations and Talent Initiatives for the Center for Audit Quality, to talk about the Accounting+ program which has been educating young people, particularly those in underrepresented groups, about the benefits and possibilities of a career in accounting. We talk about why the profession is facing this unprecedented shortage of talent, how the campaign was started, where it receives its support, and the myriad resources available on its website at https://www.joinaccountingplus.com/. Additionally, Liz offers some advice for firm leaders to help overcome some of the negative stereotypes and showcase the positives of what can be a wonderful career for many people. Follow Accounting+ on the following platforms: acct.plus@accounting.plusJoinAccountingPlusAcct_plus@accounting_plus

On this episode, Bonnie is joined by Tricia Bencich of Moss Adams for the second time. We go deep on the idea of "mental load" and how it impacts us, particularly women, in the workplace. While you may not be familiar with the phrase "mental load," I'm willing to bet you experience it all the time, since it is a term for the invisible labor involved in managing a household and family. We talk about why women carry so much mental load, how it shows up in our daily work and personal lives, and some strategies for reducing it. If you've ever felt stressed by all you have to do, listen to this episide and share it with your friends and family too. To watch Tricia's full MOVE Mini Summit presentation on mental load via CPA Academy, attended by more than 1000 people, visit: https://www.cpaacademy.org/archived_show/a0DQh000009agQ9MAI To learn more about Moss Adams, visit https://www.mossadams.com/home.

On today's episode, we talk to Rob Lucas, the director of corporate initiatives at the Alzheimer's Association. Why, you ask? In part, because Bonnie was recently asked to join their Accounting Industry Leadership Council, and she wanted to share the great work of this group. Interestingly, it is often accountants that notice the first signs of Alzheimer's in their clients, which is part of the reason this council was formed four years ago. We talk about what the council does, as well as delving into broader toipics such as the fact that we now have medications that can slow the progression of Alzheimer's, the barriers medical professionals face when it comes to diagnosing and treating it, and the important role advisors like accountants and attorneys can play in planning for the future. To learn more, visit https://www.alz.org/ or call their toll-free number, 1-800-272-3900. To read (and share!) the list of 10 Healthy Habits for your Brain, visit https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10-healthy-habits-for-your-brain. To join the Accounting MOVE Project walk team or make a donation, go here: https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=889240&pg=team&fr_id=17539

On today's episode, Carol Ann Nash from Armanino shares what her firm is doing to create a work culture that takes into account post-COVID desires for flexibility while also meeting team needs when they come into the office. We discuss what employees are saying they want most, not only in terms of where they work, but in the type of work they do. She shares the five tenets of Armanino's work strategy and offers advice for firm leaders looking to create a culture where people want to work and grow into leadership roles. To learn more about Armanino, visit https://www.armanino.com/. To view Carol Ann's full session on The Future of Work on CPA Academy, visit https://www.cpaacademy.org/archived_show/a0DQh000008sP87MAE.

Strap in for a deep conversation with Jen Wilson, Co-Founder & Partner with Convergence Coaching, and a fellow member of the CPA Consultants' Alliance (https://cpaconsultantsalliance.com/). We talk about some of the biggest challenges facing the accounting profession, the work of the National Pipeline Advisory Group (https://www.accountingpipeline.org/), the importance of inclusion and diversity for firms' longevity, and how fiercely independent firms can compete and win in today's landscape. To learn more about Convergence Coaching, visit https://convergencecoaching.com/.

On this episode, I catch up with Trevor Williams, DEI Director with GRF CPAs & Advisors. He and his firm were recently featured in an Accounting Today article for their DEI efforts and the transparency report they released that talks about the strides made, but also points out the areas where more work is needed and how they are going to get there. We dig into current DEI skepticism, the many facets of diversity, and get his advice for firms looking to start or expand their DEI initiatives. He also gives the coolest answer yet to where he'd travel if money and time weren't an option. To learn more about GRF, go here: https://www.grfcpa.com/. https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/grf-pushes-forward-on-diversity-efforts-despite-dei-backlashhttps://www.grfcpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2023-GRF-DEI-Transparency-Report_Final.pdf

