Virtual Rolodex hosted by TXCPA Houston
Kristie will be interviewing selected individuals to let you know who they are, what they do, and why they need to be in your own virtual rolodex. These individuals are subject matter experts, authors, speakers, and members who are willing to share their story.
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Virtual Rolodex with Allyns Melendez, CEO of HR Transformed
<p>In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with Allyns Melendez, CEO and Founder of HR Transformed, to talk about one of the most overlooked—but critical—areas of any organization: people.</p><p></p><p>Allyns shares how HR challenges show up everywhere—from employee conversations to leadership frustrations—and why having the right HR support in your “virtual Rolodex” can make a significant difference in how organizations grow and operate.</p><p></p><p>The conversation explores communication across multiple generations in the workplace, how leaders can be more effective with limited time, and why proa...
Virtual Rolodex with Gabrielle Baumeyer of Baumeyer Coaching
<p>Delegation vs. Ownership: The Leadership Shift That Builds High-Performing Teams</p><p></p><p>In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with Gabrielle Baumeyer, executive coach and founder of Baumeyer Coaching, to discuss leadership development and how organizations build high-performing teams.</p><p>Gabrielle shares insights from nearly three decades of experience working with leaders and teams across industries. The conversation explores how leadership growth often starts with deeper self-awareness, meaningful dialogue, and the willingness to challenge long-held assumptions about how teams operate.</p><p>One of the most powerful insights from the discussion...
Virtual Rolodex with Michael Ly, CEO of Reconciled.com
<p>Podcast: TXCPA Houston – Virtual Rolodex</p><p>Host: Kristie Ondracek</p><p>Guest: Michael Ly, Founder of Reconciled</p>Episode Title<p>Super Connectors, AI, and the Future of Accounting Firms</p><p></p>Episode Summary<p>In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with accounting industry leader Michael Ly, founder of Reconciled, an outsourced accounting provider serving hundreds of small businesses across the United States.</p><p>Michael shares his perspective on the evolving accounting profession, the importance of community and connection among accountants, and why curiosity and adaptability are critical skills for fi...
Virtual Rolodex with Liz Szporn, Profit First
<p> </p><p>In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek welcomes Liz Szporn, Senior Guide at Profit First Professionals, to discuss how accounting professionals can elevate their advisory services and help clients become intentionally profitable.</p><p>Liz explains the Profit First methodology—originally introduced in the book by Mike Michalowicz—and how it transforms traditional accounting from historical recordkeeping into forward-looking, profit-driven advisory.</p><p>Together, they explore how accountants can move beyond compliance work, overcome AI-driven disruption fears, and create high-value client relationships rooted in clarity, accountability, and measurable results.</p><p>If you’re a CPA...
Virtual Rolodex with Stephen King, Founder of Fundraising Accountant
<p>Host: Kristie Ondracek</p><p> Guest: Stephen King, Executive Director, Fundraising Accounting Community</p><p>Episode Title</p><p>Using Numbers to Tell the Donor Story: How Accounting Can Transform Nonprofits</p><p></p><p > </p><p ></p><p>Episode Summary</p><p>In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek welcomes CPA and entrepreneur Stephen King to discuss his newest venture, the Fundraising Accounting Community—a mission-driven organization focused on helping nonprofits use financial data to tell compelling donor stories and make better decisions.</p><p>Stephen shares why fundraising success today depends on clarity, conciseness, an...
Virtual Rolodex with Stephen King and his CPA Journey
<p>Host: Kristie Ondracek</p><p> Guest: Stephen King, CPA</p><p>Episode Title</p><p>The CPA Journey: Why Accounting Is About People, Purpose, and Possibility</p><p></p><p > </p><p ></p><p>Episode Summary</p><p>In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek welcomes longtime friend, mentor, and CPA Stephen King for a wide-ranging conversation about the power of the CPA credential, the importance of relationships, and the incredible diversity of opportunities within the accounting profession.</p><p>Stephen shares his deeply personal journey into accounting, inspired by his immigrant father’s belief that ac...
Virtual Rolodex with Anthony Chandler, Acrisure
<p>Controlling Rising Healthcare Costs: A Smarter Benefits Strategy for Business Owners</p><p></p>Episode Summary<p>In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek welcomes Anthony Chandler of Acrisure, a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm specializing in property & casualty and employee benefits.</p><p></p><p>Anthony explains why CPAs are often the first professionals business owners turn to when healthcare costs spiral out of control—and why having the right benefits consultant in your virtual Rolodex matters. With more than 30 years of experience, Anthony shares how Acrisure takes a custom, alternative-risk approach to re...
Virtual Rolodex with Laurian Tollett and her CPA Journey
<p>From Aviation Dreams to Accounting Leadership: A CPA’s Journey in a Growing Firm</p><p ></p><p ></p><p>Episode Summary</p><p>In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with fellow CPA Laurian Tollett, Partner at DRDA LLC, to discuss her career journey, leadership role, and the wide range of opportunities available within the accounting profession.</p><p>Laurian shares how her path began in aviation before she discovered accounting as a profession that offers stability, flexibility, and endless opportunity. Now a partner at a growing mid-sized firm, Laurian discusses her work ac...
Virtual Rolodex with Dalilah Darancou and her CPA Journey
<p>Why It’s Never Too Late to Become a CPA: One CPA’s Journey from Tax to Advisory</p><p></p><p ></p><p ></p><p>Episode Summary</p><p>In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with fellow CPA Delilah Durancou to discuss her journey into accounting, her path through tax, and her transition into an advisory role.</p><p>Delilah shares how she originally came from a finance background, why accounting became the foundation of her career, and how earning the CPA license opened doors she never imagined. Together, Kristie and Delilah disc...
Virtual Rolodex with Jessica Wise, ABGI-USA
<p>Podcast: TXCPA Houston – Virtual Rolodex</p><p>Host: Kristie Ondracek</p><p>Guest: Jessica Wise, CPA Alliance Relationship Manager, ABGI USA</p><p>Episode Title</p><p>How CPAs Can Unlock R&D Credits, Cost Segregation, and Grant Funding for Clients</p><p ><br /></p><p>Episode Summary</p><p>Recorded live at the 2025 Fall Accounting Conference & Technology Symposium, this special episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex features Jessica Wise of ABGI USA, a global tax strategy firm headquartered in Houston.</p><p>Jessica shares how ABGI helps CPAs and their clients identify and defend high-value tax strategies including R...
