Episodes

Ron and Ed return to their roots and will be talking all things pricing this week including trends in subscription pricing as well as rethinking some previously discussed topics. If you have any questions or topics you want them to opine upon, let us know on X by using @asktsoe or go to our special questions portal at http://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

With the explosion of ChatGPT and other AI tools recently, Ron and Ed thought it made sense to investigate some of the forebears of AI technology. Certainly, Issac Asimov's I, Robot falls into that category and better to have a conversation about it than our (TSOE's) goto consultant on sci-fi, Robert Wood. This promises to be a far reaching and insightful conversation that you do not want to miss.

Join Ron and Ed as they explore the concepts behind Ed's new venture, the MetaConsulting Academy. Ed developed the idea of a metaconsultant a few years age when he realized that he has spent the better part of his career consulting to people who do consulting. Furthermore, as they explored way back in show 40, We're All Consultants Now. Listen at http://thesoulofenterprise.com/40. They will also discuss a recent article on robots and dementia patients. As always, fascinating stuff.

Ron and Ed welcome back for the fifth time, author, speaker, and positioning and strategy guru, Tim Williams. Tim has been doing a ton of thinking (as always) about a productized business model and capturing the value of AI for marketing agencies. His lessons are easily applied to all professional firms. In short, when Tim talks, people (including Ron and Ed) listen!

Ron and Ed welcome Dr. Kimberlee Josephson back to the show for a fourth time. This week they will talk about Kimberlee's latest articles published on the AIER site, including: * Apple’s Big Business: Mises is Right, Sen Warren is Wrong * Business Schools Undermine Wealth Creation * Tucker Carlson’s Dollar Store Takedown * Lina Khan’s Anti-Progress Paradox * Of Moats and Search Engines: The DOJ’s Coercive Case against Google

Join Ron and Ed as the interview Hector and Carlos Garcia about their upcoming conference Reframe 2024: Influential Conversations for Accountants. This conference centers on the transformative power of language in reshaping professional identities, corporate cultures, and business models within the accounting sector. Key topics will include the strategic rebranding of firms and individuals through careful word choice, preparing for challenging conversations with various stakeholders, and enhanci...

Ron and Ed dive deep into the contentious world of price discrimination. They explore how businesses leverage consumer data and market segmentation to charge different prices for the same product, sparking debate over fairness and ethical boundaries. The episode will speak to the pros and cons, highlighting cases where price discrimination can lead to perceived exploitation or savvy business strategy. Listeners will gain insight into the legal frameworks that both restrain and permit these pract...

Join Ron and Ed for an enlightening episode where we draw pivotal lessons from the extraordinary planning and execution of D-Day, as detailed in the National Review article, D-Day at 80: How the Allies Won at Normandy and Changed History. Discover how meticulous preparation, clear communication, adaptive strategies, and resilient leadership led to one of history's most significant military successes. We'll translate these historical strategies into actionable project management tips for today's ...

Time once again for another alliterative assembly with a dash of associated assonance as Ron and Ed pull together a patchwork of punditry. In other words, Ron spent a lot of time on planes last week and digested six issues of The Economist and has a few things to say about it. If you want to add to the agenda, use our new question feature at https://thesoulofenterprise.com/questions

In this episode, Ron and Ed welcome back Greg Tirico to delve into the 2024 Tech Trends Report from Future Today Institute, a whopping 980-page behemoth at FutureTodayInstitute.com/trends. The report unveils a groundbreaking concept: the arrival of a technology supercycle, blending AI, biotech, and connected devices to shape a transformative era. Join us as we explore key trends like the burgeoning space race, the bioengineering revolution ushering in a new era of healthcare, the accelerating im...

Thomas Sowell has written that “Profits are perhaps the most misconceived subject in economics.” Join Ed and Ron as we explore R. David McLean’s superb new book, The Case for Shareholder Capitalism: How the Pursuit of Profit Benefits All. Rooted in mutual benefit and prosperity, shareholder capitalism fosters an environment where individuals thrive. Shareholder capitalism upholds the belief that profit serves as a catalyst for societal progress, driving innovation and growth. Contrary to misconc...

