We’re going to take a closer look at augmented reality (AR), also known as mixed reality. Augmented reality combines our real world with virtual information, images, sounds, or other media that augments our experiences in the real world. There are some really interesting case studies of how AR is being used in innovative and productive ways. Here to help us understand AR better are Dina Broydo and Rachelle Hernandez. Dina is a Manager in BDO’s Forensic Investigations and Litigation Services Practice, and Rachelle is an Experienced Senior Associate with BDO’s Digital Analytics and Automation Practice. They share how BDO is using this technology, how it’s worked for them, what they’re hearing from team members and clients, and even the role that the pandemic has played in how BDO is rolling out the technology. As the use of this technology becomes more widespread, it undoubtedly will have implications for other areas of the profession moving forward. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: https://www.bdo.com/ (bdo.com) https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefraudgal (linkedin.com/in/thefraudgal) https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellehernandez (linkedin.com/in/rachellehernandez) https://www.bdo.com/digital/resources/microsoft/microsoft-hololens-2 (Remote Inventory with Microsoft HoloLens 2) https://www.bdo.com/resources/the-resilience-agenda/a-framework-for-recovery-in-the-covid-19-economy (The Resilience Agenda: A Framework for Recovery in the COVID-19 Economy) https://www.bdo.com/digital/resources/2021-digital-transformation-survey (2021 Middle Market Digital Transformation Survey) Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

Future-Proof

155. Augmented reality and the future of the profession, with Dina Broydo and Rachelle Hernandez

Dr. Freeman Hrabowski is the president of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and he recently announced his retirement after three decades at the helm of UMBC. He will officially step down in June 2022. He's a leader in every sense of the word, particularly when it comes to educating and graduating an incredibly diverse and inclusive student body. Joining him is Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, accounting and finance's Wonder Woman. She's former chair of the AICPA, and the Maryland Association of CPAs, and chair of way too many organizations to mention. She's a graduate of UMBC, and she and Dr. Hrabowski have quite a history. Together, they have some interesting thoughts about the accounting profession that are going to make this a valuable conversation. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpOrbEH8IMo (Success is Never Final: A Message from UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-n-ellison-taylor-b1a13a2 (Kimberly N. Ellison-Taylor) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRSndP0o3I0 (Live. Learn. Lead. The Kimberly Ellison-Taylor Story | An MACPA short film) Read: https://www.adamgrant.net/book/think-again/ (Think Again) Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

154. The Future of Accounting Depends on People Who Care with Dr. Freeman Hrabowski & Kimberly Ellison-Taylor

154. Accounting's future rests with people who care, with Dr. Freeman Hrabowski & Kimberly Ellison-Taylor

We are 20 years out from 9/11, the tragic event that changed everything in the US. We all have our 9/11 stories – the things we remember most when we think back to that fateful day. To mark the occasion, we’re going to hear from some of the leaders in the accounting and finance profession, their stories, where they were when it happened, and how the event has impacted the profession. Those leaders are: AICPA President and CEO, Barry Melancon Tom Hood, Executive Vice President of Business Growth and Engagement with the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants Jessica McClain, Controller for Brand USA and a member of The MACPA Foundation. Ed Rommel, a retired CPA, a former partner with TRS CPA Group, and a former chair of the Maryland Association of CPAs’ Board of Directors. Tim Samuel, CFO of Bridgeway Community Church, and a member of the MACPA’s Board of Directors.  Lexy Kessler, a partner with Aronson, and current MACPA Board Chair. MACPA President and CEO, Jackie Brown Let’s spend some time today looking back – and looking forward. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

153. Remembering 9/11

We’ve dissected this pandemic in every way possible so far – its impact on our world, our health, our businesses, our employees, and the future of work – as well as its impact on leadership, innovation, technology, and the pace of change in general. It’s all speeding up, right? But let’s take a closer look at how COVID-19 has impacted the world of financial planning – not only for clients and the state of their finances, but for businesses, practices, and how the profession is changing as a result of this crisis. Lyle Benson is president and founder of L.K. Benson & Company in Baltimore, and he joined us back in the summer of 2020 to talk about some specific worries around personal finance and savings during the early days of the pandemic. Today, we’re doing a deeper dive into financial planning. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: https://lkbenson.com/ (lkbenson.com) Read: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/21/americans-say-they-got-better-with-money-during-the-pandemic.html (A third of Americans say they got better with money during the pandemic) Read: https://fortune.com/2021/05/01/retirement-financial-planning-covid-northwestern-mutual/ (COVID has rewritten the rules on financial planning) Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

