Virtual Rolodex with Dez Thornton, Executive Presence & Speech Coach

Virtual Rolodex with Dez Thornton, Executive Presence & Speech Coach

The Influence Gap: How Great CPAs Become Great Communicators Episode Summary In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek welcomes communication and presentation coach Dez Thornton to discuss a skill every accounting professional needs—but few receive formal training on: communicating with confidence. While CPAs excel at analyzing data and solving complex problems, Dez explains that technical expertise alone isn't enough to influence clients, lead teams, or inspire confidence. Whether presenting financial statements, leading meetings, or speaking at conferences, professionals must learn how to connect with people—not just present information. Together, they explore practical techniques for becoming a stronger communicator, including storytelling, audience connection, presentation preparation, and overcoming perfectionism. The result is a conversation packed with actionable advice for professionals at every stage of their career. What You'll Learn * Why technical expertise doesn't automatically translate into influence * How storytelling helps clients better understand financial information * The difference between focusing on yourself versus focusing on your audience * Why connection matters more than perfection in presentations * Practical ways to prepare for presentations using visual mapping * How video practice accelerates confidence and communication skills * Why authentic communication will remain a competitive advantage in an AI-driven world Key Leadership Insight People don't remember every number you present—they remember how you made them feel and whether they trusted you. The most effective leaders focus less on delivering information and more on creating meaningful connections with their audience. Why This Matters Today's CPAs are expected to do much more than prepare financial reports. They advise clients, lead teams, present to boards, facilitate meetings, and explain complex financial concepts to non-financial audiences. Developing stronger communication skills helps professionals: * build trust faster * strengthen client relationships * become more influential leaders * communicate complex topics with confidence * differentiate themselves in an increasingly technology-driven profession As AI continues to automate technical work, human connection will become one of the profession's greatest competitive advantages. About the Guest Dez Thornton is a communication coach who helps business leaders, executives, and professionals close what he calls the "Influence Gap"—the space between having expertise and being able to communicate it effectively. With more than 20 years of experience coaching leaders across multiple industries, Dez specializes in presentation coaching, executive communication, storytelling, and helping professionals connect with audiences in ways that inspire trust and action. Connect with the Guest Website: Dez Thornton & Associates [https://dezthornton.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dezthornton/

Virtual Rolodex with Loren Fogelman, Founder & CEO Business Success Solution

Why Charging by the Hour May Be Holding Your Firm Back Episode Summary In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with Loren Fogelman, business coach and former sports psychologist, to discuss one of the biggest mindset shifts facing accounting professionals today: moving from hourly pricing to value-based pricing. Loren shares how many CPAs and firm owners unintentionally undervalue themselves because they were trained to connect compensation directly to time. As technology and AI continue transforming the profession, she explains why firms must rethink how they communicate value, price services, and attract high-quality clients. The conversation explores practical strategies for building sustainable firms, raising rates with confidence, creating better client relationships, and designing businesses that support both profitability and personal well-being. Whether you're a solo practitioner, firm owner, or accounting professional considering your next stage of growth, this episode provides actionable insight into building a business model that reflects the true value you deliver. What You’ll Learn • Why hourly pricing no longer aligns with today’s technology-driven accounting profession • The difference between what firms value versus what clients actually value • How to identify and attract higher-quality clients • Why packaging services creates stronger client outcomes and pricing flexibility • The “Good, Better, Best” strategy for raising rates gradually and confidently • How value-based conversations strengthen client relationships • Why sustainable growth requires courage—not just confidence Key Leadership Insight The faster and more efficient you become, the less you can charge under an hourly model. True growth happens when professionals stop pricing based on time and start pricing based on the value and outcomes they deliver. Why This Matters The accounting profession is evolving rapidly through technology, automation, and AI. Firms that continue relying solely on time-based pricing may struggle to: * scale profitably * avoid burnout * differentiate themselves in the marketplace * fully capture the value of their expertise Value-based pricing allows firms to build stronger client relationships, improve profitability, create sustainable workloads, and focus more on strategic advisory services rather than transactional work. About the Guest Loren Fogelman is a business coach and former sports psychologist who helps accounting professionals and firm owners strengthen pricing strategies, communicate their value more effectively, and build sustainable, profitable firms. Through her coaching and consulting work, Loren specializes in helping professionals transition from time-based pricing models to value-based approaches that support both business growth and personal well-being. Her work focuses on client-centered firms that want to increase revenue, improve client relationships, and create healthier work-life balance. Connect with the Guest Website: https://businesssuccesssolution.com [https://businesssuccesssolution.com] Resource Mentioned: https://businesssuccesssolution.com/raise [https://businesssuccesssolution.com/raise] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenfogelman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenfogelman/]

