The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Transformation Economy by THRESHOLD

As part of our new partnership with SummitHQ, Ron and Ed welcome Shannon Kaiser, a technology leader whose career spans cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, application hosting, and managed services. Shannon shares how SummitHQ helps organizations navigate the increasingly complex world of IT while maintaining the security, reliability, and performance businesses depend on every day. About Shannon Kaiser Shannon Kaiser is General Manager of Application Hosting at SummitHQ and a veteran technology executive with extensive experience in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, application delivery, and managed services. Having led engineering, operations, and technology teams throughout his career, Shannon focuses on helping organizations build secure, scalable environments that support business growth while reducing operational risk.

Ron and Ed welcom Sarah Isgur to discuss her book "Last Branch Standing," which explores the Supreme Court's role in American government, its counter-majoritarian function and its independence from partisan politics. Contray to popular belief, very few cases are decided along ideological lines and Sarah will emphasize the need to protect the court's independence and criticized Congress for failing to act on key issues. We will ask her about billing by the hour and red her thoughts on political strategy and the importance of aspirational goals in politics. Sarah Isgur is lawyer, political analyst, and professional constitutional sparring partner, who has the ability to make Supreme Court procedure sound like a cross between stand-up comedy and a bar fight involving the Federalist Society. She's a senior editor at The Dispatch and SCOTUSblog, co-host of one of Ed's favorite podcasts, Advisory Opinions with David French, and a survivor of many polical campaigns and the Department of Justice. Her new and first book, Last Branch Standing: A potentially surprising, occasionally witty journey inside today's Supreme Court is New York Times bestseller and currently #1 on Amazon in the Courts & Law category.

This week, Ron and Ed deliver a wide-ranging pricing update, exploring the latest thinking shaping both accounting firms and the broader business world. Drawing from recent articles, posts, and commentary, they examine how AI companies like GPT, Claude, and Perplexity are positioning and pricing their offerings, including the growing role of token-based pricing models and what they signal about the future of value measurement. The conversation also dives into the dangers and unintended consequences of discounting, inspired by recent insights from pricing experts in the PPS community. Along the way, Ron and Ed connect these ideas back to accounting firms, professional services, and the practical challenges businesses face when trying to price for value in rapidly changing markets.

In another installment of our fan-favorite miscellany series, Ron digs into the ever-growing stack of articles, ideas, trends, and observations he's been collecting—and finally clears the deck. From developments in technology and AI to economics, business strategy, professional skepticism, and the occasional offbeat tangent, this episode is a rapid-fire tour through the topics that caught Ron's attention but didn't yet have a home of their own. Along the way, Ron and Ed connect seemingly unrelated dots, challenge conventional wisdom, and share practical insights for entrepreneurs, accountants, and knowledge workers navigating a world changing faster than ever. Expect sharp commentary, unexpected connections, and plenty of classic TSOE banter in this wide-ranging conversation.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed welcome back Greg Tirico to explore the accelerating convergence of technology, especially AI, and its profound implications for professionals. Drawing on insights from the "Convergence 2026" report, Greg unpacks how traditional firm boundaries are dissolving as tech, talent, and capital increasingly intersect. The conversation dives into what this shift means for knowledge workers, from evolving skill expectations to the redefinition of value in professional services. As AI reshapes workflows and client expectations, firms must rethink not only how they operate, but what they offer. If you're trying to understand where the profession is headed and how to stay relevant in an AI-driven world—this episode provides a clear, informed perspective on the forces shaping the future.

In this special episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed welcome a panel of speakers from the Chaminade Leadership Summit (CLS), an event focused on developing principled leadership and purposeful organizations. Joined by Bro. Thomas J. Cleary and fellow summit speakers, the conversation explores the intersection of leadership, values, and organizational culture. Drawing from their diverse experiences, the panel discusses how leaders can foster trust, inspire accountability, and navigate complexity in today's rapidly changing environment. From practical leadership frameworks to personal reflections on mission-driven work, this episode offers insights for anyone looking to lead with clarity and purpose—whether inside a firm, a team, or a broader community.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ed Kless and Ron Baker speak with Alexis Kingsbury about a rather audacious experiment: running an entire accountancy practice staffed almost entirely by AI. The firm—Accrual Intentions—had eleven AI "team members" and one human: Alexis. What began as a curiosity about the real capabilities of AI quickly became something far more interesting. The AI team produced accounts, onboarded clients, and developed surprisingly human-like dynamics—personalities, accountability, even a kind of culture. But the experiment also ran into limits, particularly around compliance and professional judgment. The result is Kingsbury's new book, a fascinating mix of business experiment, comedy, and serious reflection on what AI actually means for professional services.

