Shows / Uncommon Sense
Uncommon Sense
Alberta Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) are remarkable. They’re experts and entrepreneurs; innovators and change makers; early adopters and trailblazers. And they each have a story to tell. Listen to the Uncommon Sense podcast to hear Alberta CPAs share their stories and insights on leadership, business, education, finance, technology, and so much more. Uncommon Sense is produced by the Alberta CPA Education Foundation’s Hesje CPA Knowledge Centre.
Episodes
Uncommon SenseResponding to the Jasper Fires: Two CPAs' Stories - Part 1
When a set of wildfires swept through Jasper National Park in the summer of 2024, the residents of Jasper were put to perhaps the greatest test of their lives…
Uncommon SenseA Visit With an Alberta Tourism Expert - Chad Kuechle CPA, CA
Alberta has always been a popular tourist destination, whether visitors are from neighbouring provinces or from countries halfway around the world. On this…
Uncommon SenseScott Bolton and the UFA- Serving the Agricultural Community
If you grew up in Alberta, you've probably heard of the United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative Ltd., or UFA, but perhaps you're not familiar with what that…
Uncommon SenseThe Art of Self-Publishing: An Expert's Perspective
On the previous episode, we spoke about the self-publishing journey with Kathy Arney, a CPA who received a grant from the CPA Education Foundation's Hesje CPA…
Uncommon SenseThe Art of Self-Publishing: A CPA's Perspective
In 2025, the CPA Education Foundation's Hesje CPA Knowledge Centre introduced its Self-Publishing Grant Program, an initiative very much aligned with the…
Uncommon SenseUncommon Sense Episode 4: Discussing Inclusivity with Tiffany Chow CPA, CA, CBV
Tiffany Chow CPA, CA, CBV is a Partner with the accounting firm of Ernst and Young in Edmonton. She's also an advocate for inclusivity in the workplace-- an…
Uncommon SenseUncommon Summer 2026 Ep3: Volunteering as a way of Life - Jim Sand CPA, CA, CAFM
On this encore episode, we're revisiting our conversation from last season featuring Jim Sand CPA, CA, CAFM. Jim is an experienced entrepreneur and business…
Uncommon SenseUncommon Summer 2026 Ep2: A Gold-Medal Encore Episode
We kicked-off last season of Uncommon Sense with an episode featuring Cheryl Gibson KC, FCPA, FCA, a distinguished CPA who is also one of Canada's…
Uncommon SenseUncommon Summer 2026 Ep1 : A Boatload of Uncommon Sense
We've got a different kind of episode to kick-off the summer edition of Uncommon Sense. Regular listeners know that over the last season, we asked each guest…
Uncommon SenseGiving Back: A Conversation with Lifetime Volunteer Debbie Gorsline FCPA, FCMA
We're wrapping up this season with a conversation featuring a CPA who seems to never run out of energy when it comes to supporting organizations and causes…
Uncommon SenseOvercoming Personal Challenges to Serve Others with Mika Kitagawa-Friesen
Content Warning: This episode covers a variety of topics, including discussion around sexual abuse and violence, which may be upsetting to some listeners. If…
Uncommon SenseBuilding Leadership Skills Through Executive Coaching with Jason Labonte CPA, CMA
Our guest on this episode is Jason Labonte CPA, CMA, a Certified Executive Coach. Jason shares some perspectives on the value and benefits of executive…
Uncommon SenseTwo Perspectives on Mentorship with Sandy Lyons and Rod Gatti
Two Perspectives on Mentorship with Sandy Lyons and Rod Gatti by CPA Alberta
Uncommon SensePutting Yourself Out There: Helping Women-Led Businesses Thrive with Sarah Carver, Part 2
In Part 2 of Sarah Carver's conversation with host Erin Schwartz, Sarah discusses the impact of tariffs and AI on small businesses such as C-West Custom…
Uncommon SensePutting Yourself Out There: Helping Women-Led Businesses Thrive with Sarah Carver, Part 1
In the first episode of this two-part conversation, Calgary CPA Sarah Carver joins host Erin Schwartz CPA to talk about her career path and how her decision to…
Uncommon SenseReflecting on a Remarkable Career: A Conversation with Stephen Bergstrom - Part 2
Stephen Bergstrom FCPA, FCMA continues his conversation with host Erin Schwartz CPA about the value of staying busy during retirement and provides some…
Uncommon SenseReflecting on a Remarkable Career: A Conversation with Stephen Bergstrom, Part 1
Stephen Bergstrom FCPA, FCMA is semi-retired. Well, sort of. In Part 1 of a two-part conversation with CPA Education Foundation Director Erin Schwartz CPA…
Uncommon SenseMentorship and the CPA Profession with Deepa Mittimani CPA
Having a mentor can be a key factor in any professional's career growth and success. Deepa Mittimani CPA has lent her unique skills and history of career…
Uncommon SenseTax Tips for 2026 With CPA Ryan Clarke - Part 2
In Part 2 of our tax tips discussion with Ryan Clarke CPA, CA, FEA, Ryan walks listeners through some changes and new features related to filing of personal…
