Rise and Stride

In this episode of Rise in Stride, Sabine Charles, TEDx speaker, author and CEO of Charles Financial Strategies, shares why the biggest risks organizations face today aren’t technical—they’re human. From leadership blind spots to the role of emotional intelligence in governance and AI adoption, she explains why mindset, self-awareness, and purpose are critical skills for modern leaders. Resources: TedX Talk: Dethroned or reclaimed? Leadership, identity and purpose 

What if the key to better engagement, stronger culture and long-term success isn’t working harder—but showing up more human? In this episode, leadership and culture expert, and comedian, John Garrett shares how embracing your “and”—the passions and interests beyond your job title—can transform workplaces, careers and relationships, and why people—not just productivity—are the real differentiator.  “What’s Your And? Unlock the Person Within the Profession” 

We’ve all heard of ROI—return on investment. But what about ROR—return on relationship? In this episode, author Rory Henry, a Certified Financial Planner and Behavioral Financial Adviser, explains why trust, empathy and understanding the “human behind the numbers” are becoming the most valuable skills for CPAs and financial advisers—and how behavioral finance is reshaping client relationships.

Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about action. In this episode, CalCPA Public Service Award winners Rosario Bobadilla-Farias and Di Wu share how small, intentional steps can create meaningful change in the profession and the community. And it starts right where you are.

The days of climbing the career ladder rung by rung are quickly fading as career options and paths look nothing like they used to. Podcaster and talent and leadership development consultant Al Dea breaks down how today’s evolving workplace demands fresh approaches to engagement, growth and leadership. 

Forget the old stereotypes. Dean Quiambao, chief relationship officer at Armanino, paints a new picture of what it means to be a CPA in today’s fast-changing world—one where CPAs lead in AI adoption, shift the conversation from fees to outcomes and change the perception of the profession by embracing their personal brand.

What does it take to truly disrupt accounting? Jim Wallace of BPM and Chris Vanover of CPAClub share how they’re tackling tradition, embracing innovation and setting new standards for success—all while putting people first.

Stephen Shedletzky—speaker, coach, adviser and author—has a passion for helping leaders unlock the voices of others. His mission: build “speak-up” cultures where people feel heard, valued and empowered. The result? Workplaces—and lives—that are transformed. Resources: Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up

Business development coach Leah Yoneda of Golden Ginkgo Group shares how curiosity, momentum and simple goals can fuel a career—and the important role of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing hands-on learning.

Is AI coming for your job? Not exactly—but the person or firm using AI might be. Neil Sahota is CEO of ACSI Labs, an IBM Master Inventor, United Nations Artificial Intelligence Advisor and author of the best-selling book, “Own the A.I. Revolution”, shares how curiosity—not code—can unlock your future in the age of AI and what skillsets will set you apart.