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# Thomson Consulting: The Intersection of Performance and Culture™

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://thomsonconsulting.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Blogs
- [IPA Podcast Part 2:  Is Your Governance Built for What’s Ahead?](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/conversations/ipa-podcast-governance-whats-ahead/): As accounting firms grow, governance challenges become more complex. Leadership structures that once worked can begin to slow decision-making, create uncertainty, and make it harder to execute the firm's strategy.
- [IPA Podcast Part 1: Why Governance Matters More Than Ever](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/conversations/ipa-podcast-why-governance-matters/): Governance shapes far more than leadership structure—it influences how firms make decisions, respond to change, and execute their long-term strategy. As firms face increasing complexity, ensuring governance evolves alongside the business has never been more important.
- [The Leadership Discipline Too Many Firms Overlook: Reconciliation](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/leadership-discipline-reconciliation/): Toward the end of my tenure as CEO, someone on our staff asked me a question I hadn’t thought about in years.
- [The Winds of Change: Why CPA Firm Leaders Should Set the Sails, Not Just Weather the Storm](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/winds-of-change-cpa-firm-leadership/): That is the real work ahead for CPA firm leadership—not simply adapting to what AI does to our profession, but deciding what kind of profession we want to build with it. What do we want client service to look like when technology can produce the analysis in seconds? What does career development mean when technology absorbs the tasks that used to teach judgment—and how do we replace that training ground rather than just eliminate it? What does culture look like across generations navigating this together, some who've never known a firm without AI and others who remember when the trial balance was done by hand?
- [Beyond AI: Why Firms Need a People Strategy for the Future](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/beyond-ai-firms-people-strategy/): Accounting firm leaders aren't struggling to understand that artificial intelligence will change the profession. They're struggling to understand what comes next.
- [Why the Best Governance Systems Create, Not Constrain, Opportunity](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/why-the-best-governance-systems-create-not-constrain-opportunity/): Governance structures can feel like bureaucratic handcuffs, with restrictions, politics, and approval mechanisms bogging things down. That assessment may be fair in some cases – governance systems can have rules without purpose, processes without strategy, and committees without decision rights. But that’s only if governance is handled poorly. 
- [From Partner Democracy to Strategic Stewardship – Rethinking Governance for the Firm of the Future](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/from-partner-democracy-to-strategic-stewardship-rethinking-governance-for-the-firm-of-the-future/): Future-ready firms are responding by shifting to strategic stewardship, a model in which elected leaders govern on the behalf of partner group. It’s not about taking power away – although some partners may view it that way – it’s about handing over agreed-upon mandates to an executive committee or CEO/Managing Partner so the firm can act decisively in support of its strategy.
- [The Confident Capital Journey: How Independent Firms Explore Options Like Strategic Owners](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/the-confident-capital-journey/): Capital exploration is too often triggered by outside offers or competitive pressures, which can make firm leaders feel backed into a corner, reacting to circumstances rather than shaping their own destiny.
- [Optimism: A Must for Effective Accounting Leadership](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/optimism-a-must-for-effective-accounting-leadership/): But while there’s no denying we’re operating in a difficult business environment, it’s also opportunistic. This mix of frustration and opportunity is precisely why leaders must cultivate optimism — it provides the balance needed to navigate the storm while steering toward growth.
- [Key Triggers for Rethinking Governance](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/key-triggers-for-rethinking-governance/): As CPA firms grow and evolve, many discover that the governance model that once served them well now struggles to keep pace.
- [Beyond Partner Votes: Embedding Accountability into Every Layer of Your Firm](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/beyond-partner-votes-embedding-accountability/): The way your firm governs itself – how it sets goals and makes decisions, how it enforces standards, and how it cascades priorities – directly impacts your competitiveness and your culture. And the heart of effective governance lies in one word: accountability.
