Count Me In®

On this episode of Count Me In, Adam Larson sits down with Jameson Galey, CMA, CPA, and dynamic finance leader whose career has spanned TV production, entrepreneurship, and innovative tech startups. Jameson is also the founder of Ledgeroo, a platform designed to help bring accounting education to the world by making it affordable and accessible through bite-sized, gamified lessons. He shares how an unexpected opportunity launched him into accounting, why he fell in love with the field, and the wild ride of becoming a CFO at just 29 years old (including a “tiny” life change: getting married right before the pandemic hit!). From navigating the tricky finances behind hit shows like "Married at First Sight," to building financial systems for a solar tech startup, Jameson’s story is packed with lessons about taking risks, hustling for what you want (hint: sometimes that involves Craigslist), and keeping your passion for learning alive. Jameson gives us a candid look at what it’s like to transition between industries, build your own tools from scratch, and bravely bet on yourself when everyone says otherwise. Whether you’re an accounting pro, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just love a good real-world success story, you’ll find inspiration and maybe a few laughs in this engaging, relatable conversation.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Join host Adam Larson as he chats with Brian Hock, Founder and CEO of HOCK International and expert in accounting and finance education, about what really matters when it comes to professional certifications like the CMA. Brian breaks down why earning the certificate is just the start—and why actually applying your knowledge, building communication skills, and getting involved at work are the keys to standing out (and moving up). Whether you’re just starting out or eyeing that next big promotion, Brian shares plenty of practical advice: choosing the right certification for your goals, making the most of continuing education, and preparing for real-world workplace challenges. There’s even some straight talk about what to do when you don’t know the answer, the power of networking inside your organization, and how to set yourself up (and your team) for long-term success. Tune in for an episode packed with career wisdom, honest stories, and actionable tips—with Brian Hock’s trademark straightforward approach making it all refreshingly clear. Don’t miss this thoughtful take on how to turn certifications into actual career wins!

Ready to level up your business operations? In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with La Tonya Roberts, CEO of Harmony Consulting Group. La Tonya shares her journey from corporate consulting to helping small businesses thrive, opening up about real-world challenges and her favorite strategies for building sustainable growth, strong teams, and systems that actually work (without the burnout). Adam and La Tonya dig into how to make the switch from doing everything yourself to confident delegation, ways you can borrow Fortune 500 strategies without overwhelming your team, and the major impact that company culture has on your success. You’ll also hear practical advice about strategic planning, using data for better decisions, and creative ways to use AI to boost your business. Whether you’re a small business owner, team leader, or just curious how successful organizations operate behind the scenes, you’ll find plenty of fresh insights and actionable tips. Tune in for a motivating conversation and walk away ready to make your business simpler, smarter, and more sustainable—with expert guidance from La Tonya Roberts.

Curious about how HR and finance teams can work together to drive real change in the workplace? In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with Vrinda Sasidhar, Vice President - HR Consulting at HSBC and a seasoned HR leader with 15 years of experience across banking, tech, and process outsourcing. Vrinda shares what she’s learned about building bridges between people and numbers—from using psychology to engage employees, to staying ahead in a world where AI handles the grunt work. Tune in for Vrinda’s practical tips on staying curious, continuously growing your skills, and navigating the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving finance landscape. If you’re interested in how modern HR and finance teams can collaborate for success—and you want advice that’s as real as it is actionable—this candid conversation is worth a listen.

Curious about becoming a thought leader or author? In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson chats with Ben Cena, Co-founder at High Value Author, about how to turn your expertise into a nonfiction book that actually gets noticed. Ben shares his own story—starting with hating books—and explains how he now helps professionals use books as powerful tools for building brands, attracting clients, and opening doors. You’ll hear honest advice about why most books fail, what makes a book succeed, and practical steps for getting started the right way. If you’ve ever wondered if writing a book is right for you or how it could impact your business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Ever wondered how a chemical engineering mindset can supercharge financial leadership? Join host Adam Larson as he sits down with Kingsley Afemikhe, CFO of Shield AI, for a refreshingly candid conversation about bringing engineering problem-solving to the finance table. Kingsley shares his unique journey from a family of chartered accountants in the UK to leading finance at one of the most innovative defense tech companies in the U.S. Listen in as Kingsley breaks down how first-principles thinking helps solve complex accounting and finance challenges, reveals what it’s like to manage rapid growth in the high-stakes world of AI-driven national security, and offers practical tips on building strong, agile finance teams. Whether you’re curious about operating at the intersection of finance, technology, and defense—or just want to hear firsthand how AI is reshaping finance—this episode is packed with insights, stories, and actionable advice. Don’t miss Kingsley’s take on earning your seat at the table, embedding finance across organizations, and fostering a culture of curiosity and empathy in fast-paced environments.

Deirdre Ryan, a Global Finance Transformation Leader at EY with over 30 years of experience, discusses the evolving role of CFOs in the digital age. She highlights the challenge of balancing short-term gains with long-term strategy while emphasizing the importance of aligning digital initiatives with business goals. Deirdre explores the impact of diversity and AI on finance, alongside the necessity of upskilling teams to stay competitive. Tune in for valuable insights into leveraging data analytics for strategic decision-making and enhancing operational efficiency.

Join host Adam Larson on today's episode of Count Me In, where he welcomes Kris Russell, the Leadership Coach at Conscious Public Accountants. Kris, a seasoned leader in accounting and finance, shares his expertise on harnessing vulnerability as a strength in leadership. This engaging conversation explores how embracing vulnerability can transform personal well-being, enhance company culture, and even drive profitability. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, Kris emphasizes the courage required to build trust, set boundaries, and live with integrity. Whether you're an established leader or an aspiring one, this episode offers invaluable insights for anyone eager to make a positive impact in their organization. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a true expert in leadership and finance.

Get ready for an enlightening chat with Alissa Vickery, the newly appointed interim CFO and the Chief Accounting Officer, SVP Accounting and Controls at Corpay, on Count Me In! In this episode, Alissa, who's appeared with us twice before, sits down with host Adam Larson to tackle the complex world of ESG reporting challenges and operations. At Corpay, Alissa's been knee-deep in this evolving landscape, and she's here to shed light on the hurdles finance teams face in adapting to new SEC regulations. Join us as Alissa shares her firsthand experiences navigating the maze of global standards and how her company learned to prioritize and adapt. From figuring out double materiality to streamlining ESG operations with tech and third-party expertise, it's all discussed with practicality and insight. Whether you're in finance or just curious about the future of corporate sustainability, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways and a unique industry perspective. So plug in and grab your notepad—it's a conversation you won't want to miss!

Join host Adam Larson in an engaging conversation with John Hewitt, a remarkable figure in the accounting world. Despite never taking an accounting course, John has built multi-million dollar companies like Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. In this episode, he shares how his father inspired his entrepreneurial journey and offers insights into franchising and self-employment. Whether you're considering entrepreneurship or curious about building a billion-dollar business, John provides valuable advice on risk-taking, differentiation, marketing, and delivering exceptional customer service. Tune in for actionable insights and inspirational stories on this episode of the Count Me In Podcast