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23 Insights from 100 Episodes of The Disruptors

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23 Insights from 100 Episodes of The Disruptors

Editor’s note: CPA Trendlines Research is celebrating the 100th episode of The Disruptors, hosted by Liz Farr. Here, Liz reflects on the lessons learned and what they portend for the profession.

The Disruptors
By Liz Farr
For CPA Trendlines

When this show began, the goal was to disseminate ideas that would improve accounting. We wanted the world to know more about people doing things differently than their parents’ or grandparents’ accountants. Maybe a firm owner would hear something they could experiment with. Or a manager would hear something that the ownership group might be willing to implement. Someone with just a few years of experience – or even no experience – would learn about firms that are great places to work. Or someone at any level would be inspired to hang out their shingle because of the many examples of people just like them who have done just that.

CPA TRENDLINES CELEBRATES: The 100th Episode of The Disruptors

MORE STREAMING: Paul Dunn: From Standard, to Stand Out, to Stand For | Jacob Schroeder: AI Won’t Replace Accountants—But It Will Reveal Who’s Replaceable | Ditching Corporate America: The Bold Story Behind PBS Accounting’s Rapid Rise | Jean Zick: Happy Team = Happy Clients | Breslin & Greathead: Be a Client Advocate | Dominic Piscopo: Clear Pay=Bargaining Power | Debbie Kilsheimer: Stop Thinking Small | Dave Kersting: Collaborate with Co-Firming | Ashley Francis: AI’s a Partner, Not a Replacement | Richard Roppa-Roberts: Collaboration Over Competition | Ira Rosenbloom: M&A Numbers Are Easy – Culture Fit Is Hard | Roman Villard: Ditch the Suit & Shine | Monique Swansen: Align Firm Values with Services | Tina McGill: How to Create Lasting Client Impact | Stefan van Duyvendijk: Develop Operational Mindset | Steve Evans: Why Traditional Hiring Methods Fail | Roger Knecht: Can You Be an Accountrepreneur? | Beth Whitworth: Focus on Outcomes Not Hours |Mike Sylvester: Learn to Say No | Salim Omar: Identify Your Client’s $100,000 Problem | Jackie Meyer: Earn More with Fewer Clients

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Accounting is changing, thanks to the willingness of firm owners, consultants, coaches, innovators, and thought leaders who have generously shared their intellectual capital. Over the last several years, it’s been a privilege to tap into the collective wisdom of The Disruptors of this profession.

These conversations provide hope and guidance for the profession. While far too many firms still operate the way they have for decades, with long hours, nonexistent work-life balance, toxic culture, terrible clients, difficult co-workers, and micro-managing bosses, there are many, many firms out there that do not operate that way. We’ve heard through the grapevine that being a guest on this show is a badge of honor. However, we feel even more honored by all the amazing guests and their willingness to openly share their struggles, hopes, and ideas for making accounting better for future generations.

Here are 23 of the most important insights from 100 conversations with Disruptors.

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Write Your Way to the Top: The Career Move Most Overlook | Accounting Influencers

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What’s the best professional step in accounting? It’s free, powerful—and you’re probably not doing it.

Sponsored by Radical Pricing: Optimize Profits, Delight Clients, and Build a Top-Value Firm by Jody Padar, CPA, MST  – See Today’s Special Offer

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Accounting Influencers
with Rob Brown

Want to stand out in your firm? Build a loyal client base? Attract speaking gigs, promotions, or even media opportunities? In this episode of Accounting Influencers, the answer isn’t more certifications or hours—it’s writing. Publicly.

Rob Brown makes a bold claim: writing publicly is the most effective, accessible move accounting professionals can make to shape their careers—and almost no one is doing it. Not because it’s hard, but because they’re afraid.

“This one habit can take you from being another face in the crowd to a trusted voice in your field,” he says. “And trust me, it’s a lot easier than you think.”

Technical competence alone is no longer enough. Clients and firms are looking for accountants who can lead, communicate, and inspire confidence. Public writing—on LinkedIn, blogs, newsletters, or industry sites—is one of the most efficient ways to showcase your expertise and build trust at scale.

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Randy Crabtree: Live at the Intersection of Passion & Skill | The Disruptors

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Abandon rigid roles and redefine success on your own terms.

This is a preview. The complete 1-hour video episode, with commentary and transcript, is first available exclusively to PRO Members | Go PRO here
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The Disruptors
With Liz Farr

Randy Crabtree believes the biggest shift accounting needs isn’t in technology or tax law—it’s in mindset. For decades, the profession has prized consistency and predictability.

But in a time of demographic disruption and rapid innovation, Crabtree argues that clinging to “Same As Last Year” thinking is holding the profession back.

“We have to embrace change,” he says. “This is a massive opportunity to start thinking differently.”

And for Crabtree, that change is deeply personal. A stroke more than a decade ago sparked a transformation that reshaped his life, leadership, and mission. Now, he champions vulnerability, passion, and purpose as the new pillars of a thriving accounting career—and he believes the profession’s best days are just beginning.

CPA TRENDLINES CELEBRATES: The 100th Episode of The Disruptors

MORE STREAMING: McClelland and Telka: Women Ready to Rewrite the Rules of Accounting | Jacob Schroeder: AI Won’t Replace Accountants—But It Will Reveal Who’s Replaceable | Ditching Corporate America: The Bold Story Behind PBS Accounting’s Rapid Rise | Jean Zick: Happy Team = Happy Clients | Breslin & Greathead: Be a Client Advocate | Dominic Piscopo: Clear Pay=Bargaining Power | Debbie Kilsheimer: Stop Thinking Small |

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Crabtree’s vision for accounting starts with reimagining relationships—both with clients and with ourselves.

“It’s not just about shifting services. It’s about shifting how we see our role,” he explains. “We have to stop thinking of ourselves as just technicians and start thinking of ourselves as partners in our clients’ futures.”

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Justin Baker: Save $8M in Estate Taxes in One Move (Before 2026) | The Concierge CPA

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Even clients under $30 million could face a surprise tax hit in 2026—here’s how to protect them.

This is a preview. The complete episode is first available exclusively to PRO Members | Go PRO here
Sponsored by CPA Trendlines Pro Membership, Where Accounting Pros Go Pro  – See Today’s Special Offer

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The Concierge CPA
With Jackie Meyer
For CPA Trendlines

As the 2026 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act looms, one of the least discussed yet most consequential shifts in tax policy is about to hit: the estate tax exemption is set to be cut in half. For high-net-worth individuals—and the CPAs who advise them—the clock is ticking.

More Jackie Meyer

On the latest episode of The Concierge CPA, host Jackie Meyer welcomes Justin Baker, general counsel at Baker Wealth Strategies, to explain how the looming estate tax changes present both a threat and an opportunity. “If Congress does nothing, the current $14 million per-person exemption drops to around $7 million,” Baker warns. “For married couples, that’s a potential $14 million reduction in tax-free estate value—and a real risk of a 40% tax on anything above that.”

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