Growing up, Durran Dunn, CPA, had drive and discipline, but he didn’t have any aspiration of using those qualities to become a CPA. He didn’t even know what a CPA was.

Dunn, now a partner in Bennett Thrasher's Risk Advisory Services practice, based in greater Atlanta, overcame “whiplash” in the form of two moves – from Jamaica to New York, from New York to Mississippi – and now mentors students on the merits of the profession.

In addition to sharing strategies for success, Dunn spoke about the high-profile-yet-anonymous role he had at a Major League Baseball stadium. He was a social media and YouTube sensation, even though his identity was hidden by a full bodysuit.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

• Dunn’s introduction to the accounting profession.
• The cultural whiplash he experienced, twice, upon leaving his native Jamaica.
• The running role Dunn performed for about seven years at a Major League Baseball stadium.
• Dunn’s path from not knowing what a CPA was to becoming a firm partner.
• Details of Dunn’s service on the AICPA’s Board of Examiners.
• Why he is passionate about volunteering and mentoring young accounting candidates.
• His emphasis on discipline – a message he shares with student groups.

Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA’s vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, joined the JofA podcast early Wednesday to provide context on the fast-moving budget bill that was approved by the Senate on Tuesday and is being discussed in the House today.

Lauridsen detailed some tax-related priorities of the AICPA and state societies. She also explained the aspects of the Senate bill that are most likely to face opposition in the House.

On a topic separate from the budget bill, Lauridsen summarized the key points of the national taxpayer advocate’s midyear report to Congress.

In a May JofA episode, Lauridsen explained why certain provisions were being prioritized by the AICPA.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

· The latest on the Senate version of the massive budget bill, H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

· Lauridsen’s thoughts on the bill being approved by the House for the president’s signature by the July 4th holiday.

· What tax-specific provisions from the Senate-approved version of the bill are most likely to be examined by the House.

· Highlights of the national taxpayer advocate’s midyear report to Congress.

Instead of worrying about failure when undergoing a change initiative, why not ask, “What happens if we succeed?” That is summarized sentiment from a discussion with Al Dea, admittedly a glass-half-full guy, on the Journal of Accountancy podcast.

Dea, a leadership development consultant and founder of the organization The Edge of Work, is the keynote speaker at the Aug. 12–14 Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update Conference. In this episode, Dea explores pain points for dealing with almost constant change, how the last five years have affected our ability to manage change, and more.

The virtual conference has an early-bird discount of $150 for attendees who register by Saturday.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

· Why humans tend to seek a “steady state.”

· One exercise Dea recommends for professionals worried about what change might bring.

· Why it sometimes may be impossible to have a playbook or manual for a change initiative.

· The concept of being “sturdy” for others and how it can make a difference amid volatility.

· Why it’s OK to not have all the answers for how to navigate change.