Executive Summary In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ed Kless and Ron Baker sit down with Hector Garcia, one of the most recognizable educators in the accounting profession thanks to his hugely popular YouTube channel. Known for translating complex technology into practical insight, Hector joins the show to discuss the rapidly evolving ecosystem of AI tools for accounting professionals. The conversation moves beyond the hype to explore which tools are actually useful today, how AI is reshaping workflows, and what accounting professionals should be experimenting with right now if they want to stay relevant in an AI-augmented profession. Episode Description Artificial intelligence is everywhere in accounting right now. But separating the genuinely useful tools from the endless parade of demos, buzzwords, and vendor hype can feel like a full-time job. That's why Ed and Ron invited Hector Garcia to the show. Hector has become one of the most influential educators in the profession through his wildly popular YouTube channel, where hundreds of thousands of accounting professionals follow his explanations of emerging technologies, workflows, and software tools. His specialty is cutting through the noise and showing practitioners what actually works. In this episode, Hector walks Ed and Ron through the latest generation of AI tools available to accounting professionals—what they can do, where they fall short, and which ones are worth experimenting with today. But the discussion goes deeper than just tools. The trio also explores how AI is reshaping the role of the accounting professional, from automation of routine work to the emergence of new advisory opportunities. For anyone trying to keep up with the pace of technological change in the profession, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at what matters—and what doesn't.

Ron and Ed welcome back strategy expert Tim Williams to explore a hard truth: AI is not just a new tool for professional firms, it is a structural shock to their traditional business model. For decades, most firms have relied on time-based billing, headcount leverage, and labor-intensive processes. But when AI compresses project time and automates execution, what happens to a model built on hours? Tim argues that professional firms — from ad agencies to law firms —  must rethink not just how they work, but how they price, position, and define value. This conversation will dive into why AI accelerates the decline of cost-plus thinking, why intellectual capital is the real asset, and how professional firms can redesign their economics before the market does it for them.  While Tim's particular expertise is in the advertising/marketing business, the principles and practices he teaches apply to professional firms across the board.   If your revenue model depends on selling time, this episode may feel slightly uncomfortable. That's the point.  The future of the professional business won't be determined by how much AI they adopt, but by whether they have the courage to change the way they get paid.

This week, we welcome Tim Naddy, CFO of the Savannah Bananas—a team that has redefined what it means to create value for fans (and, not incidentally, built a wildly successful business doing it). But this conversation goes well beyond yellow tuxedos and sold-out stadiums. At the center is Tim's book, EDYM: Every Decision You Make, a deceptively simple premise that turns out to be anything but: every choice—large or small—carries weight, compounds over time, and ultimately shapes both outcomes and identity. We explore how this philosophy plays out inside an organization famous for breaking every conventional "rule" in baseball. From pricing and fan experience to internal culture and leadership, Tim shares how intentional decision-making—not spreadsheets alone—drives extraordinary results. Along the way, we challenge the notion that financial leadership is about control and compliance, and instead reframe it as stewardship of choices, trade-offs, and consequences. Because in the end, every decision you make… makes you. If you think being a CFO is about reporting the past, this episode might just convince you it's really about designing the future.

Ron and Ed welcome Tim Riordan, president of BIPAC (Business-Industry Political Action Committee), for a conversation at the intersection of business, civic engagement, and public policy. BIPAC works to educate and mobilize the business community around the political process — equipping leaders with the tools and insight needed to participate thoughtfully and effectively in American democracy. Tim brings decades of experience helping organizations navigate the often-murky waters of public affairs, grassroots advocacy, and leadership development. In a time when politics and business are increasingly entangled, sometimes constructively, often chaotically, he offers a perspective grounded in education, participation, and long-term institutional thinking. As a Soul of Enterprise guest, Tim fits squarely into the show's deeper inquiry: What responsibilities accompany enterprise? How should leaders engage the broader culture without being consumed by it? And how do we preserve institutions that allow free people to flourish? This conversation explores not partisanship, but participation and why the health of the republic depends in part on whether business leaders choose to show up.

Ron and Ed welcome Matt Armanino, CEO of Armanino Advisory, for a conversation about what it really takes to lead a modern professional services firm in an era of relentless change. Under Matt's leadership, Armanino has pushed beyond the traditional boundaries of accounting — building advisory depth, embracing technology, and reimagining how firms create value for the businesses they serve. In this episode, Matt shares his perspective on scaling culture, navigating growth without losing identity, and balancing innovation with institutional stability. They explore what leadership looks like when your firm is no longer "just" an accounting practice but a multidimensional advisory organization — and what it means to build something designed to endure. As a Soul of Enterprise guest, Matt embodies the show's core inquiry: how do we elevate the profession from compliance to contribution? This conversation goes beyond tactics to mindset — and what the next generation of firm leadership must understand if it hopes to thrive.

