MOVE Like This!

How to Communicate Your Firm's Values When the Language Is Under Fire | MOVE Like This with Cass Bailey

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:46:45 -0400

When the language around diversity, equity, and inclusion becomes politically charged, many firms do one of two things: double down on the terminology or go completely silent. According to Cass Bailey, CEO of Slice Communications, both are mistakes.

Cass joins host Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk to share how firms can communicate their values with intention and clarity — even in a polarized environment. Drawing from deep experience in PR, internal messaging, and crisis communications, she makes the case that the path forward isn't about finding safer words. It's about being clear on what you actually stand for and making sure your internal culture matches what you're saying publicly.

For firms facing pressure from multiple directions — employees, clients, and ownership — this episode offers a grounded, practical communication strategy that doesn't require you to compromise your mission.

What you'll take away:

Why values-based language outlasts buzzwords in any political climate
How to spot the gap between your external messaging and internal reality — before it costs you talent
Why recruiting is your most visible inclusion metric
How to communicate clearly to stakeholders who don't all agree
What firms should be doing right now to reinforce their culture through everyday decisions

Resources & Links

Connect with Cass Bailey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandraorylbailey/

Learn more about Slice Communications: https://slicecommunications.com

Participate in the Accounting MOVE Project: https://accountingmoveproject.com

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How Strengths-Based Coaching Transforms Retention at Accounting Firms | MOVE Like This with Angela Oakley

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:33:20 -0400

Most firms that try CliftonStrengths treat it as an event. Clark Nuber treats it as a culture. Angela Oakley, Director of the firm's Talent Advisor Program, joins host Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk to share what nearly a decade of strengths-based coaching looks like in practice — and why the difference between a one-time assessment and a lasting development program comes down to consistency, champions, and intention.

Angela has been building this program since 2016, embedding strengths into onboarding, performance conversations, and team dynamics. Her approach is pragmatic: start where there's openness, let success build momentum, and make strengths part of how people talk about their work every day — not just during review season.

For firms wondering why their development investments don't seem to move the needle, this episode offers a clear and practical alternative.

What you'll take away:

Why strengths-based development builds trust and engagement faster than traditional approaches
How to use CliftonStrengths in onboarding to accelerate new hire integration
The right way to find champions and grow a program without top-down mandates
Why shifting focus from weaknesses to strengths changes the entire culture of feedback
What it takes to keep a development program alive and relevant year after year

Resources & Links

Connect with Angela Oakley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-oakley-8a72a44/

Learn more about Clark Nuber: https://clarknuber.com

Participate in the Accounting MOVE Project: https://accountingmoveproject.com

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Why Belonging - and Not Just Inclusion - Is the Real Goal | MOVE Like This Ep. with Donny Shimamoto

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:57:41 -0400

There's a difference between being included and truly belonging — and for many women and professionals of color in accounting, that gap is exactly where careers stall. Donny Shimamoto of the Center for Accounting Transformation joins host Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk to explore why the profession keeps losing diverse talent before it reaches leadership, and what firms can do differently.

Donny speaks from personal experience as an Asian leader in the profession, bringing both candor and optimism to a conversation that also tackles the political headwinds facing DEI efforts today. His argument: when firms stop treating diversity as a separate initiative and start integrating people-centered practices into their overall strategy, belonging becomes a competitive advantage — not a checkbox.

The episode also announces an exciting new research collaboration between the Accounting MOVE Project and the Center for Accounting Transformation.

What you'll take away:

Why belonging is a more meaningful — and measurable — goal than inclusion
How neutral language can expand DEI participation without diluting the mission
Why retention of diverse talent fails at the leadership level — and how to change that
What it looks like to integrate people practices into firm strategy
Details on the new MOVE + Center for Accounting Transformation research initiative

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Resources & Links

Full episode on CPA Trendlines: https://cpatrendlines.com/2025/05/14/donny-shimamoto-reimagining-diversity-and-belonging-in-the-accounting-profession-move-like-this/

Connect with Donny Shimamoto on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnyitk/

Center for Accounting Transformation: https://improvetheworld.net

Participate in the MOVE Project: https://accountingmoveproject.com

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Skills Testing as a Secret Weapon for Hiring & Retention | MOVE Like This with Ashley Kostos

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:33:16 -0400

What if your next great hire isn't the one with the most impressive resume — but the one who actually scores highest on the job? Ashley Kostos, Sales Manager at Accountests, joins host Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk to explore how data-driven skills assessments help accounting firms hire smarter, develop talent faster, and remove bias from promotion decisions.

