The Unique CPA

Making partner should feel like a triumph, but for many CPAs, that first year becomes the hardest of their careers. Sarah Elliott and Brian Kush from Intend2Lead surveyed new partners across the profession and uncovered a troubling pattern: 70% aren't working more hours, yet the intensity feels crushing. On Episode 251 of The Unique CPA, they tell Randy that the culprit isn't volume, it's the abrupt shift from technical expert to strategic leader, not to mention firms that rarely prepare people for what partnership actually entails. As it turns out, nearly half of new partners earn less than expected, and the profession's problem-seeking mindset undermines leadership development. Randy even mentions how one first-year partner who exceeded revenue goals by 50% was immediately questioned about unbilled hours instead of celebrated for his achievement. Sarah and Brian make the case for vulnerable leadership, transparent goal-setting, and intentional development programs that treat partnership as a transition requiring real support, not just a title to celebrate and move on from. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Mary Delaney, CEO of Karbon, opens Episode 250 of The Unique CPA with a powerful story: she tells Randy about a neighbor whose accountant didn't just crunch numbers but delivered life-changing advice that transformed his business into a legacy. That moment crystallizes what technology can unlock for the profession. Rather than something to be feared, it has the potential to grant us the freedom to focus on advisory work that truly matters. Mary explains how automation handles the mundane, potentially flipping the statistic that 80% of small businesses fail by year ten. With the right technology, every small business could access some level of advisory support. But accountants must make a critical shift: to stop thinking like practitioners and start running their firms as businesses. Mary shares her own experience growing a compliance-heavy services company from single-digit margins to 25%, emphasizing the importance of identifying levers, whether that's increasing referrals, automating workflows, or offshoring strategically. Empowered people deliver exceptional client experiences, and it's not people first or clients first, it's both, simultaneously. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Mike Maksymiw, better known as Mike Max, lives for change. On Episode 249 of The Unique CPA, he talks to Randy about how in a profession often defined by tradition, he's been willing to "poke the bear" and challenge long-held assumptions. His leadership at Aprio Firm Alliance is marked by a drive to create real progress on issues like DEI, work-life harmony, and value-based work, and he shares candid reflections on what it takes to move an entire profession forward. Whether it's questioning the status quo or finding creative solutions where others see roadblocks, Mike's passion for helping others and his belief in the power of collaboration shine through, and this episode offers a glimpse into the mindset of someone determined to leave the accounting world better than he found it. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Heath Alloway, growth partner at Sorren, returns to The Unique CPA on Episode 248 for a dynamic conversation with Randy about the evolving landscape of accounting firms and the power of intentional culture. Heath shares the story behind Soren's formation, a merger of thirteen firms driven by a vision for people-first leadership and meaningful growth. Although heavily focused on business development in his own role, Heath's focus here is on how advisory, leadership retreats, and an "attitude of gratitude" can sustainably transform both firms and individuals. Reflecting on the profession's capacity to give back more than you put into it, Heath and Randy mull over the challenges of integrating distinct cultures as well as the importance of vulnerability and connection, with their unifying trait being a genuine passion for helping others thrive in accounting and beyond. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Shawn Menard and Jeremy Jones join Randy Crabtree to pull back the curtain on Frazier & Deeter's approach to growth, culture, and leadership on Episode 247 of The Unique CPA. As the firm expands through private equity and acquisitions, the conversation moves beyond numbers to the real work of integrating people and ideas. Shawn describes how "stay interviews" and a flexible, opt-in leadership program have become cornerstones of their people-first philosophy, while Jeremy discusses the challenges of maintaining high standards, embracing flexible work, and prioritizing entrepreneurial thinking. Together, they weigh the value of emotional intelligence against technical skills, and consider how a flat leadership model can thrive in a 700-person firm. The result is a candid look at how culture and adaptability shape the future of accounting. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Mark Koziel's first year as AICPA President and CEO has been anything but quiet. He tells Randy Crabtree on Episode 246 of The Unique CPA that nine days into his tenure, Ohio became the first state to roll back the 150-hour requirement, setting off a chain reaction across the profession. Then came the "Big Beautiful Bill" with provisions that could have devastated pass-through entities, followed by Florida's deregulation attempt, IRS commissioner turnover, and a 43-day government shutdown. Through it all, Koziel maintains an infectious optimism about accounting's future. He pushes back against the narrative that AI will replace accountants, pointing to decades of similar fears about calculators, spreadsheets, and blockchain. The real challenge? Telling a better story about a profession that touches every corner of the economy. From his perspective on value-based pricing to his vision for the Rise 2040 initiative, Koziel makes the case that accountants remain the trusted guardians of financial information, and that this legacy is worth protecting. Get the full show notes and more resources at RandyCrabtree.com

