EP801 - Emil Abedian on the Evolving Role of the CPA: From Compliance to Strategic Financial Partner

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Dana Samuelson.  Dana talks to us about Precious metals and rare coins as investments and hedges against financial uncertainty and inflation. Dana Samuelson is the Founder and President of American Gold Exchange (AGE), a nationally respected precious metals and rare coin company now celebrating its 25th anniversary. With more than four decades of experience in the gold and silver markets, Dana is widely recognized as an authority on vintage U.S. coins and precious metals investing. His expertise has been featured in outlets like Forbes, Market Watch, and Fox Business, and he brings a deep understanding of how global economics, inflation, interest rates, and international events shape the markets. Beyond leading AGE, Dana has played an influential role in the industry, serving as past President of the Professional Numismatists Guild and helping to launch the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force in collaboration with Homeland Security and the Secret Service. Known for integrity and thought leadership, Dana continues to guide investors and collectors alike, offering clarity and trusted insights into the often complex world of precious metals. You can connect with Dana here: Website: https://www.amergold.com/

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Andrew Darlow.  Andrew talks to us about Don't lose your precious memories or your business. Andrew Darlow is a New Jersey-based award-winning photographer, author, inventor and coach. For over 25 years he has helped people preserve, protect and backup their photographs, videos and other important digital files. Andrew's work and insights have been highlighted in multiple publications and media outlets, including: People Magazine, Animal Planet, Reader's Digest and Professional Photographer Magazine. He is the author of four award-winning books, and he is the inventor of the GalleryPouch™, a custom, heavyweight bubble bag produced in Dallas, Texas by Frame Destination. You can connect with Andrew here: Website: https://www.candidcanine.com/ Website: https://imagingbuffet.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adarlow

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Kimberly Weitkamp.  Kimberly talks to us about Partnering with AI-Grow Your Biz and Keep Your Voice. Kimberly Weitkamp is a marketing strategist, coach, and podcaster who believes that the right words can transform a business. She helps coaches and entrepreneurs uncover the messaging that feels true to who they are—so they can connect with the right people at the right time with the right messaging. Through her work, Kimberly combines timeless marketing fundamentals with the smart use of AI, helping business owners simplify their marketing and share their message without the stress or overwhelm. Her approach is rooted in authenticity—because when your message reflects your values and your voice, your audience feels it. Kimberly is also the host of *The Audience Converter Podcast*, where she dives into strategies, stories, and conversations that help entrepreneurs create marketing that truly resonates. When she's not talking messaging or recording episodes, she's likely exploring a new city, diving into a sci-fi book, or swapping stories over a really good cup of coffee. You can connect with Kimberly here: Website: https://go.theaudienceconverter.com/home AI for Coaches: https://go.theaudienceconverter.com/aiforcoaches LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyweitkamp/

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Tito Alvarez.  Tito talks to us about Building Trust in Your Community . Tito Alvarez is California's legendary Hispanic advocate and the original voice behind the most trusted name in accident victim support throughout the 80s and 90s. After decades defending the community and working with attorneys of every caliber, Tito developed a rare insight: he knows exactly which lawyers truly fight for their clients—and which ones don't. That hard-earned wisdom became the foundation of TitoParaTi (Co-founder Tito Pah-rah-Tee), a revolutionary brand built to protect families from predatory legal marketing. Rooted in the Hispanic community but now embraced by Californians of all backgrounds, TitoParaTi is California's only 100% free legal advocacy service connecting accident victims with the select few attorneys who actually win in court. In an industry dominated by flashy ads and quick settlements, Tito's mission is built on truth, dignity, and real justice. Featured on Despierta América and trusted by over 1,200 families, Tito helps ethical law firms rise above the noise—not through gimmicks, but through values-driven connection. You can connect with Tito here: Website: https://titoparati.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/titoparatiofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TitoParaTiOfficial TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@titoparatiofficial_

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Rob Lee.  Rob talks to us about Conscious Business. Rob Lee is the CEO and co-founder of Swift Passport and Visa Services, a trailblazing company that simplifies international travel documentation for corporate travelers and global adventurers alike. Swift has evolved into a trusted name in travel logistics, fusing tech innovation with exceptional service. Rob is also a dedicated yoga teacher and spiritual seeker. He's currently completing his 300-hour yoga teacher training while building "SwiftPass," a vision-driven SaaS tech platform designed to make global mobility smarter and more human-centered. Rob's work. and life, explores what happens when business is rooted in purpose and systems serve people. Whether it's running a business, guiding a yoga class, or just asking bigger questions, he's always looking at what the moment has to offer, and where it wants to take him next. You can connect with Rob here: Website: https://www.swiftpassportservices.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eelbor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwiftPassport Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swiftpassportservices