- [Fulfilling Your Fiduciary Responsibility: A Decision-Making Guide for Firm Leaders](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/fulfilling-your-fiduciary-responsibility/): Many leaders want their firms to remain independent, but managing partners have a fiduciary responsibility to clients, staff, and next-generation leaders to explore every available capital strategy – and to do so with a clear vision.
- [Making the Connection: The Flywheel Effect](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/making-the-connection-the-flywheel-effect/): The flywheel effect emphasizes the importance of consistent, incremental effort over time, rather than relying on quick fixes or radical changes. Having said that, how many firms want to tackle every issue at once when one problem desperately needs a solution? None. I understand.
- [An Independent Future: Rethinking Risk and Reward for the Next Generation](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/an-independent-future-rethinking-risk-and-reward-for-the-next-generation/): This is part 3 of our discussion on independence. Here are my thoughts on the next generation. 
- [Financial Independence: What Does It Take to Compete and Thrive?](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/financial-independence-what-does-it-take-to-compete-and-thrive/): Achieving financial independence requires a tough look at firm operations, an agreement to make difficult decisions, and an all-partner commitment to do the painstaking work necessary. Saying and doing are two different things. I often ask firm leaders, “Is the stated desire for independence in any way related to a hesitancy to do the hard things to create resources?” Avoidance will upend your ability to remain independent.
- [Lead With Optimism: Inspire Others And Set The Bar For Success](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/conversations/lead-with-optimism-inspire-others-and-set-the-bar-for-success/): Leading with optimism is the key to navigating uncertainty and inspiring lasting success. Gary sat down with Amy Vetter on her Breaking Beliefs podcast to discuss his journey from growing up in a ministry household to leading one of the top CPA firms in the U.S. Gary shares how his background shaped his leadership style, the challenges and benefits of firm acquisitions, and why vulnerability and openness are essential traits for impactful leadership. He also reflects on mentorship, navigating change in the accounting profession, and how leaders can inspire teams by setting the bar for success. If you want to lead with optimism, clarity, and purpose—especially in difficult times—this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable insights.
- [Remaining Independent Takes Hitting the Reset Switch](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/remaining-independent-takes-hitting-the-reset-switch/): This is part 1 of a 3-part series on independence. In this series, I will discuss what it takes to remain independent and thrive is today's competitive landscape.
- [The Untapped Potential of Project Management in the Accounting Profession](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/the-untapped-potential-of-project-management-in-the-accounting-profession/): The concept of project management is often overlooked within the accounting profession. We typically think of its application as being exclusive to fields like engineering, construction, or software development. This oversight neglects the substantial benefits that project management can bring, particularly in a profession facing challenges such as capacity constraints, competition, and the imperative to meet client expectations.
- [The Coach: How Each of Us Benefit from Accountability and Motivation](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/the-coach-how-each-of-us-benefit-from-accountability-and-motivation/): In today's dynamic business environment, leadership is not just about managing; it's about evolving with both challenges and opportunities. Leadership coaching can hold transformative power to build better leaders and enhance their effectiveness within firms.
- [Up Your Game…](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/up-your-game/): We invest in coaches to elevate our performance or “up our game” in various areas of life – whether it’s a golf coach, a tutor, a Pilates lesson, personal trainer, financial advisors, etc. Yet, when it comes to our careers—arguably the source of the highest potential ROI—many overlook the value of professional coaching.
- [“Throw the Bums Out, but Not MY Bums.”](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/throw-the-bums-out-but-not-my-bums/): Let's talk about a scenario that unfolds all too often in the world of CPA firms: how partners and leaders approach change.
- [Choosing Again:  Why I wouldn’t change my mind about being a CPA](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/choosing-again-why-i-wouldnt-change-my-mind-about-being-a-cpa/): When Inside Public Accounting asked me whether I'd choose the career path of a CPA again, I said 'absolutely'—but not without some reflection. The profession's road map to success may appear similar to what it was over 30 years ago when I started, but the journey has transformed dramatically. It’s hard to believe, but there once was a time when our profession was predominantly about attestations and audits, long before tax returns were a staple of our services.
