Join host Adam Larson for an insightful and refreshingly human conversation with Todd Thornock, Associate Professor at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Academic Research Fellow at the Institute of Management Accountants. Todd brings a unique blend of academic research and real-world perspective to the art of understanding and motivating your team. In this episode, he explains why being “people first” matters even in a numbers-driven field like accounting and shares personal stories and surprising research findings on personality traits in the workplace. Discover practical tips to build trust, curiosity, and self-awareness as a leader, and learn how understanding the individual personalities on your team can transform your workplace culture. If you’re looking for thoughtful takeaways and fresh motivation to connect with your colleagues, this conversation is packed with useful insights and inspiration to help you lead with empathy and intention.
Join host Adam Larson as he sits down with Brian Hogeland, CFO of Packer Fasteners, in this SuiteWorld edition of Count Me In. Brian shares his journey from high school accounting classes to leading a fast-growing finance team, offering insights on how to manage rapid growth, adopt new technology, and foster a culture of curiosity and empowerment. He talks candidly about taking a company through an IPO, implementing ERP systems, and exploring AI with his team. Brian also gives practical advice on automation, upskilling employees, and embracing change while keeping trust and human judgment at the heart of finance. If you’re looking for real-world lessons from a forward-thinking leader, you’ll enjoy this engaging episode.
Join host Adam Larson for a lively conversation with entrepreneur, speaker, author, and president of VisionEdge Marketing, Laura Paterson. Drawing on decades of experience, Laura shares her practical wisdom on building stronger partnerships between marketing and finance in today’s data-driven organizations. Discover why learning to speak each other’s language and focusing on real business outcomes rather than budget line items leads to smarter decisions and meaningful growth.
Laura breaks down common traps like “random acts” of marketing, reveals how aligning around purpose improves performance, and gives actionable advice for CFOs and finance leaders who want to genuinely connect with their marketing counterparts. With real-world stories and plenty of energy, Laura discusses the transformative power of customer-centric strategies and outcome-based budgeting, all while highlighting the importance of using data for insight, not just information.
Perfect for anyone in marketing, finance, or leadership, this episode is packed with fresh ideas and relatable anecdotes that will inspire collaboration and drive success. If you’re ready to move from transaction to strategy and make a real impact. Don’t miss this engaging conversation.
Get ready for another exciting bonus episode from SuiteWorld 25! Host Adam Larson sits down with Kimberlee Duval, CFO of Cymbiotika, an inspiring leader whose unconventional journey in accounting will resonate with anyone passionate about growth and purpose. Kimberlee shares how her early experiences shaped her career, the key lessons she learned while scaling startups, and why her mantra of “measure twice, cut once” is her guide for success.
From working with supportive mentors and breaking the mold in corporate leadership, to building teams where curiosity thrives and mistakes are part of the process, Kimberlee offers candid stories and actionable advice on cultivating a culture that empowers people to grow, learn, and truly love what they do. Plus, you’ll hear her insights on embracing AI and technology in accounting, ensuring that her teams spend less time crunching numbers and more time thinking strategically.
Whether you’re climbing the ranks in finance, leading a team, or just looking for inspiration, don’t miss this conversation packed with heart, humor, and practical wisdom from Kimberlee Duval.
What happens when you mix a lifelong fascination with business, a love of personality quizzes, and a career in academic research? You get Kari Olsen, Department Chair at Utah Valley University and this episode’s featured guest! Join host Adam Larson as he chats with Kari about how our unique personality traits shape the way we work, especially in the world of accounting.
Kari shares his journey from delivering newspapers as a kid to leading academic teams, revealing why understanding human behavior is more relevant than ever for organizations. The two discuss everything from the surprising upsides of traits like narcissism, to how managers can use personality insights to build stronger, happier teams. Whether you’re a leader or an employee, you’ll pick up practical tips and fascinating stories that can help you work better with colleagues (and maybe learn a little about yourself along the way).
If you’re curious about how personality shapes performance and culture at work, you won’t want to miss Kari’s fresh take, packed with research and relatable advice!
Get ready for an inspiring chat with Evan Goldberg, co-founder and EVP at Oracle NetSuite, as he sits down with host Adam Larson at SuiteWorld 25. In this special bonus episode, Evan looks back on over 27 years of building the world’s #1 cloud ERP and shares honest stories about his entrepreneurial journey—successes, setbacks, and all the learning in between. Evan opens up about what sparked the idea for NetSuite, how seeing his own company grow helped shape the product, and how today’s AI tools, like NetSuite’s new “Ask Oracle” feature, are changing the game for finance teams of all sizes. Whether you’re leading a startup, part of a fast-moving finance department, or just excited about the future of business tech, you’ll love Evan’s insights on innovation, building for scale, and the skills tomorrow’s leaders will need. Tune in for a friendly, down-to-earth conversation packed with wisdom and a dose of real-world inspiration.