Kathleen Burns Kingsbury joins Randy Crabtree on Episode 245 of The Unique CPA for a candid conversation about the hidden forces shaping how professionals, particularly women, perceive and communicate their worth. Drawing on her journey from FDIC bank examiner to wealth psychology expert, Kathleen unpacks the cultural and personal barriers that keep so many from asking for what they deserve. The author of Breaking Money Silence, now in its second edition, Kathleen shows you how building confidence, embracing value-based pricing, discovering the power of niche expertise, and shifting one's mindset can transform both career and personal fulfillment. Weaving in stories of her own missteps and breakthroughs, Kathleen's passion for empowering others shines through a conversation that's as energizing as it is insightful. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Adam Lean's journey from disenchanted accountant to entrepreneurial advisor takes center stage as he reveals how a simple desire to help business owners understand their numbers sparked the creation of the CFO Project on Episode 244 of The Unique CPA. Follow Adam from late-night e-commerce hustle to the formation of a productized CFO advisory service, designed to eliminate scope creep and empower accountants to deliver real value. As Randy's prompts unpack the pitfalls of commoditized compliance work, the "Accountants Trap," and the mindset shifts required to move from tax prep to trusted advisor, Adam shares a candid look at the challenges, and most importantly the rewards, of advisory work. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Kaitlin Borncamp left a promising Big Four accounting career to become a certified nutritional therapy practitioner, but she didn't just change jobs, she redefined what it means to thrive in a demanding profession. Kaitlin joins Randy Crabtree on Episode 243 of The Unique CPA to share how her own struggles with burnout and unhealthy habits led her to champion the brain as an accounting professional's greatest asset. From the realities of stress, to the hidden costs of ignoring your wellbeing, and the practical steps professionals can take to fuel both body and mind, Kaitlin's journey offers a blueprint for anyone ready to trade exhaustion for energy and purpose, one that is simple enough in scope to start following today as you gain a holistic understanding about how to sustainably focus on your health. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Alan Whitman, former CEO of Baker Tilly, returns on Episode 242 of The Unique CPA to share the hard-won insights behind his new book, Break the Mold: How to Achieve Transformational Change, Scale and Grow Simultaneously. In a candid conversation with Randy Crabtree, Alan unpacks the real challenges of leading a firm through rapid growth and cultural reinvention, where trust and transparency mean everything and can ultimately make or break a vision. He reveals why strategy must be more than a buzzword, and how shifting from vertical silos to a unified, horizontal organization unlocks potential. "Cross-selling" is such a limiting concept, and Alan stresses that delivering true client value is what firms need to be focusing on. His stories, from tough retirement plan decisions to building engines for organic growth, offer a rare, practical roadmap for leaders ready to reimagine what's possible in the accounting profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Dominic Piscopo didn't set out to disrupt the accounting world, he just wanted to know if he was being paid fairly. That simple question led him from pen-and-paper salary surveys at Deloitte to building Big 4 Transparency, a crowdsourced database now relied on by countless people in accounting. On Episode 241 of The Unique CPA, Dominic talks to Randy about how a weekend project snowballed into a vital resource for accountants, empowering individuals to advocate for themselves and helping firms confront the "loyalty tax" that drives talent away. He outlines the surprising power of open data, with openness a key to why he refuses to put a paywall between accountants and the information they need. Dominic has pushed through the challenges he's faced in the project with trust and accuracy in the data and has ultimately forged a truly useful tool for the profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

President and CEO of the Illinois CPA Society Geof Brown returns to The Unique CPA for Episode 240, bringing with him the results of a bold research initiative that set out to map the "readiness divide" between new accountants and their managers. Geof describes the moment when scattered frustrations from firm leaders, young professionals, and academics converged, prompting his team to launch a survey to cut through assumptions and capture real, useful, hard data. The results reveal a landscape where early-career accountants overestimate their skills, especially in communication and professionalism, while managers struggle to deliver feedback that is actually feedback and not just criticism. Generational friction, missed signals, and the surprising gap between digital fluency and workplace tech are at the forefront of Geof's findings, and he explores how mentorship, intentional onboarding, and a shift toward real-world skill-building can transform the profession, offering a blueprint for growth that's as much about empathy as expertise, particularly as "soft skills" become ever more important tools. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

About a decade ago, Dr. Jackie Meyer hit a wall of exhaustion running her CPA firm, but she refused to hide behind the industry's mask of perfection. Diagnosed with chronic fatigue and juggling motherhood and her work responsibilities, she began to question the relentless pace and the culture of stoicism that define the profession. On her return to The Unique CPA for Episode 239, she explains that instead of retreating, she transformed her struggle into a mission: she built TaxPlanIQ, a platform that lets accountants reclaim their time and sanity, and developed the ROI Method, a value pricing formula now championed by the AICPA. Since then, she's completed her doctorate in leadership and written a forthcoming book, The Balanced Millionaire. Jackie's journey, from iron infusions and late-night epiphanies to a much healthier, sustainable pace now, offers a candid look at what it takes to change not just a career, but an entire profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