- [Unity in Diversity: Flourishing in a Multi-Generational Workforce](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/unity-in-diversity-flourishing-in-a-multi-generational-workforce/): To harness the strengths of a multi-generational workforce, firms should consider several strategies:
- [My First Lesson in Motivation: Learning from Luther](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/my-first-lesson-in-motivation/): My father-in-law, Luther, has significantly impacted me and my career and this article gives you some insight into why he has been my motivational mentor from a business standpoint.
- [Leaders: Are you showing that you have “It”?](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/leaders-are-you-showing-that-you-have-it/): Several weeks ago, long before COVID-19 was a household term, I committed to sharing my thoughts on "it" leadership.
- [Don’t Let A Crisis Go to Waste](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/dont-let-a-crisis-go-to-waste/): Spouses Jane and Tom were sailing one day when a storm capsized their boat. They feverishly tried to get the boat turned over but to no avail. In frustration and fear, Tom began to tell Jane how much he loved her, how he wished he’d been a better husband, how much he enjoyed being a dad.
- [What Can We Learn From Taylor Swift?](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/what-can-we-learn-from-taylor-swift/): In a world where the fear of mediocrity often drives us, it's fascinating to observe individuals who transform this fear into a relentless pursuit of excellence, such as Taylor Swift.
- [Reframing Challenges as Opportunities: Why We Need Optimism](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/reframing-challenges-as-opportunities-why-we-need-optimism/): In the ever-evolving landscape of the accounting profession, firms are increasingly facing the reality that change is not just an option but a necessity. This necessity, however, should not be met with passiveness but with strategic clarity and optimism.
- [Governance: The Winds of Change](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/governance-the-winds-of-change/): Recently, the buzz around governance has grown louder, becoming a focal point for CPA firms striving to align their mission, vision, and strategy with their structural makeup.
- [Charting Your Firm’s Future](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/charting-your-firms-future/): As firm leaders begin to evaluate the future of their firm, many options come to mind: remain independent, engage in M&A, consider private equity or M&A, or explore ESOPs or other capital solutions.
- [The Intersection of Performance & Culture®: How to Evaluate What’s Next](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/the-intersection-of-performance-culture-how-to-evaluate-whats-next/): When I founded Thomson Consulting, the concept of finding The Intersection of Performance and Culture was pivotal.
- [“Let’s talk”: How to Navigate Our Firm Through Capital Solutions, Mergers, and Independence](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/lets-talk-how-to-navigate-our-firm-through-capital-solutions-mergers-and-independence/): As the accounting landscape evolves, CPA firm leaders face critical decisions that shape their firms’ futures. Whether exploring capital solutions, considering mergers, or maintaining independence, the path forward requires informed choices.
- [Navigating the Profession’s Disruption](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/navigating-the-professions-disruption/): “The more things change, the more they stay the same” is a familiar cliché. To me, however, it applies to the state of our profession.
- [Success Doesn’t Have to Mean Satisfaction](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/success-doesnt-have-to-mean-satisfaction/): I’m a content person but rarely satisfied. I’m not Confucius, far from it, so this statement is not meant to be as deeply philosophical as it may seem.
- [Netgain and Thomson Consulting Partner to Accelerate Transformation of CPA/Accounting Firms](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/press-releases/netgain-and-thomson-consulting-partner-to-accelerate-transformation-of-cpa-accounting-firms/): From Strategy to Technology, Strategic Alliance Brings Together Critical Building Blocks to Enable a Modern Technology Proficient CPA Firm
- [The Difference Between a Leader and a Martyr](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/the-difference-between-a-leader-and-a-martyr/): Leadership can be challenging and sometimes frustrating, as managing partners often find their people hesitant to follow where they want to go.
- [What Does Your Company Really Stand For?](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/what-does-your-company-really-stand-for/): If I asked anyone in your company what it believed in, what the company valued, or what its mission is, would they be able to answer correctly?