Ashley shares how assessments built specifically for the accounting profession go beyond the interview to measure real-world technical skills, software fluency, and personality traits like ethics and resilience — and how firms are using that data not just to screen candidates, but to build meaningful career paths.

In this episode:

Why resumes and interviews aren't enough to assess true readiness
How skills testing reduces bias in hiring and promotion
Using assessment results to build tailored onboarding and development plans
The Pathway to Partnership report — benchmarking employees against leadership traits
Why re-testing every few years leads to stronger, more resilient teams

If your firm is losing people and not sure why — or hiring on gut instinct and hoping for the best — this episode will change how you think about talent decisions.

MOVE Like This is the podcast for accounting firm leaders building more equitable, competitive, and people-first firms.

Learn more about the Accounting MOVE Project: https://accountingmoveproject.com

#AccountingLeadership #CPA #PublicAccounting #TalentStrategy #WomenInAccounting #AccountingMOVEProject #HiringBestPractices #AccountingFirms

How BPM's CEO Embeds Inclusion Into Firm Strategy | MOVE Like This with Jim Wallace

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:53:32 -0400

What does it look like when a firm's CEO truly leads DEI from the top? BPM CEO Jim Wallace joins host Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk to share how his firm has woven diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into its business strategy — not as a side initiative, but as a core operating principle.

Jim shares how BPM's guiding value, "Because People Matter," shows up in everything from leadership development to colleague resource groups (CRGs) — and why measuring belonging is just as important as measuring revenue.

In this episode:

✅ Why DEI must live in your strategic plan, not on the sidelines

✅ How top-down commitment creates firm-wide momentum

✅ Using engagement surveys to track belonging — and acting on the results

✅ How colleague resource groups drive connection and inclusion

✅ The metrics BPM tracks to hold itself accountable

Whether you're a managing partner, HR director, or firm leader wondering how to move from intention to action, this conversation delivers a practical, honest look at what it takes.

MOVE Like This is the podcast for accounting firm leaders building more equitable, competitive, and people-first firms. Hosted by Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk.

Learn more about the MOVE Project: https://accountingmoveproject.com

#AccountingLeadership #DEI #CPA #PublicAccounting #WomenInAccounting #MOVEProject #AccountingFirms #InclusionAtWork

MOVE Like This - Carrie Steffen, Iowa Society of CPAs

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:16:59 -0400

In this episode of MOVE Like This, Bonnie speaks with Carrie Steffen about what she’s seeing from her new role as CEO of the Iowa Society of CPAs. After 25 years advising firms on growth and marketing, Carrie stepped into the CEO role in 2025 with responsibility for member engagement, education, and legislative advocacy. One of her earliest takeaways is that communication is far more complex than it appears. A state society represents professionals across different firm sizes, geographies, and career stages, and reaching them effectively requires clear, intentional messaging that builds trust and keeps people connected to the profession.

Carrie also links today’s talent pressures to broader economic realities and generational expectations. Professionals entering the workforce during uncertain economic periods often prioritize stability, flexibility, and a sense of community. In that environment, belonging is no longer a “nice to have.” It plays a central role in whether professionals stay in the field, develop within their firms, and see a future in the profession.

The conversation also explores the profession’s pipeline challenge and why fewer students are choosing accounting. Carrie suggests part of the problem is messaging: the profession often highlights deadlines and workload instead of the impact and opportunity that a CPA career can offer. At the same time, accounting is competing with highly visible careers in tech and finance. Firms that want to remain relevant will need to tell a more compelling story about the stability, versatility, and long-term career paths accounting provides while also listening to younger professionals whose perspectives will shape what the profession becomes next.