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller.  Melissa talks to us about empathy in leadership. Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller isn't just talking about leadership, she's redefining what leadership looks like. Known for transforming how leaders think, connect, and create culture, she brings empathy and emotional intelligence to the front of the conversation, where they belong. With over 20 years of leadership experience across industries, she helps organizations build emotionally intelligent cultures that don't just feel good. They perform. These so-called "soft" skills? They're the ones driving the hard results: productivity, innovation, and profit. After her rising career in the music industry was cut short by cold, disconnected leadership, Melissa set out to change the game. She made it her mission to redefine what real leadership looks like, starting with the one element most people skip over: empathy. Today, she's an author, TEDx speaker, EQ coach, and trusted voice in the leadership space, known for blending lived experience, academic depth, and a sharp, data-driven approach that gets results. Dr. Melissa's work blends deep, personal experience, academic research, and a practical, skills-based approach. Whether speaking to large audiences or working one-on-one as a coach, she gives leaders the tools to create empathic workplace cultures that are results-oriented, data-driven, and skills based. A dynamic public speaker and veteran coach, Dr. Melissa is also the author of her recently released book The Empathic Leader. It's a must-read for anyone ready to step up and lead in the way the future demands: human-first, emotionally intelligent, and unapologetically effective. You can connect with Melissa here: Website: https://eqviaempathy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empathyqueen.eq/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEmpathicLeader Amazon book link for any country: https://geni.us/TheEmpathicLeader

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Emil Abedian.  Emil talks to us about the Evolving Role of the CPA: From Compliance to Strategic Financial Partner. Emil Abedian is the Founder and CEO of Counsel CPAs, a specialized accounting firm dedicated to optimizing the financial performance of solo and small law firms nationwide. With over 20 years of experience, Emil recognized a critical need for tailored financial strategies within the legal sector. He established Counsel CPAs to move beyond traditional compliance, focusing on proactive advisory that drives profitability and sustainable growth. Counsel CPAs provides comprehensive financial services, including advanced tax planning, strategic financial analysis, and operational consulting. Emil's approach centers on building strong CPA-client partnerships, empowering law firm owners to make informed financial decisions and scale their businesses efficiently. He emphasizes the integration of financial data with operational insights to enhance business performance. His expertise extends to serving as a board member and CFO for the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles and the Mentor Foundation (USA), where he applies his financial and strategic acumen to support organizational growth. Emil is also the author of the forthcoming book, "Counsel to Counsel," offering practical financial strategies for law firm entrepreneurs. You can connect with Emil here: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilabedian/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Counsel-CPAs/61559571126044/ Website: https://www.counselcpas.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CounselCPAs_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselcpas_/

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Anthony McMahon.  Anthony talks to us about Smart Tech, No Jargon. Anthony McMahon is the founder of Target State Consulting, a Technology Consultant, and the host of the Biz Bytes podcast. He helps small to medium-sized businesses navigate their most pressing technology challenges. Known for his pragmatic, independent advice, Ant cuts through the jargon to show leaders how to optimise their IT investments, simplify complex tech decisions, and build sustainable growth. He's passionate about empowering businesses to achieve clarity and confidence in their technology journey. When he's not busy empowering leaders to achieve clarity and confidence in their tech journey, you'll likely find Ant as a keen sports watcher, on the field coaching rugby, or out on the water paddleboarding. You can connect with Anthony here: Website: https://www.targetstate.co.nz Substack: https://bizbytes.substack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyjmcmahon/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/targetstateconsulting/

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Coach Willie Blake.  Coach Willie talks to us about Small Steps, Big Results – The 2% Rule That Changes Everything. Coach Willie Blake is a high-performance and career coach who helps dyslexic entrepreneurs and professionals turn their unique wiring into an advantage. As the founder of WB Coaching and host of the Light Beyond Limits podcast, he's known for delivering real, practical strategies rooted in resilience, mindset, and daily action. Diagnosed with dyslexia in the first grade, Willie uses his own journey, from struggle to strength, to guide others toward clarity, confidence, and consistent progress. Through his signature tools like the GPS Framework and the 2% Rule, he helps people stop overthinking and start moving toward the life they actually want. Whether speaking on stages or coaching behind the scenes, Coach Willie is all about helping people break chains, believe bigger, and lead with purpose.

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to Stela Roznovan.  Stelatalks to us about the importance of great communication in an increasingly tech-oriented era. Stela Roznovan's story is a remarkable journey of resilience, discipline, and determination. Born in Eastern Europe shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union, she grew up in extreme poverty, living on just two dollars a day. In 2006, at the age of 13, she and her family immigrated to the United States in search of greater opportunity. Within just 30 days of arriving, Stela had already learned English, setting the tone for a life defined by focus and rapid growth. A classically trained concert pianist, Stela has been performing on national and international stages since the age of seven. Her passion for excellence extends beyond music. Today, she is a successful entrepreneur who leads a multimillion-dollar agency with Globe Life. Stela is fluent in three languages and has become a sought-after voice on stages around the world as a TEDx and international keynote speaker. She continues to pursue new challenges and adventures, including working toward her private pilot's license. Her work and story have also been featured on American Dream TV, appearing on platforms such as Hulu, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime. You can connect with Stela here: Website: https://stelaroznovan.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stela.roznovan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stela-roznovan-6a1b8b118/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stelaroznovan/