When automation sweeps through a company overnight, what’s really at stake? In this thought-provoking episode, Adam Larson sits down with Dr. Zahida Daruwala—an academic, researcher, and author—for a candid conversation on the true impact of rapid AI adoption in business.

Dr. Daruwala pulls back the curtain on what doesn’t get talked about enough—the hidden costs like declining morale, loss of institutional memory, and the risk of turning innovative teams into echo chambers. With relatable examples and real talk, she shares why leadership can’t afford to treat people as just another line on the balance sheet, even as shareholder pressure mounts.

Packed with practical stories, sharp insights, and key takeaways for accounting, finance, and business professionals, this episode will challenge you to ask: Is your organization using AI to make people more valuable, or just less expensive? Tune in for an engaging discussion that balances AI’s opportunities with the human judgment every business needs to stay ahead—responsibly.

Step into a candid conversation at IMA26 with Kristie Stocker, whose 20 years of experience at Blue Cross Blue Shield offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to transform company culture—beyond lip service and buzzwords. Kristie shares practical insights into the real obstacles leaders and teams face when trying to build a positive workplace, from the myth that only big budgets or small teams can make culture work, to the power of small everyday actions like genuine appreciation and listening.

Whether you’re a leader, a team player, or somewhere in between, Kristie’s stories and strategies make workplace transformation feel possible—and even simple. Expect to walk away with a fresh take on self-leadership, how to measure the impact of culture, and why everyone, from the C-suite to individual contributors, plays a role in shaping the office vibe. If you’ve ever wondered how to spark meaningful change at work (or checked out during a half-day workshop), this episode brings the inspiration and actionable tips you need.

Join Jill Eubank, Executive Vice President at Randstad, as she shares her journey from finance grad to leading teams that support businesses across multiple industries. In this engaging conversation, Jill opens up about discovering her passion for people, balancing technical skills with human connection, and why mastering the art of storytelling is a must for today’s accounting and finance professionals.

Whether you want to boost your executive presence, get tips on commanding a room (virtual or in-person), or build true strategic partnerships at work, Jill’s advice is packed with relatable, real-world wisdom. You’ll hear candid stories, practical suggestions for growth, and encouragement to embrace feedback—not fear it. Perfect for anyone aiming to up their game in both technical and soft skills in today’s fast-changing business environment.

Join us live from IMA26 for an engaging conversation with executive coach Rachel Kourakos! With her impressive background at Morgan Stanley and Google, Rachel brings fresh insights on what it really means to lead—not just from the head, but from the heart. She shares how understanding yourself and your emotions is the real superpower that transforms workplaces and builds stronger teams, especially as AI and new tech shake things up.

Discover why emotional intelligence, human connection, and genuine presence are more important than ever for professionals in accounting, finance, and business. Rachel’s honest take on leadership, work-life boundaries, and staying grounded in a rapidly changing world is full of relatable stories, practical tips, and a few laughs. If you’re looking to level up your communication, self-awareness, and people-first skills at work, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Carla Aranda is a global finance executive with more than 25 years of experience building a finance career across continents, industries, and company sizes, from a small shop in Argentina to global fashion and beauty brands like L’Oreal and Revlon. In this episode, she joins host Adam Larson to talk about simplicity, not as a mindset, but as a discipline you practice again and again.

You will hear how Carla built her "subtraction mentality," why she believes complexity piles up through habit rather than necessity, and why she tells teams to simplify a process before they automate it. She shares how finance leaders can move past being known as the department of no and instead offer no with context, and how small, consistent wins build the momentum needed to shift a stubborn culture.

If you want practical steps for questioning your own recurring tasks and meetings, and finding the courage to challenge "the way we have always done it," this conversation gives you a place to start.

Carla's LinkedIn articles that were mentioned during the conversation:

• Simplicity at work: The discipline of subtraction
• The Complexity Paradox

Live from IMA26, this episode of Count Me In features an eye-opening conversation with Bret Hood, a former FBI special agent who brings a fresh approach to ethics in accounting and finance. Bret shares fascinating real-world stories, like how small, seemingly harmless decisions can snowball into major ethical failures—sometimes without anyone realizing it’s happening. Drawing on his 25 years of experience with the FBI, Bret breaks down why even good people can make bad choices and explores practical steps for professionals to recognize—and avoid—the classic pitfalls that lead to fraud and poor judgment.