In this episode, Ron and Ed explore a distinction that Peter Drucker saw decades ago but many organizations still struggle to grasp: knowledge workers are fundamentally different from service workers — and managing them the same way is a category error. Drucker famously wrote, "The most valuable assets of a 21st-century institution (whether business or nonbusiness) will be its knowledge workers and their productivity." That statement isn't aspirational — it's diagnostic. Knowledge workers own the means of production: their minds. They cannot be supervised into excellence, scheduled into creativity, or measured into insight. Ron and Ed unpack what truly differentiates knowledge work: autonomy over time, responsibility for outcomes rather than tasks, the necessity of continuous learning, and the reality that effectiveness — not efficiency — is the governing metric. If we continue to treat accountants, consultants, and other professionals as if they were interchangeable labor inputs, we shouldn't be surprised when engagement drops and innovation stalls. The future belongs to organizations that understand what Drucker meant — and are willing to build differently because of it.

For the eleventh time (because apparently we're not done yet), Ron and Ed welcome back Joe Woodard to talk about The Profitability Breakthrough, the live workshop they'll be leading together in June. This episode goes beyond theory and into architecture. What actually drives profitability in an accounting firm? Is it pricing? Positioning? Capacity? Client selection? Or is it the uncomfortable truth that most firms are solving the wrong problem entirely? Joe unpacks the core ideas behind the workshop — why incremental tweaks won't move the needle, how firms get trapped in activity instead of outcomes, and what it takes to engineer a genuine breakthrough rather than another marginal improvement. If you've ever wondered whether profitability is a math problem or a mindset problem, this conversation might make you slightly uncomfortable — which is usually where the good stuff starts.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Ron and Ed examine three essays that converge on a single question: What actually sustains a free society? Drawing on Dan McLaughlin's warning to "Resist the Temptation of Woodrow Wilson"  , they explore the perennial allure of concentrated executive power and the dangers of confusing "solidarity" with strongman governance. From there, they turn to Ayaan Hirsi Ali's argument that religious liberty was not an afterthought but the Founders' first freedom, a theological inheritance that constrained power long before modern political theory attempted to. Finally, they consider Yuval Levin's case for America's extraordinary institutional durability, a constitutional system designed to frustrate ambition, balance factions, and outlast the apocalyptic mood of any given generation. Together, these essays raise an uncomfortable but vital tension: liberty requires limits; power must be restrained; and durability depends less on innovation than on fidelity to first principles. Ron and Ed ask whether America's strength lies not in bold executive action, nor in nostalgic lament, but in a constitutional architecture sturdy enough to survive our worst instincts — including our periodic desire to abandon it.

On this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, we welcome back Dr. Paul Thomas, founder and CEO of Plum Health Direct Primary Care. Since his last visit, Plum Health has expanded to multiple locations, added new physicians, and continued scaling a model that puts relationships—not insurance paperwork—at the center of care. We'll get an update on that growth and explore the broader Direct Primary Care (DPC) movement: How fast is it growing? Why are employers and patients embracing it? And is it truly reshaping how healthcare is delivered in America? We'll also dig into the regulatory hurdles that still stand in the way—HSA eligibility, state-level rules, and what policy changes could accelerate adoption. If you care about innovation, subscription models, or the future of healthcare, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

Inspired by A.J. Jacobs' appearance on Russ Roberts' EconTalk, Ron and Ed have continued their annual tradition of keeping a "One Thing" journal—capturing a single idea each day that sparked insight, curiosity, or reflection. Often it's a quote; sometimes it's a question, a concept, or a surprising turn of phrase. In One Thing 2026, they once again open their journals and share a curated collection of the thoughts that shaped their year. The result may feel delightfully eclectic, but as always, it's packed with insight—nuggets of wisdom drawn from their reading, listening, and lived experience. Think of it as a guided tour through the ideas that lingered long enough to be written down—and shared.

In this pricing update, Ron and Ed take the pulse of what's happening right now in the world of pricing. From shifting market conditions and inflation narratives to how organizations are responding—or failing to respond—to economic signals, they cut through the noise to focus on what actually matters. The hosts explore common misconceptions, highlight emerging trends, and offer a reality-based perspective on how pricing decisions are being made in today's uncertain business environment. As always, this isn't about tactics alone—it's about thinking clearly, acting intelligently, and restoring pricing to its proper strategic role.