In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with Elizabeth Lotardo, author of "Leading Yourself," for a candid and refreshing conversation about finding purpose, battling burnout, and navigating real-life work challenges. Elizabeth shares relatable stories and actionable advice for anyone who’s ever wondered how to stay motivated in a less-than-dream job, or how to handle difficult coworkers and demanding bosses. From debunking hustle culture to practical tips on “phoning it in” when you need to, Elizabeth’s insights will have you rethinking what self-leadership actually means. Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to survive Monday, you’ll walk away with tools to boost your mindset, improve your work relationships, and take control—even when everything feels uncertain. Don’t miss this engaging chat packed with wisdom, humor, and the perfect dose of real talk.
In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson chats with John Rubinetti, President of B2B Payments at Deluxe, about what it really takes for mid-market companies to move from manual accounts payable and receivable processes to smart automation. John shares eye-opening stats (like 71% of firms still juggling AP/AR manually) and practical insights on making the switch, from overcoming resistance to integrating multiple payment systems.
You'll get honest advice on preparing your team, what to look for in automation platforms, and why empowering your finance pros matters more than ever. If you’re looking to save time, reduce errors, or just get your team out of endless reconciliation work, don’t miss this episode—John’s straightforward tips and real-world stories make automation less intimidating and a lot more achievable.
Get ready for a practical and energizing conversation with Lisa Levy, founder of Lcubed Consulting and author of "Future Proofing Cubed." In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with Lisa to talk all things adaptive transformation—what it is, why it matters, and how any organization (big or small) can break down silos, empower teams, and actually make change stick. Lisa shares her proven framework that borrows from the best of big business but is tailored for smaller, agile companies—including a smart mix of people, process, and technology.
You’ll hear real-world examples of process documentation, lessons from failed projects, and the critical role of innovation in keeping companies nimble and competitive. Lisa also reveals her "Innovation Engine" approach, offering actionable steps for creating a culture where anyone can contribute new ideas—without going on lengthy retreats or burning hours in meetings. If you’re a leader ready to move from firefighting to future-focused, don’t miss Lisa’s insights, stories, and practical takeaways you can use today. Plus, she shares a special offer for Count Me In listeners at the end!
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.
Thinking about starting—or leveling up—a global finance career? In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with Unnamalai (Unzi) Ramanathan and Charu Solanki, two dynamic finance professionals who’ve taken their careers across India, Dubai, Hong Kong, and the US. Unzi and Charu get real about why finance skills are more in demand than ever, what sets certifications like CMA and CSCA apart, and how these credentials have helped them stand out in a changing industry.
Listen in for practical advice on building financial expertise, developing strategic and analytical skills, and navigating the ups and downs of international career moves. The conversation is packed with honest stories about adapting to new cultures, constant learning, and networking—including how to find your niche in a crowded field. Whether you’re a student, a recent grad, or a finance pro thinking about your next step, this episode has plenty of actionable tips to help you chart your own path to global 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.
In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson chats with Mel Latu, author, founder and CEO of The Cash Flow Boss. Mel shares how her personal journey—balancing finances for two households during a family crisis—inspired her passion for cash flow forecasting and reshaped the way she approaches business.
Mel breaks down common pitfalls small businesses face with their finances, and explains how real-time accounting, modern tools, and great habits can make a massive difference. With tips from years of working in turnaround consulting, she offers practical strategies that empower business owners to take control of their cash flow and plan for the future.
Tune in for an engaging, down-to-earth conversation packed with real stories, actionable advice, and the inspiration you need to rethink your approach to financial management!
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.
In this episode, Adam Larson sits down with Steve Saah, Executive Director of Permanent Placement Operations at Robert Half, for a candid and practical chat about today’s challenging job market. Steve brings his extensive experience to the table, sharing real-world advice for both employers and job seekers—from how to attract and keep top finance professionals to how technology, remote work, and upskilling are shaking up traditional hiring trends. You’ll hear tips on what soft skills hiring managers are looking for, why company culture matters more than ever, and the smartest ways job candidates can stand out (it takes more than just updating your resume!). Whether you’re leading a finance team, looking for your next big opportunity, or trying to make sense of industry changes, you’ll find plenty of actionable insights and fresh perspectives in this lively conversation with one of the most trusted voices in accounting and finance talent.
Read more about today's topic: 2025 Finance and Accounting Job Market Outlook
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.
Looking for a fresh take on ethics in the business world? In this insightful episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with acclaimed professors and Curt Verschoor Feature of the Year authors Douglas Boyle, Daniel Haggerty, and Dana Hermanson. The trio brings their unique expertise—and plenty of real-world wisdom—to a lively conversation about what “virtue” really means in accounting, finance, and leadership.
Daniel traces the roots of virtue all the way from Greek philosophy to modern business, showing why courage, strength, and excellence matter just as much today. Doug and Dana share practical examples from their teaching and research, exploring why business education often misses the mark on building character—and how professionals at any stage can start making ethical choices that go beyond simply following rules.
Tune in for a thought-provoking, accessible discussion that will have you rethinking what it truly means to lead with integrity.
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.