In this episode, we take a break from accounting and talk about something that impacts all of us: healthcare. As the CEO of Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation, Michael has a front row seat to what is going on in women's healthcare and is one of the strongest advocates in the area. We talk about what brought him to this role, why women have only been included in clinical and pharmaceutical trials for such a short time, and the simple way he's found to build trust with marginalized communities. We also discuss how to advocate for your own healthcare. To learn more about Magee-Womens Research Institute, visit https://mageewomens.org/ and be sure to follow them on your favorite social media platforms. And if you are interested in learning more about the history of women's healthcare, he recommends reading All In Her Head.

On this episode of MOVE Like This, Bonnie is joined by Jessica Hekmatjah, Chief Marketing & Corporate Development Officer at BPM. We discuss the firm's substantial increase in women partners between 2022 and 2023 and how leadership support is important to any DEI initiative. We also learn the valuable role BPM's colleague resource groups play in its strategy and culture and learn what advice Jessica has for firms looking to attract, retain and promote more women. To learn more about BPM, visit https://www.bpm.com/.

On this episode, we have our first return guest! Our very first guest, Mary Maguire, formerly of SAPRO and currently CEO of MJM Talent Solutions, returns to talk about the state of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the accounting profession. We dive into what programs need to succeed, why firms should not pull back on their efforts, and the myriad benefits businesses experience when DEIB is woven into its DNA. We also cover some of the biggest mistakes firms make and how to avoid them. Strap in, this is a meaty one! (And here's the link to the video Bonnie references on microaggressions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ9l7y4UuxY)

On this episode, we are joined by two women from the Accounting and Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA), Cindy Stanley, Executive Director and Shane Schaefer, Events & Education Director. We learn about AFWA's 86-year-history and how the organization and the Accounting MOVE Project started working together 15 years ago. Cindy shares her observations about the role of women in the accounting profession, including some advances and remaining frustrations, and Shane tells us all about AFWA's upcoming events. We encourage anyone interested in learning more about this supportive and influential organization to visit their website at https://www.afwa.org/.

Priscilla Hammonds, DEI Director at BerryDunn joins MOVE Like This to share her unique perspective as someone who has worked in the DEI space for 20+ years. We learn how BerryDunn has embraced diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and access and committed time, resources and energy to creating a firm of choice for all potential employees. Priscilla also shares her thoughts on why firms that may be considering pulling back on their DEI investment should reconsider if they want to remain competitive. To learn more about BerryDunn, visit https://www.berrydunn.com/.

Reema Patel, accounting practitioner, financial advisor and co-director of D-PATH, CBM's diversity and inclusion initiative, talks about how the firm has created policies that attract and retain women, how she addresses DEI skepticism, and why she helped create a financial planning service targeting Millennials. We also learn why she would choose teleportation as her superpower. To learn more about CBM, visit https://www.cbmcpa.com/.

Angie Grissom, CEO of The Rainmaker Companies and one of the most influential people in accounting, joins Bonnie to talk about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in today's profession. Topic discussed range from what firms can do to find and retain talent, how a "people-first" approach is vital to today's workforce, and what successful firms are doing to meet and exceed the needs of clients, the firm and their team members simultaneously. We also learn the impact travel has had on her world view and the superpower she wishes she had. To learn more about The Rainmaker Companies, visit https://therainmakercompanies.com/.

Amanda Pontow, partner, and Megan Geissinger, Human Resources manager, at Bland & Associates join Bonnie to discuss how they are supporting local high schools to fight the talent shortage, discuss their Leadership training program, called BLING, and share how they are invested in cross training team members to ensure clients are always served at the highest level possible. Learn more about Bland & Associates by visiting https://blandcpa.com/.

Jen Cryder, CEO of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs, joins Bonnie to talk about the talent crunch, the core reasons why fewer young people are entering the professions, and how some firms are addressing it. We also discuss some ways firms need to adjust to retain the people they have, particularly women, and where they need to invest their money to become firms of the future. Learn more about the PICPA here: https://www.picpa.org/.