Want to stop work from consuming your life? First, learn self-awareness
Andrea Millar, CPA/PFS, thought she knew what really mattered. Getting good grades in school and going above and beyond at work were part of her being. But she came to the realization that work was consuming her life, at the expense of other things she cared about. Millar wrote about that experience, and some of the changes she made to create a more fulfilling life, in a recent JofA article. She also joined the JofA podcast to discuss the topic. What you'll learn from this episode: An explanation of how work can "unconsciously" take over our lives. Understanding the "default state" of being and how it can explain why we might overwork. How a shift to the "experiencing stage" allows us to align time and energy differently. Why Millar stresses self-awareness as an important first step of changing habits. The award that Millar's article won in a recent media and publishing competition.
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20:24
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20:24
Real estate tax changes that advisers need to understand
Withum partner Brian Lovett, CPA, CGMA, J.D., is the guest on this week's episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast. Lovett is scheduled to speak at the AICPA Construction & Real Estate Conference in December on industry-specific impacts of new tax provisions in H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He joined the podcast to preview some of those topics and explain the main way he separates fact from fiction when it comes to the details of H.R. 1 provisions. What you'll learn from this episode: What real estate professionals and advisers should know about the expansion of Sec. 179. The PDF on Lovett's computer desktop that is "the one that matters." The topic that is "one of the things we're waiting on most" related to IRS guidance. One real-estate-related provision that could be easily misunderstood. The PTET SALT deduction's effect on real estate companies.
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14:06
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14:06
3 types of difficult people — and how to work better with them
Executive coach and author Nick Robinson illuminates the challenging traits of work colleagues and shares strategies from his book — The 9 Types of Difficult People: How to Spot Them and Quickly Improve Working Relationships — that professionals can employ to improve relationships on the job. Robinson, a speaker at UK & Ireland ENGAGE, explores the interplay between organizational pressures, psychological stressors, power dynamics, and how those factors can influence the development of traits and behaviors that make people difficult to work with. He also shares strategies managers and professionals can explore to help get to the crux of performance issues, improve communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of peers. "When you ask a difficult person why they're doing what they do, they don't think they're difficult," Robinson said. "They're trying to do something that they think is right." The conversation was first published as an episode of the FM podcast. What you'll learn from this episode: Four pressures that can negatively affect our ability to work with others. Three common types of difficult people in the workplace. Advice for managers and employees to navigate challenging relationships and dynamics. Steps for surviving a difficult boss. Tips for "unlearning" bad habits that make you appear more difficult to work with.
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18:56
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18:56
Reflecting on AI's rise in accounting, looking to what comes next
"You cannot avoid AI" — but you can and should continue to experiment with it. That's one key message from consultant and keynote speaker Pascal Finette, who returned to the JofA podcast to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) adoption has grown and how the profession is dealing with rapid changes and uncertainty. The conversation revisits topics Finette discussed in 2021 and 2022, and it looks ahead to the Digital CPA Conference, Dec. 7–10 in National Harbor, Md. Resources Early 2022 JofA episode (recorded in December 2021). Early 2023 JofA episode (recorded in December 2022). CPA.com's AI landing page. What you'll learn from this episode: The accelerated pace of AI adoption between December 2023 and December 2024. The role of curiosity and experimentation in embracing new technology. The best-of-both-worlds approach some companies are taking as it relates to hybrid work. An explanation of the World Uncertainty Index and how it is now higher than pandemic-era levels. What to expect from the Digital CPA Conference.
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19:01
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19:01
AI, succession, the talent pipeline, and defining 'unapologetic' ambition
This week's podcast guest is Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA/CITP, CGMA, the CEO of KET Solutions and former AICPA and Association of International Certified Professional Accountants chair. Ellison-Taylor joined the show from the National Association of Corporate Directors 2025 Summit earlier this week, where AI was the main topic of conversation. What else are corporate boards discussing? And how is the accounting profession faring on certain aspects of growing the talent pipeline? Ellison-Taylor has answers, along with a look ahead to AICPA events in November and December. Resources: Global Women's Leadership Summit (Nov. 10–12, Nashville, Tenn.) Digital CPA Conference (Dec. 7–10, National Harbor, Md.) What you'll learn from this episode: The priorities and top concerns of corporate boards, starting with AI. How the accounting profession and firms in particular are doing when it comes to "looking inward." Why Ellison-Taylor says that ambition can be defined different ways by different people. More about her comment that "at some point, we all will be digital CPAs."
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