Count Me In®

In this riveting episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with Renata Serban, founder of Highly Elevated CPA and a powerhouse in the cannabis accounting industry. Renata's journey from Kazakhstan to the US, her academic pivot from chemical engineering to accounting, and her role as a strategic advisor in the cannabis sector promise to keep you hooked. Together, they chat about everything from the potential rescheduling of cannabis legislation to the vital medical benefits of cannabis, especially for cancer patients. You’ll also hear about the uphill battles faced in cannabis accounting, the importance of voting for transformative change, and the historical propaganda that still colors perceptions today. Whether you’re curious about the practical challenges in the weed industry or the optimistic future of cannabis reform, Renata's insights provide a compelling look into the regulatory landscape. Tune in for a candid conversation that's both enlightening and inspiring! Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Join us on Count Me In for an insightful chat with Justin Smith, CFO at FinQuery! Justin tackles pay disparities that accountants face at Big Four firms and envisions a future where salaries rise to reflect their true value. He also shares how FinQuery's robust learning budget helps employees dive into AI and product development.We explore the importance of transparency, mission-led organizations, and celebrating achievements to boost morale. Justin's advice on balancing empathy with organizational goals is a must-hear for leaders navigating post-pandemic challenges. Hosted by Adam Larson, this episode is packed with valuable insights on accounting, leadership, and employee engagement. Don't miss it! Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Join us on the latest episode of the Count Me In Podcast as host Adam Larson chats with Sheila Rondeau, the CEO of MOGXP and an introverted powerhouse who’s mastered the art of networking and personal branding. Discover Sheila’s top strategies for making networking less intimidating, including her unique plan of connecting with five quality contacts per event. She also offers invaluable tips on maintaining authenticity in personal branding, balancing social media efforts, and the crucial distinction between reputation and brand. Learn how to build genuine connections, engage thoughtfully on LinkedIn, and offer real value in your professional interactions. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, Sheila's insights on making networking work for you, understanding thought leadership, and respecting others' time are game-changers. Tune in and get ready to transform the way you approach networking and personal branding, one meaningful connection at a time. Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Join host Adam Larson as he chats with the insightful Rachel Kourakos, transition and leadership coach at Rachel Kourakos Coaching & Consulting, about the art of human interactions and mastering self-awareness. Rachel shares impactful stories and practical tips on understanding others' needs, handling feedback constructively, and managing emotions consciously. They discuss the beauty and opportunities within change, the power of self-talk, and how to approach life’s transitions with positivity. Rachel emphasizes that everyone makes choices that shape their experiences—whether we realize it or not. Tune in to learn how adopting a leadership mindset, practicing empathy, and embracing curiosity can transform both personal and professional lives. Packed with heartfelt anecdotes and engaging dialogue, this episode promises valuable takeaways for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills and emotional intelligence. Listen and get inspired to lead your life with intention and awareness!  Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Join us on the Count Me In Podcast for an enlightening conversation with Daniel Paik, CEO of Curowork, as he shares powerful insights on transforming back office roles into vital growth engines. With 20 years of experience in corporate finance and accounting, Daniel discusses how enhancing efficiency, automating processes, and completing long-pending projects can supercharge your business. You'll hear practical tips on managing unplanned tasks, avoiding the pitfalls of partial task visibility, and the importance of prioritization. Discover how renaming back offices to "value centers" can shift mindsets and drive growth. Daniel's passion for elevating your team's role is both inspiring and actionable. Don't miss Adam Larson and Daniel Paik's deep dive into creating supportive, clear, and efficient work environments that lead to remarkable business outcomes. Tune in for this must-listen episode! Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Tune into this episode of Count Me In, where host Adam Larson sits down with Rohit Kharbanda, Head of Hotel Finance Services & Growth at IHG Hotels & Resorts. With a 20+ year career at top companies like Hewlett-Packard, General Electric, and Oracle, Rohit shares vital insights into sustainable sourcing, reducing carbon footprints, and how green practices drive customer loyalty.Get the scoop on the challenges of ESG reporting, the strategic role of finance in sustainability, and the regulatory complexities of AI and data privacy. Rohit's mix of wit and wisdom offers practical advice for anyone curious about how sustainable practices are reshaping business.Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with forward-thinking strategies to protect our planet while achieving business success! Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We’ll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Join us on this episode of the Count Me In Podcast as Adam Larson sits down with Aaron Levine, the CFO of Prophix, to explore the evolving role of CFOs in today's dynamic business environment. Aaron shares his journey from controller roles at public software companies to leading the finance and accounting departments of several venture and PE-backed businesses. He offers insights on overcoming current challenges in the software space, building trust within teams, and the importance of data governance. Listen in as Aaron discusses hiring strategies, the impact of AI on accounting roles, and the unique experience of working at a company that serves CFOs. Packed with practical advice and candid reflections, this conversation is a must-listen for finance professionals and business leaders alike.

