The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Transformation Economy

The accounting profession has always adapted to change—but what if it could actively shape the future instead of simply reacting to it? In this episode, Ron and Ed welcome Tom Hood, EVP of Business Engagement & Growth at AICPA & CIMA, to discuss Rise2040, the profession-wide initiative designed to help accountants and finance professionals envision—and create—the future of the profession. Tom explains why AI, automation, shifting client expectations, and changing talent models require a new min

For decades, we've been told that scientific progress depends on government funding. But what if that assumption is wrong? In this episode, Ron and Ed welcome Dr. Terence Kealey—physician, biochemist, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, and Adjunct Scholar at the Cato Institute—to explore one of the most controversial questions in science and public policy. Drawing on his research and books The Economic Laws of Scientific Research and Sex, Science and Profits, Kealey argues

What happens when you refuse to build your company the "right" way? Ron and Ed welcome back David Barrett, founder and CEO of Expensify, to discuss the unconventional thinking that transformed a simple expense reporting app into a publicly traded fintech platform. From bootstrapping product-led growth and rejecting traditional enterprise sales models to building a culture around engineering, experimentation, and long-term thinking, David shares why questioning accepted business wisdom has been c

The Declaration of Independence is far more than a historical document. It is a statement of principles that has inspired generations to pursue a more perfect union. In this special Independence Day episode, Ed brings portions of the Declaration to life with a dramatic reading before Ron and Ed explore its enduring influence on America's greatest speeches. From Frederick Douglass's searing critique in What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July? to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Second In

Artificial intelligence vendors love to talk about tokens and credits, but are these pricing models really helping customers—or simply obscuring the true cost of AI? In this episode, Ron and Ed take aim at the growing trend of token-based pricing, arguing that it shifts uncertainty and risk from providers to customers while creating unnecessary complexity. Drawing on insights from pricing experts, recent industry commentary, and their own experiences, they examine why cost-based pricing has long

Debra Kilsheimer joins Ron and Ed for a lively discussion about leadership, culture, AI, persuasion, human nature, and the curious ability of professionals to simultaneously complain about a problem and defend the system causing it. We'll also explore what wisdom comes with experience, why logic is a surprisingly ineffective tool for changing minds, and whether the accounting profession is finally approaching an inflection point—or just finding new ways to avoid one. And yes, at some point we'

Ron and Ed turn their attention to the upcoming Semiquintcentennial, with a little theatrical flair thrown in from Ed and his turn as John Adams in 1776. Along the way, they reflect on the ideas, personalities, and historical drama surrounding America's 250th anniversary—and what those themes might still teach us about leadership, liberty, and public life today. If time permits, they'll also weigh in on a few timely developments in the accounting profession and the ever-fascinating world of pric

As part of our new partnership with SummitHQ, Ron and Ed welcome Shannon Kaiser, a technology leader whose career spans cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, application hosting, and managed services. Shannon shares how SummitHQ helps organizations navigate the increasingly complex world of IT while maintaining the security, reliability, and performance businesses depend on every day. About Shannon Kaiser Shannon Kaiser is General Manager of Application Hosting at SummitHQ and a veteran technolo

Ron and Ed welcom Sarah Isgur to discuss her book "Last Branch Standing," which explores the Supreme Court's role in American government, its counter-majoritarian function and its independence from partisan politics. Contray to popular belief, very few cases are decided along ideological lines and Sarah will emphasize the need to protect the court's independence and criticized Congress for failing to act on key issues. We will ask her about billing by the hour and red her thoughts on political s

This week, Ron and Ed deliver a wide-ranging pricing update, exploring the latest thinking shaping both accounting firms and the broader business world. Drawing from recent articles, posts, and commentary, they examine how AI companies like GPT, Claude, and Perplexity are positioning and pricing their offerings, including the growing role of token-based pricing models and what they signal about the future of value measurement. The conversation also dives into the dangers and unintended conseque

In another installment of our fan-favorite miscellany series, Ron digs into the ever-growing stack of articles, ideas, trends, and observations he's been collecting—and finally clears the deck. From developments in technology and AI to economics, business strategy, professional skepticism, and the occasional offbeat tangent, this episode is a rapid-fire tour through the topics that caught Ron's attention but didn't yet have a home of their own. Along the way, Ron and Ed connect seemingly unrela

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed welcome back Greg Tirico to explore the accelerating convergence of technology, especially AI, and its profound implications for professionals. Drawing on insights from the "Convergence 2026" report, Greg unpacks how traditional firm boundaries are dissolving as tech, talent, and capital increasingly intersect. The conversation dives into what this shift means for knowledge workers, from evolving skill expectations to the redefinition of val