Why Every Accountant Needs to Become Visible (Or Risk Being Invisible)
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Mike Manalac shares his journey from Big Four audit to Fortune 5 companies like Walmart and Google, revealing how he built an authentic personal brand through hand-drawn accounting cartoons and thoughtful LinkedIn content. He argues that as AI commoditizes technical accounting knowledge, professionals must develop human skills like creativity, leadership, and authentic communication to future-proof their careers. The conversation explores why accountants can't afford to stay invisible in an increasingly competitive landscape where soft skills will separate the real deal from the "phonies."
- (00:00) - Welcome to AI Accounting Intelligence
- (01:57) - Mike's Journey: From East Coast to West Coast
- (04:12) - Working at Walmart: E-commerce and Innovations
- (13:53) - Transition to Google: Ads and Automation
- (18:15) - Mike from Accounting: Personal Brand and Projects
- (20:57) - Encouraging Accountants to Share Their Voice
- (26:57) - The Importance of Standing Out in Your Career
- (28:15) - Dealing with Self-Promotion and Social Media
- (29:12) - Authenticity in the Age of Influencers
- (31:34) - The Role of Humor and Creativity in Accounting
- (40:30) - The Future of Accounting: AI and Skills Evolution
- (50:15) - Final Thoughts and Advice for Accountants
Connect with Mike
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemanalac
https://www.mikefromaccounting.com/
Learn more about Trullion
https://trullion.com
Connect with Isaac Heller
https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacheller
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21 episodes