Join host Adam Larson for a captivating conversation with Tevia Hoalst, the dynamic owner and founder of TeKoda Accounting. Tevia shares her inspiring journey from a toxic corporate environment to leading a company with an award-winning culture. Discover the importance of creating a thriving workplace, the role of transparent communication, and some unique team-building ideas like company retreats and virtual offices. If you’re looking to improve your own company culture or are just curious about the behind-the-scenes of a successful business, this episode is a must-listen!

Join Adam Larson as he sits down with Christian Hyatt, co-founder and CEO of risk 3sixty, in this eye-opening episode of the Count Me In. From starting out in the world of public accounting to leading a successful cybersecurity firm, Christian shares his unique journey and offers valuable insights into the complex world of cyber threats. Discover who the real "bad guys" are, the surprising sophistication of criminal organizations, and how businesses can better protect themselves in an increasingly digital world. Perfect for anyone interested in cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, or just looking for an engaging and informative listen. Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation!

In this episode of Count Me In, join host Adam Larson as he sits down with the dynamic Tineke Distelmans, Assistant Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, to break down the buzzwords of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Tineke shares eye-opening examples of how we interact with AI daily, from your smartphone's virtual assistant to the algorithms guiding your social media feeds. Hear about her fascinating case study on predicting patient satisfaction in hospitals and how machine learning can drive smarter decisions. Tune in for a casual, yet insightful chat that covers everything you need to know about implementing AI in your own work. Get ready to be inspired by Tineke's wealth of knowledge and practical tips.

Join host Adam Larson as he sits down with Michael Housman, the founder and CEO of AI-ccelerator, who shares his intriguing journey from academia to the dynamic realm of fintech. Michael’s passion for data and coding has taken him from healthcare to HR tech, e-commerce, and now the cutting-edge world of financial technology. They chat about the importance of flexibility in career paths, the transformative power of AI in credit decisions and underwriting, and the game-changers like Brex that are disrupting the fintech market.Michael also dives into the balancing act between human intuition and machine algorithms in fraud detection, offering practical tips for finance and accounting organizations. Whether you’re curious about AI’s impact on jobs or looking for ways to innovate within your own company, this conversation is packed with insights and real-world examples. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that’s both approachable and enlightening!

In this compelling episode of Count Me In, your host Adam Larson sits down with the dynamic Nicky Billou—podcaster, coach, and President and CEO of eCircle Academy. Nicky passionately speaks with a heartfelt nod to his father's teachings; he explores how seeing the greatness in others can restore faith in humanity.Tune in as Nicky discusses the transformative power of authentic storytelling and how meaningful life experiences shape true thought leadership. Discover his motivational stories, like helping entrepreneurs shift their messaging to achieve incredible success and supporting individuals in reaching their dreams.Feel the emotional impact of Julie's journey—a professional who turned her life around with Nicky’s guidance, leading to personal and financial victories, and even touching her family deeply. Learn what drives Nicky to keep making such a profound difference in people's lives.If you're looking for inspiration, wisdom, and a hearty dose of authenticity, this episode is not to be missed!

Join us on Count Me In for an enlightening and engaging conversation with Callum Liang, author of "Boardroom Blueprint." In this episode, host Adam Larson sits down with Callum to uncover why accountants and business professionals should aim for board positions to supercharge their careers and personal growth.Callum shares his insights on what companies look for in a stellar board member and reveals the real, often hidden, pathways to landing a board seat. From leveraging LinkedIn to setting up advisory boards, Callum offers practical advice on building a compelling personal profile and making valuable connections that can change the trajectory of your career.Whether you’re an aspiring board member or simply looking to up your professional game, this episode is packed with actionable tips and authentic stories. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from one of the best in the business. Be sure to check out Callum’s book and connect with him on LinkedIn after you listen!

