Podcast
The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Transformation Economy by THRESHOLD
Hosted by Ron Baker and Ed Kless · EN
The Soul of Enterprise is designed to champion the insight that wealth is created by intellectual capital, a product of the inexhaustible human spirit.
Wealth is above all an accumulation of possibilities. These possibilities lie hidden in the womb of the future, waiting to be discovered by human imagination, ingenuity, and creativity, manifested in free enterprises dedicated to the service of others. Tune in to The Soul of Enterprise, with Ron Baker and Ed Kless, broadcast live.
43episodes
Episodes
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Episode 598 - Magnifica Humanitas: Second interview with Father Vincent DeRosa
4d ago00:56:13Tap to summarizeFather Vincent DeRosa returns to The Soul of Enterprise to examine Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical and a landmark reflection on safeguarding human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. Building on our earlier conversation about Rerum Novarum, we explore how Catholic social teaching continues to evolve while remaining rooted in timeless principles. Ron, Ed, and Father Vincent discuss why the Church sees AI as a defining challenge of our era, drawing compelling parallels between today's technological revolution and the Industrial Revolution that inspired Rerum Novarum 135 years ago. Together they unpack themes including the common good, human dignity, work, innovation, and the ethical responsibilities of business leaders as AI reshapes organizations and society. Whether you're religious or not, this conversation offers a thoughtful framework for asking one of the most important questions of our time: How do we ensure that technology serves humanity—rather than the other way around? About Father Vincent DeRosa Father Vincent DeRosa is a Catholic priest, educator, and thoughtful commentator on the intersection of faith, ethics, technology, and economics. Returning to The Soul of Enterprise after his popular discussion of Rerum Novarum, Father Vincent helps translate centuries of Catholic social teaching into practical insights for today's business leaders. His work explores how enduring principles of human dignity and the common good can guide decision-making in the age of artificial intelligence.
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Episode 597 - Rise 2040: A conversation with Tom Hood
2w ago00:58:39Tap to summarizeThe accounting profession has always adapted to change—but what if it could actively shape the future instead of simply reacting to it? In this episode, Ron and Ed welcome Tom Hood, EVP of Business Engagement & Growth at AICPA & CIMA, to discuss Rise2040, the profession-wide initiative designed to help accountants and finance professionals envision—and create—the future of the profession. Tom explains why AI, automation, shifting client expectations, and changing talent models require a new mindset centered on foresight rather than hindsight. The conversation explores the key themes emerging from the Rise2040 project, including how trust becomes even more valuable in an AI-powered world, why accountants must evolve into strategic advisors, and what firms and finance leaders can do today to prepare for the next 15 years. Whether you're in public accounting, industry, or simply curious about where the profession is headed, this discussion offers a compelling look at how accountants can move from reacting to disruption to leading it. About Tom Hood Tom Hood, CPA, CGMA, CITP, is Executive Vice President of Business Engagement & Growth at AICPA & CIMA. A longtime thought leader on the future of accounting, he previously served as CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs and is a LinkedIn Top Voice with more than 700,000 followers. Tom leads initiatives including Rise2040, helping accounting and finance professionals prepare for an AI-driven future through innovation, leadership, and strategic foresight.
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Episode 596 - Should Government Fund Science - Interview with Terence Kealey
3w ago00:55:39Tap to summarizeFor decades, we've been told that scientific progress depends on government funding. But what if that assumption is wrong? In this episode, Ron and Ed welcome Dr. Terence Kealey—physician, biochemist, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, and Adjunct Scholar at the Cato Institute—to explore one of the most controversial questions in science and public policy. Drawing on his research and books The Economic Laws of Scientific Research and Sex, Science and Profits, Kealey argues that markets, private institutions, and the scientific community itself are more than capable of driving innovation without government direction. The conversation examines the economics of scientific discovery, the incentives created by public funding, the role of universities, and whether today's research ecosystem encourages breakthrough innovation or bureaucratic conformity. Whether you agree with Kealey's conclusions or not, his arguments challenge deeply held assumptions about how knowledge advances and who should pay for it. If you've ever wondered whether science flourishes because of government—or despite it—this episode will give you plenty to think about. Guest Bio Dr. Terence Kealey is a British physician, biochemist, and economist of science. He served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham from 2001 to 2014 and previously lectured in clinical biochemistry at the University of Cambridge. Now an Adjunct Scholar at the Cato Institute, he is the author of The Economic Laws of Scientific Research, Sex, Science and Profits, and numerous works examining the relationship between scientific innovation, markets, and public policy.
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Episode 595 - Second interview with David Barrett
4w ago00:58:38Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you refuse to build your company the "right" way? Ron and Ed welcome back David Barrett, founder and CEO of Expensify, to discuss the unconventional thinking that transformed a simple expense reporting app into a publicly traded fintech platform. From bootstrapping product-led growth and rejecting traditional enterprise sales models to building a culture around engineering, experimentation, and long-term thinking, David shares why questioning accepted business wisdom has been central to Expensify's success. The conversation explores innovation, leadership, AI, remote work, company culture, and why sometimes the best strategy is to ignore conventional advice and solve the problem that's actually in front of you. Whether you're an entrepreneur, accountant, or business leader, this episode offers a fresh perspective on building companies that last. Guest Bio David Barrett is the founder and CEO of Expensify, the expense and financial management platform he launched in 2008. A lifelong programmer and computer engineer, David previously led engineering at Red Swoosh before its acquisition by Akamai. Under his leadership, Expensify has grown into a global fintech company serving millions of users and became a publicly traded company on Nasdaq in 2021. He is widely recognized for his unconventional approach to technology, leadership, and product innovation.