Jessica McClain, Girl Scouts CFO, Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:52:00 -0500

Just in time for Girl Scout cookie season, we talk to Jessica McClain, the organizations newly-appointed CFO. On this episode, Jessica and Bonnie talk about the importance of "belonging" in the workplace. Research shows that at least 64% of people feel the need to hide some aspect of their identity from their co-workers. Trying to keep part of yourself hidden is stressful, and the energy used to perform a certain way is energy that is not being used to perform a job and take care of client needs. We discuss what individuals can do to embody authenticity, and what situations indicate it is time to move on to another job. We also talk about what accounting firms can do to create a culture where people of all stripes feel safe to be themselves. You can learn more about Jessica here or on LinkedIn.

Amy Yip, Keynote Speaker & Author, Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:06:34 -0500

On this episode, we talk about why so many women are "people pleasers" and have such a hard time saying no when needed. We dive into how to identify our boundaries and literally practice saying "no" until we are comfortable doing so. We then expand on that conversation to discuss what firm leaders can do to create a culture where client needs are met and team members support each other yet everyone can ask for what they need and say no when appropriate too.

To learn more about Amy's work, visit her website here: https://amyyipcoaching.com/

Safiya Reid with Pure Insurance Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 01:37:00 -0500

Today, we leave the accounting profession for an episode and talk to Safiya Reid, the AVP of Employee Engagement with Pure Insurance. We talk about how she got into the DEI space, why focusing on naysayers is not the best use of our time, and reiterate how this work is all about adding opportunities – not subtracting them. We also talk about how we both look forward to a day when we work ourselves out of a job in DEI because it is fully integrated into workspaces, and we get her advice on how firm leaders can create more inclusive cultures where people want to work and feel they belong.

To learn more about Pure Insurance, visit https://www.pureinsurance.com/

Sandra Wiley with Boomer Consulting Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:49:00 -0400

Strap in because this one is longer than most but well worth the time investment. Sandra Wiley, president of Boomer Consulting, joins to discuss Boomer's DEI Consortium, the talent shortage, and how firms can rise above the talent shortage. But we also discuss how DEI is a "human issue" even though many try to politicize it, particularly during these few weeks prior to a presidential election. We share personal stories and how each of us learned that listening to others is vital to improving the human condition for all of us.

Sandra also mentioned some books in this podcast, including:

The Third Option: Hope for a Racilly Divided Nation by Miles McPherson
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently by John Maxwell
Embracing Your Power: A Woman's Path to Authentic Leadership and Meaningful Relationships by Marsha Clark

To learn more about Boomer Consulting, visit https://www.boomer.com//

Mayumi Young with CPA MOMS Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0400

After a break in August, we kick off September with a great conversation with Mayumi Young, the founder and CEO of CPA MOMS. We discuss what led her to starting this business and how it has grown and changed since 2008. We also delve into the accounting profession as a whole, discussing how firms need to make adjustments to attract, retain and promote women, people of color and particularly, Gen Z employees, as well as how individuals need to find and pursue work that inspires them.

To learn more about CPA MOMS, visit https://cpamoms.com/

Liz Barentzen with Accounting+ Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:45:00 -0400

On this episode, Bonnie is joined by Liz Barentzen, VP of Operations and Talent Initiatives for the Center for Audit Quality, to talk about the Accounting+ program which has been educating young people, particularly those in underrepresented groups, about the benefits and possibilities of a career in accounting. We talk about why the profession is facing this unprecedented shortage of talent, how the campaign was started, where it receives its support, and the myriad resources available on its website at https://www.joinaccountingplus.com/. Additionally, Liz offers some advice for firm leaders to help overcome some of the negative stereotypes and showcase the positives of what can be a wonderful career for many people.

Follow Accounting+ on the following platforms:

Instagram: acct.plus
TikTok: @accounting.plus
Facebook: JoinAccountingPlus
Twitter/X: Acct_plus
YouTube: @accounting_plus

Tricia Bencich with Moss Adams Joins the MOVE Conversation Again

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:50:00 -0400

On this episode, Bonnie is joined by Tricia Bencich of Moss Adams for the second time. We go deep on the idea of "mental load" and how it impacts us, particularly women, in the workplace. While you may not be familiar with the phrase "mental load," I'm willing to bet you experience it all the time, since it is a term for the invisible labor involved in managing a household and family. We talk about why women carry so much mental load, how it shows up in our daily work and personal lives, and some strategies for reducing it. If you've ever felt stressed by all you have to do, listen to this episide and share it with your friends and family too.

