The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Knowledge Economy

Ron and Ed welcome Christophe Jauquet, an expert in health and well-being innovation, to discuss his latest book, The Transformation Economy. Christophe delves into how businesses are evolving to focus on experiences that meaningfully impact people’s lives. From redefining customer engagement to fostering personal growth, Christophe shares insights on the “transformation economy” concept and its implications across industries. Join us for a fascinating conversation on creating value beyond products and services in today’s market.

In this episode, Ron and Ed welcome back Joe Woodard, now a TSOE Sponsor, and Perry Woodin, a leading expert in cryptocurrency compliance and reporting. They will dive into the critical challenges professionals face in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape of digital assets. The discussion will focus on actionable insights for accountants, lawyers, and other service providers on staying compliant with cryptocurrency regulations, best practices for accurate reporting, and the key trends shaping the future of digital asset compliance. Perry will also showcase how NODE40's innovative technology is empowering professionals to simplify the complexities of crypto transactions, ensuring audit readiness and regulatory adherence. This timely conversation provides essential guidance for those looking to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of cryptocurrency.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed sit down with Alan Whitman, a prominent leader in the accounting field with a deep commitment to fostering dynamic, people-focused growth strategies. As CEO at Baker Tilly, Alan has championed innovative solutions and strengthened client relationships, all while focusing on the firm’s core values and sustainable growth. Join us as we dive into Alan’s insights on leadership, the future of professional services, and how Baker Tilly navigates a rapidly evolving industry landscape.

In this special post-election episode, Ron and Ed dive into the highs, lows, and surprises from the 2024 U.S. election. They’ll explore the economic and business implications of the election results, unpack key possible policy shifts, and discuss what the outcome could mean for professionals and beyond. Tune in for insights, analysis, and a touch of humor as they make sense of the latest political landscape.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, hosts Ron and Ed sit down with Kurt and Reid Bangert of Bangert, Inc., innovators in construction technology solutions. The Bangerts will share insights into “The Bangert Way,” a transformative approach that eliminates traditional hourly billing in favor of a streamlined, transparent process tailored for construction businesses. Tune in to learn how Bangert, Inc. supports the industry with Sage Intacct, fostering expertise and effectiveness for Customers nationwide. Don’t miss this conversation on reshaping construction project management and accounting practices!

In this insightful episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed are joined by SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, famously dubbed “CryptoMom” for her forward-thinking views on cryptocurrency and blockchain regulation. They’ll dive into her perspectives on a range of pivotal topics currently reshaping the financial landscape including PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board), particularly its oversight roles and evolving challenges in today’s regulatory environment, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting in financial markets and, of course, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, with Commissioner Peirce offering her thoughts on how the regulatory framework should evolve to encourage innovation while protecting investors. Join Ron and Ed for this fascinating and timely discussion with one of the SEC’s most outspoken and influential commissioners.

It has been a few months since Ron and Ed emptied their stacks of stuff that have accumulated regarding all things pricing, subscription, and business in general. To correct that, this week's episode will do just that. Featured will be some posts from the Subscribed Institute, a story about a Dallas wine club, Mozart, and more. Settle in with a nice glass of your favorite fall wine.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed dive into the transformative world of pricing strategies. Pricing is more than just setting a number—it’s about understanding and conveying the true value of outcomes. Together, they explore the common pitfalls of cost-based pricing, the importance of focusing on utility, and how consultants can command higher prices by focusing on transformations rather than time spent. They’ll discuss the need to apply the same creativity to pricing that consultants apply to solving business problems, and why having the courage to walk away from negotiations can actually increase your pricing power. Other topics include providing pricing options, leveraging the power of transparency in expectations, and avoiding the trap of negotiating solely on price. Whether you’re a consultant, business owner, or service provider, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach to pricing and provide practical tips to boost your profitability by focusing on the value you deliver. Tune in to learn why leading companies never limit their profitability—and neither should you!

Ron and Ed welcome Back Adam Thierer, now with the R Street Institute, to talk about government regulation and AI. Adam has written extensively about how government regulation potentially affects the progress of innovation, especially with regard to new technology. This episode promises to be a wide-ranging and timely conversation.

Since Luca Pacioli’s 1494 invention of double-entry bookkeeping, accounting has seen little innovation. GAAP, designed for an industrial economy, is outdated in a world where intellectual capital drive business success. Dr. Margaret Blair’s research shows that by 1998, only 30% of a company’s value could be attributed to tangible assets, leaving 70% unaccounted for in GAAP financial statements. We’ll dive into the deteriorating paradigm of accounting and examine audit failures through the lens of a system that has become obsolete. Additionally, we’ll explore reform ideas from a free-market perspective, considering how innovations like blockchain and market-driven information and incentives could push the profession beyond GAAP’s limits. Join Ed and Ron for a provocative look at the future of accounting, auditing, and financial reporting, and why the profession needs to evolve to meet the needs of today’s knowledge economy—a bold rethinking of accounting’s past, present, and future.