152. Pandemic PFP: The Impact on Clients & Practitioners

Lee Frederiksen is a business strategist, a behavioral psychologist, and the managing partner of a marketing firm called Hinge which caters to the professional services industry. Lee makes the case that more professional service firms have been positively impacted by the pandemic than negatively impacted. This crisis has been difficult for people in many ways: jobs, businesses, and even lives lost. We can talk about money all day, but, in the end, this crisis is about human beings who were here a while ago and aren’t here now. This has been a human tragedy of immense proportions. Lee has some fantastic insights, and ones you’ll want to keep in mind, because this likely won’t be the last crisis we go through in our lives given how fast things are changing. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: https://hingemarketing.com/ (hingemarketing.com) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leefrederiksen (linkedin.com/in/leefrederiksen) Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

151. Tragedy’s Silver Lining with Lee Frederiksen

Bill Pirolli is the brand new chair of the American Institute of CPAs and a partner with DiSanto Priest & Co., in Warwick, Rhode Island. He gives us his take on the future of the profession, some of the things he has his eye on, and his priorities for the coming year – all of which will impact everyone in the profession. Bill has been thinking about pipeline issues, engaging the next generation of CPAs, keeping interest in the profession strong, and making sure we’re providing tomorrow’s CPAs with the skills they need to thrive.  That’s just one of the issues on his agenda for the coming year. He’s also thinking hard about things like diversity and inclusion, navigating the profession through a post-pandemic world, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We talk about all of that and more as we look towards the future. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: https://www.aicpa.org/about/leadership/bill-pirolli-bio.html (William (Bill) Pirolli, CPA/CFF/PFS, CGMA) “https://onlinemsa.depaul.edu/articles/future-of-accounting-jobs/ (The Future of Accounting Jobs in a World With Artificial Intelligence)” Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

150. People, Pipeline, Pandemic: A View from the Top

Anirban Basu is chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, an economic and policy consulting firm headquartered in the great city of Baltimore, Maryland. He is one of the most popular speakers on the MACPA educational circuit, chair of the Maryland Economic Development Commission, and of the Baltimore County Economic Advisory Committee. He was named one of Maryland’s 50 most influential people. When it comes to the economy, he knows what he’s talking about, so we’re going to take a quick look with him – at Maryland, United States, the COVID factor, housing, all of it – and see what he has to say. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: https://sagepolicy.com/ (sagepolicy.com) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirban-basu-2110335 (linkedin.com/in/anirban-basu-2110335) https://www.reuters.com/world/china/global-growth-stay-strong-virus-top-risk-say-economists-2021-07-27/ (“Global growth to stay strong but virus the top risk”) Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

149. Anirban Basu and the Chamber of Data

We’ve discussed the .cpa domain before – a new domain that’s available exclusively to CPAs. There are many benefits involved with this domain (for both you and your clients). The domain has been out there since earlier this year, so we thought now would be a good time to take stock of where things are for people. How’s this domain working for everyone? How many people have used it? What about it has worked? What lessons have been learned? What would people do differently if they could change things? There’s been much excitement surrounding .cpa domains, but do they live up to the hype? Chris Cromer is going to help us make sense of everything. He’s a technology expert focused on the applications, networking, infrastructure, compliance, and security for the CPA.com web properties, including CPA.com, AICPAStore.com, RIVIO.com, the CPA.com email service extension, and the .cpa domain. We’ve had the .cpa domain for around six months, now. Chris gives us insights such as the uptake, what the popularity means for the domain itself, the benefits on offer, and more. To keep learning, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: https://www.cpa.com/ (CPA.com) https://www.aicpastore.com/ (AICPAStore.com) https://www.rivio.com/ (RIVIO.com) Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

148. Should you make the move to .cpa? With Chris Cromer

Lexy Kessler is the partner in charge of Aronson’s Government Contract Services Group and chair of the AICPA’s PCPS Executive Committee. As of July 1st, she is the new chair of the Maryland Association of CPAs Board of Directors. We’re going to look at her priorities this year and the trends impacting CPAs in Maryland and beyond. Of course, diversity and inclusion in the pipeline are always a focus – however, Lexy is also excited to step into what she calls “MACPA 3.0,” stepping into the opportunities for the association that look ahead, past the current leadership and structural changes. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexykessler/ (linkedin.com/in/lexykessler) “https://www.icpas.org/information/professional-issues/decoding-the-decline (The CPA Pipeline Report: Decoding the Decline)” “https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/time-commitment-career-relevance-push-young-people-away-from-cpa-exam (Time commitment, relevance push people away from CPA Exam)” Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