To watch Tricia's full MOVE Mini Summit presentation on mental load via CPA Academy, attended by more than 1000 people, visit: https://www.cpaacademy.org/archived_show/a0DQh000009agQ9MAI

To learn more about Moss Adams, visit https://www.mossadams.com/home.

Rob Lucas with the Alzheimer's Association Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:45:00 -0400

On today's episode, we talk to Rob Lucas, the director of corporate initiatives at the Alzheimer's Association. Why, you ask? In part, because Bonnie was recently asked to join their Accounting Industry Leadership Council, and she wanted to share the great work of this group. Interestingly, it is often accountants that notice the first signs of Alzheimer's in their clients, which is part of the reason this council was formed four years ago. We talk about what the council does, as well as delving into broader toipics such as the fact that we now have medications that can slow the progression of Alzheimer's, the barriers medical professionals face when it comes to diagnosing and treating it, and the important role advisors like accountants and attorneys can play in planning for the future.

To learn more, visit https://www.alz.org/ or call their toll-free number, 1-800-272-3900.

To read (and share!) the list of 10 Healthy Habits for your Brain, visit https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10-healthy-habits-for-your-brain.

To join the Accounting MOVE Project walk team or make a donation, go here: https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=889240&pg=team&fr_id=1 7539

Carol Ann Nash with Armanino Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:40:00 -0400

On today's episode, Carol Ann Nash from Armanino shares what her firm is doing to create a work culture that takes into account post-COVID desires for flexibility while also meeting team needs when they come into the office. We discuss what employees are saying they want most, not only in terms of where they work, but in the type of work they do. She shares the five tenets of Armanino's work strategy and offers advice for firm leaders looking to create a culture where people want to work and grow into leadership roles. To learn more about Armanino, visit https://www.armanino.com/.

To view Carol Ann's full session on The Future of Work on CPA Academy, visit https://www.cpaacademy.org/archived_show/a0DQh000008sP87MAE.

Jen Wilson with Convergence Coaching Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 22 May 2024 00:18:00 -0400

Strap in for a deep conversation with Jen Wilson, Co-Founder & Partner with Convergence Coaching, and a fellow member of the CPA Consultants' Alliance (https://cpaconsultantsalliance.com/). We talk about some of the biggest challenges facing the accounting profession, the work of the National Pipeline Advisory Group (https://www.accountingpipeline.org/), the importance of inclusion and diversity for firms' longevity, and how fiercely independent firms can compete and win in today's landscape. To learn more about Convergence Coaching, visit https://convergencecoaching.com/.

Trevor Williams with GRF Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 08 May 2024 00:20:00 -0400

On this episode, I catch up with Trevor Williams, DEI Director with GRF CPAs & Advisors. He and his firm were recently featured in an Accounting Today article for their DEI efforts and the transparency report they released that talks about the strides made, but also points out the areas where more work is needed and how they are going to get there. We dig into current DEI skepticism, the many facets of diversity, and get his advice for firms looking to start or expand their DEI initiatives. He also gives the coolest answer yet to where he'd travel if money and time weren't an option. To learn more about GRF, go here: https://www.grfcpa.com/.

Read GRF Pushes Forward on Diversity Efforts Despite DEI Backlash: https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/grf-pushes-forward-on-diversity-efforts-despite-dei-backlash
Read GRF's 2023 DEI report: https://www.grfcpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2023-GRF-DEI-Transparency-Report_Final.pdf

Michael Annichine with the Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:40:00 -0400

In this episode, we take a break from accounting and talk about something that impacts all of us: healthcare. As the CEO of Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation, Michael has a front row seat to what is going on in women's healthcare and is one of the strongest advocates in the area. We talk about what brought him to this role, why women have only been included in clinical and pharmaceutical trials for such a short time, and the simple way he's found to build trust with marginalized communities. We also discuss how to advocate for your own healthcare. To learn more about Magee-Womens Research Institute, visit https://mageewomens.org/ and be sure to follow them on your favorite social media platforms.

And if you are interested in learning more about the history of women's healthcare, he recommends reading All In Her Head.

