leadership beyond control means empowering others to succeed and, of course, eating last.
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accounting arc
with byron patrick and donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation
the latest episode of accounting arc offers a candid discussion on leadership with byron patrick, ceo and founder of verifyiq, and vice president of client success at the b3 method institute.
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alongside host donny shimamoto, founder of intraprisetechknowlogies and the center for accounting transformation, patrick challenges traditional notions of leading a company.
“people think you don’t answer to anyone, but that’s not true,” he says, explaining that ceos must remain accountable to the organization’s owners and the company’s future. leadership, when done well, is about service.
patrick reflects on simon sinek’s concept that “leaders eat last.” true leaders motivate their teams by ensuring every person feels like a valued part of the journey.
patrick’s background as a cpa gives him a unique leadership perspective. his financial expertise allows him to holistically evaluate strategies, pricing, and market positioning. “someone needs to pay for those big dreams,” he notes, stressing that leadership requires balancing vision with financial responsibility.
leadership, as patrick describes it, is a collaborative effort. he emphasizes the importance of involving team members in decision-making processes and ensuring they understand the reasoning behind major organizational shifts. this inclusive approach fosters a sense of shared ownership, which drives greater engagement and productivity.
shimamoto agrees, highlighting the accounting profession’s role in helping organizations develop clear visions and executable strategies. “accountants provide clarity around how to achieve long-term goals,” he says, noting that leadership often involves guiding organizations toward sustainable, profitable futures.
the episode also touches on the broader shift from a shareholder-centric to a stakeholder-centric approach to leadership. both hosts reflect on how the pandemic revealed the need to balance the needs of clients, employees, and investors. “we’re trying to balance everyone’s needs with limited resources,” shimamoto points out, suggesting that true leadership lies in optimizing these relationships to benefit all parties involved.
patrick concludes that leadership isn’t about holding a specific title—it’s about influencing decisions that lead to better outcomes. “you may not be the ultimate decision-maker, but you can still be a leader by influencing those decisions,” he says. this sentiment underscores the broader point of the episode: leadership, whether in accounting or fintech, is about collaboration, clarity, and empowering others to achieve shared goals.
4 key takeaways
- leadership requires a balance between vision and financial sustainability.
- stakeholder engagement is essential in modern leadership, encompassing employees, clients, and investors.
- effective leaders are collaborators who empower their teams and foster shared ownership.
- leadership is about influence, not control—making strategic contributions to guide organizations forward.