The Firm

In a rapidly evolving profession, how can accountants stay ahead of the curve? In this episode, David Boyar, General Manager of ChangeGPS, shares his journey from virtual CFO to an industry leader, offering invaluable insights on innovation, leadership, and career ownership.David opens up about the challenges accountants face today, the importance of building community, and why taking risks is essential for growth. He also shares what the integration of ChangeGPS into the Access Group means for the future of accounting technology.Whether you’re running a practice, navigating your career, or simply looking for fresh inspiration, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about your role in the accounting world. Ready to take control and lead the way in your profession?💡 “Unless you take control of what’s happening to you, it’s never going to get better.” 💡#AccountingInnovation #ChangeGPS #LeadershipTips #AccessGroup #AccountingTech #AccountantsJourney #ProfessionalGrowth #BookkeepingBusiness #CareerSuccess

🎙️ Episode SummaryIn this debut episode, host Trent McLaren sits down with Electra Frost, a pioneering Web3 accountant and founder of ElectraFi, to explore how blockchain and decentralised technologies are transforming the accounting profession. From her unexpected journey—from punk rock drummer to crypto tax expert—to living on an island at the forefront of the Network State movement, Electra shares a radically new perspective on the role of accountants in the digital age.Whether you're crypto-curious or Web3-wary, this episode lays the foundation for how accountants can reclaim their role as advocates, educators, and infrastructure builders in an increasingly decentralised world.✅ Key TakeawaysWeb3 isn’t just tech—it’s a values shift. Decentralisation isn’t a buzzword. It’s a redesign of trust and how we collaborate, and accountants are uniquely positioned to lead.Blockchain is accounting tech. Electra believes Bitcoin is the “ultimate accounting ledger”—accountants just haven’t realised it yet.Your clients are already in Web3. If you’re not asking the right questions about crypto use, you may already be behind.CPD is broken—open source is the future. Electra’s building tools like CREDU to put verifiable expertise and credentials on-chain.Digital accountants need to evolve. Cloud tech is table stakes. If you’re not learning blockchain and crypto, you’re no longer ahead.💬 Notable Quotes“Bitcoin is accounting. And accounting is Bitcoin.”– Electra Frost“We’re not here to work for the government. We’re here to work for the people.”“In the early 2000s, accountants led the way on cloud. Web3 is no different—we need to lead again.”“If you’re still calling yourself a digital accountant but don’t understand blockchain, you’re not a digital accountant anymore.”“Decentralisation isn’t about chaos—it’s about co-creating standards that work globally.”👤 Guest Bio: Electra FrostElectra Frost is a Web3 accountant, educator, and founder of ElectraFi, a practice specialising in crypto tax, blockchain-based business models, and digital asset strategy. An early adopter of Bitcoin since 2013, Electra now consults with firms and founders at the frontier of decentralised finance.She’s also the founder of CREDU, a blockchain credentialing platform for CPD, and a cohort member at The Network School, where she explores the intersection of accounting, digital sovereignty, and reputation on-chain. Through her initiative Bit by Bit, she’s helping accountants globally map Bitcoin principles to their own skillsets—and step confidently into the future.

How do you build a successful client advisory service from the ground up? In this episode of Mastering CAS, Trent sits down with David Ross, CEO of Direction Staffing Solutions, to break it all down.David shares practical insights on choosing your advisory “flavour,” implementing low-risk offerings, and scaling strategically. They discuss why advisory isn’t just about tech, how to uncover client needs, and why modern accountants need to embrace marketing and CRM systems.If you’re an accountant or bookkeeper looking to transition into advisory or improve your existing services, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you start small and scale big.