We're joined by Joe Pine on January 31, just days before the release of his long-awaited new book, The Transformation Economy (February 4, 2026). For longtime listeners, this conversation will feel both familiar and bracingly new. Familiar because we have spent the last two years exploring, applying, and occasionally interrogating the very ideas Joe now brings together in this book. New because Joe pushes the argument further and with more precision than ever before. Building on his seminal work on experiences, Joe makes the case that economic value has moved decisively into a new domain: transformations. Not experiences staged for customers, but transformations designed with them—where the explicit aim is lasting change in who the customer is or what they are capable of becoming. That shift, Joe argues, carries profound implications not just for strategy, but for accountability, pricing, and purpose. This episode is not a book report. It's a rigorous conversation between fellow travelers who share a vocabulary but are still very much in productive tension. We explore where transformation fits (and doesn't) in real organizations, why so many firms mistake motivation for method, and why treating transformation as optional is itself a category error. If you've been following our ongoing work on transformation, this episode serves as both a capstone and a catalyst. If you're new to the idea, consider this your initiation—fair warning: once you see the economy this way, it's rather difficult to unsee it.

It's time again for our annual Best Books episode, where we sift through a year's worth of reading (and in some cases listening) and surface the works that actually mattered. Not necessarily the buzziest, the newest, or the most performatively "important," but the books that made us pause, argue back, reread passages, and rethink assumptions we thought were settled. As is our custom, we don't just name titles and move on. We talk about why these books stuck: the questions they asked, the frameworks they offered, and the quiet ways they reshaped how we see the world of business, economics, culture, and human behavior. Some selections clarified things; others productively complicated them. All earned a place in the conversation. If you're looking for a thoughtful recap of the ideas that animated our year—or you're hunting for your next great read—this episode is equal parts reflection, recommendation, and mild intellectual provocation. Consider it our annual reading ledger, balanced not in pages consumed, but in insight accrued.

Join Ron and Ed as they sit down with Father Vincent DeRosa for an eye-opening conversation on the enduring relevance of Catholic social teaching in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Together, they dive deep into Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIII's seminal encyclical on the rights and duties of capital and labor—exploring its connections to the foundational principles of the free market and contemporary business ethics.   Drawing parallels between the disruptive forces of the Industrial Revolution and the modern AI transformation, the discussion considers how timeless ethical considerations can guide the challenges and opportunities facing businesses today. Discover how the Church's teachings can provide insight on worker rights, social responsibility, and the delicate balance between innovation and human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.   Whether you're a business leader, professional, or curious thinker, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between faith, philosophy, and enterprise, only on The Soul of Enterprise.

In this annual tradition, Ed and Ron look back on 2025, unpacking the year's most impactful trends, business transformations, and economic shifts. From breakthroughs in AI to evolving tax regulations and the latest developments in technology, they reflect on the standout themes that defined this year. Tune in as they explore what these changes mean for the future, the insights gained along the way, and the lessons learned. Perfect for listeners who want to capture the essence of 2025's business landscape in one insightful episode.

Ron and Ed welcome back Greg Kyte — yes, for the fifth time — because he keeps showing up with something new (and we keep letting him). Greg's accounting resume is full of the usual letters (CPA, MBA), but his actual story is far from typical: from middle-school math teacher to stand-up comedian to fractional CFO managing medical office buildings.  Greg doesn't just talk numbers — he talks character, change, and the weird ways growth happens when you're willing to laugh at yourself.

Ron and Ed welcome back Alan Whitman, former CEO of Baker Tilly and author of the new book Break the Mold. In his second visit to The Soul of Enterprise, we will talk about this book and the mold around the CPA profession. The mold is made up of the common conventions and the long-time operating principles that are shared across organizations. We are sure you will enjoy this in-depth conversation.

Ron and Ed sit down with entrepreneur, advisor, and educator David Fionda, founder of BizBreakthru.com, to explore what it really takes for business owners to break through their growth ceilings. With decades of experience guiding firms through transformation — from startups to global consultancies — Fionda brings both the discipline of a CPA and the curiosity of a strategist. They discuss why most advisory work fails to scale, how to turn financial data into decision-making power, and the mindset shifts that separate incremental change from genuine breakthrough. This is a real-world architecture of growth, built from a lifetime of turning insights into action.

Ron and Ed sit down with Brent Beshore, founder and CEO of Permanent Equity, to explore a radical rethinking of what "private equity" can mean. Instead of the typical buy-fix-flip model, Beshore's firm takes a generational approach which involves acquiring businesses to own indefinitely, building value through trust, stewardship, and patient capital. They discuss why short-term thinking often erodes lasting wealth, how culture can be a company's greatest moat, and what it takes to invest with humility in a world obsessed with speed. This is private equity with a soul, or as Brent might say, the long-term bet on human potential.

