Count Me In®

Join Adam Larson as he chats with Matt Symes, transformation strategist, AI-first architect, and founder of Levership. In this lively conversation, Matt Symes down the real challenges of scaling a business, the leadership shifts needed at each stage, and how AI is reshaping value creation whether you're ready or not. With stories from his own journey and practical examples, Matt Symes shares why embracing process beats blaming people, how founders and teams can avoid getting stuck, and what accounting and finance pros can do to get a real seat at the table. Fast-paced, honest, and packed with takeaways, this episode is your guide to thriving through change instead of getting tripped up by it.

How is AI really changing the game for accounting and finance teams? In this episode, Adam Larson sits down with Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts and author of The Psychology of AI Adoption at Work: From Resistance to Results, to get real about what today’s AI adoption means for people and processes—beyond the tech hype. Dr. Tsipursky shares stories from inside organizations, highlights practical AI use cases that transform busywork into high-value time, and breaks down the human side of the transition: what excites people, what scares them, and what leaders can do to set everyone up for success. If you’re navigating how to keep your skills relevant and your team motivated in an AI-powered workplace, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. Expect actionable insights, plenty of relatable examples, and a fresh mindset for the future of work.

Pull up a chair for a practical, eye-opening conversation with Heather Bain, Owner of Bain CPA Business Strategies, as she joins Adam Larson to talk shop about the real challenges—and solutions—facing small business owners when it comes to finance, accounting, and internal controls. From starting out in sales to becoming a trusted consultant for small businesses, Heather shares relatable stories, hands-on advice, and actionable steps that any business can use to tighten up their processes, improve cash management, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re wrestling with company credit card chaos, scattered receipts, or feeling stretched wearing too many hats, Heather walks you through the importance of solid internal controls, why tracking really matters, and how technology (and maybe a CMA) can make all the difference. Perfect for accounting pros, business owners, and anyone looking for straightforward strategies to run a smarter, safer business.Links Mentioned in Podcast:COSOCOSO Training at IMA

Sit down with Adam Larson and Ayush Sharma, founder and CEO of Warp, as they chat about reinventing HR and finance with AI-powered solutions. Ayush Sharma shares his journey from tackling messy post-COVID payroll problems to building a platform that bridges people data and financial systems—making reporting smarter and more accessible. Discover why Ayush Sharma believes AI agents are changing the game, freeing teams from repetitive work and letting them focus on what matters. With hands-on insights from both a technical and leadership perspective, this episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to see how technology is transforming the way businesses manage their teams, data, and strategy.

Join Adam Larson as he sits down with Michael Nagel, author of Flourishing Together and Founder of Collective Breakthroughs, for a candid conversation about what truly drives breakthroughs in organizations. From an unconventional start in social work to performance measurement at KPMG and Balanced Scorecard strategy work with Kaplan and Norton, Michael shares how understanding people in context is just as vital as mastering numbers and systems. They unpack lessons from the Balanced Scorecard for the performance measurement every organization relies on, examine the pitfalls that even top-performing companies face, and explore the hidden power of silence and missed opportunities in the workplace. With a bit of music inspiration, Michael introduces his breakthrough intelligence (BIQ) framework, offering practical wisdom for accounting and finance professionals who want to make an impact in today's changing business environment. If you're ready for fresh takes on leadership, organizational behavior, and how to ask smarter questions, this episode is packed with insights you can put to work right awayReadiness Assessment

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Polina Nyer, Senior FP&A Analyst for HP, whose career journey started on the basketball courts before pivoting to international business and ultimately, AI-driven finance transformation. Polina shares her fresh framework for understanding how finance and accounting professionals at different career stages experience and adopt AI—whether you're just starting out, deep into your analyst years, or leading a team through change. You'll hear practical advice on building confidence with AI, accelerating your learning, and creating supportive team cultures that turn uncertainty into opportunity. If you’re curious about real strategies for adapting to AI, managing risk, and blending experience with new technology, this is one episode you don't want to miss!

Join Adam Larson as he sits down with Ilya Ilienko—CFO at Halen®, business scaling expert, and IMA Global Board of Directors member—for a wide-ranging conversation packed with real-world insight. Ilyai Ilienko shares his fascinating journey from hotel restaurant bookkeeper at 17, through big names like Deloitte and Credit Suisse, to helping small and medium-sized businesses build their brands and scale with confidence. You'll hear practical advice on navigating complex organizations, building a brand identity from scratch, and finding your place in crowded markets. Ilyai Ilienko also opens up about the importance of human connections in the age of AI and what he's learned from his leadership role at IMA. Whether you’re leading a small team or looking to level up your organization, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

Get an inside look at how finance leaders weather storms and stay ahead of the curve—even when global markets throw curveballs. In this candid conversation, Rashid AlKhoory (oil & gas finance expert from the UAE) and Nataraja Shateeskhanna (retail and luxury goods finance leader) join host Adam Larson to talk shop about leadership, navigating disruption, and adapting to a world that’s anything but stable. Learn how these pros tackle everything from supply chain headaches to wild swings in liquidity—and how they make AI, data, and strong communication part of their arsenal. If you’re trying to future-proof your own business, lead through uncertainty, or just want fresh insight on finance and strategy from two seasoned leaders, this episode’s got what you need. Tune in for advice on real-time decision-making, cross-functional teamwork, and building resilience long before a crisis hits. Perfect for finance, accounting, and business pros who want to grow their edge and up their strategic game!

Get ready for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation as Adam Larson sits down with journalist and broadcaster Tracy Mitchell at IMA26 for a live recording of Count Me In! Tracy shares her fascinating journey from interviewing family members in front of her childhood mirror to covering some of the most emotional and impactful stories in television news. In this episode, Tracy Mitchell opens up about what it means to truly audit your life, master your mindset, and make tough choices—whether that's negotiating for what you deserve or recognizing when it's time for change. Expect real talk on what it takes to step into your power, embrace two truths at once, and prepare for “yes” in your personal and professional life. Perfect for accounting, finance, and business professionals ready to level up, this episode is packed with memorable stories, actionable tips, and a good dose of motivation from someone who’s walked the walk. Press play to find out how you can take that first step to becoming who you truly want to be.

Ever had to step into a role where nothing was mapped out and the stakes were sky-high? Eric Lenard, Vice President & CFO, Innovation, Development & Quality at Medtronic, knows exactly what that’s like. In this episode, he joins Adam Larson to share his journey from structured corporate beginnings to standing up a new business in a space he barely knew how to spell (literally). You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories about building trust in brand new teams, leading through chaos, and creating a culture of “courageous leadership”—where failing fast and learning even faster is the key to growth. Eric breaks down how finding your North Star, building strong relationships, and embracing change have shaped his career, even when things got scary. If you’re an accounting, finance, or business professional facing uncertainty, or just want to be inspired by someone who thrives in ambiguity, this episode offers real talk, practical advice, and plenty of motivation to step up and lead—even when the path isn’t clear.