The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Knowledge Economy

Ron and Ed break down the latest tariff policies of President Donald Trump, offering a free market critique of its implications. They explore how tariffs function as hidden taxes on consumers, challenge the idea of using protectionism as economic strategy, and examine the historical consequences of similar policies. With their signature blend of insight and humor, they discuss what this could mean for trade, inflation, and entrepreneurial freedom.

In this episode, Ron and Ed dive into one of the most influential and debated essays in business and economic thought: Milton Friedman’s The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits. Published in The New York Times in 1970, Friedman’s argument that businesses should focus solely on maximizing shareholder value while operating within the law sparked decades of debate about corporate ethics, stakeholder capitalism, and the role of business in society. Ron and Ed will unpack Friedman’s perspective, discuss its implications for modern businesses, and explore how it contrasts with contemporary views on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. Is Friedman’s argument still valid in today’s world, or has the definition of corporate responsibility evolved? Tune in for an insightful discussion on one of the most enduring ideas in free-market economics. 📖 Read Friedman’s original essay: The New York Times

With Ron Baker out this week due to a personal matter, Ed Kless is joined by Greg Tirico for a deep dive into the FTSG 2025 Tech Trends Report. Together, they explore 10 provocative takeaways shaping the future of technology—from AI’s evolution into “living intelligence” and action models, to the rise of agentic systems, climate-driven innovation, and the commercial colonization of space. Ed and Greg break down what these shifts mean for business leaders, professionals, and society at large. Expect thoughtful insights, some healthy skepticism, and a few surprises as they navigate the frontier of what’s next.

Join us for an enlightening discussion as we welcome back economist and author Dr. Gale L. Pooley to celebrate the release of his new book. In this episode, we delve deeper into the groundbreaking concepts presented in the book, exploring how human ingenuity and freedom drive resource abundance and economic growth. Dr. Pooley shares new insights and reflections since his last appearance, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between population dynamics and prosperity. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the principles that challenge conventional views on scarcity and highlight the potential for human creativity to overcome limitations. More about Gale Dr. Gale L. Pooley is an American economist, professor, and co-author of Superabundance. He currently teaches U.S. economic history at Utah Tech University and has held academic positions at institutions including Brigham Young University–Hawaii and Alfaisal University in Riyadh. Dr. Pooley is renowned for his work on the concept of abundance and population growth, notably co-authoring the Simon Abundance Index, which measures resource availability relative to population growth. He holds professional designations from the Appraisal Institute, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and the CCIM Institute.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed dive into the long-standing debate: Is the purpose of business to make a profit, or is profit simply the result of fulfilling a deeper mission? Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of Peter Drucker—who famously stated, “There is only one valid definition of business purpose: to create a customer”—they explore the implications of this perspective for entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals. Does a relentless focus on profit lead to short-termism and ethical compromises? Or is profit the natural outcome of serving customers, creating value, and building a sustainable enterprise? Join us as Ron and Ed unpack these ideas, challenge conventional wisdom, and discuss what this debate means for the future of business.

Inspired by A. J. Jacobs when he appeared on Russ Robert's great podcast EconTalk, Ron and Ed have each been keeping a "One Thing" journal for the last few years. The idea is simple. You have a place where each day you capture, just one thing that inspired you. For us, it is often a quote, but it can just be an idea. In this episode, Ron and Ed once again share entries from their "One Thing" journals. It is a bit random, but contains nugget after nugget of curated wisdom for the reading and listening habits of the hosts.

In this episode of “The Soul of Enterprise,” hosts Ron and Ed engage in a compelling conversation with Seth David, the Chief Nerd and CEO of Nerd Enterprises, Inc. Seth is renowned for his ability to demystify complex financial concepts, making them accessible and actionable for businesses and accounting professionals alike. With a rich background that includes auditing and a passion for leveraging technology to enhance business efficiency, Seth shares his journey from traditional accounting roles to becoming a leading educator and consultant in the industry. More about Seth Seth David is the Chief Nerd and CEO of Nerd Enterprises, Inc., a firm dedicated to empowering accounting professionals and business owners through expert training and support. With a career spanning over two decades, Seth has established himself as a thought leader in accounting and business consulting, known for his unique ability to simplify complex financial topics. He is the creator of the “Bulletproof Bookkeeping®” methodology and offers a range of courses designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial management. Beyond his professional endeavors, Seth is an animal lover and a creative individual committed to helping others achieve their best.

