The Upstream Leader Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Jeremy Clopton sits down with Matt Tait, CEO of Decimal, on Episode 107 of The Upstream Leader for a refreshingly honest look at how personal health shapes leadership. Matt recounts the wake-up call that came not from a business crisis, but from his own kids questioning his athletic past, and rather than chasing quick fixes, he describes a slow, intentional shift: waking up earlier, building habits, and crafting a fitness routine that serves as a source of joy for him rather than an obligation. Yes, the reality of balancing work, family, self-care, employees' needs, and putting out fires is messy and unpredictable, but Matt's story is a reminder that leadership isn't about perfection or control. He's shown that it's possible to systematically make space for yourself while simultaneously showing up better for those who count on you. No matter where you are on your own self-care journey, you'll want to hear Matt's insights.

Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

The billable hour stands as both a fixture and a flashpoint in the accounting profession, shaping careers and firm cultures for generations. But talking about it actually be... enjoyable? On Episode 106 of The Upstream Leader, producer Justin Grant, himself a former lawyer, joins Jeremy to put the billable hour under the microscope—not to rehash old arguments, but to expose the real consequences of treating time as a commodity—and have fun doing it! Tracking every minute can obscure the true value of expertise, penalizing high performers, and this often ultimately reduces client relationships to transactions. But instead of dismissing the billable hour entirely, Jeremy reframes it as a tool for resource management: a way to balance workloads and set fair expectations. Reconsider what you measure and how you measure it, think about why that matters, and listen in for advice on how to set your firm on a path toward a more sustainable, people-focused future.

Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

Dr. Meg Myers Morgan joins Jeremy Clopton to discuss the importance of self-worth and how it impacts one's career on Episode 97 of The Upstream Leader. They explore how self-worth should not be tied solely to monetary success, but should involve discovering purpose and joy in one's professional life. Meg shares her personal journey of understanding self-worth through raising her daughters and discusses the challenges of pricing oneself, particularly in the accounting profession. They also touch on the psychological aspects of worth, how it influences pricing, and why transparent conversations about value can enhance career growth and professional satisfaction.

Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com

On Episode 07 of The Upstream Leader, Heath Alloway is joined by his brother-in-law, Chris Jones, for an important discussion about diversity, equity and inclusion. Chris has worked as a youth pastor and specializes in youth mental health, and he discusses his experiences with making diversity, equity and inclusion an important part of everyone's lives.

Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com 

Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway come together in Episode 06 of The Upstream Leader to discuss what they've learned over an enlightening first quarter of podcast episodes. Though they cover a range of topics, intentionality, capacity, and the "High Yield, Low Maintenance" concept that is central to the Upstream Academy's approach take center stage.

Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com 

On Episode 05 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton speaks to Bethmara Kessler, Certified Fraud Examiner, about "Same as Last Year," the idea that falling back on what worked last year limits the potential of companies, professionals, and reduces client service opportunities. They discuss ways to combat this attitude and maintain professional growth throughout one's career.

Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com 

On Episode 4 of The Upstream Leader, Heath Alloway talks to former NFL quarterback Shaun Hill. Shaun shares his insights on leadership, gleaned from fifteen years spent mostly in backup and support roles in the NFL. He talks about the "I/we/they" approach to accountability, the importance of building character, the need to treat everyone equally regardless of their ability, and how he wishes everyone received fan mail.

Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com 

On episode 03, Upstream Leader's Heath Alloway talks to Damien Martin, Partner at BKD and host of the Simply Tax podcast, about his journey to leadership which has included Simply Tax as well as a short film noir about tax strategies. Damien's philosophy to leave things better than he found them has served as a guide throughout his career, and he tells Heath about his plans for the future as well as how he's reached this point so far.

Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com 

Jeremy Clopton welcomes Solon Angel to The Upstream Leader for Episode 02. An entrepreneur with an obsession for exponential growth and solving big problems, Solon is the founder of MindBridge AI, which aims to "create a better future for all by improving the global financial system."

Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com
 

On episode 01 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton talks to Courtney DeRonde, managing partner at TDT CPAs and Advisors, about energy management's profound effect on productivity. Courtney deconstructs billable hours and discusses the difference between time or project management and energy management. She also shares the best sources for more information so that leaders can make positive, impactful changes in their practices.

Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com.