Jessica Hekmatjah from BPM Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:04:00 -0400

On this episode of MOVE Like This, Bonnie is joined by Jessica Hekmatjah, Chief Marketing & Corporate Development Officer at BPM. We discuss the firm's substantial increase in women partners between 2022 and 2023 and how leadership support is important to any DEI initiative. We also learn the valuable role BPM's colleague resource groups play in its strategy and culture and learn what advice Jessica has for firms looking to attract, retain and promote more women. To learn more about BPM, visit https://www.bpm.com/.

Mary Maguire of MJM Talent Solutions Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:31:00 -0400

On this episode, we have our first return guest! Our very first guest, Mary Maguire, formerly of SAPRO and currently CEO of MJM Talent Solutions, returns to talk about the state of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the accounting profession. We dive into what programs need to succeed, why firms should not pull back on their efforts, and the myriad benefits businesses experience when DEIB is woven into its DNA. We also cover some of the biggest mistakes firms make and how to avoid them. Strap in, this is a meaty one! (And here's the link to the video Bonnie references on microaggressions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ9l7y4UuxY)

Cindy Stanley & Shane Schaefer from AFWA Join the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:58:00 -0400

On this episode, we are joined by two women from the Accounting and Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA), Cindy Stanley, Executive Director and Shane Schaefer, Events & Education Director. We learn about AFWA's 86-year-history and how the organization and the Accounting MOVE Project started working together 15 years ago. Cindy shares her observations about the role of women in the accounting profession, including some advances and remaining frustrations, and Shane tells us all about AFWA's upcoming events. We encourage anyone interested in learning more about this supportive and influential organization to visit their website at https://www.afwa.org/.

Priscilla Hammonds with BerryDunn Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:13:00 -0500

Priscilla Hammonds, DEI Director at BerryDunn joins MOVE Like This to share her unique perspective as someone who has worked in the DEI space for 20+ years. We learn how BerryDunn has embraced diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and access and committed time, resources and energy to creating a firm of choice for all potential employees. Priscilla also shares her thoughts on why firms that may be considering pulling back on their DEI investment should reconsider if they want to remain competitive. To learn more about BerryDunn, visit https://www.berrydunn.com/.

Reema Patel with CBM Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 02:18:00 -0500

Reema Patel, accounting practitioner, financial advisor and co-director of D-PATH, CBM's diversity and inclusion initiative, talks about how the firm has created policies that attract and retain women, how she addresses DEI skepticism, and why she helped create a financial planning service targeting Millennials. We also learn why she would choose teleportation as her superpower. To learn more about CBM, visit https://www.cbmcpa.com/.

Angie Grissom with The Rainmaker Companies Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 01:17:00 -0500

Angie Grissom, CEO of The Rainmaker Companies and one of the most influential people in accounting, joins Bonnie to talk about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in today's profession. Topic discussed range from what firms can do to find and retain talent, how a "people-first" approach is vital to today's workforce, and what successful firms are doing to meet and exceed the needs of clients, the firm and their team members simultaneously. We also learn the impact travel has had on her world view and the superpower she wishes she had. To learn more about The Rainmaker Companies, visit https://therainmakercompanies.com/.

Amanda Pontow & Megan Geissinger from Bland & Associates Join the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 01:13:00 -0500

Amanda Pontow, partner, and Megan Geissinger, Human Resources manager, at Bland & Associates join Bonnie to discuss how they are supporting local high schools to fight the talent shortage, discuss their Leadership training program, called BLING, and share how they are invested in cross training team members to ensure clients are always served at the highest level possible. Learn more about Bland & Associates by visiting https://blandcpa.com/.

Jen Cryder of the PICPA Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 01:10:00 -0500

Jen Cryder, CEO of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs, joins Bonnie to talk about the talent crunch, the core reasons why fewer young people are entering the professions, and how some firms are addressing it. We also discuss some ways firms need to adjust to retain the people they have, particularly women, and where they need to invest their money to become firms of the future. Learn more about the PICPA here: https://www.picpa.org/.

Arianna Savoca of Grassi Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 01:44:00 -0500

Arianna Savoca, Human Resources Manager with Grassi talks about how training and mentoring is built into the culture at Grassi, the great work and impact that the Women's Council and other ERGs have on the firm, and how bi-annual employee reviews help ensure pay equity at the firm. We also learn about the unique superpower she would like to have and how Bonnie would find it valuable too. Learn more about Grassi at https://www.grassicpas.com/.