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Kimberlee Josephson for her fifth appearance on The Soul of Enterprise. Dr. Josephson, an associate professor of business at Lebanon Valley College and adjunct research fellow with the Consumer Choice Center, brings her extensive expertise in global sustainability, international marketing, and workplace diversity to our discussion. We delve into the complexities of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, examining their impact on business operations and economic freedom. Dr. Josephson shares her insights on the challenges ESG poses to free-market principles and the potential consequences for entrepreneurs and consumers alike. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that explores the intersection of corporate responsibility and economic liberty, and gain a deeper understanding of the current debates surrounding ESG in today’s business landscape. More about Kimberlee Dr. Kimberlee Josephson is an associate professor of business at Lebanon Valley College and serves as an adjunct research fellow with the Consumer Choice Center. She teaches courses on global sustainability, international marketing, and workplace diversity. Her research and op-eds have appeared in various outlets. She holds a doctorate in global studies and commerce and a master’s degree in international policy both from La Trobe University, a master’s degree in political science from Temple University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in political science from Bloomsburg University

Join Ron and Ed for an engaging roundtable discussion with three dynamic leaders from Woodard: Patricia Hendrix, Heather Satterley, and Deborah Defer. These accomplished professionals bring their unique expertise in practice advancement, technology integration, and Client Advisory Services (CAS) to the conversation. Together, they’ll explore the evolving landscape of accounting, the role of automation, and strategies for business transformation. Tune in for insights, innovation, and inspiration from some of the industry’s top minds! Guest Bios 🔹 Patricia Hendrix – EVP of Woodard Communities & Director of Practice Advancement Coaching. With 30+ years in accounting, Patricia helps firms transform through leadership, business strategy, and mentorship. 🔹 Heather Satterley – Director of Education & Media at Woodard. A CPA and tech advocate, she co-hosts The Appy Hour and specializes in automation and innovation in accounting. 🔹 Deborah Defer – Director of CAS at Woodard. A thought leader in Client Advisory Services, Deb designs cutting-edge strategies to streamline processes and drive business growth.

In this episode of “The Soul of Enterprise,” hosts Ron Baker and Ed Kless engage with Jordan Birnbaum, CEO of Glinda Group, to explore the intersection of behavioral science and business strategy. They discuss how applied social science can drive measurable improvements in employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational culture. Jordan shares insights from his extensive experience, including his tenure as Chief Behavioral Economist at ADP and his entrepreneurial ventures in the entertainment industry. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how behavioral principles can be harnessed to enhance business outcomes and foster a more engaged workforce. About Jordan Jordan Birnbaum is an industrial/organizational psychologist, applied behavioral scientist, and serial entrepreneur specializing in leadership, motivation, organizational design, product design, sales, marketing, UX, and HR technology. He is the CEO of Glinda Group, a firm dedicated to enhancing employee, customer, and prospect engagement through applied social science. Previously, Jordan served as Vice President and Chief Behavioral Economist at ADP, where he directed the applral economics principles into new product development in the human capital management market. He also owned and operated The Vanguard in Los Angeles, a renowned music and entertainment venue.

In this insightful episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ed and Ron are joined by Ethan M. Williams, the founder of Fractional Pricing Advisors and a recognized expert in value-based pricing strategies. With over two decades of experience in corporate strategy and a Certified Pricing Professional designation, Ethan shares his journey through roles at PwC, GE Digital, and beyond. Together, they delve into how businesses can unlock profitability by moving away from cost-plus models and embracing customer-centric pricing. Tune in to explore actionable strategies for transforming your pricing approach and driving value in today’s competitive market. About Ethan Ethan M. Williams is a Certified Pricing Professional and founder of Fractional Pricing Advisors. With 20+ years in corporate strategy and pricing, Ethan has led transformations at PwC and GE Digital. He holds an MBA from the University of Rochester and is a thought leader in value-based pricing strategies.

In this episode of “The Soul of Enterprise,” hosts Ron Baker and Ed Kless engage with Lonis Hamaili, Vice President of Growth at Próspera, to explore the innovative concept of startup cities and their potential to revolutionize business environments. Próspera, located on Roatán Island, Honduras, offers a unique platform for entrepreneurs, featuring efficient business setup processes, favorable tax regimes, and a flexible regulatory system designed to foster rapid growth and innovation. The discussion delves into how Próspera’s e-Governance platform enables seamless business management, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on building their ventures. Loni shares insights into the community’s development, the opportunities it presents for startups, and the vision behind creating a dynamic, forward-thinking environment that supports both business and lifestyle aspirations. About Lonis Lonis Hamaili serves as the Vice President of Growth at Próspera, a pioneering startup city on Roatán Island, Honduras. With a background in business development and a passion for innovative economic models, Loni leads initiatives to attract and support entrepreneurs and businesses within Próspera’s unique regulatory framework. His work focuses on creating an environment where businesses can thrive through streamlined processes and supportive community infrastructure.