- [Goal Setting: Don’t Dwell on “No”](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/goal-setting-dont-dwell-on-no/): Sometimes no is the right answer, especially when goal setting. I know it is hard not to take no personally, especially when we are talking about your "personal" career growth goals. Trust me; I have been told no more times in my career than I expected.
- [The Practice Leaders Critical Role in Governance](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/the-practice-leaders-critical-role-in-governance/): A future-focused CPA firm must have alignment among culture and strategy. When we think of structure, we typically think of governance and consider the roles of managing partners, CEOs, executive committees, etc. But where do our Practice Leaders fit into the governance structure?
- [What People Want](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/what-people-want/): Understanding what your team truly wants and values has never been more important than it is today.
- [The Secret to Achieving Freedom Through Discipline](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/the-secret-to-achieving-freedom-through-discipline/): Autonomy is a core value at most firms - encouraging employees to be self-directed and take ownership of their roles as knowledge workers. By embodying this entrepreneurial spirit, accounting firms have experienced remarkable success in becoming independent decision-makers within their industry.
- [Better to Be Lucky and Good](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/better-to-be-lucky-and-good/): "It's a funny thing, the more I practice, the luckier I get." – Arnold Palmer
- [Too Busy Being Busy](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/too-busy-being-busy/): When was the last time you prioritized your focus and tasks and stuck to them? And when was the last time you sat down and pinpointed exactly how you determine what is and isn't a priority?
- [If You Can’t Change the People, Change the People](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/if-you-cant-change-the-people-change-the-people/): What do you do when you've promoted a talented and valuable professional to a leadership role, and it just isn't the right fit?
- [Productive Pause](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/productive-pause/): When was the last time you took a vacation? And I mean a true vacation when you disconnected from work and enjoyed your time away.
- [Vision: Are You Clear?](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/vision-are-you-clear/): In the last week, three firms have called about private equity offers or initial interest. I am often asked to consider how this could fit into the firm's strategy.
- [Glory in the Sacrifice](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/glory-in-the-sacrifice/): Gary Wallace, a Managing Partner of a fantastic firm in Richmond, Virginia, shared the expression “Client service versus client servitude” when describing his firm’s discussion about the ideal client and expectations around how to serve them.
- [Managed Chaos](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/managed-chaos/): Recently, I heard the expression, "I manage a tight shipwreck." Then a few days later, I saw this same expression on a t-shirt. This little quip got me thinking. Managing a team of CPAs during "Busy Season" often feels like managing a tight shipwreck, or managing chaos, as I call it.
- [The ‘Art and Science’ of Succession Planning](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/the-art-and-science-of-succession-planning/): Almost everything we do in the accounting profession for our clients and firms involves a little art and a little science. Succession planning, which continues to pick up steam in the current environment, is no different. Let’s look at the difference between art and science.
- [Are You ‘Owning It?’](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/are-you-owning-it/): I look at planning for – and owning – the future as something that is combat driven. Let me explain.
- [Are You Ready to Turn Off Your Growth Faucet? Read This First](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/are-you-ready-to-turn-off-your-growth-faucet-read-this-first/): Because of capacity concerns, many firms are putting growth efforts on the back burner – or pausing them completely. While having the time and resources to effectively complete the current workload and deliver exceptional client service and experience is important, not looking past today can be detrimental.
- [Leveraging the Power of Automation for CPA Firms with Jessa Barnes](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/conversations/leveraging-the-power-of-automation-for-cpa-firms-with-jessa-barnes/): Are you wrestling with daily repetitive, mundane, and manual tasks or looking for ways to create capacity? Whether you’re a firm big, small, or something in between, automation technologies are great tools for creating capacity as well as providing many other significant impacts. I sat down with Jessa to discuss exactly what a “bot” or “automation” is and how it can be applied in the accounting and finance world.
