Sam Allred is a qualified CPA and founder of Upstream Academy. He has been regularly recognized as one of the major influencers in the accounting profession and has been listed as one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and as one of IPA’s Most Recommended Consultants. He is one of the most sought-after speakers in the accounting profession and is viewed as one of their top strategic thinkers. Shownotes:Why the accounting profession is in great shape despite the pandemicThe two biggest challenges for accounting firms in these tough times (clue - it's to do with people)The impact of accounting firms realising that they can work remotelyThe major concern for accounting firms who have a remote workforceThe first thing accounting firms must do if they want to maintain a strong cultureWhy hope is not a strategy for survival, growth and recoveryThe difference between rockstars and superstars in a professional firmShout out to Jim Collins and his book Good to Great - get the right people on your team busWhat attracting great people to your accounting firm allows you to doWhat new entrants to accounting need to understand if they want to get excited by their careerA major but underestimated benefits of working as an accountant in practice vz industryWhy failing to clarify to emerging leaders what it takes to make partner is a sign of poor leadership in accounting firmsWhat high performing professional firms do with their talent and succession that other firms don'tThe biggest mistake accountants make in carving out a stellar career for themselvesHow a stellar accounting career is very different to a good careerThe importance of recognising your strengths and unique abilities to forge a standout career in accountancyThe dangers of staying in your comfort zone and what stepping out of it looks like for ambitious accountantsThe challenge of feedback and why most people don't grow/progress because they won't ask for itWhat accountants can learn from the Eisenhower Matrix as promoted by Stephen CoveyThe power of being intentional with your career planning in professional life

Sam and his wife, Marlene, live outside of Park City, Utah. His hobbies include spending time with his family, fly fishing and golf. Sam and Marlene have seven children. Contact him here:http://upstreamacademy.com/ (Website and blog)