Lanelle Herink of HBE Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 01:11:00 -0500

Lanelle Herink, a partner at HBE, talks about the challenges of instilling culture in a remote working environment, how important it is to provide training and transparency for rising leaders in the firm, and offers advice for other firms looking to recruit, retain and promote women. We also learn that she'd head to Italy if given the opportunity to travel anywhere and what unique superpower she'd like to have. Learn more about HBE at https://hbecpa.com/.

Dave Roberson of RoseRyan Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:18:00 -0500

Dave Roberson, president of RoseRyan, talks about why they decided to merge with ZRG and how it has gone in the last 18 months as well as the unexpected benefits of having a 100% remote workforce. We also discuss how having managers take on greater responsibility for the firm's strategic initiatives has better equipped the next generation of leaders for the future and led to exciting new insight and ideas. We also learn that Dave wants to travel to the Mt. Everest base camp, not to climb, but to support those that are. Learn more about RoseRyan by visiting https://roseryan.com/.

Robin Matthews of Jones & Roth Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 01:03:00 -0400

Robin Matthews, partner and shareholder at Jones & Roth in Oregon discusses the supportive culture at her firm and their philosophy of "one size fits one." With women comprising 42% of their partner group, Jones & Roth is well above average at retaining women into leadership positions, and Robin shares some of the reasons behind their success. She also shares advice for other firms looking to attract and retain more talented women and share where she'd like to travel too. To learn more about Jones & Roth, visit https://www.jrcpa.com/.

Sharon Bhalaru of Armanino Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 12:28:00 -0400

Sharon Bhalaru, partner with Armanino, shares how one moment with a firm leader changed her trajectory and gave her the encouragement she needed to work toward her current role of partner. We also discuss the firm's B-Corp certification, how it embraced and expanded on BrownSmithWallace's The Bridge women's program and how having customized partnership options has allowed them to retain so many more women from manager to partner. We also learn the unique (yet fantastic) superpower she'd like to have. Learn more about Armanino at https://www.armanino.com/.

Lori Leutwyler from Kerkering Barberio Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:55:00 -0400

Lori Leutwyler, HR Manager at Kerbering Barberio in Florida shares what her firm does to retain women so much better than other accounting firms, how they are extradorinarily selective about the clients they choose to serve and what they do to maintain connections in an environment where 65% of their staff employ a remote or hybrid schedule. We also learn about her incredibly brave great-grandmother's immigration story and the unique, but very useful, superpower she'd like to have. To learn more about Kerkering Barberio, visit https://www.kbgrp.com/.

Jina Etienne Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:07:00 -0400

Jina Etienne, CEO of Etienne Consulting which exists to help clients all break through unseen barriers to see and create what is beyond. On this episode we learn more about Jina's work with firms, discuss some of the biggest changes impacting the accounting profession, and learn how she defines and helps firms create "fearless inclusion." To learn more about Jina and her firm, visit https://www.etienneconsulting.com/

Karen Mattull and Kim Paskal of BeachFleischman Join the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 00:12:00 -0400

On this episode, you get two for the price of one as I talk to both Karen Mattull, COO and principal, and Kim Paskal, tax department COO and principal, from BeachFleischman in Arizona. We discuss how the firm has incorporated greater flexibility into its structure, how they have been successful recruiting and retaining women and people of color, and the advice they have for other firms with similar goals. We also learn how together, Karen and Kim would use their superpowers for the good of us all. To learn more about BeachFleischman, visit their website: https://beachfleischman.com/

Avani Desai of Schellman Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:45:00 -0400

Avani Desai, CEO of Schellman, talks about her firm's unique service offering, how they intentionally recruit women and people of color, and many of the ways they create a culture where people want to work. We also learn about some of the interesting ways they encourage employees to truly unplug to avoid burnout, and Avani offers advice to other firms searching for a similar work-life cohesion. Learn more about Schellman at https://www.schellman.com/.