- [Are You Afraid of Hearing ‘No?’ Let’s Change That](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/are-you-afraid-of-hearing-no-lets-change-that/): No is an uncomfortable word for most people. The simple little word can conjure the worst feelings of failure, rejection, and disappointment.
- [Thinking About a CPA Firm Merger or Acquisition? Trust Me, You’ll Want Help](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/thinking-about-a-cpa-firm-merger-or-acquisition-trust-me-youll-want-help/): M&A: It's a trend that's not going away (if anything, it's picking up), and it may be a strategy you're thinking about for your own firm. Maybe you want to expand into a new geographic market, expand a particular service or industry niche, retire and don't have a bench to take over the business, identify a new group of talent or client base, or diversify your offerings with a new “nontraditional” service. No matter the reason, M&A deals often are done to help solve a specific need or achieve a particular goal.
- [Won’t Make a Decision? You Actually Just Made a Decision!](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/wont-make-a-decision-you-actually-just-made-a-decision/): Growing up, my parents had four children and the cost for me to have braces was a difficult proposition. An orthodontist in town agreed to take me on as a case study and minimally charge my parents. They'd remove my braces every visit, take a mold, and put them back on to show progress.
- [Don’t Get Caught in the Spin Cycle!](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/dont-get-caught-in-the-spin-cycle/): There’s never a quiet moment in the accounting profession. If you’re not in busy season, there are other projects, deadlines, or issues that need your attention. As the profession evolves to an ongoing advisory model 12 months a year, gone are the days of working hard between January and May, August and October and enjoying downtime in the off months.
- [Need to Refocus? Don’t Overlook Your Strategic Planning Retreat](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/need-to-refocus-dont-overlook-your-strategic-planning-retreat/): Accounting firm transformation doesn’t happen accidentally. It requires everyone within your firm to understand the goals, buy into the plan to reach and exceed those milestones, and work together to unlock your firm’s potential.
- [Do You Go Deep Enough Into Survey Results to Create Meaningful Change?](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/do-you-go-deep-enough-into-survey-results-to-create-meaningful-change/): I recently worked with a firm that was proud of their Inside Public Accounting survey ranking in the overall financial aspect, but when we dug into their responses and compared them to the survey benchmarks, we identified they relied heavily on partner production and less on appropriate leverage.
- [It’s Been a Long and Tiring Run, but You Don’t Have to Go it Alone](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/its-been-a-long-and-tiring-run-but-you-dont-have-to-go-it-alone/): With mental health taking on national headlines in everything from the Olympics to heads of state, weve all become more aware of how the past 18 months have impacted our personal and professional lives. 
- [I, Too, Struggled With Letting Go During My Succession Efforts](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/i-too-struggled-with-letting-go-during-my-succession-efforts/): I recently discussed how several managing partners and leadership teams expressed concern about not being able to leverage their firm to push work down as part of their succession plan. If you remember, though, it wasn’t that they didn’t trust their team; it was more that they hadn’t given their staff the opportunity.
- [Is Your Bench Ready to Take On Your Firm’s Succession Planning Strategy?](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/is-your-bench-ready-to-take-on-your-firms-succession-planning-strategy/): I’ve heard the same concern regarding succession planning in five recent meetings with managing partners and leadership teams: how do I and my partners focus on what creates the most value for our firm? So, I asked, “Why can’t you leverage the work that isn’t your highest personal value?”
- [What If It’s All Up to Me? Answering The Call for Growth Leadership](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/what-if-its-all-up-to-me-answering-the-call-for-growth-leadership/): Congratulations! You’ve received the call to become a leader and help your firm grow. Whether you asked for the call, established yourself as a candidate, someone recommended you, or you simply were out of the room and drew the short straw, you can now have a significant impact on your firm.
- [Gain the ‘Accountability Advantage’ to Drive Higher Performance](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/gain-the-accountability-advantage-to-drive-higher-performance/): More than 75% of CEOs agree great results are best supported by accountability. However, the same group also identified the most significant challenge is to create and sustain a culture with accountability at its core.