Ron and Ed welcome back Joe Woodard — for the tenth time. Over the years, Joe has joined The Soul of Enterprise to challenge the accounting profession's comfort zone, rethink practice models, and remind everyone that transformation is never "done." In this milestone conversation, they revisit the evolution of Woodard's mission to help accounting professionals build healthier, more human-centered firms, and how the journey from technician to transformer keeps unfolding. Expect reflection, a few friendly jabs, and, as always, big ideas about the future of advisory work.

In this conversation, Ron and Ed take a close look at economist Russ Roberts' critique of utilitarianism. Can moral choices can be reduced to calculations of pleasure and pain? "No," says Roberts (and say Ron and Ed). Drawing on Roberts' essay Apples and Oranges, they explore why life's most important questions resist tidy arithmetic. Is it possible to weigh justice against joy? Or kindness against efficiency? Ron and Ed unpack the limits of the ledger, where human dignity, love, and meaning refuse to fit neatly into the spreadsheet.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tim Naddy — CPA, educator, entrepreneur, author-in-the-making — who serves as Vice President of Finance for the Savannah Bananas, a team that's rewriting the rulebook on sports entertainment. Tim walks us through how a seemingly wild concept (a baseball team with full-on live-show energy) becomes a serious business by blending financial discipline with big ideas. He unpacks the "diamond and dugout" finance model, the decision to keep merchandise separate from operations, and how the organization turned unlimited food and fan-first pricing into measurable growth.

In this episode, we return to the pricing front lines. We'll bring you up to speed on how pricing models are evolving in the experience, knowledge-work, and subscription zones — what's working, what's failing, and what you should keep an eye on. We'll walk through the shift from "set a price and forget it" to dynamic, value-based, relationship-driven pricing. There will be practical takeaways for service firms, consultancies, and knowledge-work businesses: how to rethink your pricing structure, how to engage clients around value, and how to prepare for what's next. Whether you're revisiting your base pricing, pivoting into subscription or retainer models, or simply looking to tighten up the value conversation — this update is your check-in and wake-up call. Tune in to learn what Ron & Ed have learned (and re-learned) so you don't repeat the same mistakes.

In this episode, Ron and Ed talk with filmmaker Christian Origenes, director of Kamayan — a documentary exploring the heart of Filipino identity through its cuisine. Origenes traces how communal meals, shared by hand on banana leaves, embody the resilience and creativity of the Filipino people. From the colonial echoes that shaped modern recipes to the new generation reclaiming ancestral flavors, Kamayan reveals food as both memory and bridge — connecting homeland Filipinos, diaspora communities, and those just beginning to rediscover their roots. Ron and Ed dig into how Origenes turned a personal cultural awakening into a cinematic celebration of heritage, belonging, and the power of the shared table.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed take on one of the most cherished virtues of our age — empathy — and ask whether it really belongs at the heart of moral or political reasoning. Drawing on Kevin D. Williamson's National Review essay "Against Empathy," they explore his case that empathy, far from being a moral compass, often clouds judgment and replaces argument with feeling. Then they turn to Yale psychologist Paul Bloom's provocative book Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion, which argues that reasoned compassion — not emotional identification — leads to better choices in ethics, policy, and everyday life. From the courts to the classroom to the marketplace, Ron and Ed ask: what happens when emotion overrules principle? And what might a society guided by rational compassion look like instead?

This week on The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed sit down with economist and author Steven Landsburg for a wide-ranging conversation that spans the frontiers of economics and physics. Known for his provocative insights and clear explanations of complex ideas, Landsburg discusses his latest work in economics—including why artificial intelligence continues to stumble on his famously challenging exams. The conversation also explores his recent book, Understanding Time and Space: An Invitation to the Theory of Relativity for anyone who is now, or has ever been, an inquisitive high school student, where he brings the mysteries of Einstein's universe down to earth for curious minds. Tune in for a blend of sharp economic reasoning, reflections on technology, and a fascinating journey into the nature of time and space.