Ron and Ed welcome another CATO Institute scholar, Jennifer Huddleston, to the show to discuss the effects of technology policy on innovation and economic growth. Jennifer will also share her insights about the anti-trust case against Google as well and the effects of technology regulation at the state, federal, and even international level.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed sit down with Reilly Newman to explore his manifesto: the powerful intersection of science and strategy in business. Reilly emphasizes the importance of clarity as a driver of growth, helping business leaders make confident decisions that align with their vision. He discusses how simplifying complex processes can uncover opportunities for pure progress and ensure that your business remains a cornerstone of your life. Tune in to discover how clarity not only reveals where growth exists but also how it serves as a foundation for future success and informed business decisions

In this unique episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed embark on a journey through time as they interview the legendary 19th-century French economist, Frédéric Bastiat. Thanks to AI technology, ChatGPT will bring Bastiat back to life, offering insights in his signature style on some of today’s pressing economic issues. From his famous concept of “the seen and the unseen” to his sharp critiques of protectionism, this virtual conversation delves into how Bastiat’s timeless ideas apply in our modern world. Join us for a thought-provoking dialogue that blurs the lines between history, economics, and technology in ways you’ve never heard before!

In this episode, Ed and Ron will delve into the profound insights from Peter Block's book The Answer to How is Yes, especially his How? vs. What Matters questions. We'll explore these six pivotal questions that Block argues keep us trapped in our current way of thinking and prevent us from embracing true change. These questions, often disguised as practical concerns, subtly hinder our ability to innovate, take risks, and transform both ourselves and the world around us. Join us as we unpack the deeper meaning behind each question and discuss how shifting our mindset can open up new possibilities for leadership, creativity, and personal growth.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed explore the themes presented in Doughnuts and Degrowth by Andrew Stuttaford. The article delves into the growing ideological shift from economic growth to a focus on sustainability, as advocated by figures like Olivier De Schutter and Kate Raworth. Ron and Ed provide a critical analysis of the so-called degrowth movement and its potential impact on democracy, innovation, and individual freedoms. They discuss the concept of doughnut economics and how it aligns with broader trends in global governance, questioning the practicality and desirability of this shift. Tune in as they dissect the intersection of economics, environmentalism, and human rights, offering their own perspectives on what a growth-averse future might hold.

Co-hosts Ron Baker and Ed Kless talk with Dr. Wendy Dean, author of If I Betray These Words. Dr. Dean, a psychiatrist and co-founder of the nonprofit Moral Injury of Healthcare, explores the profound ethical dilemmas faced by professionals today. Through the lens of her groundbreaking book, Dr. Dean discusses the concept of moral injury—the psychological distress that occurs when individuals feel unable to act according to their ethical and moral values. She shares real-life stories from the frontlines of healthcare, highlighting the emotional toll on professionals who are often caught between the demands of a healthcare system and their commitment to patient care. Ron and Ed pursue with her the idea that moral injury applies to professionals in other fields as well.

Join Ed and Ron for an enlightening interview with Geraldine Carter, a consultant to CPA firms and author of the transformative book Down to 40 Hours: A Roadmap for CPAs to End Overworking Without Giving Up Revenue. Geraldine's mission is to help overworked CPAs reclaim their time and create the accounting firms and lives they've always dreamed of. Since 2016, Geraldine has been coaching CPAs, bringing a unique perspective from her experience as a client who has worked with numerous bookkeepers, accountants, and CPAs. She'll provide insights into her coaching approach and how her book offers a practical roadmap for CPAs to reduce overworking without sacrificing revenue. We'll also delve into Geraldine's adventurous spirit, shaped by guiding luxury travel adventures across all seven continents and 50+ countries, and how her experiences have enriched her coaching philosophy. Tune in to hear about her impressive athletic achievements, including marathons and an Ironman, and how she balances her professional life with living in the mountains of Idaho with her two young children.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, hosts Ron Baker and Ed Kless dive into the world of creativity and innovation with a focus on the work of two remarkable individuals: Rory Sutherland and Rick Rubin. Sutherland, a leading advertising executive known for his unconventional thinking, and Rubin, a legendary music producer celebrated for his minimalist approach, offer unique perspectives on the creative process. Join us as we explore how these two visionaries approach problem-solving, the importance of intuition in their respective fields, and the impact of their work on advertising and music. We'll discuss key insights from Sutherland's thought-provoking theories on behavioral economics and Rubin's philosophy of creating space for artists to express their true selves.

Ron and Ed once again share entries from their One Thing journals, so this episode is a bit random, but contains nugget after nugget on curated wisdom for the reading and listening habits of the hosts.

Join Ed and Ron as they delve into the complexities of modern pricing strategies and their impacts on consumers and brands. We’ll explore the supposed frustration consumers face with the rise of add-on fees and personalized pricing. From airline baggage fees to layered subscription costs, hidden charges make it increasingly difficult for buyers to navigate the marketplace without feeling nickel and dimed. Also, is price-led profit growth coming to an end? Is inflation and recession fear signaling a shift away from growing margins from more sophisticated pricing? Finally, are luxury brands underpricing? Despite their premium positioning, some luxury brands might not be charging enough to reflect their true value and maintain their exclusivity. We’ll discuss the 4Es of pricing high-end brands, and how we can apply that framework to professional firms. Join us as we unravel these topics and discuss how consumers and businesses can navigate the complex world of modern pricing.