0
Tune In On
Other Ways to Listen
Podcasts
DEI and Diversity of Thought
In this episode of Transformation Talks, host Donny Shimamoto, CPA, CITP, CGMA has an engaging conversation with Scharrell Jackson, an international speaker, leadership coach, and business consultant, to discuss DEI and Diversity of thought. Ms. Jackson shares her professional perspective and expertise on the undeniable benefits of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in business culture, recruiting, and, especially, the bottom line. Key takeaways from this interview include:
- A key outcome of DEI is diversity of thought (not just diversity to check the box on racial inclusion)
- Firms must establish a business case for DEI that is tied to the firm’s actual business strategy. This often is tied to growth in different client bases, and improving retention and recruitment.
- DEI initiatives must be governed like many other transformation initiatives: have executive support, understand how success will be measured, have a project plan that addresses implementation and on-going maintenance
- When embracing DEI firms are often transforming their culture to create more belonging in their organization
- A key element of DEI is training. Training must be done at all levels of the firm and especially upper management must understand how their actions and decisions impact firm culture.
Hosted By:
Guests:
Align Your Brand With What’s Next
Your brand doesn’t just sponsor a podcast. It becomes part of the conversation driving change. Your audience is already listening — align with leaders, innovators, and students shaping what’s next.
Discover Sponsorship Opportunities
More Podcasts From Our Transformation Talks Series
Episode: 12
How do you handle being misunderstood in a world that jumps to conclusions?
CPAs are leaving tax and audit—and it’s not by accident. Discover why advisory work pays more, carries less risk, and how top firms are making the switch.
Episode: 11
Navigating Political Differences in Accounting
Can you talk politics without it blowing up? Top accounting leaders reveal how to have real, respectful conversations—even when you disagree—and why it actually strengthens teams and clients.
Episode: 10
DEI and Diversity of Thought
Is DEI actually good for the bottom line? This episode breaks down why diversity of thought matters more than optics—and how firms turn DEI into real growth.
Episode: 9
Team Transparency Drives Prosperity
Hate annual reviews? You’re not alone. Menlo Innovations ditched painful performance reviews for an employee-driven system that delivers real feedback—and better results.
Episode: 8
Transforming Outsourced Accounting
Performance reviews shouldn’t feel painful or pointless. This episode explores why traditional reviews fail—and how an employee-driven approach creates better feedback, stronger teams, and real growth.
Episode: 7
Culture Shift - Defining the Vision
What happens when firm leaders turn the advisory lens on themselves? This episode digs into tough introspection, non-accountant insights, and uncovering hidden opportunities.
Episode: 6
A Journey Through Transformation
From tradition to transformation. This episode follows one firm’s journey of change—what sparked it, what broke, and how rethinking the business reshaped its future.
Episode: 5
Paths Forward in New Directions
What if the labor shortage forced firms to rethink everything? This conversation digs into working smarter, designing with intention, and competing for talent differently.
Episode: 4
Exploring Corporate Social Responsibility
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. This conversation unpacks how one major firm approaches responsibility, impact, and building a business that lasts.
Episode: 3
Going From Tax to Transformation
What does it take to transform your life? This episode dives into leaps of faith, tough choices, and the three questions that can guide your next move.
Episode: 2
Stories From Practice and Transformation
Behind every thriving firm is a culture that works. Discover the unique traits and transformations that drive lasting success.
Episode: 1
Transformation Into Consulting
CPAs are leaving tax & audit for higher-margin, lower-risk advisory work. Discover how one firm transformed its services—and the steps to become advisory-focused.
Stay Updated with our Latest Podcasts
Four unique podcast series. One mission: to inspire, challenge, and empower the accounting profession. Each show brings fresh perspectives and powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else—new episodes drop regularly, so don’t miss a moment.
Featured Podcasts
Expertly Curated Episodes
Insightful, unexpected, and always worth the listen these are hand-picked episodes you don't want to miss:
Student-led Conversations
Trust but Verify: AI, Innovation & Accounting’s Next Generation
Accounting is rapidly transforming through AI, shifting from “trust but verify” to smarter guardrails, redefining innovation, and positioning the next generation as the profession’s strongest competitive edge.
March 2, 2026
Season 02
Episode 01
Play Episode
Transformation Talks
Navigating Political Differences in Accounting
Can you talk politics without it blowing up? Top accounting leaders reveal how to have real, respectful conversations—even when you disagree—and why it actually strengthens teams and clients.
March 31, 2025
Season 01
Episode 11
Play Episode
