Ep. 23: From Duct Tape Wallets to Robotics: Richard Guest’s Unconventional Entrepreneurial Journey - Part 1

Ep. 23: From Duct Tape Wallets to Robotics: Richard Guest’s Unconventional Entrepreneurial Journey - Part 1

What if a 13-year-old could beat Silicon Valley to AI and robotics—with nothing but duct tape and determination? In this episode, host Eric Eager sits down with Richard Guest, an entrepreneur and innovator whose journey from making duct tape wallets to pioneering AI-powered robotics in special education will change how you think about technology, learning, and leadership. Discover how early parental influence, relentless curiosity, and a knack for jumping into the deep end propelled Richard Guest from genetics labs during the Human Genome Project to working with film industry legends and launching transformative educational tools for children with autism. The conversation offers rare insight into building cutting-edge companies, the value of mentorship, the tough road to meaningful impact, and why being a "growth junkie" is the secret to staying ahead of the curve. Timestamped Overview: [00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and Richard Guest’s background[00:02:29] Richard Guest discusses early influences and entrepreneurial roots[00:04:32] Founding a duct tape wallet business and working at a genetics lab[00:05:35] How a high school internship led to work on the Human Genome Project[00:09:34] Lessons learned from early entrepreneurship and lab experiences[00:11:08] Developing public speaking and communication skills[00:16:00] Diving into robotics, neuroscience, and unique hands-on opportunities[00:18:47] Building humanoid robots—and collaborating with Hollywood VFX experts[00:24:27] Key decision points and the leap into special education robotics[00:26:39] Founding Robokind: bringing affordable, impactful robotics to special needs education[00:29:10] Overcoming challenges in manufacturing, investment, and go-to-market[00:33:47] Advocating for educational change and scaling impact[00:37:36] Conducting one of the largest autism/robotics studies and its outcomes[00:38:29] Episode wrap-up and lessons learned

Ep. 22: Empowering CPAs: Geni Whitehouse Shares Tools for Lasting Client Impact - Part 2

In Part 2 of Eric Eager's conversation with Geni Whitehouse—CPA, author, advisor, speaker, and president of the ITA Alliance—Geni shares her unconventional career journey from accounting and tech to becoming a wine country advisory expert. Eric Eager and Geni Whitehouse discuss key lessons from stand-up comedy and coaching, the importance of making accounting conversational, and why deep client relationships matter more than expert bravado. Geni Whitehouse shares how she navigated major transitions (from Navision to Sage to her move to California), championed advisory services, and now helps lead the future of the profession at the ITA Alliance. They dive into the current challenges and opportunities facing accountants, including automation, the impact of AI, upskilling, and why the profession must shift from transaction work to true advisory roles to stay relevant and impactful. Whether you’re an aspiring advisor or a seasoned CPA, this episode is packed with hard-won wisdom, real stories, and empowering advice on how to communicate, lead, and transform both firms and client relationships. Don’t miss Geni Whitehouse’s “one thing I wish I knew earlier” at the end of the episode! Chapters: * Stand-up comedy in accounting * Product management and client communication * Advisory services and dashboard insights * Moving to Napa and serving the wine industry * Leading and growing the ITA Alliance * The rise of automation and AI in accounting * Advice for young professionals in the field Subscribe for more leadership lessons and career stories in accounting and business!

Ep. 21: Empowering CPAs: Geni Whitehouse Shares Tools for Lasting Client Impact - Part 1

What if reaching the pinnacle of your career left you feeling more trapped than triumphant? In this two-part episode, Geni Whitehouse shares her astonishing journey from updating tax books for spare change as a kid to finally achieving partnership at a CPA firm—only to quit the very next morning. Discover how a series of setbacks, harsh evaluations, and unexpected career pivots led her to find professional fulfillment, embrace humor, and transform the world of accounting advisory services. Eric Eager dives deep into the resilience, reinvention, and genuine passion that turned Geni Whitehouse into a trailblazing leader and advocate for accountants everywhere. Prepare for candid stories, a bit of laughter, and plenty of inspiration. Timestamped Overview: [00:00] Introduction to Geni Whitehouse and her unique background [01:58] Early influences: Tax books and math in Greenville, SC [03:49] Deciding on accounting as a career [04:14] Academic journey and adapting to challenges [05:49] Breaking into Deloitte with "subpar" grades [07:12] Early career—manual accounting and embracing technology [08:42] Struggles with public accounting and negative feedback [10:33] Overcoming constant criticism and building grit [11:42] Transitioning to corporate tax and excelling through automation [12:25] Learning corporate limitations and navigating layoffs [13:40] Becoming a consultant and discovering Peachtree Software [15:02] The power of client interaction and building her own firm [18:01] Realizing the pitfalls of undervaluing work [18:27] Joining and leaving a CPA firm after reaching partner [20:29] The bold decision to quit and start over [22:04] Moving into software training and consulting [23:07] Finding her calling through innovation and outreach [24:16] Using humor to bridge the divide between CPAs and technologists [26:00] Comedy as a tool—stand-up training and public speaking [28:34] Passion for helping others and connecting through communication [29:42] Final reflections: Overcoming barriers, serving clients, and the inspiration for new advisory systems