Much digital ink has been spilled and podcast conversations had about the dearth of both accounting degree graduates and CPAs. In this episode, Ron and Ed will explore the topic including the 150-hour rule, reciprocity, licensure, and what are the possible ways to avert a crisis. If you have any questions about this topic, please send them to asktsoe@verasage.com or post on X and tag @asktsoe.

Ron and Ed are thrilled to have Magatte Wade back on the The Soul of Enterprise to talk about her new book, Heart of a Cheetah: How we have been lied to about African poverty and what that means for human flourishing. Magatte Wade is a bold Senegalese entrepreneur and unflinching prosperity activist, determined to shape the destiny of her African homeland. In her riveting memoir, she challenges Africans to redefine their narrative, casting aside imposed inferiority to reclaim their innate brilli...

Well, it has happened again, Ron and Ed's stacks of stuff are bursting beyond their britches, so it is time to trot out some alliterative alchemy to rightly rectify the seriously sticky situation. Okay, enough already. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Ron and Ed welcome for an unprecedented sixth time, Joe Woodard. As always this will be a wide-ranging conversation but likely topics include: plussing your offering, why people don't value your offering and what to do about it, the future of CAS, and, maybe, just maybe, Apple Vision Pro.

Join Ron and Ed as we dive deep into the dynamic world of subscription business models. With the landscape constantly evolving, we'll bring you the latest insights and happenings that are shaping the future of subscriptions. Whether it's the introduction of new technologies, shifts in consumer preferences, or innovative strategies companies are adopting to retain subscribers, we've got it covered. Stay ahead of the curve and understand what these changes mean for businesses and consumers alike. ...

Ron and Ed are joined by Scott Reib who is known as “America’s Legal Coach.” For the last two decades, Scott is a firm believer that legal advice doesn’t have to be expensive or intimidating. His passion lies in changing the way we view legal counsel: from “emergency” situations to “primary care provider” relationships. Scott is shifting this perspective via Access Plan, his groundbreaking subscription-model legal service, where he helps clients understand their legal questions before they find ...

Join Ed and Ron for our interview with EisnerAmper’s Chairman and CEO, Michael Breit, for a discussion of private equity in accounting, including how EisnerAmper’s changed its governance structure. We'll also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these alternative structures, and how private equity will impact the future of firms.

In an engaging email exchange between Ron and Reilly Newman, a Brand Scientist, Reilly shares his insights and challenges while reading the book Time's Up! He is particularly interested in applying the subscription business model to his brand creation business but faces difficulties in transitioning from a consultancy approach to a subscription-based service. Through their conversation, they explore creative solutions and strategies, including the idea of offering a brand transformation program ...

Growth for growth's sake is the ideology of a cancer cell, not a sustainable business. Yet, the myth of growth and market share persists. Grow market share! You must be scalable! We are told over and over, and profits will follow. Horse hockey! as Col. Sherman T Potter would say. This week Ron and Ed will share their thoughts on why this pernicious myth does far more damage than good especially in the professional service space.

What does the future hold for accounting/ERP systems? There is no one better on the planet better to answer this question than Aaron Harris, Sage's Global CTO. Aaron is responsible for Sage’s technology strategy and software architecture. He has more than 20 years of high-tech engineering experience in business applications and software development strategies. Previously a founding leader of Sage Intacct, acquired by Sage in 2017, Aaron led the company’s product vision and technology direction, ...

Inspired by an article by former TSOE guest B. Joseph Pine II, and James H. Gilmore, Ed and Ron will explore how businesses--including professional firms--can stop wasting the customer's time. Strategies for helping customers save time, and invest it well will be explored.

America was once the world’s dream factory. We turned imagination into reality, from curing polio to landing on the Moon to creating the internet. But as we moved into the late 20th century, we grew cautious, even cynical, about what the future held and our ability to shape it. Too many of us saw only the threats from rapid change. What caused this to happen? More importantly, what can we do to change it? Ron and Ed are thrilled have someone who has squarely addresse these questions. Jim Pethoko...

Unfortunately, our Guest fell ill, and could not join us, but don't worry pros play hurt, so Ron and Ed have called an audible, and will be punting to a pine on some stuff in the stacks.