Feeling overwhelmed by AI? So are your clients.

In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, host Laurence Whittam is joined by Thomas J. DeMayo, Partner and Practice Leader at PKF O’Connor Davies, to break down what AI adoption actually looks like inside a large CPA firm—and how to help your clients do the same. From governance to growth, Tom shares how PKF is leading the charge and what firms of any size can learn from their approach.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand how to approach firm-wide AI adoption with structure and strategy

• Learn why governance is non-negotiable when bringing AI tools into your ecosystem

• Discover how to talk to clients about AI—even if you’re still figuring it out yourself

• Explore the risks of third-party tools and how to vet them properly

• Hear how PKF scaled its AI capabilities with external partnerships and internal hiring

Listen to the full episode now and learn how to lead with AI—before it leaves you behind!

Contact Thomas at tdemayo@pkfod.com if you’d like to discuss collaboration or client support.

#BusinessBeyondBorders #AIinAccounting #DigitalTransformation #CPAFirmStrategy #ClientAdvisory

Jumping into new initiatives without a strategy? It’s costing you more than you think.

In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, host Laurence Whittam talks with Erin Daiber, founder of Well Balanced Accountants, about how CPA firms can better align people strategy, AI adoption, and leadership development through intentional planning and accountability.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand how to future-proof your firm’s talent pipeline through strategic development

• Identify why firms fall short on AI integration and how to close the gap

• Learn how to lead and retain remote and offshore teams more effectively

• Explore the mindset shift required for soft skills and leadership training to stick

• Discover the power of strategic planning behind every firm-wide initiative

Listen to the full episode now and start building a smarter, stronger firm from the inside out!

Learn more at wellbalancedaccountants.com

Schedule a call with Erin: https://nut.sh/ell/schedule-booking/367941/OCkeNz

#BusinessBeyondBorders #CPAFirmLeadership #AIinAccounting #SuccessionPlanning #PeopleStrategy

SPECIAL EDITION: What the HIRE Act Could Mean for Outsourcing in the CPA World!

On September 5th, Senator Moreno introduced the HIRE Act (Halting International Relocation of Employment Act)—a proposed bill that could impose a 25% excise tax on payments to foreign service providers when serving U.S. consumers. This could dramatically impact CPA firms that rely on outsourcing or offshoring.

In this special episode of Business Beyond Borders, host & expert Laurence Whittam unpacks the early-stage bill and brings insight from on what firms should be doing right now to assess risk and prepare.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the key provisions of the HIRE Act and its potential financial implications

• Identify which firms, contracts, and payment models could be affected

• Explore planning strategies around risk mitigation and contract flexibility

• Learn about nearshoring and hybrid models as potential alternatives

• Position your firm to advise clients who may also be impacted

Want to understand how this could affect your firm? Contact Laurence Whittam at lwhittam@csuiteimpact.com for a tailored risk assessment.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

#BusinessBeyondBorders #HIREAct #OutsourcingStrategy #CPAInsights #GlobalWorkforce

Is your firm losing its people because your culture is more talk than action?

In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, host Laurence Whittam welcomes Trisha Daho—a former Big Four partner and now a fractional Chief People Officer—to unpack what it really means to build and sustain a high-performing culture inside today’s CPA firms.

They explore how culture must be intentional and measurable, not just aspirational, especially in a profession shaped by:

• How culture must be designed and measured—not assumed

• The leadership gaps that are exposed in hybrid environments

• Why firms must intertwine people strategy with business strategy

• Practical ways to hold partners and leaders accountable to values

• The need to treat offshore teams as part of the firm, not extensions

Tune in now to Business Beyond Borders with Laurence Whittam and start leading with purpose!

#BusinessBeyondBorders #FirmCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleStrategy #CPAFirmGrowth

Struggling to make outsourcing work for your CPA firm? In this episode, host Laurence Whittam introduces the Mastering Outsourcing course—built from years of experience helping firms overcome offshoring challenges. Whether you’re exploring outsourcing or trying to improve your current strategy, this episode gives you the roadmap you’ve been missing.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover why many CPA firms fail at outsourcing—and how to avoid common pitfalls

• Explore outsourcing models, global locations, and how to properly vet vendors

• Learn practical integration strategies and reporting structures for every firm size

• Gain insights from real-world examples and best practices

• Access a complete, self-paced course to guide your firm’s outsourcing journey

Ready to take the next step? Explore the full Mastering Outsourcing course here: igs-cpaoutsourcing.teachable.com/p/mastering-outsourcing-for-cpas-and-accountants

#outsourcingstrategy #CPAfirmgrowth #offshoring #cpaeducation #businessbeyondborders

When is it time to stop doing and start owning your business?

In this episode, Laurence Whittam sits down with Eli Raff, Operational Efficiency & Business Systemization Expert at Owner-Free Systems Advisory to explore the mindset shift—and operational strategy—needed to grow a firm beyond the founder. If you’ve ever felt like you can’t take a real vacation without things falling apart, this one’s for you.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Identify the mindset shift from technician to business builder

• Understand why strong SOPs are the backbone of scale

• Learn how to systemize your firm without switching all your tech

• Discover the 3 freedom processes every owner should focus on

• Spot red flags that show your firm needs better systems—now

Listen now to build a business that runs without you at the center!

#BusinessBeyondBorders #OperationalExcellence #CPAInsights #FirmGrowth #SystemsThatScale

How do you build a thriving firm culture in a remote world—and why does vulnerability matter more than ever?

In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, Laurence Whittam sits down with Randy Crabtree—CPA, co-founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals. Known for championing culture, mental health, and people-first leadership, Randy shares practical insights from decades of experience.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover why intentional leadership is critical to culture-building

• Learn how firms are successfully blending flexibility with in-person connection

• Understand the impact of well-defined (and alternative) career paths

• Explore the power of celebrating wins—both personal and professional

• Hear how vulnerability at the top creates space for growth at all levels

Listen now to rethink what leadership and culture mean in the modern firm.

#CPALeadership #FirmCulture #RemoteTeams #AccountingInnovation #BusinessBeyondBorders

What does it take to build a high-performing offshore team from the ground up?

In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, guest Ben Town shares how his frustrating outsourcing journey led to the creation of his own offshore team, now supporting firms.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the stages CPA firms go through when exploring outsourcing

• Identify the common challenges of working with outsourcing vendors

• Learn why cultural alignment and asynchronous communication are critical to success

• Discover how Ben structured his offshore valuation team for scalability and retention

• Get real-world insights into managing workflows and time zones effectively

Listen now to learn how intentional leadership can turn outsourcing pain into opportunity!

#CPAOutsourcing #OffshoreTalent #BusinessBeyondBorders #FirmGrowth #AssuranceAdvisors