Advertise on podcast: Rise and Stride

Constant notifications. Meetings. Emails. Competing priorities. In today’s world, interruptions are everywhere, and according to internationally recognized speaker and author Diane Allen, they’re one of the biggest barriers to doing our best work. In this episode, she explains the science and strategy behind flow state, drawing on 15 years as a professional orchestra concertmaster, and shares why uninterrupted time matters and how creating just 90 minutes of focused time can change the way you work, lead and recharge.

What happens when AI moves beyond drafting emails and summarizing meetings and starts doing the actual work? Entrepreneur, author and AI innovator Alexis Kingberry explains his experiment building a 100% AI-powered accountancy firm—and why the future of accounting isn’t about replacing people. It’s about elevating them.

Private equity. Consolidation. Mergers and acquisitions. AI. The accounting profession is quickly transforming. CalCPA Health CEO Ron Lang and Mike Ray, CAMICO President and CEO, break down what these changes mean for CPAs—and why they believe there is tremendous opportunity now and in the future.

We like to think decisions are logical. Yet science tells us the biggest factor isn’t our knowledge or experience, but our nervous system? Felina Danalis, a stress and resilience expert and author, explores how our nervous systems influence everything from investing and risk tolerance to leadership and client relationships—and what professionals can do to make better decisions.

In a world defined by constant change, evolving workplaces and increasing leadership demands, what does it really take to lead well today? Jon Lokhorst, founder of Your Best Leadership, explores what he calls mission-critical leadership—the ability to lead effectively in every direction and why leadership starts “in the mirror” before it ever shows up in a team.

What does it really mean to lead? Retired Lt. Col. Oak McCulloch shares hard-earned leadership lessons from more than 40 years in the military and civilian world. From servant leadership to trust-building to communication and creating future leaders, he explains why great leadership is never about power—it’s about people.

Paul Dunn, an impact architect who helps teams design businesses where growth and purpose move as one, challenges accounting professionals to stop thinking of themselves as report producers and start seeing themselves as architects of their clients' futures. In this episode, he unpacks what it means to move from the experience economy to the transformation economy—and why CPAs are uniquely positioned to lead the way.

In this episode of Rise in Stride, Sabine Charles, TEDx speaker, author and CEO of Charles Financial Strategies, shares why the biggest risks organizations face today aren’t technical—they’re human. From leadership blind spots to the role of emotional intelligence in governance and AI adoption, she explains why mindset, self-awareness, and purpose are critical skills for modern leaders.  Resources: TedX Talk: Dethroned or reclaimed? Leadership, identity and purpose

What if the key to better engagement, stronger culture and long-term success isn’t working harder—but showing up more human? In this episode, leadership and culture expert, and comedian, John Garrett shares how embracing your “and”—the passions and interests beyond your job title—can transform workplaces, careers and relationships, and why people—not just productivity—are the real differentiator.    “What’s Your And? Unlock the Person Within the Profession”

We’ve all heard of ROI—return on investment. But what about ROR—return on relationship? In this episode, author Rory Henry, a Certified Financial Planner and Behavioral Financial Adviser, explains why trust, empathy and understanding the “human behind the numbers” are becoming the most valuable skills for CPAs and financial advisers—and how behavioral finance is reshaping client relationships.

Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about action. In this episode, CalCPA Public Service Award winners Rosario Bobadilla-Farias and Di Wu share how small, intentional steps can create meaningful change in the profession and the community. And it starts right where you are.

The days of climbing the career ladder rung by rung are quickly fading as career options and paths look nothing like they used to. Podcaster and talent and leadership development consultant Al Dea breaks down how today’s evolving workplace demands fresh approaches to engagement, growth and leadership.

Forget the old stereotypes. Dean Quiambao, chief relationship officer at Armanino, paints a new picture of what it means to be a CPA in today’s fast-changing world—one where CPAs lead in AI adoption, shift the conversation from fees to outcomes and change the perception of the profession by embracing their personal brand.

What does it take to truly disrupt accounting? Jim Wallace of BPM and Chris Vanover of CPAClub share how they’re tackling tradition, embracing innovation and setting new standards for success—all while putting people first.

Stephen Shedletzky—speaker, coach, adviser and author—has a passion for helping leaders unlock the voices of others. His mission: build “speak-up” cultures where people feel heard, valued and empowered. The result? Workplaces—and lives—that are transformed.   Resources: Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up