In this enlightening episode, Ron and Ed sit down with Tim Smith, a leading pricing expert and author from Wiglaf Pricing. Together, they dive into the impact of philosopher John Rawls’ Theory of Justice on economic decisions and pricing strategies. Tim shares insights into how Rawls’ principles, like fairness and the “veil of ignorance,” can shape corporate pricing decisions, from the boardroom to the balance sheet. Join us as we explore pricing Spineometers, CEO decision-making, and the ethical considerations behind profitable pricing in today’s market. More about Tim Tim J. Smith, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Wiglaf Pricing, an Adjunct Professor of Marketing and Economics at DePaul University, and the author of Pricing Done Right (Wiley 2016) and Pricing Strategy(Cengage 2012). At Wiglaf Pricing, Smith is helping executives manage price better through consulting, workshops, books, and other media. He provides productized and actionable consulting services for firms of many sizes and across many industries. He has been a keynote speaker and workshop leader on a variety of pricing topics to professional audiences across the globe. Smith’s popular business book, Pricing Done Right: The Pricing Framework Proven Successful by the World’s Most Profitable Companies, was identified by chief executives as “Essential reading… While many books cover the concepts of pricing, Pricing Done Right goes the additional step of applying the concepts in the real world.”

It's that time of year again! Join Ron and Ed as they dive into the standout books of 2024, sharing personal favorites, groundbreaking reads, and thought-provoking titles that shaped our year. From business insights and innovative thinking to inspiring narratives, we'll highlight books that captivated our curiosity and expanded our perspectives. Whether you're looking for your next read or just enjoy book talk, this episode will give you a curated list of must-reads to wrap up the year in style.

In this annual tradition, Ed and Ron look back on 2024, unpacking the year's most impactful trends, business transformations, and economic shifts. From breakthroughs in AI to evolving tax regulations and the latest developments in technology, they reflect on the standout themes that defined this year. Tune in as they explore what these changes mean for the future, the insights gained along the way, and the lessons learned. Perfect for listeners who want to capture the essence of 2024's business landscape in one insightful episode.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, hosts Ron and Ed welcome back Greg Kyte, a CPA, MBA, and stand-up comedian renowned for his unique blend of accounting expertise and humor. As the G. Robert Newhart Non-value-added Fellow at the VeraSage Institute, Greg has been performing stand-up comedy since 2002 and is the creator of Exposure Drafts, a cartoon series for the accounting profession. He also co-hosts the podcast Oh My Fraud with Caleb Newquist, where they explore financial fraud cases with an irreverent twist. In this lively discussion, they delve into the art of humor in business, the intersection of comedy and accounting, and the importance of engaging content in professional education. Greg shares insights from his experiences as a comedian and educator, offering valuable perspectives on making complex subjects accessible and entertaining.

In his third appearance on The Soul of Enterprise, pricing expert Mark Stiving, Ph.D., returns to share new insights on maximizing profitability through value-based pricing strategies. As the founder and CEO of Impact Pricing, Mark guides businesses toward understanding and articulating their value, so they can stop leaving money on the table. Join Ron and Ed as they dive deep into Mark’s expertise on aligning organizations around value creation, optimizing pricing structures, and tackling the nuances of customer willingness to pay.

Ron and Ed welcome Christophe Jauquet, an expert in health and well-being innovation, to discuss his latest book, The Transformation Economy. Christophe delves into how businesses are evolving to focus on experiences that meaningfully impact people’s lives. From redefining customer engagement to fostering personal growth, Christophe shares insights on the “transformation economy” concept and its implications across industries. Join us for a fascinating conversation on creating value beyond products and services in today’s market.

In this episode, Ron and Ed welcome back Joe Woodard, now a TSOE Sponsor, and Perry Woodin, a leading expert in cryptocurrency compliance and reporting. They will dive into the critical challenges professionals face in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape of digital assets. The discussion will focus on actionable insights for accountants, lawyers, and other service providers on staying compliant with cryptocurrency regulations, best practices for accurate reporting, and the key trends shaping the future of digital asset compliance. Perry will also showcase how NODE40's innovative technology is empowering professionals to simplify the complexities of crypto transactions, ensuring audit readiness and regulatory adherence. This timely conversation provides essential guidance for those looking to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of cryptocurrency.

In this episode of The Soul of Enterprise, Ron and Ed sit down with Alan Whitman, a prominent leader in the accounting field with a deep commitment to fostering dynamic, people-focused growth strategies. As CEO at Baker Tilly, Alan has championed innovative solutions and strengthened client relationships, all while focusing on the firm’s core values and sustainable growth. Join us as we dive into Alan’s insights on leadership, the future of professional services, and how Baker Tilly navigates a rapidly evolving industry landscape.