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Episode 594 - The Declaration at 250
Jul 300:58:38Tap to summarizeThe Declaration of Independence is far more than a historical document. It is a statement of principles that has inspired generations to pursue a more perfect union. In this special Independence Day episode, Ed brings portions of the Declaration to life with a dramatic reading before Ron and Ed explore its enduring influence on America's greatest speeches. From Frederick Douglass's searing critique in What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July? to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural, Calvin Coolidge's Sesquicentennial address, and Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, the conversation traces how each generation has wrestled with and renewed and expanded the Declaration's promise of liberty, equality, and human dignity. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on the power of words, the ideals that continue to shape the American experiment, and why the Declaration still has something profound to say nearly 250 years later.
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Episode 593 - Pricing AI Credit: Activity-based costing in a hoodie
Jun 2600:58:39Tap to summarizeArtificial intelligence vendors love to talk about tokens and credits, but are these pricing models really helping customers—or simply obscuring the true cost of AI? In this episode, Ron and Ed take aim at the growing trend of token-based pricing, arguing that it shifts uncertainty and risk from providers to customers while creating unnecessary complexity. Drawing on insights from pricing experts, recent industry commentary, and their own experiences, they examine why cost-based pricing has long been discredited and why customer value—not vendor costs—should determine price. The conversation explores alternative approaches to AI pricing, including tiered models based on speed, complexity, and service levels. Along the way, Ron, Ed, and Greg discuss the rapid decline in AI infrastructure costs, the emergence of lower-cost large language models, and why today's premium-priced AI services may face the same economic pressures that have driven technology costs downward for decades. If you've ever wondered whether AI credits are the modern equivalent of arcade tokens, this episode offers a provocative look at where AI pricing is headed—and why customer experience should be at the center of it.
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Episode 592 - Smart People, Silly Systems: With Debra Kilsheimer
Jun 1900:57:31Tap to summarizeDebra Kilsheimer joins Ron and Ed for a lively discussion about leadership, culture, AI, persuasion, human nature, and the curious ability of professionals to simultaneously complain about a problem and defend the system causing it. We'll also explore what wisdom comes with experience, why logic is a surprisingly ineffective tool for changing minds, and whether the accounting profession is finally approaching an inflection point—or just finding new ways to avoid one. And yes, at some point we'll probably talk about the Pink Cadillac. Debra's Bio Debra Kilsheimer is what happens when you combine a CPA, a stand-up comic, a leadership coach, a technology enthusiast, and enough energy to power a small city. A longtime champion of helping accountants become better leaders, communicators, and human beings, Debra has spent years challenging firms to stop doing things simply because "that's the way we've always done it." She's a speaker, consultant, podcaster, AI enthusiast, former Mary Kay superstar, and one of the few people who can simultaneously make you laugh, think, and question your entire business model. She's a friend of the show, and recently returned from Scaling New Heights, where she was recognized for her work in AI innovation.
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Episode 591 - Revolutionary Roundup: John Adams, the Semiquincentennial, and a Few Asides
Jun 1200:54:44Tap to summarizeRon and Ed turn their attention to the upcoming Semiquintcentennial, with a little theatrical flair thrown in from Ed and his turn as John Adams in 1776. Along the way, they reflect on the ideas, personalities, and historical drama surrounding America's 250th anniversary—and what those themes might still teach us about leadership, liberty, and public life today. If time permits, they'll also weigh in on a few timely developments in the accounting profession and the ever-fascinating world of pricing.
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Episode 590 - Security, Scale, and Trust: A Conversation with SummitHQ's Shannon Kaiser
Jun 500:55:50Tap to summarizeAs part of our new partnership with SummitHQ, Ron and Ed welcome Shannon Kaiser, a technology leader whose career spans cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, application hosting, and managed services. Shannon shares how SummitHQ helps organizations navigate the increasingly complex world of IT while maintaining the security, reliability, and performance businesses depend on every day. About Shannon Kaiser Shannon Kaiser is General Manager of Application Hosting at SummitHQ and a veteran technology executive with extensive experience in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, application delivery, and managed services. Having led engineering, operations, and technology teams throughout his career, Shannon focuses on helping organizations build secure, scalable environments that support business growth while reducing operational risk.
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Episode 589 - Last Branch Standing: a conversation with Sarah Isgur
May 2900:57:06Tap to summarizeRon and Ed welcom Sarah Isgur to discuss her book "Last Branch Standing," which explores the Supreme Court's role in American government, its counter-majoritarian function and its independence from partisan politics. Contray to popular belief, very few cases are decided along ideological lines and Sarah will emphasize the need to protect the court's independence and criticized Congress for failing to act on key issues. We will ask her about billing by the hour and red her thoughts on political strategy and the importance of aspirational goals in politics. Sarah Isgur is lawyer, political analyst, and professional constitutional sparring partner, who has the ability to make Supreme Court procedure sound like a cross between stand-up comedy and a bar fight involving the Federalist Society. She's a senior editor at The Dispatch and SCOTUSblog, co-host of one of Ed's favorite podcasts, Advisory Opinions with David French, and a survivor of many polical campaigns and the Department of Justice. Her new and first book, Last Branch Standing: A potentially surprising, occasionally witty journey inside today's Supreme Court is New York Times bestseller and currently #1 on Amazon in the Courts & Law category.
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