MOVE Like This!

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/. 

Trevor Williams with GRF Joins the MOVE Conversation

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

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

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

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

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/.