Uncommon SenseTax Tips for 2026 With CPA Ryan Clarke - Part 1
Tax expert Ryan Clarke CPA, CA, FEA, joins us for this annual "tax tips" episode for personal income tax filers in Alberta. In Part 1, Ryan shares a bit about…
Uncommon SenseVolunteering As A Way Of Life: Talking with Jim Sand CPA
Jim Sand CPA, CA, CAFM is an entrepreneur and business leader who is deeply committed to his profession, his community, and his Métis heritage. On this episode…
Uncommon SenseWaxing Eloquent: A Conversation with CPA and Olympian Ski-Waxer Patrick Moore
Patrick Moore CPA, CA is an Assurance Partner with the accounting firm of MNP in their Edmonton office. He is also an accomplished athlete as well as a key…
Uncommon SenseCPAs Giving Back: In Conversation with Chioma and Ako Ufodike
With Canada marking Black History Month 2026 in February, Alberta CPAs Chioma and Ako Ufodike join our host to talk about how they partnered with the…
Uncommon SenseCPAs In The Community: A Conversation with Tiffany Chow CPA, CA, CBV
Over the course of her career, Tiffany Chow CPA, CA, CBV, has distinguished herself as a leader and skilled business valuator. She is also dedicated to making…
Uncommon SenseA Look at the Non-Financial Aspects of Retirement Planning
When planning retirement, many of us focus on the financial aspects of preparing for retirement. But if you only look at the financial part of the process…
Uncommon SenseCelebrating Success: Conversations at the November 28 CFE Writers Celebration
In November, Alberta's CPA profession celebrated the achievements of 443 successful Alberta writers of the profession's fall Common Final Examination (CFE)…
Uncommon SenseInvesting for Canadians,Part 2
In part 2 of our discussion on investing, Ryan Gubic CPA, CGA discusses the concept of risk when it comes to investing, and explores the different ways that…
Uncommon SenseInvesting for Canadians Part 1
Ryan Gubic CPA, CGA and owner of MRG Wealth Management, helps us understand how to approach investing and how it can set you up for financial security. In Part…
Uncommon SenseA Look at the Hesje Observatory: Brian Hesje's Legacy for Stargazers
On this episode, we're chatting with Alex Gulay about the Hesje Observatory, one of the many legacy projects in Alberta that the late Brian Hesje FCPA, FCA…
Uncommon SenseCPAs and Wellness: Life's A Marathon
Robyn Hamilton CPA, CA is a busy professional who has a demanding and rewarding passion outside of work: marathon-running. She's participated in marathons from…
Uncommon SenseCPAs in the Community: The Connection Between Arts and Accounting
Whether serving on the Board of the Calgary Performing Arts Festival or honing her dance skills, Sarah is equally at home in the dance studio or the boardroom…
Uncommon SenseCPAs in the Community: The Role of CPA Firms in Small Towns
CPA firms in small towns are more than simply local businesses – they are fully engaged in the life and success of their towns. Guest Sarah Vodden CPA, CGA is…
Uncommon SenseExploring ESG Topics: The Importance of a DEI Focus in the Workplace
This episode of Uncommon Sense kicks off a series of episodes looking at CPAs' roles in implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concepts in…
Uncommon SenseTrends in Accounting Education
In the episodes focusing on the evolution of accounting education at the post-secondary level, we welcome Dr. Sherif Elbarrad, Dean of Management at Concordia…
Uncommon SenseChecking In: Catching Up With Starting Quarterback Nadine Niba CPA
In this episode, Alberta CPA and author, Nadine Niba, shares how her own experience as an immigrant inspired her to write her book, called “Quarterback.” The…
Uncommon SenseCPAs in the Community: A Frank Discussion About Volunteerism
Frank Potter FCPA, FCMA dedicates much of his time to raising awareness about the beauty and diversity of Alberta's thousands of natural areas. In this episode…
Uncommon SenseCPAs In The Community: A Chat With Mark Siderson
For many accountants, being a CPA isn't simply a 9-to-5 job. Across Alberta, CPAs are lending their expertise and energy to many charitable causes and…
Uncommon SenseA Gold-Medal Episode
Season 2 begins in conversation with Cheryl Gibson KC, FCPA, FCA, an Edmonton-based accountant and lawyer who has earned the highest honours in both…
Uncommon SenseUncommon Summer Ep 7: From Ukraine to Canada: One CPA's Journey
In this memorable encore episode, CPA Tetyana Litot talks powerfully about her career and life journey from Ukraine to Edmonton, and how she works today to…
Uncommon SenseUncommon Summer Ep 6: A 'First-Class' CPA: Katherina Richard
CPA Katherina Richard was a member of Alberta's first-ever graduating class of CPAs following the unification of the accounting profession in 2015. In this…
Uncommon SenseUncommon Summer Ep 5: Big Business Through Small Business
Josh Spurrell CPA, CA is the guest on this encore episode, outlining the ins and outs of starting your own small business.