From psychological distance and motivated blindness to actionable tips for staying true to your values under pressure, Bret’s insights aren’t just for ethics classes—they’re for anyone navigating everyday decisions at work. Tune in for a candid, relatable discussion that challenges everything you think you know about honesty and personal accountability.

Ever wondered what it’s really like to serve on a nonprofit board—especially as an accounting or finance professional? Join Barbara Uggen-Davis, an experienced board member, and Tala Khalifeh, operations manager for PHG Advisory, for an honest conversation about the challenges, the must-have skills, and the ethical dilemmas that come with board service.

Hear firsthand advice on spotting red flags, managing board oversight (without burning out), and why passion for the mission truly matters. If you’re curious about how you can use your professional skills to make a real impact, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to ask the right questions before you join a board.

Join Adam Larson as he sits down with Kapil Arora, a leader at Grant Thornton with deep experience in global finance and accounting. Kapil Arora shares his unique journey from studying ACCA in the UK to making an impact back home in India. You'll hear firsthand insights on how the finance and accounting profession is shifting—what skills today's graduates and seasoned pros need to stay ahead, the real story behind the growing skills gap, and how technology and AI are shaking up the industry.

From navigating new certifications and global standards to helping teams embrace just-in-time learning, Kapil offers practical advice for anyone looking to future-proof their career. Whether you’re an aspiring accountant, a finance leader, or just curious about making your skills relevant in a rapidly changing world, this episode packs inspiration, hard-won lessons, and actionable tips you won’t want to miss.

Get inspired by Ted Bozarth, founder of the SetFire Foundation, as he shares his journey from IT whiz kid and supply chain veteran to retirement, where his passion turns towards helping the next generation of professionals. In this episode, Ted opens up about what led him to launch a mentorship organization for college students, the story behind the SetFire name, and why meaningful guidance can be life-changing for young adults navigating the leap into adulthood and business.

Discover how the SetFire Foundation's personalized approach to mentoring helps students unlock their potential—with practical tools, real-world support, and an empowering network. Whether you’re an experienced professional wondering if you have what it takes to be a mentor, or you’re curious about giving back to the business community, Ted’s insights on purpose-driven mentoring, finding your passion, and making every day count are sure to motivate.

And if you're an IMA member, you already have a head start—IMA partners with the SetFire Foundation to connect members with students through their mentorship program. This episode is a great next step into getting involved.

Plug in for a conversation that’s equal parts candid, tactical, and uplifting—just what you need to fuel your own spark for growth and connection.

Join us for a lively conversation with James Vanreusel, founder of Vanreusel Ventures, as he shares his unique journey from stock market enthusiast to math major to Wall Street and microfinance leader. James opens up about helping organizations from startups to global nonprofits build strong financial foundations, and he doesn’t hold back on the hard-learned lessons of managing his own firm’s books.

Get insider advice on navigating today’s rapidly changing finance landscape, including when to upgrade your team, the evolving role of fractional experts, and how to make sure your financial processes keep pace with technology. Listen in as James unpacks the real-world impact of AI in accounting, offers tips on using new tools like Claude and shortcut.ai, and explains why learning these skills now can boost your career. Whether you’re leading a growing team or just passionate about leveling up your finance game, this episode offers actionable takeaways with a fresh, honest perspective.

Join Adam Larson for an energizing and thoughtful conversation with Cassandra Worthy, founder of Change Enthusiasm Global and author of the book “Change Enthusiasm.” In this episode, Cassandra gets real about how most change management strategies overlook one key ingredient: our emotions.

Drawing from her personal experience and signature framework, Cassandra Worthy shares how professionals can embrace all their feelings—even the tough ones—during times of major transformation. You’ll hear how to spot emotional signals, turn overwhelm into opportunity, and make meaningful choices aligned with your values, all while staying true to yourself at work.

Whether you’re steering your team through uncertain times or looking for practical ways to grow as a leader, Cassandra Worthy delivers relatable stories and concrete tactics every business professional can use. If you’re ready to rethink how you handle change and make your emotions work for you, you’ll love this episode.