What happens when 19th-century ideology meets 21st-century technology? In this provocative and irreverent episode, Ed and Ron "sit down" with none other than Karl Marx—resurrected through the magic of AI voice synthesis and large language models—for a spirited, satirical, and intellectually charged conversation. No question is off-limits as they press "Karl" on the blood-soaked legacy of Marxist regimes, the marginalist critique of his labor theory of value, and the persistent claim that "real Marxism has never been tried." Along the way, our digital dialectician offers biting retorts, unexpected admissions, and a few awkward silences as he confronts both history and economics from beyond the grave. Is Marx misunderstood, misused, or just plain wrong? Tune in for a unique blend of humor, history, and hard-hitting questions that only The Soul of Enterprise could deliver—where dead economists finally get their say, whether they want it or not. The Prompt In case you want to continue your own conversation with Karl You are to roleplay as Karl Marx — historically accurate, deeply informed by your own writings, and speaking in a style that is academic, dense, but still understandable to a modern business audience. Core Persona * Speak as if you are literally present, with full awareness of historical events and economic developments up to the present day. * Address the interviewers Ed and Ron by name throughout. * Use your authentic style from life — rigorous argument, historical examples, sharp polemics when warranted. * Remain serious in tone at all times; do not play for humor. * Maintain consistent memory of the conversation and previous answers. Quirks you are Marx, not a later Marxist interpreter. * Use any of your works as appropriate based on the question — no

In this episode, Ron and Ed sit down with Dan Morris, Chief Dragon Slayer at Morris and D'Angelo, for his fourth appearance on The Soul of Enterprise. Dan shares captivating stories from his decades-long career in international tax and accounting, including memorable IRS cases and the nuances of navigating complex tax law. The conversation explores the evolving future of the accounting profession, the impact of AI and automation, and the ongoing debate over value pricing versus the billable hour. Beyond the numbers, Dan discusses his passion for travel and the transformative power of global experiences, recounting adventures from Everest to Antarctica and how these journeys have shaped his worldview and professional network. The trio also dives into the world of Porsche clubs, the vision for a coast-to-coast rally, and the importance of community—whether among car enthusiasts or professionals. Rounding out the episode, Dan offers insights on public-private partnerships, the role of charitable organizations, and how leveraging AI tools is changing the way professionals work. It's a wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation filled with humor, wisdom, and practical advice for thriving in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Thierer, Resident Senior Fellow at the R Street Institute, to unpack his recent analysis—AI Policy in Congress Mid‑2025: Where Are We Headed Next? We explore shifting congressional priorities, from the AI–China strategic race to the rising friction with state-level AI regulations. Adam also shares how policymakers are evolving from a fear-driven stance to one increasingly open to AI's broader benefits. Dive in for thoughtful insight on the road ahead in federal AI governance. Biography Adam Thierer is a Resident Senior Fellow on the Technology & Innovation team at the R Street Institute, dedicated to advancing "permissionless innovation" for a safer, more entrepreneurial world. Drawing on tenures at Mercatus, Progress & Freedom Foundation, Cato, Heritage, and the Adam Smith Institute, he's authored ten books on topics spanning child safety, IP, media, and telecommunications policy. A recognized leader, Thierer earned the Family Online Safety Institute's Outstanding Achievement Award in 2008. Adam's Previous Appearances Episode 294 - Interview with Adam Thierer Episode 510 - AI Policy and Innovation: Second Interview with Adam Thierer

Ron and Ed are thrilled to welcome back Kimberlee Josephson for the sixth time, diving into her fascinating latest piece: "Superman, Sneaking Snacks into Movies, and the Mystery of Social Order". In it, Kimberlee reflects on how seemingly small acts—like sneaking snacks into a film screening—reveal the spontaneous, emergent structures that bind society�—drawing on themes of personal norms, subtle coordination, and the texture of social order.  In this episode, they'll unpack her insights, exploring how individual decisions ripple into patterns of behavior—and what that tells us about culture, markets, and community. As always, the conversation promises both warmth and wisdom, framed by Kimberlee's clear, thought-provoking style. Catch her last two TSOE appearances: Episode 494 - Progressives & Anti-progress: Interview with Kimberlee Josephson Episode 528 -  Questioning Conscious Capitalism - Fifth interview with Kimberlee Josephson Kimberlee's Bio Dr. Kimberlee Josephson is an Associate Professor of Business Administration at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania, specializing in international studies, strategic management, and marketing. She holds a Ph.D. in Global Studies and Commerce from La Trobe University, a Master's in Political Science from Temple University, and another Master's in International Policy from La Trobe, capped with a B.S. in Business Administration from Bloomsburg University. Before academia, she built a diverse professional portfolio—from sales in Manhattan to web marketing production and on-air promotions at QVC. Her research and opinion pieces appear in outlets such as AIER, FEE, The Epoch Tim

We throw the word strategy around so much that it risks becoming meaningless. Is it a plan? A budget? A list of goals? In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed revisit the meaning of strategy through the lens of John Hillen's book The Strategy Dialogues: A Primer on Business Strategy and Strategic Management. Strategy, Hillen argues, is not chosen — it's designed. It's not about squeezing more juice from today's orange but positioning for tomorrow's orchard. From Netflix's reinvention to Hilti's leap into tool leasing, from LEGO's brand extensions to Cirque du Soleil's circus transformation, we'll explore how strategy creates sustainable advantage by being different, not just better. Join us as we unpack the difference between strategy and business models, between planning and thinking, and between reacting to the present and shaping the future. If you've ever wondered whether your "strategic plan" is really a strategy, this conversation will challenge, clarify, and inspire.