🧠 Episode SummaryKieran James catches up with Kelvin Gieck as they dive into the hard truths about scaling a professional services firm and why many owners unknowingly become the bottleneck in their own business. From adopting EOS to developing leadership at every level, Kelvin lays out a practical, founder-tested approach to building a resilient, values-aligned accounting firm that doesn’t rely on you for every decision.✅ Key TakeawaysMost accounting firms don’t scale—they stretch. Growth without systems leads to burnout, not freedom.EOS gave the team structure, language, and alignment. Implementing tools like Rocks, Scorecards, and Vision/Traction Organizer (V/TO) was a game changer.Delegate outcomes, not tasks. You can’t scale if you’re the one solving every problem.The leadership team is everything. Train people to lead so the firm isn’t solely dependent on you.Values must be operational. Your core values should drive hiring, firing, and daily behaviour—not just live in a handbook.💬 Notable Quotes“We didn’t realise it at first—but we had built a business that couldn’t run without us. That had to change.”– Kelvin Gieck“EOS gave us a common language. It’s not just a system—it’s how we think now.”“You’re not building a business if you’re still solving every problem yourself.”“Your people can’t hit a target they can’t see. Vision must be clear—and repeated often.”👤 Guest Bio: Kelvin Gieck, CFAKelvin Gieck is the co-founder of TwentyEighty, a modern Canadian accounting and advisory firm focused on helping entrepreneurs grow with confidence. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) by training, Kelvin blends deep financial expertise with a passion for operational excellence.Through his EOS journey, Kelvin has transformed TwentyEighty into a values-led, system-driven firm that empowers its people and scales without chaos. He’s also a speaker and advocate for helping other firm owners adopt better tools, habits, and mindsets for growth.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Traction Talks, Kieran James (CEO of Stride Accountancy) chats with Kelvin Gieck CFA, founder of TwentyEighty — a fractional finance firm based in Calgary, Canada. Together they dive deep into the Vision component of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and what it means to build a business that runs without relying solely on the founder.Kelvin shares how the journey of implementing EOS—his own way—was a turning point in shifting from burnout and chaos to clarity and sustainable growth. He opens up about blending personal vision with business strategy, using tools like vivid visioning, Colby assessments, and accountability charts to create structure while still leading with purpose.Whether you're an EOS purist or just trying to build something that doesn’t break you, this episode is a raw, practical look at mastering vision as a business owner.Key Takeaways✅ You don’t need to follow EOS by the book to benefit from it—adapt it to suit your strengths✅ Vision isn’t just a sentence—it’s a story that drives culture, hiring, and long-term growth✅ Founders often are the vision—especially in the early years—and that’s okay✅ Tools like vivid vision, lifeline exercises, and eulogy writing can unpack personal clarity✅ Balancing visionary chaos with systems and integrators is crucial for scale✅ Creating a clear, compelling vision helps attract and retain great peopleNotable Quotes💬 “We’re truly running a business now, not just me flaming out with two admins.”💬 “Your business should serve you. If it’s not, you’ve got it backwards.”💬 “Even if EOS feels heavy, the foundation is solid: have a plan, and follow through.”💬 “For smaller firms, the founder’s personal vision and the business vision are often the same.”💬 “Once the vision was clear, the rest of the business started falling into place.”Guest BioKelvin is the founder of 2080, a fractional finance firm based in Calgary, Alberta. His team supports small and mid-sized businesses with bookkeeping, compliance, tax, managerial accounting, and high-impact advisory services including fractional CFO and controllership work. With 11+ years of experience and a strong belief in structured growth, Kelvin has built 2080 from 3 to 16 people in just a few years. He’s passionate about helping business owners gain clarity, build sustainable systems, and create companies that work — even when they’re not in the room.

🎙 Episode SummaryIn the first episode of Traction Talks, Kieran James sits down with Kat Wellum-Kent to unpack the fundamentals of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and why it’s such a powerful framework for accounting firms. Kat shares how she implemented EOS from day one of starting her firm, and why she believes every firm — no matter the size — can benefit from it. They touch on all six core EOS components (Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, Traction) and discuss how EOS has helped them structure teams, prioritise goals, and grow with clarity.✅ Key TakeawaysEOS is a business framework that brings structure, clarity, and alignment — for you and your team.You don’t have to “do it all” to get started. EOS can be applied in phases.Meeting cadence, scorecards, and issue solving help create rhythm and accountability.“Right person, right seat” is critical for team success — and makes tough decisions easier.EOS isn't just for big firms. Kat implemented it with a two-person team.The biggest challenges ahead? People and AI. EOS helps you build resilience for both.💬 Notable Quotes“EOS gave me the framework to build the business I wanted — not just do the work.” – Kat Wellum-Kent“You don’t have to wait until you're big. Just get stuck in and do it from the start.” – Kat Wellum-Kent“EOS helps you decide what you are — and what you’re not.” – Kieran James👤 Guest BioKat Wellum-Kent is the Founder of Fractional, a UK-based advisory firm delivering part-time CFO support to scaling businesses. After launching in 2023, Kat implemented EOS from day one to help structure her firm with clarity, purpose, and growth in mind. She’s passionate about helping businesses scale intentionally — and using EOS to make it happen.