Becky Guenther of Rehmann Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 00:14:00 -0400

Becky Guenther, Director of Total Rewards at Rehmann shares all the reasons why her firm has been named one of the Best CPA Firms for Women for the last 10 years. Topics include how they are weaving DEI into all parts of the firm, the importance of ensuring pay equity and all the ways the firm managed to avoid the "Great Resignation" too. We also determine that we should all have "positivity rays" on hand at all times. Learn more about Rehmann at https://www.rehmann.com/.

Donny Shimamoto from the Center for Accounting Transformation Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:55:00 -0400

Donny Shimamoto, the visionary behind the Center for Accounting Transformation, joins MOVE Like This to talk about the work he is doing to help accounting firms become more inclusive and what he has learned from his recent DEI research. We discuss how there are so many ways to think about diversity, and that no firm is too small to embrace it. Toward the end, we learn why he'd love to travel back to Japan, and Bonnie adds a new place to her travel bucket list.

Tricia Bencich of Moss Adams Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 00:19:00 -0400

Tricia Bencich, Inclusion & Social Responsibility Associate Director at Moss Adams, discusses the policies and initiatives the firm is undertaking to create an inclusive work culture where team members want to stay and how they are measuring their efforts so they know what is working and what may need adjustment. We also talk about Moss Adams' original and continued support as MOVE's founding sponsor, and Tricia provides recommendations for firms just getting started on their DEI journey. We end with a discussion of how both Tricia and Bonnie would like to be able to make things happen by twitching their noses like Samantha on the 70s TV show Bewitched. Learn more about Moss Adams here: https://www.mossadams.com/home

Lori Kaiser from Kaiser Consulting Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:43:00 -0400

Lori Kaiser, founder and CEO of Kaiser Consulting, talks about her firm's unique model of all employees working part-time hours, their recent acquisition by a private equity firm, and why traveling to Antartica is on her bucket list.

Keynote Speaker & Leadership Coach Scharrell Jackson Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:01:00 -0400

Scharrell Jackson, an accomplished international keynote speaker and leadership coach with decades of firsthand public accounting experience, joins MOVE Like This to talk about Juneteenth and so much more. We touch on the changes firm leaders must embrace to compete in today's market, how to bring more diversity to the profession, and the importance of creating a work culture of inclusion so everyone can feel like they belong, contribute and rise through the ranks to become leaders.

Corinne LaRoche of James Moore & Co. Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 24 May 2023 06:51:04 -0400

Corinne LaRoche, Nonprofit Partner, James Moore & Co. shares some of the reasons her firm has nearly reached partner between men and women, her thoughts on how firms can approach work differently to adjust to fewer students entering the profession, and why she wanted to be a weather girl when she was 5 years old. Visit https://www.jmco.com to learn more about James Moore & Co.

Tracy Brown, Clark Nuber, Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 10 May 2023 01:01:00 -0400

Tracy Brown, Chief Human Relations Officer at Clark Nuber, shares why she thinks her firm is better able to attract and retain talent than the national average, discusses how it has embraced a flex-work model, and describes why she would want to be telepathic if she could have any superpower.

Kristen Clark, The Bonadio Group, Joins the MOVE Conversation

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:27:00 -0400

Kristen Clark, Chief Risk Officer and Syracuse Office Managing Partner, at The Bonadio Group talks about how her firm retains more women than most, what she learned from their recent pay equity audit, and why she would love to be able to teleport anywhere she wants.

Kandace Freeman of Frazier & Deeter Joins the MOVE Conversation

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 19:16:08 -0400

Kandace Freeman, DEI Program Manager at Frazier & Deeter in Atlanta discusses the firm's intentional approach to recruiting and retention and offers advice for other accounting firms that are looking to diversify their staff and create a culture of belonging.

Ask Me Anything Episode with Joanne Cleaver, MOVE founder

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 00:01:00 -0400

Joanne Cleaver, the founder of the Accounting MOVE Project, and Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk talk about MOVE's history, methodology, and how it has impacted firms for more than a decade.

Mary Maguire from SAPRO joins the MOVE conversation

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:30:03 -0400

Mary Maguire, Executive Vice President of Global Strategic Partnerships, joins the show to talk about some of the innovative programs at SAPRO. We also discuss why SAPRO became a MOVE sponsor, that pay equity is good for business, and how she learned about running a business from her grandmother.