Virtual Rolodex with Saim Akif, CPA, Crypto Tax

Cryptocurrency is no longer a niche investment topic — it is becoming a growing reality for taxpayers, businesses, and accounting professionals alike. In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with cryptocurrency tax and accounting specialist Saim Akif to break down the evolving world of crypto reporting, compliance, and blockchain innovation. Saim shares practical insights into why cryptocurrency taxation is far more complex than many realize, especially with the rollout of new 1099-DA reporting requirements. From wallets and exchanges to cost basis tracking and self-custody transactions, he explains the risks CPAs and taxpayers face when crypto records are incomplete or misunderstood. The conversation also explores the future of blockchain, the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate digital assets, and why accounting professionals should embrace — not fear — this rapidly evolving space. What You’ll Learn * Why cryptocurrency accounting is becoming relevant for every CPA firm * What the new 1099-DA reporting requirements mean for taxpayers * How crypto wallet transfers can create reporting challenges * Why accurate cost basis tracking is critical * Common mistakes taxpayers and practitioners make with crypto reporting * The importance of quarterly crypto reconciliations * How blockchain and tokenization may reshape the future of finance Key Leadership Insight “The professionals who lean into learning emerging technologies today will be the ones best positioned to serve clients tomorrow.” Why This Matters As cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow, CPAs and financial professionals can no longer afford to ignore digital assets. Understanding the basics of blockchain reporting, documentation requirements, and compliance risks is essential for protecting clients, minimizing tax exposure, and staying ahead in a rapidly changing financial environment. Guest Bio Saim Akif is a Houston-based CPA and CFA specializing in cryptocurrency tax and accounting. He works with taxpayers and CPA firms across the country to help reconcile crypto transactions, interpret evolving reporting requirements, and navigate the complexities of blockchain-based assets. Saim is passionate about educating practitioners and simplifying cryptocurrency accounting for both clients and professionals. Connect with the Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saim-akif/ SAIM AKIF CPA Phone: (713) 451-9700 Email: info@akifcpa.com [info@akifcpa.com] Saim's Website https://saim.cpa [https://saim.cpa/] Main Website www.akifcpa.com [http://www.akifcpa.com/]

