MOVE Like This!

Jessica McClain, Girl Scouts CFO, Joins the MOVE Conversation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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=17539 

Carol Ann Nash with Armanino Joins the MOVE Conversation

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

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/.