Soft skills

Topics

September 11, 2025

Strong storytelling helps speakers deliver ‘medicine’ without the aftertaste

The keynote speaker at an October AICPA conference remembers the time he was “bamboozled” by a powerful story — and how that example carries over to the messages he delivers. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.

August 21, 2025

Loving your work, leaving work behind, and returning refreshed

A profession leader explains why it’s sometimes hard for her to unplug from work. She also breaks down the meaning she finds in the quote, “Your direction is more important than your speed.” Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.

June 10, 2025

Insights from ENGAGE: CPAs get a crash course in communication

From conducting an effective meeting to determining whether a team meeting is even the best format, a finance leader speaking at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 25 helps CPAs streamline their daily interactions.

April 29, 2025

Overcoming ‘the creep’ that puts our dreams and goals on hold

Four years wiser and still checking off items on the ultimate bucket list, the AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 25 keynote speaker returns to the Journal of Accountancy podcast with reminders to avoid “getting buried by the day-to-day.” Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.

April 10, 2025

The uncomfortable work of leadership

The keynote speaker at the AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plans Conference in May shares lessons he’s learned in fighting substance addiction and how the behavior of addicts in recovery applies to making accounting leaders better.

March 27, 2025

Tips for driving change and driving out drama

An assessment of an employee’s value should go beyond a talent assessment and include a look at readiness for what’s next — minus that worker’s “drama quotient.” A consultant and speaker explains more in this podcast episode with Q&A.

June 8, 2023

The power skills needed to lead effectively — from the AICPA’s vice chair

A major firm leader explains why “leadership is about human connections” and why traits formerly known as soft skills are now must-haves instead of nice-to-haves. Listen to the podcast or read the transcript.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Flip out with the latest Tech Q&A

The September Technology Q&A column shows how to create dynamic to-do lists with Excel's checkboxes and also how to set up multifactor authentication texts that don't rely on phones. Flip through both items and view a video walkthrough in our digital format.