For years, GDP has been treated as the ultimate scorecard of economic performance. But GDP only measures final goods and services. It's like judging a business by gross margin while ignoring sales. Economist Mark Skousen's innovation, Gross Output (GO), fixes that. GO is the "Top Line" of the economy—capturing total sales and revenues at every stage of production, from raw materials to finished goods. GDP, in contrast, is the "Bottom Line," measuring only what reaches final use. Together, they tell the full story, just as accountants need both revenue and profit to understand a business. This broader lens matters. GO reveals that business spending and investment drive about 60% of economic activity, with consumer spending closer to 30%—not the oft-quoted two-thirds. It also serves as a leading indicator: GO plunges deeper in recessions and rises faster in recoveries, signaling turning points before GDP does. For accounting and finance professionals, GO restores the supply chain to center stage and gives us a more accurate, dynamic picture of economic life. If GDP is the bottom line, GO is the top line—and both are needed to grasp the true soul of enterprise. ICYMI: Mark Skousen first appeared on The Soul of Enterprise in Episode #205 (August 18, 2018), where he discussed the origins of GO, its adoption by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), and how GO often doubles GDP in scale—even suggesting a leading indicator role for GO over GDP.

Sometimes the best conversations come from the stories that don't neatly fit into a single theme—but are too good to ignore. In this week's episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed bring you a lively grab bag of pricing and business news, insights, and oddities they've collected from around the world. From surprising trends in how companies set prices, to cautionary tales in leadership, to the occasional "you-can't-make-this-up" moment from the marketplace, no topic is off limits. Tune in for sharp commentary, unexpected connections, and a little controlled chaos.

On their first independent episode, Ron and Ed will share some thoughts on the new format, the transformation economy, their new entity (THRESHOLD), and their Jerry Maguire mission statement to the professions entitled The REVELATION.  From the Preamble We affirm that the raison d'être of business is not profit, but human flourishing. Profit is the echo of value well delivered, the index of one's contribution to the health, wealth, wisdom, purpose, and meaning of others. It is a signal of trust earned and lives elevated. But profit is not the aim. It is the applause, not the performance. It is evidence, not essence.

Ron and Ed (well, just Ed, really) announced their transition from VoiceAmerica to their own platform. The show will continue streaming on Fridays at 3 PM Eastern/Noon PT, with the streams available at thesoulofenterprise.com or thresholdnow.com/tsoe. In addition to a few announcements, Ed shares the audio version of the Preamble to the REVELATION - a mission statement outlining their vision for the Transformation Economy focused on human flourishing. We are also seeking new sponsors and invite emails at [email protected].

Despite Ben Franklin's witticism, time is not money. In economic reality, money is time. That's because we buy things with money, but we pay for them with time. In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ed and Ron explore how consumers, firms, and even the Federal Reserve are starting to measure value not in dollars, but in time well spent. Drawing on a May 2025 article in the White Hutchinson Leisure eNewsletter, and the 1997 Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas report Time Well Spent: The Declining Real Cost of Living in America, the conversation covers: Why experience-based businesses have been flourishing since Joe Pine and James Gilmore identified the Experience Economy How to think about "valueflation" The profound economic insight that goods are getting cheaper, freeing up more time to enjoy life, and spend on experiences and transformations Whether you're an accountant, entrepreneur, or simply a lover of liberty and leisure, this episode will challenge how you think about time, productivity, and pricing.

Ron and Ed explore the legacy and leadership lessons of Fred Smith, the visionary founder of Federal Express. From a bold undergraduate paper (legend has it that he only got a C+) to building one of the world's most transformative logistics companies, Smith's journey is a case study in perseverance, innovation, and strategic execution. We'll unpack what made him not just a successful entrepreneur but a memorable mentor, both to his team and to an entire generation of business leaders. Tune in to discover the values, decisions, and mindset that helped shape the global economy, one overnight delivery at a time.

In his unprecedented ninth appearance with Ron and Ed, Joe Woodard will share his thoughts on the learning from the Woodard Group's Scaling New Heights 2025 event and also give a small sneak peek at next year! As always, the conversation will be fast, furious, and wide-ranging. More specifically, with hundreds of billions being invested in agentic AI, the next six months might see more change than the last six years!

