Our guest on this episode is Jason Labonte CPA, CMA, a Certified Executive Coach. Jason shares some perspectives on the value and benefits of executive coaching and how coaching can help professionals hone their leadership skills. He discusses the qualities and characteristics of successful leaders, and how the demands on leaders are changing. Jason is also an accomplished Ironman athlete, so we took some time on this episode to talk with Jason about his commitment to this grueling sport. All in all, it's an eye-opening and enjoyable conversation with an insightful guest. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Two Perspectives on Mentorship with Sandy Lyons and Rod Gatti by CPA Alberta

In Part 2 of Sarah Carver's conversation with host Erin Schwartz, Sarah discusses the impact of tariffs and AI on small businesses such as C-West Custom Fixtures and how these impacts are being addressed. She also talks about the path to success for women-led businesses in traditionally male-dominated business sectors. As well, Sarah shares her reasons for being a dedicated supporter and mentor of younger professionals. There's much more to hear about in this engaging conversation about the many ways people can "put themselves out there" in their careers and their lives.

In the first episode of this two-part conversation, Calgary CPA Sarah Carver joins host Erin Schwartz CPA to talk about her career path and how her decision to become a CPA instead of a lawyer led to her current role as Financial Controller for C-West Custom Fixtures as well as co-founder of her own design studio. A common theme underpinning Sarah's career has been her belief in the value of "putting yourself out there" and taking risks. Sarah reflects on the rewards that come with being part of a women-led business and how C-West successfully managed through the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarah and Erin also discuss Sarah's volunteer work with the Narrow Road Recovery Home and what that work has meant to her.

Stephen Bergstrom FCPA, FCMA continues his conversation with host Erin Schwartz CPA about the value of staying busy during retirement and provides some thoughts on how people can prepare for retirement. The conversation then turns to trends in post-secondary accounting education and how students are responding to those trends. With his customary insight and wisdom, Stephen provides an informed glimpse into the value of accounting education and turning that education into a career. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Stephen Bergstrom FCPA, FCMA is semi-retired. Well, sort of. In Part 1 of a two-part conversation with CPA Education Foundation Director Erin Schwartz CPA, Stephen explains what he means when he says he's unclear on the concept of retirement and describes how he stays busy (very busy) during his semi-retirement. Stephen chats about his career as a CPA and accounting educator—a career that included serving in support of Canada's armed forces in two different conflict zones. His conversation with Erin is wide-ranging, informative, and intriguing, and even includes one of the best meet-cute stories you'll ever hear. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Having a mentor can be a key factor in any professional's career growth and success. Deepa Mittimani CPA has lent her unique skills and history of career accomplishments to her record of service as a mentor to Alberta CPAs and other professionals. In this episode, Deepa does a deep dive into her work as a mentor and shares how her own experiences as a new Canadian have shaped how she supports mentees new to Canada. She also touches on her work as an accomplished artist and writer, and the unexpected connections between life as a CPA and life as an artist. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

In Part 2 of our tax tips discussion with Ryan Clarke CPA, CA, FEA, Ryan walks listeners through some changes and new features related to filing of personal tax returns for the 2025 tax year. Ryan also outlines steps to take if you're unable to pay your taxes or if you make a mistake on your tax return. Note: This episode contains general information about filing your tax return and is not meant to be construed as personal advice. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Tax expert Ryan Clarke CPA, CA, FEA, joins us for this annual "tax tips" episode for personal income tax filers in Alberta. In Part 1, Ryan shares a bit about his career journey, and then outlines some general information about filing personal income tax returns for the 2025 tax year. Note: This episode contains general information about filing your tax return and is not meant to be construed as personal advice. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Jim Sand CPA, CA, CAFM is an entrepreneur and business leader who is deeply committed to his profession, his community, and his Métis heritage. On this episode of Uncommon Sense, Jim reflects on a life of volunteerism and on contributing his expertise to organizations ranging from the Accounting Standards Board to food banks and health centres. He also discusses his personal philosophy around business and entrepreneurship, and provides some observations on the importance of his work with Indigenous communities and businesses. He also finds time to talk about what it was like growing up in a national park! Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Patrick Moore CPA, CA is an Assurance Partner with the accounting firm of MNP in their Edmonton office. He is also an accomplished athlete as well as a key member of the 2026 Canadian Paralympic delegation as the Waxer for the Paralympic cross-country skiing team. In this episode, Patrick talks about his Olympic experiences and how he manages a busy day job while being active in the worlds of recreational and competitive sport. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