Ep. 20: Lessons in Leadership and Adaptation from Sandra Wiley

What if everything you know about building a successful accounting firm—and the way you've always done things—is about to be rendered obsolete? In this episode of Codified Wisdom, Sandra Wiley joins Eric Eager to break down why the accounting profession is already in the eye of a perfect storm of change. This episode isn’t just about surviving disruption, but thriving in it: Sandra Wiley’s journey from a Kansas farm town to becoming a renowned leader in accounting advisory services is packed with actionable wisdom. Tune in to discover: * Why most firms know what to do but still can’t act—and how to fix it * How embracing change, especially AI, is now a requirement, not a choice * The single biggest reason accounting firms are losing talent * Why leadership training—not technical expertise—is the new secret weapon * The danger of ignoring culture and people development * The small, practical steps firms can take today to build a future-ready team * You’ll walk away with quick-hit strategies and fresh inspiration to turn the coming tornado of tech and talent disruption into your greatest growth opportunity. Episode Overview: 00:00 Introduction to Codified Wisdom and Sandra Wiley’s background 04:49 Sandra Wiley’s unplanned journey from music major to accounting advisor 08:30 Taking the leap—inflection points and saying yes to opportunity 12:45 Confronting imposter syndrome and learning to lead without being a CPA 14:11 The power of Kolbe and focusing on strengths in leadership 17:08 Why people—not tech—are still the toughest challenge for CPA firms 19:39 Why firms fail at valuing and developing their own people 24:04 How the traditional career path in accounting is being upended 28:44 Why the AI “tornado” is here—and what leaders must do fast 34:21 How to move from compliance to true client advisory 38:05 Creating a vision and the must-have habits for leading through change 44:04 Microhabits: Why small steps and accountability matter most 48:59 The best advice Sandra Wiley would give her 18-year-old self 50:18 Finding your genius and building teams around strengths 52:34 Wrap up and final wisdom from Sandra Wiley

Ep. 19: Breaking Barriers: Matt West on Adapting, Leading, and Elevating Advisory Firms

What if the secret to future-proofing your career isn’t about keeping up with technology—but knowing yourself better? In this episode, Eric Eager sits down with Matt West, partner at the innovative wealth advisory firm Creative Planning, to uncover how intuition, resilience, and leaning into life’s signals can set you apart in an AI-driven era. You’ll hear Matt West’s candid journey: from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs in Temperance, Michigan, to racing internationally as a track and triathlon athlete (including guiding a blind teammate to world championship gold), all the way to becoming an early tech adopter in the accounting world. Discover how Matt West turned disruptions into opportunities, why “data has no agenda,” and how he balances ambitious professional goals with his passions (like flying planes and coaching soccer). Key highlights include Matt West’s unconventional philosophy on career risk and intuition, the unavoidable rise of AI in accounting and finance, and practical advice for adapting in turbulent times. This episode will leave you motivated to trust your instincts, embrace new tools, and never underestimate grit—the real “superpower” for today’s leaders. Episode Overview 00:00 Introducing Codified Wisdom & Matt West’s journey01:06 Matt West on childhood influences, ambition, and athletics05:55 From intern to partner: starting in accounting tech10:13 Flying as metaphor: life fundamentals and career lessons13:55 Grit, elite sports, and pushing through adversity18:34 Risk, intuition, and the importance of listening to signals24:42 Embracing technology: early adopter stories and trend-spotting32:25 Joining Creative Planning and building something new38:38 The coming AI disruption: enablement, adaptation, and future roles47:28 Advice to your younger self and final takeaways50:42 Closing thoughts and lessons learned