When Paul Peterson looks across his firm, he sees a new generation rewriting the rules. On Episode 238 of The Unique CPA, he joins Randy Crabtree to trace the ripple effects of Gen Z's arrival in accounting as young professionals who expect flexibility, are driven by their purpose, and challenge the status quo while setting new standards for everyone. Paul recounts how a twenty-something team member became the office's AI expert, teaching partners to rethink their approach to technology. He describes Gen Z's insistence on open dialogue and their willingness to question outdated practices, and the way they bring their whole selves to work. From the pressures of private equity to the importance of mental health, Gen Z's presence is forcing even the most established leaders to adapt and build a culture where everyone can belong—something that is paying dividends economically even now. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Tara Whitney, CEO of White Birch Advisory, steps into the studio with a confession: she was drawn to accounting for its clear rules and right answers. But as the conversation unfolds, Tara reveals how the very habits that once defined her success, like perfectionism, self-reliance, and yes, rule-following, became obstacles as she rose to leadership. On Episode 237 of The Unique CPA, she and Randy trace the burnout and stress plaguing members of the profession, and recounts the moment she realized that breaking her own rules and embracing vulnerability would open the door to creativity and growth. Having found her "zone of genius," Tara explores how letting go of old scripts can transform your life and career, as well as your entire organization. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

When Bob Doyle stepped into the role of CEO at the Michigan Association of CPAs, the world shut down three weeks later. Instead of retreating, Bob drew on his background in engineering and association leadership to reimagine what it means to be a CPA. On Episode 236 of The Unique CPA, he tells Randy he subsequently borrowed a pair of white sunglasses, embraced the "Coolest Profession Around" mantra, and set out to shatter the stereotype of accounting as dull. From Bob's sneakerhead sons helping him appeal to high school students, to ice rinks in Michigan backyards, to the real impact of private equity and AI on the profession, Bob and Randy explore how trust, joy, and innovation are keys to the future of accounting. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Lori Zukin’s path began in a small-town family drugstore, where work and love blurred together behind the counter. Years later, after earning a PhD in industrial and organizational psychology, she found herself coaching leaders at Booz Allen Hamilton and, eventually, guiding the transformation of Baker Tilly’s executive team. On Episode 235 of The Unique CPA, Lori shares how a single phone call, received in the shadow of personal loss, sparked a partnership that would reshape a major accounting firm’s culture. She reveals the real impact of trust, particularly given the hidden costs of the stories we tend to tell ourselves when we don’t have all the information. Randy and Lori trade insights on vulnerability, missed opportunities, and the courage to lead with empathy, and along the way, Lori’s passion for mental health and her belief in the intersection of passion and skill shine through, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of modern leadership. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

When the pandemic shuttered her thriving travel and Airbnb businesses overnight, Allanté Collier faced a crossroads, and she tells Randy all about that journey and more on Episode 234 of The Unique CPA. Instead of retreating, Allanté rebuilt from scratch, this time designing a business that could weather any storm. Sharing the hard-won lessons behind her “famine-proof” approach to operations and leadership, Allanté reveals how her engineering background shaped her methodical audits of business bottlenecks, why so many founders become their own biggest obstacle, and how she helps clients move from “chasing paper to chasing purpose.” Along the way, Allanté unpacks the real meaning of work-life harmony, the art of hiring for passion and alignment, the systems that turn chaos into resilience, and much more. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 233 of The Unique CPA centers on Dr. Kristy Short’s raw account of living with anxiety, depression, and burnout throughout her 25-year accounting career. Kristy tells Randy about the origins of her struggles, from her first “spiral” in her 20s—marked by relentless work, academic pressure, and suicidal ideation—to her more recent breakdown in her 50s, which ultimately led to her writing her memoir and “self help-ish” book, Civil Warrior. Kristy recounts a particular turning point, signing a suicide contract with her therapist and the dream that inspired her to write her book. Key to her success was personalizing a program for her own mental health, which she encourages anyone struggling to do for themselves as well. Kristy, like Randy, doesn’t shy away from the stigma and isolation professionals face, and she offers a candid, hopeful look at building resilience and community in accounting. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Erica Goode, the “15 Hour Accountant” and host of the Consultants & Money Podcast, joins Randy Crabtree on Episode 232 of The Unique CPA and proves you can build a thriving, six-figure accounting firm without sacrificing your life. From burnt out Big Four auditor and Fortune 50 finance director to solo firm owner, Erica now earns over $200K a year working just 15 hours a week. Having made intentional choices she made to design a business around her family and values, Erica reveals how she set ironclad boundaries, found her niche with consultants and agency owners, and developed a pricing model that supports both her clients and her lifestyle. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com