On this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with Mike Jones, CEO and Managing Partner at Resound, for an eye-opening conversation about branding in the accounting industry. Mike shares his journey from helping his first accounting firm client rebrand to building the Remarkabrand index that tracks how firms stand out—or don’t. The two get into why brand differentiation matters way beyond just picking a nice logo or color scheme, and Mike breaks down the real business impacts, from pricing flexibility to client loyalty and successful mergers and acquisitions. With insights on branding pitfalls (hint: acronyms and too much blue) and the impact of private equity on firm identities, Mike offers practical advice that’s both actionable and inspiring. Whether you’re in a solo practice or part of a big firm, you’ll pick up fresh ideas on telling your firm’s story, attracting new talent, and setting yourself apart in a crowded market. Buckle up for a unique take on accounting marketing you probably haven’t heard before!
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.
In this episode of the Count Me In, host Adam Larson welcomes Bill Koefoed, Chief Financial Officer at OneStream, for an engaging chat about how AI is revolutionizing finance. Bill breaks down the real-world impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on financial forecasting, resource allocation, and everyday tasks like contract analysis and account reconciliation.
He also shares why transparency matters with AI, how teams can build a culture of innovation, and what finance professionals should do to keep their skills sharp. Packed with practical advice and firsthand stories, this episode offers an accessible and exciting look at the future of finance with AI. Don’t miss Bill’s expert take on embracing the tech that’s reshaping the industry!
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.
On this episode of Count Me In, Adam Larson sits down with Jameson Gale, CMA, CPA, and dynamic finance leader whose career has spanned TV production, entrepreneurship, and innovative tech startups. Jameson is also the founder of Ledgeroo, a platform designed to help bring accounting education to the world by making it affordable and accessible through bite-sized, gamified lessons. He shares how an unexpected opportunity launched him into accounting, why he fell in love with the field, and the wild ride of becoming a CFO at just 29 years old (including a “tiny” life change: getting married right before the pandemic hit!). From navigating the tricky finances behind hit shows like "Married at First Sight," to building financial systems for a solar tech startup, Jameson’s story is packed with lessons about taking risks, hustling for what you want (hint: sometimes that involves Craigslist), and keeping your passion for learning alive.
Jameson gives us a candid look at what it’s like to transition between industries, build your own tools from scratch, and bravely bet on yourself when everyone says otherwise. Whether you’re an accounting pro, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just love a good real-world success story, you’ll find inspiration and maybe a few laughs in this engaging, relatable conversation.
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.
Ready to take your career to the next level? Join host Adam Larson as he chats with Brian Hock, Founder and CEO of HOCK International and expert in accounting and finance education, about what really matters when it comes to professional certifications like the CMA. Brian breaks down why earning the certificate is just the start—and why actually applying your knowledge, building communication skills, and getting involved at work are the keys to standing out (and moving up).
Whether you’re just starting out or eyeing that next big promotion, Brian shares plenty of practical advice: choosing the right certification for your goals, making the most of continuing education, and preparing for real-world workplace challenges. There’s even some straight talk about what to do when you don’t know the answer, the power of networking inside your organization, and how to set yourself up (and your team) for long-term success.
Tune in for an episode packed with career wisdom, honest stories, and actionable tips—with Brian Hock’s trademark straightforward approach making it all refreshingly clear. Don’t miss this thoughtful take on how to turn certifications into actual career wins!
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.
Ready to level up your business operations? In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with La Tonya Roberts, CEO of Harmony Consulting Group. La Tonya shares her journey from corporate consulting to helping small businesses thrive, opening up about real-world challenges and her favorite strategies for building sustainable growth, strong teams, and systems that actually work (without the burnout).
Adam and La Tonya dig into how to make the switch from doing everything yourself to confident delegation, ways you can borrow Fortune 500 strategies without overwhelming your team, and the major impact that company culture has on your success. You’ll also hear practical advice about strategic planning, using data for better decisions, and creative ways to use AI to boost your business.
Whether you’re a small business owner, team leader, or just curious how successful organizations operate behind the scenes, you’ll find plenty of fresh insights and actionable tips. Tune in for a motivating conversation and walk away ready to make your business simpler, smarter, and more sustainable—with expert guidance from La Tonya Roberts.
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.
Curious about how HR and finance teams can work together to drive real change in the workplace? In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with Vrinda Sasidhar, Vice President - HR Consulting at HSBC and a seasoned HR leader with 15 years of experience across banking, tech, and process outsourcing. Vrinda shares what she’s learned about building bridges between people and numbers—from using psychology to engage employees, to staying ahead in a world where AI handles the grunt work.
Tune in for Vrinda’s practical tips on staying curious, continuously growing your skills, and navigating the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving finance landscape. If you’re interested in how modern HR and finance teams can collaborate for success—and you want advice that’s as real as it is actionable—this candid conversation is worth a listen.
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.
Curious about becoming a thought leader or author? In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson chats with Ben Cena, Co-founder at High Value Author, about how to turn your expertise into a nonfiction book that actually gets noticed. Ben shares his own story—starting with hating books—and explains how he now helps professionals use books as powerful tools for building brands, attracting clients, and opening doors.
You’ll hear honest advice about why most books fail, what makes a book succeed, and practical steps for getting started the right way. If you’ve ever wondered if writing a book is right for you or how it could impact your business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
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.