Don't miss this insightful conversation with Frank Tumminello, CEO of FileForms, as he breaks down the complexities of the Corporate Transparency Act. With millions of companies facing new reporting requirements, Frank shares his expertise on who needs to file, what information is required, and the potential consequences of non-compliance. He also discusses the importance of secure data management, and the role technology can play in simplifying the filing process. This episode is a must-listen to navigate the changing landscape of corporate transparency.

In this exciting episode of Count Me In, Adam Larson sits down with Mike Wallace, the Chief Decarbonization Officer at Persefoni AI. Four years after his last insightful appearance, Mike returns to discuss the evolving landscape of carbon accounting and the critical role of the Chief Decarbonization Officer.Tune in as Mike and Adam explore why carbon accounting has become increasingly important for today’s finance professionals and the real-world impact of precise carbon measurement in various industries. Mike shares fascinating stories from the field, the challenges of transitioning from spreadsheets to automated systems, and offers practical advice for small to medium-sized businesses looking to stay ahead in the carbon accounting game.Get ready for an engaging conversation packed with expert insights, practical advice, and forward-thinking strategies from one of the leading voices in ESG and decarbonization. Whether you’re a seasoned accountant or just curious about the future of sustainable practices, this episode is a must-listen!

Join host Adam Larson on this insightful episode of Count Me In Podcast as he sits down with Corey Noyek, Vice President of Finance & Operations at Cardata. Corey shares his passion for breaking down silos and fostering an environment where diverse perspectives thrive. Tune in to hear practical strategies for improving communication between departments, navigating the challenges presented by virtual work, and leveraging technology responsibly. Corey also offers valuable tips on maintaining a curiosity mindset, asking the right questions, and ensuring every team member feels heard. Whether you're a manager looking to boost your team's cohesion or just curious about improving workplace dynamics, this episode is packed with actionable advice and engaging conversation. Don't miss it!

Join Adam Larson as he chats with Luke Deka, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Growbots, about overcoming outbound sales challenges in small and medium-sized businesses. Luke shares his wealth of expertise, offering practical advice for accountants looking to move beyond referrals and confidently approach outbound sales.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to transition from referral-based growth to proactive outreachEffective techniques to stand out in today's digital marketplaceThe role of AI in enhancing outbound sales effortsStrategies for personalizing your message and measuring successLuke provides real-world examples and actionable steps to help elevate your sales game. Whether you’re an experienced accountant or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you scale your business.

Get ready for an engaging conversation with Adam Larson and special guest Pooja Sund, Engineering Finance Leader at Microsoft, on this episode of Count Me In! Pooja, a finance and AI expert, breaks down the fascinating differences between AI and traditional programming, shedding light on how AI is revolutionizing the financial industry.From risk management and fraud reduction to personalization and sentiment analysis, discover how AI can be a game-changer for your business. Plus, learn about the crucial aspects of security, privacy, and bias when implementing AI solutions. Whether you're a business leader, finance professional, or tech enthusiast, you won't want to miss this insightful episode packed with practical takeaways and future-forward thinking.Tune in and supercharge your understanding of AI's potential in today's dynamic landscape!

Join host Adam Larson as he sits down with data integrity expert and author, Jane Sarah Lat, to uncover essential insights from her book, Managing Data Integrity for Finance. Jane breaks down the critical concepts of data integrity and data quality, using relatable analogies and real-world applications.In this episode, Jane shares the importance of maintaining accurate and reliable data in today's tech-driven finance landscape. She highlights the tools and techniques that can elevate your data game, including Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, powerful business intelligence tools like Power BI and Tableau, and the advanced Amazon Quantum Ledger Database.But that's not all! Jane also touches on the exciting rise of generative AI and its potential impacts on data integrity. Whether you’re a finance professional looking to upskill or just a curious learner, this episode is packed with practical tips and valuable insights. Don’t miss out—tune in and elevate your understanding of data integrity today!

Get ready for an inspiring journey on this episode of Count Me In! Join host Adam Larson as he sits down with Brett Kelly, the dynamic founder of Kelly Partners. From his humble beginnings in Australia to building a global accounting firm with offices in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Mumbai, Brett shares his extraordinary story of resilience, ambition, and the power of self-education. Discover how Brett turned adversity into opportunity, spoke to 80 prominent Australians, and self-published a best-selling book that skyrocketed his career. With captivating insights and practical advice, Brett emphasizes the importance of finding your true mission, surrounding yourself with the right people, and making a meaningful impact. Tune in and get inspired to follow your passion and leave a lasting legacy. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that's bound to ignite your own drive for success!