The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Transformation Economy by THRESHOLD

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed welcome Dr. Jeffrey A. Singer, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and a seasoned general surgeon, to discuss his latest book, Your Body, Your Health Care. Dr. Singer delves into the erosion of patient autonomy in the modern healthcare system, attributing much of it to increasing government intervention. He advocates for a return to a patient-centered approach, emphasizing informed consent and individual sovereignty in medical decisions. The conversation explores the historical shift from medical paternalism to patient rights, critiques current regulatory frameworks, and offers insights into policy reforms that prioritize personal choice and freedom in healthcare. Guest Bio: Dr. Jeffrey A. Singer is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute's Department of Health Policy Studies and the founder of Valley Surgical Clinics, Arizona's largest and oldest group private surgical practice. With over 35 years in private surgical practice, he brings a wealth of clinical experience to his policy work. Dr. Singer is also a visiting fellow at the Goldwater Institute and serves on the Board of Scientific Advisors for the American Council on Science and Health. His research focuses on healthcare policy, patient autonomy, and the unintended consequences of drug prohibition.

Once again, it is time for Ron and Ed to get a few things off their chests. Not since October 2024's Outstanding Olio has there been such a collection of Friday Farrago, Glorious Gallimaufry, or even Holiday Hodgepodge. Join us as we make our way through this Mishmash of Miscellany.

Ron and Ed sit down with Doug Reuter, the inventive mind behind the beloved board game Sequence. Doug shares the fascinating journey of bringing Sequence to life—a process that spanned four years of development, three years to secure licensing, and nearly another year before it hit store shelves in 1982. Beyond his success in the gaming industry, Doug delves into his political career, highlighting his two terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He discusses how his knack for strategy and rule-making in game design translated into his legislative work, where he adeptly utilized procedural rules to navigate political challenges. Join us for an engaging conversation that explores the intersections of creativity, entrepreneurship, and public service. Guest Bio Doug Reuter and his wife, Nancy, are 19-year residents of Corinth, TX – a north suburb of Dallas. Married 54 years, they have two daughters, four grandchildren and a son who is deceased. Doug has a BA in Business Management with a minor in Business Finance. Doug is a Vietnam-era veteran - Honorably Discharged in 1972 after having served six years of combined active duty and active reserve service in the U. S. Navy. He has over 30 years of Senior Human Resource Management experience and was twice elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives where he served from 1997 to 2001. Legislative achievements include working single-handedly for 14 months to successfully re-establish the original Founders language regarding the House session opening prayer rule and successfully worked across the aisle with Representative Phyllis Kahn (D) Minneapolis, both in Committee and in a full House session, to kill Governor Ventura's desire to establish a Unicameral Legislature in Minnesota. Doug is also the inventor of several board and card games including the family board game SEQUENCEÒ which has been continuously marketed for over 40 years, enjoys world-wide distribution and has sold over 20 million copies.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed welcome Paul Dunn, a 4-time TEDx speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and chairman of B1G1: Business for Good. Paul shares his insights on how small businesses can make a massive impact through purpose-driven initiatives. From transforming customer connections to embedding giving into everyday business activities, Paul's wisdom will inspire you to think differently about success and significance. Guest Bio Paul Dunn is a globally recognized business leader and speaker, known for his innovative approach to purpose-driven business. As chairman of B1G1, he has helped over 2,300 businesses create 150 million+ giving impacts worldwide. A recipient of the Global Lifetime Achievement Award for Service to the Accounting Profession, Paul continues to empower businesses to integrate impact into their core strategies.

What do David Allen's Getting Things Done, Daniel Susskind's A World Without Work, and AppleTV's Severence have in common? They are all on the mind of Ron and Ed's Guest for this episode, Joe Woodard. This will be Joe's record-extending EIGHTH appearance on T$oE. He is always an audience favorite. So buckle up! As always it will be a fast-paced wide-ranging conversation with him.

We are thrilled to welcome Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, as our guest on this episode of The Soul of Enterprise. Mark has recently been appointed as the President and CEO of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, effective January 2025. Prior to this role, he served as the President and CEO of Allinial Global, an association of independent accounting and advisory firms. With over 25 years of experience in accounting and leadership, Mark has been a consistent advocate for the profession, bringing a global perspective to the evolving landscape of accounting and finance. In this episode, we delve into Mark's vision for the future of the accounting profession, discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We explore his journey from public accounting to leading major professional organizations, and how his experiences have shaped his perspectives on leadership, innovation, and the role of accountants in today's dynamic business environment. Join us for an insightful conversation as we uncover the insights and strategies that have propelled Mark to the forefront of the accounting world, and learn how he plans to steer the profession into the future.

Ron and Ed unveil their bold new venture—THRESHOLD. In this episode, they share the vision behind the company, why it matters now, and how it aims to challenge the status quo in advisory and consulting. THRESHOLD is more than a brand—it's a mindset shift for professionals ready to think beyond billable hours and transactional models. If you're looking for transformation, not just iteration, this is your call to cross the threshold with us.

Ron and Ed break down the latest tariff policies of President Donald Trump, offering a free market critique of its implications. They explore how tariffs function as hidden taxes on consumers, challenge the idea of using protectionism as economic strategy, and examine the historical consequences of similar policies. With their signature blend of insight and humor, they discuss what this could mean for trade, inflation, and entrepreneurial freedom.

In this episode, Ron and Ed dive into one of the most influential and debated essays in business and economic thought: Milton Friedman's The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits. Published in The New York Times in 1970, Friedman's argument that businesses should focus solely on maximizing shareholder value while operating within the law sparked decades of debate about corporate ethics, stakeholder capitalism, and the role of business in society. Ron and Ed will unpack Friedman's perspective, discuss its implications for modern businesses, and explore how it contrasts with contemporary views on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. Is Friedman's argument still valid in today's world, or has the definition of corporate responsibility evolved? Tune in for an insightful discussion on one of the most enduring ideas in free-market economics. 📖 Read Friedman's original essay: The New York Times

With Ron Baker out this week due to a personal matter, Ed Kless is joined by Greg Tirico for a deep dive into the FTSG 2025 Tech Trends Report. Together, they explore 10 provocative takeaways shaping the future of technology—from AI's evolution into "living intelligence" and action models, to the rise of agentic systems, climate-driven innovation, and the commercial colonization of space. Ed and Greg break down what these shifts mean for business leaders, professionals, and society at large. Expect thoughtful insights, some healthy skepticism, and a few surprises as they navigate the frontier of what's next.