147. The future of finance in Maryland, with Lexy Kessler

You would be hard-pressed to think of an area that has a greater impact on the working world than where we work. The pandemic has taken the cat out of the bag – so to speak – and there’s no putting it back. Working from home is here to stay. Now it’s up to us to keep it productive. Kassi Rushing is a communication and people strategist who works with organizations to bring their cultural visions to life. She's got experience and expertise in workplace culture, high-performing teams, diversity, equity and inclusion strategy, leadership and pipeline development, employee engagement, and communication strategy – all of which makes her the perfect person to talk about the future of work. Kassi gave a GREAT presentation at one of the MACPA’s recent town hall meetings. She talks about some of the landmines that employers need to watch out for, the opportunities that are there for those of us who figure out how to do this right, what employees can do to help make this transition easier, and a look at the future of work itself. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: http://www.kassirushing.com/ (kassirushing.com) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassirushing/ (linkedin.com/in/kassirushing) “https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2021/05/27/hybrid-work-mistakes-companies.html (Allowing More Work From Home? Avoid These Common Mistakes)” Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

146. The pitfalls and potential of working from home, with Kassi Rushing

It seems as if everyone wants to offer client accounting services, but not many know where to start. Hitendra Patil is the Head of Customer Success at AccountantsWorld. He is a fixture in Accounting Today’s list of The 100 Most Influential People in Accounting. And he’s one of the biggest fans – and, certainly, one of the most knowledgeable people on the subject – of client accounting services. He has a new book called “https://cpatrendlines.com/shop/hp21cas/ (The Definitive Success Guide to Client Accounting Services).” He talks about the opportunities that CAS provides, the barriers getting in the way of their adoption, the new skills we’ll have to learn to be successful, and what’s in the future for CAS. Like everything else these days, it’s evolving fast. If you’ve been thinking about diving into the CAS pool, this is a great place to start. To learn more and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: Read: “https://cpatrendlines.com/shop/hp21cas/ (The Definitive Success Guide to Client Accounting Services)” https://cpatrendlines.com/2021/05/23/your-guide-to-cas/ (CAS Begins With a Mindset) https://cpatrendlines.com/2021/01/24/top-five-cas-killers-and-how-to-overcome-them/) (Top Five CAS Killers and How to Overcome Them) Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

145. The CAS mindset, with Hitendra Patil

David Nour is CEO of The Nour Group, where they're all about building strategic relationships to help leaders reimagine the future. He's an advisor to Fortune 500 execs, a professor at Emory University, and the author of 11 books. His latest is “https://www.amazon.com/Curve-Benders-Strategic-Relationships-Non-Linear/dp/1119764211 (Curve Benders: How Strategic Relationships Can Power Your Non-Linear Growth in the Future of Work).” What are curve benders? How do you define "strategic relationships?" What is non-linear growth? What is the future of work? And how does all this fit together? David joins us to talk about his notion of curve-benders and how they are more than just strategic relationships. They are a series of forces that change how we live, work, and even play. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: https://nourgroup.com/ (nourgroup.com) Read: “https://www.amazon.com/Curve-Benders-Strategic-Relationships-Non-Linear/dp/1119764211 (Curve Benders)” https://www.inc.com/david-nour/what-relationships-are-core-of-your-personal-market-value.html (What Relationships are the Core of Your Personal Market Value?) Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

144. Bending curves and building careers, with David Nour

Donny Shimamoto is the founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies, an advisory-focused CPA firm in Honolulu. He’s also an incredibly active volunteer and thought leader for the American Institute of CPAs, doing work in information management, IT, and assurance services. His latest project is leading the launch of the new Center for Accounting Transformation. Its mission statement reads: “The Center enables transformation by guiding members through the adoption and change required in order to step into the future of the accounting profession. We are not here to convince people to change, but rather to empower those who seek an alternative to the status quo.” We talk about how they are doing that, and why. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: https://www.intraprise.us/ (intraprise.us) https://www.improvetheworld.net/ (improvetheworld.net) https://www.evolutionofcpa.org/ (evolutionofcpa.org) Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

143. Accounting's future starts now, with Donny Shimamoto

Kelly Phillips Erb runs a very popular Twitter account under the handle, TaxGirl. She has written a regular Forbes column for years under the moniker, and now she’s doing the same for Bloomberg. She’s been interviewed by every big-name media company in the business about all things tax: CNN, Reuters, Time, NPR, ABC, CBS, MarketWatch, and more. She is also a managing attorney with ErbLaw, based in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania. We talk about the state of tax professionals more than a year into the pandemic, how the industry has changed due to it, and of course the ways it will continue to evolve moving forward. To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit https://blionline.org/blog (blionline.org/blog). Resources: https://www.taxgirl.com/ (taxgirl.com) Twitter: https://twitter.com/taxgirl (@taxgirl) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealtaxgirl (@therealtaxgirl) Future-Proof is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

142. Tax pros are people too, with Kelly Phillips Erb

How should you future-proof your organization and your career in a complex and chaotic world? Host Bill Sheridan, thought leader with the Maryland Association of CPAs, gets answers from some of today's most forward-thinking thought leaders.