S2E19 - Build a Firm That Scales: Trust, Strategy & the New Advisory Model – with Kathy Towne-Sautters

S2E19 - Build a Firm That Scales: Trust, Strategy & the New Advisory Model – with Kathy Towne-Sautters

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Kathy Towne-Sautters of the BDO Alliance to unpack how the accounting profession is evolving beyond compliance into a true advisory powerhouse. Kathy shares why being a "connector" matters, how active listening builds trust faster than any sales pitch, and why firms can't afford to operate in a vacuum. They dive into the rise of AI, the growing influence of private equity, and what next-generation leaders really want: transparency, technology, and a clear path forward. If you're thinking about the future of your firm (or your career), this conversation is packed with insight, strategy, and practical takeaways.

S2E18 - Bridging the Gap: Transitioning to Next Gen Leadership – with Scott Dannemiller

This episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic explores leadership succession, focusing on transitions from founders to next-generation leaders. Scott Dannemiller shares that many challenges stem from communication gaps, imposter syndrome, and the "curse of knowledge." He outlines the distinct hurdles for internal and external successors and emphasizes that successful transitions require transparency, realistic expectations, and ongoing course correction. He also highlights the emotional nature of succession and the importance of reframing change as adaptation, not criticism. Strong planning, clear roles, intentional overlap, and consistent feedback are key to a healthy transition, while silence and unspoken concerns signal risk. Ultimately, effective succession blends strategy, empathy, and proactive communication. If you're a business founder, owner, HR professional, or culture leader, this episode offers practical guidance to navigate succession with clarity, confidence, and trust.

S2E17 - 401(k) Audit Essentials: Avoid Costly Mistakes

What really happens during a 401(k) audit—and why should you care? Hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Jeremy Smith to pull back the curtain on employee benefit plan audits, explaining key rules, common compliance traps, and the surprising ways things can go wrong. From simple payroll slip-ups to shocking fraud cases, this episode delivers both eye-opening stories and actionable advice to help keep your plan compliant and your employees protected.

S2E16 - The Mental Health ROI: Why Culture Beats Compensation

Workplace stress is at an all-time high, but burnout isn't just a personal issue, it's a relationship issue. In this candid and insightful conversation, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Chris King, owner of GPS Therapies, to unpack what's really happening to our mental health at work. With nearly 30 years of experience as a counselor and leader, Chris shares why every problem is a relationship problem, how stress quietly turns into burnout, and why employees who feel unheard either "act out" or disappear entirely. The discussion explores generational shifts in mental health, the loneliness epidemic, and the crucial balance between freedom and responsibility in healthy organizations. Whether you're an employer, a manager, or simply trying to survive Monday morning, this episode delivers clarity, hope, and tools you can use immediately.

S2E15 - Lead with Hospitality. Earn Trust. Grow.

What happens when fine-dining hospitality meets auto repair? In this episode, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Russ Knight, owner of a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to explore how the principles from Will Guidara's book Unreasonable Hospitality can transform even the most unexpected industries. Russ shares how applying a hospitality-first mindset—focused on listening, personalization, and empowering employees—helped his shop stand out in a crowded, trust-challenged market. Rather than obsessing over sales metrics or technical upsells, Russ explains why small, thoughtful gestures, genuine education, and meeting customers where they are matter far more. The result? Stronger trust, higher customer retention, improved team morale, and sustainable financial growth. Whether you lead a service business, manage a team, or want to rethink how you engage the people you serve, this conversation will challenge you to go above and beyond—no white tablecloths required.