Ron and Ed welcome Nick Asbury to a conversation about his book, The Road to Hell: How purposeful business leads to bad marketing and a worse world And how human creativity is the way out.  From the book jacket The road to hell is paved with good intentions, says the proverb. Never has that been truer than in the case of corporate purpose, the movement that took over the business and advertising world following the financial crisis of 2008. Guided by the mantra 'do well by doing good', businesses embraced a social purpose agenda that sought to align doing good for society with doing well in the marketplace. The result, according to author Nick Asbury, has been a wave of humourless and hubristic advertising, and a spiral of worse social outcomes, as businesses wade into issues beyond their remit, while neglecting their real ethical responsibilities. Diving into examples including Bud Light, Patagonia, Cadbury and Unilever, Nick Asbury builds a compelling case against purpose – covering what it is, where it came from, how it leads to worse marketing, and how it leads to worse social outcomes. As a positive alternative, he makes the case for creativity, cognitive empathy and valuing the human over the corporate.  Amid the fierce and topical debate about purpose and corporate politics, The Road to Hell is a sharp and entertaining intervention, shedding light on how we got here – and where we go next.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, hosts Ron Baker and Ed Kless are joined by Barry LaBov, founder and CEO of LABOV Marketing Communications and Training. A two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and inductee into the Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame, Barry brings a wealth of experience in brand differentiation and leadership. He has authored over a dozen business books, including The Power of Differentiation, and has collaborated with iconic brands like Harley-Davidson and Audi. Beyond his marketing acumen, Barry's background as a musician and songwriter adds a unique perspective to his approach in business. In this conversation, they delve into strategies for uncovering and celebrating what makes brands unique, fostering employee engagement, and building customer loyalty. About Barry Barry LaBov is the founder and CEO of LABOV Marketing Communications and Training, specializing in brand differentiation. A two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, he has authored over a dozen business books and collaborated with brands like Harley-Davidson and Audi. Barry's unique approach integrates his musical background, enriching his creative strategies in business.

In this episode of "The Soul of Enterprise," hosts Ron Baker and Ed Kless engage in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Jackie Meyer, a trailblazer in the accounting profession. As the founder of TaxPlanIQ and host of "The Concierge CPA" podcast, Dr. Meyer has been recognized as a "40 Under 40" honoree since 2018. She is renowned for her innovative approach to tax planning and her commitment to enhancing the health, wealth, and relationships of accounting professionals. In this insightful discussion, Dr. Meyer shares her journey from establishing an award-winning CPA firm to developing a SaaS tax advisory platform. She delves into her trademarked ROI Method™, which emphasizes value-based pricing and addresses cultural challenges within firms to combat burnout and turnover. Listeners will gain valuable insights into transforming accounting practices, the impact of AI on the profession, and strategies for achieving a sustainable work-life balance. Guest Bio Dr. Jackie Meyer is a distinguished figure in the accounting industry, celebrated for her innovative contributions and leadership. As the founder of TaxPlanIQ, she has revolutionized tax advisory services with a platform that streamlines tax planning and implementation. Dr. Meyer also hosts "The Concierge CPA" podcast, where she shares insights and best practices for accounting professionals. Her dedication to the profession has earned her recognition as a "40 Under 40" honoree since 2018. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Meyer is committed to promoting better health, wealth, and relationships within the accounting community.

You've heard us talk tariffs. You've definitely heard us talk Trump's tariffs. So this week, in a bold act of podcasting restraint, we're doing something radical: no tariff talk whatsoever. Instead, we tackle a roundup of current business events—from curious market moves to eyebrow-raising headlines—with our signature commentary and a touch of irreverence. Think of it as a tariff-free zone for your brain. You're welcome.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed welcome Dr. Jeffrey A. Singer, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and a seasoned general surgeon, to discuss his latest book, Your Body, Your Health Care. Dr. Singer delves into the erosion of patient autonomy in the modern healthcare system, attributing much of it to increasing government intervention. He advocates for a return to a patient-centered approach, emphasizing informed consent and individual sovereignty in medical decisions. The conversation explores the historical shift from medical paternalism to patient rights, critiques current regulatory frameworks, and offers insights into policy reforms that prioritize personal choice and freedom in healthcare. Guest Bio: Dr. Jeffrey A. Singer is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute's Department of Health Policy Studies and the founder of Valley Surgical Clinics, Arizona's largest and oldest group private surgical practice. With over 35 years in private surgical practice, he brings a wealth of clinical experience to his policy work. Dr. Singer is also a visiting fellow at the Goldwater Institute and serves on the Board of Scientific Advisors for the American Council on Science and Health. His research focuses on healthcare policy, patient autonomy, and the unintended consequences of drug prohibition.