Virtual Rolodex with Jasir Jamal, CEO from Longhorn 1031 Exchanges

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with Jasir Jamal, CEO of Longhorn 1031 Exchanges, to discuss one of the most important tax-deferral strategies available to real estate investors: the 1031 exchange.   Jasir breaks down the basics of how 1031 exchanges work, why advanced planning is critical, and how investors can defer capital gains and depreciation recapture taxes when transitioning from one investment property to another.   The conversation also explores the long-term wealth planning opportunities tied to 1031 exchanges, including generational wealth transfer strategies, stepped-up basis rules, and why collaboration between CPAs, financial advisors, and exchange specialists is essential for successful execution.   Whether you're a CPA, real estate investor, financial advisor, or business owner with investment property, this episode provides practical guidance on navigating the complexity of 1031 exchanges and avoiding costly mistakes.   What You’ll Learn What a 1031 exchange is and how tax deferral works Why timing and advanced planning are critical in a successful exchange How depreciation recapture impacts investment property sales Why proceeds cannot go directly into the seller’s bank account The IRS requirements related to replacement property value and debt How 1031 exchanges support long-term generational wealth planning Why collaboration between CPAs, financial advisors, and exchange specialists matters   Key Leadership Insight The best tax strategies are rarely last-minute decisions. Successful 1031 exchanges require proactive planning, coordinated advisors, and a clear understanding of long-term financial goals before a property sale ever closes.   Why This Matters For real estate investors, taxes can significantly reduce the ability to reinvest and grow wealth.   A properly structured 1031 exchange allows investors to: defer capital gains taxes continue expanding investment portfolios preserve cash flow for future investments support long-term estate and wealth transfer strategies   For CPAs and financial professionals, understanding the basics of 1031 exchanges can help clients avoid missed opportunities and make more informed decisions before triggering taxable events.   About the Guest Jasir Jamal is the CEO of Longhorn 1031 Exchanges, where he helps real estate investors navigate the complexities of 1031 exchanges and tax-deferral strategies.   His firm works with investors, CPAs, and financial professionals to guide clients through both simple and highly complex exchange transactions while helping ensure compliance with IRS timelines and requirements.   Jasir specializes in helping clients understand how 1031 exchanges can support long-term investment growth and generational wealth planning. Connect with the Guest Website: https://longhorn1031.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasir-jamal-/

Virtual Rolodex with Natalie Picha and Matt Berti from RHP Wealth Management

Why Your CPA, Financial Advisor, and Estate Attorney Should Be Working Together Episode Summary In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with Natalie Picha and Matt Berti of RHP Wealth Management to discuss the importance of building a collaborative financial team that works together to support long-term wealth planning. The conversation explores how financial advisors, CPAs, estate attorneys, and investment professionals can align strategies to better serve clients—not just during tax season, but throughout every stage of life. Natalie and Matt explain why true financial planning goes beyond investments and focuses on helping clients live the life they want while protecting future generations. They also discuss the growing importance of financial confidence for women, the realities of the Great Wealth Transfer, and how transparency, communication, and education empower families to make stronger financial decisions. Whether you're a CPA, business owner, financial professional, or someone planning for the future, this episode offers practical insight into creating a financial strategy that works holistically—not in silos. What You’ll Learn • Why collaboration between CPAs, financial advisors, and estate attorneys creates better client outcomes • How tax strategy should align with long-term financial planning • Why financial planning is about life goals—not just investments • The importance of reviewing beneficiaries and estate documents regularly • How proactive financial conversations reduce stress and improve decision-making • Why women need greater confidence and involvement in financial planning and investing • How integrated planning can help families navigate generational wealth transitions Key Leadership Insight The strongest financial outcomes happen when professionals stop operating independently and start collaborating as a team around the client. A coordinated approach between advisors, CPAs, and legal professionals can reduce risk, improve strategy execution, and help clients make more confident decisions over the long term. Why This Matters Many individuals and families unknowingly operate with disconnected financial strategies. Without communication between financial professionals, important details can be missed—from outdated beneficiaries to tax inefficiencies and estate planning gaps. Creating a collaborative financial team helps clients: * make more informed decisions * reduce costly mistakes * improve long-term wealth outcomes * create smoother transitions between generations For CPAs and business advisors, strong partnerships with financial planning professionals can also improve the overall client experience and strengthen long-term client relationships. About the Guests Natalie Picha is the Chief Experience Officer and Founding Partner of RHP Wealth Management, where she specializes in helping clients align financial planning, tax strategy, and life goals through a collaborative and relationship-focused approach. Matt Berti, CFP®, CPWA® is a Wealth Advisor at RHP Wealth Management with nearly a decade of experience in the RIA space. He focuses on simplifying complex financial topics and helping clients make confident decisions through comprehensive planning and wealth strategy. Connect with the Guests Website: RHP Wealth Management - https://www.royalharborpartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-picha-3ba26416/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewberti/