Podcast

Once upon a time, I was all business. I was overly analytical and a bit too direct on every project I worked on. I was never mean-spirited, at least I didn’t think I was. I just thought everyone should be like me when working on critical projects. Four years into my career, some people who cared about me said, “Mark, you’re smart, but you need to go to charm school.” That was a transformational experience.

[Read more…] about People Skills for Analytical Thinkers

Several months ago, a web search brought me to the 2Y3X website. I devoured every single page. I watched the videos on the website. I was so captivated by the content that I wanted to interview the creative genius behind that firm. A follow-up email from a team member revealed Felix Velarde was releasing his book soon. I waited, got the book, and was still hooked. My interview with this engaging business leader and executive coach did not disappoint.

[Read more…] about 3X Revenue in 2 Years with Felix Velarde

At the end of 2020, I invited Jane Thier to the show to talk about last year’s big stories – most were related to COVID. With the first half of 2021 in our rearview mirror, I wanted to touch base with Jane again to get her perspective on the headlines that mattered the most. I also quizzed her about the stories we’ll be reading about in the near future and beyond. Out of curiosity, we got to hear the names of three CFOs Jane would like to interview.

[Read more…] about The Top Financial News Stories in the First Half of 2021

During this episode, I was interviewed by football college standout, Shaefer Schuetz. In this show, I list my five favorite books of the 60 that I read or listened to during the first half of 2021. I also mention seven honorable mentions and explain why they make the cut too. We also talk about rereading books, book selections, making time to read, and reading beyond business and management books. If you need some reading ideas, this is the episode to listen to.

[Read more…] about Our 5 Favorite Books in the First Half of 2021

From serving a term as a Missouri Senator, he went on to serve one year and a day at a federal correctional institution in Clay County, Kentucky, a county once named the unhealthiest in the country. I first heard Jeff Smith in a radio interview with Mark Reardon on KMOX in 2015. The book they were talking about was Mr. Smith Goes to Prison. I wound up purchasing the book and read it in nearly one sitting. In this conversation, we talk about this book, and the docuseries, College Behind Bars.

[Read more…] about Mr. Smith Goes to Prison

Before taking the position as the IRS Commissioner, a reporter asked Charles Rossotti, “Were you ever in the military, and if you were, did you volunteer for a suicide mission?” Before running the IRS from 1997 to 2002, Rossotti was the co-founder, former chairman, and CEO of American Management Systems, Inc. He’s also the author of the book, Many Unhappy Returns. In this episode, we look at what Charles did to help turn around that beleaguered agency.

[Read more…] about From Public Company CEO to IRS Commissioner

Forbes magazine has called him the grandfather of gamification. He’s also the best-selling author of The Game of Work and has scored other winners with Scorekeeping for Success, and Managing the Obvious. Behind his back, I’m calling Chuck Coonradt the owner, general manager, and MVP head coach of The Game of Work who should have his own wing in the Consultant’s Hall of Fame. In this memorable conversation, we learn also The Game of Work is for parents too.

[Read more…] about The Grandfather of Gamification and The Game of Work

One of my favorite business books doubles up as a leadership manual on getting a large, but failing business to pull together until success finally arrives, but not without hardship and economic headwinds. Alan Mulally, the former CEO of Ford, might still be a relatively unknown business icon had Bryce Hoffman not written about him in his best-selling book, American Icon. Bryce is also the author of Red Teaming.

[Read more…] about Alan Mulally is an American Icon in Business

The most downloaded show on CFO Bookshelf is our 2020 interview view Ben Lamorte on OKRs. It was Ben who introduced me to Christina Wodtke’s work on OKRs years ago which included her great presentation entitled, Executioner’s Tale and her book Radical Focus. Christina recently released the 2nd edition of Radical Focus, our topic on this episode of CFO Bookshelf.

[Read more…] about Christina Wodtke Doubles Down on OKRs and Radical Focus

In 2004, I first encountered the name, Ron Baker. I have Gary Boomer to thank for that at an event held in Kansas City for CPA practices. He recommended the book, The Firm of the Future. I couldn’t put it down while vacationing in North Carolina. While I consider Ron the (very young) grandfather of value pricing for CPA and professional services firms, many acolytes are sharing his message with zeal and effectiveness. One such person is Geraldine Carter.

[Read more…] about Niching Down and Burying the Billable Hour