- [It’s Time for Nontraditional Thinking to Battle Fatigue and Burnout](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/its-time-for-nontraditional-thinking-to-battle-fatigue-and-burnout/): It seems like a lifetime since March 2020, never mind the challenges of remote work and two long-going tax seasons now behind us. Uncertainty, extended and fluctuating deadlines, new regulations, and unknown inefficiencies required firms and leaders to evolve during the past 15 months.
- [Mastering the Business Discipline of Practice Growth with Gale Crosley](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/conversations/mastering-the-business-discipline-of-practice-growth-with-gale-crosley/): Growth needs discipline. Accountants are all about service delivery and do a good job at it, but when it comes to growth, it’s an afterthought “when there’s time.” Professionals need to connect the two to see true results. I chatted with Gale Crosley to learn how to go deeper to make growth processes part of your daily strategy.
- [6 Ways You Can Lead With Optimism During Uncertain Times](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/6-ways-you-can-lead-with-optimism-during-uncertain-times/): Warren Bennis says in his book, The Leadership Advantage, “Every exemplary leader that I have met has what seems to be an unwarranted degree of optimism – and that helps generate the energy and commitment necessary to achieve results.”
- [The Intersection of Performance and Culture®](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/the-intersection-of-performance-and-culture/): When was the last time you thought about your firm’s culture and performance metrics in the same conversation? Do these two areas normally go hand-in-hand for you, or do you see culture as a human resource issue and metrics as a management issue?
- [Best Governance Practices for Accounting and Advisory Firms with Allan Koltin](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/conversations/best-governance-practices-for-accounting-and-advisory-firms-with-allan-koltin/): When you think of the most dynamic firms, what governance best practices do they generally have in common? How do firms find the right balance and how do they understand the opportunities and challenges their chosen intersection present? I sat down with Allan Koltin to pick his brain on what he’s seeing and how he works with firms on this very topic.
- [Why partner alignment is the key to unlocking your firm’s potential](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/why-partner-alignment-is-the-key-to-unlocking-your-firms-potential/): If I were to walk into your firm and ask your partners to share with me the firm’s strategy for growth, culture, performance, or succession, how consistent would the answers be?
- [Leadership for the reluctant leader](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/leadership-for-the-reluctant-leader/): It’s not unusual to meet a new managing partner who was chosen to lead but didn’t necessarily “look” for the job. They don’t doubt their skills as a CPA, rather they wonder if they’re in the right position to effect change and how they should do it.
- [Stretch yourself… even if your fingers hurt!](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/stretch-yourself-even-if-your-fingers-hurt/): I once read a quote from Ron Broussard “Stretching is the act of doing something good for you and/or good for others, and it scares you.” I’ve read similar thoughts on “stretching” but his words captured my attention.
- [Practical Solutions for Diversity and Inclusion in Accounting Firms with Courtney Arrington](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/conversations/practical-solutions-for-diversity-and-inclusion-in-accounting-firms-with-courtney-arrington/): When CPA firms think about diversity and inclusion, Courtney Arrington says, “Make sure there is an environment where people feel confident and encouraged to have conversations. Provide that safe space and offer education and training. I had a great conversation with Courtney on not only diversity and inclusion but also leading during COVID-19.
- [The Intersection of Performance and Culture® with Dave Sparkman](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/conversations/the-intersection-of-performance-and-culture-with-dave-sparkman/): What does culture really mean, and how does it intersect and influence with performance at your organization? How do you build a culture you can be proud of, and how do you maintain it? These questions and more are covered in my latest video with guest Dave Sparkman, former SVP of Culture at United Health. Give it a listen and share your thoughts in the comments below. We would love to hear how your culture influences your organization.
- [The “Big Four”](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/the-big-four/): My daughter was an athletic trainer. Her understanding of the human body can prove immensely helpful to an avid golfer like me. If my shoulder is hurting, for example, she may be able to connect that pain to my hamstring.