Uncommon SenseUncommon Summer Ep 4: Teaching Your Children About Money
Noted author and financial planner (and CPA!) Robin Taub CPA, CA provides tips and insights for parents on how to make their children money-smart.
Uncommon SenseUncommon Summer Ep 3: Breaking Barriers
BIPOC CPAs Tope Roth CPA, CGA and Meagan Schroeder CPA, CGA talk about how they have built their own, very unique accounting firm.
Uncommon SenseUncommon Summer Ep 2: Robots Won't Take Your Job
Artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the workforce are the topics of this encore episode, with guest Rachel Lee CPA. Uncommon Summer is a…
Uncommon SenseUncommon Summer Ep 1: Building Resilience in Work and Life
Guest Deepa Maisuria CPA, CA, talks about how to be your best, in and out of the office. Uncommon Summer is a collection of encore episodes from the first…
Uncommon SenseCelebrating The First 10 Years of the CPA Profession: Reflections on A Decade of Growth
July 1, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of the unified regulated accounting profession in Alberta. To celebrate this milestone, we're wrapping up the first…
Uncommon SenseLeading the Way: A Conversation With Kandice Machado, CEO of Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis—usually referred to as AGLC—is a crown corporation with a huge, complex, and important mandate when it comes to serving…
Uncommon SenseA Mission-Driven Life: How I Bring Special Meaning to My Career
Jennifer Neal CPA, CMA has dedicated much of her career to roles in the non-profit sector, or, as Jennifer more aptly calls it, the for-impact sector. She…
Uncommon SenseThe Voices of Experience: Impromptu Conversations with Long-Serving CPAs
As part of its annual Elevate celebrations, CPA Alberta hosted the 2025 Chair's Long Service Awards ceremony on May 20. This year's celebration was in the form…
Uncommon SenseFrom Stand-out Student to Stand-out CPA
To earn one of the CPA Education Foundation's awards is a notable accomplishment for any student. To receive four of those awards, as CPA Sydney Eyre did…
Uncommon SenseIf You Can See Her You Can Be Her
This episode of Uncommon Sense features Carolyn Graham FCPA, FCA, a 2025 recipient of CPA Alberta's highest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award. In this…
Uncommon SenseA CPA in the World of Biotechnology: In Conversation with Matthew Alexander CPA, CA
If you have ever wondered how the common fruit fly can be used in groundbreaking scientific work (and who hasn't wondered that?), then you'll want to tune in…
Uncommon SenseThe Case for Case Competitions: A Discussion with Trish Stringer FCPA, FCMA, FCA
With over 15 years of experience as an accounting educator and student mentor at the U of A's Alberta School of Business, Trish Stringer FCPA has made a…
Uncommon SenseFrom Accountant to Counsellor: The Unique Career Journey of Cheryl Pereira CPA, CA
CPA Cheryl Pereira's career path has taken a sharp turn in 2025—by applying her CPA skills and completing some recent further education, she has moved into the…
Uncommon SenseLooking Out For Your Investments—A Peek Into the Alberta Securities Commission
The Alberta Securities Commission (or ASC) has an important mandate: it oversees Alberta's capital markets and protects the investments of Albertans. The ASC…
Uncommon SenseA "First Class" CPA: A Conversation with Vic Cheema CPA
Many Albertans have heard about the Alberta Investment Management Corporation, better-known as AIMCo. But do you know what AIMCo's role is and what it does on…
Uncommon SenseA "First Class" CPA: A Conversation with Donald Meurs CPA
This episode of Uncommon Sense is another in our series of conversations with members of Alberta's "first class" of CPAs, that first group of CPA graduates in…
Uncommon SenseTaking the Unconventional Path: Nikki Marchiel, Part 2
In Part 2 of our two-part series featuring CPA Nikki Marchiel, Nikki and host Erin Schwartz continue their conversation about financial literacy, how money…
Uncommon SenseTaking the Unconventional Path: Nikki Marchiel, Part 1
The Uncommon Sense podcast profiles Alberta CPAs who prove how diverse and unpredictable careers as CPAs can be. The words "diverse" and "unpredictable"…
Uncommon SenseConvocation Conversations: Celebrating the CPA Grads of Spring 2025
It's another on-the-road episode of Uncommon Sense! We popped into the February 21 CPA convocation ceremonies in Edmonton to talk with a number of the…