- [Introducing “How I Think”](https://thomsonconsulting.com/insights/how-we-think/introducing-how-i-think/): Years ago, my first 360 evaluation offered this eye-opening piece of feedback: "Gary is really good at making key points through storytelling. But maybe he doesn’t have to tell all of his stories all at once?"

## Pages
- [David Bundy](https://thomsonconsulting.com/about/david-bundy/): David’s extensive experience as a firm leader, combined with his strategic and operational expertise brings a practical, real-world perspective to Thomson Consulting.
- [Brian Carlton](https://thomsonconsulting.com/about/brian-carlton/): As a born leader, Brian captained his college basketball team before beginning his career as an entry-level staff accountant at a regional CPA firm. In his 35-year career, he rose to the top leadership ranks as a regional managing partner and executive committee member. During his career, he provided services in audit and litigation support before moving full-time into tax compliance. In his leadership roles, which spanned nearly two decades, he proved to be a skillful and tactful negotiator, a key strategist, and a motivator of people. He helped lead his firm and region through tremendous growth and robust technological and industry challenges. He consistently garnered top scores in trustworthiness from his peers and associates. He gained significant and valuable experience and wisdom as he grew with the firm and is now using that wisdom and experience to help others.
- [Karen Furstenberg](https://thomsonconsulting.com/about/karen-furstenberg/): An expert in advisory services - finance, operations, audit, and regulatory compliance, Karen Furstenberg leverages over 30 years of Big 4 public accounting and industry experience, helping organizations advance strategic objectives. She has developed strategy and led international expansions, acquisition integration, greenfield market growth, and risk management in highly regulated and dynamic global markets. Karen understands what it takes to navigate complex and fluid regulatory environments in the U.S. and abroad, having diverse industry experience and advised Fortune 500 corporations throughout their footprint. She was a client – and she understands well how to translate client needs to service success. 
- [Morgan Thomson Farmer](https://thomsonconsulting.com/about/morgan-thomson-farmer/): Morgan's diverse background, coupled with her business and education expertise, are invaluable to Thomson Consulting as she takes on the role of Director. Focusing on strategic planning, leadership training curriculum development, and partner retreats, Morgan helps empower organizations for success in the ever-evolving future.
- [Gary Thomson](https://thomsonconsulting.com/about/gary-thomson/): When it comes to public accounting, Gary has seen and done it all. Over the span of a 40-year career, he has:
- [Leadership Coaching and Development](https://thomsonconsulting.com/our-services/leadership-coaching-and-development/): Contact Us
- [M&A and Private Equity Consulting](https://thomsonconsulting.com/our-services/ma-and-private-equity-consulting/): Contact Us
- [Practice Management Consulting](https://thomsonconsulting.com/our-services/practice-management-consulting/): The need for adaptation requires a personalized approach to addressing unique challenges. By harnessing expertise and lived experience, we guide you through specific issues and assist you in finding the connection between multiple challenges your firm faces.
- [Vision and Strategic Planning](https://thomsonconsulting.com/our-services/vision-and-strategic-planning/): Contact Us
- [Partner Retreats and Facilitation](https://thomsonconsulting.com/our-services/partner-retreats-and-facilitation/): Contact Us
- [Contact](https://thomsonconsulting.com/contact/): hbspt.forms.create({
- [About](https://thomsonconsulting.com/about/): Helping your firm find the ideal Intersection of Performance and Culture®
- [Speaking](https://thomsonconsulting.com/speaking/): Book Gary For Your Next Event
- [Our Services](https://thomsonconsulting.com/our-services/): Retreat and meeting facilitationCulture creationLong-term plan development
- [Home](https://thomsonconsulting.com/): Transforming Uncertainty into Opportunity 
- [Privacy Policy](https://thomsonconsulting.com/privacy/): This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use, and disclosure of Your information when You use our Website and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. We use Your Personal data to provide and improve our websites. By using the Website, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

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